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Many people are low on money these days and those with any little money left probably don’t even want to spend them. Instead, they can turn them into amazing works of art like the ones above.
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Q: in spite of everyone playing or in spite of playing 1.In spite of everyone playing well, we lost the game. 2.In spite of playing well, we lost the game. Which is better? I prefer 2#. I think "everyone" and "we" are the same in this sentence. A: Your understanding of your two sentences is correct. "Everyone" is implied in the second sentence due to "we". Your second sentence is shorter and would probably be preferred by a native speaker. It could be further shortened to Despite playing well, we lost the game.
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(Bloomberg) — Facebook is launching a new group video chat product meant to capitalize on a world now stuck indoors and offer an alternative to services that have exploded in popularity in recent months, like Zoom. Messenger Rooms, a feature that will be available on Facebook’s core social network and its Messenger app, will allow video chats among as many as 50 people, and won’t require participants to have a Facebook account, the company said Friday in a blog post. Chats will be free with no time limit, and eventually users will be able to create a “room” from any of Facebook’s products, including WhatsApp and Instagram. The goal is a group video product that feels more social, and less corporate than what’s currently available, said Facebook Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg. People in Messenger Rooms will be able to use Facebook’s augmented reality filters, or jump between chats to visit different groups of friends, an effort to create “spontaneity and serendipity,” Zuckerberg added. “All the products [out] there were primarily focused on enterprises and we thought that there was an ability to do something in the consumer space,” the Facebook CEO said this week via video chat from his home. “It’s meant to be more casual. Not everything has to be planned out in advance.” Video chats have become a staple given the billions of people around the world staying indoors because of the coronavirus pandemic. Zoom Video Communications Inc.’s app, aimed at companies for business meetings before the outbreak, has jumped from about 10 million users to more than 300 million in a matter of months. Zoom’s shares declined 2% after Facebook’s announcement, reversing a gain of as much as 7.3% earlier Friday. Houseparty, owned by Epic Games Inc., which also lets users bounce between group chats, said it added 50 million new sign-ups in a 30-day stretch, as much as 70 times its normal amount in some markets. Facebook, too, has a number of video chat products already in high demand. More than 700 million people make voice or video calls every day on Messenger or WhatsApp, Zuckerberg said, a number that has increased since the emergence of Covid-19. The Menlo Park, California-based company started shifting product priorities last month after seeing those spikes in usage from people using its live video and calling features. The demand prompted Facebook to announce other video features this week, including the ability to save Instagram Live videos after they’re over, and start a video chat inside Facebook’s dating feature. Video chats on WhatsApp can now host eight people, twice the previous amount. Related Stories Australia Wants Make Google and Facebook Pay for News While Zoom has surged, it has struggled with a series of security mishaps that put users’ privacy at risk. It also suffered from “Zoombombing,” where internet trolls took over chats and posted pornography or racist content to unsuspecting participants. Zuckerberg said he has learned from Zoom’s early mistakes. Facebook users who create a chat can also select participants, eject people if needed or lock the room. The company won’t watch or listen to calls, and there is no ability for users to record video chats, a spokesperson said. The social network’s algorithms will help determine which available rooms to show users, Zuckerberg said, recognizing that not all Facebook friends are created equal. “We all have the random uncle or someone that you added a few years ago,” he said. “Not every one of your Facebook friends is someone you want to hang out with.” Zuckerberg said Facebook’s long-term priorities haven’t changed much. The company still is moving forward with plans to encrypt all its messaging services, and make them interoperable — meaning you’ll eventually be able to send a message from WhatsApp to a user on Instagram, for example. The Rooms video chat feature, he said, “is probably one of the first very clear consumer services that has integration and works across each of the apps. That’s an important piece – maybe an initial milestone on the path to broader interoperability.” Source: Facebook Is Taking On Zoom With a 50-Person Video Chat Feature Please follow my instagram: http://instagram.com/arminhamidian67 Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg debuts Messenger Rooms. The new video presence platform will make it possible for users to chat with up to fifty people at one time and connect to a video conference even if they don’t have a Facebook account. Like this: Like Loading...
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Q: Regex for Alphanumeric, spaces and symbols, Doesn't match like i need I want to make a regular expression that matches : -alphanumeric with spaces -these symbols and letters á é í ó ú ñ Ñ ,.( ) ! - + % $ I tried with this, but it didn't match like i need: [\w áéíóúñÑ,.\(\)\!\-\+\%\$] What's wrong in this regex?? I'm using knockoutjs with knockout validation .extend({pattern:{message:"No valid.",params:"[\w áéíóúñÑ,.\(\)\!\-\+\%\$]"}}); tested on chrome, firefox, IE10 and Safari browser. A: You need to escape the special \ escape character to place an actual \ in the string. Also, you do not need to escape all these characters, just the ones that have a special meaning within the brackets. Try with: "[\\w áéíóúñÑ,.()!\\-+%$]" this pass ----> "||°°dafsasdf" but this didnt pass the valid ---> "||°°" Oh, it's because right now as long as a single character in the string matches the regex, it will pass. You have to create a whole pattern match with a defined start and end. "^[\\w áéíóúñÑ,.()!\\-+%$]*$"
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Introduction {#s1} ============ Evidence-based veterinary medicine (EVM) can be defined as 'the use of current best evidence in making clinical decisions' ([@R4]). Additionally, when making evidence-based decisions, the circumstances of the patient alongside the circumstances and values of the owner must also be taken into consideration ([@R3]). Although EVM was first mentioned in 1998 ([@R19]), it is less advanced than in the medical field in relation to the availability of synthesised evidence and the support available for the integration of evidence by clinicians into their practice ([@R10]). The first step in EVM is to identify relevant answerable questions ([@R29]), and veterinary clinicians have a crucial role in highlighting these ([@R25], [@R12]). By identifying what common species and conditions clinicians experience in practice, researchers can prioritise studies so that a large proportion of the profession will gain from future studies. To our knowledge, few published studies describe the entire veterinary population (including both practising and non-practising members) and what species and conditions practitioners commonly encounter. A comprehensive survey of veterinarians in the UK was conducted by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in 2010 where it was reported that the species veterinary clinicians mostly worked with were dogs, cats, horses, cattle and rabbits ([@R23]). Another study by [@R17] found that cats were more commonly seen than dogs in small and mixed animal practice in The Netherlands. Conditions seen in practice in the United States were investigated by [@R18] who found that the most common clinical finding was dental calculus followed by gingivitis from 120,000 consultations in cats and dogs. [@R16] found that the majority of clinical time in equine practice was spent on lameness and reproduction in The Netherlands. The aim of this study was to describe the UK veterinary population, and what species and conditions veterinary clinicians think they commonly encounter in practice. A second aim was to gather data relating to how much information veterinary clinicians perceived was available for these species. Materials and methods {#s2} ===================== Population of interest {#s2a} ---------------------- The target population was all members of the veterinary profession within the UK. The sampling frame was the RCVS register of members. All veterinary surgeons legally practicing in the UK must be registered with the RCVS. This register incorporates individuals, including non-practicing and retired individuals, who have consented for their details to be made available to external organisations for research or marketing purposes. A questionnaire was used to collect data from individuals on this register. As a census of all individuals on the list was conducted, a sample size calculation was not carried out. Questionnaire structure {#s2b} ----------------------- Several methods were employed to increase response rates, including a mixed-mode survey design (utilising both paper-based and online methods) ([@R8], [@R26], [@R6]). The questionnaire was made up of 36 questions and had four main sections; a copy of the questionnaire is available on request. The questions in the first section concerned the collection of demographic information about respondents. The second section was made up of open questions requiring clinicians to nominate up to four species they most frequently encountered, and the three main conditions or complaints they thought they saw most commonly in those species with associated perceived information levels ([Fig 1](#VETREC2013101745F1){ref-type="fig"}). The other two sections are not discussed here and will appear in a separate manuscript. Questions were constructed using recommendations from several resources to optimise clarity, minimise ambiguity and to avoid leading terminology ([@R7], [@R13], [@R31], [@R14], [@R9], [@R28], [@R2], [@R6]). ![Question used to gather information on common conditions seen by veterinary clinicians](vetrec-2013-101745f01){#VETREC2013101745F1} Questionnaire development and distribution {#s2c} ------------------------------------------ Pretesting of the survey questions was carried out by researchers within the Centre for Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine (CEVM). Piloting of the survey was carried out three times (24 and 25 people, respectively, for paper version and once transferred to the online format, 8 people for online version) with a combination of private veterinarians, academic veterinarians, veterinary specialists and government veterinarians. Formatting of the questionnaire was carried out using TeleForm V.10.5.2 (Verity Inc. 2010), an automated content capture system. This programme enables scanning of completed questionnaires to facilitate entry of closed question data (open question data was manually entered) into a Microsoft Office Access V.14.0.6 (2010 Microsoft Corporation) database automatically. The software of Cvent (2011 Cvent Inc.), an online survey company, was used to construct the online version of the finalised paper questionnaire. The questionnaires were printed on magnolia coloured paper to make them easily identifiable against white paper. White envelopes were printed with the CEVM logo and the words 'THIS IS A SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH STUDY. THIS IS NOT JUNK MAIL, AN APPEAL FOR DONATIONS OR MARKET RESEARCH' to make it distinguishable from marketing mailings. A pen, chocolate and a return postage paid envelope were included and a prize incentive was offered (£500 towards the continuing professional development course/s of choice). If participants filled in the online version, they had an extra chance of winning £50 worth of department store vouchers. The RCVS mailing list was obtained in October 2010. An initial mailing was posted to all individuals on this list between 1st and 5th November 2010; a link to Cvent was included allowing participants to choose to complete either an online or paper version of the questionnaire. A first reminder was sent six weeks later to non-responders followed by a second copy of the questionnaire 10 weeks later for those still not responding. Data entry {#s2d} ---------- Returned paper-based questionnaires were scanned using Teleform, with the system set to check 10 per cent of questionnaires to enable the detection of scanning errors. Questionnaires were accepted from respondents until scanning was completed (November 2011); coding of the common conditions and complaints was completed in May 2012. Responses received electronically were downloaded into a Microsoft Excel V.14.0.6 (2010 Microsoft Corporation) document from Cvent and integrated into a Microsoft Access V.14.0.6 (2010 Microsoft Corporation) database with the paper responses. Data coding {#s2e} ----------- Data relating to the common conditions or complaints nominated by veterinary clinicians were classified according to species and type of condition. Classification definitions were primarily based on those created by N. J. [@R24], with some modifications for suitability across all species. Species were coded according to animal or production type (see online supplementary Appendix 1). The type of condition or complaint was coded according to the category it was most relevant to in relation to either body system (eg, musculoskeletal) or topic (eg, behaviour) (see online supplementary Appendix 2). This was further broken down to another level of classification which more specifically described the nature of the problem (see online supplementary Appendix 3), resulting in two levels of classification for each condition or complaint (eg, Musculoskeletal-ligament). Additionally, the condition or complaint was coded into a 'type' according to whether it was a disease, a clinical sign the animal might be presented for, or was deemed unclassifiable (see online supplementary Appendix 4). One researcher (MLB) coded all conditions. If conditions were unknown to the coder or required clarification, the online resource Merck Veterinary Manual ([@R20]) was used. A second veterinary resource (eg, textbook, online veterinary resource, colleagues, Google 2012) was used if the condition was not found in the first resource. A Microsoft Excel V.14.0.6 (2010 Microsoft Corporation) spreadsheet of coding was created to maintain consistency for the same complaints or conditions. At the end of the coding process, a second researcher (TDN) identified any discrepancies between similar conditions, and conferred with the first researcher (MLB). Data management and analysis {#s2f} ---------------------------- The dataset was transferred to a Microsoft Excel V.14.0.6 (2010 Microsoft Corporation) document for data management. Frequency tables and graphs were generated in Excel and RStudio (R Core Team 2011). A posthoc sample size analysis was performed using Raosoft ([www.raosoft.com/samplesize.html](www.raosoft.com/samplesize.html)). There was a high degree of correlation between observations for perceived information level within clinician and species. In order to account for this clustering, the median perceived information level within species for each veterinarian was calculated. A χ^2^ test (excluding 'don\'t know' observations) was then used to determine if perceived information level was different between species. The level of statistical significance was set at P\<0.05. Some questions were left unanswered by participants, therefore, the number of responses per question could be less than the total number of respondents; the number of respondents per question is identified where appropriate. This project received ethical approval from the ethics research committee at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at The University of Nottingham. Results {#s3} ======= Response rate {#s3a} ------------- Of the 14,532 questionnaires distributed, 5407 (37 per cent) were returned. Of these: 259 were return to sender, 230 were retired veterinarians, 72 were returned blank, 3 stated that the veterinarian was deceased and 1 was blank except for one comment box. Therefore, 4842 responses (33%; CI 32% to 35%) could be used in the analysis. Posthoc analysis revealed with a population size of 14,532, working on a margin of error of 2 per cent and a confidence level of 99 per cent (with a response distribution of 50 per cent), the sample size required in order to draw meaningful conclusions from the data was 3227. The majority of responses were returned in the form of paper-based questionnaires (3775/4842; 78 per cent). General respondent information {#s3b} ------------------------------ Of the respondents, 59 per cent (2856/4828) were female. The median age of all respondents was 37 years; for female respondents median age was 33 years (IQR 29--42), and for males it was 46 years (IQR 34--56). Approximately 78 per cent of respondents graduated in the UK (3759/4797; [Table 1](#VETREC2013101745TB1){ref-type="table"}) with 22 per cent (1038/4797) graduating abroad. Of the 1038 overseas graduates, the largest groups graduated in Ireland (154; 15 per cent) and Australia (114; 11 per cent). ###### ​Distribution of respondents graduating from UK vet schools and those training overseas (n=4797) Vet school Bristol Cambridge Edinburgh Glasgow Liverpool London Overseas ------------ --------- ----------- ----------- --------- ----------- -------- ---------- Number 582 499 626 583 608 861 1038 \% 12 10 13 12 13 18 22 In total, 1914 (40 per cent of 4835) of the respondents declared that they had one or more postgraduate qualification. The highest proportion (778; 16 per cent) had an academic degree (eg, BSc, MSc, PhD). Furthermore, 738 (15 per cent) had a RCVS certificate, a General Practitioner certificate or fellowship; 271 (6 per cent) had a Master of Business and 270 (6 per cent) had a diploma (either RCVS or European). The majority of respondents undertook clinical work (3982/4835; 82 per cent) with 76 per cent (3674/4835) of respondents working in private practice ([Table 2](#VETREC2013101745TB2){ref-type="table"}). Most veterinary clinicians reported they worked with small animals, with the second largest group working with small animals, equine and production animals ([Table 3](#VETREC2013101745TB3){ref-type="table"}). ###### ​Type of workplace for respondents (n=4835 respondents)\* Type of workplace Number Per cent ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ---------- Private practice 3674 76 University practice or education 277 6 Government (including Veterinary Laboratories Agency and Animal Health) 248 5 Charity 221 5 Research (university or institute) 171 4 Career break 153 3 Other 147 3 Meat inspection 139 3 Outside profession 117 2 Industry (eg, pharmaceutical or feed company) 91 2 Pathology/clinical pathology laboratory 70 1 Army 15 \<1 \*Respondents could nominate more than one category ###### ​Type of animal practice undertaken by veterinary clinicians (n=3921 respondents\*) Species Number Per cent ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- ---------- Small animal (including rabbits and exotics) 2266 58 Small animal and production animal† and equine 507 13 Equine 311 8 Small animal or production animal† or equine and laboratory animal or zoo animal or other 290 7 Production animal† 178 5 Small animal and production animal† 172 4 Small animal and equine 90 2 Equine and production animal† 64 2 Laboratory animal or zoo animal or other 43 1 \*Only 3921/3982 respondents who did clinical work stated what type of animal practice they undertook †Ruminants/pigs/poultry Common species and conditions or complaints {#s3c} ------------------------------------------- Overall, 36,504 conditions or complaints were mentioned by 3982 respondents undertaking clinical work. Conditions in dogs and cats were most frequently mentioned ([Fig 2](#VETREC2013101745F2){ref-type="fig"}). Skin was a commonly mentioned body system, as well as the gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems ([Table 4](#VETREC2013101745TB4){ref-type="table"}). ###### ​The seven most common species and the three main body systems or topics mentioned by veterinary clinicians performing clinical work (n=3982)\* Species Per cent of veterinary clinicians (3982) Number of conditions per species Body system/Topic Number of conditions per body system Per cent of conditions per species ------------ ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------- ------------------- -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ Dog 81 9606 Skin 3064 32 Gastrointestinal 2735 28 Musculoskeletal 1742 18 Cat 78 9251 Skin 2467 27 Non-specific 1272 14 Urinary 1123 12 Rabbit 54 6410 Dental 1918 30 Skin 1619 25 Gastrointestinal 974 15 Equine 21 2498 Musculoskeletal 899 36 Gastrointestinal 512 20 Respiratory 336 13 Cattle 21 2463 Reproduction 1085 44 Respiratory 379 15 Non-specific 344 14 Guinea pig 17 1974 Skin 743 38 Non-specific 365 18 Dental 346 18 Sheep 11 1228 Reproduction 360 29 Non-specific 282 23 Musculoskeletal 229 19 Non-specific body systems or topics related to conditions that were either too general to belong to one category (eg, nutrition problems) or could fit into more than one category (eg, bacterial infection) \*Veterinary clinicians were asked to mention up to four species that they worked with and three conditions for each species. See online supplementary Appendices 1, 2 and 3 for further details on condition classification ![Species nominated as most commonly seen in practice by veterinary clinicians performing clinical work (n=3982). Respondents were asked to mention up to four species they worked with](vetrec-2013-101745f02){#VETREC2013101745F2} The most commonly mentioned body systems or topics for the most frequently mentioned species were analysed further ([Fig 3](#VETREC2013101745F3){ref-type="fig"}a,b). The 'Skin-skin' category for dogs and cats contained responses such as 'dermatitis' and 'pruritus'; for dogs it also commonly contained 'atopy', and for cats, 'cat bite abscess'. The 'Skin-non-specific' category for both species included responses such as 'skin disease', 'skin problems' or just 'skin'. The 'Dental-dental' category for rabbits commonly included the responses 'dental disease' and 'dental malocclusion', the 'Dental-non-specific' category included 'teeth' or 'dental problems' and 'Dental-oral' included 'oral' or 'mouth disease'. The 'Skin-non-specific' category in guinea pigs commonly contained responses such as 'skin disease', 'skin problems' and 'skin'. The 'Skin-skin' category in guinea pigs contained more specific responses such as 'pruritus', 'dermatitis' and 'abscesses'. For cattle, the response 'mastitis' relating to the category 'Reproduction-mammary' was the most commonly nominated for reproductive conditions. 'Reproduction-non-specific' in cattle included responses such as 'fertility problems' and 'infertility'; 'Reproduction-reproduction' contained complaints such as 'dystocia' and 'calvings'. In sheep, the category 'Reproduction-reproduction' incorporated responses such as 'lambing', 'dystocia', 'abortion' and 'twin lamb disease'. The 'Reproduction-non-specific' sheep category contained less specific terms such as 'obstetrics', 'fertility' and 'parturition problems'. For equines, most responses were classified into 'Musculoskeletal-musculoskeletal', and were exclusively related to 'lameness'; the 'Musculoskeletal-non-specific' category contained responses such as 'foot abscess' or hoof abscess\', 'orthopaedics' and 'back pain'. ![Details of the most commonly nominated conditions for the most commonly nominated small animal (a) and large animal (b) species as outlined by 3982 veterinary clinicians. Respondents were asked to name three conditions for up to four species they worked with. See online supplementary Appendix 3 for further information about coding of conditions](vetrec-2013-101745f03){#VETREC2013101745F3} Type of common condition or complaint {#s3d} ------------------------------------- Cats had a higher proportion of responses classified as 'Disease' (eg, hypothyroidism; 20 per cent), but a lower proportion of conditions classified as 'Clinical sign' (eg, weight loss) when compared with other species ([Fig 4](#VETREC2013101745F4){ref-type="fig"}). Sheep had the highest proportion of conditions classified as 'Clinical sign' (eg, lameness; 51 per cent) while equines had the highest proportion of observations in the 'Both' category (30 per cent), which relates to conditions that could be considered a clinical sign but are used as a disease description (eg, colic). A high proportion of responses regarding dental issues in rabbits and the respiratory system in equines and cattle were classified as 'Unclassifiable'. This category was for those conditions that could not be classified (eg, zoonoses) or if the terminology was too vague to be considered either a clinical sign or a specific disease (eg, production diseases). Overall, a higher proportion of conditions in rabbits (eg, skin; 53 per cent) and guinea pigs (eg, lumps; 57 per cent) were classified into the 'Unclassifiable' group than the average for all species (41 per cent). ![Classification of the common conditions most frequently mentioned by 3982 veterinary clinicians according to species and type of condition. Respondents were asked to name three conditions for up to four species each. See online supplementary Appendix 4 for further information about these classifications](vetrec-2013-101745f04){#VETREC2013101745F4} The type of classification was compared with the three most common body system or topic groups for each species (using the categories in [Table 4](#VETREC2013101745TB4){ref-type="table"}). Very few conditions could be classified into the 'Disease' category. Musculoskeletal conditions in sheep (eg, lameness) were almost exclusively classified as 'Clinical sign' ([Fig 5](#VETREC2013101745F5){ref-type="fig"}). Dental conditions in guinea pigs (eg, teeth problems) and rabbits (eg, dental disease) and respiratory conditions in cattle (eg, respiratory) had the highest proportion of 'Unclassifiable' conditions. ![Classification of the three most common body systems in each of the seven most frequently mentioned species groups from conditions nominated by 3982 veterinary clinicians. These have been structured according to type of condition or complaint. Respondents were asked to name up to three conditions for up to four species. See further classification details in online supplementary Appendix 4](vetrec-2013-101745f05){#VETREC2013101745F5} Perceived information level for conditions or complaints {#s3e} -------------------------------------------------------- Generally, respondents thought that there was a lot of information about approximately 60 per cent of the nominated conditions for cattle, equines and dogs, in contrast with rabbits and guinea pigs at 18 per cent and 5 per cent, respectively ([Fig 6](#VETREC2013101745F6){ref-type="fig"}). After investigating if the perceived information level was similar for the different species, there was significantly less perceived information available for guinea pigs and rabbits, and more for dogs, cattle and equines, and to some extent, cats (P\<0.0001; data not shown). ![Perceived level of information about common conditions for the seven most common mentioned species from 3982 veterinary clinicians. Respondents were asked to name three conditions for up to four species each](vetrec-2013-101745f06){#VETREC2013101745F6} Discussion {#s4} ========== Our findings of the species and conditions reported to be commonly seen in veterinary practice were similar to previous reports ([@R17], [@R18], [@R11], N. J. [@R24]) as dental conditions in rabbits and guinea pigs and skin conditions in small animal practice were highlighted in these studies. However, some studies have shown that the most common presentation in small animal practice is for preventive medicine ([@R11]) which was not found in the current study. This difference could be due to the fact that preventive medicine may not be seen by veterinary clinicians as a condition or complaint, which was how these questions were phrased. Reproductive conditions, particularly mastitis in cattle, were most frequently mentioned for sheep and cattle, which is similar to results found from a Swedish study using information from a cattle database (Mörk and others 2009). Conditions relating to the musculoskeletal body system in equines have also been commonly found in a study by [@R16]. The minor differences in species and conditions in this study compared to earlier studies, could be due to different data collection methods. Results in this study are based on which species and conditions or complaints veterinary clinicians nominated as seeing commonly in practice. This could result in conditions recently encountered or those that are difficult to deal with being reported rather than what is actually seen commonly. However, the previous studies highlight similar results, suggesting that clinicians are likely to be acutely aware of the caseload they see, and therefore, are well placed to highlight areas for further research that would be of benefit to the profession. Classification of common conditions with regards to disease versus clinical sign appeared to be species and body system dependent. It is unclear why this is the case, and requires further investigation; it is possible this could be partially explained by the variability in how different types of client present their animals (eg, pet owner versus farmer). Species and body systems with high percentages of conditions in the 'unclassifiable' category could represent a number of things. It could be a reflection of the complexities of certain conditions, for example, respiratory disease complex in cattle, or could be an indication of a lack of evidence behind certain conditions in certain species, for example, dental disease in guinea pigs. It could also identify areas where least specific terminology is being used and may indicate areas of uncertainty for clinicians, potentially highlighting areas where further research is required. The perception by individual veterinary clinicians of the available levels of information available for the nominated common conditions was found to be similar within species. This suggests that some vets may be more aware of the existing evidence than others. Overall, there was perceived to be a lower amount of information available for guinea pigs and rabbits compared with other species. This could be due to a lack of access to information, lack of familiarity with the information available, or an actual lack of published information about these species. Further work is needed to quantify the amount and quality of information available for each species which is accessible to veterinarians to determine the reason for this result. Study limitations {#s4a} ----------------- As veterinarians can opt out of being contacted by third-party organisations, our sample did not include all RCVS registered veterinarians. It is unknown whether the non-responders possess particular ­characteristics which are different to the responders (non-responders were not followed up due to feasibility restrictions). Additional information would need to be gathered to assess the bias that may have occurred by the self-selection of respondents (eg, individuals interested in EVM may be more likely to reply) ([@R27], [@R30], [@R15]). However, responses were received from individuals from a variety of different age groups and occupations, and the distribution of work places and proportion of women (once retirees were excluded) was similar to that found by the RCVS ([@R23]). Similar response rates have been reported in other studies ([@R1], [@R5], [@R32]), although it has been recommended that care be taken when interpreting results with response rates less than 70 per cent ([@R28]). The posthoc calculation (and CI) indicated that the sample size obtained was likely to be adequate to draw meaningful conclusions about the data; however this calculation may not be appropriate for all questions. Clinicians were asked what percentage of their working time was spent on 1st opinion, 2nd opinion and referral cases. Because of the design of the question, it was not possible to distinguish clearly between clinicians working with 2nd opinion and referral cases. However, very few respondents stated that they spent a considerable percentage of their working time with these types of cases, therefore, the vast majority of responses were from 1st opinion clinicians. We requested that participants only nominated up to four species they most frequently saw, and three conditions per species. It is possible that if more than this number had been requested the results may have appeared differently though it is likely that the main species and conditions have been captured. The way the nominated conditions were coded could have influenced the results found here. However, attempts were made to improve consistency and repeatability as outlined. No attempt was made to define what was meant by 'published veterinary information' which could also have resulted in varying interpretations by respondents, particularly as evidence quality was not assessed as part of this study. Conclusion {#s5} ========== This study highlights specific areas in which research could be pertinent for veterinarians in the UK; skin conditions were mentioned frequently in small animals, and reproductive conditions and musculoskeletal conditions in cattle and sheep, and equines, respectively. There is a perception that little information exists for certain species; further research is required to identify whether this information exists and if it is accessible to veterinarians to aid decision making in practice. Supplementary Material ====================== ###### Web supplement ###### Web supplement ###### Web supplement ###### Web supplement **Correction notice:** This article has been corrected since it was published Online First. The first sentence of the discussion was amended for clarity. **Acknowledgements:** The authors wish to thank the veterinarians who participated in the survey. The Centre for Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine is supported by an unrestricted grant from The University of Nottingham and Novartis Animal Health. [^1]: Provenance: Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed
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Employers would have to pay a £1,000-a-year fee for every EU skilled worker they bring in after Brexit, under plans being considered by the Government. An “immigration skills levy” – already being introduced for staff from the rest of the world – could be extended to the EU, the immigration minister said. Robert Goodwill said the Brexit result showed voters believed that companies are relying too much on migrants to fill roles. They had made clear that not enough was being done to ensure that “the skills are available from our own people”, he told a House of Lords inquiry. Mr Goodwill said an apprenticeship levy, to be brought in later this year, would help the Government meet its commitment to train more than three million more apprentices by 2020. And he added: “In April this year, we are also bringing in the immigration skills charge for non-EEA skilled workers. “If you want to recruit an Indian computer programmer on a four-year contract, on top of the existing visa charges and the resident labour market test, there will be a fee of £1,000 per year. “So, for a four-year contract, that employer will need to pay a £4,000 immigration skills charge. “That is something that currently applies to non-EU and it has been suggested to us that could be applied to EU.” Mr Goodwill acknowledged he could not speculate on what the final immigration policy would be, when the final Brexit settlement is reached. However, he invited the peers to seriously consider including the immigration skills charge for EU skilled migrants within their inquiry report. “It would be helpful to the British economy and to British workers who feel they are overlooked because of other people coming into the country getting jobs they would themselves like to get,” he said. During the evidence session, the immigration minister also indicated that a seasonal agricultural workers scheme - allowing tens of thousands of people to work in Britain in low-skilled roles for less than six months - could be introduced after Brexit. It could hand the British farming industry a significant loophole to escape the promised restrictions on EU migration without counting towards the Government’s net migration target. Just before Christmas, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) pressed ministers to introduce the seasonal agricultural workers scheme, to ensure the food and farming industry can recruit short-term migrant labour. The horticultural industry alone is estimated to need 90,000 seasonal workers by 2019, with 95 per cent of British-grown berries picked by workers from other EU countries. Mr Goodwill told peers that the NFU had pressed for the scheme because of the weakness of sterling and because the post-Brexit vote had put some EU workers off coming to Britain. He said: “A seasonal agricultural workers scheme would not contribute to net migration because that only includes those who come to work for more than 12 months and they come for less than six months." The minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to get net migration down below 100,000 post-Brexit.
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Is SXC Health Overtaking RIM as Canada’s Biggest Tech Success Story? SXC Health CEO Mark Thierer on CNBC's Powerlunch. Under Thierer, SXC revenue has grown from under $100 million to $5 billion. We’ll forgive you if haven’t yet heard their name. After all, as late as 2004 this Milton, Ontario company was plodding along more than a decade after it was founded with just $33 million in revenue. There was no big, splashy Bay Street IPO; the company went public in a reverse takeover of a publicly listed shell, allowing it to raise a relatively meager $10 million in 1997. In February, however, SXC Health (TSX:SXC) reported its fiscal 2011 results and the numbers surprised even its most ardent supporters. SXC’s revenue grew a whopping 155% to $5 billion, from $1.9 billion in 2010. Earnings were up too, increasing 45% to $166.4 million. This story is brought to you by Serenic (TSXV:SER). Serenic’s market cap of $3.18 million (as of January 27th, 2012) was less than its cash position of $4.03 million (as of Q2, 2012). The company has no debt. Click here for more information. SXC Health, alongside US-based companies such as Medco and Caremark, is a leader in the Pharmacy Benefit Management space. PBM’s process and pay prescription drug claims and act as an intermediary between the health care system and the claimant. The space has grown rapidly; today more than more than 210 million Americans receive drug benefits administered by PBMs. With today’s $4.4-billion acquisition of Catalyst Health, SXC has vaulted itself into the arena of the big boys. On BNN today, Versant analyst Tom Liston said, with SXC acquiring $299-million in EBITDA next year, the Catalyst Health deal is “transformational”. For many observers of Canadian tech, the timing of SXC’s rise couldn’t be better. 2011 was, without doubt, Research in Motion’s worst year. The company’s entry into the tablet space, The BlackBerry PlayBook, was widely regarded as a flop, and RIM continued to lose market share in the mobile device sector. RIM’s current problems are well documented. But between 2008 and fiscal 2011 the company’s revenue more than tripled; from $6 billion to $19.9 billion. In 2012, however, RIM’s revenue growth has completely stalled; nine months revenue was down to $14.24 billion from $14.35 billion a year prior. Even more concerning is the fact that gross margins are eroding, from 44.4% in 2011 to 36.3%. The space between SXC’s $5 billion in revenue and RIM’s near $20 billion is a wide chasm. But with RIM’s future looking uncertain in a increasingly competitive space, the gap may tighten quickly. Before today’s deal, Versant analyst Tom Liston thought SXC’s revenue will grow to $8.2 billion in fiscal 2013. SXC is the Versant analyst’s top pick, and the stock he says is simply a “must own”. But is there there room in the Pharmacy Benefit Management space for SXC to continue its torrid growth? In 2010, CEO Mark Thierer told Cantech Letter’s Nick Waddell that he believes there are still “great growth opportunities within the U.S. market for SXC…” and that the company would not have necessarily have to look outside the US anytime soon because “…approximately 40 percent of the worldwide pharmaceutical sales, the EU 35 percent and the rest of the world is the remainder.” And although SXC most direct competitors are not as vertically aligned as SXC, their numbers dwarf even RIM’s topline. Medco’s fiscal 2011 revenues increased 6.2% to a record $70.1 billion. With 2011 revenues of $107 billion, CVS Caremark is even bigger. While the slide of RIM’s share price has perhaps been disproportionate to the slide in its business fortunes, shareholders are continuing to gain confidence in SXC Health’s stunning rise, which began through the recession of 2008 and hasn’t stopped. On March 14, 2008 shares of SXC on the NASDAQ could be had for $5.22. At press time, SXC was trading, on the TSX, at $85.58. About Nick Waddell Cantech Letter founder and editor Nick Waddell has lived in five Canadian provinces and is proud of his country's often overlooked contributions to the world of science and technology. Waddell takes a regular shift on the Canadian media circuit, making appearances on CTV, CBC and BNN, and contributing to publications such as Canadian Business and Business Insider.
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**Zhang X, Bao S, Lai D, Rapkins RW, Gillies MC. Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide inhibits breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier through differential regulation of VEGF-A and its receptors in early diabetic rat retinas. Diabetes 2008;57:1026--1033** In the print version of the article listed above, the second affiliation for Xinyuan Zhang is incorrect. The correct affiliation is as follows: Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. The online version reflects these changes.
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// Copyright (C) 2005-2006 The Trustees of Indiana University. // Use, modification and distribution is subject to the Boost Software // License, Version 1.0. (See accompanying file LICENSE_1_0.txt or copy at // http://www.boost.org/LICENSE_1_0.txt) // Authors: Douglas Gregor // Andrew Lumsdaine #ifndef BOOST_GRAPH_DETAIL_REMOTE_UPDATE_SET_HPP #define BOOST_GRAPH_DETAIL_REMOTE_UPDATE_SET_HPP #ifndef BOOST_GRAPH_USE_MPI #error "Parallel BGL files should not be included unless <boost/graph/use_mpi.hpp> has been included" #endif #include <boost/graph/parallel/process_group.hpp> #include <boost/type_traits/is_convertible.hpp> #include <vector> #include <boost/assert.hpp> #include <boost/optional.hpp> #include <queue> namespace boost { namespace graph { namespace detail { template<typename ProcessGroup> void do_synchronize(ProcessGroup& pg) { using boost::parallel::synchronize; synchronize(pg); } struct remote_set_queued {}; struct remote_set_immediate {}; template<typename ProcessGroup> class remote_set_semantics { BOOST_STATIC_CONSTANT (bool, queued = (is_convertible< typename ProcessGroup::communication_category, boost::parallel::bsp_process_group_tag>::value)); public: typedef typename mpl::if_c<queued, remote_set_queued, remote_set_immediate>::type type; }; template<typename Derived, typename ProcessGroup, typename Value, typename OwnerMap, typename Semantics = typename remote_set_semantics<ProcessGroup>::type> class remote_update_set; /********************************************************************** * Remote updating set that queues messages until synchronization * **********************************************************************/ template<typename Derived, typename ProcessGroup, typename Value, typename OwnerMap> class remote_update_set<Derived, ProcessGroup, Value, OwnerMap, remote_set_queued> { typedef typename property_traits<OwnerMap>::key_type Key; typedef std::vector<std::pair<Key, Value> > Updates; typedef typename Updates::size_type updates_size_type; typedef typename Updates::value_type updates_pair_type; public: private: typedef typename ProcessGroup::process_id_type process_id_type; enum message_kind { /** Message containing the number of updates that will be sent in * a msg_updates message that will immediately follow. This * message will contain a single value of type * updates_size_type. */ msg_num_updates, /** Contains (key, value) pairs with all of the updates from a * particular source. The number of updates is variable, but will * be provided in a msg_num_updates message that immediately * preceeds this message. * */ msg_updates }; struct handle_messages { explicit handle_messages(remote_update_set* self, const ProcessGroup& pg) : self(self), update_sizes(num_processes(pg), 0) { } void operator()(process_id_type source, int tag) { switch(tag) { case msg_num_updates: { // Receive the # of updates updates_size_type num_updates; receive(self->process_group, source, tag, num_updates); update_sizes[source] = num_updates; } break; case msg_updates: { updates_size_type num_updates = update_sizes[source]; BOOST_ASSERT(num_updates); // Receive the actual updates std::vector<updates_pair_type> updates(num_updates); receive(self->process_group, source, msg_updates, &updates[0], num_updates); // Send updates to derived "receive_update" member Derived* derived = static_cast<Derived*>(self); for (updates_size_type u = 0; u < num_updates; ++u) derived->receive_update(source, updates[u].first, updates[u].second); update_sizes[source] = 0; } break; }; } private: remote_update_set* self; std::vector<updates_size_type> update_sizes; }; friend struct handle_messages; protected: remote_update_set(const ProcessGroup& pg, const OwnerMap& owner) : process_group(pg, handle_messages(this, pg)), updates(num_processes(pg)), owner(owner) { } void update(const Key& key, const Value& value) { if (get(owner, key) == process_id(process_group)) { Derived* derived = static_cast<Derived*>(this); derived->receive_update(get(owner, key), key, value); } else { updates[get(owner, key)].push_back(std::make_pair(key, value)); } } void collect() { } void synchronize() { // Emit all updates and then remove them process_id_type num_processes = updates.size(); for (process_id_type p = 0; p < num_processes; ++p) { if (!updates[p].empty()) { send(process_group, p, msg_num_updates, updates[p].size()); send(process_group, p, msg_updates, &updates[p].front(), updates[p].size()); updates[p].clear(); } } do_synchronize(process_group); } ProcessGroup process_group; private: std::vector<Updates> updates; OwnerMap owner; }; /********************************************************************** * Remote updating set that sends messages immediately * **********************************************************************/ template<typename Derived, typename ProcessGroup, typename Value, typename OwnerMap> class remote_update_set<Derived, ProcessGroup, Value, OwnerMap, remote_set_immediate> { typedef typename property_traits<OwnerMap>::key_type Key; typedef std::pair<Key, Value> update_pair_type; typedef typename std::vector<update_pair_type>::size_type updates_size_type; public: typedef typename ProcessGroup::process_id_type process_id_type; private: enum message_kind { /** Contains a (key, value) pair that will be updated. */ msg_update }; struct handle_messages { explicit handle_messages(remote_update_set* self, const ProcessGroup& pg) : self(self) { update_sizes.resize(num_processes(pg), 0); } void operator()(process_id_type source, int tag) { // Receive the # of updates BOOST_ASSERT(tag == msg_update); update_pair_type update; receive(self->process_group, source, tag, update); // Send update to derived "receive_update" member Derived* derived = static_cast<Derived*>(self); derived->receive_update(source, update.first, update.second); } private: std::vector<updates_size_type> update_sizes; remote_update_set* self; }; friend struct handle_messages; protected: remote_update_set(const ProcessGroup& pg, const OwnerMap& owner) : process_group(pg, handle_messages(this, pg)), owner(owner) { } void update(const Key& key, const Value& value) { if (get(owner, key) == process_id(process_group)) { Derived* derived = static_cast<Derived*>(this); derived->receive_update(get(owner, key), key, value); } else send(process_group, get(owner, key), msg_update, update_pair_type(key, value)); } void collect() { typedef std::pair<process_id_type, int> probe_type; handle_messages handler(this, process_group); while (optional<probe_type> stp = probe(process_group)) if (stp->second == msg_update) handler(stp->first, stp->second); } void synchronize() { do_synchronize(process_group); } ProcessGroup process_group; OwnerMap owner; }; } } } // end namespace boost::graph::detail #endif // BOOST_GRAPH_DETAIL_REMOTE_UPDATE_SET_HPP
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Frequently Asked Questions 1. Who is providing this test and information? This health promotion website is provided by the Alcohol Health Network - an independent not-for-profit social enterprise which aims to promote health at work online. 2. Who is this website for? The AHN is working with the Royal Borough of Kingston's Public Health Department, as well as other local areas / companies to provide individuals with confidential, anonymous and independent online health assessments, helping you to make informed choices about your drinking. 3. What device do I need to do the test? You can complete the alcohol health check online on a web browser on any computer or smartphone at work, home or anywhere else. 4. What’s the point of doing the test? The alcohol health check will give you confidential, personalised feedback on your drinking and how your health might be affected. It will help you work out how much you are drinking, whether this is a problem for you and how your drinking compares to the national average. If you want to make any changes, it will give you help and support in doing that. 5. How accurate is it? The Drink Test is based on the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test, validated by NICE and the World Health Organisation. The Drink Test website has been approved by Alcohol Health Network’s Advisory Board, made up of academics from University College London. Websites like Drink Test have been shown to help people to make healthier lifestyle choices. 6. Is it confidential? Yes. Your alcohol health check, together with advice about how to improve your health is completely free and completely confidential. No one at the Royal Borough of Kingston's Public Health Department will know what you say in your health check, or what feedback we’ve given you. All the information that you give will be treated in the strictest confidence. The information will be collected and stored in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. It will be stored in an anonymised format, so you cannot be identified. We will provide the Royal Borough of Kingston's Public Health Department with anonymised information on the proportion of people who used the site (ie x% of site users were men or women) and what the average drinking levels were. This will help the Royal Borough of Kingston's Public Health Department plan future health promotions effectively. 7. What if the results show I am drinking too much? You may get a surprise if the results of the alcohol health check suggest you are at risk of a health problem. If you are worried about your health and you feel you need more advice than we can give online, please go and see your family doctor. Your doctor has your personal health records and is the person best placed to help you with your health problems. You can also get a list of NHS services here 8. Who do I complain to if I don’t like the website, or contact if I have a query or feedback? If you have any comments, queries, concerns or complaints about this website, please contact Alcohol Health Network by email on info@alcoholhealthnetwork.org.uk
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Blog Our primary field is set, now that the filing deadline has passed. Two other candidates have also filed to run for the Democratic nomination in Michigan’s 14th District. They’re already actively pursuing a negative campaign against me. This is my first re-election campaign for Congress. I’ve worked hard — really hard — to do the people’s work, but I need your help. We can’t take this election for granted and I’m working hard to earn every vote. I need you. Together, we can be victorious in 2016. Support is Building I’m honored to have recently earned the endorsements of the Michigan State AFL-CIO, United Auto Workers Region 1, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, American Federation of Teachers-Michigan, Sheet Metal Workers Local 80, Pipefitters Local 636, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, The Sierra Club and dozens of other community leaders and organizations. Please let me know if we can add your name to our list of endorsers. To see the current roster, visit www.brendalawrence.com Opening our Detroit Campaign Office We’re already out in the community, continuing to build grassroots support. This Saturday, April 23rd we’re officially opening our Detroit Campaign Office. Please join us for this free event from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Its located at 18409 Livernois Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48221. Building the party organization in preparation for a strong general election effort is very important to me. This office is a joint effort with our 14th District Democratic Organization. At the office opening, we’ll be collecting donations of office supplies to help get it started. Come out and enjoy the food and fellowship! Cecile Richards is Coming to Michigan I’m excited to share that on Friday, May 6th Planned Parenthood Action Fund President Cecile Richards will be in town. She’s an amazing progressive leader, fighting every day for women’s health care on the national level. She’ll be here as a special guest for a reception in support of my campaign. It’ll be a private gathering, but if you’re in the Detroit area that day I’d be honored if you could join us. Are you interested in attending? Again, I can’t do this alone. I need your help. Together, let’s win this nomination! If you’re able to donate to my re-election campaign, but unable to give online, please make checks payable to ‘Brenda Lawrence for Congress’ and mail to Post Office Box 3060, Southfield, Michigan 48037. For any questions, you can contact our campaign at info@brendalawrence.com or (248) 410-0702.
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Now that Pope Francis has officially affirmed a “very solid scientific consensus” that the earth is warming as a result of human activity and offered a point-by-point critique of an unsustainable, consumption-based economic system that is creating a planet of “debris, desolation and filth” it’ll be interesting to see how the Catholic GOP presidential candidates react to what is basically a searing indictment of their entire worldview. (Dibs on the campaign slogan “Debris, Desolation & Filth: Vote Republican.”) If early reactions are any guide, the candidates are going with some version of “the pope is a great guy, but when it comes to science and economics, he’s way out of his wheelhouse.” We got a preview of this from Rick Santorum in early June, when he said in a radio interview: “The church has gotten it wrong a few times on science. We probably are better off leaving science to the scientists, and focusing on what we’re really good at, which is theology and morality.” Conservative Catholic thinkers have been working to create a rationale for the Republican rejection of the climate encyclical by suggesting that there’s some kind of dichotomy between church teachings that involve issues of “morality” (i.e., sex and the sanctity of life), which are properly under the pope’s purview, and those related to empirical issues (like climate change), which are not. In a widely circulated First Things article, Princeton natural law scholar Robert George wrote back in January, “The Pope has the right and responsibility to teach and even bind the consciences of the faithful on the truth of proposed moral norms, including those norms pertaining to our obligations concerning the natural environment.” However, he said: The Pope has no special knowledge, insight, or teaching authority pertaining to matters of empirical fact of the sort investigated by, for example, physicists and biologists, nor do popes claim such knowledge, insight, or wisdom. Pope Francis does not know whether, or to what extent, the climate changes (in various directions) of the past several decades are anthropogenic—and God is not going to tell him. Nor does he know what their long term effects will be. If anything he teaches depends on views about these things, all he will have to go on is what everybody else has to go on, namely, the analyses offered by scientific specialists who have studied the matter. As a result, he said, “faithful Catholics are not bound by positions adopted by the Pope on such matters.” But clearly Pope Francis is arguing that addressing anthropogenic climate change is a Catholic moral obligation no matter the source of the information. He notes the long history of popes addressing the morality of the human role in ecological destruction and offering specific solutions related to consumption and the economy. His predecessor Pope Benedict proposed “eliminating the structural causes of the dysfunctions of the world economy and correcting models of growth which have proved incapable of ensuring respect for the environment.” And conservatives have tried to draft science to buttress their causes when it suits their needs, most notably when they insist that there is a “scientific consensus” that life begins at conception. Of course, they have also long insisted that it is anathema for Catholics to ignore papal teachings with which they disagree, but now seem willing to change their mind. But Laudato si, or “Praise be to you,” is likely to be the conservative Catholic’s Humanae Vitae—the encyclical that presents such a stark contrast between papal teaching and a preferred worldview that one must reject it. After all, how likely are today’s Tea Partyish, libertarian-leaning Republican Catholics to accept a teaching that asserts the need for a radical reordering of the existing economic order to protect the planet, calls for the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable sources of energy, decries business models centered on “maximizing profits,” and discredits the free market as a solution to the world’s problems? For Catholic Republican presidential candidates, the trick will be to maintain a suitably respectful tone for the pope himself while distancing themselves from his prescriptions for the planet. As Daniel Schultz notes, Jeb Bush said the following at a campaign event on Tuesday: … I don’t get economic policy from my bishops or my cardinals or my pope. And I’d like to see what he says as it relates to climate change and how that connects to these broader, deeper issues before I pass judgment. But I think religion ought to be about making us better as people and less about things that end up getting in the political realm. So all of a sudden Republicans want to keep religion out of the “political realm” and make it personal? This is the same man who as governor intervened in the personal moral decision of Terri Schiavo’s husband and used the power of the state to keep her alive based on Bush’s own religious convictions. This is the same party that for going on 50 years has asserted the right of religious conservatives to impose their morality on abortion, marriage and a host of other issues on all Americans through the political process. At least it’s nice to finally see them admit that at the end of the day, they’re as in favor of moral relativism as liberals—when it suits their needs.
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<a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/7eDr4fv" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.buymeacoffee.com/buttons/lato-orange.png" alt="Buy Me A Coffee" style="height: 41px !important;width: 174px !important;" ></a> # 2019-ncov-frontend > Coronavirus (COVID-19) Frontend Backend setup can be found here [2019-ncov-api](https://github.com/sorxrob/2019-ncov-api). ## Project setup ``` npm install ``` ### Compiles and hot-reloads for development ``` npm run serve ``` ### Compiles and minifies for production ``` npm run build ``` ### Lints and fixes files ``` npm run lint ``` ## License & copyright © Robert C Soriano Licensed under the [MIT License](LICENSE). ## Acknowledgments - Hat tip to anyone who's module was used - Richard Matsen for radius scale calculation
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Fort Bragg soldier dies in Afghanistan The military said Thursday that a Fort Bragg Soldier with the 44th Medical Command died in Afghanistan Dec. 29. Staff Sgt. Ronald Jay Spino, 45, from Waterbury, Connecticut was assigned to the 274th Forward Surgical Team (Airborne) as a licensed practical nurse. Officials said Spino was shot while unloading medical supplies in Bala Morghab, village in Badghis Province in northwestern Afghanistan. The incident is under investigation. "Staff Sergeant Spino was a hardworking, diligent airborne combat medic,” said Col. Scott Putzier, chief of staff, 44th Medical Command. “For those who knew and worked with him, we will remember him as a dedication non-commissioned officer. He was quiet, so when he spoke, everyone listened and were often caught off guard by his sense of humor … he was really funny.” Spino deployed with his unit to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in February, and was re-missioned to Afghanistan in November.
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I have configured my PayPal account in my Magento website. But even after I publish my website, there were no orders placed. Now I recieved an order from the website, but there is no money transfer to my PayPal account. I am not sure how to check if PayPal is working correctly or not. Any suggestions or references for me to check? 1 Answer 1 In your Magento admin, go to System -> Paypal. Check to see if "Sandbox mode" is activated in the Payment System you are using. You can set up Magento and Paypal to work fairly seamlessly together. The easiest is probably to use the Paypal API. Log into your Paypal account and obtain the API username, password and signature, then just copy & paste those into the corresponding fields in the Magento admin. You can test this by setting up a developer account in Paypal Sandbox. It is a bit difficult to get used to at first, but basically the steps are as follows: Create a Seller test account. This is a simulated merchant account that will act as the payment receiver. Create a Buyer test account. This is the simulated customer account that you will use to make test purchases in your store. Note that you have to create email addresses for each of these accounts. They do not correspond to any real email accounts, and the mail you receive in these is always checked from within the Paypal Sandbox. Once you have these test accounts, you sign into them from within the Paypal Sandbox. So you would sign into your test Seller account, get the API data mentioned above, and paste it into your Magento admin. (Be sure to set Sandbox mode to "true" in Magento when you are trying this). In order to be able to make test purchases, you have to be signed into the Paypal Sandbox and have it open in the browser. Note that nobody else will be able to make actual orders through Paypal while you are in Sandbox mode. You can then go to the public area of your store and purchases using the test Buyer account. If everything goes well, you will be able to see your fake orders placed and registred in the Magento admin area. As a final note, I recommend having a preproduction version of your store for doing this kind of testing. This means setting up an exact copy of your Magento store (with a recent copy of the database) on another domain and activating it when you are doing testing.
