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Seismic response from porous sediments can be used in reservoir characterization and fluid detection. Reflection coefficient at the isotropic/poroelastic interface is essential to reveal seismic response from the fluid‐saturated deposits. The exact normal incidence reflection coefficient is given by complex mathematic expression and not very clear relations with solid and fluid properties. Therefore, we derive the reflection coefficient approximate formula in series with respect to the square root of the imaginary unit multiplying by the ratio between angular frequency and the characteristic angular frequency. Compared to the exact reflection coefficient, the proposed approximate formula has a more concise mathematical form and clearer relationship with the moduli and densities. Meanwhile, there is no need to calculate the complex wavenumbers of poroelastic media from the dispersion equation as the exact reflection coefficient. When the frequency tends to zero, the approximate formula is consistent with reflection coefficient for the isotropic/isotropic interface. The proposed formula's applicability is verified through two models with an interface separating the mudstone and fully fluid‐saturated sandstone with pore fluids as water or carbon dioxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Doppler profile that quantifies the degree of aortic stenosis is essential, as an inaccurate measurement can alter the surgical plan. The authors aimed to examine the level of agreement between the contrast and noncontrast methods of aortic valve sizing during intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). At a tertiary hospital. A total of 30 patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement for a stenotic valve. Perflutren lipid microsphere contrast injection. The authors reviewed Doppler studies of 30 consecutive patients undergoing aortic valve replacement in whom a contrast agent was given (perflutren lipid microsphere). They measured the peak and/or mean aortic valve gradients and velocity time integral readings through the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), and the aortic valve before and after administering the contrast agent. The aortic valve area was then calculated using both methods. Paired t tests and Bland-Altman analyses were used to examine the bias and the level of agreement between the 2 processes. By not using a contrast agent, the aortic valve area was overestimated by 0.26 cm2 compared to those measured by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) (p < 0.001). Using a contrast agent, TEE measurements were comparable to those obtained by TTE. Moreover, the peak and mean aortic valve gradients were underestimated by 19 and 11 mmHg, respectively (p value <0.001). Adding contrast did not affect the pulse-wave Doppler readings of the V1 velocity of the LVOT. This discrepancy is significant and could affect the decision to replace the aortic valve. When evaluating the aortic valve with TEE, the authors recommend using a contrast agent to improve the Doppler profile and to obtain a more accurate measurement of the aortic valve area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The application of vedolizumab (VDZ) subcutaneous (SC) formulation has brought more convenience and hope to patients with moderate-to-severe inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) in the coronavirus disease 2019 context. Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate all previous studies that used VDZ SC formulation for maintenance therapy in patients with IBD. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data Sources and Methods: The search was conducted using the subject and free terms related to 'Vedolizumab', 'Subcutaneous', and 'IBD', in Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and at ClinicalTrials.gov databases between 2008 and 2022. The methodological quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, respectively. The endpoints included efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity. Results: A total of 60 studies and 2 completed clinical registry trials were retrieved, of which 3 RCTs with high methodological quality, and 3 cohort studies with large heterogeneity were included in the meta-analysis. In the RCT study design, patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) under different conditions after treated with VDZ SC were significantly distinct than those for placebo (PBO) in clinical remission, endoscopic remission, and biochemical remission. In Crohn's disease (CD), the aforementioned parameters were slightly higher than those for PBO, but there was not statistically significant in endoscopic remission and the efficacy of anti-tumor necrosis factor-naive patients. The clinical remission, endoscopic remission, and biochemical remission in patients with UC after VDZ SC treatment were similar to those after intravenous (IV) treatment. The risk ratios in patients experiencing adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs after VDZ SC and PBO treatments were 86% and 89% in UC, and 96% and 80% in CD, respectively. Compared with IV, safety was not statistically different. The risk of developing anti-VDZ antibody after VDZ SC treatment was only 20% of that after PBO in patients with UC, but it was 9.38 times in CD. Conclusion: VDZ SC treatment maintained the clinical efficacy of IV induction in patients with IBD without increasing the safety risk, and the efficacy was more pronounced in patients with UC. Immunogenicity might be a potential factor for the decrease in efficacy rate in patients with IBD. Registration: INPLASY 2022120115 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate diagnostic precision and prove equivalence of 2 devices, Advanced vision analyzer (AVA, Elisar Vision Technology) and Humphrey field analyzer (HFA, Zeiss) for the detection of glaucoma on 10-2 program. Design: Prospective, cross-sectional, observational study. Participants: Threshold estimates of 1 eye each of 66 patients with glaucoma, 36 control participants, and 10 glaucoma suspects were analyzed on 10-2 test with AVA and HFA. Methods: Mean sensitivity (MS) values of 68 points and central 16 test points were calculated and compared. Intraclass correlation (ICC), Bland–Altman (BA) plots, linear regression of MS, mean deviation (MD), and pattern standard deviation (PSD) were computed to assess the 10-2 threshold estimate of the devices. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated for MS and MD values, and the area under the curve (AUC) was compared with assessing diagnostic precision. Main Outcome Measures: Mean sensitivity values of 68 points and central 16 points, AUC for MS and MD values, ICC values, BA plots, and linear-regression analysis. Results: Bland–Altman plot showed significant correlation for MS, MD, and PSD values for both devices. For MS, the overall ICC value was 0.96 (P < 0.001) with a mean bias of 0.0 dB and limits of agreement range of 7.59. The difference in MS values between both devices was −0.4760 ± 1.95 (P > 0.05). The AUC for MS values for AVA was 0.89 and for HFA was 0.92 (P = 0.188); whereas it was similar at 0.88 for MD values (P = 0.799). Advanced vision analyzer and HFA identically discriminated between healthy and patients with glaucoma (P < 0.001), although HFA denoted marginally greater ability (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Statistical results denote adequate equivalence between AVA and HFA because threshold estimates of AVA strongly correlate with HFA for 10-2 program. Financial Disclosure(s): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Background: The application of vedolizumab (VDZ) subcutaneous (SC) formulation has brought more convenience and hope to patients with moderate-to-severe inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) in the coronavirus disease 2019 context. Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate all previous studies that used VDZ SC formulation for maintenance therapy in patients with IBD. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data Sources and Methods: The search was conducted using the subject and free terms related to ‘Vedolizumab’, ‘Subcutaneous’, and ‘IBD’, in Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and at ClinicalTrials.gov databases between 2008 and 2022. The methodological quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, respectively. The endpoints included efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity. Results: A total of 60 studies and 2 completed clinical registry trials were retrieved, of which 3 RCTs with high methodological quality, and 3 cohort studies with large heterogeneity were included in the meta-analysis. In the RCT study design, patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) under different conditions after treated with VDZ SC were significantly distinct than those for placebo (PBO) in clinical remission, endoscopic remission, and biochemical remission. In Crohn’s disease (CD), the aforementioned parameters were slightly higher than those for PBO, but there was not statistically significant in endoscopic remission and the efficacy of anti-tumor necrosis factor-naive patients. The clinical remission, endoscopic remission, and biochemical remission in patients with UC after VDZ SC treatment were similar to those after intravenous (IV) treatment. The risk ratios in patients experiencing adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs after VDZ SC and PBO treatments were 86% and 89% in UC, and 96% and 80% in CD, respectively. Compared with IV, safety was not statistically different. The risk of developing anti-VDZ antibody after VDZ SC treatment was only 20% of that after PBO in patients with UC, but it was 9.38 times in CD. Conclusion: VDZ SC treatment maintained the clinical efficacy of IV induction in patients with IBD without increasing the safety risk, and the efficacy was more pronounced in patients with UC