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1. Introduction {#s0005} =============== Interactions of integral membrane proteins with their surrounding lipid environment play a key role in stabilising their structure and influencing their activity. To obtain insight into the nature and type of interactions occurring between lipids and integral membrane proteins a range of biophysical techniques including electron spin resonance [@bb0005; @bb0010] and fluorescence [@bb0145; @bb0020] spectroscopy have been used in numerous studies. This has provided a wealth of information on the specificity of proteins for particular classes of lipids and the affinity of these interactions [@bb0025; @bb0030]. These studies have revealed that in addition to the 'bulk' lipids whose dynamic properties remain largely unchanged by the presence of integral membrane proteins within the bilayer, there exist a population of lipids whose motional freedom is constrained through their interaction with integral membrane proteins. The motionally restricted population of lipids can be segregated into 'annular lipids' which exhibit low affinity interactions with the hydrophobic surface of membrane proteins and 'non-annular lipids' which exert high affinity interactions at sites located in clefts on the protein surface or at the interface between protein subunits [@bb0025; @bb0035; @bb0040; @bb0045]. The interactions at both sites play an important role in modulating the function of integral membrane proteins, but it has recently become apparent that occupation of the non-annular binding site can be particularly critical for function [@bb0050]. Despite the importance of these interactions a detailed atomic level description of the type and nature of the interplay between lipids and integral membrane proteins is limited as the lipids are often missing from high-resolution crystal structures of membrane proteins. One of the best-studied ion channels is the potassium channel, KcsA from *Streptomyces lividans*. This potassium channel, in common with other members of this family, has an absolute requirement for anionic lipids such as phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylserine or cardiolipin for function; in their absence the channel exists in a non-conducting state [@bb0055; @bb0060]. The binding of lipids to KcsA has been extensively investigated by fluorescence quenching studies that clearly identify annular and non-annular populations of lipids [@bb0035; @bb0050]. Binding of lipids to the annular sites revealed marked differences between the inner and extracellular leaflets, with the extracellular side showing similar affinities for anionic and zwitterionic lipids. In contrast the intracellular side showed a twofold higher affinity for anionic lipids over phosphatidylcholine, presumably due to the clustering of charged residues on KcsA close to the bilayer surface. Fluorescence quenching studies have revealed that the non-annular binding sites show a high degree of selectivity of binding anionic lipids almost exclusively, albeit with moderate affinity. The crystal structure of KcsA in detergent has provided valuable insights into the interaction of lipids with the non-annular binding site with electron density being seen at the interface between the protein subunits indicating the presence of a diacylglycerol-like moiety. The crystal structure revealed that the *sn*-1 chain of this lipid molecule was tightly buried in the groove between the pore helix and the M2 helix whilst the *sn*-2 chain was less intimately associated with the protein [@bb0055; @bb0065]. Subsequent studies have revealed the lipid present in the KcsA crystals to be phosphatidylglycerol which co-purifies with the KcsA [@bb0055] (pdb accession number 1K4C), suggesting that the phosphatidylglycerol headgroup exhibits significant motion or disorder within the crystal, resulting in the absence of electron density. The absence of electron density in the region corresponding to the lipid headgroup has precluded a detailed understanding of how the phosphatidylglycerol is recognised. The presence of two key arginine residues (R64 and R89) in close proximity to the proposed headgroup region suggested a putative role for electrostatic interactions between the sidechains and the anionic lipids within the binding site [@bb0055]. The proposed interactions between R64 and R89 have been investigated by molecular dynamics, revealing the formation of H-bonds between the headgroups of the anionic lipids phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylglycerol and the arginine residues [@bb0070]. Notably, these interactions were absent or reduced in bilayers containing the zwitterionic lipid phosphatidylethanolamine [@bb0070]. To demonstrate the feasibility of detecting interactions between non-annular binding sites and anionic lipids we have undertaken a 31P magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR study of KcsA reconstituted into a model lipid bilayer composed of phosphatidylcholine and the negatively charged phosphatidylglycerol. The application of MAS permits the acquisition of ^31^P NMR spectra in which the individual lipid components are resolved on the basis of their chemical shift [@bb0075]. The chemical shift observed provides information on the local electrostatic environment of the phosphate moiety of the lipid headgroup and is thus an excellent reporter on the interaction of the lipid headgroup with the protein [@bb0080; @bb0085; @bb0090]. Typically the application of NMR to study lipid/protein interactions has proved challenging as exchange between the bulk lipid and annular sites occurs too rapidly on the NMR timescale to permit the observation of the bound lipids. Furthermore, interactions between the lipids and the proteins are typically hydrophobic in nature with little difference in electrostatic environment between the bound and free lipids resulting in only minor perturbations in chemical shift. In contrast, phosphatidylglycerol bound at the non-annular binding site is predicted to experience a significantly different electrostatic environment from the annular/bulk lipids with higher-affinity interactions resulting in longer residency times within the binding site. Below we demonstrate that this results in a spectroscopically distinct species that we resolve in the ^31^P MAS-NMR spectrum of KcsA reconstituted into lipid vesicles, providing insights into the interactions involved in lipid binding. Using site directed mutagenesis we have demonstrated that the perturbation in electrostatic environment arises through the interaction of the lipid head group with the positively charged sidechain of R64 and R89. Single-channel current recordings have been measured to ascertain the role that these residues play in determining the channel gating behaviour of KcsA. 2. Materials and methods {#s0010} ======================== 2.1. Materials {#s0015} -------------- Palmitoyloleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (POPC) and palmitoyloleoyl-phosphatidylglycerol (POPG) were purchased from Avanti Polar Lipids (Alabaster, AL). The pQE32 vector and M15\[PREP\] *Escherichia coli* strain were bought from Qiagen (UK). The detergent, dodecylmaltoside (DDM) was from Anatrace (UK). The other reagents for the purification were obtained from Sigma (UK). 2.2. Cloning and mutagenesis of KcsA {#s0030} ------------------------------------ The pQE32 vector containing the KcsA gene with a hexahistidine epitope at the N-terminus, kindly donated by Professor Lee (University of Southampton, UK), was expressed in M15 cells. Three KcsA mutants were generated by site-directed mutagenesis using the Quik-change protocol from Stratagene (La Jolla, CA). Three KcsA mutants were prepared replacing the arginine with the slightly smaller but uncharged leucine at residue 64 (R64L), 89 (R89L) or at both sites (R64,89L). The mutants were generated by PCR using synthetic oligonucleotide primers containing the desired mutations (Eurofins MWG, UK). Complementary oligonuceotides, 5′-AGCTGATCAC GTATCCGTTA GCGCTGTGGT GGTCC-3′ and 5′-GACCACCACA GCGCTAACGG ATACGTGATC AGCTG-3′ were used as forward and reverse primers respectively to create the R64L mutation. Similarly, R89L was produced using the synthetic oligonucleotides 5′-GTGACTCTGT GGGGCCTGC TCGTGGCCG TGGTGGTGA T-3′ and 5′-ATCACCACCA CGGCCACGA GCAGGCCCC ACAGAGTCA C-3′ as primers. Polymerase chain reaction was used to generate the mutants and the resultant PCR product was Dpn1- treated for 1 hr at 37 °C to digest any methylated parental DNA. The DNA was used to transform competent M15 \[PREP\] *E.coli* cells that were then plated onto agar plates supplemented with ampicillin. Mutations were confirmed by sequencing. 2.3. Over expression and purification of KcsA {#s0035} --------------------------------------------- M15 *E.coli* cells transformed with KcsA or one of the KcsA mutants were used to inoculate 10 mL of Luria Broth (LB) medium containing 100 μg/mL of ampicillin. The overnight culture was then used to inoculate 1 L of LB containing 100 μg/mL of ampicillin and grown to an OD~600~ of 0.8 at 37 °C. Over-expression of KcsA wild type and mutant protein was induced by the addition of IPTG to a final concentration of 1 mM and the culture was grown for a further 4 h at 37 °C. The cells were harvested at 4 °C by centrifugation at 12,000 *g* for 20 min. The cell pellet was resuspended in buffer A (50 mM Tris, 150 mM NaCl, 150 mM KCl, pH 7.4) with 1 mM PMSF and sonicated on ice for 5 min: 15 s on; 20 s off at power level 7 (Misonix sonicator). The membrane fraction was clarified by ultracentrifugation at 420,000 *g* for 40 min at 5 °C. The membrane-containing pellet was homogenised and then gently stirred in solubilisation buffer (buffer A, 40 mM imidazole, 1 mM DDM, pH 7.4) for 1 h at room temperature. Insoluble material was removed by centrifugation at 21,000 *g* for 20 min at 5 °C and the supernatant was loaded onto a Ni^2+^ affinity column (GE Healthcare, UK) pre-equilibrated with buffer A. The column was washed with 20 bed volumes of wash buffer (Buffer A, 40 mM imidazole, 1 mM DDM, and pH 7.4) and KcsA was eluted in Buffer A, 400 mM imidazole, 1 mM DDM, pH 7.4). 2.4. Reconstitution of KcsA {#s0040} --------------------------- KcsA wild type and mutants were reconstituted in lipid vesicles composed of POPC and POPG at a molar ratio of 70:30 respectively. Briefly, 10 mg of lipids in chloroform were dried in a vacuum desiccator and resuspended in hydration buffer (10 mM Tris, 100 mM KCl, 1 mM EDTA pH 7.4) containing 40 mM octyl glucoside. Following mixing and sonication to clarity, KcsA protein was gently added and mixed to give a lipid to KcsA tetramer molar ratio of 100:1. The vesicles were generated by detergent removal using Bio-beads. For NMR studies the vesicles were pelleted by ultracentrifugation at 100,000 *g* for 30 min at 5 °C and loaded into an MAS rotor for analysis by NMR. 2.5. Static and magic angle spinning solid-state ^31^P NMR studies {#s0045} ------------------------------------------------------------------ All ^31^P NMR measurements were performed on a 300 MHz Infinity+ spectrometer (Varian, USA) at a 121.37 MHz using a 4 mm triple resonance MAS probe (Varian, USA). ^31^P NMR spectra were acquired with a 5 μs π/2 pulse for excitation, 70 kHz continuous wave proton decoupling during acquisition and a recycle delay of 3 s. All spectra were obtained at 25 °C with a magic angle spinning frequency of 6 kHz. All spectra were externally referenced to phosphoric acid (85%) with a chemical shift of 0 ppm. Typically magic-angle spinning (MAS) and static NMR spectra were obtained by averaging 4096 transients or 8192 transients respectively and 5 Hz linebroadening was added prior to Fourier Transform. Data processing and analysis were performed in matNMR [@bb0095]. 2.6. Single channel electrophysiology of wild-type, R64L, R89L and R64L/R89L in planar lipid bilayers {#s0050} ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Single-channel current recordings were acquired as detailed previously by Marius et al.[@bb0050]. Briefly, POPC/POPG at a molar ratio of 70 to 30 was first dried from chloroform and then dissolved in decane to a concentration of 20 mg/mL. A lipid planar bilayer was painted across a 150 μm aperture in a Delrin cuvette (Warner Instruments, CT, USA) which separated two chambers with a volume of 1 mL. The *cis* (extracellular) chamber contained buffer B (10 mM Hepes, 150 mM KCl) at pH 7.0 whilst the *trans* buffer contained buffer B at pH 4.0. Bilayer formation was verified with capacitance measurements. The reconstituted vesicle suspension (5 μL) was added to the *cis* chamber and the transmembrane current was measured using Ag\|AgCl electrodes. The electrode in the *cis* chamber was connected to the input of the headstage of an ID562 bilayer amplifier (Industrial Developments Bangor, Bangor, UK), whilst the bias voltage was applied to the *trans* chamber, as described fully in Marius et al. [@bb0050]. The bilayer was voltage-clamped at + 100 mV and electrical recordings were digitised at 5 kHz, and subsequently digitally low-pass filtered at 1 kHz for analysis and at 2 kHz for display. Current traces were analysed using Origin (OriginLab, US). Episodes of rapid channel gating, with a duration of 15 s or more, were used for analysis of the channel open probability. 3. Results and discussion {#s0020} ========================= 3.1. Expression, purification and reconstitution of wild type and mutant KcsA {#s0055} ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The generation of the KcsA mutants, R64L, R89L and R64, 89L was confirmed by sequencing and mass spectrometry (results not shown). The overexpression of wild type and mutants of KcsA as His-tag fusion protein in M15 cells yielded cell pellets of 3 ± 1 g/L culture. The extraction of the protein from cells involved solubilisation of the membrane fraction using the non-ionic detergent DDM, followed by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. Increasing the imidazole concentration from 40 mM to 400 mM resulted in the displacement of bound protein. The purity of the proteins was determined by SDS-PAGE ([Fig. 1](#f0010){ref-type="fig"}) with the wild type and three mutants running as a stable SDS resistant tetramer. The yield of pure wild type and single mutant KcsA protein ranged from 5 mg to 10 mg/L whilst the double mutant, R64, 89L, had a yield of 4 ± 2 mg/L. Wild type and mutants of KcsA were prepared for solid-state NMR studies by reconstitution into lipid vesicles as described. The proteins were incorporated into pre-formed lipid-detergent micelles. The addition of Bio-beads for the removal of detergent led to the formation of a cloudy suspension of proteoliposomes that were pelleted for subsequent analysis by NMR. 3.2. Phosphorous static and MAS NMR of wild type-KcsA reconstituted into PC/PG vesicles {#s0060} --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To ascertain the effect of KcsA on POPC and POPC/POPG (70%/30% mol/mol) vesicles ^31^P solid-state NMR spectra were recorded in the presence and absence of KcsA ([Fig. 2](#f0015){ref-type="fig"}). To confirm that the KcsA spectra had been successfully reconstituted into lipid bilayers and that this had not altered the phase behaviour of the lipids, static ^31^P proton decouple NMR spectra were acquired ([Fig. 2](#f0015){ref-type="fig"}C and D). In each case the spectra showed the axially symmetric powder pattern expected for POPC and POPC/POPG bilayers in the L~α~-phase, with no evidence of smaller isotropic micellar contributions. Upon the introduction of acidic POPG into the vesicles a significant reduction in the chemical shielding anisotropy was observed, falling from − 31.9 ppm in pure POPC vesicles to − 21.3 ppm in vesicles composed of 70% POPC/30% POPG (mol/mol). Such a reduction has previously been observed and attributed to the change in the surface charge of the bilayer [@bb0085; @bb0090]. Comparison of the static spectra of pure lipid vesicles and those containing KcsA reveals a similar reduction in chemical shielding anisotropy in both samples indicating that the introduction of KcsA did not significantly perturb the dynamics observed in the bilayer and had no effect on the overall charge on the bilayer surface [@bb0085; @bb0090]. The MAS spectra of POPC and POPC/POPG (70%/30% mol/mol) of lipid vesicles in the absence of KcsA are shown in [Fig. 2](#f0015){ref-type="fig"}A and B (black). The spectra of POPC alone show a single resonance at − 0.8 ppm, whilst the mixture of POPC/POPG shows two well-resolved resonances at − 0.79 ppm and 0.30 ppm, which are assigned to POPC and POPG respectively on the basis of their relative intensities and earlier studies [@bb0085; @bb0100]. The ^31^P MAS-NMR spectrum of KcsA reconstituted into POPC bilayers ([Fig. 2](#f0015){ref-type="fig"}A, red) also shows a single resonance at − 0.81 ppm although the linewidth is broader than that for lipid alone, increasing from 0.34 ppm to 0.66 ppm. Such an observation is consistent with earlier studies that also detected an increase in linewidths upon the reconstitution of proteins into lipid bilayers, a behaviour that was attributed to the overall reduction of mobility of the lipids within the bilayer arising from the low lipid to protein ratio. The ^31^P MAS-NMR spectrum of KcsA reconstituted into negatively charged POPC/POPG vesicles (70%/30% mol/mol) is shown in [Fig. 2](#f0015){ref-type="fig"}B (red) and deconvoluted into its components in [Fig. 3](#f0020){ref-type="fig"}. As expected, two resonances are observed at − 0.75 ppm and 0.23 ppm, but in addition a resonance is also present at − 0.14 ppm. The two larger components at − 0.75 ppm and 0.23 ppm, we assign to the POPC and the POPG present in the bulk lipids respectively. Both resonances show significant broadening compared to the pure lipid vesicles with the linewidths of POPC and POPG increasing from 0.15 ppm to 0.61 and 0.80 ppm respectively. We attribute the presence of the third resonance at − 0.14 ppm to a population of lipid that is bound to the KcsA and therefore observes a different electrostatic environment to that seen by the bulk lipids. Deconvolution of the three spectral components ([Fig. 3](#f0020){ref-type="fig"}) indicates that this third component comprises 6.6% of the overall intensity in the ^31^P NMR spectrum and is accompanied by a slight reduction in bulk POPG intensity. On the basis of this reduction in intensity and the known presence of a POPG binding site, we assign this resonance to POPG bound at the non-annular binding site on KcsA. The observed intensity (6.6% of total phosphorous signal) for this bound component is in good agreement with the predicted intensity, which we expect to be maximally 4% of the total intensity when all four non-annular binding sites are occupied with phospholipid and the lipid/KcsA tetramer ratio is 100:1. We note however that with a POPC/POPG ratio of 70%/30% mol/mol some of the binding sites may be occupied with POPC. The appearance of this third resonance and its relatively narrow linewidth (0.21 ppm) when compared to the bulk lipids indicates that there is little exchange on the NMR timescale (microseconds) between the non-annular binding site and the annular/bulk lipid which would otherwise lead to a broadening of the resonance. Comparison of the direct excitation spectra ([Fig. 2](#f0015){ref-type="fig"}A/B) with ^1^H-^31^P cross-polarisation (data not shown) showed no significant differences in the relative intensities of the resonances, in agreement with crystallographic studies, indicating that the phosphate does not undergo a significant reduction in mobility upon binding to the non-annular binding site. The perturbation of the POPG chemical shift upon binding to the KcsA (− 0.37 ppm) indicates that upon binding the phosphate in the lipid headgroup experiences a different local electrostatic environment arising through either changes in local headgroup geometry or local environment. Although a number of factors contribute to the overall chemical shift the upfield perturbation observed is consistent with the interaction of the phosphate group with positively charged residues within the non-annular binding site. Similar upfield perturbations have previously been observed upon the binding of negatively charged lipid species to positively charged binding sites on peripheral membrane proteins [@bb0080; @bb0105]. 3.3. Phosphorous NMR of R64L, R89L and R64L/R89L KcsA mutants reconstituted into PC/PG vesicles {#s0065} ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On the basis of the crystal structure [@bb0055] and molecular dynamics simulations [@bb0070] of KcsA it had been proposed that R64 and R89 might contribute positive charge to the non-annular lipid binding site ([Fig. 6](#f0035){ref-type="fig"}). To ascertain the role of residues R64 and R89 in the binding of POPG to the non-annular binding site, we mutated these residues from arginine to leucine giving three different mutant proteins, R64L, R89L and the double mutant R64L/R89L. The ^31^P proton decoupled MAS-NMR spectra of R64L, R89L and the double mutant R64L/R89L are shown in [Fig. 4](#f0025){ref-type="fig"}. The spectra of R64L, R89L and the double mutant R64L/R89L all show two distinct resonances at − 0.75 and 0.23 ppm, corresponding to the POPC and POPG in the bulk lipid respectively. Notably the resonance at − 0.14 ppm that we have attributed to the POPG bound to the non-annular binding site is absent in the spectra of the three mutants. The disappearance of this resonance indicates that the population of lipids previously identified within the non-annular binding site no longer experiences a significant change in electrostatic environment upon binding, either through absence of the positive charges in the binding site or the abolition of lipid binding to these sites. This demonstrates experimentally the observations made in earlier molecular dynamics simulations [@bb0070] that indicate both R64 and R89 residues are in close proximity to the phosphate headgroup of the POPG within the non-annular binding site and are implicated in binding either through electrostatic or hydrogen bonding interactions. 3.4. Single-channel current recordings of wild-type and mutant KcsA {#s0070} ------------------------------------------------------------------- To ascertain whether interactions between these positive charge sidechains in the non-annular lipid-binding site and the lipid headgroup could affect channel activity, single-channel current recordings were taken of KcsA wild type and mutants reconstituted in a planar bilayer composed of 70% POPC and 30% POPG ([Fig. 5](#f0030){ref-type="fig"}). The bilayer was painted across a 150 μm aperture separating a *cis* chamber, equivalent to the extracellular side of the KcsA channel containing pH 7 buffer, from the *trans* chamber (pH 4) representing the intracellular or cytoplasmic side of the channel. In this configuration, KcsA channels oriented with their protonation sites on the *trans* side will be functional [@bb0110]. At 100 mV holding potential, pure-lipid bilayer traces displayed a peak-to-peak noise of \~ 2--4 pA (data not shown). In the presence of wild-type KcsA, the single-channel traces ([Fig. 5](#f0030){ref-type="fig"}A) revealed short bursts of activity followed by long periods of inactivity leading to low overall open probability as reported previously [@bb0050; @bb0115]. Histogram analysis of the activity bursts gave an open probability for the wild-type KcsA of 4.8% with open current amplitudes distributed around 6 pA in agreement with earlier studies [@bb0050; @bb0115]. The single-channel recordings of the R64L and R89L mutants ([Fig. 5](#f0030){ref-type="fig"}B and C respectively) displayed fewer channel openings, however bursts of channel activity were still observed. Using a current amplitude of 4 pA as a threshold, an open probability (P~0~) of 1.6% and 2.0% was measured for the R64L and R89L mutants respectively. In contrast to the wild-type behaviour however, a distribution of current amplitudes is observed ranging from \< 4 pA (closed channels) up to a maximum of 10 pA in both cases. We are unable from this data to determine whether the apparent disappearance of a well-defined conductance state is due to channel opening events that are occurring on timescales faster or comparable to our sampling rates or due to an inherent property of the mutant channels, e.g. the existence of additional sub-conductance states. Analysis of the single channel recordings of the R64L/R89L double mutant ([Fig. 5](#f0030){ref-type="fig"}D) showed a further decrease in channel opening, with an open probability (P~0~) of 0.8%. As for the single mutants discrete conductance states were not observed. Despite the open probability of the wild type KcsA being low, the single-channel current recordings obtained for the R64L, R89L and R64L/R89L double mutant clearly indicate that the replacement of the charged arginine residues at position 64 and 89 with leucine alters the gating of KcsA, reducing both its open probability and conductance. Care must be taken in the interpretation of the electrophysiology recordings as lipid protein interactions have been reported to play a significant role in the folding and stability of the tetrameric channel which would clearly have implication on the conductance behaviour [@bb0140]. However, the appearance of stable tetramers on the SDS-PAGE of the wild-type and mutants ([Fig. 1](#f0005){ref-type="fig"}) suggests that the mutant proteins are both correctly folded and assembled into stable tetramer and thus the changes observed are a result in different gating behaviour. Several patch-clamping studies have previously been reported on the R64A mutant of KcsA reconstituted by mixing bacterial membranes with asolectin vesicles [@bb0120; @bb0125]. There are significant differences in the responses of the R64A mutation between these studies with Perozo and co-workers reporting a significantly higher open probability of 65% [@bb0120] whilst Kremer *et al.* find that the R64A mutant has a higher tendency to close than wild type KcsA [@bb0125]. Interestingly, channel-gating behaviour was also reported to be dependent on the nature of the substitution with a R64D mutation giving rise to a higher open probability than R64A, which Kremer et al. suggested to arise from the formation of a salt bridge across the non-annular lipid binding site which may stabilise the open state thereby mimicking the presence of an anionic lipid [@bb0125]. The low open probabilities, compared to wild type KcsA, that we observe in the R64L, R89L and R64L/R89L double mutant would be consistent with such a hypothesis, suggesting that the bulky, uncharged sidechains are unable to form the necessary interactions necessary to stabilise the open state. 4. Conclusion {#s0025} ============= Utilising ^31^P proton-decoupled MAS-NMR we have studied the interaction between KcsA and its surrounding lipid bilayer. No specific interaction is observed between KcsA and the zwitterionic POPC membrane constituent, however upon reconstitution into a lipid bilayer composed of POPC/POPG (70%/30% mol/mol), we observe the appearance of a distinct spectral component at − 0.14 ppm that we have assigned to the binding of POPG to the non-annular lipid-binding site on KcsA. The upfield perturbation in chemical shift observed upon the binding of POPG to the non-annular lipid-binding site on KcsA is consistent with the interaction of the anionic lipid with positive charges within the binding site. Based on earlier computational studies and crystallographic studies that proposed a role for R64 and R89 in the recognition of the negatively charged sites in the lipid headgroup we mutated R64 and R89 to a slightly smaller leucine residue. Subsequent ^31^P proton-decoupled MAS-NMR studies of the R64L, R89L and the R64L/R89L double mutant showed the disappearance of the resonance attributed to the bound POPG at − 0.14 ppm. Single channel recordings have revealed that the positive charges on the side chains of R64 and R89 act synergistically to further reduce the low channel open probability observed for KcsA under these conditions. Finally we note that the slow exchange between the lipids at the non-annular binding site compared to the faster exchange observed for annular lipids results in the presence of a distinct spectral component as opposed to broadening. This observation demonstrates the feasibility of observing lipids whilst bound to non-annular binding sites in other, potentially less well characterised systems, providing an alternative biophysical technique to study how lipids and other lipophilic molecules may interact with these sites and the role this plays in regulating the function of integral membrane proteins. Furthermore, the detection of non-annular lipids by NMR paves the way to more complex magic-angle spinning experiments which will enable the accurate structural characterisation of the lipid within its binding site and the interactions responsible for its binding. PTFW and PM are funded by a Wellcome Trust Career Development Fellowship to PTFW. Prof. M.H. Levitt is kindly thanked for providing support and instrument time to conduct these measurements. We would like to acknowledge Prof. G. Gröbner and Prof. A.G. Lee for many interesting discussions. ![Coomassie stained tricine SDS-PAGE of purified wild-type KcsA (Lane 2) the mutants R64L (Lane 3), R89L (Lane 4), and the R64L/R89L double mutant (Lane 5). Molecular weight markers (Lane 1).](gr1){#f0010} ![Effect of KcsA on the ^31^P proton-decoupled spectra of lipid vesicles composed of 100% POPC (A/C) and 70% POPC/30% POPG (mol/mol) (B/D) under 6 kHz MAS (A/B) and static (C/D). Spectra of lipid vesicles alone (black) and in the presence of KcsA at a lipid to KcsA tetramer ratio of 100:1 (red).](gr2){#f0015} ![Deconvolution of the ^31^P proton decouple MAS-NMR spectrum of wild type KcsA reconstituted into 70% POPC/30% POPG (mol/mol) bilayer (experimental spectra, solid line; fit of individual components, dotted line; sum of fitted spectral components, dashed line).](gr3){#f0020} ![Comparison of ^31^P proton decoupled MAS-NMR spectra of WT KcsA (A) and the site directed mutants R64L (B), R89L (C) R64L/R89L (D) reconstituted into lipid vesicles composed of POPC and POPG at a ratio of 70%/30% (mol/mol).](gr4){#f0025} ![Single-channel recordings from wild-type, R64L, R89L and the R64L/R89L double mutant KcsA showing a reduced channel conductance upon the removal of the positive charge from the non-annular lipid-binding site. Columns 1 and 2: representative single channel recordings, 10 s and 500 ms total time respectively. Column 3: all-point histograms of the open probability of KcsA mutants during a burst of channel activity. Column 4: vertical expansion of column 3, highlighting channel openings.](gr5){#f0030} ![Crystal structure of wild type KcsA showing the location of the resolved DAG buried at the interface between the two subunits. Residues R64 and R89 are both in close proximity to the glycerol backbone of the DAG and well positioned to interact with the negatively charged phosphate group of the anionic lipids which although not resolved in this structure are known to occupy the non-annular binding site. Figure generated from pdb file 1K4C.pdb [@bb0130] and visualised in Chimera [@bb0135].](gr6){#f0035}
{ "pile_set_name": "PubMed Central" }
Richtweg (Hamburg U-Bahn station) Richtweg is a public transport station for the rapid transit trains of Hamburg's underground railway line U1, located in Norderstedt, Germany. It was opened 1953 as a stop of the Alster Northern Railway (ANB) from Ulzburg Süd to Ochsenzoll with an island platform. Between 1994 and 1996 this section of the ANB was rebuilt for the Hamburg U-Bahn system. Station layout The station is a side platform station with a passenger bridge crossing at the north and exits to both sides of it. See also Hamburger Verkehrsverbund Public transport association in Hamburg Hamburger Hochbahn Operator of the Hamburg U-Bahn References External links Network plan HVV (pdf) 560 KiB Norderstedt Richtweg Norderstedt Richtweg Norderstedt Richtweg Norderstedt Richtweg
{ "pile_set_name": "Wikipedia (en)" }
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, which forms semiconductor integrated circuit patterns by using charged particle beams. 2. Description of the Related Art A lithography technology has been used for pattern formation of a semiconductor integrated circuit. In such a case, a light, an electron beam or the like is used as an energy beam to expose a photo-sensitive film. In photolithography using a light as an energy beam, in order to deal with microfabrication of a semiconductor device, a wavelength of a light source has been made shorter from a g line (436 nm) to an i line (365 nm), and to KrF (248 nm). This has been carried out because of the fact that resolution of a micro pattern is increased in inverse proportion to a wavelength. In the photolithography, resolution has accordingly been increased by a shorter wavelength. However, performance of a photolithography device has become insufficient for a pattern size required as device performance. Thus, further shortening of a wavelength of the light source has been pursued so as to increase resolution. However, not only light sources but also new lens materials and resists must be developed, necessitating enormous development costs. Consequently, device prices and process costs are increased, creating a problem of a high price of a manufactured semiconductor device. On the other hand, electron beam lithography using an electron beam as an energy beam has an advantage of high resolution capability compared with the photolithography. In the case of a conventional electron beam lithography device, however, writing was carried out on a resist on a wafer by coating (direct writing) with a point (rectangular) beam or connecting a mask pattern of only several xcexcmxc3x97several xcexcm. In the case of the conventional electron beam, an electron source for obtaining high-density electron beams was not provided, and uniform electron beams were not provided in a wide range. Alternatively, aberration occurred between a center portion and a peripheral portion in the case of projecting an area of a large area. Consequently, resolution was deteriorated, making it impossible to project patterns of large areas all at once. Therefore, in a conventional electron beam writing method, since writing is carried out while connecting very small areas, many shots are necessary for writing on one wafer. In addition, since time is necessary until stabilization after an electron beam is deflected to a predetermined position for each shot, the increased number of shots causes a reduction in throughput. For such a reason, throughput has conventionally been low, about several pieces per hour (in 8-inch wafer), proving the method to be unsuitable as a mass-production technology. As one of the measures to improve throughput of the electron beam lithography, for example as described in pp. 6897 to 6901, Japan Journal Applied Physics, vol., 39 (2000), electron projection lithography has been presented, which forms all patterns on a mask original plate (referred to as a reticle, hereinafter), and then projects/transfers the patterns by using electron beams. In this electron beam projection lithography, a lens was developed, which prevents aberration from being generated even when high-density electron means are provided uniformly in a wide range, and large-area irradiation is carried out. As in the case of the photolithography, the development of the lens enables the mask to be irradiated with electron beams, and scanned, greatly reducing the number of shots. Thus, the electron projection lithography is similar to the photolithography in terms of projection, its image being similar to a change of a light source from a light to an electron beam. Compared with several pieces/hour of the conventional electron beam lithography, throughput of one digit higher, i.e., 35 pieces/hour (in 8-inch wafer) is estimated. A shape of the reticle for electron beam projection is descried in, for example pp.214 to 224 of Proceedings of SPIE vol. 3997 (2000). FIG. 2A is a bird""s eye view of a reticle for electron beam projection, FIG. 2B an expanded view of a area 203 of FIG. 2A, and FIG. 2C a view of the reticle seen from the above. The electron beam lithography has a limited projection range. Accordingly, circuit patterns constituting an LSI chip are divided at sizes 1000 xcexcmxe2x96xa1 on the reticle, and these circuit patterns are connected to form a pattern of the entire chip during projection. Hereinafter, one of such divided areas, i.e., a area on which the patterns are projected all at once, is referred to as a xe2x80x9csubfieldxe2x80x9d 201. A wafer, on which the circuit patterns are projected, is continuously moved, and each pattern projection is carried out by mechanically moving a reticle stage and deflecting electron beams corresponding to the wafer movement. A thickness of silicon (Si) of a pattern portion of the reticle is thin, 0.5 to 2 xcexcm, and consequently breaking easily occurs. Thus, a mechanical strength is increased by providing a silicon beam called a strut 202 between the subfields. Now, a manufacturing flow of a reticle for electron beam projection is described by referring to FIGS. 3A to 3D. As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer having SiO2 buried in a Si substrate is used. The substrate has a thickness of about 400 to 800 xcexcm and, thereon, SiO2 is deposited by 0.1 to 0.5 xcexcm, and Si by 0.5 to 2 xcexcm. As methods of manufacturing a reticle for electron beam projection, there are available a preceding back etching method for carrying out back etching of the substrate before formation of a reticle pattern to manufacture the strut 202, and a succeeding back etching method for carrying out back etching of the substrate later. Here, the preceding back etching method is described. In the preceding method, first, a area of the strut 202 is subjected to patterning, and dry etching is carried out. According to the preceding back etching method, a reticle pattern is formed after blanks for a stencil mask are made. Thus, since blanks for a stencil mask can be made and stored, and only surface machining is needed thereafter, turn around time (TAT) can be shortened. On the other hand, in the succeeding back etching method, patterning is carried out on a normal thick substrate. Accordingly, the number of special steps for manufacturing an EPL mask is relatively small. However, if mismatching is present in membrane stress between an oxide film of an intermediate layer and silicon on the surface by execution of etching of back-side Si, which makes TAT longer, mask deformation may occur, causing a shift in projection position. This positional shift is prevented by adding boron or the like to an oxide film on the surface to generate tensile stress on the substrate surface as well, and reducing stress between the oxide film and the substrate. Both methods have own features different from each other as described above, and the preceding back etching method enabling TAT to be shortened is considered to be more suitable. The oxide film is removed after the execution of the back etching. Accordingly, membrane blanks for the reticle for electron beam projection are made (FIG. 3B). Then, circuit patterns are divided into predetermined subfields, and a resist pattern 301 is formed on the reticle for electron beam projection by a resist process (FIG. 3C). A predetermined pattern is formed by further carrying out dry etching. Lastly, the reticle for electron beam projection is made by carrying out cleaning (FIG. 3D). As described herein, the reticle having an opening pattern for passing the energy beam is called a stencil type. Representative features of the present invention can be summarized as follows. In the case of using the electron projection lithography device, throughput can be greatly improved up to 35 pieces/hour compared with the electron beam direct writing method. Compared with the conventional photolithography, however, the throughput is lower, about xc2xd. In the case of the stencil-type reticle, since the opening pattern for passing the electron beam is provided, a xe2x80x9csquare-shapedxe2x80x9d pattern called a doughnut-type pattern cannot be included. This is because the inside of the xe2x80x9csquare-shapedxe2x80x9d portion is surrounded with the opening pattern, and thus no supports are present, causing it to fall. Therefore, to carry out pattern projection for one area, it was necessary to use a so-called complementary reticle for dividing patterns into two or more reticles, and executing electron beam projection for the same area by a plurality of times. In such a case, projection must be carried out twice for pattern projection of one area, and a reduction inevitably occurs in throughput. A current value of an electron beam must be increased in order to achieve high throughput. In such a case, repulsion between electron beams enlarges beam blur, lowering resolution. Accordingly, even if an electron projection lithography device that has been under development conventionally and now is used, it has been difficult to obtain throughput as high as that of the photolithography. Thus, there is a need to properly use the photolithography having high throughput, and the electron projection lithography having low throughput but high resolution. However, no effective proper using methods have been available. In the electron projection lithography, it is necessary to properly use a complementary reticle having limited pattern constraints but low throughput, and a non-complementary reticle having many pattern constraints but high throughput. Thus far, however, no effective proper using methods have been presented. Therefore, objects of the present invention are to provide an effective method of properly using a photolithography device and an electron projection lithography device, and an effective method of properly using complementary and non-complementary reticles when electron projection lithography is used. In the case of the reticle for electron beam projection, in a conventional reticle for cell-projection, a projection area is small, and a thickness of the reticle is about 10 xcexcm, thus providing a high mechanical strength. However, a thickness of a reticle for electron projection lithography is about 2 xcexcm or lower, which is very thin, and accordingly a mechanical strength is low. Further, since patterns are projected all at one on a large area of 1 mm or more, patterns having a large aspect ratio are formed in the opening pattern of the reticle. For example as shown in FIG. 20A, in a non-opening portion 2002 for scattering electron beams, openings 2001 for projecting patterns with electron beams non-scattered are densely formed at a large aspect ratio. Thus, a state before a cleaning step of the reticle was similar to that shown in FIG. 20A. After the cleaning step, however, as shown in FIG. 20B, surface tension of cleaning solution brought about bending 2003, chipping 2004, and adhesion of a foreign object caused by the chipping. Consequently, breaking or short-circuiting, and shifting in projection position occurred in a manufactured device circuit, creating a problem of impossible acquisition of initial performance. The problems including the bending and the like have become conspicuous, because projection of patterns carried out all at once on the large area in the electron projection lithography device or the like has increased the aspect ratio of the transcribed patterns by 50 times or more, and a thickness of the stencil mask has become thin to 5 xcexcm or lower. Therefore, another object of the present invention is to provide a method of setting a beam interval, which prevents bending in a stencil mask. A micro-beam provided for the purpose of preventing bending or the like can be made sufficiently thin to make projection of the patterns difficult. However, this may cause a problem such as narrowing, where the transcribed patterns become large or small in size locally at the micro-beam portion. Therefore, another object of the present invention is to suppress pattern deformation at a micro-beam portion by providing a forming place, a shape and a material of an optimal micro-beam, and a projection method. As described above, throughput and resolution greatly varied depending on projection devices and methods, and required throughput and resolution were never satisfied simultaneously. Thus, regarding the two types of devices, i.e., photolithography having high throughput, and electron projection lithography having throughput low compared with that of the photolithography but still relatively high, and a high resolution capability, the present invention presents a projection device and a projection method capable of obtaining highest throughput while satisfying required accuracy and required resolution for each type and layer. The invention also presents a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, which makes effective selection of two types of projection methods, i.e., non-complementary and complementary reticles, so as to obtain highest throughput while satisfying required accuracy and required resolution, when the electron projection lithography device is selected. According to the invention, the electron projection lithography device is used at layers such as an isolation layer, a gate level, a contact hole layer, and a wiring layer just after the gate level, where pattern formation is difficult by the photolithography device. At other layers to be sufficiently processed even by the photolithography, the photolithography is used. In this way, pattern projection is carried out. According to the invention, conditions for selecting the photolithography and the electron projection lithography are decided depending on an exposure wavelength of the photolithography device and numerical aperture of an exposure system. According to the invention, for products small in number to be processed by one reticle or products with quick turnaround time, e.g., in small volume products or research developments, a variable-shaped electron writing system or a cell-projection electron beam writing system needing no manufacturing of reticles is used to directly write a pattern on a sample. Thus, it is possible to reduce mask manufacturing costs, and shorten mask manufacturing time. According to the invention, the electron projection lithography by the complementary reticle is used at the wiring layer just after the gate level or at a layer having a high ratio of a transcribed pattern area in a chip. Accordingly, an opening area of a pattern can be reduced by complementary splitting at the layer having the high ratio of the transcribed pattern area. Thus, it is possible to improve resolution. According to the invention, in order to increase a strength of a reticle for electron beam projection, if a short size of a non-opening pattern is Wnm, and a spacing with a non-opening pattern adjacent to the same is Snm, then a micro-beam formation interval Lnm is set equal to/lower than a predetermined interval so as to set 0 less than Lxe2x89xa6(S+Wxe2x88x9250)xc3x9750. However, each size is represented by nano meters. According to the invention, in order to increase a strength of a reticle for electron beam projection, a micro-beam forming place is set at an intersection portion between T-shaped opening patterns. According to the invention, as a material of the micro-beam, a material having a low electron scattering coefficient compared with that of a material of a reticle non-opening area is used. Thus, charged particles scattered at the micro-beam are suppressed to prevent projection of the micro-beam. According to the invention, in unit areas to be subjected to charged particle projection all at once, a width of a micro-beam in a unit area having a large opening area is set larger than that of a micro-beam in a unit area having a small opening area. Accordingly, a maximum micro-beam width can be set, which prevents projection in each unit area. Thus, mask manufacturing can be facilitated, and a mechanical strength of the mask can be increased. According to the invention, even in the same unit area, a width of a micro-beam at a place of a large opening pattern width is set larger than that of a micro-beam at a place of a small opening pattern width. Accordingly, a maximum micro-beam width can be set, which prevents projection, according to each pattern. Thus, mask manufacturing can be facilitated, and a mechanical strength of the mask can be increased. According to the invention, in order to prevent approaching between the micro-beam and a pattern edge, an area having a distance between the micro-beam and a non-opening pattern parallel to the micro-beam set less than 10 times of a width of the micro-beam is set as a micro-beam formation limiting area, and a position of the micro-beam is shifted so as to set the distance larger by 10 times or more than a width of the micro-beam. Thus, projection of micro-beam patterns caused by dense disposition of micro-beams can be suppressed. According to the invention, an area within a predetermined range, particularly an area requiring high pattern size accuracy, e.g., a gate pattern portion on an active area, is set as a micro-beam formation limiting area. Thus, it is possible to prevent pattern failures caused by micro-beams within the predetermined range. According to the invention, the micro-beam is disposed obliquely to a chip arraying direction, especially +45xc2x0 or xe2x88x9245xc2x0 to the chip arraying direction. Thus, a size changing amount at the micro-beam can be halved. According to the invention, a first round of projection is carried out by using a mask including a micro-beam having a non-opening area connected, and an opening pattern width shortened by a predetermined amount in a direction orthogonal to the micro-beam. A second round of projection is carried out by using the mask, and shifting a projection position in a direction orthogonal to an arraying direction of the micro-beam. Thus, it is possible to suppress formation of patterns of micro-beams on the semiconductor substrate. According to the invention, double exposure is carried out in a direction orthogonal to the micro-beam, and by using a reticle having an opening pattern width shortened by a predetermined amount in the same direction as a shifting direction. Thus, it is possible to suppress an increase in pattern size caused by the double exposure with positional shifting. According to the invention, as a method of carrying out the double exposure, shifting exposure is carried out by a deflector. Thus, it is possible to carry out the double exposure at a high speed. According to the invention, double exposure for suppressing projection of the micro-beam can be carried out by undulating a relative relation between an area to be projected by charged particles all at once, and the semiconductor device. Accordingly, it is possible to separately control projection position deflection and undulation for shifting exposure, achieving a simpler device configuration. According to the invention, a reticle having a larger opening width of an opening pattern adjacent to the micro-beam is used. Thus, it is possible to suppress projection of a micro-beam pattern.
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RENDERED: FEBRUARY 18, 2016 TO BE PUBLISHED oSuprrittr Caurf TArttfurhu 2015-SC-000086-CL IN RE: F ROBERT A. WINTER, JR., PLAINTIFF AND CAMERON BLAU AND HONORABLE ALLISON JONES, INTERVENING PLAINTIFFS THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF KENTUCKY, NORTHERN DIVISION COVINGTON, CIVIL NO. 14-119-ART HONORABLE STEPHEN D. WOLNITZEK, IN HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY AS CHAIR, JUDICIAL CONDUCT COMMISSION, ET AL. OPINION OF THE COURT BY JUSTICE VENTERS CERTIFYING THE LAW Pursuant to CR 76.37(1), we granted the certification request of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky (District Court), to provide the answer under Kentucky law to the following three questions and the associated sub-questions: Question 1: Canon 5A(1)(a) states that a judge or judicial candidate shall not "campaign as a member of a political organization." What constitutes "campaign[ing] as a member of a political organization"? As applied to this case, would it include a candidate's statements in mailers identifying his political party, such as "I am the only Republican candidate for Judge" or "I am the Conservative Republican candidate for Judge"? Would a candidate's statement that his opponent was "the Democrat candidate for Judge" or the "Liberal Democrat for Judge" violate the Canon? Question 2: Canon 5A(1)(b) states that a judge or judicial candidate shall not "act as a leader or hold any office in a political organization." What constitutes "act[ing] as a leader or hold[ing] any office"? As applied to this case, would hosting events for a political party violate the Canon? Question 3: Canon 5B(1)(c) states that a judge or judicial candidate "shall not knowingly, or with reckless disregard for the truth, misrepresent any candidate's identity, qualifications, present position, or make any other false or misleading statements." What constitutes a false statement? As applied to this case, would it include a candidate who asks voters to "re-elect" her to a second term even though she was appointed to her first term? These canons were promulgated by this Court with the objective of complying with Section 117 of our Constitution requiring that "Justices of the Supreme Court and judges of the Court of Appeals, Circuit and District Court shall be elected from their respective districts or circuits on a nonpartisan basis as provided by law." (Emphasis added.) We interpret this provision of the Kentucky Constitution as directing that Kentucky's judicial elections be nonpartisan in truth and substance, and not merely in process and procedure by the superficial omission of a political party designation on the voting ballot. Accordingly, we provide the following certification of Kentucky law in response to the District Court's questions. 2 I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND Robert A. Winter, Jr., filed to run in the May 2014 primary election as a candidate for circuit court judge in the 16th Judicial Circuit (Campbell County). As part of his campaign strategy, Winter mailed brochures to registered Republican voters identifying himself as a registered Republican and, conversely, identifying his opponents as registered Democrats. After the brochures were sent out, the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission (JCC) notified Winter that it had received complaints that his brochures violated the Kentucky Code of Judicial Conduct. Winter responded in June 2014 by filing suit in the District Court against the JCC challenging the constitutionality of Canons 5A(1)(a) (prohibiting judges and judicial candidates from campaigning as a member of a political organization) and 5B(1)(c) (prohibiting judges or judicial candidates from making "false" or "misleading" statements). During the same election cycle, Cameron Blau entered the race as a candidate for district court judge in the 17th Judicial District (Campbell County). Because Blau likewise intended to openly campaign as a Republican and send brochures likewise identifying himself as a Republican, in October 2014, Blau filed an intervening complaint to join Winter's challenge to Canons 5A(1)(a) and 5B(1)(c). As relevant here, Blau also challenged the constitutionality of Canon 5A(1)(b) (a judicial candidate shall not "act as a leader or hold any office in a political organization"). In his complaint, Blau stated that he wanted to send out brochures to potential voters identifying himself as "the only Republican candidate for Judge," or "the Conservative 3 Republican candidate for Judge" and identifying his opponent as "the Democrat candidate" or the "Liberal Democrat for Judge." Blau also indicated in his complaint that he wanted to seek the endorsement of the local Republican Party, host events for the local Republican Party, and make political donations to members of the Republican Party.' In a lengthy order preliminarily addressing the constitutionality of the canons under review (the Injunction Order), the District Court concluded that there was a likelihood that each of the canons at issue was unconstitutional, and granted Blau's motion to prevent the JCC from enforcing the canons against him in the November 2014 election. Allison Jones was appointed by Governor Steve Beshear to the Kentucky Court of Appeals in July 2013. To retain the office to which she was appointed, Jones became a candidate in the November 2014 General Election. In October 2014, the JCC received a complaint alleging that Judge Jones had made false and misleading statements in speeches and campaign materials. The "false and misleading statements" referred to Jones' use of the word "re-elect" to describe her effort to retain the judicial position to which she had been appointed rather than "elected." Jones then intervened in Winter's District Court action, contending that Canon 5B(1)(c) (prohibiting false statements) was unconstitutional. The only issue presented in Jones' portion of the case is whether an incumbent judge who was appointed to office may properly use the 1 Blau also raised constitutional challenges to other judicial canons not at issue in the questions of law presently before us. 4 word "re-elect" to describe her effort to retain the office to which she was appointed but not elected. It is within the context of this litigation that the District Court requested that we certify the law on the questions addressed herein. II. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS We begin with a few general considerations that guide our examination of the questions presented by the District Court. First, pursuant to the Kentucky Constitution, all judges and justices at every level of the state judiciary are selected by ballots cast by the people of Kentucky. Ky. Const. § 117. Thus, we recognize that the judicial canons we address in this decision were designed to serve the state's compelling interest of encouraging an unbiased and impartial judiciary for the Commonwealth, and that the Commonwealth's interest is offset by restricting the political speech of only the few who volunteer to be a candidate for office, not their supporters, advocates, and non-candidate adversaries. The ultimate objective of our system of judicial selection is to achieve a delicate balance. On one side of the scales, we must foster and protect the people's prerogative to choose by direct vote the judges that preside locally and statewide. On the other side of the scales, we must create a political environment in which judges selected by the citizens are not tethered, or beholden to partisan political factions and their associated creeds. And, we must do so in a way that preserves the judiciary as an institution that is not partial to or biased against any political faction. 5 The federal judicial system achieves this balance by an effective but different approach. Rather than selecting judges by popular election, the federal system selects judges by the collaborative effort of the political branches, the executive and the legislative, based upon any and all factors including the nominee's political ties, beliefs, and political ideologies. The federal system achieves its assurance that judges are not beholden to political interests and factions by appointing them for life. With the lifetime tenure, federal judges are liberated from any ties or allegiance to the political factions that supported their ascension, and that might otherwise seek to influence them. The federal system secures the government's vital interest in an independent judiciary at the expense of the people's ability to choose and replace their judges. Kentuckians, like the citizens of most states, chose to achieve the same balance by alternate means. We have judges who must earn the public's respect and maintain the public's confidence by periodically entering and re-entering the arena of elective politics. Kentucky, like most states, assures the impartiality and integrity of the judiciary, not with a lifetime appointment, but through moderate restrictions on partisan activities set out in canons of conduct. The judicial canons at issue in this case perform the same function of keeping judges free from the potentially corruptive influences and appearances of partisan politics accomplished in the federal system by the lifetime tenure of judges. As such, the canons that make up our Code Judicial 6 Conduct advance a laudable and necessary goal that serves a vital interest of this Commonwealth. In the discussions of the judicial canons at hand, we are mindful that the public's trust in, and respect for, its judiciary is at stake. We accordingly are constrained to undertake a narrow view of those canons as we answer the questions posed by the District Court. At the same time we provide an interpretation that complies with controlling First Amendment case authorities, strict scrutiny, and other relevant, constitutional principles relating to vagueness, overinclusiveness, and underinclusiveness. III. STANDARDS OF REVIEW Our canons of judicial conduct are set forth in Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 4.300. The preamble to the canons states in part: The Code of Judicial Conduct is intended to establish standards for ethical conduct of judges. It [of necessity] consists of broad statements . . . . The Canons and Sections are rules of reason. They should be applied consistent with constitutional requirements, statutes, other court rules and decisional law and in the context of all relevant circumstances . . . . This litigation concerns the restrictions on the speech of judicial candidates in judicial elections. Because the First Amendment 2 reviles 2 The First Amendment provides that Congress "shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech." The Fourteenth Amendment makes that prohibition applicable to the States. Stromberg v. California, 283 U.S. 359, 368 (1931). 7 restrictions on core political speech, 3 such restrictions are subject to the strict scrutiny standard. Williams-Yulee v. Florida Bar, 135 S. Ct. 1656, 1665 (2015). 4 Under the strict scrutiny standard, "[a] State may restrict the speech of a judicial candidate only if the restriction is narrowly tailored to serve a compelling interest." Id. Prior authorities have identified and held that there is a compelling governmental interest in encouraging an unbiased and impartial judiciary and in maintaining the integrity of the judiciary. See id. at 1666 (States have a compelling interest in preserving public confidence in the integrity of the judiciary). Those are precisely the interests addressed in the canons under review. We interpret the law, including the judicial canons now under review, by applying the plain and ordinary meaning of relevant text. Pearce v. University of Louisville, by & through its Board of Trustees, 448 S.W.3d 746, 749 (Ky. 2014). 5 We fundamentally undertake to construe the law so as to avoid an unconstitutional result. Caneyville Volunteer Fire Department v. Green's Motorcycle Salvage, Inc., 286 S.W.3d 790, 806 (Ky. 2009); Ballinger v. 3 Speech concerning public issues and the qualifications of candidates for elective office commands the highest level of First Amendment protection. See Eu v. San Francisco County Democratic Central Committee., 489 U.S. 214, 223 (1989). 4 This holding appears in Section II of Williams-Yulee, which was joined by only four Justices. However, the four dissenters likewise agree that strict scrutiny is the proper standard of review of laws constraining judicial campaign speech. Accordingly, it is now definitively established that strict scrutiny is the proper standard of review in judicial electioneering cases. 5 Of course, there is an obvious difference between our interpretation of legislative acts, in which our principal objective is to determine the intent of another body; here, the judicial canons we interpret were promulgated by this Court, and thus in this sense we are interpreting our own work. 8 Commonwealth, 459 S.W.3d 349, 354 (Ky. 2015) (citations omitted). Of course this fundamental rule of construction also applies to the interpretation of the rules we promulgate. Summe v. Judicial Retirement and Removal Commission, 947(S.W.2d 42, 47 (Ky. 1997). Moreover, we accede to the decisions of the federal courts addressing important First Amendment issues relating to judicial candidate electioneering. Because recent federal decisions guide our interpretation of the canons at issue, we begin with a brief overview of their central holdings. In Republican Party of Minnesota v. White, 536 U.S. 765 (2002), the Supreme Court struck down a Minnesota judicial canon which prohibited candidates for judicial election from announcing their views on disputed legal or political issues. Proponents of the canon argued that it survived the strict scrutiny test because it served the compelling governmental interest of preserving the appearance of an impartial judiciary. The Court, however, concluded that the canon failed the strict scrutiny test because it did not advance the proffered interest. The Court held that the canon did not preserve the appearance of an impartial judiciary because it did not restrict speech advocating for or against particular parties or political factions; rather, it restricted candidates from expressing their own personal opinions on popular issues. The Court found no compelling state interest in suppressing judicial candidates' views on such issues. 6 6 See also J.C.J.D. v. R.J.C.R., 803 S.W.2d 953 (Ky. 1991) (Panel of Special Justices) (Code of Judicial Conduct provision prohibiting all discussion of judicial 9 In Family Trust Foundation of Kentucky v. Wolnitzek, 345 F. Supp. 2d 672 (E.D. Ky. 2004), the District Court considered Kentucky's Judicial Canon 5B(1)(c), which provided, in relevant part, that a judge or candidate to judicial office "shall not make pledges or promises of conduct in office other than the faithful and impartial performance of the duties of the office; [and] shall not make statements that commit or appear to commit the candidate with respect to cases, controversies or issues that are likely to come before the court[.]" In striking down the canon, the District Court held that the canon was unconstitutionally overbroad in that it was not limited to a ban on promises or commitments by candidates to rule a certain way on cases likely to come before them (which would be sustainable as furthering a compelling government interest in securing judicial open mindedness), and it consequently stifled the right of judges and candidates to speak out on issues and the corresponding right of voters to hear their views. Consistent with that determination the decision further held that judicial candidates cannot be prohibited from responding to election issue questionnaires inquiring into their positions on public issues. In Carey v. Wolnitzek, 614 F.3d 189 (6th Cir. 2010), the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals held that a former version of Kentucky Judicial Canon 5A(2), which prohibited judges and judicial candidates from disclosing their party candidate's views on disputed legal or political issues unnecessarily violated constitutional free speech rights of judicial candidates). 10 affiliation in any form of advertising, or when speaking to a gathering, except in answer to a direct question by a voter in one-on-one or very small private informal settings, was unconstitutional because it was not narrowly tailored to advance the Commonwealth's interest in preventing a biased judiciary, or diminishing the role of political parties in judicial selection, and thus the canon facially violated free speech and associational rights. The Sixth Circuit reasoned that by prohibiting candidates from disclosing their party affiliations, the clause effectively prevented candidates from announcing their individual views on many issues to the extent that a party identification signals the judicial candidate's alignment with the views incorporated into a political party's platform. The decision further held that the canon was underinclusive for these additional reasons: the identification of the candidate's party affiliation was forbidden only when the candidate raised the point and could otherwise be disclosed by the candidate's supporters; judicial candidates were not restrained from disclosing their memberships or affiliations with other types of organizations that advocated political opinions, such as the Federalist Society or the ACLU, which may be more telling than one's actual party identification itself; and the canon did not prohibit judicial candidates from being members of a political party. Rather, it only prohibited them from announcing their particular party membership.? 7 Carey also held that our canon prohibiting a judicial candidate from personally soliciting funds was unconstitutional; however, that holding has been superseded by Williams-Yulee v. Florida Bar, 135 S. Ct. 1656 (2015) (upholding restrictions on a judicial candidate's personal solicitation of campaign funds). 11 Most recently, and perhaps most importantly, the Supreme Court decided in Williams-Yulee that a Florida judicial canon restricting a judicial candidate's personal solicitation of campaign funds was constitutional because it was narrowly tailored to serve the compelling governmental interest in obviating the indecorous practice of an attorney who regularly practiced before a judge, or a litigant with a case pending before a judge, personally handing cash to the judge or being placed in the untenable position of rebuffing the judge's personal solicitation. See also Caperton v. A.T. Massey Coal Co., Inc., 556 U.S. 868, 889 (2009) (holding that there is serious risk of actual bias, based on objective and reasonable perceptions, when a person with a personal stake in a particular case has significant and disproportionate influence in placing a judge on the case by raising funds, or by directing a judge's election campaign, when the case was pending or imminent). With the above standards and constitutional limitations in mind, we now turn to the particular questions posed by the District Court in its certification of law request. IV. QUESTION I - CANON 5A(1)(A) The District Court's first question seeks certification of a broadly-stated question along with two more specific subparts. Canon 5A(1)(a) states as follows: Canon 5. A judge or judicial candidate shall refrain from inappropriate political activity. A. Political Conduct in General. 12 (1) Except as permitted by law, a judge or a candidate for election to judicial office shall not: (a) campaign as a member of a political organization[.] (Emphasis added.) The section is further clarified by the following official commentary: A judge or a candidate for election to judicial office retains the right to participate in the political process as a voter. A judge or a candidate for election to judicial office may publicly affiliate with a political organization but may not campaign as a member of a political organization. Because the specific prohibition contained in Canon 5A(1)(a) (shall not . . . campaign as a member of a political organization) is limited by the introductory clause "except as permitted by law," our interpretation of the section is guided by the various First Amendment court decisions addressing judicial campaign issues as referenced above. A. Answer to Question 1: What constitutes "campaign[ing] as a member of a political organization"? The Terminology Section of SCR 4.300 defines a "political organization" as "denot[ing] a political party or other group, the principal purpose of which is to further the election or appointment of candidates to political office." The Democrat and Republican parties clearly fall within this definition. Carey held that a judicial candidate cannot be restrained from identifying himself as a member of a political party, and our current version of Canon 5 was promulgated in response to that decision. It follows that the canon does not, and indeed could not, reach that activity. In summary, a judicial candidate may identify himself to the public as a member of a political party. Carey v. 13 Wolnitzek, 614 F.3d 189; Commentary to Canon 5 ("a candidate for election to judicial office may publicly affiliate with a political organization"). Nevertheless, there is a vast difference between the permissible speech of a judicial candidate identifying herself as a member of a political party and the impermissibly deceptive conduct of representing herself as the nominee of a political party. The former statement would be true; the latter is by any standard, blatantly false. Canon 5A(1)(a) draws that distinction. The Canon 5 provision proscribing "campaigning as a member of a political organization" prohibits the dissemination of campaign materials and other public representations suggesting to the voters that the candidate is the endorsed judicial nominee of a political party. For example, a campaign representation such as "I am the Republican candidate for the 16th Judicial Circuit Court" is impermissible. There is no "Republican candidate" for that office; the assertion is materially false and misleading. See Canon 5B(1)(c) (prohibiting materially false statements). Political parties and factions do not select or nominate candidates for judicial office in Kentucky. Canon 5A(1)(a) merely recognizes and faithfully codifies this Constitutional reality. B. Answer to Question 1A: As applied to this case, would it include a candidate's statements in mailers identifying his political party, such as "I am the only Republican candidate for Judge" or "I am the Conservative Republican candidate for Judge"? As noted above, pursuant to Carey, prohibiting a judicial candidate from identifying himself as a member of a political party is unconstitutional and the present version of Canon 5A(1)(a) was drawn to comply with Carey. Therefore, the statement "I am the only Republican candidate for Judge" is permissible, as 14 long as it is true, because the message merely identifies the candidate as a Republican who is a candidate for judge, albeit the only one. It does not imply that the candidate is the nominee of the Republican Party, which would be prohibited. In contrast, the statement "I am the Conservative Republican candidate for Judge," transmits the message that the candidate is the formal nominee for the Republican Party. As discussed above, this is an impermissible depiction by the candidate of his status in the judicial race; the insertion of the modifier "Conservative" into the statement does not, in our view, dispel the disingenuousness of the statement. Under the current state of affairs of modern American politics, the Republican Party is commonly regarded as occupying the conservative side of the political spectrum, and so the addition of the modifier "Conservative" is surplusage, doing nothing to dispel the implied falsehood that the candidate is running for Kentucky judicial office as the formal candidate of the Republican Party. C. Answer to Question 1B: Would a candidate's statement that his opponent was "the Democrat candidate for Judge" or the "Liberal Democrat for Judge" violate the Canon? The statement by a candidate that his opponent is "the Democrat candidate for Judge" is an impermissible message to the voters. His opponent is not, in fact, the Democrat candidate for Judge. As previously explained, such candidates do not exist in Kentucky, and such a campaign message would therefore amount to a blatant falsehood. See Canon 5B(1)(c) (prohibiting materially false statements). 15 Similarly, a statement by a candidate that his opponent is "the Liberal Democrat for Judge" is likewise impermissible. For the identical reasons discussed above, the modern Democratic Party is widely acknowledged as falling within the liberal segment of the political spectrum. There is no meaningful difference between stating that someone is "the Liberal Democrat for Judge" as opposed to "the Democrat for Judge." Both phrasings imply the false and misleading message that the opponent is the Democratic Party nominee for judge. D. Summary In summary, judicial candidates may "affiliate," 8 that is "portray" themselves as members of a political party without restriction; what they may not do under Canon 5A(1)(b), in tandem with Canon 5B(1)(c), is portray themselves, either directly or by implication, as the official nominee of a political party. V. QUESTION 2 - CANON 5A(1)(B) The second question concerns Canon 5A(1)(b). This Canon states as follows: Canon 5. A judge or judicial candidate shall refrain from inappropriate political activity. A. Political Conduct in General (1) Except as permitted by law, a judge or a candidate for election to judicial office shall not: 8 Merriam Webster defines "affiliate" as "to closely connect (something or - yourself) with or to something (such as a program or organization) as a member or partner[.1" http://www.merriam-webster.corn/dictionary/affiliate (January 2016). 16 (b) act as a leader or hold any office in a political organization. A. Answer to Question 2: Canon 5A(1)(b) states that a judge or judicial candidate shall not "act as a leader or hold any office in a political organization." What constitutes "act[ing] as a leader or hold[ing] any office"? "Holding any office" in a political organization means occupying a formal position with a recognized title or performing a function within the established organizational structure of an association whose principal purpose is to further the election or appointment of candidates to political office. An "office" in such an organization includes recognized titles such as chairman, director, secretary, treasurer, press secretary, precinct leader, membership recruiter, youth coordinator, and the like. "Acting as a leader" encompasses a less formal but broader range of participation. Matter of Disciplinary Proceeding Against Blauvelt, 801 P.2d 235, 238 (1990), 9 notes that Webster's Third New International Dictionary 1283 (1986), defines leader, among other ways, as "a person who by force of example, talents, or qualities of leadership plays a directing role, wields commanding influence, or has a following in any sphere of activity or thought." "Acting as a leader," therefore, captures efforts to advance the political agenda of the party in a less formal way through proactive planning, organizing, 9 Blauvelt addressed a judicial canon substantially identical to Canon 5A(1)(b) and held that a judge serving as a delegate to political party's county convention was a "leader" within meaning of the canon's prohibition against a judge acting as a "leader" in a political organization. 17 directing, and controlling of party functions with the goal of achieving success for the political party. These less formalized, leader-without-title, positions would include, for example, acting formally or informally as a party spokesperson; organizing, managing, or recruiting new members; organizing or managing campaigns; fundraising; and performing other roles exerting influence or authority over the rank and file membership albeit without a formal title, including as further discussed below, hosting political events. B. Answer to Question 2A: As applied to this case, would hosting events for a political party violate the Canon? Consistent with the definition of "acting as a leader," as just discussed, one who hosts an event for a political party is "acting as a leader" for the party. Merriam-Webster defines "host" as: "1 a: one that receives or entertains guests socially, commercially, or officially; b: one that provides facilities for an event or function . . . ." 1-0 Therefore, someone who provides the facilities for an event of a political party or officially receives the political party attendees is, indeed, acting as a "leader" of a political party. The "host" of an event, political or otherwise, uses the prestige of his or her name to promote the event and exerts a significant measure of control and authority over the event, more so, in our view, than the more passive political delegate function in Blauvelt. Perforce, a judicial candidate hosting a political event acts as a leader of that event and is, in turn, acting as a leader of the political party on whose behalf the political event is being held. Under Canon 5A(1)(b) that is prohibited conduct. 10 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/host (January 2016). 18 VI. QUESTION III - CANON 5B(1)(C) The final questions posed by the District Court concern the misleading speech prohibition by a judicial candidate contained in Canon 5B(1)(c). Canon 5B(1)(c) provides, in relevant part, as follows: B. Campaign Conduct. (1) A judge or candidate for election to judicial office: (c) shall not . . . with reckless disregard for the truth, misrepresent any candidate's identity, qualifications, present position, or make any other false or misleading statements. A. Answer to Question 3: Canon 5B(1)(c) states that a judge or judicial candidate "shall not knowingly, or with reckless disregard for the truth, misrepresent any candidate's identity, qualifications, present position, or make any other false or misleading statements." What constitutes a false statement? A falser statement is a statement that is not factually true in the normal sense; that is, an untrue utterance. For example, it would include such statements as: "I graduated first in my class" when the candidate did not; "I have won all of my cases as an attorney" when the candidate had not; "I was an officer in the military" when the candidate was not; or "my opponent was convicted of a drug offense" when the opponent was not. 12 11 Merriam-Webster defines false as "not real or genuine: not true or accurate; especially: deliberately untrue: done or said to fool or deceive someone." http:/ / www.merriam-web sten com/ +dictionary/ false (January 2016) . 12 In United States v. Alvarez, 132 S. Ct. 2537 (2012), the Supreme Court held that false statements generally are not a category of unprotected speech exempt from the normal prohibition on content-based restrictions. Id. at 2547 (striking down a federal statute which prohibited lying about military awards). (Per opinion of Justice Kennedy, with three Justices concurring and two Justices concurring in the 19 The provision does not, however, cover expressions of opinion because expressions of an opinion do not implicate a statement that is not factually true. For example such statements as "Justice Stevens was the best Justice ever"; "Citizens United was the best decision ever"; or "my opponent is too liberal" are all expressions of opinion and not subject to Canon 5B(1)(c). In summary, Canon 5B(1)(c) extends only to statements made during a campaign which are objectively factually untrue and do not extend to expressions of subjective opinions or innocuous campaign-trail "puffing" ("I am the most qualified candidate in the state."). B. Answer to Question 3A: As applied to this case, would it include a candidate who asks voters to "re-elect" her to a second term even though she was appointed to her first term? The prefix "re" affixed to a verb implies that the action described in the verb has occurred on a previous occasion. 13 For example, if a television network announces that it will rerun a particular program, it has implicitly but definitively asserted that the program had been run on a prior occasion; it is implied that a soldier who re-enlists in the army had enlisted in the military on a prior occasion; and something can be reasserted only if it has previously been asserted. judgment). However, the Court pointedly exempted from the scope of the decision laws aimed at "maintain[ing] the general good repute and dignity of . . . government . . . service itself." Id. at 2546 (citing United States v. Lepowitch, 318 U.S. 702, 704, 63 S. Ct. 914, 87 L.Ed. 1091 (1943)). Because the canons we address fall squarely within this exception, we are persuaded that Alvarez does not apply here. 13 See generally http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/re (January 2016). 20 Given this universally accepted convention of the English language, a candidate's request for voters to re elect her to a judicial office is an affirmative - assertion that she had been elected by voters to the same office on a prior occasion. A judge who holds her office by way of a gubernatorial appointment cannot honestly claim that she was elected to the office, and if she seeks to retain the office at the next election, she cannot honestly assert that she seeks to be re elected. Such an assertion would be a materially false statement, - deceptive to the public, and would run afoul of Canon 5B(1)(c). The opponents of the canon cite to various court decisions and news articles where the term "re-elect" was used to describe a judge who was seeking to retain an office attained by appointment rather than election. Using the term in news articles and other narratives to chronicle historic events is an informal and idiomatic phrasing, but it is nonetheless inaccurate. In contrast, when an incumbent judge uses the word "re-elect" as campaign stratagem to persuade the public that she acquired the office by the popular vote of the people rather than as the appointee of a governor, its use is calculated to mislead and deceive the voters. Accordingly, we distinguish these informal, idiomatic usages and regard these journalistic references as irrelevant to our review. VII. CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW The closing step to interpreting a statute or other legal authority, such as the canons interpreted herein, is undertaking a final examination to ascertain that our interpretation complies with any existing constitutional mandates. We 21 have undertaken that review and are satisfied that our interpretations as expressed above fall well within the requirements of White, Carey, Williams- Yulee, and other applicable First Amendment authorities. Nevertheless, we are attentive that in its Injunction Order, the District Court expressed its skepticism regarding the constitutionality of each of the canons under review. In response to that skepticism, we emphasize that we are persuaded that Williams-Yulee resolves the District Court's criticism in favor of the interpretations expressed herein. For example, the District Court criticizes our campaign limitation, expressed in Canon 5A(1)(a), as being underinclusive 14 because it fails to address the practical reality that, in lieu of the candidate directly portraying himself as the favored candidate of a political party, his supporters and surrogates may undertake that same function. The District Court is correct; we do not purport to limit the campaign conduct of supporters and surrogates. But the Court's criticism ignores the fact that the compelling interest served by our canon is to insulate the judge personally from behaviors that directly undermine the impartiality and objectivity of the Kentucky Court of Justice. That others outside the judiciary may pursue these political objectives on behalf of the judge or judicial candidate does not in any way diminish our objective. If anything, it is a factor that favors the constitutionality of our canon by emphasizing its limited impact on political 14"[U]nderindusiveness can raise 'doubts about whether the government is in fact pursuing the interest it invokes, rather than disfavoring a particular speaker or viewpoint.' Williams Yulee, 135 S. Ct. at 1668. - 22 discourse. The objective is not to keep information hidden from the public; the objective is to keep the judge from compromising his or her integrity and impartiality by engaging in deceptive and misleading conduct. Williams-Yulee presented a very similar situation. While the Florida rules prohibited a judge from personally soliciting funds, responsible representatives were permitted to do so on her behalf. Against the underinclusiveness argument, the United States Supreme Court noted: "A State need not address all aspects of a problem in one fell swoop; policymakers may focus on their most pressing concerns. We have accordingly upheld laws—even under strict scrutiny—that conceivably could have restricted even greater amounts of speech in service of their stated interests." 135 S. Ct. at 1668. By the same force of reasoning, our Canon 5A(1)(a) is not underinclusive; 15 nor are the other judicial canons we have discussed. The District Court likewise criticizes our canons as overbroad in that they may be construed to extend beyond the range of prohibitable speech and reach non-prohibitable speech. 16 In drafting our canons, we strived to avoid overbreadth and the clarifications expressed herein should obviate that concern. In any event, Williams-Yulee addressed the same point and the same 15 And further, of course we have no jurisdiction over the judicial candidate's supporters and surrogates; however that does not mean we are powerless over those whom we do have jurisdiction from misleading the public into believing that they are the officially sanctioned nominee of a political party. 16 The overbreadth doctrine "is predicated on the danger that an overly broad statute, if left in place, may cause persons whose expression is constitutionally protected to refrain from exercising their rights for fear of criminal sanctions." Massachusetts v. Oakes, 491 U.S. 576, 581 (1989). 23 compelling interests were at stake. There, the Supreme Court observed that "The First Amendment requires that [the personal solicitation canon] be narrowly tailored, not that it be 'perfectly tailored.' The impossibility of perfect tailoring is especially apparent when the State's compelling interest is as intangible as public confidence in the integrity of the judiciary." 135 S. Ct. at 1671 (citation omitted). The same principle applies in this situation as we strive to protect the democratic ideal of citizens choosing their judges and, at the same time, preserve the neutrality of the judicial branch by insulating judges from detrimental influences of partisan politics. Perhaps we have not achieved the ideal-but-elusive "perfect tailoring," but nevertheless our tailoring comports with the standard prescribed in Williams-Yulee. The District Court also suggests in its Injunction Order that the canons at issue are unconstitutionally vague; 17 however, as we discuss herein, a plain, ordinary, and common sense application of the language of the canons gives accurate guidance to a judicial candidate of what he may or may not do in a political campaign: he may not campaign as the nominee of a political party; he may not act as an office holder or leader, in the traditional sense of those terms, of a political party and he may not lie to the public on the campaign trail, although he is free to otherwise express his opinion on matters relating to himself, his opponent, and matters of public interest. It bears emphasis as 17 "[The void-for-vagueness doctrine requires that a penal statute define the criminal offense with sufficient definiteness that ordinary people can understand what conduct is prohibited and in a manner that does not encourage arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement." Kolender v. Lawson, 461 U.S. 352, 357 (1983). 24 well that Kentucky's Judicial Conduct Commission maintains an ethics advisory structure which is available to judicial candidates seeking specific advice or guidance on campaign matters. VIII. CONCLUSION The law as set forth above is hereby certified to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. All sitting. Minton, C.J.; Cunningham, Hughes, Keller, and Venters, JJ., concur. Noble, J., concurs in part and dissents in part by separate opinion in which Wright, J., joins. NOBLE, J., CONCURRING IN PART AND DISSENTING IN PART: I concur with Justice Venters' excellent analysis on all the issues in this case except for his answer to question IA, as to whether the statement "I am the only Republican candidate for judge" is permissible. I do not think it is. In the same discussion, he concludes that it is NOT permissible to say, "I am the conservative Republican candidate for judge." Both the term "only" and the term "conservative" are modifiers and immediately precede the phrase "Republican candidate." Thus, whatever the modifier may be, both sentences are discussing "the...Republican candidate." As the majority explains, Republicans (Democrats) do not have a party candidate in non-partisan judicial elections, and saying that one is "the Republican candidate" is inappropriate and misleading. I can make no distinction between the two sentences at issue, and thus would find that neither is permissible. Our Constitution requires that judicial candidates be non-partisan candidates, and declaring oneself to be any 25 kind of Republican (or Democratic) candidate adds partisanship to the actual candidacy, rather than stating in which political party one has membership. Wright, J., joins. 26 COUNSEL FOR CAMERON BLAU: Jack Scott Gatlin Freund, Freeze, and Arnold Christopher D. Wiest Chris Wiest, Attorney at Law, PLLC COUNSEL FOR ALLISON JONES: Lucinda C. Shirooni Thomas B Bruns Jack Scott Gatlin Freund, Freeze & Arnold COUNSEL FOR HON. STEVEN D. WOLNITZEK, IN HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY AS CHAIR, JUDICIAL CONDUCT COMMISSION: Jeffrey C. Mando Louis Kelly Adams, Stepner, Woltermann & Dusing, PLLC Mark Richard Overstreet Bethany A. Breetz Stites & Harbison, PLLC 27
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Q: How do you use list properties in Google App Engine datastore in Java? An object to be placed in the datastore will have a set of tags. public class Model { List<String> tagList ... } In Python, the Google App Engine has the notion of list properties. What is the equivalent notion in Java (if it exists) and how would you use list properties in Java, in JPA and/or in JDO? A: See my blog post exactly on this: Efficient Keyword Search with Relation Index Entities and Objectify for Google Datastore. It talks about implementing search with list properties using Relation Index Entities and Objectify. To summarize: Query<DocumentKeywords> query = ofy.query(DocumentKeywords.class); for (String keyword : keywords) { query = query.filter("keywords", keyword); } Set<Key<Document>> keys = query.<Document>fetchParentKeys(); Collection<Document> documents = ofy.get(keys).values(); where DocumentKeywords contains a list property (collection) of all keywords for its Document entity, and Document entity is a parent for DocumentKeywords. A: In JDO use @Persistent private List<ContactInfo> contactInfoSets;
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ROSEVILLE, Mich. (WXYZ) — A video posted on social media is sparking a debate. An employee at the 7-eleven on Gratiot and 13 Mile Road in Roseville was captured washing his feet in a sink that is meant for washing hands. The sink is next to a coffee machine and across from a grill station. The footage turned stomachs while others came to the employee's defense. Emily Divel recorded the video and posted it to social media. "As I walked in I could hear him loudly spitting in the sink," Divel said. Divel said he then put his foot in the sink. Action News confronted the employee who said it was a religious practice. The unidentified employee said he's Muslim and it's mandatory he clean his feet, arms, and face at least five times a day. Customers had mixed reaction outside the store on Tuesday. The employee in the video talks to us tonight on @wxyzdetroit. Again he says, it’s a religious practice. pic.twitter.com/B1tGBQA9nY — Rudy Harper (@RudyHarperWXYZ) September 4, 2019 "I understand the prayer but washing the feet! You can wash your hands and have prayer but not your feet," said one customer. "We don't discourage religion but be sanitary working with food," Divel said. 7-Eleven released a statement: "We take the cleanliness of 7-Eleven stores very seriously so thank you for making us aware of this incident and allowing us to investigate this matter." State health inspectors are also now investigating.
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Q: My rails stylesheets are not loading/working It's been a while since I've developed in Rails and I'm having trouble getting any scss stylesheet to work on my freshly created rails app. layouts/application.html.erb has the default <%= stylesheet_link_tag 'application', media: 'all', 'data-turbolinks-track' => true %> at the top. For testing purposes, I created a main.scss file in assets/stylesheets/ that looks like this: * { border: 1px solid black; } I thought the application.scss file is supposed to grab all the stylesheets in it's folder and child folders but it's not. (Oddly, the .js files load just fine.) I've tried RAILS_ENV=production rake assets:precompile but it didn't do anything. Could someone explain what it even does? I've tried adding *= require main and *= require main.scss to application.scss. I even changed the file ext to css for both files. The only way I've gotten any css to render is by directly adding the code to application.scss, which I don't want to do. Please help me with this. EDIT 1 I'm going to add some more info since I'm getting generic answers. I mentioned that it's a fresh rails app so the basic things are already pre-generated. This is how my application.scss looks: /* * This is a manifest file that'll be compiled into application.css, which will include all the files * listed below. * * Any CSS and SCSS file within this directory, lib/assets/stylesheets, vendor/assets/stylesheets, * or any plugin's vendor/assets/stylesheets directory can be referenced here using a relative path. * * You're free to add application-wide styles to this file and they'll appear at the bottom of the * compiled file so the styles you add here take precedence over styles defined in any styles * defined in the other CSS/SCSS files in this directory. It is generally better to create a new * file per style scope. * *= require_tree . *= require main *= require_self */ Still, nothing works A: /* *= require_tree . *= require_self */ Add the above to your application.scss or application.css.scss file A: Looks like the only way I can get it to work is by adding @import main; to application.scss. It seems like the styles end up being used on every page (is this the default in rails?). This is not my ideal solution but it's the only thing I've been able to do to get any styles to work via requiring methods.
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1. Field of the Invention This invention relates in general to fuel cells and electrical motors and, more particularly, to a fuel cell powered electrical motor. 2. Description of the Related Prior Art The use of fuel cells to actuate electrical motors depends upon several factors. Among them efficiency and compactness are essential. Attempts have been made in the past to introduce a better fuel cell powered electrical motor. Thus, U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,647 dated Oct. 21, 1997 and granted to Wolfe et al. for a xe2x80x9cFuel Cell Powered Propulsion Systemxe2x80x9d describes a system for powering a vehicle. This system comprises an electrical motor for powering a vehicle, a fuel cell stack for providing fuel cell power and a turbine-generator unit. The latter includes a generator for supplying power output and a turbine for driving the generator. This system is believed to have an important disadvantage that resides in its lack of compactness, the components of the system being connected functionally, rather than structurally. U.S. Pat. No. 5,923,106, dated Jul. 13, 1999 and granted to Isaak et al. for an xe2x80x9cIntegrated Fuel Cell Electrical Motor with Static Fuel Cell and Rotating Magnetsxe2x80x9d describes a fuel cell with an electrical output integrated within a cylindrical form monopole electric motor. A rotor and a shaft are supported by a bearing attached to the top of the main body of the electrical motor, by another bearing attached to the cover of the body and by a third bearing attached to the bottom of the body. This motor has an important shortcoming. Structurally, the motor is not well engineered, since an accurate coaxiality of the three bearings mounted separately in three different components cannot be easily obtained. U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,322 dated Dec. 21, 1999 and granted to Isaak et al. for an xe2x80x9cIntegrated Fuel Cell Electric Motorxe2x80x9d relates to a motor similar to that described in the above United States Patent, wherein the cell is rotating. Besides the shortcoming of above United States Patent, the use of a rotating cell increases the mass to be balanced. Thus, it is more difficult to obtain and, especially, to maintain. the balancing of the rotating part of the system. There is accordingly a need for a fuel cell powered electrical motor which is well engineered, so that the components are easy to manufacture and reliable in operation. It is further desirable to have a compact, versatile and efficient fuel cell powered electrical motor. Broadly described, the present invention is directed to a fuel cell powered electrical motor which comprises an electrical motor including shaft means, stator means encircling the shaft means and rotor means encircling the stator means. Furthermore, the electrical motor incorporates a base plate means, located perpendicularly to the shaft means at a low part of the latter, and a flywheel means located perpendicularly to the shaft means at a top part of the latter. Fuel cell stack means are circularly disposed on the base plate means between the shaft and stator means, concentrically with both. The shaft means basically revolves together with the flywheel and rotor means with respect to the base plate means, while the fuel cell stack and stator means are attached to the base plate means. In one aspect of this invention, the fuel cell powered motor includes a commutator located under and attached to the flywheel means. The commutator is electrically connected to the fuel cell stack and rotor means. In another aspect of this invention, the fuel cell powered motor includes an annular brush disk attached to a top of the fuel cell stack means. The annular brush disk is provided at its upper surface with a plurality of brushes. The latter are adapted to be connected to an outside source of electrical power. In yet another aspect of this invention, the shaft assembly comprises: a main shaft having an upper flange provided with several apertures, equally spaced and circularly disposed; a flanged sleeve having a low flange provided with several openings, equally spaced and circularly disposed; and a bearing housing internally provided at both ends with a bearing. The bearing housing is mounted on the flanged sleeve. The upper flange is attached to the flywheel means and the bearing housing. The lower flange is attached to the flanged sleeve. In a further aspect of this invention, the base plate means incorporates a manifold and a sealing plate. The latter is disposed on top of the manifold plate. The manifold plate has a circular recess wherein the sealing plate is lodged. The circular recess is provided at its center with a shaft hole for a main shaft of the shaft assembly. Concentrical channel means is located coaxially with the shaft hole, while notch means extends radially from each of the concentrical channel means. Several downwardly extending apertures start from each of the concentric channel means and communicate with the exterior. Several manifold plate openings are located proximate to a periphery of the circular recess. The sealing plate is provided at its center with a passage hole, while four-hole row means are concentrically disposed around the passage hole. Each hole row means has a series of notch hole means, which correspond, with the notch means in the manifold plate. Both manifold and sealing plates are provided with a pair of coinciding slots: a first slot adapted for an electrical power output from the fuel cell stack means to an external controller and a second slot adapted for an electrical power input from the external controller to the stator and rotor means.
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Will my confidentiality be protected at MRS? Federal law protects client confidentiality. From the first time you call and ask about our program, all of your information is protected by the Federal Regulations pertaining to confidentiality and privacy. No staff member at MRS will release any information about any client, past or present, to anyone without the client's written permission. If we do have a release of information for an individual or an agency, which the client can revoke at anytime and no further information will be given to that individual or agency. What is Methadone ? Methadone is a long-acting synthetic narcotic, used primarily in the treatment of opiate addiction. It suppresses withdrawal symptoms, allowing methadone patients to lead normal lives.With innumerable successes over the past 40 years, methadone maintenance is recognized by the medical community as the most successful way of treating people addicted to opiates. How to use Methadone Safely: U.S. Department of Health & Human ServicesSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - Food and Drug Administration Methadone provides relief for patients who do not respond to non-narcotic pain medicines and has also been used for decades to treat individuals who suffer from addiction and dependence on heroin and narcotic pain medicines. When taken as prescribed, methadone is safe and effective. But all medicines have risks. Patients and healthcare providers need to understand the power and physical effects of methadone in order to get the maximum benefits.A Proven Road to ReliefWhether known by Dolophine, Methadose or its generic name, methadone has provided relief to millions of patients. Methadone works by changing how the brain and nervous system respond to pain. It is also used in drug detoxification and treatment programs to lessen the symptoms of withdrawal and to block the effects of opiate drugs. Methadone allows individuals to recover from their addiction and to reclaim active and meaningful lives. Patients being treated for pain generally receive a prescription from their doctor and take the medication at home. Patients taking methadone for addiction receive their doses at accredited programs under supervision. After a period of stability, these patients are given methadone to take at home between program visits. In all cases, if not taken correctly, methadone can be dangerous.The Dangers of Overdose Pain relief from a dose of methadone lasts about four to eight hours. But there are big differences in how each patient reacts to methadone. Even after the pain relief effects wear off, methadone remains in the body for much longer. Taking more methadone to relieve the pain can cause unintentional overdose. Navigate the Risks: Two Simple Steps 1. Take Methadone exactly as prescribed. To be safe, people must take only the dose prescribed, at the times prescribed. Methadone can build up in the body to a toxic level if taken too often, if the dose is too high, or if it is taken with certain other medicines or supplements. 2. Know—and share—your complete health history. People who take methadone need to give health professionals every detail of what they are taking. This is especially important for a firsttime user of methadone. A long list of medications can interact with methadone: Methadone may be more hazardous when used with alcohol, other opioids (opium-like substances) or illicit drugs that depress the central nervous system. Be especially careful about other medicines that may make you sleepy, such as other pain medicines, antidepressant medicines, sleeping pills, anxiety medicines, antihistamines, or tranquilizers. Other medicines to watch out for include diuretics, antibiotics, heart or blood pressure medication, HIV medicines and MAO inhibitors. If you are taking medicine that may cause disruptions in your heartbeat (known as arrhythmias), you should be especially cautious taking methadone. Even if a medication is not on this list, it could still be dangerous. Older adults and people with debilitating conditions may be more sensitive to methadone's effects. To avoid danger, people should tell health professionals about any illnesses or conditions. Here are just a few that doctors must know about: A history of drug or alcohol addiction Pregnancy and nursing (current or planned) Seizure disorders, such as epilepsy Cardiac conditions such as low blood pressure or long QT syndrome (racing heart) Use Methadone only as directed: Methadone can be addictive. Patients should take care not to abuse it. Never use more methadone than the amount prescribed. If you miss a dose or if you feel it is not working, do not take extra. For pain management patients, take only the recommended dose at the recommended time. For patients in methadone maintenance treatment for addiction, contact your clinic for instructions. No one should use methadone if it has not been prescribed for them. Be especially careful if taking methadone for the first time. When Taking Methadone: Do not consume alcohol or medicines that contain alcohol. Be careful when driving, operating heavy machinery or doing anything that requires you to be alert. Methadone, like many other medications, can slow thinking and reaction time and make you drowsy. Store methadone at room temperature and away from light. Always take methadone in the exact dosage amount and form you have been prescribed. Take steps to prevent children from accidentally taking methadone. Never give methadone to anyone else even if the person has similar symptoms or suffers from the same condition as you because it can be dangerous. Dispose of unused methadone by flushing it down the toilet. Suddenly stopping or going off methadone treatment can be dangerous. Patients should talk to their doctors first. To minimize withdrawal symptoms, health professionals can work out a plan to gradually reduce the medication. Take Side Effects Seriously: Some side effects are emergencies. Patients should contact a physician or emergency services right away—if they: Have difficulty breathing or shallow breathing Feel light-headed or faint Get hives or a rash; have swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat Feel chest pain Have a fast or pounding heartbeat Have hallucinations or confusion Make sure your family members and members of your household know what symptoms to look for, especially signs of shallow breathing or loud snoring. Other side effects are not life threatening, but can still be cause for concern.Patients should immediately talk to health professionals if they have: severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, weight gain, stomach pain, sweating, mood changes, vision problems, flush or red skin, sleep difficulties, decreased sexual desire or ability or missed menstrual periods. Feel Lost? Here's Help Patients who develop a problem with methadone or have questions should speak with a physician or contact 1-800-662-HELP.
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For voters tired of the status quo, Donald Trump’s gaudy lifestyle was part of his populist appeal, suggesting both his inability to be bought and his enmity toward his better-heeled peers. And in his first two months in office, the president has certainly delivered on at least one of those two fronts, refusing to compromise any of his creature comforts. He has traveled to Mar-a-Lago, the Trump-owned Palm Beach club he has dubbed the “Southern White House,” most weekends since he took office, and visited other Trump-owned properties on the rare weekends he has stayed in Washington. First Lady Melania Trump has yet to move into the White House, opting to stay in Trump Tower in Manhattan until their son, Barron, finishes his school year. His two adult sons, who took over day-to-day operations of the Trump Organization while the boss is in the Oval Office, are traveling around the world to open new hotels. Ivanka Trump, meanwhile, has taken an office in the West Wing and is in the process of obtaining a security clearance to serve as an unofficial adviser to her father. Three of his adult children, along with his eight grandchildren and their spouses, traveled to Aspen earlier this week during what is spring break for private schools along the Acela corridor. As the Trumps know better than anyone, there’s no such thing as a free trip to Mar-a-Lago, or to Aspen, and all this shuttling to-and-fro with Secret Service protection adds up. Based on internal agency documents, The Washington Post reports, the Secret Service has had to request $60 million in additional funding for next year in order to keep up with the Trump lifestyle. The Secret Service declined to share with the Post how much it spent to protect previous First Families. Nearly half of the new figure—$26.8 million—would go to protecting the First Family and the gilded Trump Tower triplex where Melania has opted to stay for the time being. The money will go toward “residence security operations at the president’s private residence in Trump Tower,” with roughly $12.5 million earmarked to cover “personnel related costs in New York,” as well as additional undisclosed costs, already spent this year, to put in “equipment and infrastructure to secure Trump Tower,” the fiscal 2018 budget documents show. The ask also included more money to protect the unusually large First Family. President Trump is 70 years old—the oldest president to be sworn in for a first term. He has five children, two of whom have eight children between them. Eric Trump announced earlier this week that he and his wife, Lara, are having a baby boy in September, bringing the total count of Trumps to 19. The Secret Service asked for six additional full-time-equivalent positions for the Trump detail, the Post reports. The remainder of the proposed budget additional funding—$33 million—would go toward travel costs. It is no secret that the president is fond of taking trips to Mar-a-Lago. The Trump children have also jetted to Dubai, Vancouver, and Aspen since he took office, for both business and pleasure. All of these trips require advance and detail, and thus, come out of the agency budget. They also require a great deal of money from local police protection. Between Election Day and Inauguration Day, the Post reports that New York police spent about $24 million to secure Trump Tower, and on any given day, the city spends between $127,000 and $145,000 to protect the First Lady and First Son in Manhattan while President Trump is in Washington—which has been most weekdays and a handful of weekends, as well.
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Search This Blog Thursday, 30 April 2015 Swaziland police have said they will decide who can and who cannot take part in May Day celebrations on Friday. According to them only ‘recognised’ workers unions will be allowed to take part. This is seen as a deliberate snub to the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA), the labour federation that has organized a rally in Manzini, the major commercial city in the kingdom, for Friday (1 May 2015). After a long and continuing dispute with the Swaziland state, TUCOSWA is not registered as a recognised federation in the kingdom ruled by King Mswati III, sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch. In Swaziland all political parties are banned from taking part in elections and organisations that advocate for democracy have been outlawed as ‘terrorist’ organisations under the Suppression of Terrorism Act. In a statement to media, Police Information and Communications Officer Assistant Superintendent Khulani Mamba said only recognised unions would be allowed to celebrate the Workers Day. He added, ‘Having said this, as a police service, we wish to point out as previously stated, that we will be present at the celebrations for the purpose of making sure that law and order is maintained. However, this is on the premise and understanding that the Labour Day is to be commemorated by recognised workers’ unions in the country,’ Mamba said. Previously, Mamba had told media since May Day was an internationally recognised day police would not hinder the celebrations by workers but they would arrest people who uttered ‘defamatory statements about authorities’. As workers and pro-democracy activists prepare to mark Workers’ Day on Friday (1 May 2015) many will remember Sipho Jele who was killed by Swaziland state forces five years ago. The 35-year-old Jele was arrested and charged under the Suppression of Terrorism Act on 1 May 2010 for wearing a T-shirt supporting the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), an organisation banned in the kingdom, ruled by King Mswati, sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch. He was taken to Manzini Police Station and then to Sidwashini Remand Correctional Institution. He was found hanging from a beam in a shower block on 3 May. The inquest verdict delivered in March 2011 said in effect that Jele levitated to the ceiling unaided, tied an old piece of blanket around a beam and then around his own neck and then allowed himself to fall to the ground, thereby killing himself by hanging. Coroner Nondumiso Simelane reported, ‘Further, although there was nothing found at the scene which the deceased could have used as a platform on which to stand to commit the suicide; upon closer examination of the scene and the photos of the deceased captured at the scene, and the pathologists concluding that “it is possible for the deceased to have mounted himself upwards from the floor and then suspended himself without the use of a platform,” and that “after the ligature was applied to the beam and neck he could have lowered himself and the feet would still be above the floor.” According to a report in the Swazi News, an independent newspaper in Swaziland, Perumal said, ‘In this case there is no evidence of being hung. The perplexing thing is how he got suspended as there was no object on which he stood. In most cases the object is kicked away for the body to remain suspended. There was no such object that was found. That is the only feature that doesn’t confirm suicide. It is an enigma how he hung without standing on an object.’ Questioned by attorney Leo Gama on whether it was possible that Jele had tied the rope around his neck while seated on the beam he was found hanging from, and then threw himself down for the rope to tighten around his neck, Dr Perumal entirely ruled out this possibility. ‘In that case there would be stretching of the skin and moreover there would be problem with the spine. Looking at the findings, we can exclude that scenario. There are no features to suggest that,’ he said. It emerged at the inquest that Swazi police and prison warders lied a number of times about the circumstances up to the time of the death. They had claimed that they interviewed people who were in the same cell as Jele about the circumstances of his death; Perumal told the inquest that the cell mates denied being interviewed. Perumal said, ‘I asked if any of the inmates had been interviewed to see if they had seen him and if any fight had ensued during the night of his death but none had been interviewed.’ This was not the first time that the police had been found out lying to the inquest. Previously, it was discovered that police had recorded in an official journal that Jele was in good health when he arrived at Manzini police station. The official record – called the RSP 3 book – said the entry was made by Constable David Tsabedze, but he told the inquest that he never made the entry. This led to Attorney Leo Gama concluding that Tsabedze never made such entries and left the space vacant, but when the police heard that there was to be an inquest into the matter, someone filled up those spaces without telling Tsabedze. This was so they could show Jele was in good health when he left the police station. Another anomaly was that although Jele was brought to the police station at 5.30pm on 1 May, he was only placed in a police cell at 11pm and no one could come forward to state what happened in the meantime. In a bizarre twist the inquest heard that Jele asked to be sent to Sidwashini because he feared being ‘tubed’ (tortured and suffocated) if he was sent back to police custody. The Swaziland Director of Public Prosecutions Mumcy Dlamini said she was pleased to hear this because it meant Jele had not yet been tortured while at the police station. Dlamini told the inquest as far as she knew the only reason why Jele wanted to go to Sidvwashini was his fear of torture by police. The inquest was told Jele was taken out of the Manzini Police Station’s cell for interrogation purposes for hours on different occasions, but one officer said it was unclear whether they also took him out of the building. A jailor, Assistant Superintendent Richard Mthukutheli Fakudze,told the inquest he found Jele hanging from a concrete bar in the bathroom of his prison cell at about 5am on 3 May and he just knew Jele had killed himself. While he gave his testimony, he was interrupted by Prosecutor Phila Dlamini who warned him to only say what he observed and desist from giving an opinion. Fakudze had conclusively said Jele hanged himself yet he found him hanging. Said Dlamini, ‘If you insist that he hanged himself, you are actually saying that you saw him tying the blanket around his neck and hanging himself.’ Jele was charged under S19 (1) (a) of the Suppression of terrorism Act for wearing a T-shirt with PUDEMO written on it. S19 (1) (a) of the STA states, ‘A person who is a member of a terrorist group commits an offence and shall on conviction, be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten (10) years.’ Wearing a PUDEMO T-Shirt does not make you a member of PUDEMO and therefore the police had no reason to arrest Jele. But after police arrested him they then took him to his home and searched it and later alleged they had found materials linking him to the banned political organisation. Amnesty International suspected that Jele might have been targeted for arrest at the May Day rally. Jele was one of 16 prodemocracy activists awaiting trial after they were charged with treason in 2005. In a public statement, Amnesty said, ‘Mr Jele had been subjected to torture and other ill-treatment in police custody in the past. He was detained by police in December 2005 and subsequently charged with treason along with 15 others. Mr Jele alleged that while in custody he was beaten around the head causing long-term damage to his hearing, for which Amnesty International was able to obtain independent medical corroboration. He also alleged that he was subjected to suffocation torture while forcibly held down on a bench by six police officers at Sigodvweni police station. Some of his co-defendants made similar allegations of torture by the police. ‘The presiding High Court judge hearing their bail application in March 2006 was sufficiently concerned to call on the government to establish an independent inquiry into their claims. An inquiry was established under a single commissioner who subsequently reported his findings to the then Prime Minister. To Amnesty International’s knowledge this inquiry report was never made public. Mr Jele and his co-defendants had still not been brought to trial on the treason charge by the time of his death.’ At the time of Jele’s death, PUDEMO said in a statement, ‘The Swaziland royal regime has always been giving the international community the wrong information that political dissenters are not imprisoned, harassed and killed. And that Swaziland is a peaceful country. But here is a political activist getting killed for attending Workers Day and wearing a PUDEMO T-shirt.’ Wednesday, 29 April 2015 It is hard to believe the police in Swaziland are serious in their intent to get the kingdom’s Chief Justice Michael Ramodibedi to leave the house he has been holed up in for 11 days after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Ramodibedi who is in his luxury mansion in Mbabane with his wife and two adult children was allowed to send one of his sons out for food last Friday (24 April 2015) and it was reported that on Wednesday (28 April 2015) his maid delivered food to the family. Ramodibedi, a native of Lesotho, reportedly faces 23 charges, including abuse of power. Two High Court Judges, Mpendulo Simelane and Jacobus Annandale, and the High Court Registrar, Fikile Nhlabatsi, have also been charged in connection with Ramodibedi’s case. They have appeared in court and been bailed. The Times of Swaziland, the only independent daily newspaper in the kingdom ruled by King Mswati III, sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch, reported on Wednesday, ‘The movement, with ease, of some members of the CJ’s family in and out of his residence has left journalists wondering why the police were not using such opportunities to enter the house and arrest the CJ.’ Police Information and Communications Officer Assistant Superintendent Khulani Mamba told the newspaper they were still waiting for negotiations between, Lesotho and Swaziland, to be concluded. It is not known who is negotiating and about what. Police officers have been camping outside the CJ’s house since Friday 17 April 2015. They said they would arrest Ramodibedi as soon as he came out of the house. There has been no attempt to enter the house forcibly, despite the comings-and-goings of people from the house. The lack of action by the police is unusual. They have a deserved reputation for smashing their way into the homes of pro-democracy activists, often without warrants. There is speculation within Swaziland and on social media about the reasoning for the delay in effecting the arrest warrant. On Sunday (26 April 2015), the Times Sunday, an independent newspaper in the kingdom, speculated that Ramodibedi was waiting until King Mswati returned to Swaziland from a trip to the Bandung Conference for Asian and African countries. The newspaper reported, ‘The chief justice is said to have stated that the only person he trusts was His Majesty the King.’ The newspaper did not say so but it is assumed that Ramodibedi thinks King Mswati will cancel the arrest warrant. It is true that King Mswati personally appointed and re-appointed Ramodibedi to the post of Chief Justice and that Ramodibedi has been a loyal and vocal supporter of the King. But, it is not so clear that Ramodibedi still enjoys the King’s favour. The King rules over the judiciary and the Swazi Government which he hand-picks and it is inconceivable that the arrest warrant would have been issued without his permission. One speculation is that the Chief Justice will be allowed to leave his house at the dead of night and escape into neighbouring South Africa. Many observers find it hard to imagine that Ramodibedi, a personal appointee of the King, will be allowed to be tried in a court of law. The main charges against him are of abuse of power, but international observers will note that the (for now) alleged abuses were made on behalf of and for the benefit of the King. If the spotlight is allowed to shine on Ramodibedi, it will shine also on the King. Tuesday, 28 April 2015 Police in Swaziland said they would arrest anyone at this week’s May Day celebrations who ‘utter defamatory statements about authorities’. But, they said they would to allow people to mark the day on 1 May. The Swazi Observer, a newspaper in effect owned by King Mswati III, who rules Swaziland as an absolute monarch, reported on Tuesday (28 April 2015) , ‘Police Information and Communications Officer Assistant Superintendent Khulani Mamba said since this was an internationally recognised day, they would not hinder the celebrations by workers but would deal with those that would utter statements against authority.’ He added, ‘However, those that will utter defamatory statements about authorities will be arrested.’ This warning was aimed at people who advocate for democracy in Swaziland where no political parties are allowed to contest elections and opposition groups are banned as ‘terrorists’ under the controversial Suppression of Terrorism Act 2008. At the May Day celebrations in 2014, People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) President Mario Masuku and the party’s youth congress leader Maxwell Dlamini were arrested and charged with uttering seditious statements. They have been in jail for a year awaiting trial. Monday, 27 April 2015 The Swaziland Tourist Authority (STA) falsified statistics on the number of passengers using the new King Msawati III Airport (KMIII) to make it look a success when it was not. And, the deception is part of an ongoing mission of misinformation about the success of the airport that has spanned several year. Figures for January 2015 were used by Swaziland Civil Aviation Authority (SWACAA), aided by the Swazi Observer, a newspaper in effect owned by King Mswati, to state that the airport had defied its critics and was a success. The STA reported that there were 10,138 passengers departing the airport in January 2015 and 6,592 passengers arriving, making a total of 16,730 passengers. But these figures were entirely bogus. There are only three flights per day departing the airport and another three arriving. The airport serves only one route – to OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. Swaziland Airlink is the only passenger airline that uses the airport. Airlink uses the Embraer J135 aircraft which has a maximum seating capacity of 50. If every flight was full a maximum of 150 people per day could depart the airport, which would make a maximum of 4,500 per month. The 4,500 is only 44 per cent of the numbers of passengers claimed by STA. The total possible number of passengers either departing or arriving at the airport could not be more than 9,000 in a month: 53 per cent of the figure claimed. No true figure for the actual number of people travelling by plane is available publically but anecdotal evidence suggests that the planes are rarely much more than two-thirds full, and often a lot less. King Mswati III Airport was built in a wilderness in Swaziland on the whim of King Mswati, who rules as sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch. No research was undertaken to determine the need for the airport. Critics of the airport argued for years that there was no potential for the airport. Major airports already existed less than an hour’s flying time away in South Africa with connecting routes to Swaziland and there was no reason to suspect passengers would want to use KMIII airport as an alternative. During the 11 years it took to build, the airport was called Sikhuphe, but the name was changed in honour of the King when it officially opened in March 2014. The airport cost an estimated E2.5 billion (US$250 million) to build. The Observer on Saturdayreported at the time of the opening, ‘The King stated unflinchingly that the airport was not a joke as some pessimists had already hinted that the country does not need such extravagance. He said the completion and commissioning of the airport had proved all doubting Thomases wrong.’ The newspaper added, ‘One thing was clear throughout the King’s address that he was extremely passionate about the project and that it was very close to his heart.’ When it was opened the international media derided the airport as a ‘white elephant’, meaning it was of little use. Since it opened only one commercial passenger airline, Swaziland Airlink, which is part-owned by the Swazi Government, has used the Airport. The airline was forced to move from the Matsapha Airport, even though an independent business analysis predicted the airline would go out of business as a result. No other airline has publically said it wanted to use the airport. Matsapha airport which handled about 70,000 passengers a year is close to Manzini and Mbabane, the two main cities in Swaziland. The new airport was built in a wilderness about 70km from Mbabane. Once it opened to traffic in September 2014, Matsapha was closed for commercial business. It is now mainly used by King Mswati when he travels in his private luxury jet. SWACAA had said the KMIII airport would attract 300,000 passengers per year (820 per day on average), raising E7 million (US$700,000) per year in service charges. In the present situation where only a maximum 300 people could travel per day, the total it could ever hope to achieve would be 109,500; only 36 percent of the numbers needed for the airport to reach its target. The Swazi Observer, which was described as a ‘pure propaganda machine for the royal family’ by the Media Institute of Southern Africa in a report on media freedom in the kingdom, used the bogus figure to talk up the airport’s supposed success. The newspaper was determined to mislead its readers about the success of the airport. The Sunday Observer, for example, in a report headlined ‘KMIII Airport surpasses expectations’ said, ‘When it started operating, sceptics were of the view that people would opt to travel by road because of, among other reasons, the distant location of the airport, which is situated about 70 kilometres from Mbabane. ‘However, passengers going through KMIII International Airport have surpassed the numbers that were recorded at the Matsapha Airport.’ The newspaper quoted SWACAA Marketing and Corporate Affairs Director Sabelo Dlamini saying, ‘We are noting that the figures are rising and for us, it points to a brighter future in aviation. It is also an affirmation of the massive work the government of Swaziland has done over the past five years to do right in the civil aviation industry, in particular the construction of an airport facility travellers are happy with.’ The newspaper reported, ‘Dlamini further noted that the drop in numbers that had been projected by critics had not happened at all.’ There has been a long history of misinformation about the potential for success of the airport. It was controversial from the moment the construction was announced in 2003. The International Monetary Fund said the airport should not be built because it would divert funds away from much needed projects to fight poverty in Swaziland. Today, about seven in ten of King Mswati’s 1.3 million subjects live in abject poverty, with incomes less than US$2 per day, three in ten are so hungry they are medically diagnosed as malnourished and the kingdom has the highest rate of HIV infection in the world. The false promises made about the airport are legion. In November 2013, SWACAA said that the Swazi Government was ready to recreate the defunct Royal Swazi National Airways Corporation (RSNAC0) and would set about purchasing a 100-seater jet, at a cost estimated by the Times of Swaziland of E700 million (US$70 million). This compared to the E125 million budgeted for free primary school education in Swaziland that year. It was never explained where the money to buy the aircraft would come from. SWACAA said RSNAC would fly to 10 destinations in Africa and Asia. Observers estimated RSNAC would probably need a minimum of 10 aircraft to service the routes. For that to happen, Swaziland would have to spend about E7 billion on aircraft. Such a sum of money would bankrupt the kingdom. To put the cost in context the Central Bank of Swaziland has estimated the kingdom’s gross official reserves were E8.24 billion at the month ended November 2013. The people were regularly misled about the opening date of the airport. At one time the King confidently announced it would be open in March 2010. Then his Prime Minister Barnabas Dlamini said it would be ready for the FIFA World Cup in neighbouring South Africa in June 2010, but this deadline came and went. SWACAA continued to issue fresh completion dates but these were never met. Bertram Stewart, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development also misled about the readiness of the airport to open. In October 2010, Stewart said the airport would be open by the end of that year, but it was not. He misled again in February 2011 when he confidently told media the airport would be completed by June 2011. It was not. He also said a number of top world airlines (that he declined to name) were negotiating to use the airport, but nothing happened. There has also been constant misinformation about the prospect of airlines choosing to use the airport. In October 2009, King Mswati claimed Etihad Airways from the Gulf State of Abu Dhabi was showing ‘deep interest’ in using the airport. Nothing has been heard since. In May 2011, the Swazi Observer reported Sabelo Dlamini saying, ‘We have established possible routes which we want to market to the operators. Some of the proposed routes from Sikhuphe are Durban, Cape Town, Lanseria Airport in Sandton, Harare and Mozambique.’ In June 2012, he told Swazi media that at least three airlines from different countries had ‘shown interest’ in using the airport, but he declined to name them. He remained optimistic about the prospects for the future and said SWACAA was talking to airlines in other countries as well. Then in February 2013 SWACAA Director Solomon Dube told media in Swaziland, ‘We are talking to some including Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airline and various Gulf airlines.’ In March 2013 SWACAA claimed five airlines had signed deals to use the airport when it eventually opened, but an investigation by Swazi media Commentary revealed that two of the airlines named did not exist. It also said Botswana Airways would use the airport, but it has not. In October 2013 SWACAA claimed it had targeted small and medium business travellers to use the airport. It said low-cost airlines were interested in using Sikhuphe for business travellers who might want to fly to nearby countries ‘on a daily basis’. Now, in April 2015, there are still no prospects of airlines other than Swazi Airlink using the airport. Saturday, 25 April 2015 Trade unionists and democracy campaigners in Swaziland are on a collision course with the police and state security after they refused to seek formal permission to hold a May Day rally. The Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) has confirmed that commemorations of the workers’ day will take place at the Salesian Sports Ground in Manzini, the commercial capital of Swaziland, on 1 May 2015. Vincent Ncongwane, TUCOSWA Secretary General, said his federation had informed the police of its decision to host the event. The Times of Swaziland, the only independent daily newspaper in the kingdom ruled by King Mswati III, the last absolute monarch in sub-Saharan Africa, reported him saying, ‘We will not be seeking permission from the police to host the event, it is unlawful to be forced to seek permission and there is no statute in the labour laws that allows the police to demand us to seek permission from them to host Workers Day.’ He added the fact that they had informed the police was sufficient and that they would not be seeking permission as police had instructed them to do in past years. The decision not to seek permission will almost certainly put TUCOSWA on a collision course with the police and the state security apparatus. Public gatherings are routinely disrupted by police unless they are sanctioned by the state. On Thursday (23 April 2015), for example, a newly-formed group called Swaziland Anti-Xenophobia Movement had a gathering broken up by police because they did not have permission from the Municipal Council of Mbabane to meet. They were trying to show their support for victims of Xenophobic attacks in neighbouring South Africa and tried to march to the South African High Commission in the Swazi capital, Mbabane. At May Day celebrations last year (2014), Mario Masuku, President of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), and Maxwell Dlamini, Secretary-General of the Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYOCO), were charged with ‘uttering seditious statements’. One year later they are still in prison awaiting trial. The two were arrested following a pro-democracy rally at the Salesian Sports Ground, the proposed venue for this year’s rally. PUDEMO has been banned in Swaziland as a ‘terrorist’ organisation since 2008, under the controversial Suppression of Terrorism Act. In May 2013, Muzi Mhlanga, the secretary general of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), was illegally placed under house arrest by police who wanted to prevent him attending a May Day rally. They had neither a court order nor warrant to place him under house arrest. Arrests were reported across the kingdom as democracy leaders refused police instructions to say at home and not attend May Day events.
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Thursday, June 16, 2016 GLENDALE, ARIZONA – Arizona Coyotes General Manager John Chayka announced today that the Coyotes will hold their prospect development camp July 4-8 with on-ice sessions starting Monday, July 4, at Gila River Arena. On-ice sessions are set for 2:00-4:15 p.m. on July 4, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on July 5, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on July 7 and 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on July 8. The players will participate in an intrasquad game on July 8 at 7:00 p.m. The practices and game are free and open to the public. Among the top prospects expected to attend the camp include former first round draft choices Dylan Strome (2015) and Brendan Perlini (2014). In addition, prospects including forwards Christian Dvorak, Ryan MacInnis, Max Letunov, Christian Fischer, Michael Bunting and Conor Garland as well as defensemen Kyle Wood, Dysin Mayo, Kyle Capobianco and Connor Clifton and goaltenders Marek Langhamer and Adin Hill will attend. The camp will provide players with NHL coaching and instruction in both on and off-ice workout sessions. Players will be available to the media following their on-ice training sessions. A full roster for the camp will be released at a later date.
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Meteorologist Jim Cantore Defends Himself From Attack on Live TV with a Swift Knee to the Nuts [VIDEO] Seems like Jim Cantore would be one of the last people you would want to try and tackle. He’s fought hurricanes, fires, floods, tornadoes, and on live TV a guy decided to try and tackle him and ruin a live report… NEVER under estimate a good knee to the crotch! Seriously, Cantore is like a Weather Channel Ninja. He’s reported in Floods, Wild Fires, Hurricanes, Tornadoes and more. Sometimes he appears to be fearless (or maybe crazy). Jim was doing a live piece from Charleston College to cover the winter weather, when a guy, thought to be a student, comes running at him screaming, Jim keeps talking, sees the guy, then knees the guy in the junk, and keeps on talking like it’s no big deal. Watch this… Welcome back to Eagle VIP Club It appears that you already have an account created within our VIP network of sites on . To keep your personal information safe, we need to verify that it's really you. To activate your account, please confirm your password. When you have confirmed your password, you will be able to log in through Facebook on both sites. *Please note that your prizes and activities will not be shared between programs within our VIP network. Welcome back to Eagle VIP Club It appears that you already have an account on this site associated with . To connect your existing account just click on the account activation button below. You will maintain your existing VIP profile. After you do this, you will be able to always log in to http://kygl.com using your original account information.
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NUMBER 13-00-389-CV COURT OF APPEALS THIRTEENTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS CORPUS CHRISTI __________________________________________________________________ DAVID B. MOORE , Appellant, v. ARTHUR ANDERSEN, L.L.P. AND LAURA MAWHINNEY , Appellees. __________________________________________________________________ On appeal from the 44th District Court of Dallas County, Texas. __________________________________________________________________ O P I N I O N Before Justices Hinojosa, Rodriguez, and Hill (1) Opinion by Justice Hill David Moore appeals from a summary judgment that he take nothing in his claims of sex discrimination and harassment, wrongful discharge, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress against Arthur Andersen, L.L.P., and Laura Mawhinney. He contends in four points that the trial court erred by granting summary judgment as to each of those four claims. We affirm because the trial court did not err by granting summary judgment as to Moore's claims. Moore sued appellees after he was fired by Andersen. His claims for defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress were made against both appellees, while his claims for sex discrimination and harassment and wrongful discharge were directed solely against Andersen. In response to his claims as they are outlined above, Appellees filed a motion for summary judgment, a motion to which Moore responded. As previously noted, the trial court granted summary judgment that Moore take nothing as to all of his claims. Appellees' motion for summary judgment reflects that it is brought both as a traditional and as a no-evidence motion for summary judgment because it states that it is brought under Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 166a(b) and 166a(i). Further, as to each cause of action brought by Moore, it alleges that there is no evidence as to an essential element of each claim, as required by Rule 166a(i). See Tex. R. Civ. P. 166a(i). Rule 166a(i) of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure provides that: After adequate time for discovery, a party without presenting summary judgment evidence may move for summary judgment on the ground that there is no evidence of one or more essential elements of a claim or defense on which an adverse party would have the burden of proof at trial. The motion must state the elements as to which there is no evidence. The court must grant the motion unless the respondent produces summary judgment evidence raising a genuine issue of material fact. Id. When such a motion is presented, the movant does not bear the burden of establishing each element of its own claim or defense. See Ford v. City State Bank of Palacios, 44 S.W.3d 121, 128 (Tex. App.--Corpus Christi 2001, no pet.). The burden then shifts to the nonmovant to present enough evidence to be entitled to a trial: evidence that raises a genuine fact issue on the challenged elements. Id. If the nonmovant is unable to present enough evidence, the trial judge must grant the motion. Id. A no-evidence motion for summary judgment is improperly granted if the nonmovant presents more than a scintilla of probative evidence to raise a genuine issue of material fact. Id. Less than a scintilla of evidence exists when the evidence is so weak as to do no more than create a mere surmise or suspicion of a fact. Id. More than a scintilla of evidence exists when the evidence rises to a level that would enable reasonable and fair-minded people to differ in their conclusions. Id. We first consider whether Appellees were entitled to a no-evidence motion for summary judgment. SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION With respect to Moore's claim of sexual harassment and sex discrimination, Andersen maintains in its motion for summary judgment that Moore can produce no evidence that Mawhinney created a sexually hostile work environment or discriminated against him because of his sex. Moore's claim is a statutory claim based upon the Texas Human Rights Act, Texas Labor Code section 21.001, et seq., which provides in section 21.051 as follows: An employer commits an unlawful employment practice if because of race, color, disability, religion, sex, national origin, or age the employer: 1. fails or refuses to hire an individual, discharges an individual, or discriminates in any other manner against an individual in connection with compensation or the terms, conditions, or privileges of employment; or 2. limits, segregates, or classifies an employee or applicant for employment in a manner that would deprive or tend to deprive an individual of any employment opportunity or adversely affect in any other manner the status of an employee. Tex. Lab. Code ANN.§ 21.051 (Vernon 1996). We will first consider Moore's contentions as they relate to his claim against Andersen for sex discrimination and harassment. According to Moore's affidavit, attached to his response, Mawhinney, his project manager at Andersen, gave him a memorandum that she had prepared for the file. In that memorandum, Mawhinney discussed observations of Moore's work and behavior. She observed that Moore spent "too much time 'chatting' with multiple female client personnel at the client site. This was perceived as flirtatious behavior by both the client and Barry's project team member and was brought to the attention of the project manager at a client dinner meeting." In addition to her observation, Mawhinney's memo contained the following under the heading "Action" with respect to that observation: On Wednesday, July 1st, 1998, Laura discussed this issue with Barry at the New Orleans airport. I emphasized the importance of Barry maintaining professional relationships with client personnel and focusing on project tasks, (which is what the client is paying AA to do). Additionally, I told Barry, that while developing client relationships are important, that he should be focusing mainly on tasks at his level, and when working on relationship-building, that it should occur more often with the client's managers, rather than the accounting clerks. It was reported to me that Barry's behavior changed in the right direction after our discussion. Mawhinney further stated in the memo that: Throughout the week, I observed Barry engaged in multiple conversations with multiple female employees, sometimes lasting 20-30 minutes at a time. In the course of one day, I would suspect that he worked six of eight hours. Barry should have had a full week's worth of work to do, but if for some reason he did not, he never bothered to offer assistance to his project team member with demo scripts, or ask for additional work. The bulk of the memo was directed to other types of examples of poor job performance on Moore's part. As can be seen, Mawhinney referred to Moore as Barry in the memorandum. Moore states in his affidavit that on the next working day, Monday, July 27, 1998, he went to Andersen's office of human resources and talked to Linda Ferguson. He indicates that after telling her he wanted to talk to her about sexual harassment, he complained that Mawhinney was directing agitated and antagonistic behavior toward him and was creating a hostile work environment. Moore says that he prepared a detailed rebuttal of the charges in Mawhinney's memo and followed the instructions given him by Ferguson. The affidavit reflects that on the following Friday, July 31, 1998, Moore was called to the office of Andersen's Director of Human Resources, Scott Wilson, who advised him that it "appears you are a flirt." According to Moore, Wilson then summarily fired him for sexual harassment. Moore observed in his deposition that several employees at Andersen declined to read his response to Mawhinney's memo, including Jeff Valentine and Paul Shultz. Andersen, in a letter to the Texas Workforce Commission, stated that Moore was fired for sexual harassment and forwarded its sexual harassment policy to the commission, but Wilson, Andersen's Director of Human Resources, indicated he had told the person who wrote the letter that it was incorrect and should have read that he was terminated for unprofessional conduct. Wilson stated that the person who wrote the information got it from the file by looking at the notes he prepared, but that he did not know how she concluded that Moore was terminated for sexual harassment. Wilson acknowledged that Andersen has no code number for termination for sexual harassment. Wilson indicated that the employee who made the error is a competent employee and that he was not aware of it ever happening before. In a telephone conversation between Wilson and Moore after Moore's termination, Wilson related to Moore that he had interviewed seven women. He told Moore that they had indicated that Moore asked them about whom they were dating and whether they were dating anyone. Wilson told Moore that all of them felt very uncomfortable in that situation. Moore denied the accusations, but Wilson told him that he knew of at least two instances in which there were others who overheard the conversation. Although Wilson did not, in his notes, put the word "uncomfortable" in quotes, he indicated that one or more of the women used that term, that it was not just his term. Wilson also indicated in his deposition that he, Schultz, and Ja Chriesman, another Andersen employee, would have read Mawhinney's memo. He stated that he had read Moore's response, that he thought Shultz read it, and that he would have thought that Chriesman and Mawhinney read it. However, he acknowledged that he did not know for sure that they had read it. In her deposition, Mawhinney testified that, prior to working on the Friede Goldman project with Moore, she had never observed him engaging in flirtatious behavior and no one had told her that he had. As to her observations on the project, Mawhinney indicated that she would not say whether she had or had not observed flirtatious behavior. She stated that she suspected that flirtatious behavior was occurring. Mawhinney testified concerning a meeting she had with Wilson and Chriesman on Thursday prior to Moore's termination. She had learned of the meeting while out of town through an urgent voice mail from Wilson's office assistant wanting to know when she and Chriesman would be returning to the office. When they returned to town, she and Chriesman went directly to Wilson's office. She indicated that she did not, after the meeting, give any names of complaining females to Nancy Werner, the Andersen employee who investigated the matters involved here, because she thought that "[T]hey already had most of all the evidence they apparently needed." Mawhinney stated in the deposition that she played no role whatsoever in Moore being fired. Werner investigated the complaints concerning Moore prior to his termination and verified that Moore made inappropriate comments to female employees that made them feel uncomfortable and that at least one employee indicated that she would never staff her projects with a female who was subordinate to him. At Moore's request, Wilson personally investigated the allegations after he terminated Moore. Moore contends that a memo from Werner "states unequivocally" that she got the names of complaining women from Mawhinney, but our review of that memo shows that it does not reflect that Mawhinney gave her the names, only that she began her investigation after meeting with Mawhinney, Chriesman, and Wilson. In support of his conclusion that he filed a sexual harassment complaint, Moore refers us to his deposition testimony that he went to talk to Linda Ferguson about sexual harassment, then told her that Mawhinney was acting very antagonistically toward him. Moore could not recall if he had given Ferguson any examples. Moore stated in his deposition that he was replaced by a female whose qualifications were not as good as his for the job. He did not elaborate as to how she was less qualified nor give any source of his knowledge as to her qualifications. Under the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act, it is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against an individual with respect to compensation or the terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of race, color, disability, religion, sex, or national origin. Tex. Lab. Code Ann. § 21.051 (Vernon 1996) (formerly Tex. Rev. Civ. Stat. Ann. art. 5221k, § 5.01(1)); Garcia v. Schwab, 967 S.W.2d 883, 885 (Tex. App.--Corpus Christi 1998, no pet.). The Human Rights Act is modeled after federal law for the purpose of executing the policies embodied in Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964. See Tex. Labor Code Ann. § 21.001 (Vernon 1996); Garcia, 967 S.W.2d at 885. One form of employment discrimination is sexual harassment. Garcia, 967 S.W.2d at 885. Moore's sexual harassment claim is a hostile work environment form of sexual harassment. Such a claim includes the following elements: (1) the plaintiff belongs to a protected group; (2) the plaintiff was subject to unwelcome sexual harassment; (3) the harassment complained of was based upon sex; (4) the harassment complained of affected a "term, condition, or privilege" of employment; and (5) the employer knew or should have known of the harassment and failed to take remedial action. Id. Title VII is violated when the workplace is permeated with discriminatory intimidation, ridicule, and insult that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to create a discriminatorily hostile or abusive working environment. Meritor Sav. Bank FSB v. Vinson, 477 U.S. 57, 64, 67 (1986). Conduct that is not severe enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would find hostile or abusive will not trigger Title VII or its Texas equivalent. Harris v. Forklift Sys., Inc., 510 U.S. 17, 21 (1993); Garcia, 967 S.W.2d at 885. Whether an environment is "hostile" or "abusive" can be determined only by reviewing all the circumstances, which may include the frequency of the conduct; its severity; whether it is physically threatening or humiliating, or a mere offensive utterance; and whether it unreasonably interferes with an employee's work performance. Harris, 510 U.S. at 23; Garcia, 967 S.W.2d at 885-86. Considering all of the summary judgment evidence, including that we have outlined above, we hold that Moore has failed to present evidence showing that he was subjected to a hostile work environment of the severity required to maintain his claim for sexual harassment. We now turn to Moore's claim of sexual discrimination. The plaintiff in a Title VII trial must carry the initial burden of establishing a prima facie case of discrimination. McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green, 411 U.S. 792, 803 (1973). Such a prima facie case requires a showing that (1) he is a member of a protected class; (2) he was otherwise qualified for his position; (3) he was discharged by the defendant; and (4) the respondent replaced him with someone outside his protected class. Reeves v. Sanderson Plumbing Prods., Inc., 530 U.S. 133, 142 (2000). We hold that Moore presented a prima facie case. Once Moore presented a prima facie case, it was appellees' burden to produce evidence that the plaintiff was rejected, or someone else was preferred, for a legitimate nondiscriminatory reason. Id. Andersen and Mawhinney presented evidence that Moore was terminated because of speaking with women in an inappropriate way that made them feel uncomfortable. Once the appellees met that burden, the presumptions and burdens discussed in McDonnell Douglas disappeared. Id. at 142-43. The ultimate burden of persuading the trier of fact that the defendant intentionally discriminated against the plaintiff remains at all times with the plaintiff. Id. at 143. Whether judgment as a matter of law is appropriate depends on a number of factors, including the strength of the plaintiff's prima facie case, the probative value of the proof that the employer's explanation is false, and any other evidence that supports the employer's case that might properly be considered on a motion for judgment as a matter of law. Id. at 148-49. In making that determination we are to review the record as a whole. Id. at 150. In this case there is nothing particularly remarkable about Moore's prima facie case. He merely established that he was a male, was otherwise qualified for his job, was terminated, and was replaced by a female. He was terminated following an investigation showing that he engaged in conversations with specified individuals in which he made statements and asked questions that were inappropriate in a business setting and that made women uncomfortable. Moore never presented evidence showing that these specific accusations were untrue or that such information was not in fact presented to Andersen. Therefore, he presented no evidence showing that the nondiscriminatory reason for firing him was pretextual. In urging that he presented evidence showing that Andersen's reason was pretextual, Moore refers to evidence showing that Andersen initially reported he was fired for sexual harassment, then changed the reason to unprofessional conduct, asserting that the original report was a mistake. Regardless of whether Andersen chose to call it sexual harassment or unprofessional conduct, evidence showed Andersen terminated Moore based on certain conduct on his part that Moore never denied. Inasmuch as Moore never denied that conduct, he presented no evidence that the reason for his firing was pretextual. Moore cites several examples of discrimination on the part of Andersen. We will consider all of these individually. First, Moore argues that Andersen fired him for sexual harassment, without a shred of evidence to support the firing. During his discussion, he refers to the investigation by Werner, but does not mention that her investigation substantiated the observations made by Mawhinney in her memo. He indicates that there never was a proper investigation, but does not explain why Werner's investigation was improper. Moore complains that Andersen immediately acted upon Mawhinney's memo to discharge him. He does not mention that he was not fired until Werner's investigation confirmed the observations in Mawhinney's memo. He also suggests that his claim of sexual harassment against Mawhinney was ignored. While an investigation showed the justification for his being fired for a nondiscriminatory reason, Moore has not shown that he ever indicated to Andersen in what way, if any, Mawhinney was supposed to have been guilty of sexual harassment or discrimination against him. Further, there is no evidence in the record indicating that she discriminated against Moore in any way on the basis of his gender or committed any other act that was improper under the Texas Labor Code or Title VII. Moore states that he was replaced by a female, a female who he says is not as qualified as he for the position. As previously noted, he never says in what way she was less qualified or what the source of his knowledge as to her qualifications might be. Moore relates that Andersen retaliated against him by firing him only four days after he filed sexual harassment charges against Mawhinney, in violation of Andersen's own policy. Other than Moore's conclusory statement that he filed a sexual harassment complaint, Moore's own affidavit indicates that he talked to Linda Ferguson in Andersen's human resources department about sexual harassment, then proceeded to tell her that Mawhinney was directing agitated and antagonistic behavior toward him and was creating a hostile work environment. Even if Moore did file a claim of sexual harassment against Mawhinney, there is nothing to suggest that he ever indicated to Ferguson or anyone else any facts that would serve as a basis for believing that any antagonistic or hostile behavior on Mawhinney's part was directed at him because of his gender. Finally, Moore urges that Andersen discriminated against him by contesting his application with the Texas Workforce Commission for employment benefits with a letter falsely charging him with sexual harassment. Although Andersen chose to characterize the reason for Moore's termination as unprofessional conduct rather than sexual harassment, the nature of conduct for which it terminated Moore would, if sufficiently severe, constitute sexual harassment. Even if it were not so severe, and even if the letter was not sent in error, as urged by Andersen, there is nothing in the record indicating that the sending of this letter constituted discrimination against Moore based upon his gender. We find that there is no more than a scintilla of evidence that Moore ever actually filed a sexual harassment complaint against Mawhinney, and, even if he did, no more than a scintilla of evidence that Andersen or Mawhinney discriminated against Moore on the basis of gender. We overrule point one. WRONGFUL DISCHARGE Moore urges in point two that the trial court erred in granting summary judgment on his claim for wrongful discharge. The appellees urge that he has failed to show a binding contract of employment that would modify Moore's status as an employee at will. The general rule in Texas is that, absent a specific agreement to the contrary, employment may be terminated by the employer or the employee at will, for good cause, bad cause, or no cause at all. Montgomery County Hosp. Dist. v. Brown, 965 S.W.2d 501, 502 (Tex. 1998). For such an employment contract to exist, the employer must unequivocally indicate a definite intent to be bound not to terminate the employee except under clearly specified circumstances. Id. In support of his argument that there was such an employment contract, Moore refers to that portion of Andersen's anti-harassment policy that states, "We will support any employee who believes he or she has been unlawfully harassed by his or her supervisor, coworker or third party in a work-related situation." We do not view this as an unequivocal statement by Andersen that it was bound not to terminate an employee except under clearly specified circumstances. Consequently, the trial court did not err in granting summary judgment on this issue. Moore relies upon the cases of Morgan v. Jack Brown Cleaners, Inc., 764 S.W.2d 825 (Tex. App.-Austin 1989, writ denied) and Goodyear Tire and Rubber v. Portilla, 879 S.W.2d 47, 52 (Tex. 1994). We first note that in Morgan the court did not consider whether the employer's promise that if a certain department ever closed, it would find a job for her within the company, was definite enough to constitute an enforceable contract. Brown, 965 S.W.2d at 503. The Supreme Court disapproved of the holding inMorgan to the extent that it was inconsistent with Brown. Id. In Goodyear, which was also decided before Brown, the court relied on Morgan as probably "[The] Texas case closest in point." Goodyear, 879 S.W.2d at 51. In any event, we find both cases distinguishable because in each of those cases there was a specific agreement not to terminate the employee under a specific circumstance, whereas in the case at bar there is no specific agreement not to terminate the employee. We overrule point two. DEFAMATION Moore contends in point three that the trial court erred in granting summary judgment on his claim for defamation. He insists that Mawhinney accused him of flirtatious behavior in her memo. In their motion for summary judgment, appellees contend that there is no evidence that they published a defamatory statement about Moore because the term "flirtatious" is a nonactionable opinion that is not capable of a defamatory meaning. As previously noted, the memo states that too much time spent chatting with female personnel was perceived by the client and Moore's team member as flirtatious behavior. Later in the memo, Mawhinney states that Moore needed to improve his professionalism. She said, "Whether his behavior has been flirtatious or not, if someone perceives that it is, then there is a problem." When one reads the memo as a whole, one sees that the memo does not state that Moore is flirtatious, only that he is perceived to be by some, and that such a perception constitutes a problem. We conclude, therefore, that Mawhinney did not publish a defamatory statement against Moore. Even if Mawhinney did publish a statement that Moore was flirtatious, it has been held that such a statement is too imprecise in nature to be an actionable defamatory statement. Lee v. Metro. Airport Comm., 428 N.W.2d 815, 821 (Minn. App. 1988). In support of his argument that a publication that he was flirtatious would be an actionable defamatory statement, Moore relies upon the case of Scribner v. Waffle House, Inc., 14 F. Supp.2d 873, 915 (ND 1998), vacated at 62 F. Supp.2d 1186 (1999). Under the heading "Defamatory Meaning" Moore states that "A charge that the Plaintiff was "vulgar and flirtatious" was found to be untrue, and supported (together with other facts) a judgment in excess of $6 million for the Plaintiff for sexual harassment, defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress." Unlike Moore, Therese Scribner, the plaintiff in that case, was a victim of pervasive sexual harassment by a number of individuals over an extended period of time. Scribner, 14 F.Supp.2d at 891. Although the trial court found that witnesses in the trial lied when they accused Scribner of being vulgar and flirtatious, Scribner's claim of defamation did not involve any statements accusing her of being a flirt or being flirtatious. Id. at 935. Furthermore, as noted in the citation, the opinion in Scribner has been vacated. Scribner v. Waffle House, Inc., 62 F.Supp.2d 1186 (N.D. 1999). We overrule point three. INTENTIONAL INFLICTION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS Moore argues in point four that the trial court erred by granting summary judgment on his claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress. In response to Moore's claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress, the appellees contend in their motion for summary judgment that there was no evidence that they engaged in any conduct that constitutes intentional infliction of emotional distress. To recover damages for intentional infliction of emotional distress, a plaintiff must prove that: (1) the defendant acted intentionally or recklessly; (2) the conduct was extreme and outrageous; (3) the actions of the defendant caused the plaintiff emotional distress; and (4) the resulting emotional distress was severe. GTE Southwest, Inc. v. Bruce, 998 S.W.2d 605, 611 (Tex. 1999) To be extreme and outrageous, conduct must be "so outrageous in character, and so extreme in degree as to go beyond all possible bounds of decency, and to be regarded as atrocious, and utterly intolerable in a civilized community. Id. Generally, insensitive or even rude behavior does not constitute extreme and outrageous conduct. Id. at 612. Mere insults, indignities, threats, annoyances, petty oppressions, or other trivialities do not rise to the level of extreme and outrageous conduct. Id. Texas courts have adopted a strict approach to intentional infliction of emotional distress claims arising in the workplace, relying on the fact that, to properly manage its business, an employer must be able to supervise, review, criticize, demote, transfer, and discipline employees. Id. Although many of these acts are necessarily unpleasant for the employee, an employer must have latitude to exercise these rights in a permissible way, even though emotional distress results. Id. Consequently, in Texas, a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress does not lie for ordinary employment disputes. Id. The extreme and outrageous conduct required in such a cause of action in the workplace exists only in the most unusual of circumstances. Id. at 613. The evidence Moore has presented in response to the appellees' motion for summary judgment is evidence of an ordinary employment dispute, not of extreme and outrageous conduct of such a nature as is required to maintain a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress. Moore claims that the facts in this case are similar to those in GTE Southwest. To the contrary, the facts in GTE Southwest show a much more extreme situation. The supervisor in GTE Southwest was a former U. S. Army supply sergeant who committed ongoing acts of harassment, intimidation and humiliation and who engaged in daily obscene and vulgar behavior. Id. at 608, 617. The supervisor created a workplace that was a "den of terror" for the employees, purposefully humiliating and intimidating the employees, repeatedly putting them in fear of their physical well-being. Id. His abusive conduct was common, not rare. Id. Our opinion does not conflict with GTE Southwest. Moore also relies upon the case of Bushell v. Dean, 781 S.W.2d 652 (Tex. App.--Austin 1989), rev'd in part on other grounds, 803 S.W.2d 711 (Tex. 1991). In that case Dean's supervisor, Bushell, over a four-month period brought her things for breakfast, called her "My Sweet Mary," and told off-color jokes and talked about his marital sex problems with her and other employees. Id. at 657-58. He told Dean that he liked her split skirt and remarked about the shape of her body. Id. at 658. Bushell touched her several times. Id. Dean claimed that once, when Dean hugged him to thank him for a favor, Bushell tried to kiss her. Id. The next month, Bushell rubbed her neck although she did not ask him to and he had made no offer to do so. Id. He stopped when she asked him to. Id. During the next two months Bushell poked Dean in the ribs two or three times. Id. Bushell told Dean he loved her and desired a sexual encounter. Id. Subsequently, on two separate occasions, Bushell told her of his love and desire for sexual relations. Id. When Dean publicly rejected his advances, Bushell became very formal toward Dean, referring to her as "Mrs. Dean" and speaking to her only of business matters. Id. Later, when Bushell shouted at Dean during a dispute regarding a trucker's strike, she resigned. Id. at 654. The court held that it was for the jury to determine whether Bushell's conduct was extreme and outrageous. Even ifBushell was correctly decided, it is distinguishable because it involved overt sexual harassment over an extended period of time, whereas the evidence presented by Moore does not. Moore states that Bushell was cited with approval by the Texas Supreme Court in Wornick Co. v. Casas, 856 S.W.2d 732 (Tex. 1993). In Wornick, Casas's employer, Right Away Foods Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Wornick Company, terminated her and had her escorted off the premises by a security guard. Id. at 734. This was not standard company policy for salaried employees such as Casas. Id. Casas spoke to the president of Right Away on her way out. Id. When Casas told him she disputed the allegations against her, he promised her a later meeting to discuss the matter, but he never set up the meeting. Id. He led her to believe that she would be on leave of absence rather than terminated. Id. An amicus curiae, the National Employment Lawyers Association, cited Bushell as a case where courts had found outrageous conduct in the employment setting. Id. at 735-36. Holding that the evidence was insufficient to show that Right Away's conduct was extreme or outrageous, the court distinguishedBushell, just as we have done, on the basis that it involved repeated or ongoing harassment of an employee. Id. at 736. We disagree with Moore that this constitutes citing Bushell with approval. We overrule point four. In view of our determination that Appellees were entitled to a no-evidence summary judgment, we need not consider whether they were entitled to a traditional motion for summary judgment. The judgment is affirmed. ______________________________ JOHN HILL, Senior Justice Do not publish . Tex. R. App. P. 47.3(b). Opinion delivered and filed this 23rd day of August, 2001. 1. Senior Justice John Hill assigned to this court by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas pursuant to Tex. Gov't Code Ann. § 74.003 (Vernon 1998).
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Synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of potent and selective 2-(3-alkoxy-1-azetidinyl) quinolines as novel PDE10A inhibitors with improved solubility. We report the discovery of a novel series of 2-(3-alkoxy-1-azetidinyl) quinolines as potent and selective PDE10A inhibitors. Structure-activity studies improved the solubility (pH 7.4) and maintained high PDE10A activity compared to initial lead compound 3, with select compounds demonstrating good oral bioavailability. X-ray crystallographic studies revealed two distinct binding modes to the catalytic site of the PDE10A enzyme. An ex vivo receptor occupancy assay in rats demonstrated that this series of compounds covered the target within the striatum.
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Cheater Payback-Chapter Seven Cathy told Bill to get her another towel, there was no need to say why because the old one was getting pretty soggy, to say the least. She folded it once and then got back into position. With open legs she reached over and grabbed hold of Rick’s pecker and pulled him with it, placing it at her cunt’s entrance. When Bill plunged into the very wet, well-lubricated, private place, her vaginal walls fluttered around it as he slid in, balls deep. It felt wonderful, and he could feel Cathy’s flesh spread while at the same time she was squeezing him with it. Cathy gave out a little laugh and asked, “Do you like that?” He answered her with a slap, slap, slap, slap noise of a dick and a wet pussy banging together. After a good long minute or so he was still going at her with his body. Cathy said “Rick, honey, take it easy, you aren’t going to wear my pussy out, you are just wearing yourself out. But, oh God your cock feels so good in there.” Bill was watching everything and did exactly what Cathy was hoping he would do, that being taking one of her legs and holding it up, pointing towards the ceiling. This allowed Rick better access and provided Bill a better scene for his perverted eyes. Cathy opened her legs wider and did what she had just been taught, that being pulling Rick into him hard and allowing his cock more penetration to squirt her deep inside her eggbox. She was also going to do this with her husband next chance he got. Anyway, Cathy was squirming and bouncing around, her tits jammed into his chest and her nails digging into his back like some sort of wildcat in heat. She was also cussing worse than a sailor with a lot of F, C, S, and P words. The nasty woman was an exciting and talented fuck. She had years of experience screwing and making babies in the marriage bed. As well as a few other places. She was nearing climax so she told Rick, “Don’t stop fucking me you S.O.B., faster, faster, fuck me hard, honey!” Slamming her naked body at him violently working on her orgasm. Bill was also helping her by pulling on her leg to meet their crotch slamming lewdness. Poor Rick was just along for the ride as he tried to keep his cum inside his balls for her. Cathy became limp as her body shivered and shuttered in pleasure as her jets inside released a load of girl cum soaking Rick’s already wet dick. With a smile of a satisfied woman on Cathy’s beautiful face she gave Rick a sexy kiss on the lips, and like a high school kid also gave him a hickey on his neck as her whole body continued to rock with sexual satisfaction. She said weakly, Go ahead Rick shoot your load in me now.” Rick went stiff as he shot off, he felt his cock going fwt fwt fwt fwt fwt, as five bolts of sperm went into her. He lied atop her as the two sweaty bodies hugged each other, exhausted and spent. Bill slowly eased Cathy’s leg down onto Rick and she rested it on his bottom. Bill had to wait patiently for Cathy to regurgitate so he could fuck her again. End of chapter seven.
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Lets sing! ♫♪♬♩ Eat food 🍅🍕
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import sqlite3 import time import datetime conn = sqlite3.connect('master.db') c = conn.cursor() def create_table(): c.execute('CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS tennis(player TEXT, Pinnacle REAL, WillHill REAL, betThreeSixFive REAL, Bookmaker REAL, BetOnline REAL, TheGreekSportsbook REAL, JustBet REAL, SportsInteraction REAL, WagerWeb REAL, FiveDimes REAL)') """ Columns are: player betfairBack betfairLay williamhill ladbrokes """ def dynamic_data_entry(column,entry): c.execute("INSERT INTO tennis(" + column + ") VALUES(?)", (str(entry),)) conn.commit() #The real function will have to be "updating" def update(player,column,entry): c.execute('SELECT * FROM tennis') c.execute("UPDATE tennis SET " + column + " = " + str(entry) + " WHERE player = '" + player + "'") conn.commit() def read_from_db(player): c.execute("SELECT * FROM tennis WHERE player = '" + player + "'") # data = c.fetchone() # print data #for row in c.fetchall(): # print row[1:] return list(c.fetchall()) create_table() #c.close() #conn.close()
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Project Summary Postpartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a disease of unknown etiology that arises as a complication of pregnancy in women with no prior heart disease. It occurs in 1:1800 to 1:3500 births in the United States and is characterized by an acute onset of heart failure during the last month of pregnancy or within five months postpartum. PPCM is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality with no PPCM-specific treatment options available. During pregnancy, pregnancy-associated hypertrophy initiates the activation of cardiomyocyte protective signaling pathways that block stress-mediated apoptosis. In PPCM patients there is an increase in cardiomyocyte apoptosis that leads to irreversible dysfunction and heart failure. The cellular mechanisms driving cardiomyocyte apoptosis are not fully understood. We have identified a gene PTRH2 (also called Bit-1) that is evolutionarily conserved, mediates integrin regulated cell survival and apoptosis, and mutations in this gene promote multisystem disease in humans. We hypothesize that PTRH2 is essential for cardioprotection from peripartum stresses in the maternal heart. To study this we developed a cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of PTRH2 (CKO). CKO male and never- pregnant female mice demonstrate no heart defects and live to old age. However, 100% of CKO pregnant female mice develop PPCM in a dose-dependent manner (CKO>HET). We will use cell and molecular biology and our CKO mice to determine how PTRH2 mediates cardioprotection, test whether PTRH2 associated proteins abrogate the PPCM phenotype in CKO pregnant mice, determine whether PTRH2 expression blocks hypertrophy and examine PPCM patient heart samples for PTRH2 gene mutations. The proposed project has the potential to identify an essential survival pathway that is activated in pregnancy-associated hypertrophy, test PTRH2 directed therapeutic strategies in a preclinical mouse model of PPCM and determine whether mutations in PTRH2 promote PPCM.
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TY - RPRT T1 - Weak looking-ahead and its application in computer-integrated process planning T3 - Kaiserslautern ; Saarbrücken : DFKI, 1993 A1 - Meyer,Manfred A. A1 - Müller,Jörg P. Y1 - 2011/06/27 N2 - Constraint logic programming has been shown to be a very useful tool for knowledge representation and problem-solving in different areas. Finite Domain extensions of PROLOG together with efficient consistency techniques such as forward-checking and looking-ahead make it possible to solve many discrete combinatorial problems within a short development time. In this paper we present the weak looking-ahead strategy (WLA), a new consistency technique on finite domains combining the computational efficiency of forward-checking with the pruning power of looking-ahead. Moreover, incorporating weak looking-ahead into PROLOG's SLD resolution gives a sound and complete inference rule whereas standard looking-ahead itself has been shown to be incomplete. Finally, we will show how to use weak looking-ahead in a real-world application to obtain an early search-space pruning while avoiding the control overhead involved by standard looking-ahead. KW - Künstliche Intelligenz CY - Saarbrücken PB - Saarländische Universitäts- und Landesbibliothek AD - Postfach 151141, 66041 Saarbrücken UR - http://scidok.sulb.uni-saarland.de/volltexte/2011/3654 ER -
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2 Comments: Men with high mate quality (e.g. handsome, rich, etc.) tend to do less parental investment (because they have greater mating opportunity costs). Their mates put up with it, as it were, because of the trade-off for high mate quality. These men tend to have greater facial symmetry and testosterone, and women are more likely to have sex with them. The men themselves, might provide positive feedback here as well (e.g. greater testosterone leads to greater sex drive). Its based on principles for Parentla Investment and Sexual Selection theory. Seems like they could easily be confusing cause and correlation. Seems entirely possible to me that men that are more prone to do "womens's chores" could easily be men with lesser sexual drives--or they simply have less direct and forward mentalities so they're less likely to initiate...activities...to begin with.
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"(BREATHES DEEPLY)" "You deserve this..." "You do." "You've earned it." "(GROANS)" "I can do all things." "All things." "Come on..." "Come on, come on..." "(FOOTSTEPS)" "I am the Invigilator." "Listen carefully to every word I say." "There will be no repetition." "I won't apologise for the hardships you've endured reaching this room 'cause the pressures and pains were necessary." "Resilience is a key attribute in these dark times, and if you can't survive our selection process, you won't survive in the job." "Many highly-qualified candidates tried to get this far and failed." "You have succeeded." "And now the final stage lies before you." "One last hurdle separates you from your goal - which is to join our esteemed ranks." "The test is simple in comparison, yet it will determine who leaves this room with a contract of employment and who leaves with the bus fare home." "Through these trials, you've gained some idea of the power of this organisation, so believe me when I tell you that there's no law in this room but our law." "And the only rules in here are our rules." "There's one question before you, and one answer is required." "If you try to communicate with myself or the guard, you will be disqualified." "If you spoil your paper, intentionally or accidentally, you will be disqualified." "If you choose to leave the room for any reason, you will be disqualified." "Any questions?" "Best of luck, ladies and gentlemen." "We're giving the eight of you 80 minutes." "80 minutes to convince us you have what it takes to join us." "80 minutes to determine the next 80 years of your lives." "Begin." "I'm not finished." "No, please." "You can't!" "This isn't a proper test!" "Please, I'll start over!" "Just give me a chance!" "(SHE CRIES)" "(SPEAKS in CANTONESE)" "Hey..." "Listen, listen, listen, listen." "It's not about what he said, you know." "It's what he didn't say." ""lf you attempt to communicate..."" "..with myself or the guard... ..you will be disqualified." " He didn't say..." " ..we can't speak to each other." " Now you're talking." " Is this the ultimate mind-fuck or what?" " Has anyone figured out the answer?" " No." "It's not about the answer." "It's about the question." " What's the question?" " We've got 74 minutes left to figure out." "(WOMAN) If the answer takes one minute to write down." "If it takes 73 minutes to write, we have one minute to guess the question." "We're short on writing space." "I'm betting it's the former." "We've gotta help each other." "We're in competition." "Why should I help you to beat me?" "We may be in competition to answer the question, but to establish the question we have to cooperate." "They expect us to cooperate, don't they?" "What'd you expect, you're gonna win this job, with all the rewards that come with it, by giving them a little simple written answer?" "Facts and opinions?" "Compare and contrast (!" ")" "They're not looking for that." "A job like this needs initiative, observation..." "..interplay." " Teamwork." "He's right." " (WOMAN) We're in a stress scenario." "A confusing, time-critical situation designed to test our intelligence, and resilience." " To bring out the worst in us." " (MAN) Or the best." "We help each other until the playing field is open then it's every man for themselves - no offence, girls." " Are we all agreed?" " Yes." "Agreed." " Let's go, Gandhi." " My name isn't Gandhi, friend." "It's..." "No names." "Not real ones, anyway." "They're not written on this for a reason." "We'll use nicknames, then." " All right, let's make this easy." " We already have numbers." "Yeah, and visual." "You're Black." "I'm White." "You're Brown." "We've got Blonde here," "Brunette there... ..Dark, I suppose." "And last as well as least we've got Deaf." " Tough last round." " Yeah, whatever." "Any objections?" "Apart from your grossly insensitive sexual and racial stereotyping?" "If you're the sensitive type, you shouldn't be here, love." "I'll take Brown over Gandhi, we're talking about something that matters." "I'll take that as a yes." "(sighs DEEPLY)" "So, what else hasn't he forbidden?" "He hasn't forbidden us to stand, has he?" " Well, I guess moving about is OK too." " What's that gonna achieve?" "I don't know, Brown." "But sitting wasn't getting us anywhere exciting." "What if the question is written down but we just can't see it?" "That's what I'm talking about!" " You mean like invisible ink?" " Or a watermark." " It's possible." " It's probable." "Where else would it be?" "(BRUNETTE) We'd need something to reveal it." "Like light." " Right." " Those are halogen." "Those aren't." "They won't bite, you know." "They're not gonna make it that easy, are they?" "We're on the clock." "How hard can they afford to make it?" "What if the pencil isn't just for writing the answer?" "What if it reveals the question too?" "By shading the page, like tracing paper?" " Try it, Blonde." " No." "Remember what he said." "If you spoil your paper, intentionally or accidentally... ..you'll be disqualified." "Is anyone certain they know what his definition of spoiling is?" "Look, let's crack this." "Throw out some ideas." "What if the questions are hidden in the paper, but each of us has to write a different answer?" "He said..." "There's one question before you, and one answer is required." "That doesn't mean it's the same question for each of us." "There could be eight different questions and answers." "If we find one question, we can find them all." "Not necessarily." "Not if our eight individual questions can only be revealed using eight different methods." "Perhaps we're not meant to cooperate at all." "I like that idea." "Or there's only one question, printed on only one of our sheets." " Then we'd need to cooperate..." " Time-out for some testing." " Everyone up to the light." " I said it won't be that easy." "Unless you want to make a list of our brainwaves, White," "I say we cross a few off as we go." "Fine." "(WHITE) Allow me." "Thank you." "Yeah, join in any time, Deaf (!" ")" "Not one for small talk, are you?" "Come." "Relax, you'll get it back (!" ")" "Like I said, I think we can strike light off the list." "Light is a spectrum." "There's light we can see, but there's light we can't see." "Like ultraviolet, infra-red, X-rays." "If we can't see it, how are we supposed to find it?" "The source must be visible, even if the light isn't." "Right?" "(sighs DEEPLY)" "Find the light switches." "There aren't any, not in here anyway." "And..." "If you choose to leave the room for any reason... ..we'll be disqualified." "There must be some way to trigger these." "This is emergency lighting." "So let's create an emergency." "That would be very risky." " It's less risky than doing nothing." " He's right." "If we try this and fail, we can't go back." "Blackout." "We vote." "Those too." "Nice!" "Very nice!" "Touch of blue, what you wanted?" "This is black light." "The kind credit card firms use to reveal their security symbols." "(WHITE) Shame we didn't apply to work for Visa (!" ")" " Our gamble might have paid off." " (BROWN) lt did pay off." "Just not in the way you wanted." "You acted, and the room reacted." "We've entered a dialogue now, we should keep going." "Yeah, maybe..." "Maybe not." "Sorry, it was invisible light you said you wanted." "This looks pretty fucking visible to me." "Scientific term for it is "near-ultraviolet"." "It didn't work, but it was worth trying." "If nothing else we'll come out of this with great tans." "We've got to knock these out too." "The top halves of these strips aren't lit." "Look." "Infrared." "The other option." " That exposes something too?" " It's less common than UV, but yes." "Art historians use it to make reflectograms of the sketch outlines beneath paintings." "If there's a hidden layer in our papers..." "Carefully." "Let me guess, "near-infrared"?" "All right, everyone, try again." " Anyone?" "Anything?" " (DARK) No." " (BRUNETTE) Shit!" " (GRUNTS)" " Now can we get off the lighting?" " If you can provide a better alternative." "Any alternative." "We've burned a quarter of our time already." "Perhaps they company's Japanese-owned and this is an origami exam." "Be our guest." "That sheet is yours to spoil." "Yes, it is, but only your sheet." " It's a piece of paper." " No, it's more than that now." "This is experimental material." " If you spoil..." " ..your paper." " Your paper!" " ..you will be disqualified." "This isn't mine." "This is hers." "(lN HIGH-PlTCHED voice) "It's not fair" (!" ")" "And she's gone." "So..." "Tracing..." "Well, congratulations, Blonde." "Your idea sucks too." "This could all be a distraction, you know." "We could be missing something obvious." "Yeah, yeah, yeah!" "All right!" "Light does not work, lead does not work..." "Liquid!" "Oh, yeah..." "Right." "Lick it, spit on it, get it wet." "If the question's watermarked we need some liquid to bring it out." " (BLACK) What are you doing with yours?" " You don't wanna know." " Actually, we do." " Well, you can come and watch." "You can hold it for me too if you like." " Though I'd prefer it if Blonde did." " (BLACK) That's disgusting." ""By any means necessary", right, brother?" " If we can do it, we should." " (URlNATES)" "That's not gonna burn the question out." "Urine's sterile." "You can drink it..." " (TO HIMSELF) Wish you would." " Great." "A pissing contest." "(BLACK) Anything?" " I can't tell yet. lt's all yellow." " (BLACK) Hold it up and let us see." "If you'll lend me a glove, I'll oblige." "Well, I'm running out of ideas." "Giving up so easily, Black, with 57 minutes on the clock?" "You know what..." "Will you two shut up?" "Some of us are trying to think!" "(GASPlNG)" "At last, he speaks." "(DARK) He's French." " (DEAF) Vous voyez la?" " Does anyone here speak French?" "Vous voyez la?" "Can you see?" "Vous voyez...?" "Regardez bien." " Can you see it in there?" " See what in there?" "See what?" "Pretty colours?" " Vous-meme." " Yourself." "Vous vous voyez." "It shows you yourself." " And then there was six." " Leave him alone." "He's done nothing." "He's done nothing for me either or any of us." "Nutter!" "Toujours y voir clairement est primordial." "To see clearly is all." "All right, that's enough out of you, Sartre!" "Fucking philosophers." "Thank God this world belongs to the doers, not the thinkers." "Since we're proposing grand theories, let me advance one of my own." "This is not an exam." "Not in the conventional sense anyway." "Look around." "You couldn't ask for a more representative group to qualify for the final stage." "Four men and four women entered this room, all from differing cultures and ethnic backgrounds, possessing a healthy mixture of skill-sets." "How convenient that is." "How staged." "What are you saying?" "They rigged the tests to bring us together?" "Some kind of experiment in group dynamics." " What are you on about?" " I'm saying this is a game." " And they're betting on us." " Right and who is "they"?" "The board." "I guess they're watching us right now." "They'll be ex-VCs mostly." "Probably left the incubator when they realised their little start-up had struck the motherlode." "It wouldn't get any sweeter than this, I'm sure." "So they joined the board, secured some big fat stock options and bought themselves the right to have a little fun..." "With us." "Don't they have better things to do with their time?" "Like what?" "At their level, money ceases to be the prime motivator." "It's risk they live for." "They're type A's, like us, and just as they were trained by their investment companies, they're still betting on ideas today." "Ours." "Who'll decipher the question, who'll come up empty and fold and who'll crack under pressure?" "You could be wrong." "It could just be the Invigilator behind there." "Wanna bet?" "(DARK) I wouldn't, if I were you." "Brown talks like a gambler because he is one." "A professional." "Aren't you?" "And you, Dark, are a shrink." "Psychologist or psychiatrist?" "I forget the difference." "Psychiatrists dispense drugs to control mood." "I'm a qualified student of human behaviour." "Then you should know what I'm talking about." "The point of having power is to exercise it in all its forms." " We're pawns of the Gods in here." " So?" "This changes nothing!" "(BLACK) Yeah..." "Games are played to be won..." "as a team." "Yeah, or as individuals." "Not if the only way for them to win is for us to lose." "All of us." "Have you thought about that?" "You're wrong." "There is no 'them' watching us." "The CEO is hands-on." "He micro-manages anything of importance to his company." "And this is no ordinary selection process." "We're special." "If anyone's back there besides the lnvigilator, it's him." "Everyone else is a secretary in his structure - even board members." "That's how he likes it." "How do you know all this?" "We're wasting time." "There's 50 minutes left, we're no closer to finding the question." "Somehow I suspect my question relates to the question." "So answer me." " How did you learn that information?" " Same way you learned about the board." "I don't know anything about the board." "I made an educated guess." "But you...you know who the CEO is and what he's like." "How come?" " How come you don't?" " How could we?" "We were headhunted." " Why?" "Weren't you?" " Of course not!" "I heard there was a vacancy and applied." "I thought we all did!" "Are you saying you wanna work for this company, jumped through every hoop to get here but you don't know who they are?" "They listed salary and benefits." "The job description detailed," ""A high level of responsibility in a Fortune 500 company manufacturing state-of-the-art technology in a core service industry"." "All right?" " You didn't wanna know anymore?" " The deal was no questions asked." "Anyone would've done the same in our position..." "Anyone with...balls." " You all applied?" " Yeah." "If this job is so prestigious, why they need to advertise?" " They didn't." " We have our sources." " Looks like we're outnumbered." " I wouldn't cry about it." " You've the edge over us now." " How's that?" "You're wanted, aren't you?" "They invited you to apply." "I'd say we're disadvantaged because you showed the initiative to apply." "We're behind the curve now." "So tell us what you know, starting with a complete job description." " We don't have that information." " Should we believe that?" "(BLACK) We don't know any more about the job." "We just know about the company and, believe me, the worst job with them beats the best anyone else can offer." "He's right." "Who they are, who the CEO is and what he's achieved, that's all you need to know." "All right, so tell us about it." "I'll give you a clue." "1 0 years ago a lot of healthy young people around the world got sick and started dying." "You may have read about that." "Then a medical researcher patented a virus suppressant." "The mortality rate halved in six months, and now his company is the biggest player in the global health industry with a turnover of $20 billion and a market capitalisation of $60 billion." "If it was a nation state, it would rank as the world's eighth largest economy." "Next year that rises to sixth." "You may have read about that too." "Biorg!" "(DARK) 80 minutes... ..to determine the next 80 years of your lives." "Remember?" "Longevity is what they do." "Antisense drugs, gene therapy, microsurgical applications." "They announced a hiring freeze last year!" "Everyone knows that." "Publicly that's true." "Privately...they're expanding again." "Gearing up for a big push of some kind." "They've found a cure." "They must have!" "Manufacturing and marketing would triple in size for the roll-out." "There'd be jobs for all of us!" " We don't know that." " But it's possible, isn't it?" "How long would FDA approval take, if it's true?" " That's not my field." " Hold on." "Why are you so interested?" "Something you want to tell us?" "If you're asking "Am I infected?", White, the answer is "No"." " I'm clean." " But someone you know isn't." "We all know someone with the virus, that's why they call it a pandemic." "Nice evasive manoeuvre, but we're talking about the real reason you're here." "Yeah..." "So, what relative is it?" "Is it your mum?" "Your dad?" "Little sister..." "It's my partner, OK?" "He can't afford suppressants, but they're discounted to employees - are you happy now?" "So who else is a charity case here?" "Yeah, you wouldn't speak up, if you were." "Don't want to commit career suicide on camera like she just has." "(BLACK) With a little help from you." "I didn't create her situation, I just exposed it." "(BLACK) Doesn't matter. lf she gets the answer right, she's still hired." "Really?" "Says who?" "What...them?" " If memory serves me correct..." " The only rules in here are our rules." "They can disqualify everyone!" "They can do whatever they like and we can't do a thing about it." "So...congratulations!" "You've just disqualified yourself without breaking any rules." "He won't kick you out, but you're dead in the water, honey." "Dead in the water." "Don't listen to him." "We'll get through this together." "Thanks, but I don't need your help, because my situation isn't a weakness, it's a strength." "I'm sure they're smart enough to realise that." "And if I could talk to the CEO" "I'd assure him the treatment my partner needs will only deepen my commitment to his organisation for years to come." "You really think he's behind there?" "He's lived behind walls for years." "No one outside his inner circle has even seen him since the lPO." "If he wanted to hire an assistant, this is the way he'd do it." "What are you doing?" "Proving my worth." "You may have run out of ideas, but I haven't." " Don't even try talking to him." " I'm not gonna talk to him." "Is there anything in there, or is he happy to see you?" "What have we here?" "Is that all?" "Heat may have an effect if the papers have been chemically treated." " If we warmed them from beneath..." " It's not heat and chemicals, Black." "It's just chemicals." "What are you talking about?" "H2O?" "We already tried H2O!" "It's in all our bodily fluids!" "What are these pipes connected to?" "You could pump any liquid through them!" "Come on, Einstein" "Good Lord, you're right." "These aren't infrared at all." "They're safelights!" "Common standard-issue safelights!" "We're in a darkroom!" "This room is a great big darkroom!" " And this must be photographic paper." " Meaning we can develop it?" "(BROWN) You hope..." "Developing photos isn't a one-stage process." " It takes chemical baths, fixing agents..." " For colour photography." "To pull black letters from a white background all you need is developing fluid." "Let's do this." "I'm in." "(BROWN) Even if she's right, isn't a chemical shower a bad idea?" "It'll be diluted." "They wouldn't hire damaged goods." "But covering your eyes, nose and mouth may be wise." "(BROWN) They're not the only things worth covering." "That's it: join in at last." "You're deaf but not dumb, eh?" "No worries, love." "Let me." "Let's go." " Well?" " It'll take a few moments." "Where's my paper?" "(SHOUTS) Has anyone seen my paper?" "No!" "(SHOUTS) You bastard!" "Bastard!" "How could you?" "How could you?" "Bastard!" "What did you just do?" "What I had to." "I should punch your lights out!" " (BLONDE) Black, what did you do?" " (BROWN) lt's not what he did." " (BROWN) lt's what he said." " (DARK) What?" "(BROWN) "Lights out"." "So..." "lights up!" " That's better." " Lights out." "(BROWN) Lights up." "Voice-activated." " They're playing with us." " Great, isn't it?" " Everybody watch what you say." " And do." "(SOBBlNG)" "Up one minute, down the next." "Can't write on this anymore, can you?" "Go on, try." "Don't then." "Are you hungry, mate?" "Oi, are you hungry?" "I am. I'm really hungry." "There's no snack machines in here, though, are there?" "Go on, rip it up..." "Oi!" "Rip it up!" " Hey!" "What did I tell you before?" " She said leave him alone, White." " (white) Tear it up!" " White, will you stop!" "Tear it up!" "Tear it!" "(BLACK) I won't tell you again, White!" "That's it, good boy." "Go on." "Go on." "More, more." "Put it in your mouth." "(approaching FOOTSTEPS)" "S'il vous plait!" "And then there were five." " "Bastard" doesn't do you justice." " (white GlGGLES)" "You said we should cooperate until we discovered the question!" "So I lied!" "I lied." "So what?" "Lying is not against the rules, is it?" "Anyway, you don't have to listen to me, let alone agree or obey." "You should thank me." "All of you should thank me." "I've just narrowed down the field, so your odds improve." "Odds mean nothing without the question in front of us!" "You can forget about any more help from us in finding it." "I don't need your help." "You'll find it's you who needs my help." "You know why?" "'Cause I figured it out." "Oh, really?" "The question?" "What is it, then?" "Why should I?" "Because if you don't, I'll beat it out of you." "You're full of shit, White." "You have been from the start." "You don't know anything." "He wouldn't tell us if he did, 'cause he's a narcissist." "He despises us." "Sticks and stones, love." "I bet you say that to all the boys." "Only the ones with Narcissistic Personality Disorder." "There are nine character traits to look for:" "arrogance, grandiosity, a belief in one's uniqueness, a preoccupation with power and success, an excessive need to be admired, a sense of entitlement, lack of empathy and the twin tendencies to envy and exploit others." "For clinical diagnosis, a patient must exhibit five of these." " You tick enough boxes." " You can add a tenth to that list." ""A tendency to see through all the bullshit surrounding you, and rise above it."" " I'll tick that box myself." " Let me tick it for you." " That was smart." " That was necessary." "We may need him." "He's a resource." "You don't like someone?" "Outwit them." "He's an enemy of the group, and a distraction!" "(GRUNTING)" "Are you gonna give me a hand?" " One, two..." " (GRUNTlNG)" "What are you doing?" "Ensuring that he can't cause any more trouble when he wakes up." " And taking him out of the game." " That hardly seems fair." "He's sacrificed his right to fair treatment." "Forward a bit." "See?" "I put him down and suddenly we're cooperating again." "He's a talker." "We could go further than this." "She's right." "We could carry him to the door and slide him out." "He ejected two of us:" "why shouldn't we eject him?" " Call it justice, or karma if you prefer." " You don't believe in forgiveness?" " I'll forgive him afterwards." " And your gospel of cooperation?" "I'll tolerate anyone, except the intolerant." "Those in favour..." "Fifty-fifty." "To each his own." "If you won't think selflessly about this, think selfishly." "The Invigilator said..." "If you choose to leave this room for any reason, you'll be disqualified." "He's not choosing to leave, is he?" "You're choosing for him." "Which puts you at risk too." "Go on, White, spoil yourself." "It's your turn." "(BLACK) Make your mark." "Look, we have less than half an hour left and we still don't know the question." "He claims to know the question." "(MUMBLES)" " Shut up!" " (white MOANS)" "(MUMBLING)" "(PANTS)" "I need medication, it's in my pocket." " What kind of medication?" " What does it matter?" "A pill, all right?" "I need to take it every hour, on the hour." " That's right now." " (BLACK) Every hour, on the hour?" "Only one condition is treated that way." "You're infected too, aren't you?" "That's more than justice." "That's poetic justice." "If you don't believe me, untie my arms, so I can take the pill!" " Go on!" " (DARK) Nice try." "(BLACK) It's pathetic, actually." "Take it yourself." "Get it for me yourself." "It's in my left pocket!" " I'll do what you want." "Just do it." " Really?" "Tell us what the question is then." "All right, get the pill and I'll tell you." "Come on!" "Fucking do it!" "Go on, it's my left pocket." "Go on, try again, it's in there." "Go on." "Where the fuck is it?" "One of you has taken it!" "One of you has fucking taken it!" "This isn't funny!" "You know what happens when you don't take suppressants!" "Unconsciousness." "Convulsions." "Shock." "Coma." "Then death." "We know exactly what happens and the process takes hours, not minutes." "(WHITE GASPING)" "Listen, mate, I'll be out of this for good!" "A taste of your own medicine." " Don't do it, don't do it." " Look on the bright side, brother (!" ")" "If you start to convulse, we'll know you're telling the truth." "Then we'll gladly help you." "Looks like you've got your wish." "For now." "He had to be dealt with one way or another." "I wouldn't be surprised if he was a plant all along." "It's the kind of thing they'd do to stir up our internal dynamics." "To set us against one another." "If so, we've seized back the initiative." "Or you have." "He isn't smart enough to be a plant." "But you on the other hand." "You think she's one of them?" "Don't be absurd!" "I told you I'm a psychologist!" "You claimed to be a qualified student of psychology, not a practitioner." "I've studied psychology too, and reverse psychology." "What better way to hide your true role in this farce than to accuse another candidate of playing your part?" "I don't know what you're talking about." "Amateur psychology is a useful tool for gamblers, but a degree in the subject sounds like the perfect foundation for a career in, say human resources." "You're on the wrong side of the glass." " He's the one who manipulated..." " Maybe you work as a team." "He's got the mouth, but you... ..know an awful lot about Biorg Pharmaceuticals." " I told you I applied!" " So did we." " And I do my research!" " So did we!" "Any of us could be plants, but not all of us." "At least one candidate has to be genuine for the test to be viable." " That would be me." " And me." "My point is we can't prove anyone's guilt or innocence, so it's a waste of time to try." "If we can't maintain trust and cooperation, we're through." "Trust has to be earned, sister." "We never had cause to trust each other in the first place." "Trust is a choice." "We can choose to keep cooperating, if necessary." " I think it's necessary." " We have no other option." "Trust makes me nervous." " I prefer proof." " What are you doing?" " (SHOUTS) Get off me!" " Are you insane?" " Brown, why are you doing this?" " Because I like winning!" "Now tell us the truth, Dark." "Please..." "You said we've to trust each other!" "Now you're gonna stand there while he interrogates me?" "Looks like it." "They wanna know too." "Further denials will only waste time." "Confess and I'll release you." "I promise." "OK, I work for them, but they didn't put me in here!" "I heard about the job internally and applied like everyone else!" "Not everyone." "Tell us what we want to know." "I can't tell you anything because I don't know anything!" "HR doesn't cover the CEO's office, he hires his staff personally!" "I'm not lying!" "I wanna step up as badly as you do!" "Like I said, trust is a devalued currency in here." "What proof can I possibly give you?" "You know, it's funny... how something so simple and inoffensive as a piece of paper, when placed in the wrong hands can become a deadly weapon." "All from one slice of a tree." " What are you doing?" " What has to be done." "You're gonna torture me?" " Do something!" "Please!" " Brown, what are you doing?" " I know what I'm doing." " You've done this before?" " In the services." " I thought you were a gambler." "All soldiers are gamblers." "See, I find the flesh of the inner thigh especially sensitive." " Fuck you!" "Get off me!" " Stop this!" "This can't be our only option!" "No, it isn't, it's mine." "(sighs)" "What have we here?" "Seems you got there before me." "What, undervalued at work and at home?" "Daddy didn't love you, hm?" "You studied psychology to find out why?" "Tell me I'm wrong." "On second thoughts, don't answer that." "Answer this..." " What is the question?" " I don't know!" " You're lying!" " I don't know, I swear!" "What is the question?" "What is the purpose of this exam?" "Would I volunteer if the only way for you to solve this was to beat it out of me?" "How fucked up are you?" "With 20 minutes left, this fucked up." " (DARK SCREAMS)" " OK, enough!" "(BLACK GROANS)" "Don't interfere." "(GROANlNG)" "(BLACK) For God's sake." "This is a woman." "Equal opportunities, Black." "HR wouldn't expect anything less, would they?" "Oh, by all means, ask him for help." "Look, it's nothing personal." "We just need to know what you know." "Brown, don't do this!" "There must be another way!" "We need certainty." "The kind only unbearable pain can give..." "I've told you everything I know!" "Please stop!" "..or the threat of it." "(DARK SOBS)" "She's telling the truth." "Sorry." "Here." "Thank you." "(RATTLlNG)" "You wanted convulsions - now you've got them." "You think he's faking it." "It's genuine." " How do you know?" " My wife, she died from it." "I'm a carrier." "He's not faking." "Even liars tell the truth occasionally." " He really needs that pill, doesn't he?" " Fast." "If anyone took it, own up now." "All right, if we can't trust each other, we'll have to search each other." "Nothing." " Got any gum?" " Sorry. I'm all out." "Really?" "All soldiers are gamblers and all gamblers are cheats, I've found." "Given the opportunity." " I took a calculated risk." " You're as bad as he is." "No, he's worse." "There was never any pretence about White." " Let's think about it selfishly again." " While he's dying?" "That's not selfishness, that's murder!" "Coma comes before death, right?" "People recover from comas." "Not this kind." "Sink too deep and it's irreversible." "But that pill mimics an adrenaline shot to the heart." " If you're gonna do it, do it now." " Forgotten what you said about him?" "We're not releasing him We're saving his life!" "I'm afraid I can't do that!" "(GRUNTING)" "I can see it, but I can't reach!" "Let me try!" "Obviously the Gods agree with my risk assessment." "Is he unconscious?" "(BLACK) He's lapsing!" "We have to carry him out for treatment." "Biorg will understand." "Trust me." "Are you gonna help me?" "Fine, you can live with his death on your consciences." "I can't." "He's bleeding!" "What does that mean?" "I don't know:" "I haven't seen this before." "But it can't be good." " Do something, Black!" " Like what?" "I'm not a doctor!" "Help him, please!" "Can't you see he's dying?" "No!" "I work for you!" "I work here!" "(GASPS)" "You weren't wrong about that pill." "Hey..." " If you can hear me, nod your..." " Fuckers." "I have it too, brother." "Yeah, well, don't expect me to thank you." "You have her to thank... ..not me." "Well, I would've preferred the kiss of life." "I bet you're good at that." "Wow." "Four down and four to go." "And only 1 0 minutes on the clock." "Exciting (!" ")" "I felt you take it, you know." "Room not big enough for both of us?" "That's the spirit, Brown." "If you remember me taking it, you'll remember the promise you made us." "Blonde gave you the pill as requested." "Now give us what we asked for in return." " The question?" " What is it?" "Where is it?" "You still don't get it, do you?" "Let me spell this out for you." "(sighs)" "There is no question!" "All right?" "There never was one!" "Not the kind you're looking for anyway." "That's what you've been holding back?" " That's your big secret?" " Uh-huh." "You heard the lnvigilator." "There's one question before you, and one answer is required." "There is one question!" "You're calling him a liar?" "When you've eliminated the impossible, whatever's left has to be the truth." "No matter how crazy it seems." "This test is the question!" "And the answer is us." " We're the answers." " Answers, plural?" " If I recall..." " One answer is required." " Singular." " That's right." "Just one of us." "You wouldn't dare." "Whoa!" "Whoa!" " Whoa!" "Everybody calm down." " Seconded." "(GIGGLES) All right, all right, all right." " You're not gonna shoot me." " I didn't take it to shoot you!" "I took it to stop you from using it on us!" "Let me tell you what I think." "I think we're the answers too." "All of us together, as a team!" "I think we'd all passed when we walked in." "All each of us can do is lose what we've already won through selfishness, stupidity and impatience!" "(BLACK) Deaf was right." "We see what we want to see in here." "You're a fighter so you all can think about is being the last man standing, but they never said there was only one position available." "Yeah, I see what I want to see, Black." "(GASPS)" "And you hear what you want to hear." "But answer me this, brother (!" ")" "What corporation doesn't know how many positions it's got available?" "What CEO can't decide whether he wants one assistant or eight?" "There's only one job going in his office, you know that?" "And the rest is fantasy." "White, stay back!" "This ain't worth killing for." "You seem to think it is." "Is it..." " ..worth dying for?" " Put the gun down, Black." "You started this, now it's in play!" " We can't put it back." " (BLONDE) Throw it out the door." "That won't break any rules." "Go on, then, shoot me." "Go on, shoot me in the head, go on." " See?" "You can't fight who you are." " Don't!" "(BLACK SCREAMS)" "Fingerprint ID." "No!" "(WHITE) OK." "(BROWN) OK, OK." "Just tell us what you want." "I want to be alone!" "You want us to spoil our papers?" "Disqualify ourselves?" "OK." "We'll take those odds over the alternative." "You win." "I can't let my partner escort you out, we just became friends." "How about you walk out instead?" "Each of you." "One by one." "Starting with you." "Come on, we ain't got all day!" "Let's go." "They deserve you." "Now you." "Come on." " Don't be stupid, Black." " You won't shoot." "I'll be missed." "You're sick like me." "Your death will be explained away, OK?" "No one outside this room even cares." "They've got problems of their own, like avoiding the infection themselves." "Your conscience will haunt you." "You're assuming I've got one." "I'll go." "I'm through with this." "(Ready?" ")" "Don't cry, darlin'." "You were a passenger in here, anyway." " You fucked your way to the top." " Then I saved your life." "Well, anyone can make a mistake." "Lights out!" "Lights on!" "(GROANS)" "(BEEPING)" "(sighs)" "Toujours y voir clairement est primordial." "(DARK) To see clearly is all." "Well?" "You said there's one answer and you're looking at him!" "I've done everything!" "I made everything happen in here, and she's done nothing!" "It's me!" "I'm the one you want!" "I'M THE ONE YOU WANT!" "(FOOTSTEPS)" "If you try to communicate with myself or the guard... ..you will be disqualified." "(white) That's it, join in at last." "You're deaf but not dumb, eh?" "(BEEPING)" "There is one question before you, and one answer is required." "(Ready?" ")" " Answers?" " That's what you've been holding back?" " That's your big secret?" " You still don't get it, do you?" "What is it?" "Where is it?" " The question?" " What's the purpose of this exam?" " The question?" "What is it?" "Tell us!" " What does it matter?" "(BLONDE) You really think he's behind there?" "(DARK) He's lived behind walls for years." "(BROWN) How do you know all this?" "Are you saying that they rigged the test to bring us all together?" "Is there something you want to tell us?" " (BRUNETTE) lt's a piece of paper." " (WHITE) It's more than that." "If we can't see it, how are we supposed to find it?" "(BRUNETTE) What if the question is written down?" "We just can't see it?" "(BLONDE) What if it reveals the question too?" "(white) They're not gonna make it that easy." "(BRUNETTE) How hard can they afford to make it?" "(white) So has anyone figured out the answer yet?" "(BROWN) lt's not about the answer, it's about the question." "What is the question?" "(TICKlNG)" "What is the question?" "(TICKlNG)" "Any questions?" "No." "That's the answer you wanted to the first question asked of us." "The only question asked of you." " I almost missed it too." " Almost." "As it is, we're happy to be hiring someone today." "I haven't accepted yet." "You wouldn't have participated if you didn't want the job." "That was before." "Before all this." "Now it's over, I have questions." " Questions?" " More than one." "Ask." "You don't look like him." "Any suit can play the CEO for shareholders and the media." "Our founder isn't a businessman." " He has no interest in fame." " Too bad." " That was some performance." " Who said it was a performance?" "Our founder is a scientist, an innovator." "He's very particular about those he invites to work with him, especially when it comes to the most important hiring decision he's ever made." "Important enough to kill for?" "What makes you think he's dead?" "(SOFT BREATHING)" "(lNVlGlLATOR) While searching for the cure, we stumbled upon something far more powerful." "Rapid cell regeneration..." "..in a pill." "It eradicates the virus and other stubborn mutations." " The magic bullet." " The gift of life for millions." "Such a breakthrough creates unanticipated dilemmas." "Too great for any one man to bear." "People are gonna need this product, and we can only make so much at a time." "Tough decisions are gonna have to be made by a wise administrator, someone who combines a listening disposition with attention to detail and compassion for her fellow man." "If you are still interested..." "Il est revenu." "He is... ..risen." "Let's get started."
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Q: how to throttle file copy I need to duplicate a 3TB disk by copying from one to another. They're housed in separate docks (no fan). It will take at least 8hrs to copy this much data through USB 2.0 and im concerned about disks overheating. Is there any utils to throttle the rate of files or MB/second copied? A: Software called UltraCopier allows you to limit the speed of the copy.
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Mutual benefits. Hospital-business wellness partnerships yield. Hospitals and employers see a strong business case for developing wellness partnerships.
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KINGSTON, N.Y. — The St. Patrick's Day Parade and Shamrock Run foot race won't be held Sunday because of concerns about the spread of the coro…
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(J Am Heart Assoc. 2017;6:e007026 DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.117.007026.)29042422 Clinical PerspectiveWhat Is New?In this nonrandomized, retrospective, observational study of patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with quadripolar (QUAD) and non‐QUAD left ventricular leads, programmed to biventricular, single‐site left ventricular pacing, QUAD was associated with a lower total mortality, cardiac mortality, and heart failure hospitalization.These benefits were observed after both CRT‐defibrillation and CRT‐pacing, after adjustment for heart failure etiology.Re‐interventions for left ventricular displacement or phrenic nerve stimulation, which were lower with QUAD, were associated with worse outcomes.What Are the Clinical Implications?The markedly better outcomes after CRT observed with QUAD supports their preferential use over non‐QUAD in clinical practice.The relative benefits of CRT‐defibrillation over CRT‐pacing requires further evaluation in the QUAD era. Introduction {#jah32587-sec-0008} ============ Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), with CRT‐defibrillation (CRT‐D) or without (CRT‐pacing \[CRT‐P\]) defibrillation, is a standard treatment for selected patients with heart failure (HF) with severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and a wide QRS complex.[1](#jah32587-bib-0001){ref-type="ref"} Since the first transvenous CRT implantations were undertaken in the 1990s,[2](#jah32587-bib-0002){ref-type="ref"}, [3](#jah32587-bib-0003){ref-type="ref"} improvements in delivery catheter and LV lead design, as well as implantation techniques using venoplasty and snaring, have helped to improve implantation success. Prominent among the challenges still encountered at implantation and thereafter is achieving acceptable LV pacing thresholds without phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS).[4](#jah32587-bib-0004){ref-type="ref"} Deactivation of the LV lead mainly occurs as a result of LV lead displacement which, in studies using unipolar and bipolar leads, occurs more frequently than with atrial or right ventricular leads.[5](#jah32587-bib-0005){ref-type="ref"}, [6](#jah32587-bib-0006){ref-type="ref"}, [7](#jah32587-bib-0007){ref-type="ref"}, [8](#jah32587-bib-0008){ref-type="ref"}, [9](#jah32587-bib-0009){ref-type="ref"} Since their launch in 2010, quadripolar LV leads (QUAD) have been considered by implanters as a "game‐changer," even before robust clinical evidence emerged in their favor. Observational studies and a randomized, controlled trial[10](#jah32587-bib-0010){ref-type="ref"} have since shown that QUAD is associated with higher implant success rates and lower rates of re‐interventions for LV lead displacement or PNS.[11](#jah32587-bib-0011){ref-type="ref"}, [12](#jah32587-bib-0012){ref-type="ref"} Some observational studies have suggested that CRT‐D using QUAD programmed to single‐site LV pacing also improves survival.[12](#jah32587-bib-0012){ref-type="ref"}, [13](#jah32587-bib-0013){ref-type="ref"}, [14](#jah32587-bib-0014){ref-type="ref"} These findings, however, are not consistent,[15](#jah32587-bib-0015){ref-type="ref"} and there is uncertainty as to whether they also apply to CRT‐P. Moreover, the possible influence of HF etiology and the effects of QUAD on HF hospitalization and mode of death remain largely unexplored. Methods {#jah32587-sec-0009} ------- This is a nonrandomized, retrospective, observational study comparing clinical outcomes of patients undergoing CRT‐D and CRT‐P device implantation using unipolar, bipolar, and quadripolar leads in a single center (Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom) from February 2010 to January 2017. The study was approved by the Clinical Audit Department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which does not require informed consent for audit of clinical care delivery. The study conforms to the Declaration of Helsinki. Implantation {#jah32587-sec-0010} ------------ Device implantation was undertaken using standard techniques with patients under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. Access was gained via subclavian, axillary, and cephalic veins. The LV pacing site was chosen by the implanter on the basis of lead stability, absence of PNS, and adequate pacing parameters. An implant was considered a failure in the event of failure to deploy all desired leads and device at the index procedure. The first QUAD was implanted in February 2010. The following QUAD leads were used: Quartet 1458Q (St. Jude Medical, Sylmar, CA), Attain Performa (Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, MN), and Acuity X4 (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA). The choice of vector was made at implantation and was made on the basis of presence or absence of PNS. Follow‐Up {#jah32587-sec-0011} --------- Patients were followed up in dedicated device therapy clinics. Before 2013, patients underwent systematic echocardiographic optimization. To this end, patients in sinus rhythm underwent transmitral Doppler‐directed optimization of atrioventricular delay using an iterative technique before discharge and at every scheduled visit thereafter. In patients with sinus rhythm, atrial pacing was set at 60 beats/min, and the pacing mode was set to DDDR with an interventricular delay of 0 to 4 ms, according to the manufacturer. In patients with permanent atrial fibrillation, right ventricular and LV leads were implanted and a CRT generator was used, plugging the atrial port and programming the generator to a ventricular triggered mode. In patients with uncontrolled atrial fibrillation despite medical therapy with suboptimal biventricular pacing capture (\<98%), atrioventricular junction ablation was undertaken, according to the individual clinician\'s decision. After 2013, echocardiographic optimization was only undertaken in symptomatic nonresponders. End Points {#jah32587-sec-0012} ---------- The primary end point was total mortality, which included cardiac transplantation. Secondary end points included cardiac mortality and unplanned HF hospitalization. The first event was included in the analysis. With respect to mode of death, sudden cardiac death was defined as a "natural, unexpected death due to cardiac causes, heralded by an abrupt loss of consciousness within 1 hour of the onset of acute symptoms,"[16](#jah32587-bib-0016){ref-type="ref"} whereas death from pump failure was defined as "death after a period of clinical deterioration in signs and symptoms of heart failure despite medical treatment"[17](#jah32587-bib-0017){ref-type="ref"} or cardiac transplantation. Mortality data were collected through medical records every 3 months by investigators who were blinded to all other patient data. Mortality and event data were collected by separate investigators who were blinded to all other data, except patient identifiers. Statistical Analysis {#jah32587-sec-0013} -------------------- In preliminary analyses, no differences in outcomes emerged between unipolar and bipolar LV leads (data not shown). On this basis, the latter were classified as "non‐QUAD" in statistical analyses. Normality was tested using the Shapiro--Wilk test. Continuous variables are expressed as mean (±SD) and compared using the Student *t* test. Categorical variables were compared using the χ^2^ tests. Kaplan--Meier curves and the log‐rank tests were used to assess observed cumulative survival and to test for differences in survival, respectively. Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare hazard rates of subgroups. Variables reaching a *P*\<0.10 on univariable analyses were entered in multivariable models, and further backward elimination was applied for the final multivariable models. Confounders included in final models were the following: quadripolar lead, sex (male), age at implantation, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, creatinine, QRS duration, and medication of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers. Proportionality hypotheses were verified by visual examination of log (survival) graphs to ensure parallel slopes, and by examining Schoenfeld residuals. Statistical analyses were undertaken using Stata 14 (StataCorp, Houston, TX). A 2‐sided *P*≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results {#jah32587-sec-0014} ======= Baseline Characteristics {#jah32587-sec-0015} ------------------------ Over the study period of 6.9 years, 847 patients underwent CRT (CRT‐D: 436 \[51.5%\]; CRT‐P: 411 \[48.5%\]), using QUAD (287 \[33.9%\]), unipolar (63 \[7.43%\]), or bipolar (497 \[58.7%\]) leads. Implantations using unipolar and bipolar leads were classified as non‐QUAD. As shown in Table [1](#jah32587-tbl-0001){ref-type="table"}, the groups were well matched for age, sex, cause of cardiomyopathy, comorbidities, proportion of upgrades from pacemaker, atrial rhythm (sinus rhythm or atrial fibrillation), QRS morphology, QRS duration, and left ventricular ejection fraction. Compared with the non‐QUAD group, QUAD were more likely to be in NYHA class I and II (*P*\<0.001) and to undergo CRT‐D (62.0% versus 46.1%, *P*\<0.001). In addition, QUAD had a lower uptake of loop diuretics (*P*=0.003) and a higher uptake of β‐blockers (*P*=0.004). ###### Characteristics of the Study Group QUAD Non‐QUAD *P* Value[a](#jah32587-note-0002){ref-type="fn"} ------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------------------------------------------- N 287 560 Sex (male), n (%) 209 (72.8) 398 (71.1) 0.592 Age, y 72.5±12.2 73.2±11.3 0.517 NYHA class, n (%) I 40 (14.3) 32 (5.8) \<0.001 II 87 (31.1) 66 (11.9) III 148 (52.9) 419 (75.5) IV 5 (1.79) 38 (6.9) Cause of cardiomyopathy, n (%) Ischemic 151 (52.6) 279 (49.8) 0.442 Nonischemic 136 (47.4) 281 (50.2) Device type, n (%) CRT‐D 178 (62.0) 258 (46.1) \<0.001 CRT‐P 109 (38.0) 302 (53.9) Comorbidities, n (%) Diabetes mellitus 80 (28.1) 127 (22.9) 0.099 Hypertension 87 (30.5) 165 (29.7) 0.811 CABG 48 (16.7) 102 (18.2) 0.591 Upgrade from pacemaker 56 (19.5) 119 (21.6) 0.554 ECG variables Sinus rhythm, n (%) 195 (67.9) 356 (63.6) 0.206 Atrial fibrillation, n (%)[b](#jah32587-note-0003){ref-type="fn"} 92 (32.1) 204 (36.4) QRS morphology (LBBB), n (%) 228 (79.4) 438 (78.2) 0.680 QRS duration, ms[c](#jah32587-note-0004){ref-type="fn"} 152.6±24.0 152.4±25.0 0.896 Medication, n (%) Loop diuretics 274 (95.5) 553 (98.8) 0.003 ACEIs/ARA 257 (89.6) 489 (87.3) 0.344  β‐Blockers 227 (79.1) 391 (69.2) 0.004 MRA 124 (43.2) 244 (43.6) 0.919 LVEF, % 24.9±9.1 25.8±11.2 0.249 Creatinine, μmol/L[d](#jah32587-note-0005){ref-type="fn"} 106 (89--129) 104 (87--132) 0.727 Variables are expressed as mean±SD, unless indicated otherwise. ACEI indicates angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors; ARA, angiotensin receptor blockers; CABG, coronary artery bypass grafting; CRT‐D, cardiac resynchronization therapy‐defibrillation; CRT‐P, cardiac resynchronization therapy‐pacing; LBBB, left bundle branch block; LVEF, left ventricular ejection fraction; MRA, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists; NYHA, New York Heart Association; QUAD, quadripolar left ventricular lead. Refers to differences between the groups from ANOVA for continuous variables and from χ^2^ tests for categorical variables. Includes permanent, persistent, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Excludes upgrades to pacemaker. Log‐transformed for statistical analyses. Total Mortality {#jah32587-sec-0016} --------------- Over a follow‐up period of 3.2 years (median \[interquartile range,1.90 to 5.0; 1.8 years \[interquartile range, 1.0--2.6\] for QUAD; 4.7 years \[interquartile range, 3.4--5.7\] for non‐QUAD), QUAD was associated with a lower total mortality in Kaplan--Meier survival analyses (log rank *P*\<0.001, Figure [1](#jah32587-fig-0001){ref-type="fig"}). The annualized total mortality rate was 3.6% (n=19) for QUAD and 10.9% (n=218) for non‐QUAD. Event rates are shown in Table [2](#jah32587-tbl-0002){ref-type="table"}. Univariable Cox proportional hazards analyses are shown in Table [3](#jah32587-tbl-0003){ref-type="table"}. In multivariable analyses (Table [4](#jah32587-tbl-0004){ref-type="table"}), QUAD was associated with a lower mortality (adjusted hazard ratio \[aHR\]: 0.32, 95% confidence interval \[CI\], 0.20--0.52), after adjustment for age, sex, NYHA class, and creatinine. Other confounders failed to reach significance in multivariable models. In order to exclude a possible time‐related bias, we explored whether date of implant emerged as a predictor of total mortality. In multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis, date of implant did not predict total mortality (HR: 1.46, 95% CI, 0.95--2.26). ![Clinical outcomes according to lead type. Kaplan--Meier survival curves for clinical outcomes according to device and lead type. HF indicates heart failure; QUAD, quadripolar lead.](JAH3-6-e007026-g001){#jah32587-fig-0001} ###### Event Rates According to Lead Type QUAD (n=287) Non‐QUAD (n=560) ------------------------- -------------- ------------------ ----- ------ Total mortality 19 3.6 218 10.9 Cardiac mortality 13 2.4 136 6.0 HF hospitalization 22 4.4 104 5.6 Death from pump failure 11 2.1 122 5.4 SCD 2 0.4 13 0.6 HF indicates heart failure; QUAD, quadripolar left ventricular lead; SCD, sudden cardiac death. Data are expressed in terms of annualized event rates. ###### Univariable Cox Proportional Hazards Analyses of Baseline Variables in Relation to Clinical Outcomes   Total Mortality Cardiac Mortality HF Hospitalization ------------------------ ----------------- ------------------- -------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------- --------- ------ ------ ------ --------- Lead type (QUAD) 0.31 0.19 0.49 \<0.001 0.35 0.20 0.63 \<0.001 0.60 0.37 0.95 0.030 Sex (male) 1.76 1.28 2.42 0.001 1.99 1.30 3.04 0.001 1.23 0.82 1.84 0.309 Age 1.04 1.02 1.05 \<0.001 1.02 1.00 1.03 0.029 1.03 1.01 1.04 0.004 NYHA class III 1.50 1.04 2.18 0.031 1.41 0.90 2.21 0.138 1.25 0.80 1.94 0.329 IV 3.74 2.25 6.21 \<0.001 2.40 1.25 4.61 0.009 1.24 0.51 3.03 0.634 Cause (ischemic) 1.23 0.95 1.59 0.112 1.21 0.88 1.67 0.249 1.31 0.92 1.87 0.130 Device type (CRT‐D) 0.81 0.63 1.04 0.100 0.96 0.70 1.33 0.810 0.98 0.69 1.39 0.922 Comorbidities Diabetes mellitus 1.33 1.00 1.77 0.050 1.57 1.11 2.22 0.010 1.48 1.02 2.16 0.042 Hypertension 1.10 0.83 1.45 0.509 0.91 0.63 1.31 0.620 0.96 0.65 1.41 0.820 CABG 1.16 0.85 1.60 0.352 1.05 0.70 1.59 0.801 1.04 0.66 1.63 0.872 ECG variables Atrial fibrillation 1.36 1.05 1.76 0.019 1.26 0.91 1.74 0.171 0.94 0.65 1.36 0.741 QRS morphology (LBBB) 0.81 0.60 1.09 0.161 0.71 0.50 1.02 0.064 0.57 0.39 0.84 0.004 QRS duration, ms 1.00 0.99 1.00 0.115 0.99 0.99 1.00 0.041 0.99 0.98 0.99 \<0.001 Medication Loop diuretics 1.38 0.44 4.32 0.578 2.73 0.38 19.51 0.317 ACEIs/ARA 0.54 0.39 0.76 \<0.001 0.52 0.35 0.79 0.002 1.28 0.69 2.39 0.428 β‐Blockers 0.87 0.66 1.14 0.309 0.81 0.57 1.13 0.215 0.91 0.62 1.33 0.612 MRA 0.90 0.69 1.16 0.410 1.01 0.73 1.40 0.949 1.25 0.88 1.77 0.210 LVEF, % 1.00 0.98 1.01 0.462 0.99 0.97 1.01 0.211 1.01 0.99 1.02 0.404 Creatinine, log μmol/L 2.20 1.72 2.82 \<0.001 1.92 1.38 2.67 \<0.001 1.93 1.34 2.76 \<0.001 ACEIs indicates angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors; ARA, angiotensin receptor blockers; CABG, coronary artery bypass grafting; CRT‐D, cardiac resynchronization therapy‐defibrillation; HF, heart failure; LBBB, left bundle branch block; LVEF, left ventricular ejection fraction; MRA, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists; NYHA, New York Heart Association; QUAD, quadripolar left ventricular lead. Results are expressed as hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) from Cox proportional hazards analyses. ###### Multivariable Analyses of Baseline Variables in Relation to Clinical Outcomes Total Mortality Cardiac Mortality HF Hospitalization ------------------------ ----------------- ------------------- -------------------- --------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ------ ------ ------ --------- Lead type (QUAD) 0.32 0.20 0.52 \<0.001 0.36 0.20 0.65 0.001 0.62 0.39 0.99 0.047 Sex, male 1.65 1.18 2.31 0.003 1.74 1.13 2.70 0.013 ··· ··· ··· ··· Age, y 1.03 1.02 1.05 \<0.001 1.02 1.00 1.03 0.043 1.03 1.01 1.05 0.001 NYHA class (IV) 1.89 1.25 2.86 0.003 ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· QRS duration, ms ··· ··· ··· ··· 0.99 0.99 1.00 0.019 0.99 0.98 0.99 \<0.001 ACEIs/ARAs ··· ··· ··· ··· 0.64 0.42 0.99 0.044 ··· ··· ··· ··· Creatinine, log μmol/L 1.68 1.25 2.25 0.001 1.50 1.04 2.16 0.030 1.91 1.30 2.80 0.001 Only variables with *P*\<0.10 on univariable analyses were included in multivariable models. ACEI, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors; ARA, angiotensin receptor blockers; HF, heart failure; NYHA, New York Heart Association; QUAD, quadripolar left ventricular lead. Results are expressed as hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) from Cox proportional hazards analyses. Cardiac Mortality {#jah32587-sec-0017} ----------------- The annualized cardiac mortality rate was 2.40% (n=13) for QUAD and 6.0% (n=136) for non‐QUAD (Table [2](#jah32587-tbl-0002){ref-type="table"}). In Kaplan--Meier survival analyses, QUAD was associated with a lower cardiac mortality (log rank *P*\<0.001, Figure [1](#jah32587-fig-0001){ref-type="fig"}). In multivariable analyses (Table [4](#jah32587-tbl-0004){ref-type="table"}), QUAD was associated with a lower cardiac mortality (aHR: 0.36, 95% CI, 0.20--0.65), after adjustment for known confounders. HF Hospitalization {#jah32587-sec-0018} ------------------ The annualized HF hospitalization rate was 4.40% for QUAD (n=22) and 5.6% (n=104) for non‐QUAD (Table [2](#jah32587-tbl-0002){ref-type="table"}). In Kaplan--Meier survival analyses, QUAD was associated with a lower risk of HF hospitalization (log rank *P*=0.028, Figure [1](#jah32587-fig-0001){ref-type="fig"}). In multivariable analyses (Table [4](#jah32587-tbl-0004){ref-type="table"}), QUAD was associated with a lower risk of HF hospitalization (aHR: 0.62, 95% CI, 0.39--0.99), after adjustment for potential confounders. QUAD and Device Type {#jah32587-sec-0019} -------------------- In univariable (Table [3](#jah32587-tbl-0003){ref-type="table"}) and mutivariable (Table [4](#jah32587-tbl-0004){ref-type="table"}) analyses, CRT‐D did not emerge as a predictor of any end point. Separate analyses according to device type were also undertaken. As shown in Figure [2](#jah32587-fig-0002){ref-type="fig"}, QUAD was superior to non‐QUAD with respect to all end points in Kaplan--Meier survival analyses. In univariable analyses including CRT‐D patients only, QUAD was superior to non‐QUAD with respect to total mortality (HR: 0.44, 95% CI, 0.25--0.76) and cardiac mortality (HR: 0.43, 95% CI, 0.22--0.85). A lower, albeit nonsignificant reduction with QUAD was observed in HF hospitalization (HR: 0.54, 95% CI, 0.29--1.01). In univariable analyses including CRT‐P patients only, QUAD was superior to non‐QUAD with respect to total mortality (HR: 0.16, 95% CI, 0.06--0.45) and cardiac mortality (HR: 0.23, 95% CI, 0.07--0.73), but no differences emerged in HF hospitalization (HR: 0.67, 95% CI, 0.32--1.37). ![Clinical outcomes according to device and lead type. Kaplan--Meier survival curves for clinical outcomes according to device and lead type. aHR indicates adjusted hazard ratio; C.I., confidence interval; CRT‐D, cardiac resynchronization therapy‐defibrillation; CRT‐P, cardiac resynchronization therapy‐pacing; HF, heart failure; QUAD, quadripolar lead.](JAH3-6-e007026-g002){#jah32587-fig-0002} Mode of Death {#jah32587-sec-0020} ------------- Over the follow‐up period, there were 11/287 (3.83%) deaths because of pump failure with QUAD and 122/558 (21.8%) with non‐QUAD. There were 2/287 (0.70%) sudden cardiac deaths with QUAD and 13/560 (2.32%) with non‐QUAD. Noncardiac deaths accounted for 3/287 (1.04%) deaths with QUAD and 42/560 (7.5%) deaths with non‐QUAD. The cause and mode of death was unknown in 3 (1.04%) patients with QUAD and in 40 (7.14%) patients with non‐QUAD. Excluding these patients, QUAD was associated with a lower mortality from pump failure (log rank *P*\<0.001; aHR: 0.33; 95% CI, 0.18--0.62), but no differences emerged with respect to sudden cardiac death (aHR: 0.58; 95% CI, 0.13--2.68, Figure [3](#jah32587-fig-0003){ref-type="fig"}). ![Mode of death according to lead type. Kaplan--Meier survival curves for death from pump failure or sudden cardiac death (SCD) according to lead type. aHR indicates adjusted hazard ratio; C.I., confidence interval; QUAD, quadripolar lead.](JAH3-6-e007026-g003){#jah32587-fig-0003} Implantation {#jah32587-sec-0021} ------------ There were 856 first attempts at CRT device implantation, 833 (97.3%) of which were successful at the first attempt and 847 (98.9%) after ≥1 attempts. Re‐interventions for LV displacement or PNS were lower with QUAD than with non‐QUAD (Table [5](#jah32587-tbl-0005){ref-type="table"}, Figure [4](#jah32587-fig-0004){ref-type="fig"}). In univariable analyses, re‐interventions for LV displacement or PNS predicted total mortality (aHR: 1.68, 95% CI, 1.11--2.54), cardiac mortality (aHR: 2.61, 95% CI, 1.66--4.11), and HF hospitalization (aHR: 2.09, 95% CI, 1.22--3.58). ###### Implant‐Related Complications and Re‐Interventions All QUAD Non‐QUAD *P* Value[a](#jah32587-note-0013){ref-type="fn"} ------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- -------------------------------------------------- Implant‐related complications, n (%) Hematoma treated conservatively 23 (2.72) 10 (3.48) 14 (2.50) 0.390 Hematoma requiring evacuation 4 (0.47) 0 4 (0.71) Pneumothorax treated conservatively 5 (0.59) 2 (0.70) 3 (0.54) Pneumothorax requiring drainage 1 (0.12) 0 1 (0.18) Perforation by RV lead 2 (0.24) 1 (0.35) 1 (0.18) Coronary sinus dissection[b](#jah32587-note-0014){ref-type="fn"} 5 (0.59) 4 (1.39) 3 (0.54) Subclavian artery aneurysm 1 (0.12) 1 (0.35) 0 Arrhythmia requiring cardioversion 1 (0.12) 1 (0.35) 0 Anemia postprocedure 1 (0.12) 0 1 (0.18) Pulmonary edema 1 (0.12) 0 1 (0.18) Total, n (%) 44 (5.19) 19 (6.62) 28 (5.00) Extractions for infection Within 1 y 8 (1.43) 3 (1.05) 5 (0.89) 0.297 After 1 y 3 (0.53) 0 3 (0.54) Total, n (%) 11 (1.96) 3 (1.05) 8 (1.43) LV lead re‐interventions LV lead displacement 34 (4.01) 6 (2.09) 28 (5.0) 0.007 Phrenic nerve stimulation 19 (2.24) 3 (1.05) 16 (2.86) Total 53 (6.26) 9 (3.14) 44 (7.86) RV indicates right ventricular. Refers to χ^2^ tests of quadripolar (QUAD) compared with non‐QUAD left ventricular (LV) leads. No coronary sinus dissections required re‐interventions. ![Reinterventions for left ventricular lead displacement or phrenic nerve stimulation. Kaplan--Meier survival curves of re‐interventions for left ventricular (LV) lead displacement or phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS) after device implantation using quadripolar (QUAD) or non‐QUAD leads. aHR indicates adjusted hazard ratio.](JAH3-6-e007026-g004){#jah32587-fig-0004} Other Complications {#jah32587-sec-0022} ------------------- As shown in Table [5](#jah32587-tbl-0005){ref-type="table"}, implant‐related complications were similar for QUAD and non‐QUAD (odds ratio: 1.30, 95% CI, 0.71--2.36). A total of 8 extractions for system infection were undertaken within 1 year of implantation (QUAD: 3 (1.05%); non‐QUAD: 5 (0.90%; *P*=0.828) and 3 after 1 year (QUAD: 0); non‐QUAD: 3 (0.54%; *P*=0.214). No device‐related infection or subsequent extraction led to death. Lead Design {#jah32587-sec-0023} ----------- Three LV lead families from 3 manufacturers were used, namely, Quartet (n=189, St. Jude Medical, Sylmar, CA), Attain Performa (n=87, Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, MN), and Acuity X4 (n=11, Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA). Compared with non‐QUAD leads, Quartet leads (aHR: 0.36, 95% CI, 0.21--0.6; sample size: 560 non‐QUAD and 189 Quartet leads) as well as the Attain Performa leads (aHR: 0.11, 95% CI, 0.03--0.45; sample size: 560 non‐QUAD and 87 Attain Performa) were associated with lower total mortality. Comparison of Quartet (n=189) with Attain Performa (n=87) revealed no difference in total mortality (Quartet HR: 3.06, 95% CI, 0.70--13.38). Boston Scientific Acuity X4 leads were excluded from these analysis because of the small numbers involved (n=11). Discussion {#jah32587-sec-0024} ========== In this study, we have compared clinical outcomes after CRT using QUAD and non‐QUAD, programmed to biventricular, single‐site LV pacing. Several findings have emerged. First, QUAD was associated with a 68% lower total mortality. Second, QUAD was associated with a marked reduction in cardiac mortality (by 64%) and in HF hospitalization (by 38%). Third, QUAD was associated with a lower mortality from pump failure, while no differences emerged in sudden cardiac death. Fourth, HF cause did not impact on the superior outcomes of QUAD over non‐QUAD. Fifth, QUAD was superior to non‐QUAD after both CRT‐D and CRT‐P. Sixth, no group differences emerged in implant complications, but QUAD was associated with fewer re‐interventions for LV lead displacement or PNS. Seventh, re‐interventions for LV displacement or PNS predicted total mortality, cardiac mortality, and HF hospitalization. Mortality {#jah32587-sec-0025} --------- A recent retrospective study comparing QUAD with bipolar leads showed no difference in survival at 12 months (mean follow‐up 256 days for QUAD).[15](#jah32587-bib-0015){ref-type="ref"} In contrast, a US‐wide study based on data from device implant records and telemonitoring showed that CRT‐D using QUAD was associated with a better survival than CRT‐D using bipolar leads.[13](#jah32587-bib-0013){ref-type="ref"} Observational data from 3 centers in the United Kingdom showed similar findings.[12](#jah32587-bib-0012){ref-type="ref"} Our annualized total mortality rate for non‐QUAD (10.9%) is comparable to that found in randomized, controlled trials using non‐QUAD, which amounted to 9.7% in CARE‐HF (Cardiac Resynchronization Heart Failure)[18](#jah32587-bib-0018){ref-type="ref"} and 15% in COMPANION (Comparison of Medical Therapy, Pacing and Defibrillation in heart failure)[19](#jah32587-bib-0019){ref-type="ref"}, [20](#jah32587-bib-0020){ref-type="ref"} after CRT‐P. In the CRT‐D arm of COMPANION, the annualized total mortality rate was 12%.[20](#jah32587-bib-0020){ref-type="ref"} In contrast, the annualized total mortality rate in the present study was 3.6% with QUAD. HF Hospitalization {#jah32587-sec-0026} ------------------ This is the first study to explore HF hospitalization after CRT using QUAD. Survival free from cardiovascular hospitalization at 1 and 2 years with QUAD was 94% and 91%, respectively. Among the few studies to address the long‐term effects of CRT on HF hospitalizations in the non‐QUAD LV lead era, van Bommel et al found survival free from cardiovascular hospitalization at 1 and 2 years was 80% and 70%, respectively.[21](#jah32587-bib-0021){ref-type="ref"} The reasons for reduced HF hospitalizations with QUAD are not entirely clear. Several cofounders, however, could potentially explain our findings. In the telemonitoring study of Turakhia et al, potential confounders for a benefit of QUAD was limited to age, sex, remote monitoring enrollment, and socioeconomic status.[13](#jah32587-bib-0013){ref-type="ref"} Behar et al did not adjust for NYHA class, QRS duration, left ventricular ejection fraction, HF medication, or comorbidities.[12](#jah32587-bib-0012){ref-type="ref"} In the present study, which comprises a longer follow‐up period, the survival advantage of QUAD versus bipolar LV leads was observed after adjustment for age, sex, device type (CRT‐P or CRT‐D), NYHA class, QRS duration, QRS morphology, left ventricular ejection fraction, HF cause, medication, or history of hypertension, coronary artery bypass grafting, or diabetes mellitus. Lower rates of LV lead re‐interventions may also be relevant. In this respect, we observed that no LV lead revision led to death and that LV lead re‐interventions were lower for QUAD than for non‐QUAD. On the other hand, LV lead re‐interventions were associated with an increased risk of total mortality, cardiac mortality, and HF hospitalization. These findings suggest that LV lead deactivation and the associated re‐intervention contributed to a higher risk of HF hospitalization. This, however, does not explain the lower risk of total mortality observed with QUAD. It would appear that the survival benefit of QUAD relates to the lead itself. CRT‐D and CRT‐P {#jah32587-sec-0027} --------------- Previous studies on QUAD[12](#jah32587-bib-0012){ref-type="ref"}, [13](#jah32587-bib-0013){ref-type="ref"} have exclusively focused on CRT‐D. We have shown better outcomes for QUAD after both CRT‐D and CRT‐P. In fact, the magnitude of the survival benefit of QUAD over non‐QUAD after CRT‐P (by 84%) was higher than after CRT‐D (by 56%). While we should be careful with overinterpreting the results of a retrospective study, such marked differences raise the possibility that the benefit of QUAD is proportionally higher after CRT‐P than after CRT‐D. If that is the case, we should reconsider the findings of COMPANION, which was underpowered to compare CRT‐D and CRT‐P. At the low event rates observed in the present study, proof of superiority of CRT‐D over CRT‐P may require much higher numbers of patients than those included in COMPANION. Meta‐analyses of CRT‐D versus CRT‐P may need to be revisited in the QUAD era. LV Lead Re‐Interventions {#jah32587-sec-0028} ------------------------ In the MORE‐CRT (More Options Available With a Quadripolar LV Lead Provide In‐Clinic Solutions to CRT Challenges) trial, 1074 patients undergoing CRT‐D were randomized in 1:2 ratio to bipolar leads or QUAD. Freedom from the composite end point of intraoperative and postoperative LV lead--related events at 6 months was greater with QUAD than with bipolar leads (83.0% versus 74.4%, *P*=0.0002), but this was because of differences in the intraoperative rather than postoperative events.[10](#jah32587-bib-0010){ref-type="ref"} In the present study, which involved a longer follow‐up period, QUAD was associated with a lower incidence of PNS and LV lead displacement. This might be expected in view of the fact that vector optimization almost invariably eliminates PNS in patients who initially have PNS with QUAD.[12](#jah32587-bib-0012){ref-type="ref"} HF Cause {#jah32587-sec-0029} -------- In the QUAD era, Forleo et al[22](#jah32587-bib-0022){ref-type="ref"} showed that the cause of cardiomyopathy did not influence the LV reverse remodeling response to CRT‐D using QUAD. Similarly, Behar et al found no interaction between HF cause and the survival benefit of CRT‐D using QUAD, compared with bipolar leads.[12](#jah32587-bib-0012){ref-type="ref"} We have also found that HF cause has no bearing on survival benefit of QUAD over non‐QUAD. Importantly, however, the event rate with QUAD is much lower than with non‐QUAD. It is possible that with QUAD, higher numbers of patients are needed to show a HF cause‐specific difference in outcomes after CRT. Single‐Site and Multipoint Pacing {#jah32587-sec-0030} --------------------------------- In this study, multipoint pacing was not activated in any patient, suggesting that the survival advantage of QUAD is simply because of lead design or availability of multiple pacing vector configurations. We should also consider that electrical stimulation over a dipole in a QUAD could depolarize the myocardium at the anodal pole if this has a comparatively low threshold.[23](#jah32587-bib-0023){ref-type="ref"} We cannot determine whether anodal capture (and effectively multipoint pacing) could account for some of the observed effects of QUAD. These questions could not be addressed in the present study. Limitations {#jah32587-sec-0031} ----------- This study has the typical limitations of a single‐center, nonrandomized, retrospective study and therefore we cannot discount the possible influence of unobserved variables. While we adjusted for potential confounders, only randomization could fully correct for their biological effects. In particular, we should stress that, despite covariate adjustment, the better outcomes observed with QUAD might be because, at least in part, of different patient characteristics towards the end of the recruitment period, rather than primarily or uniquely to the utilization of QUAD. The greater proportion of patients in NYHA class I and II and in sinus rhythm as well as higher uptake of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers and β‐blockers may still contribute to better outcomes with QUAD. Moreover, we cannot exclude the possibility that the time interval from actual LV lead displacement (deactivation) to re‐intervention may have adversely influenced outcomes. As we did not use telemonitoring, we cannot quantify the duration of LV lead deactivation before re‐intervention. A further possibility is that allowing programming over a wider range of vectors, QUAD could have converted nonresponders to responders.[24](#jah32587-bib-0024){ref-type="ref"} Unfortunately, the present study does not address vector locations or how vector configurations changed during follow‐up. It is hoped that ongoing prospective studies[25](#jah32587-bib-0025){ref-type="ref"} may shed further light on this issue. We did not collect data as on Q‐LV as an aid for targeting LV lead positions, but it is possible that this approach could influence outcomes. Conclusions {#jah32587-sec-0032} =========== In this study of real‐world clinical practice, we have shown that CRT using QUAD, programmed to biventricular, single‐site LV pacing, was associated with a dramatic reduction in total mortality, cardiac mortality, and HF hospitalization, compared with non‐QUAD. These findings emerged after both CRT‐D and CRT‐P, after adjustment for HF etiology and other potential confounders. The remarkably low event rate observed with QUAD in this study has implications for clinical practice and the design of future CRT trials. Disclosures {#jah32587-sec-0033} =========== Leyva is a consultant and has received research support from Medtronic Inc, St Jude Medical, Boston Scientific, and LivaNova. Marshall is a consultant for Spectranetics. The other authors report no conflicts of interest.
{ "pile_set_name": "PubMed Central" }
Carlo Buscaglia Carlo Buscaglia (9 February 1909 – 15 August 1981) was an Italian footballer from Bastia di Balocco in the Province of Vercelli who played as a midfielder. Career Buscaglia played club football most notably for Napoli. He spent a decade at Napoli, also serving as the team's captain, and wrote himself into the appearance records books at the club; today he is sixth in the club's all-time appearance records for the league. After leaving Napoli in 1938, he spent two year spells at Juventus and Savona. References Category:1909 births Category:1981 deaths Category:Italian footballers Category:Serie A players Category:Casale F.B.C. players Category:Juventus F.C. players Category:S.S.C. Napoli players Category:Savona F.B.C. players Category:Sportspeople from Turin Category:Association football midfielders Category:People from the Province of Vercelli
{ "pile_set_name": "Wikipedia (en)" }
1. Field The present disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for distinguishing cells with the same physical cell identifier. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to distinguishing cells with the same physical cell identifier by using a radio frame timing offset. 2. Introduction Presently, in a cellular network, cells use physical cell identifiers to distinguish themselves from each other. An operator ensures that a physical cell identifier unambiguously identifies a base station. However, Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) base stations, such as access points, may use the same physical cell identifiers, which can result in physical cell identifier confusion. For example, CSG cells can be a collection of cells used for deployment in a campus or can be individual cells used for deployment in users' homes. The CSG cells co-exist with macro cells on the same carrier frequency. CSG cells have a smaller coverage area than macro cells. Unlike macro cells, the CSG cells are un-planned, in that the operator has much less control over their placement and configuration than with macro cells. Thus, two CSG cells that are located within the coverage of the same macro cell can use the same physical cell identifiers. Unfortunately, this results in physical cell identifier confusion. To elaborate, a mobile station uses physical cell identifiers (PCID) during synchronization and during cell ranking. The mobile station ranks cells by measuring the received signal strength and then uses the ranking to facilitate handover and reselection. If a PCID is not guaranteed to be unique within a macro cell, then PCIDs cannot be used for reselection and handover. If PCIDs cannot be used for reselection and handover, a mobile terminal would need to read system information of the target cell and acquire the cell global identity to determine if it is allowed to access the cell. Unfortunately, this requires considerable additional battery usage in idle mode and can seriously impact battery life. Another problem with using the same PCIDs is that mobile station cell handover will fail when there is more than one cell with the same PCID and a network cannot determine which cell is the right one for handover. A range of PCIDs can be reserved for CSG cells. Also, a mobile terminal can have a list of CSG PCIDs, such as a CSG white-list of cells that it is allowed to access. These restrictions limit the problem in the reselection case to when the target cell is a CSG cell in the CSG white-list. However, PCID confusion can still frequently occur in metropolitan areas where more CSG cells are deployed. Even in cases where the spatial likelihood of PCID confusion is low, when confusion occurs, it affects the same mobile terminal repeatedly. For example, if two homes within the coverage of the same macro cell use CSG cells with the same PCID, the corresponding users will experience handover failures when entering their homes and they will have substantially higher battery drain. In order to resolve the PCID confusion, a mobile terminal could read additional system information of a cell, which contains a unique cell identifier, which the mobile terminal could rely on to determine if the cell is suitable. Unfortunately, reading the additional system information in connected mode would cause substantial delay which negatively impacts handover performance. Also, a mobile terminal would have to read the additional system information every time it encounters a CSG PCID, because different encounters with the same PCID could correspond to different cells. Furthermore, the mobile terminal would lose data being sent through the serving cell as a result of reading the additional system information because the mobile terminal would have to synchronize to the target cell. It is also possible to ignore a cell based on the PCID if it has been found to be unsuitable after previously reading additional system information. However, this would not resolve the PCID confusion problem because a cell encountered later may be suitable to the mobile terminal but would be ignored if it has same PCID as a previously unsuitable cell. Furthermore, in connected mode, a mobile terminal would not measure and report the ignored PCIDs and the network would not know when interference from the PCID is significant and would not be able to take measures to prevent disruption of service. Thus, there is a need for a method and apparatus for distinguishing cells with the same physical cell identifier.
{ "pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds" }
package com.tencent.mm.ui.chatting; import android.view.View; import android.view.ViewStub; import android.view.animation.AnimationUtils; import android.widget.ListView; import com.tencent.mm.e.a.nq; import com.tencent.mm.plugin.sight.encode.ui.ChattingSightContainerView.a; import com.tencent.mm.sdk.c.a; import com.tencent.mm.sdk.platformtools.ac; import com.tencent.mm.ui.j; import com.tencent.mm.ui.o; final class ChattingUI$a$84$2 implements ChattingSightContainerView.a { View lBB = null; ChattingUI$a$84$2(ChattingUI.a.84 param84) {} public final void azd() { nq localnq = new nq(); avS.type = 6; a.kug.y(localnq); lBA.lAY.setRequestedOrientation(1); lBA.lAY.Xk(); lBA.lAY.bkT(); lBA.lAY.blj(); if (lBB == null) { lBB = ((ViewStub)lBA.lAY.findViewById(2131755932)).inflate(); } lBB.setVisibility(0); lBB.startAnimation(AnimationUtils.loadAnimation(lBA.lAY.kNN.kOg, 2130968612)); } public final void onHide() { lBA.lAY.setRequestedOrientation(-1); lBA.lAY.bkT(); if ((lBB != null) && (lBB.getVisibility() == 0)) { lBB.setVisibility(8); lBB.startAnimation(AnimationUtils.loadAnimation(lBA.lAY.kNN.kOg, 2130968613)); } new ac().post(new Runnable() { public final void run() { nq localnq = new nq(); avS.type = 7; avS.avT = ChattingUI.a.e(lBA.lAY).getFirstVisiblePosition(); avS.avU = ChattingUI.a.e(lBA.lAY).getLastVisiblePosition(); avS.avV = ChattingUI.a.e(lBA.lAY).getHeaderViewsCount(); a.kug.y(localnq); } }); } } /* Location: * Qualified Name: com.tencent.mm.ui.chatting.ChattingUI.a.84.2 * Java Class Version: 6 (50.0) * JD-Core Version: 0.7.1 */
{ "pile_set_name": "Github" }
Neural crest cells (NCCs) are pluripotent cells that migrate from the developing neural tube to populate various tissues including craniofacial structures, neurons and glia of the peripheral nervous system, and pigment cells. Improper migration and development of NCCs can lead to a variety of birth defects collectively termed neurocristopathies. To become migratory, NCCs undergo epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMTs at the wrong place and time are associated with cancer progression, invasion, and metastasis among other pathological events. Thus, it is critically important to have a complete understanding of the biology of EMT. While some work has focused on identifying signals that induce EMT, much of it was done in cells outside of their natural environment, which has a great effect on cell signaling and behavior. I have focused on the physical behaviors NCCs use to carry out EMT in vivo and this proposal will test how specific molecules, namely the GTPase Rho and Cadherin-6, control these behaviors. My specific aims are to 1.) Image the distribution and level of active Rho during NCC EMT 2.) Determine the effects of Rho manipulation on dynamic cell behavior and F-actin. 3.) Determine whether Rho and Cad-6 cooperate to promote NCC EMT. These experiments will begin to define molecular pathways that control EMT in vivo and have the potential inform therapies for treatment of pathologies involving abnormal cell migration and EMT. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Improper development of neural crest cell (NCC) derived structures, including craniofacial bone and cartilage, leads to a class of birth defects called neurocristopathies. To populate their targets NCCs must become migratory, which involves undergoing epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMTs are important events in development that also drive pathologies such as fibrosis, chronic inflammation, and cancer metastasis. The experiments proposed here have the potential to explain how specific molecules control these critical events and inform therapies in diseases involving EMT and abnormal cell migration.
{ "pile_set_name": "NIH ExPorter" }
UPDATE: July 22, 12:10 p.m.: The Seinfeld Emoji app is now available in the Apple App Store. Three collaborators made a collection of Seinfeld-inspired emoji that could be coming to your iPhone very soon. A free iOS app called Seinfeld Emoji has been submitted to the Apple App Store (and is awaiting approval). Potential emoji include everything from Jerry wearing Google Glass to other series-related objects like the marble rye and puffy shirt. Jason Richards, who is behind the popular @Seinfeld2000 account, came up with the concept. He recruited designer Kevin McCauley to draw about five Seinfeld emojis, but McCauley — being a huge Seinfeld fan — came back with about 20, many based on his favorite jokes and characters. Shahruz Shaukat, a developer at BuzzFeed, connected with the duo online and started to develop the app as a side project (unaffiliated with BuzzFeed) a few weeks ago. "It’s a real thing that people will actually be able to use," Shaukat told Mashable. "It will let people use these on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Messages, Mail and so on." The character names are slightly off, since Richards uses variant names (Jary instead of Jerry; Newmie instead of Newman) to distance his project from the official franchise. The app also includes other random emoji — such as the Apple Store and President Obama — which are reoccurring references in the Seinfeld2000 universe. While reports that new official emoji are in the works to launch later this month, Shaukat said the app might be a work around the typical challenges affiliated with third-party emoji on Apple devices. "It’s very limiting what Apple (or even Android) lets us do with emoji, mostly for technical reasons," he said. "We came up with a unique approach stays within the rules and what’s technically capable, but still lets people use them however they want and share wherever they want." If the demand is high, the team said the app could be available for Android in the future, too.
{ "pile_set_name": "OpenWebText2" }
Copy the link below At Sunday night’s (August 7) Teen Choice Awards in Los Angeles, it was the battle of the bespectacled boy wizard vs. the vampire, and to our enjoyment, it was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows that came out on top over Twilight: Eclipse. Part One picked up the Choice Sci-Fi/Fantasy gong, while its finale was crowned Choice Summer Movie. Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson picked up a couple of awards, including one for Choice Movie Liplock, while handsome Tom Felton was hailed Choice Movie Villian. (via The Guardian) • John Barrowman recently revealed to The Daily Mirror that legions of female admirers go to great lengths when professing their fan devotion. “Sometimes I get sent knickers and occasionally I get requests to send some of my own underwear back,” the Torchwood: Miracle Day star said. “I always politely decline. It’s not going to happen. I get sent some seriously raunchy photographs too. They really don’t hold back, some of these women. The photographs are filthy but they’re not really my thing to be honest. All I’ll say is I appreciate the loyalty. So thank you.” • Boy George has been describing his reception when he arrived in prison in 2009, ready to start a four month sentence. It seems (and this may shock some of you) that the introduction of a gay pop star to a tense environment did not bring out the best in some of his fellow inmates. (via Pink News) • This probably won’t come as a surprise, but when Dionne Bromfield, Amy Winehouse‘s goddaughter, attempted to pay tribute by singing the most devastating song in her godmum’s catalogue – “Love Is a Losing Game” – at The Big Chill on Saturday (August 6), well, she could barely sing for crying. And you can imagine what kind of effect that had on her audience… (via Marie Claire UK) • Ever the gentleman, Simon Cowell is now attempting to fall on his sword, saying he probably shouldn’t have sacked Cheryl Cole, or try to move her back across to the UK version of The X Factor, but he’s sure their friendship will survive. (via Evening Echo) • But should he even be talking about Cheryl at all? I mean, we’ve all experienced a few pangs of outright disinterest since this story first started to play out, and now even Hollywood’s paparazzi, a gang who surely must be able to swallow down their boredom with whomsoever in the public eye they’ve got their lenses pointed at, have decided Cheryl’s too boring to bother with. She’s in L.A. right now, and apparently all she does is eat oatmeal and go to the gym. (via Heat) • Come hell or high water, Cowell was going to have Adele involved with the UK X Factor this season. And after trying to get the best-selling songstress to appear as a guest judge, he’s apparently landed her for the show’s finale at Wembley. It’ll be epic, no doubt. (via Daily Star) • Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice) and her boyfriend of two and a half years, Henry Beckwith, have called it quits. (via The Sun) • In better Spice Girls news, Melanie Brown a.k.a. Sporty Spice is prepping for the arrival of her first child with Stephen Belafonte. But coaching her at her beside may be her two daughters, Phoenix and Angel, as her hubby might be passed out on the floor from all the excitement. (via Hello!) • Suede‘s Brett Anderson has fourth solo LP coming this fall. Black Rainbows, which he says is “restless, noisy and dynamic,” will be released September 26 in the UK. Fingers crossed that the U.S. gets it the very next day! (via Digital Spy) • Pirates of the Caribbean star Naomie Harris — who is thought to be bringing M’s secretary, Miss Moneypenny, to life in Bond 23 — has some friendly words of advice for aspiring actors: a “steely determination” is a definite must and expect to deal with “plenty of knocks along the way.” Oh and one more thing: “never take no for an answer.” (via The Daily Telegraph)
{ "pile_set_name": "Pile-CC" }
Pulsatile luteinizing hormone secretion in hypothalamic amenorrhea, anorexia nervosa, and polycystic ovarian disease during naltrexone treatment. To determine if chronic treatment with the long-acting oral opioid antagonist naltrexone can increase luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion in women with secondary amenorrhea. Prospective. Large reproductive endocrinology unit of an academic hospital. Three groups of women with oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea: (1) hypothalamic amenorrhea; (2) anorexia nervosa; and (3) polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD). Naltrexone 50 mg every day for 4 days. Luteinizing hormone pulse pattern, frequency and amplitude, mean LH and FSH levels, measured by serial blood sampling over a 6-hour period before and after naltrexone. Naltrexone caused a significant increase (P less than 0.05) of the LH pulse frequency in patients with hypothalamic amenorrhea and in PCOD but not in anorexia nervosa. The mean levels of LH and FSH and LH pulse amplitudes were not significantly changed by naltrexone. The naltrexone nonresponders were underweight either because of simple weight loss or anorexia nervosa and had low levels of estradiol and an LH pulse pattern similar to the luteal one. The luteal LH pulse pattern in weight loss-related amenorrhea is caused by a nonopioid, undernutrition-linked factor.
{ "pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts" }
Inhibition of retroviral pathogenesis by RNA interference. RNA interference (RNAi) is a newly discovered cellular defense system that is known to suppress replication of genomic parasites in model organisms. It has been widely conjectured that RNAi may also serve as an antiviral system in vertebrates. Retroviral infection could be initiated by electroporation of cloned Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) proviral DNA into the developing chick neural tube. Coelectroporation of proviral DNA and short double-stranded RNAs matching sequences of avain retroviruses, which were designed to induce RNAi against RSV, inhibited viral replication. Replication of RSV after electroporation resulted in disruption of embryonic development and early death, but this, too, could be suppressed by RNAi against the RSV genome. RNAi could also inhibit the growth of RSV and HIV in cell culture. Analysis of the step of the retroviral life cycle that is inhibited by RNAi revealed that it primarily prevented accumulation of the viral RNAs synthesized late during infection. RNA genomes introduced in viral particles early during infection were less sensitive. RNAi can block retroviral infection in vertebrates. The tissue electroporation method described here should allow RNAi to be used widely to study gene function and control of infection in vertebrate animals.
{ "pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts" }
Rationalization of the selection of tracheal tubes. The problems of selection of tracheal tubes, and the need for a rationale, are outlined. Tracheal tubes of 7.5 mm and 8.5 mm i.d. are recommended for female and male patients, respectively. Tracheal size was determined using high pressure-low volume cuffs as measuring devices. The average diameter of the cuff at seal point was 16.2 mm (SD 1.2 mm) for female, and 20.8 mm (SD 2.3 mm) for male patients. To provide a seal with low pressure-high volume cuffed tubes, cuff sizes of 20.5 mm and 27.5 mm are recommended for female and male patients, respectively. The mechanism of sealing with low pressure-high volume cuffs is reviewed.
{ "pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts" }
Rh-Catalyzed Cyclization of 3-Aryloxycarbonyldiazonaphthoquinones for the Synthesis of β-Phenylnaphthalene Lactones and Formal Synthesis of Pradimicinone. In this study, we developed a novel method for the synthesis of β-phenylnaphthalene lactones. The diazo-transfer reactions of 2-azido-1,3-dimethylimidazolinium chlorides to 3-aryloxycarbonyl-1-naphthols proceeded smoothly to give corresponding 3-aryloxycarbonyldiazonaphthoquinones in high yields. These intermediates were further transformed to β-phenylnaphthalene lactones through a Rh-catalyzed intramolecular formal C-H insertion reaction. This method of lactone formation was efficiently applied to the formal total synthesis of pradimicinone.
{ "pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts" }
The collective hysteria over fake news, Russia’s alleged role in the DNC hack, and the unsubstantiated kompramat that supposedly links Donald Trump to Vladimir Putin has reached a fever pitch. But mainstream cable news and the Washington intelligentsia have somehow neglected to connect it to a crucial piece of the US history: its long-standing tradition, euphemistically known as the Truman Doctrine, of intervening in democratic elections abroad to promote its commercial and ideological interests. Truman’s doctrine would “support free peoples,” he proclaimed in March 1947, “who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures.” Indeed, he and his successors would go to great lengths to keep this promise during the Cold War. American presidents repeatedly directed the CIA to overthrow freely elected leaders in Iran, Guatemala, the Congo, and Chile because they nationalized industries, threatened corporate interests, and obstructed the United States’ imperial ambitions. American officials falsely branded these leaders as Communists, framed them as threats to national security, and authorized covert operations to replace them with dictators who would serve US interests. Omission of this history from today’s discourse on Russia and our adversaries prevents our leaders, and especially the American public, from realizing the same tools the United States used to interfere in others’ affairs are now being used against us. Shielded by this ignorance, it is easy for US officials to portray us as the victims of attacks rather than the inventors of the weapons. When Senator John McCain, for example, says, “If you’re able to change the results of an election, then you have undermined the very fundamentals of democracy,” he forgets to mention this is precisely what the United States did in Iran, Guatemala, the Congo, and Chile when they were just beginning to experience democracy. In 1953, a US-backed military coup overthrew Iran’s first democratically elected leader, Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh, in response to his decision to nationalize the highly lucrative oil industry, cutting off the gravy train the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company had been riding since 1909. Time had honored the Western-educated leader the year before the coup as its man of the year, hailing him as “the most world-renowned man his ancient race had produced for centuries.” Suddenly, because he wanted to use Iran’s oil wealth to benefit his country, he was deemed a pinko. Using American tax dollars to develop a network of Iranian agents and to bribe the regime’s opponents, the CIA launched political warfare against Mossadegh. It distributed fake news via posters and newspapers that called him corrupt, anti-Islam, and the Soviet Union’s ally, it encouraged religious leaders to criticize the prime minister from inside their mosques, and it enlisted street mobs to incite riots across Tehran. Success finally came on August 19. Paid infiltrators played both sides: some posed as Tudeh party members attempting to foment revolution while others convinced the citizens to rise up against this threat. Eventually, amid growing anarchy, General Fazlollah Zahedi, paid off by the CIA, ordered his bribed military units to seize government facilities and Radio Tehran. He proclaimed himself “the lawful prime minister by the Shah’s orders” and collected $1 million in cash from the CIA. Soon after, the Shah — Washington’s chosen dictator — assumed the throne, American oil companies moved in, and US-Iranian relations quickly warmed as the new regime squashed dissent, imprisoned opponents, and received unprecedented US arms shipments, American assistance to create the Monarchy’s secret police, and US support to develop Iran’s civilian nuclear program. The American recipe for overthrow continued to evolve. Guatemala’s freely elected president Jacobo Arbenz became the next target when his New Deal-style programs threatened the interests of American corporations. The powerful United Fruit Company, whose executives were in bed with a number of influential American officials — some of whom were former employees and some of whom had financial interests in the corporation — found Arbenz’s policies especially worrying. The Agrarian Reform Law of 1952 authorized the Guatemalan government to seize vast tracts of United Fruit’s uncultivated acres. The next December, the CIA’s Operation SUCCESS set in motion a six-month coup. CIA agents used Voice of Liberation radio to broadcast fake news describing an impending communist takeover and civilian uprisings, recruited a rebel army to sow unrest, distributed religious leaflets calling Catholics to revolt, and coordinated air raids that dropped bombs on military installations and other targets across Guatemala City. These efforts turned popular and military support against Arbenz, forcing his resignation and paving the way for Castillo Armas — the United States’ handpicked dictator — to become president. This established a long line of dictators, death squads, oppression, and near-genocide that wreaked havoc across Guatemala for the next four decades. In 1960, American meddling escalated. President Eisenhower decided to skip the coup and go straight to assassination. He ordered — once again using the false pretense of an impending communist threat — the CIA to assassinate Congo’s democratically elected prime minister Patrice Lumumba, the young nationalist who ended seven decades of brutal Belgian rule and promised Congolese citizens a better future with greater control over the country’s natural resources. When the plot to poison Lumumba failed, the CIA outsourced the job to Congolese accomplices and Belgian officers. With the help of Joseph Mobutu, the repressive military dictator installed by the United States who would rule for three decades, they eventually captured him and handed him over to his enemies. They tortured Lumumba, then murdered him by firing squad on January 17, 1961 — just three days before John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as the freely elected president of the United States. During the early 1970s, commercial interests once again required CIA assistance. When Chile elected Salvador Allende, the anti-imperialist, working-class champion, he nationalized profitable American-dominated industries such as communications and copper, the resource gem for which Chile was the world’s leading supplier. President Nixon, who believed the false reports of Soviet influence he received from American and Chilean industrial titans, authorized the CIA to overthrow Allende, setting in motion a ferocious propaganda campaign that included distributing fake news, strangling economic development, conspiring with disgruntled Chilean officers, indirectly assassinating a senior military leader, and staging anti-government protests. On the climactic day of the coup, September 11, 1973, Allende gave his last words over the radio while barricaded inside the presidential palace. He indicted foreign capital and imperialism as the causes that “created the climate for the Army to break with their tradition” by carrying out American covert action. Moments before he died, he proclaimed, “Long live Chile! Long live the people! Long live the workers!” It is slightly ironic, given the country’s record of international meddling, that American officials are whining about the “tradition in Russia of interfering in elections,” as Director of National Intelligence James Clapper recently said. Or to hear McCain say Russia’s actions are “the sign of a possible unraveling of the world order that was established after World War II… one of the most peaceful periods in the history of the world” — the same period when the United States intervened in Iran, Guatemala, the Congo, and Chile. Or to hear Representative Elijah Cummings say, “Russia’s attacks on our election are an attempt to degrade our democracy and should chill every American.” Our electoral integrity is a legitimate concern, and American officials should express outrage at Russia’s alleged actions (should they turn out to be true). But every American should feel equally chilled by our history of undemocratic electoral interference around the world. Millions of Iranians, Guatemalans, Congolese, and Chileans suffered under the iron grips of unelected dictators the United States installed. Hundreds of thousands died in the aftermath of these coups, countries split into civil wars, untold natural riches were stolen, and countless others endured unspeakable trauma and loss. Unforeseen blowback in response to these actions will likely continue in the years ahead. Whether it was Russian spies or American couch potatoes who convinced Podesta to give up his password, the United States has not suffered the way other countries have — at least not yet. As the tools of American power proliferate and fall into the hands of our supposed adversaries — arms, nuclear weapons, coups, drones, and cyber-warfare — we must confront the reality that as long as the United States continues its habit of meddling abroad, other countries will be tempted to use these and other forms of covert action against us.
{ "pile_set_name": "Pile-CC" }
Well, I'm Tony. I live in Taichung, Taiwan, but I come from Nova Scotia, Canada. Like most expatriates here, I teach English to pay the bills. I'm married to a Taiwanese woman and plan on staying here. I started gaming around the time the Wilderness Survival Guide was released. As a player, my most fondly remembered game is a very competitive Dark Sun one shot throne war. As a GM, I ran what still looks to me like a very narrativist Vampire game for two years. I still haven't had a chance to play any of the games from this circle, although I've read a few. My current gaming group is also doing a rotating GMing thing with Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay. I've been trying to do it thematically and with real player control and despite some system troubles it's working quite well. I stumbled on the Indie RPG movement after a very frustrating experience with another group here - the theory really helped me understand what was going wrong and what I needed to do about it. It's still an ongoing process. Beyond that, I'm very interested in the application of RPGs and game mechanics to other fields such as ESL and business consulting.
{ "pile_set_name": "Pile-CC" }
MIDLAND — Medical marijuana will not be a booming business in the city of Midland any time soon. The city approved a zoning text amendment that will prohibit medical marijuana dispensaries and co-ops within the city limits after it is published. City Manager Jon Lynch said it typically takes a week or two for publication in the newspaper. "The language we are considering would prohibit any business or organization in violation of local, state or federal law from operating within the city limits," said Keith Baker, director of planning and community development. "Because the possession, growing and distribution of marijuana is still prohibited by federal law, we will be banning those establishments within the city limits." The amendment is not intended to impede patients who are qualified to use medical marijuana or caregivers who are licensed to grow marijuana for a limited number of patients. This zoning amendment was born out of the vagueness of the state's 2008 Medical Marijuana Act, which allowed for patients suffering from debilitating illnesses to have access to marijuana as a treatment method. Qualified caregivers, or growers, are licensed through the Department of Community Health to provide marijuana to up to five qualified patients. Caregivers must be 21 years old and cannot have been convicted of a felony involving illegal drugs. According to Baker, the law prohibits additional people from becoming involved in the distribution of medical marijuana which is why the city has opted to prohibit dispensaries and co-ops. In addition, he stated that caregivers are not allowed to be compensated for either their time or profit from their growing activities. Mayor Maureen Donker summarized the intent behind the zoning text amendment for clarity after the staff presentation. "Essentially, if I am a caregiver, I do not become a pharmaceutical company," she said. City Attorney James Branson cautioned the city council that this may not be the last they hear of this issue. "I do see where this could be a challenge," he said. "You could have a patient or a caregiver say this is hampering his or her ability to follow the law, but I feel this is the best way to address the issue. It is a way of moving forward with the limited guidance that you have at this time." Baker said the staff has been reviewing the Medical Marijuana Act and other municipalities' handling of the issue for months in preparation of this amendment. Midland has become the 12th municipality to ban dispensaries and co-ops. The text of the amendment is available online at www.midland-mi.org.
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Track flipkart.com products. Filter using any feature like brand, colour, capacity All Product Features Are Searchable Price Tracking And Product Discovery In addition to tracking prices, we also notify about more new relevant products when they become relevant. Tracked Products are restricted by your specified criteria.
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Stuck with You (Zones song) "Stuck With You" is the debut disc and 7" single of punk band Zones, released by Zoom Records on February 17, 1978. It contained its eponymous song, "Stuck With You", which was backed with "No Angels"; both songs were a combination of punk rock and power pop, although more punk than the group's subsequent singles and the album, which were more new wave-oriented. The single was played a lot by DJ John Peel, who shortly afterwards recorded and broadcast sessions with the band, and garnered the attention of Arista Records, who signed the group. The band comprised vocalist and guitarist Willie Gardner (previously in Hot Valves), and ex-PVC2 members, bassist Russell Webb, keyboardist Billy McIsaac and drummer Kenny Hyslop. Their next single, "Sign of the Times" was released shortly afterwards in Arista Records. Track list Side A: "Stuck With You" Side B: "No Angels" Personnel Willie Gardner: lead vocals, lead guitar. Russell Webb: bass guitar. Billy McIsaac: keyboards. Kenny Hyslop: drums. References Category:1978 singles Category:Zones (band) songs Category:Debut singles Category:1978 songs
{ "pile_set_name": "Wikipedia (en)" }
Computer systems typically comprise a combination of hardware, such as semiconductors, transistors, chips, and circuit boards, and computer programs. As increasing numbers of smaller and faster transistors can be integrated on a single chip, new processors are designed to use these transistors effectively to increase performance. Currently, many computer designers opt to use the increasing transistor budget to build ever bigger and more complex uni-processors. Alternatively, multiple smaller processor cores can be placed on a single chip, which is beneficial because a single, simple processor core is less complex to design and verify. This results in a less costly and complex verification process, as a once verified module, the processor, is repeated multiple times on a chip. Techniques known as multiple logical partitions take advantage of multi-processors. A logically partitioned computer comprises multiple logical partitions that implement virtual computers, which execute in separate memory spaces, may execute separate operating systems, and may use shared resources. Examples of shared resources are processors, memory, co-processors, network bandwidth, or secondary storage. Partitions are often implemented on computer systems that include multiple processors and/or on multiple computer systems (often called compute nodes or simply nodes) that comprise processors, which run the multiple partitions to accomplish tasks.
{ "pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds" }
/* -*- Mode: C++; tab-width: 4; indent-tabs-mode: nil; c-basic-offset: 4 -*- * vim: set ts=4 sw=4 et tw=99: * * ***** BEGIN LICENSE BLOCK ***** * Version: MPL 1.1/GPL 2.0/LGPL 2.1 * * The contents of this file are subject to the Mozilla Public License Version * 1.1 (the "License"); you may not use this file except in compliance with * the License. You may obtain a copy of the License at * http://www.mozilla.org/MPL/ * * Software distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" basis, * WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, either express or implied. See the License * for the specific language governing rights and limitations under the * License. * * The Original Code is Mozilla SpiderMonkey JavaScript 1.9 code, released * May 28, 2008. * * The Initial Developer of the Original Code is * Brendan Eich <brendan@mozilla.org> * * Contributor(s): * David Anderson <danderson@mozilla.com> * David Mandelin <dmandelin@mozilla.com> * * Alternatively, the contents of this file may be used under the terms of * either of the GNU General Public License Version 2 or later (the "GPL"), * or the GNU Lesser General Public License Version 2.1 or later (the "LGPL"), * in which case the provisions of the GPL or the LGPL are applicable instead * of those above. If you wish to allow use of your version of this file only * under the terms of either the GPL or the LGPL, and not to allow others to * use your version of this file under the terms of the MPL, indicate your * decision by deleting the provisions above and replace them with the notice * and other provisions required by the GPL or the LGPL. If you do not delete * the provisions above, a recipient may use your version of this file under * the terms of any one of the MPL, the GPL or the LGPL. * * ***** END LICENSE BLOCK ***** */ #if !defined jsjaeger_methodjit_inl_h__ && defined JS_METHODJIT #define jsjaeger_methodjit_inl_h__ namespace js { namespace mjit { enum CompileRequest { CompileRequest_Interpreter, CompileRequest_JIT }; /* Number of times a script must be called before we run it in the methodjit. */ static const size_t CALLS_BEFORE_COMPILE = 16; /* Number of loop back-edges we execute in the interpreter before methodjitting. */ static const size_t BACKEDGES_BEFORE_COMPILE = 16; static inline CompileStatus CanMethodJIT(JSContext *cx, JSScript *script, JSStackFrame *fp, CompileRequest request) { if (!cx->methodJitEnabled) return Compile_Abort; JITScriptStatus status = script->getJITStatus(fp->isConstructing()); if (status == JITScript_Invalid) return Compile_Abort; if (request == CompileRequest_Interpreter && status == JITScript_None && !cx->hasRunOption(JSOPTION_METHODJIT_ALWAYS) && script->incCallCount() <= CALLS_BEFORE_COMPILE) { return Compile_Skipped; } if (status == JITScript_None) return TryCompile(cx, fp); return Compile_Okay; } /* * Called from a backedge in the interpreter to decide if we should transition to the * methodjit. If so, we compile the given function. */ static inline CompileStatus CanMethodJITAtBranch(JSContext *cx, JSScript *script, JSStackFrame *fp, jsbytecode *pc) { if (!cx->methodJitEnabled) return Compile_Abort; JITScriptStatus status = script->getJITStatus(fp->isConstructing()); if (status == JITScript_Invalid) return Compile_Abort; if (status == JITScript_None && !cx->hasRunOption(JSOPTION_METHODJIT_ALWAYS) && cx->compartment->incBackEdgeCount(pc) <= BACKEDGES_BEFORE_COMPILE) { return Compile_Skipped; } if (status == JITScript_None) return TryCompile(cx, fp); return Compile_Okay; } } } #endif
{ "pile_set_name": "Github" }
Q: Need a hint evaluating $ \lim\limits_{x\to 0}\frac{x\ln{(\frac{\sin (x)}{x})}}{\sin (x) - x} $ I'm stuck with this. I've tried substituting $t$ for $\frac{\sin (x)}{x}$ and $\sin (x) - x$ but it doesn't work at all. A small hint would be greatly appreciated. A: $$\lim_{x\to 0}\frac{x\ln{(\frac{\sin (x)}{x})}}{\sin (x) - x} = \lim_{x\to 0}\frac{\ln{(1+\frac{\sin (x)-x}{x})}}{\frac{\sin (x) - x}{x}} =1 $$ Because $$\lim_{x\to0}\frac{\sin x-x}{x}=\lim_{x\to0}\frac{\sin x}{x}-1=1-1=0$$ and $$\lim_{t\to0}\frac{\ln(1+t)}{t}=1.$$
{ "pile_set_name": "StackExchange" }
Q: If we use a sinusoidal signal as an input signal to a linear transmission path, then we always get out a sine wave of the same period/frequency An Introduction to Information Theory: Symbols, Signals and Noise, by John R. Pierce, says the following: With the very surprising property of linearity in mind, let us return to the transmission of signals over electrical circuits. We have noted that the output signal corresponding to most input signals has a different shape or variation with time from the input signal. Figures II-1 and II-2 illustrate this. However, it can be shown mathematically (but not here) that, if we use a sinusoidal signal, such as that of Figure II-4, as an input signal to a linear transmission path, we always get out a sine wave of the same period, or frequency. The amplitude of the output sine wave may be less than that of the input sine wave; we call this attenuation of the sinusoidal signal. The output sine wave, may rise to a peak later than the input sine wave; we call this phase shift, or delay of the sinusoidal signal. I'm trying to find the aforementioned proof that, if we use a sinusoidal signal as an input signal to a linear transmission path, then we always get out a sine wave of the same period, or frequency. During my research, the closest thing to this that I have come across is slide 30 of this presentation: I would greatly appreciate it if people could please take the time to either prove this or redirect me somewhere that has the proof. A: $y=G(x)$ is translation invariant, $G\Bigl(T_sx\Bigr)(t)=(T_sy)(t)=y(t+s)$ Together with the linearity this has the consequence that also differential operators are preserved, $$\dot y(t)=\lim_{s\to 0}\frac{(T_sy)(t)-y(t)}s=\lim_{s\to 0}\frac{G\bigl(T_sx\bigr)(t)-G\bigl(x\bigr)(t)}{s}=G\left(\lim_{s\to 0}\frac{T_sx-x}s\right)(t)=G\bigl(\dot x\bigr)(t).$$ Now you can also apply this to the oscillator equation, $G(\ddot x+\omega^2x)=\ddot y+ω^2y$ and if $x$ is sinusoid with frequency $ω$, then so is $y$. With $$G(\cos(ω\,\cdot\,))(t)=a\cos(ωt)+b\sin(ωt)$$ you also get the shifted $$ G(\sin(ω\,\cdot\,))=G(\cos(ω\,\cdot\,-\tfrac\pi2))(t)=a\sin(ωt)-b\cos(ωt) $$ so that indeed there are only two free parameters per frequency. To get the attenuation and phase, you only need to compute the polar coordinates $(A,\varphi)$ of the point $(a,-b)$.
{ "pile_set_name": "StackExchange" }
Use of the radial maze in studies of phencyclidine and other drugs of abuse. Effects of drugs known to disrupt performance in an 8-arm radial maze are reported in terms of changes caused in the pattern of arm entry. Phencyclidine (PCP) and N-allyl-N-normetazocine (SKF-10,047) alter the pattern of arm entry in a way which distinguishes their actions from those of scopolamine and certain serotonergic agonists. The apparent rank order of potencies for causing this effect is (+)SKF-10,047 greater than PCP greater than (-)SKF-10,047. Results of previous radial maze studies evaluating the interactions of clonidine and verapamil with PCP are summarized. Data are reported which indicate that the ability of verapamil to potentiate PCP's behavioral effects stems from an alteration of the pharmacokinetics of PCP; when verapamil (20 mg/kg, IP) was administered 15 minutes before [3H]PCP (40 microCi/kg, IP), brain levels of tritium were increased by 154 to 225 percent. Finally, possible advantages of using a 4-arm radial maze in studies of PCP and related drugs are discussed.
{ "pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts" }
Q: How was Bifrost Bridge shattered in Ragnarok? In the Ragnarok events (Marvel Comics), Bifrost Bridge is shattered. How did this happen? Also, providing Bifrost isn't used to travel across realms in comics, what's the significance of this? A: In the comic universe, the Bifrost is what anchors Asgard and Midgard together. It's the primary means of travelling between those two worlds. There are other portals in Asgard to various other realms, including places like Olympus that are not part of the Nine Realms. The Bridge was the only permanent one, and allowed free passage in both directions (assuming you could get past Heimdall.) It should be noted that, in the comics, it's explicit that Asgard is a different dimensional plane than Midgard; some of the Nine Realms are on the same plane as Asgard, and thus can be reached via normal travel. Others, like Midgard and Jontunheim, are on their own planes, and need portals to reach them. In the MCU, there are strong indications that all Nine Realms exist in the same dimension, just different regions of the universe. In keeping with the mythological meaning of Ragnarok, meaning the end of the world, the shattering of the Bifrost was part of the total desctruction of the Asgardian realm, sending all of the Asgardians into eternal sleep. Some, like Thor, are eventually reawakened, but the believe that Midgard is the only one of the Nine Realms left. I suspect that's not literally true, since Ragnarok is a cycle, not an event, though it's been claimed that Thor "broke" the cycle this last time. At the very least, though, Asgard as we knew it is unreachable from the Earth side.
{ "pile_set_name": "StackExchange" }
Background ========== Diamond holds a variety of extraordinary physical and chemical properties, facilitating its possible applications in novel functional devices \[[@B1]-[@B7]\]. As a semiconductor with a wide bandgap of 5.47 eV, it is a promising candidate for short-wavelength optoelectronic devices such as ultraviolet light-emitting diodes. The extreme mechanical hardness of diamond endows it with potential applications in nanomechanical devices. When doped with boron, it was found to display superconductivity around liquid helium temperature. To utilize the qualities of diamond, it is imperative to grow high-quality materials. Chemical vapor deposition is an efficient and versatile technique for the growth of diamond. A large body of experiments and theories are dedicated to understanding the growth process \[[@B8]\]. Graphitic-like surface reconstructions on stepped C(111) surfaces are predicated by first-principles calculations \[[@B9]\]. Surface graphitization of diamond nanoparticles is investigated from an experimental viewpoint \[[@B10]\]. A unique character of diamond growth is the existence of *sp*^2^-hybridized bonds in the graphitic-like layer of diamond surfaces, in contrast to other group IV element semiconductors (Si and Ge), which do not exhibit energetically favorable *sp*^2^ bonding configurations. This may account for different surface reconstructions on Si and diamond surfaces \[[@B11]\]. Besides low-index surfaces, high-index Si surfaces are extensively investigated to unveil their atomic and electronic structures \[[@B12],[@B13]\], whereas less attention has been paid to the study of high-index diamond surfaces. The graphite-like *sp*^2^ bonding is expected to give rise to the significant difference between high-index diamond and Si surfaces. Graphene, a two-dimensional atomic crystal with graphite-like *sp*^2^ bonding, has attracted considerable interests due to its novel physical and chemical properties and its potential applications in nanoelectronics and optoelectronics \[[@B14]\]. Large-scale graphenes are grown on metal substrates \[[@B15]\]. Here, we explore the formation of graphene-like stripes on a reconstructed high-index diamond C(331) surface using first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations. During the structural relaxation of the bulk-terminated surface, the terrace C atoms in the first layer delaminate from the second layer, leading to local *sp*^3^ to *sp*^2^ rehybridization and the formation of graphene-like stripes on the surface. The driving force for the graphitic-like reconstruction is the presence of high-density dangling bonds on the surface, which gives rise to the rebonding of top-layer atoms. The comparison of the calculated absolute surface energies of C(331), C(111), and C(110) demonstrates the relative stability of the C(331) surface with the graphitic-like reconstruction. Local density of electronic states (LDOS) analysis reveals the occurrence of localized electronic states near the Fermi level (FL), which may play an essential role in determining the surface conductivity \[[@B16],[@B17]\]. Methods ======= The calculations are conducted in the framework of the DFT method by DMol^3^ codes \[[@B18]\]. We use the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof generalized gradient approximation \[[@B19]\]. A double numeric basis set including *d*-polarization function, all electron treatment, and an 8 × 2 × 1 Monkhorst-Pack *k-*point mesh for the Brillouin zone sampling \[[@B20]\] are employed to carry out geometry optimization and electronic band structure calculations. Spin-unpolarized self-consistent field calculations are performed with a convergence criterion of 2.0 × 10^−5^ hartree (1 hartree = 27.2114 eV) for total energies. The maximum force tolerance is 0.004 hartree Å^−1^, and the maximum displacement tolerance is 0.005 Å. The periodically repeated slabs separated by approximately 10 Å of vacuum are used to represent the surface structures. Each slab of C(331) surface is composed of 11 atomic layers with 40 C atoms and 6 H atoms per unit cell. The H atoms are used to passivate the surface C atoms at the bottom of the slabs to make the calculation more efficient. The dashed lines in Figure [1](#F1){ref-type="fig"}a and the dashed box in Figure [1](#F1){ref-type="fig"}b indicate the supercell used for the calculation. Each slab of H-passivated C(331) surface is composed of 12 atomic layers with 40 C atoms and 12 H atoms per unit cell. The dashed lines in Figure [2](#F2){ref-type="fig"} indicate the supercell used for the calculations. ![**Calculated atomic structure of diamond C(331) surface with graphene-like stripes.** (**a**) The dashed lines indicate the supercell viewed from the $\left\lbrack {0\overline{1}1} \right\rbrack$ direction. The large circles denote the C atoms, and the small circles denote the H atoms. (**b**) The dashed box indicates the supercell viewed from the \[331\] direction, and the bottom is viewed from the $\left\lbrack {0\overline{1}1} \right\rbrack$ direction. The large circles denote the C atoms of the graphitic layer, and the smaller circles indicate the *sp*^3^-bonded C atoms in the outmost surface. The other C and H atoms are represented by the smallest circles.](1556-276X-7-460-1){#F1} ![**Calculated atomic structure of H-passivated C(331) (1 × 1) surfaces.** The dashed lines indicate the supercell viewed from the $\left\lbrack {0\overline{1}1} \right\rbrack$ direction. The large circles denote the C atoms, and the small circles indicate the H atoms.](1556-276X-7-460-2){#F2} Results and discussion ====================== Figure [1](#F1){ref-type="fig"} shows the atomic structure of the graphene-like stripes formed on the reconstructed diamond C(331) surface calculated after the structural relaxation of the bulk-terminated surface. We allow this surface to relax using a steepest descent algorithm. The top-layer C atoms exhibit the *sp*^2^ bonding configuration in the graphene-like structure, as shown in Figure [1](#F1){ref-type="fig"}b. Upon structural relaxation, the terrace C atoms (see 4 and 10 C atoms in Figure [3](#F3){ref-type="fig"}) delaminate from the subsurface diamond and form the graphene-like stripes along the $\left\lbrack {0\overline{1}1} \right\rbrack$ direction. The energetically favorable hexagonal rings are found to emerge in the graphitic layer on the reconstructed surface. The driving force for the graphitic-like reconstruction on the surface is the presence of high-density dangling bonds which have unpaired electrons. This situation is similar to the reconstruction of the C(111) surface, where the top-layer C atoms are rearranged to make the dangling bonds become the nearest neighbors and form the π bonding \[[@B21]\]. For the C(331) surface, the delamination of the terrace C atoms can lead to the formation of graphite-like *sp*^2^ bonds, thereby reducing the energetically unfavorable dangling bonds. ![**Representative structural parameters of C(331) surface with the graphene-like stripes viewed from the**$\left\lbrack {0\overline{1}1} \right\rbrack$**direction.** Interatomic distances are given in Ångström. The large circles denote the C atoms, and the small circles denote the H atoms.](1556-276X-7-460-3){#F3} The representative C-C bond lengths for the graphitic-like reconstructed C(331) surface are shown in Figure [3](#F3){ref-type="fig"}. The distance between the delaminated C atom and the subsurface C atom increases to approximately 2.51 Å, much larger than the bond length of diamond (1.54 Å). The bond lengths for the C atoms in the graphitic structure decrease to 1.44 and 1.46 Å. These values are quite close to the bond length of graphite (1.42 Å), whereas much smaller than that of diamond. The C atoms with the unsatu-rated dangling bonds at the subsurface positions remain *sp*^3^-hybridized in character, although they have stretched by almost 34%. The C-C bonds are stretched to 1.62 and 1.57 Å for the outmost C atoms attached to the second-layer C atoms. The severe subsurface rebonding increases the elastic strain, which is energetically unfavorable. The competition between the favorable *sp*^2^ bonding in the graphitic layer and the unfavorable strain energy leads to the graphitic-like reconstruction of the C(331) surface. The energetic stability of the C(331) surface is studied by comparing its absolute surface energy (ASE) with those of low-index diamond C(111) and C(110) surfaces \[[@B21]-[@B23]\]. In the centrosymmetric slab used for computing the ASE, the top and bottom surfaces are physically equivalent. After full structural relaxation, the same *n* × *m* surface reconstruction is observed to occur on both sides of the slab. Therefore, it allows calculating directly the ASE. For the slab with *N* atoms at the atomic configuration $\left\{ R_{i} \right\}$, the surface energy per 1 × 1 surface cell, $E_{\text{surf}}^{n \times m}$, can be calculated from the total energy $E_{\text{tot}}\left( {N,\left\{ R_{i} \right\}} \right)$ of the slab subtracted by *N* times the bulk diamond energy μ per atom. The surface energy is expressed as $$E_{\text{surf}}^{n \times m} = \frac{1}{2nm}\left\{ {E_{\text{tot}}\left( {N,\left\{ R_{i} \right\}} \right) - N\mu} \right\}\text{.}$$ Since two equivalent surfaces are involved in the calculations for a slab, a prefactor, $\frac{1}{2}$, is added in Equation 1. For the *n* × *m* surface reconstruction, the *nm* gives the number of the 1 × 1 surface cell. The surface energy per unit area is as follows: $$\gamma^{n \times m} = \frac{E_{\text{surf}}^{n \times m}}{A}\text{,}$$ where *A* is the area of a 1 × 1 surface cell for a given surface orientation *n*. For the H-covered C(331) surface, the surface energy per 1 × 1 surface cell is given by $$E_{\text{surf}}^{\text{H}} = \frac{1}{2}\left\{ {E_{\text{tot}}\left( {N,N_{\text{H}},\left\{ R_{i} \right\}} \right) - N\mu - N_{H}\mu_{H}} \right\},$$ where $E_{\text{tot}}\left( {N,N_{\text{H}},\left\{ R_{i} \right\}} \right)$ is the total energy of the slab, N~H~ is the number of H atoms, and μ~H~ is the chemical potential of the H atom in the reservoir that is defined in \[[@B21]\]. Table [1](#T1){ref-type="table"} collected the surface energies $E_{\text{surf}}^{n \times m}$, $\gamma^{n \times m}$, and $E_{\text{surf}}^{H}$ for various orientations and reconstructions. The computed energies for low-index C(111) and C(110) surfaces agree well with the previous investigation \[[@B21]\]. The graphitic-like reconstructed C(331) surface is found to have lower $\gamma^{n \times m}$ than low-index C(111) and C(110) surfaces, indicating that the C(331) surface is one of the stable crystalline diamond surfaces. ###### **Absolute surface energies**$\mathbf{E}_{\textbf{surf}}^{\mathbf{n} \times \mathbf{m}}$**and**$\mathbf{\gamma}^{\mathbf{n} \times \mathbf{m}}$**for various orientations and reconstructions** **Orientation** **Reconstruction** ***E***~**surf**~**(eV/1 × 1 cell)** ***γ*(J/m**^**2**^**)** ----------------- -------------------- -------------------------------------- ------------------------- \(111\) 2 × 1 0.993 2.91 (1.369) (4.06) H-covered −1.903 −5.57 (−2.760) (−8.19) \(110\) 1 × 1 relaxed 1.824 3.27 (3.264) (5.93) H-covered −4.971 −8.91 (−5.496) (−9.99) \(331\) 1 × 1 graphitic 2.040 2.31 H-covered −5.808 −6.58 The values in parentheses from \[[@B21]\] are listed for comparison. The H adsorption on the graphitic-like reconstructed C(331) surface is found to give rise to the reversion of *sp*^2^ hybridization back to *sp*^3^ hybridization. Figure [2](#F2){ref-type="fig"} shows the calculated atomic structure of the H-covered C(331) (1 × 1) surface. The top-layer C atoms display *sp*^3^ bonding configuration. Thus, the H atoms can give rise to the dereconstruction of the graphitic-like C(331) surface. Figure [4](#F4){ref-type="fig"}a shows the LDOS of the H-passivated diamond (331) surface. The zero energy corresponds to the FL which is at the position of the top valence band. An energy bandgap of 4.2 eV is obtained from the calculated electronic band structure. Figure [4](#F4){ref-type="fig"}b shows the LDOS of the reconstructed C(331) surface with the graphene-like stripes. The zero energy corresponds to the FL, which lifts up to a position in the bulk bandgap. The peak near the FL in the LDOS curve is attributed to the localized electronic states at the graphitic surface and subsurface regions, which may give rise to the semimetallic or metallic conduction along the surface. Further partial electronic density of states (PDOS) analysis reveals that the localized electronic states near the FL is predominant with the *p* character for the graphitic-like reconstructed C(331) surface. ![**LDOS and PDOS of (a) H-passivated and (b) graphitic-like reconstructed C(331) surfaces.** The zero energy corresponds to the FL. The peak near the FL in the LDOS curve of (**b**) is associated with the localized electronic states at the surface and subsurface regions, which may have a significant impact on the surface conductivity.](1556-276X-7-460-4){#F4} Conclusions =========== We carry out first-principles DFT calculations to study the spontaneous formation of graphene-like stripes on the reconstructed diamond C(331) surface. The *sp*^2^-hybridized bonding in the graphitic layer on the surface plays a central role in reducing the energetically unfavorable dangling bonds on the bulk-terminated surface, thereby lowering the surface free energy. A sharp peak is found to occur near the FL in the LDOS curve, which arises from the localized electronic states at the surface and subsurface regions. These states may have a significant impact on the surface conductivity. The graphene-like stripes directly formed on a semiconductor surface may be used for nanoelectronic and optoelectronic devices. Abbreviations ============= ASE: absolute surface energy; DFT: density functional theory; FL: Fermi level; LDOS: local density of electronic states; PDOS: partial electronic density of states. Competing interests =================== The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Authors' contributions ====================== MJX did the calculations and wrote the manuscript. YFZ conceived and suggested the calculations. YZZ, JZ, BJQ, JYL, DJL, LW, XSC, and HS discussed about the calculations and revised the final manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Authors' information ==================== Dr. MJX obtained his Ph.D. from University of Tsukuba, Japan, and is currently working with Prof. YFZ as postdoctoral research fellow in Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China. Mr. YZZ, Ms. JZ, Mr. BJQ, Mr. JYL, and Mr. DJL are currently postgraduate students in Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Dr. YFZ obtained his Ph.D. from Lanzhou University, China, and is currently working as a professor in Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Dr. LW obtained his Ph.D. from Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China, and is working with Prof. YFZ as postdoctoral research fellow. Dr. XSC obtained his Ph.D. from Nanjing University, China, and is currently working as a professor in Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China. Dr. HS obtained his Ph.D. from Tokyo University, Japan, and is currently working as a professor in University of Tsukuba, Japan. Acknowledgments =============== This work is supported by the National High-Tech R&D Program (863 Program) of China under contract no. 2011AA050504, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant no. 61006002), the U-M/SJTU Collaborative Research Program and the Analytical and Testing Center of SJTU.
{ "pile_set_name": "PubMed Central" }
Q: How to capture the prints of a python script being executed from another python script? I have 2 scripts script1.py and script2.py in the same folder ,script1.py calls script2.py using Popen(See code below for details),issue is that the prints coming from script2.py is not being captured in script1.py,print output and print error doesn't print a thing in the code below? what am I missing here? how do I capture the prints from script2.py? script1.py import subprocess from subprocess import Popen, PIPE, STDOUT def func1 (): cmd = "python script2.py" proc = Popen(cmd.split(' '), stdout=PIPE, stderr=PIPE) (output, error) = proc.communicate() print output print error func1() print "Done.." script2.py import sys print "ERROR:port not detected" sys.exit(29) OUTPUT:- C:\Dropbox>python script1.py ERROR:port not detected Done.. A: Edited answer based on comments Looks like after the edits you made to the original question, Your code is working correctly. I just put output= in front of print statement to check that. import subprocess from subprocess import Popen, PIPE, STDOUT def func1 (): cmd = "python script2.py" proc = Popen(cmd.split(' '), stdout=PIPE, stderr=PIPE) (output, error) = proc.communicate() print "output=",output print error func1() print "Done.." ** OUTPUT: ** Python 2.7.9 (default, Dec 10 2014, 12:24:55) [MSC v.1500 32 bit (Intel)] on win32 Type "copyright", "credits" or "license()" for more information. >>> ================================ RESTART ================================ >>> output= ERROR:port not detected Done.. >>>
{ "pile_set_name": "StackExchange" }
Initiating the T Cell Response to Liver-Stage Malaria. Kurup et al. (Cell Host Microbe 2019;25:565-577.e6) define the liver-based antigen-presenting cell driving CD8 T cell responses to mosquito transmission of Plasmodium spp., and show direct interaction of CD11c+ cells with infected hepatocytes. We discuss this work in context, highlighting gaps and new approaches suggested by the work to target liver-stage vaccine antigens.
{ "pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts" }
Q: Extremely slow model load with keras I have a set of Keras models (30) that I trained and saved using: model.save('model{0}.h5'.format(n_model)) When I try to load them, using load_model, the time required for each model is quite large and incremental. The loading is done as: models = {} for i in range(30): start = time.time() models[i] = load_model('model{0}.h5'.format(ix)) end = time.time() print "Model {0}: seconds {1}".format(ix, end - start) And the output is: ... Model 9: seconds 7.38966012001 Model 10: seconds 9.99283003807 Model 11: seconds 9.7262301445 Model 12: seconds 9.17000102997 Model 13: seconds 10.1657290459 Model 14: seconds 12.5914049149 Model 15: seconds 11.652477026 Model 16: seconds 12.0126030445 Model 17: seconds 14.3402299881 Model 18: seconds 14.3761711121 ... Each model is really simple: 2 hidden layers with 10 neurons each (size ~50Kb). Why is the loading taking so much and why is the time increasing? Am I missing something (e.g. close function for the model?) SOLUTION I found out that to speed up the loading of the model is better to store the structure of the networks and the weights into two distinct files: The saving part: model.save_weights('model.h5') model_json = model.to_json() with open('model.json', "w") as json_file: json_file.write(model_json) json_file.close() The loading part: from keras.models import model_from_json json_file = open("model.json", 'r') loaded_model_json = json_file.read() json_file.close() model = model_from_json(loaded_model_json) model.load_weights("model.h5") A: I solved the problem by clearing the keras session before each load from keras import backend as K for i in range(...): K.clear_session() model = load_model(...) A: I tried with K.clear_session(), and it does boost the loading time each time. However, my models loaded in this way are not able to use model.predict function due to the following error: ValueError: Tensor Tensor("Sigmoid_2:0", shape=(?, 17), dtype=float32) is not an element of this graph. Github #2397 provide a detailed discussion for this. The best solution for now is to predict the data right after loading the model, instead of loading a dozens of models at the same time. After predicting each time you can use K.clear_session() to release the GPU, so that next loading won't take more time.
{ "pile_set_name": "StackExchange" }
Minnesota's move to raise $2.1 billion in new taxes, largely from the wealthy, to fund government programs puts it among a handful of states controlled by Democrats that are adopting more liberal fiscal policies at a time when many Republican-dominated statehouses are pushing to cut taxes. The Minnesota tax package, which Gov. Mark Dayton signed into law Thursday, aims to raise the revenue largely for expanding early-childhood education programs and freezing tuitions at state universities, as well as closing the state's budget deficit and funding some jobs initiatives and property-tax refunds. The measure was backed by the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, which holds control of both legislative chambers and the governor's office in Minnesota for the first time in more than two decades. The legislative session, which ended this week, also saw the passage of measures legalizing same-sex marriage and expanding union-organizing powers over the steady objection of Republican lawmakers. "It is just what government should be doing, and just what Republicans refuse to acknowledge government should be doing," Mr. Dayton said of the tax plan. The measures contrast starkly with initiatives to cut or eliminate taxes on individual and corporate incomes that have dominated the discussion in much of the country, thanks to Republican control of nearly half the statehouses. In Minnesota, Republicans said the tax increases would cause jobs and residents to leave the state for nearby places like Wisconsin and North Dakota. State Rep. Greg Davids called the legislation an overreach by the majority party, putting Minnesota "so far out of the mainstream."
{ "pile_set_name": "OpenWebText2" }
WASHINGTON -- The IRS said Friday that the number of taxpayers whose tax information may have been stolen by computer hackers now exceeds 700,000 - more than double the agency's previous estimate. The tax collecting agency said 390,000 more taxpayer accounts may have been compromised than the 334,000 it warned about a year and a half ago. The breach was first discovered in May 2015, and the increase first reported by The Wall Street Journal. The sensitive information can be used for identity theft or to claim fraudulent tax refunds. The thieves accessed a system called "Get Transcript," where taxpayers can get tax returns and other filings from previous years. In order to access the information, the thieves cleared a security screen that required knowledge about the taxpayer. Get Breaking News Delivered to Your Inbox The IRS says it is immediately moving to notify taxpayers, offering identity theft protection services and giving them access to a program that assigns them special ID numbers that they must use to file their tax returns. "The IRS is committed to protecting taxpayers on multiple fronts against tax-related identity theft," said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. "We are moving quickly to help these taxpayers." In addition, hackers have tried to access almost 600,000 additional IRS accounts in an attempt to gain private information on taxpayers. The IRS has earlier said that agency investigators believe the identity thieves are part of a sophisticated criminal operation based in Russia.
{ "pile_set_name": "OpenWebText2" }
I like zoos. Really I do. I applaud today’s zoological parks for their increasing emphasis on naturalistic exhibits, their breeding programmes for endangered species, and their efforts to educate the public about wildlife conservation. But the truth is, I mainly like zoos for the same reason that other people do: because I love watching animals. Animals in captivity might satisfy our desire to cross the existential barrier that separates us from other creatures. Yet the sad reality is that, for the most part, zoo animals have become, as the art critic John Berger put it in 1977, ‘a living monument to their own disappearance’. The greatest pleasure of animal-watching still comes from observing free-living creatures in their natural environment. With enough disposable income, you can go to India, South America or Antarctica on animal-watching trips, ‘bag’ a view of the African ‘Big Five’ (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo), or take a boat to admire great whales exhaling geysers of salty breath. The wild animals of the world have long inhabited the depths of the human imagination no less than they have occupied the natural habitats of our shared planet. There isn’t a human society on Earth, however primitive or high-tech, that doesn’t concern itself with animal imagery, whether the critters are domesticated or free-living. Indeed, the human fascination with animals is so ancient and so widespread that it seems to be a cross-cultural human universal. The Chauvet Cave in southern France contains careful, loving depictions – painted an estimated 34,000 years ago – of more than a dozen distinct animal species: predators such as cave bears, cave lions and dire wolves, as well as herbivores such as cattle, horses and mammoths. There is at least one pair of woolly rhinos, evidently fighting. In our culture, animals loom large in children’s stories, not to mention as toys, clothing, even furnishings. But many adults in urban areas and/or technologically advanced societies lose much of their animal-interest as a concomitant of ‘growing up’. Most likely, ‘growing up’ in this sense is itself a deformation of our deeper, animal-oriented human nature. It is imposed upon us by a world where transportation is by car, bus, train and airplane, rather than by horse or bullock-cart. We receive meat and milk from a store rather than from our own flocks or hunting efforts; we defend ourselves with electronic protection systems, the police, personal firearms or social convention rather than via warnings uttered by semidomesticated camp followers. For many of us, it’s simply difficult to keep or even perceive other animals in the urban jungle. Yet, even as we are increasingly distanced from real animals, we find ourselves confronted with ever more images of them, cartoonish perhaps, but unavoidable. The popularity of pets, animal films, TV shows, and books suggests that interaction with animals derives from a deeply rooted human need. Recent findings that companion animals contribute positively to many people’s physical and emotional health do not in themselves explain why animals exert such effects; rather, they suggest that animals (at least, some species) have long been associated with human well-being. The same goes for the simple pleasures so many of us derive from observing and interacting with animals. ‘Pleasure’ is not something that natural selection doles out without a reason – and we would expect that reason to be intimately connected with maximising fitness. When it comes to evolution, pleasure is deployed as bait as much as for immediate reward. The question then is simply this: what do people get from their animal-watching? And can evolution help explain this powerful yearning to observe other creatures? The science of why so many of us watch animals still remains largely unexplored. One of my earliest research projects as a graduate student in zoology at the University of Wisconsin was titled ‘Who Watches Who at the Zoo?’ I sat in front of a naturalistic exhibit of a family group of lion-tailed macaque monkeys (adult male, adult female, a juvenile and an infant) and pretended to watch them while, in fact, recording the conversations among zoo visitors about the monkeys. The results were quite clear: men focused on the ‘other’ adult macaque male (‘Look at that big guy!’), women paid particular attention to the adult female, as well as the infant (‘Look, honey, there’s the mommy and her baby!’), while children looked especially at their simian counterpart (‘How cute, there’s a tiny little monkey!’). One plausible explanation is that people, at least some of the time, look at animals – non-human primates in particular – as reflections, albeit distorted, of themselves. This is true across many cultures: animals are widely – perhaps universally – used to signify various human ‘types’, such as the trickster, the wise one, the diligent worker, the brave warrior, etc. Victorian society, especially after Charles Darwin, was typically disconcerted by the obvious similarities between human beings and various non-human primates. ‘Descended from monkeys?’ the wife of the Bishop of Worcester was reported to have exclaimed in 1860. ‘Let us hope that it is not true. But if it is true, let us hope that it doesn’t become widely known!’ Well, it is true, and widely known, at least among those not benighted by religious fundamentalism. So urban (and urbane) an observer as the German philosopher Walter Benjamin noted the potential for mutual recognition between human and animal, with results not altogether different from those of the Bishop’s wife. ‘In an aversion to animals,’ he wrote in 1928, ‘the predominant feeling is fear of being recognised by them through contact. The horror that stirs deep in man is an obscure awareness that in him something lives so akin to the animal that it might be recognised.’ But horror isn’t the typical response to looking at animals. I’m probably somewhere on the abnormally obsessive tail of the normal curve when it comes to enthusiasm for watching animals. But I’m definitely not alone when it comes to deriving delight just from seeing other living creatures, especially free-living ones. we are living, breathing, perspiring, seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, eating, defecating, urinating, copulating, child-rearing, and ultimately dying animals ourselves Berger has lamented that ‘the look between animal and man’ – a cross-species connection that might have played a crucial role in the development of human society – has been extinguished by our loss of contact with living animals in industrial society. I’m not so sure. Urban wildlife is actually fairly abundant, although species diversity is regrettably lacking: there are pigeons, rats, cockroaches, and – depending on location – various kinds of gulls. Coyotes and raccoons are surprisingly frequent even in our great cities, but they aren’t typically seen. Even in urban India, there really are sacred cows (usually emaciated and pitiable) and macaque monkeys that are sometimes downright dangerous. Birdwatching is a well-populated hobby that is generally doing better than the birds themselves. And visits to zoos and aquariums are up, as the standards of animal-keeping in such places are also better than ever. What used to be concrete floors and iron bars are increasingly replaced by naturalistic habitats, in which the animals sometimes breed, occasionally lead semi-normal lives, and provide visitors (still disproportionately skewed toward children) an opportunity to watch the animals, perhaps stirrings some universal human neurons dating back to our lengthy sojourn on the African savannah. A visitor at Dudley Zoo in England, 2013. Photo by Martin Parr/Magnum This suggests some of the evolutionary underpinnings of the human penchant for animal-watching. First, that we are living, breathing, perspiring, seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, eating, defecating, urinating, copulating, child-rearing, and ultimately dying animals ourselves. It is plausible that deep in the human psyche there resides the simple yet profound recognition of a relationship between Us and Them. ‘We be of one blood, ye and I,’ was the incantation taught to Mowgli in Rudyard Kipling’s memorable Jungle Book collections (1894-5). It confirmed the jungle boy’s connection with his non-human caretakers, friends and relatives. Perhaps it is ‘only natural’ that we, animals ourselves, reach out to other creatures. Even if we can’t talk to them à la Doctor Dolittle, or share the most intimate aspects of our lives, like Mowgli, at least we can lose – more likely, find – ourselves in watching them. What is more, during most of our evolutionary (and recent) past, our well-being – survival, even – depended on relationships to other animals, many of which were predators, with us as their prey. This alone would have generated a potent selective advantage to those of our ancestors who were attuned to the presence as well as the habits of other beasts, especially large and dangerous ones such as sabre-toothed cats, cave bears, dire wolves, hyaenodons and the like – suggesting that behind Benjamin’s ‘horror’ and ‘aversion’ lurks something less highfalutin than the epistemics of ego-deflating mutual recognition: self-preservation. Thus, it might be no coincidence that people are especially attuned to the doings of predators. As Dorothy said in The Wizard of Oz: ‘Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!’ Sometimes, of course, this attentiveness is more a fear than a fascination; in his book Snakes, Sunrises, and Shakespeare (2014), the ecologist Gordon Orians points out that, cross-culturally, people share an innate fear of snakes and spiders, whereas avoidance of, for example, electric sockets must be learnt. Conversely, whether as occasional predators or scavengers – or both – our ancestors doubtless preyed upon other animals, and this would have selected for attentiveness to what possible meals might be had at the expense of our fellow creatures, a focus that would have included sensitivity to what was nearby, where they could be found, and how they might best be approached. Careful animal-watching would have thus been doubly rewarded: not only rendering us less liable to end up as prey but also more likely to feed successfully on others. Given the antiquity of domestication – including, but not limited to, dogs – it is clear that early humans also depended on various ‘kept’ animals as beasts of burden, sources of eggs, milk, meat, and so forth, as well as perhaps employing them as colleagues in hunting, early warning detectors sensitive to the approach of enemies, even providing warmth – not only via their skins and fur, but also their literal bodies, cuddling closely with our Pleistocene ancestors during those long, challenging Ice Age nights. There are many ways of looking at animals. A veterinarian looks for signs of illness versus health. A city-dweller might well look with fascination at red-tailed hawks or peregrine falcons nesting on a ledge of a high-rise building, but with indifference at their pigeon prey (‘winged rats’), not to mention horror at cockroaches or actual four-legged, long-tailed rats. A cat can, ostensibly, look at a king and presumably vice versa, but we are not supposed to look a gift horse in the mouth. (By the way, as a long-time horse-keeper, I can affirm that there is no such thing as a gift horse, since our equine cousins require hay, vitamins, hoof care, immunisations and regular veterinary attention. Therefore, by all means, look in the mouth of any proffered horse!) A hunter looks at her prey with a mixture of excitement, hard-eyed calculation and determination; the wildlife photographer eyes his subject in a manner not altogether different. Watch the birdy. Photo by Nigel Roddis/Reuters But for sheer pleasure, there is little doubt that watching birds tops the list. Despite their dinosaur origins (which means that our most recent common ancestor was a Carboniferous-era reptile, from roughly 300 million years ago), birds are the most assiduously watched wild animals and for good reason: many of them are fantastically lovely, brightly coloured or gloriously iridescent. Mammals, sad to say, are comparatively drab, not surprising given that birds have colour vision whereas most mammals – with the notable exception of primates such as ourselves – see only shades of grey or brown. In addition (and I say this as not only a fellow mammal but as one whose main empirical research has involved mammals), birds are more vibrant, more alive, and thus more rewarding to watch than are our closer, hair-bearing, milk-making kin, and much more so than amphibians or reptiles, which might well frustrate the watcher by doing absolutely nothing, for minutes – even hours – at a time. ‘Hope,’ observed the poet Emily Dickinson, ‘is the thing with feathers’ Even when they aren’t flying, darting, soaring, walking, dabbling, paddling, or hopping about, birds are rewarding to watch. ‘The invariable mark of wisdom,’ wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson in 1836, ‘is to see the miraculous in the common.’ Consider some of the more ordinary North American birds: the shimmering green head of a mallard drake, the delicate upturned bill of an avocet, the knockout gorgeous motley of the painted bunting. Such precisely defined shape and colour can be almost too much to register dispassionately. When it comes to watching birds – and really seeing them – even the ‘common’ emerges as more than miraculous, or downright shocking. Seeing can be disbelieving. Seeing the comical red-white-and-black clown-face of a European goldfinch – really seeing it, not just absent-mindedly noting its existence and maybe jotting it down on a checklist – challenges our sense of the mundane. As does the ethereal, ghostly whiteness of a snowy owl, or for that matter, the gleaming coat and bright yellow bill of a starling (a troublesome species, introduced from the UK and which we in North America are supposed to despise because they crowd out native species), or the trim, forked tail of a barn swallow. These perceptions challenge our sense of the mundane. And to see such animals – ‘ordinary’ only to the jaded and obtuse – is to experience a new appreciation for reality itself, since their vitality not only mirrors but magnifies our own. ‘Hope,’ observed the poet Emily Dickinson in 1891, ‘is the thing with feathers.’ This seeing – real seeing – of animals has inspired a dizzying world of artistic creativity, in a line that leads from the Chauvet Cave paintings through to the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries of the Middle Ages, and including John James Audubon’s bird portraits as well as Henri Rousseau’s haunting painting The Dream (1910). The poet too can be a deeply passionate observer, as in Christopher Smart’s 18th-century poem ‘Jubilate Agno’. Written in a religious fervour while he was imprisoned as a madman, it starts with a litany of animals before declaring an exuberant admiration for Smart’s cat, Jeoffry: For he counteracts the powers of darkness by his electrical skin and glaring eyes. For he counteracts the Devil, who is death, by brisking about the life. For in his morning orisons he loves the sun and the sun loves him. For he is of the tribe of Tiger. … For he is a mixture of gravity and waggery. … For there is nothing sweeter than his peace when at rest. For there is nothing brisker than his life when in motion. … For the divine spirit comes about his body to sustain it in complete cat. Perhaps my favourite animal poem is by Rainer Maria Rilke. The story goes that in 1905 Rilke had been hired by the sculptor Auguste Rodin as his amanuensis, but one day confessed that he was suffering from writer’s block. Rodin advised: ‘Go to the zoo [actually, Paris’s Jardin des Plantes], and observe an animal.’ ‘For how long?’ asked the young poet. ‘Watch it until you see it. A few months might be sufficient.’ Rilke followed this advice, and eventually produced what is generally considered his greatest poem: ‘The Panther’. One thing I love about this story (as well as about the poem itself), is that it speaks to the difference between the scientific discipline in which I was trained as a graduate student (ethology) and a competing, and in my opinion, far lesser scientific enterprise (comparative psychology). Comparative psychology’s approach to studying animals traditionally takes place in a laboratory and involves placing individuals from a limited range of animal species – usually lab rats or pigeons – in a Skinner Box, with the goal of observing some measure of output: frequency of bar-pressing, latency to begin doing so, and so forth. It certainly does not entail watching the animal itself, once its behaviour has been appropriately ‘shaped’, or it has learnt what the experimenter wants it to do. By contrast, ethology – the biological study of animal behaviour – requires that animals be observed whenever possible in their natural environments (if unavoidable, in a simulacrum). Most of all, ethology insists that they are observed rather than being measured while performing an arbitrary, imposed act such as bar-pressing. For this, even a few months are never sufficient. Ethology is the scientific version of good, old-fashioned animal-watching. Thus, although the immense renown achieved by the primatologist Jane Goodall, one of the giants of ethological research, was largely due to her notable discoveries, the reality is that these findings were only possible because she spent literally thousands of hours observing chimpanzees in their natural environments, carefully watching their every move. At ethology’s core is Rodin’s and Rilke’s deep, mindful, detailed and patient observation, watching one’s subjects with exquisite care and attention in order to penetrate their world, rather than forcibly adjusting them to ours. The naturalist Henry Beston captured this in 1928, in what I believe to be the finest paragraph ever written about animals, and the best advice I know for watching them: We need another and a wiser… concept of animals. Remote from universal nature and living by complicated artifice, man in civilisation surveys the creature through the glass of his knowledge and sees thereby a feather magnified and the whole image in distortion. We patronise them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate for having taken form so far below ourselves. And therein do we err. For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours, they move finished and complete, gifted with the extension of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings: they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth. My advice to all would-be animal-watchers is, in E M Forster’s words ‘only connect… live in fragments no longer’. Simply open your eyes, ideally with benefit of binoculars, to the reality of animal lives separate from your own. Prepare to lose yourself in one of the most positive ‘trips’ available this side of hallucinogenic drugs, drawn through the lenses and deposited into the world of the animal being watched, losing yourself while expanding – however briefly – into another’s life, resonant of your own, while also ineffably different. ‘There is a crack in everything,’ sang Leonard Cohen. ‘That’s how the light gets in.’ Watching animals opens that crack just a little wider, and through it we get a better view – not only of animals, but of ourselves.
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1. Introduction {#sec1} =============== Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR, or MRS) has enormous potential for the study of biochemical and physiological changes in cancer tissues, due to its noninvasive nature and the large quantity of specific molecular information it can generate. Despite the sensitivity limitations of the technique, the inherent complexity of the spectra, and inevitable presence of overlapping resonances, there have been several successful NMR-metabonomics studies of cell tissue culture and culture extracts. The focus has been on elucidating the physiopathology of tumors and tumor cells, their drug toxicology and drug resistance, often with a view to identifying diagnostic markers \[[@B1]--[@B8]\]. A further significant complication in such studies arises from variability in the metabolite profile from sample to sample. This reflects many factors \[[@B9]\] including minor variations in growing conditions, the biochemical heterogeneity of the growing cells, the effect of different batches of sera (if used), and variations in cell and sample preparation. These additional factors may mask the inherent metabolite distribution, which may be diagnostic of the pathophysiological state of interest. Experimental complications and difficulties also compromise the extraction of critical information from *in vivo* MRS experiments. In this case, the problems arise from the use of different MR-protocols, which affect the quality of the water suppression, differences in echo time and in the baseline, and so forth. While the causes are different in origin, they have a similar effect on the application. For both forms of magnetic resonance, many of these issues can, in principle, be addressed by improved experimental design, however, it is common for additional sources of variance to be identifiable only after extensive experimentation. In addition to technical issues are the natural physiological variability and the individual treatment history of the subject. As a result, there is an ongoing requirement for the development of magnetic resonance-based diagnostics using advanced statistical-, or other data-, analysis techniques which can reduce or compensate for additional sources of variability. ^1^H NMR spectra of intact tissues or whole-cell samples are inherently complex due to the large number of contributing species which results in significantly overlapping resonance signals. Cell membranes also produce magnetic field inhomogeneity, further broadening the spectra \[[@B10]\]. In the case of cancer cells, a significant proportion of the lipids reside in a fluid environment and hence appear in the liquid-state ^1^H spectra as strong "mobile-lipid" resonances \[[@B7], [@B8], [@B11]\]. Although the identification of the major resonances in ^1^H NMR spectra can be used to characterise the metabolite profile, the complexity of the data sets usually necessitates the use of data reduction and pattern recognition techniques. These can provide information on the biochemical and physiological changes in cancer tissues, related to their physiopathology, drug toxicology, and drug resistance \[[@B12], [@B13]\]. Prominent amongst such techniques is principal component analysis (PCA), \[[@B14], [@B15]\] which involves diagonalisation of the spectral correlation or covariance matrix to identify independent sources of variance (principal components) across the set of spectra, and ranking of the components by their contribution to the overall variance. Thus, PCA is an unsupervised approach to data reprojection that can reveal the presence of classes, it has been applied to a variety of problems in biological science \[[@B16], [@B17]\]. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) belong to the so-called Artificial Intelligence group of methods, which were inspired by neurobiology and by the architecture of the human brain \[[@B18]\]. In recent times, these approaches have found applications in many branches of science. For example, they have been used in chemotaxonomy to classify limpets \[[@B19]\] from HPLC mass spectrometric data and in the identification of insect species from morphological measurements \[[@B20]\]. ANNs can be used to model data where the relations, or functions, are not known. There have been some reports of the use of artificial intelligence and network methods in medical diagnostics which have involved analysis of magnetic resonance spectroscopic data. El-Deredy et al. \[[@B21]\] used ANNs to achieve reasonable prediction of the measured *in vitro* chemotherapeutic response from ^1^H NMR of glioma biopsy extracts. More recently, Suna et al. \[[@B22]\] demonstrated the diagnostic potential of unsupervised approaches to classification by successfully analysing simulated ^1^H NMR spectra using self-organising maps. This approach allowed the identification of stages along a metabolic pathway ranging from "normolipidaemic" to "metabolic syndrome". Tate and coworkers \[[@B23]\] reported the trial of an automated decision support system for classification of brain tumors from *in vivo* MRS, which showed a small but significant improvement in diagnostic accuracy over spectroscopy used and interpreted on its own. In recent work \[[@B24]\], we reported PCA of   ^1^H NMR spectra recorded for a group of human lung carcinoma cell lines in culture and ^1^H NMR analysis of extracts from the same samples. The samples studied were cells of lung tumor origin with differing chemotherapy drug resistance patterns. For whole-cell samples, it was found that the statistically significant causes of spectral variation were an increase in the choline and a decrease in the methylene and mobile lipid ^1^H resonance intensities, which were correlated with our knowledge of the level of resistance displayed by the different cell lines. In this paper, we investigate the use of artificial neural network (ANN), a supervised method, to classify lung carcinoma. Two sets of whole-cell ^1^H NMR spectra will be examined. These were recorded for two groups of human lung carcinoma cell lines, these were grown in culture and characterised over two different periods by two different groups of researchers (each consisting of a biologist and a spectroscopist), who both adhered to the same experimental protocol and used the same spectrometer. The cell lines studied include (i) the parent cell line DLKP, a human squamous nonsmall cell lung carcinoma; (ii) DLKP-A; (iii) DLKP-A5F, two resistant daughter lines; (iv) A549, a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line. The study also examines the capability of supervised techniques to compensate for experimental sources of variance, which may include operator bias and the cell culture growth process and in particular provide a test case for the application of ANN architectures in the identification and monitoring of resistance states in cancer tissue by MRS. 2. Experimental {#sec2} =============== 2.1. Cell Samples {#sec2.1} ----------------- The cell lines DLKP \[[@B25], [@B26]\], DLKP-A \[[@B27]\], DLKP-A5F \[[@B28]\], and A549 were grown in culture to approximately 70--80% confluency in 175 cm^2^ tissue culture flasks. Culture conditions were as follows: DLKP, DLKP-A, and DLKP-A5F and were cultured in minimal essential medium/Hams F12 (1 : 1, v/v) supplemented with 5% fetal calf serum and 2 mM L-glutamine. A549 was cultured in Dulbecco\'s modified Eagle\'s medium/Hams F12 (1 : 1, v/v) supplemented with 5% fetal calf serum. Cells were cultured as monolayers in tissue culture flasks and incubated at 37°C. A cell count was performed and c. 5 × 10^7^ cells were separated and pelleted. These were then resuspended in deuterated PBS buffer and were kept in a container at 37°C before the start of the NMR measurements. The methods used were described in detail previously \[[@B24]\]. DLKP cells express a small amount of the multidrug resistance protein-1 (MRP-1) MDR drug efflux pump \[[@B25], [@B26]\]. DLKP-A \[[@B27]\] is a highly resistant clone of DLKP, which overexpresses the P-gp drug efflux pump. DLKP-A5F \[[@B28]\] was derived from DLKP by a different drug exposure profile, it is also highly drug resistant. A549 is an unrelated human lung adenocarcinoma cell line which was obtained from the American Type Culture Collection. The first group of 13 samples, G1_13_21, were grown by a biologist during a six-month period, they were analysed by a first NMR spectroscopist. G1_13_21 contained 21 spectra and so was relatively sparse, it comprised DLKP \[4 samples, 6 spectra\], DLKP-A \[[@B4], [@B6]\], DLKP-A5F \[[@B3], [@B5]\], and A549 \[[@B2], [@B4]\]. The second group of 17 samples, G2_17_33, was grown independently, by a second biologist during a later six-month period and was analysed by a second spectroscopist \[[@B24]\]. G2_17_33 contained 33 spectra, it comprised DLKP \[[@B3], [@B6]\], DLKP-A \[[@B5], [@B10]\], DLKP-A5F \[[@B5], [@B9]\], and A549 \[[@B4], [@B8]\]. Thus for the integrated study presented here, a total of 30 samples were prepared and 54 ^1^H spectra was recorded. The same protocols and methods were used by all the researchers for cell growth and NMR spectroscopy. The biologist and spectroscopist who produced G1_13_21 will be collectively referred to as R1, and the biologist and spectroscopist who produced G2_17_33 will be referred to as R2. Due to the significant work involved in producing the large number of cells required for each spectrum, the number of samples in the study is inevitably somewhat limited. However, the total data set is larger than those usually reported in the analysis of NMR data by pattern recognition methods \[[@B16], [@B17], [@B29]\]. 2.2. ^1^H NMR Spectroscopy of Intact Cells {#sec2.2} ------------------------------------------ NMR spectra of the intact cell samples were recorded in deuterated PBS buffer on a Bruker DPX 400 spectrometer operating at 400.13 MHz for ^1^H. Before all NMR experiments, the sample temperature was calibrated and controlled at 36.4 ± 0.2°C using an internal ethylene glycol thermometer (80% solution of ethane-1,2-diol in dimethyl sulfoxide-d^6^). ^1^H NMR spectra were acquired, without spinning, using WET \[[@B30]\] solvent suppression, with two Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) echoes appended, using an echo delay of 1 ms \[[@B10]\]. Chemical shifts were referenced to an external 0.1% solution of sodium trimethylsilyl-\[2,2,3,3-d~4~\]-propionate (TSP) in D~2~O. All experiments were performed with a spectral width of 5200 Hz, an acquisition time of 3.15 s, and relaxation delay of 2 s. Three acquisition schemes were used to record the one-dimensional ^1^H NMR spectra, all amounting to 128 scans. The first scheme (I) employed cycles of 16 dummy scans followed by four acquisition scans, (16,4)~32~, giving an acquisition time of 3/4 hour. In the second scheme (II), 16 dummy scans were applied once prior to acquisition 16((0,16)~8~), giving an acquisition time of 13 minutes. In the third scheme (III), 16 dummy scans and 128 acquisition scans were collected into 32 K data points, giving an acquisition time of 15 minutes. The time taken from resuspension to the start of data acquisition was typically less than 3/4 hour, and never more than 1 hour. All the data presented were recorded within 1 hour. For the first group of 13 samples (G1_13_21) in the study, the acquisition schemes (I) and (II) were used for each sample. For the second group of 17 samples (G2_17_33), all three schemes were tested for each sample. Hence, the greater number of repeat spectra is for the second group. The inclusion of multiple spectra in the analysis from the same sample tests the stability of the samples over the time of the analysis. The insensitivity of the spectra to the sampling scheme used demonstrates that the samples do not change, for example, due to sedimentation, over the timescale that a single spectrum is acquired. 2.3. PCA Analysis {#sec2.3} ----------------- In the spectral region from 1.08 to 1.20 ppm, ethanol was observed, which was probably the result of endogenous processes. However, its intensity was highly variable, even within the same cell line, so this region was excluded from the analysis. The region containing the residual water resonance signal (3.56--6.05 ppm) was also excluded. The region above 6.05 ppm contained no features of sufficient intensity for reliable quantification, given the linewidth. For this study, we chose, as descriptors, the integrals over chemical shift regions (bins) of size 0.04 ppm \[[@B12]\] which was found to produce the clearest separation of the cell types in the scores plots and the least noise in the corresponding loadings plots. Thus, the NMR spectra were reduced to 71 descriptors, with bin centres in the range 0.60--1.04, 1.24--3.56 ppm. We adopted the conventional approach \[[@B31]\] of normalisation relative to the total sum of the bin intensities in the region of interest. All the measures were implemented through writing an MATLAB (version 6.5.1, The Mathworks Inc.) code making use of the built in eigensolver. 2.4. ANN Analysis {#sec2.4} ----------------- ANNs are a sophisticated computational modelling tool, which can be used to solve a wide variety of complex problems. The attractiveness of ANNs comes from their capability to "learn" and/or model very complex systems and from the possibility of using them in classification. An ANN is a computational model formed from a certain number of single units, artificial neurons, or nodes, connected with coefficients (weights), *w*~*ij*~, which constitute the neural structure. Many different neural network architectures can be used. One of the most common is the feed forward neural network of multilayer perceptions. The network is conventionally constructed with three or more layers, that is, input, output, and hidden layers, [Figure 1](#fig1){ref-type="fig"}. Each layer has a different number of nodes. The input layer receives the information about the system (the nodes of this layer are simple distributive nodes, which do not alter the input value at all). The hidden layer processes the information initiated at the input, while the output layer is the observable response or behaviour. The inputs, input~i~, multiplied by connection weights *w*~*ij*~ are first summed and then passed through a transfer function to produce the output, out~i~. The determination of the appropriate number of hidden layers and number of hidden nodes in each layer is one of the most critical tasks in ANN design. Unlike the input and output layers, one starts with no prior knowledge of the number and size of hidden layers. The use of ANN consists of two steps: "*Training*" and "Prediction". The "*Training*" consists first of selecting input and output data for the network. This data is referred to as the training set. In the training phase, where actual data must be used, the optimum structure, weight coefficients and biases of the network are identified. Training is considered complete when the neural networks achieve the desired statistical accuracy, that is, when they produce the required outputs for a given sequence of inputs. A good criterion to find the correct network structure and therefore to stop the learning process is to minimise the root mean square (RMS) error as follows: $$\text{RMS} = \sqrt{\frac{\sum_{i = 1}^{N}{\sum_{j - 1}^{M}\left( {y_{ij} - \text{out}_{ij}} \right)^{2}}}{N \times M}},$$ where *y*~*ij*~ is the element of the matrix (*N* × *M*) for the training set or test set, and out~*ij*~ is the element of the output matrix (*N* × *M*) of the neural network, where *N* is the number of variables in the pattern, and *M* is the number of samples. RMS gives a single number, which summarises the overall error. After a supervised network performs well on training data, it is important to check its performance with data that has not been used in training. This process is called *verification*. This testing is critical to insure that the network has not simply memorised the training set but has learned the general patterns involved within an application. At this stage, other input data are submitted to the network in order to evaluate if it can predict the outputs. In this case, the outputs are already known, but they are not shown to the network. The predicted value is compared to the experimental one to see how well the network is performing. If the system does not give reasonable outputs for this test set, the training period is not over or the network is able to model the data but cannot predict them. In this work, ANN was used as a supervised method where a training data set was created from the library of NMR spectra, and the lung carcinoma classification of this training data set was known. The backpropagation method was used throughout. Firstly, the optimal ANN architecture was searched for and when the correct classification in the training phase was obtained, the usefulness of the created database and the prediction power of the networks were validated using an independent verification set. For the ANN analysis, we used 72 inputs; the 71 binned NMR intensities and the identity of the pairs of researchers (R1 and R2) as numbers 1 and 2. For output 4, nominal values were used, these identify the four cell lines, DLKP, DLKPA, DLKP-A5F, and A549, for which there were 12, 16, 14, and 12 spectra, respectively. All calculations were performed using the software Trajan Neural Network Simulator, Release 3.0 D. (Trajan Software Ltd 1996--1998, UK), on a standard PC computer running Microsoft Windows Professional XP 2000. 3. Results {#sec3} ========== 3.1. ^1^H NMR Spectroscopy of Whole Cells {#sec3.1} ----------------------------------------- A typical ^1^H NMR spectrum of intact DLKP cells is shown in [Figure 2](#fig2){ref-type="fig"}. The appearance of the spectra and the assignment suggested below are broadly similar for all the cell samples analysed. A tentative assignment which is consistent with the literature \[[@B2], [@B4], [@B32], [@B33]\] is included in the figure \[[@B24]\]. Direct quantitative analysis of the whole-cell spectra is hampered by the potential multiple contributions from different metabolites to any given resonance line by the nonlorentzian lineshapes and by the broadness of the resonance lines. The resonances in the downfield region arise from species that are at low concentration, so quantification is precluded by the sensitivity limitations of the NMR measurement. 3.2. PCA Visualization of Whole-Cell Spectra {#sec3.2} -------------------------------------------- The binned NMR spectra of the intact cells were analysed using PCA. The scores plots are shown in [Figure 3](#fig3){ref-type="fig"}. Separation of the four cell types, within each of the two data sets, is apparent using the first two PCs, demonstrating that resistance type can be classified by PCA. It also demonstrates that the samples were stable over the course of the experiment and that the spectra are insensitive to the NMR sampling scheme. Loadings analysis shows that, for each data set, the spectral regions that contribute significantly to the first two principal components are from 1.24 to 1.50 ppm, corresponding to overlapped resonances from lipid methylenes and lactate methyls, and from 2.90 to 3.40 ppm, corresponding to overlapped resonances from N-methyl signals in the choline moieties of phosphatidylcholine, phosphocholine, and glycerophosphocholine. The contribution from other spectral regions to these two principal components is marginal. Despite the fact that the same spectral regions allow separation within each data set, separation using PCA fails when the two sets of spectra are combined into one; see Supplementary Material available at doi:10.1155/2011/158094. It is apparent that, in addition to the metabolite differences of biological interest, there are subtle differences between G1_13_21 and G2_17_33 in the distribution of metabolites, which prevent classification of the entire (54 spectra) data set. The loadings analysis indicates contributions from across the spectral range, which may suggest variations in more than one metabolite. These spectral differences arise despite stringent efforts of the second group of researchers to adhere to the original experimental protocols and are reflected in the fact that there is not a simple correspondence between the orientation of the first two principal components between the two sets of spectra, [Figure 3](#fig3){ref-type="fig"}. 3.3. ANN Analysis of Whole-Cell Spectra {#sec3.3} --------------------------------------- ANN analysis consists of separate training and verification steps. For this study, we adopted the strategy of choosing multiple verification sets of spectra at random from the 54 spectra available. In training, the first aim is to find an optimal ANN architecture to enable classification of the training data set. Several architectures of three up to four layered structures were examined for this purpose. 3.4. 3-Layers Architecture {#sec3.4} -------------------------- Initially we adopted the simplest 3 layers architecture, in which case the search of the optimal architecture consists of optimising the number of nodes in the single hidden layer, effectively determining the corresponding weights, *w*~*ij*~, to minimize the RMS (root mean square error) value according to ([1](#EEq1){ref-type="disp-formula"}). For our analysis, the RMS value ceases to decrease significantly above 5 to 6 nodes, [Figure 4](#fig4){ref-type="fig"}, we therefore used networks with 6 hidden nodes for verification. This optimal architecture will be labelled (72, 6, 4), with it we obtained an RMS = 1.38 × 10^−3^. [Figure 4](#fig4){ref-type="fig"}illustrates the process of searching for the optimal network architecture. In spite of the fact that very low values for the residual mean squares were achieved using the (72, 6, 4) architecture, the appropriateness of the architecture and of the training set was then tested with various verification sets, that is, a "cross-validation" procedure was undertaken. Initially, five spectra were randomly chosen and excluded from the training set and used then as the verification set. From 10 combinations and 10 independent networks trained, in only two cases were any of the 5 spectra classified as unknown, [Table 1](#tab1){ref-type="table"}. These results are encouraging; two cases represent \~4% of the total, so for (72, 6, 4) the classification was verified as 96% successful. The failures may have arisen due to an insufficient number of spectra in the training set or because networks with three layers have insufficient complexity for 100% prediction accuracy, in this case. 3.5. 4-Layers Architecture {#sec3.5} -------------------------- We then examined networks with four layers (2 hidden). From several cases examined, it was found that four-layer ANN architectures performed similarly to simpler three layers architectures. Networks of the form (72, 4, 3, 4) or (72, 5, 4, 4) were investigated, note that the numbers in brackets refer to the number of inputs, the number of nodes in the first and in the second hidden layers, and the number of outputs. Acceptable RMS values, of 1.22 × 10^−3^ and 1.41 × 10^−3^ were obtained for (72, 4, 3, 4) and (72, 5, 4, 4), respectively, which are similar to the values obtained using the optimal three-layer architecture. Networks with the architecture (72, 4, 3, 4) performed very similarly to (72, 5, 4, 4) and require fewer unknowns (or weights, *w*~*ij*~), 312 as opposed to 396. As a result, (72, 4, 3, 4) was found to converge faster and to be less sensitive to the number of spectra excluded from training to form the verification set. In fact, we found that 5 to 10 samples could be used for verification with 100% correct classification of the spectra, see [Table 1](#tab1){ref-type="table"}. So in summary, the optimal 3- and 4-layer architectures were found to be (72, 6, 4) and (72, 4, 3, 4), respectively, [Figure 5](#fig5){ref-type="fig"}. 4. Discussion {#sec4} ============= The ^1^H NMR spectra of intact cells for both G1_13_21 and G2_17_33 have similar general appearance with severe signal overlap and line broadening. Reprojection of either data set, using PCA, demonstrates that separation by cell types is possible due to systematic differences in the lipid methylene and lactate methyl resonances and the overlapped N-methyl ^1^H nuclei of the choline-containing species \[[@B24]\]. Alterations in signal intensity and chemical shift from such cellular metabolites and biochemical intermediates have been described by other researchers in the area \[[@B6], [@B11]\]. However, because of the complex biochemical role played by these substances, we cannot ascribe a particular functional role to the findings, what is more the alterations appear to correlate and associate with particular phenotypic changes, for example, drug resistance. On the basis of the principal component analysis of either group, one could speculate that metabolite profiling by *in vivo* MRS has potential applications in monitoring the development of resistance in a given cancerous tissue. However, for the full data set such a possibility is effectively prevented by other influences on the metabolite distribution, which are comparable to, and nonorthogonal with, the "relevant" biochemical variation. We have shown that this significant obstacle can be eliminated, at least for *in vitro* studies of cell culture, by using a suitable ANN architecture. The most successful network was a four-layer structure with two hidden layers. After appropriate training, the (72, 4, 3, 4) architecture enabled 100% successful classification. Our approach may, in time, be expanded to the classification of larger data sets of spectra which have been recorded with less stringent control over sources of variance unrelated to the classification of interest. This result is encouraging and it is, to our knowledge, the first reported application of the use of ANNs specifically to correctly classify ^1^H NMR spectra in a data set when additional "nonrelevant" sources of variance are included. Other related examples of the combination of supervised and unsupervised methods include a report by Griffiths and coworkers \[[@B34]\], who obtained 85% accurate classification of meningiomas from nonmeningiomas, by initially using PCA to reduce the dimensionality of ^1^H NMR spectra recorded for tumor biopsy extracts. The first thirty PCs from this first stage of analysis were then classified using a network. More recently, the performance of lineshape fitting and quantitative ANN analyses were compared by Hiltunen et al. \[[@B35]\] for both *in vivo* and simulated ^1^H spectra. The good correlation obtained with these two approaches, for simulated data at least, suggested that ANNs have potential for quantification of *in vivo* MRS long echo time spectra. A further advantage of ANNs in the development of analysis methods for *in vivo* MRS is that they require less processing time than line fitting or other computational approaches \[[@B36]\]. Thus, our study adds to the growing number of applications of supervised techniques for exploiting the diagnostic potential of ^1^H NMR spectra for biomedical purposes. 5. Conclusions {#sec5} ============== We have found that NMR data recorded for human lung carcinoma whole-cell culture samples can be used for analysis and classification. When sources of variation not directly related to the biological state of interest (drug resistance) are minimised or kept constant, visual separation of the cell type can be achieved using unsupervised pattern recognition techniques, such as PCA. On the other hand, when this condition is not met, in our case when different researchers were responsible for cell culture and spectroscopy, successful classification of the cell type could be achieved using artificial neural networks. The experimental and ANN methodology developed are a step towards the goal of robust and reliable diagnostics based on magnetic resonance spectral data. Furthermore, as similar experimental problems may be encountered in metabolomics applications using other spectroscopic techniques, biological classification using ANNs of data sets that include "nonbiological" sources of variance may be generally possible. Supplementary Material {#supplementary-material-sec} ====================== ###### Supplementary figure 1: Scores plot for the entire data set; group 1 solid markers, group 2 open markers. ###### Click here for additional data file. The authors acknowledge the support of the Higher Education Authority of Ireland, under the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI3). D. Brougham, M. Gottschalk, and G. Ivanova acknowledge the financial support of the National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, at DCU. They would like to thank the School of Chemical Sciences for its provision of spectrometer time. J. Havel would like to acknowledge the support of the EU Erasmus/Socrates exchange program between DCU and Masaryk University and to thank the Ministry of Education and Sports of the Czech Republic, Project LC 0635. ![Schematic representation of a four-layer ANN architecture.](JBB2011-158094.001){#fig1} ![Typical 400 MHz ^1^H NMR spectra of DLKP lung carcinoma whole cells. (a) CH~3~, (b) CH~2~, (c) CH~2~CH=CH, (d) CH~2~COO, (e) =CHCH~2~CH=, (f) HC=CH/CHOCOR. The spectral regions used for statistical analysis (0.60--1.04 and 1.24--3.56 ppm) are indicated.](JBB2011-158094.002){#fig2} ![PCA scores plots for A549, DLKP, DLKPA, and DLKP-A5F, whole-cell data. Analysis is shown for G1_13_21 (a), G2_17_33 (b). The right hand panel is reproduced from \[[@B24]\] with permission.](JBB2011-158094.003){#fig3} ![Plot of residual mean squares as a function of the number of nodes in the hidden layers, in the three-layers network (♦), and in the second (Δ) and third (○) layers of the four-layers network. For the networks labelled (Δ), 3 nodes were used in the third layer; and for the networks labelled (○), 4 nodes were used in the second layer. The lines have no physical meaning; they are included to better illustrate the optimal number of nodes.](JBB2011-158094.004){#fig4} ![(a) Structure of the optimal 3-layer ANN architecture (72, 6, 4). (b) Structure of the optimal 4-layer ANN architecture (72, 3, 4).](JBB2011-158094.005){#fig5} ###### Results of cross-validation verification process for the three- and four-layer ANN networks. Architecture (72, 6, 4)\* ---------------------------- --------------------------------------- --------------------------------  1 2, 13, 17, 27, 38 all correct  2 21, 24, 31, 35, 51 all correct  3 4, 12, 22, 35, 44 spec. 35 classified as unknown  4 16, 17, 22, 25, 52 all correct  5 15, 16, 17, 23, 54 all correct  6 9, 15, 20, 24, 43 spec. 9 classified as unknown  7 3, 12, 15, 25, 51 all correct  8 19, 21, 43, 47, 54 all correct  9 16, 36, 37, 47, 48 all correct  10 12, 42, 44, 48, 50 all correct Architecture (72, 4, 3, 4)  1 5, 13, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 31, 51, 54 all correct  2 5, 8, 12, 15, 16, 29, 35, 36, 42, 49 all correct  3 8, 10, 13, 18, 23, 28, 33, 39, 40, 53 all correct  4 3, 5, 7, 9, 17, 27, 41, 45, 50, 52 all correct  5 5, 11, 16, 14, 20, 22, 24, 26, 44, 50 all correct \*where (72, 6, 4) refers to (the no. of inputs, the number of nodes in the hidden layer(s), the number of outputs). [^1]: Academic Editor: Mika Ala-Korpela
{ "pile_set_name": "PubMed Central" }
--- abstract: | Flexible and performant Persistency Service is a necessary component of any HEP Software Framework. The building of a modular, non-intrusive and performant persistency component have been shown to be very difficult task. In the past, it was very often necessary to sacrifice modularity to achieve acceptable performance. This resulted in the strong dependency of the overall Frameworks on their Persistency subsystems. Recent development in software technology has made possible to build a Persistency Service which can be transparently used from other Frameworks. Such Service doesn’t force a strong architectural constraints on the overall Framework Architecture, while satisfying high performance requirements. Java Data Object standard (JDO) has been already implemented for almost all major databases. It provides truly transparent persistency for any Java object (both internal and external). Objects in other languages can be handled via transparent proxies. Being only a thin layer on top of a used database, JDO doesn’t introduce any significant performance degradation. Also Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP) makes possible to treat persistency as an orthogonal Aspect of the Application Framework, without polluting it with persistence-specific concepts. All these techniques have been developed primarily (or only) for the Java environment. It is, however, possible to interface them transparently to Frameworks built in other languages, like for example C++. Fully functional prototypes of flexible and non-intrusive persistency modules have been build for several other packages, as for example FreeHEP AIDA and LCG Pool AttributeSet (package Indicium). author: - Julius Hřivnáč title: Transparent Persistence with Java Data Objects --- JDO === Requirements on Transparent Persistence --------------------------------------- The Java Data Object (JDO) [@JDO1],[@JDO2],[@Standard],[@Portal] standard has been created to satisfy several requirements on the object persistence in Java: - [**Object Model independence on persistency**]{}: - Java types are automatically mapped to native storage types. - 3rd party objects can be persistified (even when their source is not available). - The source of the persistent class is the same as the source of the transient class. No additional code is needed to make a class persistent. - All classes can be made persistent (if it has a sense). - [**Illusion of in-memory access to data**]{}: - Dirty instances (i.e. objects which have been changed after they have been read) are implicitly updated in the database. - Catching, synchronization, retrieval and lazy loading are done automatically. - All objects, referenced from a persistent object, are automatically persistent ([*Persistence by reachability*]{}). - [**Portability across technologies**]{}: - A wide range of storage technologies (relational databases, object-oriented databases, files,…) can be transparently used. - All JDO implementations are exchangeable. - [**Portability across platforms**]{} is automatically available in Java. - [**No need for a different language**]{} (DDL, SQL,…) to handle persistency (incl. queries). - [**Interoperability with Application Servers**]{} (EJB [@EJB],…). Architecture of Java Data Objects --------------------------------- The Java Data Objects standard (Java Community Process Open Standard JSR-12) [@Standard] has been created to satisfy the requirements listed in the previous paragraph. ![image](Enhancement.eps){width="135mm"} The persistence capability is added to a class by the Enhancer (as shown in Figure \[Enhancement\]): - Enhancer makes a transient class PersistenceCapable by adding it all data and methods needed to provide the persistence functionality. After enhancement, the class implements PersistenceCapable interface (as shown in Figure \[PersistenceCapable\]). - Enhancer is generally applied to a class-file, but it can be also part of a compiler or a loader. - Enhancing effects can be modified via Persistence Descriptor (XML file). - All enhancers are compatible. Classes enhanced with one JDO implementation will work automatically with all other implementations. ![Enhancer makes any class PersistenceCapable.[]{data-label="PersistenceCapable"}](PersistenceCapable.eps){width="80mm"} The main object, a user interacts with, is the PersistenceManager. It mediates all interactions with the database, it manages instances lifecycle and it serves as a factory for Transactions, Queries and Extents (as described in Figure \[PersistenceManager\]). ![All interactions with JDO are mediated by PersistenceManager.[]{data-label="PersistenceManager"}](PersistenceManager.eps){width="80mm"} Available Implementations ------------------------- After about a year since the JDO standardization, there are already many implementations available supporting all existing storage technologies. JDO Implementations ------------------- ### Commercial JDO Implementations Following commercial implementations of JDO standard exist: enJin(Versant), FastObjects(Poet), FrontierSuit(ObjectFrontier), IntelliBO (Signsoft), JDOGenie(Hemisphere), JRelay(Object Industries), KODO(SolarMetric), LiDO(LIBeLIS), OpenFusion(Prism), Orient(Orient), PE:J(HYWY), … These implementation often have a free community license available. ### Open JDO Implementations There are already several open JDO implementations available: - [**JDORI**]{} [@JDORI] (Sun) is the reference and standard implementation. It currently only works with the FOStore files. Support for a relational database via JDBC implementation is under development. It is the most standard, but not the most performant implementation. - [**TJDO**]{} [@TJDO] (SourceForge) is a high quality implementation originally written by the TreeActive company, later put on the GPL license. It supports all important relational databases. It supports an automatic creation of the database schema. It implements full JDO standard. - [**XORM**]{} [@XORM] (SourceForge) does not yet support full JDO standard. It does not automatically generate a database schema, on the other hand, it allows a reuse of existing schemas. - [**JORM**]{} [@JORM] (JOnAS/ObjectWeb) has a fully functional object-relational mapping, the full JDO implementation is under development. - [**OJB**]{} [@OJB] (Apache) has a mature object-relational engine. Full JDO interface is not yet provided. Supported Databases ------------------- All widely used databases are already supported either by their provider or by a third party: - [**RDBS and ODBS**]{}: Oracle, MS SQL Server, DB2, PointBase, Cloudscape, MS Access, JDBC/ODBC Bridge, Sybase, Interbase, InstantDB, Informix, SAPDB, Postgress, MySQL, Hypersonic SQL, Versant,… - [**Files**]{}: XML, FOSTORE, flat, C-ISAM,… The performance of JDO implementations is determined by the native performance of a database. JDO itself introduces a very small overhead. HEP Applications using JDO ========================== Trivial Application ------------------- A simple application using JDO to write and read data is shown in Listing \[Trivial\]. [|l|]{} $//\ Initialization$\ $PersistenceManagerFactory\ pmf = JDOHelper.getPersistenceManagerFactory(properties);$\ $PersistenceManager\ pm = pmf.getPersistenceManager();$\ $Transaction\ tx = pm.currentTransaction();$\ \ $//\ Writing$\ $tx.begin();$\ $\dots$\ $Event\ event = \dots;$\ $pm.makePersistent(event);$\ $\dots$\ $tx.commit();$\ \ $//\ Searching\ using\ Java-like\ query\ language\ translated\ internally\ to\ DB\ native\ query\ language$\ $//\ (SQL\ available\ too\ for\ RDBS)$\ $tx.begin();$\ $Extent\ extent = pm.getExtent(Track.class, true);$\ $String\ filter = "pt > 20.0";$\ $Query\ query = pm.newQuery(extent, filter);$\ $Collection\ results = query.execute();$\ $\dots$\ $tx.commit();$\ Indicium -------- Indicium [@Indicium] has been created to satisfy the LCG [@LCG] Pool [@Pool] requirements on the Metadata management: “To define, accumulate, search, filter and manage Attributes (Metadata) external/additional to existing (Event) data.” Those metadata are a generalization of the traditional Paw ntuple concept. They are used in the first phase of the analysis process to make a pre-selection of Event for further processing. They should be efficient. They are apparently closely related to Collections (of Events). The Indicium package provides an implementation of the AttributeSet (Event Metadata, Tags) for the LCG/Pool project in Java and C++ (with the same API). The core of Indicium is implemented in Java. All expressed requirements can only be well satisfied by the system which allows in principle any object to act as an AttributeSet. Such system can be easily built when we realize that mentioned requirements are satisfied by JDO: - [**AttributeSet**]{} is simply any Object with a reference to another (Event) Object. - [**Explicit Collection**]{} is just any standard Java Collection. - [**Implicit Collection**]{} (i.e. all objects of some type T within a Database) is directly the JDO Extent. Indicium works with any JDO/DB implementation. As all the requirements are directly satisfied by the JDO itself, the Indicium only implements a simple wrapper and a code for database management (database creation, opening, …). That is in fact the only database-specific code. It is easy to switch between various JDO/DB implementations via a simple properties file. The default Indicium implementation contains configuration for JDORI with FOStore file format and TJDO with Cloudscape or MySQL databases, others are simple to add. The data stored by Indicium are accessible also via native database protocols (like JDBC or SQL) and tools using them. As it has been already mentioned, Indicium provides just a simple convenience layer on top of JDO trying to capture standard AttributeSet usage patterns. There are four ways how AttributeSet can be defined: - [**Assembled**]{} AttributeSet is fully constructed at run-time in a way similar to classical Paw ntuples. - [**Generated**]{} AttributeSet class is generated from a simple XML specification. - [**Implementing**]{} AttributeSet can be written by hand to implement the standard AttributeSet Interface. - [**FreeStyle**]{} AttributeSet can be just about any class. It can be managed by the Indicium infrastructure, only some convenience functionality may be lost. To satisfy also the requirements of C++ users, the C++ interface of Indicium has been created in the form of JACE [@JACE] proxies. This way, C++ users can directly use Indicium Java classes from a C++ program. CIndicium Architecture is shown in Figure \[AttributeSet\], an example of its use is shown in Listing \[CIndicium\]. ![image](AttributeList.eps){width="135mm"} [|l|]{} $//\ Construct\ Signature$\ $Signature\ signature("AssembledClass");$\ $signature.add("j", "int", "Some Integer Number");$\ $signature.add("y", "double", "Some Double Number");$\ $signature.add("s", "String", "Some String");$\ \ $//\ Obtain\ Accessor\ to\ database$\ $Accessor\ accessor = AccessorFactory::createAccessor("MyDB.properties");$\ \ $//\ Create\ Collection$\ $accessor.createCollection("MyCollection", signature, true);$\ \ $//\ Write\ AttributeSets\ into\ database$\ $AssembledAttributeSet*\ as;$\ $for (int\ i = 0; i < 100; i++) \{$\ $\ \ as = new\ AssembledAttributeSet(signature);$\ $\ \ as->set("j", ...);$\ $\ \ as->set("y", ...);$\ $\ \ as->set("s", ...);$\ $\ \ accessor.write(*as);$\ $\ \ \}$\ \ $//\ Search\ database$\ $std::string\ filter = "y > 0.5";$\ $Query\ query = accessor.newQuery(filter);$\ $Collection\ collection = query.execute();$\ $std::cout << "First: " << collection.toArray()[0].toString() << std::endl;$\ AIDA Persistence ---------------- JDO has been used to provide a basic persistency service for the FreeHEP [@FreeHEP] reference implementation of AIDA [@AIDA]. Three kinds of extension to the existing implementation have been required: - Implementation of the IStore interface as AidaJDOStore. - Creation of the XML description for each AIDA class (for example see Listing \[AIDA\]). - Several small changes to exiting classes, like creation of wrappers around arrays of primitive types, etc. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $<jdo>$ $\ \ <package\ name="hep.aida.ref.histogram">$ $\ \ \ \ <class\ name="Histogram2D"$ $\ \ \ \ \ \ \ persistence-capable-superclass="hep.aida.ref.histogram.Histogram">$ $\ \ \ \ \ \ \ </class>$ $\ \ \ \ </package>$ $\ \ </jdo>$ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ It has become clear, that the AIDA persistence API is not sufficient and it has to be made richer to allow more control over persistent objects, better searching capabilities, etc. Minerva ------- Minerva [@Minerva] is a lightweight Java Framework which implements main Architectural principles of the ATLAS C++ Framework Athena [@Athena]: - [**Algorithm - Data Separation**]{}: Algorithmic code is separated from the data on which it operates. Algorithms can be explicitly called and don’t a have persistent state (except for parameters). Data are potentially persistent and processed by Algorithms. - [**Persistent - Transient Separation**]{}: The Persistency mechanism is implemented by specified components and have no impact on the definition of the transient Interfaces. Low-level Persistence technologies can be replaced without changing the other Framework components (except for possible configuration). A specific definition of Transient-Persistent mapping is possible, but is not required. - [**Implementation Independence**]{}: There are no implementation-specific constructs in the definition of the interfaces. In particular, all Interfaces are defined in an implementation independent way. Also all public objects (i.e. all objects which are exchanged between components and which subsequently appear in the Interface’ definitions) are identifiable by implementation independent Identifiers. - [**Modularity**]{}: All components are explicitly designed with interchangeability in mind. This implies that the main deliverables are simple and precisely defined general interfaces and existing implementation of various modules serves mainly as a Reference implementation. Minerva scheduling is based on InfoBus \[InfoBus\] Architecture: - Algorithms are [*Data Producers*]{} or [*Data Consumers*]{} (or both). - Algorithm declare their supported I/O types. - Scheduling is done implicitly. An Algorithm runs when it has all its inputs ready. - Both Algorithms and Services run as (static or dynamic) Servers. - The environment is naturally multi-threaded. Overview of the Minerva Architecture is shown in Figure \[InfoBus\]. ![image](InfoBus.eps){width="135mm"} It is very easy to configure and run Minerva. For example, one can create a Minerva run with 5 parallel Servers. Two of them are reading Events from two independent databases, one is processing each Event and two last write new processed Events on two new databases depending on the Event characteristics. (See Figure \[Minerva\] for a schema of such run and Listing \[MinervaScript\] for its steering script.) ![Example of a Minerva run.[]{data-label="Minerva"}](Minerva.eps){width="80mm"} --------------------------------------------------- $new\ Algorithm(<Algorithm\ properties>);$ $new\ ObjectOutput(<db3>, <Event\ properties1>);$ $new\ ObjectOutput(<db4>, <Event\ properties2>);$ $new\ ObjectInput(<db1>);$ $new\ ObjectInput(<db2>);$ --------------------------------------------------- : Example of steering script for a Minerva run.[]{data-label="MinervaScript"} Minerva has also simple but powerful modular Graphical User Interface which allows to plug in easily other components as the BeanShell [@BeanShell] command-line interface, the JAS [@JAS] histogramming, the ObjectBrowser [@ObjectBrowser], etc. Figure \[GUI\] and Figure \[ObjectBrowser\] show examples of running Minerva with various interactive plugins loaded. ![image](GUI.eps){width="135mm"} ![image](ObjectBrowser.eps){width="135mm"} Prototypes using JDO ==================== Object Evolution ---------------- It is often necessary to change object’ shape while keeping its content and identity. This functionality is especially needed in the persistency domain to satisfy [*Schema Evolution*]{} (Versioning) or [*Object Mapping*]{} (DB Projection), i.e. retrieving an Object of type A dressed as an Object of another type B. This functionality is not addressed by JDO. In practice, it is handled either on the lower lever (in a database) or on the higher level (in the overall framework, for example EJB). It is, however, possible to implement an Object Evolution for JDO with the help of Dynamic Proxies and Aspects. Let’s suppose that a user wants to read an Object of a type A (of an Interface IA) dressed as an Object of another Interface IB. To enable that, four components should co-operate (as shown in Fig \[Evolution\]): - JDO Enhancer enhances class A so it is PersistenceCapable and it is managed by JDO PersistenceManager. - AspectJ [@AspectJ] adds read-callback with the mapping A $\rightarrow$ IB. This is called automatically when JDO reads an object A. - A simple database of mappers provides a suitable mapping between A and IB. - DynamicProxy delivers the content of the Object A with the interfaces IB:\ $IB\ b = (IB)DynamicProxy.newInstance(A, IB);$. All those manipulations are of course hidden from the End User. ![Support for Object Evolution.[]{data-label="Evolution"}](Evolution.eps){width="80mm"} Foreign References ------------------ HEP data are often stored in sets of independent databases, each one managed independently. This architectures do not directly support references between objects from different databases (while references inside one database are managed directly by the JDO support for Persistence by Reachability). As in the case of the Object Evolution, foreign references are usually resolved either on the lower level (i.e. all databases are managed by one storage manager and JDO operates on top) or on the higher level (for example by the EJB framework). Another possibility is to use a similar Architecture as in the case of Object Evolution with Dynamic Proxy delivering foreign Objects. Let’s suppose, that a User reads an object A, which contains a reference to another object B, which is actually stored in a different database (and thus managed by a different PersistenceManager). The database with the object A doesn’t in fact in this case contain an object B, but a DynamicProxy object. The object B can be transparently retrieved using three co-operating components (as shown on Fig \[References\]): - When reference from an object A to an object B is requested, JDO delivers DynamicProxy instead. - The DynamicProxy asks PersistenceManagerFactory for a PersistenceManager which handles the object B. It then uses that PersistenceManager to get the object B and casts itself into it. - PersistenceManagerFactory gives this information by interrogating DBcatalog (possibly a Grid Service). All those manipulations are of course hidden from the End User. ![Support for Foreign References.[]{data-label="References"}](References.eps){width="80mm"} Summary ======= It has been shown that JDO standard provides suitable foundation of the persistence service for HEP applications. Two major characteristics of persistence solutions based on JDO are: - Not intrusiveness. - Wide range of available JDO implementations, both commercial and free, giving access to all major databases. JDO profits from the native databases functionality and performance (SQL queries,...), but presents it to users in a native Java API. [99]{} More details talk about JDO:\ [http://hrivnac.home.cern.ch/hrivnac/Activities/2002/June/JDO]{} More details talk about JDO:\ [http://hrivnac.home.cern.ch/hrivnac/Activities/2002/November/Indicium]{} Java Data Objects Standard:\ [http://java.sun.com/products/jdo]{} Java Data Objects Portal:\ [http://www.jdocentral.com]{} JDO Reference Implementation (JDORI):\ [http://access1.sun.com/jdo]{} TJDO:\ [http://tjdo.sourceforge.net]{} XORM:\ [http://xorm.sourceforge.net]{} JORM:\ [http://jorm.objectweb.org]{} OJB:\ [http://db.apache.org/ojb/]{} Indicium:\ [http://hrivnac.home.cern.ch/hrivnac/Activities/Packages/Indicium]{} AIDA:\ [http://aida.freehep.org]{} FreeHEP Library:\ [http://java.freehep.org]{} Minerva:\ [http://hrivnac.home.cern.ch/hrivnac/Activities/Packages/Minerva]{} JACE:\ [http://reyelts.dyndns.org:8080/jace/release/docs/index.html]{} Lightweight Scripting for Java (BeanShell):\ [http://www.beanshell.org]{} InfoBus:\ [http://java.sun.com/products/javabeans/infobus/]{} Java Analysis Studio (JAS):\ [http://jas.freehep.org]{} Object Browser:\ [http://hrivnac.home.cern.ch/hrivnac/Activities/Packages/ObjectBrowser/]{} AspectJ:\ [http://www.eclipse.org/aspectj/]{} Enterprise Java Beans (EJB):\ [http://java.sun.com/products/ejb]{} ATLAS C++ Framework (Athena):\ [http://atlas.web.cern.ch/ATLAS/GROUPS/SOFTWARE/OO/architecture/General/index.html]{} LCG Computing Grid Project (LCG):\ [http://wenaus.home.cern.ch/wenaus/peb-app]{} LCG Persistency Framework (Pool):\ [http://lcgapp.cern.ch/project/persist]{}
{ "pile_set_name": "ArXiv" }
Assisted and unassisted suicide in men and women: longitudinal study of the Swiss population. In Switzerland assisted suicide is legal if no self-interest is involved. To compare the strength and direction of associations with sociodemographic factors between assisted and unassisted suicides. We calculated rates and used Cox and logistic regression models in a longitudinal study of the Swiss population. Analyses were based on 5 004 403 people, 1301 assisted and 5708 unassisted suicides from 2003 to 2008. The rate of unassisted suicides was higher in men than in women, rates of assisted suicides were similar in men and women. Higher education was positively associated with assisted suicide, but negatively with unassisted. Living alone, having no children and no religious affiliation were associated with higher rates of both. Some situations that indicate greater vulnerability such as living alone were associated with both assisted and unassisted suicide. Among the terminally ill, women were more likely to choose assisted suicide, whereas men died more often by unassisted suicide.
{ "pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts" }
Canada's own Mitch Gagnon will compete on home turf for the third time in a row when he takes on Issei Tamura in a Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bantamweight bout at UFC 158: "St. Pierre vs. Diaz" on March 16 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The match up will likely air on the UFC 158 preliminary card, which is expected to be broadcast on FX and Facebook, with the main card airing on pay-per-view (PPV). "Showdown" Joe Ferraro of Sportsnet reported news of the 135-pound contest via Twitter on Saturday. UFC officials have yet to officially confirm the bout. Gagnon (9-2) has earned all nine of his professional wins by way of submission, most recently tapping out Walel Watson with a rear-naked choke at UFC 152 for his first UFC victory. After dropping his UFC debut to Brian Caraway in the UFC 149 "Fight of the Night" last July, the 28-year-old rebounded with the 69-second submission of Watson. Tamura (7-3) will enter UFC 158 on the heels of his first career knockout loss to Raphael Assuncao at UFC on FUEL TV 4 last July. The defeat evened Tamura's record inside the Octagon to 1-1, and the Japanese fighter will look to avoid dropping two in a row when he competes in Canada for the first time. The 28-year-old has yet to be submitted in his 10-fight professional career. He will look to keep that feat in tact against a submission specialist in Gagnon. UFC 158: "St-Pierre vs. Diaz" goes down March 16 from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. A welterweight championship grudge match between Georges St-Pierre and Nick Diaz serves as the main event while crucial 170-pound contests of Carlos Condit vs. Rory MacDonald and Johnny Hendricks vs. Jake Ellenberger fill the undercard.
{ "pile_set_name": "OpenWebText2" }
Politics FILE PHOTO. President Donald Trump's tweets calling for a probe of widespread voter fraud but providing no evidence that it actually took place have rankled California elections officials. Pool/Getty Images In the wake of President Donald Trump's call Wednesday for an investigation into widespread voter fraud, a claim widely seen as without merit, California's Secretary of State Alex Padilla pushed back sharply, calling the contention "a flat-out lie." Trump repeated his previous criticism of the voting process on Twitter saying he may move to strengthen voting procedures depending on the investigation's results. I will be asking for a major investigation into VOTER FRAUD, including those registered to vote in two states, those who are illegal and.... Padilla said officials have been hearing for several months about Trump's allegations of rampant voter fraud across the country, especially in California, which voted overwhelmingly for Democrat Hillary Clinton in the presidential election. "But despite our request for any information he may have, they have yet to provide any evidence, any proof to back up their claims," Padilla said. "It's frankly dangerous to people's faith in our democratic system." Trump's insistence that there was massive voter fraud has confounded political observers who say he may be undermining his own election and that of other Republicans on 2016 voter ballots. Trump's yet unsubstantiated claim was also dismissed by Democrats and some Republicans. House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) said Tuesday that he has “seen no evidence to that effect.” House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said at a news conference Wednesday that she cannot understand why the newly installed president is “so insecure.” “To suggest and to undermine the integrity of our voter system is really strange,” Pelosi said. “... On top of it, he wants to investigate something that can clearly be proven to be false, but he resists investigations of a Russian disruption of our election and any connection to his campaign. All we want is the truth for the American people.” On Tuesday, White House press secretary Sean Spicer fielded questions during a press briefing about President Trump's views on voter fraud. Spicer did not provide specifics on what evidence the president based his statements on. "I think he stated his concerns of voter fraud and people voting illegally during the campaign and he continues to maintain that belief based on studies and evidence that people have presented to him," Spicer said. Los Angeles County Registrar Dean Logan said he is concerned about the impression that Trump's tweets are sending to voters. "What I think is important is that we don't send a message to our electorate that their vote is in question or that their vote doesn't have value," he said. Logan acknowledged that in Los Angeles County duplicate registrations do occur, usually when voters move addresses. Logan also said sometimes people who have died are still on the voter rolls after their death. But he said there's no evidence that those situations have led to incorrect votes. "The voter registration list is a fluid list," he said. "There is going to be a timing issue." Logan said voters should be confident in the system. "I believe that there are safeguards in place to ensure the integrity of the election," Logan said.
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Serum alpha-tocopherol, lipids, potassium, and creatine phosphokinase in normal and malabsorption patients. Serum alpha-tocopherol, lipids, potassium, and creatine phosphokinase levels were measured in 20 adult male control patients and eight malabsorption patients. The malabsorption group had significantly lower serum alpha-tocopherol levels than the control group. This change was independent of serum total lipid levels that were not significantly different among the two groups. Serum potassium and creatine phosphokinase levels that are normally used to assess muscle pathology in man did not correlate with serum alpha-tocopherol levels in either the control of the malabsorption groups. Body mass indices that are directly related to adiposity of the individuals were calculated. Among the control patients, there was a significant increase in serum alpha-tocopherol and serum total lipids with increase in body mass index. Similar correlations did not exist in the malabsorption group. In the latter group serum alpha-tocopherol levels may have reached low enough levels to be independent of factors such as adiposity and serum total lipids.
{ "pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts" }
Q: How to return a non-editable PDF as a response? I have a URL: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw4.pdf It contains an editable PDF. I have make it non-editable. I did so and kept it in the temp directory of a folder. Now i want to send the non-editable PDF as a response, when the user clicks this url, he must get the non-editable pdf. This is what I have done till now: String strDirectoy ="C:\\Temp"; boolean success = ( new File(strDirectoy)).mkdir(); if (success) { System.out.println("Directory: " + strDirectoy + " created"); } PdfReader reader = new PdfReader("http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw4.pdf");//C:\\fw4.pdf PdfStamper stamp2 = new PdfStamper(reader, new FileOutputStream("C:\\Temp\\Flattened.pdf")); AcroFields form2 = stamp2.getAcroFields(); stamp2.setFormFlattening(true); stamp2.close(); Now i need to delete the temp folder as if it never existed and return the non-editable PDF as the response for the above specified URL. How can i do this? A: Write a Servlet. Flatten your pdf in a temporary file (using the createTempFile() and deleteOnExit() methods of java.io.File). Use the setContentType of the HttpServletResponse to set the MIME type of the pdf. Write the contents of the temporary pdf file to the outputstream of the http response
{ "pile_set_name": "StackExchange" }
LOREN ELLIOTT via Getty Images People browse firearms in an exhibit hall at the NRA's 2018 convention in Dallas, Texas. So-called “red flag” laws, a tool to temporarily keep firearms away from people whose families think they pose public danger, have gained renewed attention in recent weeks as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle search for middle-ground responses to the recent wave of mass shootings. As of this week, supporters of those laws can point to new evidence that they may actually work. Research published Tuesday from the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine’s Violence Prevention Research Program found in a study of 21 people who were either blocked from purchasing guns or forced to give up the ones they already owned under California’s 2016 red flag law that none went on to shoot themselves or others. “[T]hese cases suggest that this urgent, individualized intervention can play a role in efforts to prevent mass shootings, in health care settings and elsewhere,” the authors wrote in the study, which was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. After courts provided the researchers with records for 159 of the 414 people targeted by California’s red flag law between 2016 and 2018, they narrowed in on the 21 cases in which both the court order was actually applied and the at-risk person had firearm access. The 21 subjects included a number of teenagers, including a 14-year-old boy reported by his school after he posted videos of himself using guns and making racist remarks and favorable comments about school shootings online. His father owned a 9-mm semiautomatic pistol and a .30-caliber rifle. Several other subjects in the study had threatened violence against co-workers, family members, medical professionals and other authorities. Though it’s impossible to know how those individuals would have behaved had the courts not taken action, as the researchers acknowledge, data shows mass shooters often exhibit the behavior that prompts a red flag order. According to Department of Homeland Security statistics from recentyears, nearly every mass shooter made threats of violence prior to carrying out their attacks. Previous research into red flag laws has not delved into their efficacy of preventing mass shootings, the study noted. Until now, studies had mainly explored whether the laws were effective at preventing suicide. A 2018 report from the journal Psychiatric Services, for example, found that gun suicides declined significantly in Connecticut and Indiana after they implemented red flag laws. This study comes as the California legislature weighs 10 bills that would strengthen the state’s red flag law, including efforts to expand a person’s firearm ban from one year to five, broaden who can report a person and better train police on how to implement the law. California was the first of 17 states and the District of Columbia to pass some type of red flag law, and it remains one of the strictest. In a rare break from gun lobbying groups, President Donald Trump said earlier this month that he supported more red flag laws.
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Unihemispheric slow-wave sleep in the Amazonian dolphin, Inia geoffrensis. An electroencephalographic study of sleep in Amazonian dolphins, Inia geoffrensis, revealed that unihemispheric slow-wave sleep is the dominant sleep type in this species, as in the other two dolphin species that were studied earlier.
{ "pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts" }
// Code generated by go-swagger; DO NOT EDIT. package models // This file was generated by the swagger tool. // Editing this file might prove futile when you re-run the swagger generate command import ( "github.com/go-openapi/errors" "github.com/go-openapi/strfmt" "github.com/go-openapi/swag" "github.com/go-openapi/validate" ) // RegistrationViaAPIResponse The Response for Registration Flows via API // // swagger:model registrationViaApiResponse type RegistrationViaAPIResponse struct { // identity // Required: true Identity *Identity `json:"identity"` // session Session *Session `json:"session,omitempty"` // The Session Token // // This field is only set when the session hook is configured as a post-registration hook. // // A session token is equivalent to a session cookie, but it can be sent in the HTTP Authorization // Header: // // Authorization: bearer ${session-token} // // The session token is only issued for API flows, not for Browser flows! // Required: true SessionToken *string `json:"session_token"` } // Validate validates this registration via Api response func (m *RegistrationViaAPIResponse) Validate(formats strfmt.Registry) error { var res []error if err := m.validateIdentity(formats); err != nil { res = append(res, err) } if err := m.validateSession(formats); err != nil { res = append(res, err) } if err := m.validateSessionToken(formats); err != nil { res = append(res, err) } if len(res) > 0 { return errors.CompositeValidationError(res...) } return nil } func (m *RegistrationViaAPIResponse) validateIdentity(formats strfmt.Registry) error { if err := validate.Required("identity", "body", m.Identity); err != nil { return err } if m.Identity != nil { if err := m.Identity.Validate(formats); err != nil { if ve, ok := err.(*errors.Validation); ok { return ve.ValidateName("identity") } return err } } return nil } func (m *RegistrationViaAPIResponse) validateSession(formats strfmt.Registry) error { if swag.IsZero(m.Session) { // not required return nil } if m.Session != nil { if err := m.Session.Validate(formats); err != nil { if ve, ok := err.(*errors.Validation); ok { return ve.ValidateName("session") } return err } } return nil } func (m *RegistrationViaAPIResponse) validateSessionToken(formats strfmt.Registry) error { if err := validate.Required("session_token", "body", m.SessionToken); err != nil { return err } return nil } // MarshalBinary interface implementation func (m *RegistrationViaAPIResponse) MarshalBinary() ([]byte, error) { if m == nil { return nil, nil } return swag.WriteJSON(m) } // UnmarshalBinary interface implementation func (m *RegistrationViaAPIResponse) UnmarshalBinary(b []byte) error { var res RegistrationViaAPIResponse if err := swag.ReadJSON(b, &res); err != nil { return err } *m = res return nil }
{ "pile_set_name": "Github" }
Menu SELECT HowTo FROM WriteSQLSyntax Part 1 : DML In my years working in BPM, SQL syntax has played a part in almost every peice of work. The ‘long running’ characteristic of BPM requires that process and state data be persisted to a long term data store because this will ultimatley outlast the hosting server in terms of lenth of operation (some processes could go on for years). As well as using databases for peristing BPM state, almost every application that exists these days, including applications or systems that utilise BPM have a data store of some kind that will need to be queried for user or process data. It’s a given that you know SQL in this day and age. For the experienced developer, this article is not for you. SQL is a standard that allows for the general interaction with database data. We have the commands that manipulation existing data and the commands that build the structure of the data (tables, schemas etc). Microsoft have a flavour of standard SQL-92 that they name Transact-SQL and split this language into 2 main categories. DML (data manipulation language) are the statements used to manipulate your data using common statements such as SELECT and UPDATE. DDL (Data Definition Language) represents the TSQL statements that assist the management and maintenance of your database objects (ALTER PROCEDURE, DROP TABLE etc). SQL skills are seen as a basic essential requirement these days in the fields of software development, BPM, EAI, web site design and even scripting and so having a this under your belt is a must. I’ve tried to create a ‘cheat sheet’ of sorts for the DML side of the TSQL language which can be used as a quick reference, starting with the basics : SELECT (* means ALL columns) SELECT * FROM POItems | SELECT POL_RowID, POL_OrderNo FROM POItems DISTINCT(Unique values, non duplicates returned) SELECT DISTINCT POL_InvApproverName FROM POItems SELECT INTO (selects from one table and inserts into the other) SELECT * INTO NewPOItems FROM POItems SELECT POL_OrderNo, POL_Description INTO NewPOItems FROM POItems
{ "pile_set_name": "Pile-CC" }
Q: Large form crashing on second opening I have this problem where I have a very large form (winforms) that is loaded through the Activation.CreateInstance(Type) method, because the loading container is used for different forms. It opens fine the first time, but if I close it and then reopen it, it will always crash halfway through the InitializeComponent() method, where it 'jumps' to the Dispose() method, crashing on a NullReferenceException. My current theory is that the Dispose() call is from the previous instance of the form that did not have the time to finish and is now trying to dispose of the current form. (does that make any sense?) On the other hand, I think that maybe it's the Activation.CreateInstance() that is causing the problem, but it's the first time I see that class so I'm not so sure about that either. I did a test earlier today while debugging, and if I waited a few seconds on each line in the crashing InitializeComponent(), I got through without error. A: Finally I found the origin of the bug : the loading form has hundreds of grids with little toolbars each having 5-6 icons on them. And, the resource manager being a little daft, instead of reusing the same icon each time (the toolbars are instances of the same usercontrol), it instantiates a new bitmap each time, running out-of-memory. But, instead of failing with an obvious error, it squirrels it away and starts disposing of the calling objects, therefore disposing incompletely created objects. So the solution here is to make sure to load images only once when using the resource manager. Not only will it resolve the crash, it also loads faster.
{ "pile_set_name": "StackExchange" }
s [ ] w [a-z0-9A-Z] W [^a-z0-9A-Z] d [0-9] %% ((MERGE.*USING{s}*\()|(EXECUTE{s}*IMMEDIATE{s}*\")|({W}+{d}{s}+HAVING{s}+{d})|(MATCH{s}*[a-zA-Z\\(\\),+\-]+{s}*AGAINST{s}*\()) printf('attack detected'); %%
{ "pile_set_name": "Github" }
Derek Duncan Derek Henry Junior Duncan (born 23 April 1987) is an English footballer who plays as a winger or as a left back for VCD Athletic . Career Duncan was signed by Grays Athletic on a one-year contract on 25 May 2007, following his release by Leyton Orient. The left-winger left Grays Athletic by mutual consent, just a month after he signed, after his agent offered him to other Football League clubs. Duncan was signed by Paul Lambert in the summer of 2007 and joined Wycombe Wanderers, where he failed to make a league appearance before having his contract terminated by mutual consent in January 2009. On the same day it was announced that he had left Wycombe Wanderers, it was announced that the winger had signed for Ebbsfleet United until the end of the 2008–09 season. The following day Duncan made his debut for Ebbsfleet in their 1–0 home league win over Rushden & Diamonds. Duncan signed for AFC Wimbledon on 15 June 2009, but after one season at Kingsmeadow he signed for former club Ebbsfleet, on 6 July 2010. On 29 July 2011, it was announced he had signed for Conference South side Woking. At the start of 2012–13 season he signed for Conference South side Maidenhead United. Isthmian League side VCD Athletic recruited Duncan for the 2016-17 season. He featured throughout the first part of the season, before picking up a straight-red card sending off on 1 January 2017 versus local rivals Phoenix Sports. References External links Category:1987 births Category:Living people Category:English footballers Category:Association football wingers Category:Leyton Orient F.C. players Category:Lewes F.C. players Category:Grays Athletic F.C. players Category:Wycombe Wanderers F.C. players Category:Ebbsfleet United F.C. players Category:AFC Wimbledon players Category:Woking F.C. players Category:Maidenhead United F.C. players Category:Thamesmead Town F.C. players Category:English Football League players Category:National League (English football) players Category:Isthmian League players Category:Footballers from Upton Park, London
{ "pile_set_name": "Wikipedia (en)" }
Introduction These ques­tions are designed to probe var­i­ous aspects of the LDS Church’s his­to­ry and truth-claims. The list was made for 1) inves­ti­ga­tors to ask the mis­sion­ar­ies, 2) active mem­bers to ask them­selves, or 3) those expe­ri­enc­ing a faith tran­si­tion to ask their par­ents or eccle­si­as­ti­cal lead­ers. The major­i­ty of links pro­vid­ed are to LDS approved sources or to rel­a­tive­ly neu­tral infor­ma­tion repos­i­to­ries (such as wikipedia). If any ques­tion con­tains incor­rect infor­ma­tion or is mis­lead­ing in any way, please con­tact me, and I will fix it. Approaches to difficult questions One gen­er­al way to deal with dif­fi­cult ques­tions is to sug­gest that God has been dis­pens­ing infor­ma­tion “line upon line, pre­cept upon pre­cept, here a lit­tle and there a lit­tle” (2 Nephi 28:30). On the oth­er hand, we expect to see con­sis­ten­cy in the unfold­ing of God’s hand­i­work because God “is the same yes­ter­day and today and for­ev­er” (1 Nephi 10:18), “truth is knowl­edge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come” (D&C 93:24), and his house “…is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of con­fu­sion.” (D&C 132:8). Incon­sis­ten­cies and dif­fi­cul­ties may also be chalked up to the short­com­ings and mis­takes of men. On the one hand, the Lord (appar­ent­ly) declared, through Joseph Smith: What I the Lord have spo­ken, I have spo­ken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heav­ens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be ful­filled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my ser­vants, it is the same. Joseph Smith also empha­sized “there is no error in the rev­e­la­tions which I have taught.” On the oth­er hand, he remind­ed us “I nev­er told you I was per­fect” and “a prophet was a prophet only when he was act­ing as such.” With caveats in place (i.e., rev­e­la­tion from God is per­fect and all mis­takes are from men), it is triv­ial, then, to take any event, doc­trine, or teach­ing that is prob­lem­at­ic and attribute it to the fail­ures of men while attribut­ing every­thing faith-pro­mot­ing and won­der­ful to God’s divine influ­ence. This is a tremen­dous­ly pow­er­ful par­ti­tion­ing algo­rithm. Its only weak­ness may be that it is too powerful—such an algo­rithm seems capa­ble of diviniz­ing any orga­ni­za­tion or indi­vid­ual to which it may be applied. Questions Joseph Smith’s Polygamy The Book of Abraham In his trans­la­tion of the fac­sim­i­les, Joseph point­ed to spe­cif­ic char­ac­ters and gave a spe­cif­ic trans­la­tion. How­ev­er, the char­ac­ters on the fac­sim­i­les (not the vignettes, but the char­ac­ters describ­ing the vignettes) have been trans­lat­ed by both BYU and non-Mor­mon schol­ars. The Book of Abra­ham lds​.org essay con­cedes: “None of the char­ac­ters on the papyrus frag­ments men­tioned Abraham’s name or any of the events record­ed in the book of Abra­ham. Mor­mon and non-Mor­mon Egyp­tol­o­gists agree that the char­ac­ters on the frag­ments do not match the trans­la­tion giv­en in the book of Abra­ham…” Why do the trans­la­tions of the fac­sim­i­le char­ac­ters not match up? The Book of Mormon Richard Bush­man, a well-known Mor­mon his­to­ri­an, recent­ly stat­ed: … there is phras­ing everywhere–long phras­es that if you google them you will find them in 19th cen­tu­ry writ­ings. The the­ol­o­gy of the Book of Mor­mon is very much 19th cen­tu­ry the­ol­o­gy, and it reads like a 19th cen­tu­ry under­stand­ing of the Hebrew Bible as an Old Tes­ta­ment … The num­ber of sim­i­lar­i­ties with ear­ly 1800s thought is exten­sive. Spiritual Confirmation and Priesthood Guidance Joseph Smith and the Restoration Adam and Eve The Church teach­es in 8 cur­rent man­u­als that Adam lived at approx­i­mate­ly 4000 BC; Joseph Smith claimed that Adam and Eve walked out of the Gar­den of Eden into Mis­souri, USA, and mod­ern lead­ers affirm the phys­i­cal, lit­er­al real­i­ty of Adam and Eve. In addi­tion, restored LDS scrip­ture describes Adam and Eve till­ing the ground imme­di­ate­ly upon their explu­sion from the Gar­den of Eden (see Moses 4:29). Giv­en that agri­cul­ture was not invent­ed until about 10,000 years ago, it appears that all accounts of Adam and Eve from LDS prophet­ic sources place them some­where between 4,000 BCE and 10,000 BCE (in Mis­souri, USA). How­ev­er, many data points sup­port a migra­tion out of Africa begin­ning about 70,000 years ago. Abo­rig­i­nal Aus­tralians like­ly migrat­ed to Aus­tralia about 50,000 years ago, and exten­sive evi­dence shows migra­tions into the Pacif­ic islands around 20,000 years ago. In addi­tion, all human genet­ic sequence data and infer­ences about viable pop­u­la­tion size sug­gest that there was nev­er a time when there were only two humans on earth (exam­ple 1, exam­ple 2). In what fash­ion was Adam “the first man of all men” (Moses 1:34) and the “pri­mal par­ent of our race” (accord­ing to the 1909 First Pres­i­den­cy State­ment) respec­tive to the Aus­tralian Abo­rig­ines and Pacif­ic Islanders? Are those peo­ple descen­dants of Adam and Eve? If not, what makes Adam and Eve their “par­ent”? If Adam and Eve were lit­er­al peo­ple, what is one pos­si­ble time or place they could have lived that is also com­pat­i­ble with our under­stand­ing of the human migra­tion data? Fair­Mor­mon acknowl­edges that there was like­ly not a glob­al flood 4,400 years ago. If the Gar­den of Eden real­ly was in Mis­souri, how did Adam and Eve migrate to the Mid­dle East? If Adam nev­er actu­al­ly lived in Mis­souri, then what are we to make of Adam-ondi-Ahman?
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Comparative recovery of 50-Hz and 100-Hz posttetanic twitch following profound neuromuscular block. To determine if posttetanic twitch following 100-Hz tetanic stimulation enables titration of a nondepolarizing relaxant infusion to a greater depth of block than that achieved with posttetanic twitch following 50 Hz. Prospective, observational study. Operating rooms of a university tertiary care center. 10 ASA physical status II and III patients free of known neuromuscular disease and undergoing general endotracheal anesthesia for routine elective surgery. Following induction of general anesthesia, neuromuscular block was maintained with a continuous intravenous vecuronium infusion. Depth of neuromuscular block was assessed by tactile evaluation of the evoked responses of the adductor pollicis muscle following supramaximal stimulation of the ulnar nerve via surface electrodes. The vecuronium infusion was titrated to loss of posttetanic twitch following 100-Hz tetanic stimulation, at which point the infusion was discontinued. 100-Hz tetanic stimulation was repeated every two minutes until recovery of the first posttetanic twitch, at which point 50-Hz tetanic stimulation was repeated every two minutes until recovery of the first posttetanic twitch. The median time (interquartile range) from discontinuation of the vecuronium infusion to recovery of the first posttetanic twitch following 100-Hz tetanic stimulation was 27% faster than the corresponding time to recovery of the first posttetanic twitch following 50-Hz tetanic stimulation [19 (10 to 24) min and 26 (20 to 30) min respectively, p < 0.002]. Posttetanic twitch following 100-Hz tetanic stimulation enables titration of a vecuronium infusion to a greater depth of block than posttetanic twitch following 50-Hz tetanic stimulation. The present findings should enable more effective titration of this relaxant, thereby reducing the likelihood of unwanted patient movement or unduly prolonged recovery due to relaxant overdosing.
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Guy Fouché Guy Fouché (17 June 1921 – 28 May 1998) was a French operatic tenor. Life Born in Bordeaux, Fouché graduated from the Conservatoire de Bordeaux with the First Prize in Opera and opéra comique. He began his career at the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux in 1942 in Bizet's Les Pêcheurs de perles. He also obtained a second prize at the Conservatoire de Paris in 1943. From 1945 to 1953, he performed in French opera houses, including those of Toulouse, Marseille, Lyon, Lille, Nantes, Rennes and Bordeaux. In 1953, he was in Oran. From 1954 to 1956, he was part of the troupe of the Opéra Royal de Wallonie in Liège before being, for six seasons, the first tenor at La Monnaie in Brussels. Back in Oran, he sang the title role of Faust. In 1961, he moved to Toulon where he ended his career two years later. Quotes Discography Complete Berlioz's La Damnation de Faust (Faust) with Ninon Vallin - Pléiade P3082 (33 rpm) with Régine Crespin, Michel Roux, Peter Van Der Bilt - BellaVoce BLV107.202 (CD) Donizetti's La Favorite (Fernand), with Simone Couderc, Charles Cambon, choir and Pasdeloup Orchestra, Jean Allain (dir.) - Pléiade P3071 / Vega 28000 - recorded in 1962 Massenet's Hérodiade (Jean), with Andréa Guiot, Mimi Aarden, Charles Cambon, Germain Guislain, Jos Burcksen, Corneluis Kalkman - Malibran CDRG 191 (CD). Meyerbeer's Les Huguenots (Raoul de Nangis), with Renée Doria, Jeanne Rinella, Henri Médus, Adrien Legros, Académie chorale de Paris, Pasdeloup Orchestra, Jean Allain (dir.) - Pléiade P3085/86 (33 rpm) - recorded in 1953 at the Théâtre de l'Apollo reissued CD Accord 204592 Verdi's Rigoletto (Duke of Mantoue), with Renée Doria, Ernest Blanc, Denise Scharley, Gérard Bourreli, Maria Valetti, Maurice Faure, André Dumas, Pierre Cruchon director - Pléiade P3076 (33 rpm) - French version Extracts Puccini's La Bohème, aria of Rodolphe Que cette main est froide (act I) - Pléiade P45152 (Extended play) - French version Verdi's Rigoletto, arias of the Duke of Mantoue Qu'une belle (act I) and Comme la plume au vent (act III) - Pléiade P45152 (45 rpm) - French version References External links Guy Fouché on Forgotten opera singer Les Huguenots, Acte II, Scène 1: Ô ciel, où suis-je ? Beauté divine et enchanteresse (YouTube) Category:1921 births Category:1998 deaths Category:People from Bordeaux Category:Conservatoire de Paris alumni Category:French operatic tenors Category:20th-century French singers Category:20th-century male singers
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This invention relates generally to carbon-to-liquids systems, and more specifically to methods and systems for minimizing liquid product variation from a reactor portion of a system. The terms C5+ and “liquid hydrocarbons” are used synonymously to refer to hydrocarbons or oxygenated compounds having five (5) or greater number of carbons, including for example pentane, hexane, heptane, pentanol, pentene, and which are liquid at normal atmospheric conditions. The terms C4− and “gaseous hydrocarbons” are used synonymously to refer to hydrocarbons or oxygenated compounds having four (4) or fewer number of carbons, including for example methane, ethane, propane, butane, butanol, butene, propene, and which are gaseous at normal atmospheric conditions. At least some known Fischer-Tropsch (FT) units have been optimized to produce synthesis gas (syngas) from natural gas, also known as Gas-to-Liquids process (GTL). Typically, syngas refers to a mixture of H2, CO and some CO2 at various proportions. To improve C5+ selectivity and minimize selectivity to C4−, i.e. natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production in known units, a FT reactor is operated with relatively high residence times, with relatively high per pass conversion, and with hydrogen to carbon monoxide (H2/CO) ratios below the consumption ratio. The remote location of most carbon-to-liquids plants makes natural gas and LPG co-production economically unattractive because of the relatively high transportation costs. Minimizing natural gas and LPG production generally results in a significant fraction (30-40%) of the FT liquids being over-converted to wax. The wax formed must then be converted back to a diesel range, typically C10-C20 hydrocarbons, using a separate hydrocracking reactor. Also, the relatively high per pass conversion that is used to increase C5+ production generally adversely limits the pressure of the FT reactor, and the byproduct water partial pressure increases with conversion and total pressure. As the water partial pressure is increased the catalyst can be generally deactivated through oxidation of the active catalyst sites. Low water partial pressure may cause competitive adsorption of water, CO, and H2 molecules on the catalyst active site, thus reducing syngas conversion. Iron-based FT catalysts in particular can be greatly affected by water. Cobalt-based FT catalysts are generally more resistant to oxidation by water. Other carbonaceous fuels may also be used to provide the syngas input to the FT process. However, undesirable product variations may be caused by the operating characteristics of the known FT gas-to-liquids systems described above.
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Finger rectal exams have always been part of annual checks for men to screen for prostate cancer but now researchers are questioning the method's value. Is it time to abandon it? According to a study published in the journal Current Medical Research and Opinion, it depends on the situation but most cases support the use of more modern methods of screening for prostate cancer. "Our findings will likely be welcomed by patients and doctors alike," said Dr. Ryan Terlecki, one of the study's authors. As the oldest and most commonly used method to screen for prostate cancer, rectal exams entail the insertion of a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for hard or bumpy areas on the prostate gland. The result of the rectal exam determines whether a man should undergo further testing for the disease. It is no secret that rectal exams are uncomfortable. And because they are invasive, they deter a number of men from getting tested for prostate cancer. What Terlecki and colleagues wanted to know was whether or not a finger rectal exam is still needed given the existence of more accurate testing methods for prostate cancer, like a blood test that looks for a prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which will be in high levels in those with the disease. To find out, they assessed results from a national screening trial where 38,340 men underwent rectal exams and PSA tests annually for three years and were part of a follow-up program for up to 13 years. The researchers also reviewed medical literature on the topic. Of particular interest to them were 5,064 men who got normal results on PSA tests but "abnormal" ones on rectal exams. And out of these subjects, Just 2 percent had what is called clinically relevant prostate cancer, which would require monitoring or treatment. According to the researchers, rectal exams do help in identifying a certain subset of men with prostate cancer but they are also unnecessary for a large number of males. Before 2012, men over the age of 50 (40, if you're African-American) were advised to get both a rectal exam and a PSA test every year. This was before the U.S. Preventive Services Task Forces recommended regular testing for PSA because the method was shown to cause overtreatment of slow-growing but non-harmful tumors. There was no advice regarding rectal exams, which is why confusion persists today. Previous studies, however, have shown that PSA tests outperform rectal exams in spotting significant disease, detecting 680 cases where rectal exams only identified 317 cases. On the other end, Terlecki said that rectal exams may be beneficial to patients who register abnormal PSA levels but are not comfortable with biopsies. If a rectal exam yields abnormal results, then they may be likelier to proceed with the procedure knowing that something is indeed wrong. Whether rectal exams or PSA tests should be used then depends on a man's situation. Aside from simply weighing the pros and cons of rectal exams versus PSA tests, men should also talk to their doctors about needing to screen for prostate cancer in the first place. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer can be serious but most of those diagnosed with the disease will not die from it. Still, it's the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men in the United States, with one man in every 39 dying from the disease. Photo: Denis Mihailov | Flickr ⓒ 2018 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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Ocular melanoma. Intraocular melanoma of the ciliary body and choroid is the most common primary ocular malignant tumor in adults and the most common noncutaneous melanoma. To describe the most salient clinical features, histopathologic findings, and treatment modalities of intraocular melanoma, as well as the novel therapies currently being tested. Clinically, it is important to determine which lesions carry a worse prognosis so as to offer patients the best treatment modalities available. Tumor location, size, histopathology, cytogenetic abnormalities, and tumor profiling are all used in determining the risk of death from metastatic disease of uveal melanocytic lesions. Despite successful local tumor control, up to 50% of patients have metastatic disease within 15 years of diagnosis; there is no effective treatment for metastatic disease. Pathologists should be aware of the importance of tumor gross description, cellular histopathology classification, the use of fine-needle aspiration biopsy coupled with cytogenetics, and the new classification of uveal malignant melanomas that is based on chromosome 3 status.
{ "pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts" }
Achilles tendinitis as a rare extraintestinal manifestation of ulcerative colitis. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease often have extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) involving almost all organ systems, but little has been reported on Achilles tendinitis. Herein, we present a unique case of Achilles tendinitis, which manifested shortly after initiation of mesalazine therapy for ulcerative colitis. A 26-year-old Japanese woman with bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps lasting for 7 days was referred to our hospital. The Lichtiger clinical activity index (CAI) score was 9 at the first visit. Based on the clinical symptoms and examination results, she was diagnosed with ulcerative pancolitis in the active phase, and treatment with mesalazine (2.4 g/day) and probiotics was initiated. Her symptoms resolved within 7 days of treatment (CAI 3). However, she then developed bilateral Achilles tendinitis without any apparent cause. The Achilles tendinitis subsided with conservative management within 2 weeks, despite continuation of mesalazine therapy. This case instructively suggests that Achilles tendinitis should be noted as an EIM of ulcerative colitis.
{ "pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts" }
Massive immune hemolysis due to minor ABO incompatibility is an underappreciated, potentially fatal complication of allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation. The increased lymphoid content and rapid engraftment seen with peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplants may increase the frequency and severity of this event. In addition, nonmyeloablative conditioning regimens favor rapid and vigorous donor-type immune reconstitution, relying on donor lymphocytes to mediate both an anti-tumor effect and durable myeloid engraftment. To further the graft versus tumor effect, antiproliferative agents such as methotrexate are frequently omitted from posttransplant anti-GVHD regimens. We observed abrupt, catastrophic hemolysis in the first NIH patient to receive a nonmyeloablative PBSC transplant involving minor ABO incompatibility. We established a protocol for close clinical and laboratory monitoring of the next nine consecutive minor ABO-incompatible, nonmyeloablative PBSC transplants performed on NHLBI and NCI services. Cyclosporine alone was employed to prevent GVHD in all nine cases. Two additional cases of massive immune hemolysis were detected. Hemolysis began 7 to 11 days following stem cell infusion. Both cases responded rapidly to vigorous hydration and prompt donor-compatible red cell transfusions, without adverse clinical consequences. All patients with hemolysis demonstrated a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT), with eluate reactivity against the relevant recipient blood group (anti-A in two cases, anti-B in one). However, neither the intensity of the DAT nor the donor isohemagglutinin titer distinguished cases with from those without hemolysis. These results demonstrate that isohemagglutinins produced by donor passenger B lymphocytes in minor ABO incompatible, PBSC transplants utilizing cyclosporine alone for GVHD prophylaxis can mediate massive immune hemolysis in a considerable proportion of subjects at risk. In view of this high risk, anti-GVHD regimens in NHLBI protocols were changed to include mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), an antiproliferative agent. None of the next 10 consecutive minor ABO incompatible nonmyeloablative stem cell transplants was accompanied by significant immune hemolysis, although serologic abnormalities were seen. GVHD regimens continue to be modified to maximize graft anti-tumor immune effects while minimizing other immune complications of transplant, and MMF doses are being reduced in an effort to increase complete remission rates posttransplant. We continue to monitor daily blood counts and red cell serologic studies (DAT, IAT) during the period at risk (day 6 to 11 posttransplant) and to promptly administer donor-compatible red cell transfusions in these cases. Improved awareness can avert serious complications due to minor ABO incompatibility following stem cell transplant and should be practiced in all such cases.
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Q: Not able to find element by partial link text using Java and Selenium Using geckodriver 0.23.0, firefox 64.0.2, selenium 3.12, java 8 I'm not able to find the element by partial link text. A frame is not used. Link text is "Accounts (1)". There is only one other instance of the same text on the page "View All Accounts" html: <li> <a href="/accounting/view_all_accounts?_t=039f18daf35b4a00f0093dd17aa70730be385f6f&amp;to_render=account" class="first accounting_page_menu ">Accounts (1)</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/accounting/details?_t=e3d4ea94f5ed862d95196a620f1147be13b02979&amp;to_render=account" class="first accounting_page_menu ">Primary</a> </li> <li> <a onclick="javascript: ModalUtil.loadEditableModal('/accounting/details_new_account', false, false, true);" class="add-accounts">Add New Account...</a> </li> <li> <a href="/accounting/view_all_accounts?_t=039f18daf35b4a00f0093dd17aa70730be385f6f&amp;to_render=account" class="first accounting_page_menu ">View All Accounts</a> </li> </ul> </li> The code I'm using to find the element: "Accounts (n)" where n = 1, 2, 3 ... driver.findElement(By.partialLinkText("Accounts (")).click(); I tried with "Accounts " and with "Accounts (" and they both return the same 404 not found - no such element error Console log: 1547499923019 webdriver::server DEBUG -> POST /session/bed7e7d2-d849-4bd0-ab17-fdca3fb080f9/element { "value": "Accounts ", "using": "partial link text" } 1547499923020 Marionette TRACE 0 -> [0,315,"WebDriver:FindElement",{"using":"partial link text","value":"Accounts "}] 1547499923241 Marionette TRACE 0 <- [1,315,{"error":"no such element","message":"Unable to locate element: Accounts ","stacktrace":"WebDriverError@chrome://mario ... entError@chrome://marionette/content/error.js:388:5\nelement.find/</<@chrome://marionette/content/element.js:339:16\n"},null] 1547499923240 webdriver::server DEBUG <- 404 Not Found {"value":{"error":"no such element","message":"Unable to locate element: Accounts ","stacktrace":"WebDriverError@chrome://marionette/content/error.js:178:5\nNoSuchElementError@chrome://marionette/content/error.js:388:5\nelement.find/</<@chrome://marionette/content/element.js:339:16\n"}} A: As you mentioned you are trying to find the element with text as Accounts (n) where n = 1, 2, 3 ... and a couple of more elements with linkText as Add New Account and View All Accounts exists, instead of using partialLinkText it would be better to use XPath and you can use the following solution: XPath: new WebDriverWait(driver, 20).until(ExpectedConditions.elementToBeClickable(By.xpath("//li/a[@class='first accounting_page_menu' and starts-with(@href,'/accounting/view_all_accounts?')][starts-with(.,'Accounts')]"))).click(); Update As per the discussion Official locator strategies for the webdriver Partial link text selector is preferred than XPath selector. However as per this usecase due to presence of similar link texts it would be easier to construct a XPath.
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4? False Is -0.1 equal to 0.234? False Is -1/155 != 14? True Which is smaller: 0.8 or -0.17? -0.17 Is 14 at most as big as 615/49? False Which is bigger: 1031 or 1034? 1034 Which is smaller: 107 or 79? 79 Which is smaller: 73 or 0.2? 0.2 Is -4 != -1/6? True Which is smaller: 0 or -3/295? -3/295 Is 4329 greater than 4329? False Is -28/2889 < 0? True Is 1026 greater than or equal to 1024? True Which is smaller: -37 or 1? -37 Is -108 <= -109? False Which is bigger: -2 or 1105? 1105 Is 0 != 15/11? True Is 6092 less than or equal to 2? False Which is smaller: -193 or -187? -193 Is -4/243 at least -1? True Which is bigger: 2/199 or -1? 2/199 Is 0 equal to -1/1667? False Is -1/49 greater than -1/54? False Which is smaller: 121 or 133? 121 Are -3/229 and -1/4 nonequal? True Is 43 < 75? True Does 24 = 25? False Is 88 at least as big as -2/63? True Is 2375 > 2374? True Is -62 not equal to -13? True Which is bigger: -263 or -284? -263 Which is bigger: -424 or -412? -412 Is -1.82 smaller than 1? True Which is bigger: -0.1 or -4522? -0.1 Which is bigger: 58/11 or 6? 6 Which is greater: -13/6 or -6? -13/6 Do 1/126 and 1 have the same value? False Which is smaller: -2/3 or 639/7? -2/3 Is -8/3 > 36? False Is -1529 bigger than -1529? False Are 0.846 and 1/4 nonequal? True Is 16/911 greater than 1? False Is 3 at most as big as 4? True Which is smaller: -74/245 or -0.1? -74/245 Which is bigger: 8 or -722? 8 Is 327 greater than or equal to -4? True Is -295 greater than or equal to -288? False Is -1 smaller than 2/3783? True Which is greater: 39 or 35? 39 Do 2395 and 2394 have the same value? False Is -8 smaller than -31/4? True Do 63 and 65 have the same value? False Which is bigger: -102 or -103? -102 Which is smaller: 21/547 or -1? -1 Does 277 = 104? False Which is greater: -36 or -56? -36 Are 207 and 2 unequal? True Which is greater: 5/2 or 0.081? 5/2 Is -264 smaller than -266? False Which is bigger: 1/2 or 63? 63 Which is smaller: 23 or 112/5? 112/5 Which is smaller: 471/38 or 12? 12 Do 807 and 804 have the same value? False Which is greater: 1 or -2/16961? 1 Which is smaller: -19 or -0.2? -19 Is 0 not equal to 0.12367? True Which is bigger: 615/68 or 9? 615/68 Is 1165 < 1163? False Is -0.2 != -9/74? True Is 206 at most 206? True Which is smaller: -1/4 or -37846? -37846 Is -1/3 < -105? False Are -146 and -3 unequal? True Which is greater: -93 or -92? -92 Is -338 < -342? False Are -1 and -8/977 equal? False Is -5/3358 greater than or equal to 0? False Do -113/52 and -1 have the same value? False Which is smaller: 0.2 or -6/37? -6/37 Is -0.08647 greater than -2/7? True Which is smaller: 919 or 8? 8 Do -870 and -907 have the same value? False Which is greater: 4 or 11/8? 4 Is -42 greater than or equal to -38? False Which is smaller: -192 or -191? -192 Does 0 = 2/13587? False Does -4872 = -4871? False Which is bigger: 105.7 or 1/4? 105.7 Which is smaller: 48 or -3? -3 Which is bigger: -2824 or -2823? -2823 Is 291 <= 291? True Are 79 and 2877/37 unequal? True Which is bigger: 80 or 68? 80 Are -129 and -133 unequal? True Is 112 at most 335/3? False Do 0 and -9/10 have different values? True Which is smaller: -1.7 or 24? -1.7 Is -138 at least -137? False Is -3.16 <= 2? True Which is bigger: 1 or 5/292? 1 Which is greater: -451 or -458? -451 Which is smaller: -7706 or 0.1? -7706 Which is greater: -1 or -5/99? -5/99 Are -1702 and -1703 nonequal? True Is -13 at most as big as -66/5? False Which is greater: 89 or 703/8? 89 Is -54 at least as big as -63? True Which is smaller: -0.16 or -0.4? -0.4 Which is greater: -37272 or -37273? -37272 Which is smaller: 10/1533 or -1? -1 Which is smaller: 232 or -1? -1 Which is smaller: 0 or -213/164? -213/164 Which is greater: 2520 or 2521? 2521 Do 134 and 133 have the same value? False Which is smaller: 2/4959 or 0? 0 Which is bigger: -2 or -2324? -2 Is -8834 > -1? False Which is smaller: -3/13 or -1/487? -3/13 Is 399 at least as big as 397? True Is 2995 greater than -2/7? True Which is bigger: 2/5 or -97? 2/5 Do 1/12 and -2/61 have the same value? False Which is greater: 0.07 or 1? 1 Which is bigger: 368 or -48? 368 Which is bigger: 29 or 100? 100 Which is greater: -8/51 or -1? -8/51 Is -2/7 < 18/17? True Do -28/1091 and 1 have the same value? False Is 4 <= -0.066? False Do -46/13 and -5 have different values? True Is -1/5069 <= 0? True Is 49/16 at most 3? False Is 9985 at least as big as 9986? False Is 47 greater than or equal to 93/2? True Which is smaller: -266 or -2? -266 Is 5496 < 5497? True Which is smaller: 49/32 or 3? 49/32 Is 6 equal to -6? False Which is smaller: 32 or 617? 32 Is 234 greater than or equal to 41? True Which is bigger: -59 or -17? -17 Which is bigger: -6.6 or -2/211? -2/211 Which is smaller: -945 or -956? -956 Is 51 less than 72? True Which is greater: -1/11231 or 1? 1 Which is greater: 1 or -22/5591? 1 Which is smaller: -92 or -185/2? -185/2 Which is greater: 71 or 58? 71 Which is bigger: 9/203 or 0? 9/203 Which is bigger: 0 or -1/97? 0 Is -1093 < -6559/6? False Which is smaller: 3/202 or 0? 0 Which is greater: 5/12199 or 1? 1 Which is greater: -1 or 1/292? 1/292 Is -71 greater than -1? False Is -26/109 greater than or equal to 0? False Do -241 and -242 have different values? True Which is smaller: 0.09 or 7? 0.09 Is 794 equal to 3177/4? False Which is smaller: 0.135 or -2? -2 Do 4/7 and 1 have different values? True Which is smaller: -106 or -952/9? -106 Is 1.085 != 1? True Which is smaller: 51 or 24? 24 Which is bigger: -4/523 or 1? 1 Is 142 at most as big as 712/5? True Which is greater: 0.18 or 68.4? 68.4 Is -293 > -293? False Which is smaller: 4/1127 or 0? 0 Which is smaller: -822 or -820? -822 Which is smaller: -1330 or -6651/5? -6651/5 Which is greater: -3405 or -10219/3? -3405 Do -344 and -343 have the same value? False Which is smaller: -82 or 0.04? -82 Are 0.24 and 6 equal? False Is -3 < -0.089? True Which is greater: -1 or -6/2297? -6/2297 Which is bigger: -1.18 or -14/9? -1.18 Which is smaller: -7 or -6? -7 Which is greater: 0 or -2/561? 0 Which is smaller: 2/117405 or 0? 0 Which is bigger: -866/3 or -289? -866/3 Is -21 greater than or equal to -21? True Which is greater: 73485 or 73484? 73485 Do 339 and 5/2 have different values? True Is -1465 at least as big as -1465? True Which is smaller: -290 or -42? -290 Are 22 and 178 nonequal? True Which is smaller: -259 or -260? -260 Which is greater: -16/241 or 0? 0 Is -186 >= 0? False Does 55/8 = 8? False Which is greater: 0 or -3/16? 0 Is -6 bigger than -110/21? False Which is smaller: -2348/33 or -71? -2348/33 Is 0 at most as big as -1/7143? False Which is smaller: 537 or 536? 536 Is 137/3 at most -0.1? False Are 38128 and 38128 non-equal? False Does -3 = -24? False Which is smaller: -10/791 or 0? -10/791 Which is bigger: 164 or 163? 164 Is 818 greater than 2455/3? False Is 7/713 not equal to -1? True Which is greater: 3801/29 or 131? 3801/29 Is 2678 at most 2680? True Which is smaller: 12 or 100/9? 100/9 Is -0.3 bigger than -0.02? False Which is smaller: 0 or 3/637? 0 Which is smaller: -1248 or -2/25? -1248 Which is greater: -21/8 or 0.02? 0.02 Which is bigger: -132 or -0.17? -0.17 Do 38 and 25 have the same value? False Is -5 smaller than -114/23? True Which is greater: -22 or -50? -22 Is 1 less than or equal to -3/56? False Is 1/4 >= -0.022? True Which is smaller: -1136 or 3? -1136 Is -172 greater than -165? False Which is greater: -1565 or -1564? -1564 Which is greater: -64 or -70? -64 Which is bigger: 13 or 25? 25 Which is bigger: -37 or -20? -20 Is -1/13 less than -1? False Which is smaller: -0.099 or 15/7? -0.099 Is 3215 > 3217? False Is 4066 less than 4066? False Is -65/622 < 1? True Are 819 and 813 unequal? True Is 10 at least as big as 54/5? False Which is smaller: 18749 or 18751? 18749 Is 1 < 42/25? True Is 7609 greater than or equal to 7613? False Which is bigger: -131 or -129? -129 Which is bigger: -2/11 or -58? -2/11 Which is smaller: -0.3 or -696? -696 Is -233 smaller than -232? True Which is smaller: -0.4 or 7194? -0.4 Is 1 less than -18/529? False Which is smaller: 1 or -4/30331? -4/30331 Which is bigger: 675 or 682? 682 Is 1 at least 1/4110? True Which is bigger: 2054 or 2053? 2054 Does -1 = 44/413? False Which is greater: -3
{ "pile_set_name": "DM Mathematics" }
Waste heat recovery in various types of combustion engines is a way to improve the overall efficiency of these systems. Waste heat recovery systems range from power plants that have bottoming cycles, to thermoelectric systems that generate electricity. Power plants that have bottoming cycles utilize the excess heat in the low pressure exhaust gases from the primary work generating cycle. Thermoelectric systems utilize similar waste heat sources. On piston engines, waste heat recovery systems can consist of a closed loop Rankine Cycle. A Rankine Cycle uses the heat from the exhaust to power the cycle. These systems typically have a separate, dedicated, expander that extracts power from the working fluid and is connected to the crankshaft of the engine.
{ "pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds" }
Monday, August 2, 2010 'AuGusT Has comE..But my MinD sEt Still' Ive intended to post this in the murnin...but it seems im not feeling that well before lunch hehe..gediks kan...after LUNCH i was simply FINE!!! I guess im pretty hungry ek today..huhu...for sure its sounds crazy for me or what...but i just want to admit that todays MOnDay it seems HAPPY+EXCITING for me..(sambil wat Mexican wave uol!!!) coz ive really HATE my Monday's usually..but today it turns out OK!!! as ive come early in the office + seeing my clinical trial patient in the ICU (his conditions turns out okay!!!) and after that back to the office and manage the time to just blogwalking on some of the B2B blogs (before doing my analysis + database update)...it makes u enjoy and do feel the excitement like they do...when some of them share their stories on preparations + theme+door gifts etc2...as im also busy with in that kind of state their goin through!!!huhu...its just that ive did'nt know how to start sometimes in talking about what i did for my weddings prep...heheh...coz there's lot of things that i just want to blurp it out...without stopping...i guess i'll be doin a full post of the vendors after the wedding itself i guess...mcm to lagi thrill la kot...heheh...as for now myb..akan post some of it..tapi tak byk sgtla..(sorry la yerk kwn2..kadang2 takder idea)..anyway some update's..last week when with my 2 besties(Syaz and Mirah) to "Pameran Pengantin KL 2010" at AEON Setiawangsa..what do we manage to find??tadaa...at last we ended up booking a Studio Photoshoot with Creative LiteBoxfor only RM140 for about 1hour and half!!! as we got 30% off.Thanks to Syaz as she mention that she visited their website and also their FB(kalo tak dier bagi 10% diskaun ajer)..tup tap tup tap..dpt harga mcmtu..best2..so as for now..we are thinking of a concept to do that day as the photoshoot will be on the 14/8/2010 at 11.30am(until now still thinking)...consist of me,Mr R (pun join heheh),Syaz and Mirah.Gambar dierong shot mcm best...coz we love it for the 1st sight we ended up want to try it for ourselves...kalo korang nak try tgk..pg kat blog dieorng,www.creativelitebox.blogspot.com ofis dieorng kat Bangi dkt ajer=) meanwhile this Thursday kiterong akan pagi memanjakan diri di TAJIRI spa(after magrib)...heheh...and not to forget this week 7/8/2010 we will be goin to Wani and Son wedding (majlis bertandang) yeahhh will be seeing Cammy to...ok back to work mode uols...XOXO
{ "pile_set_name": "Pile-CC" }
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{ "pile_set_name": "OpenWebText2" }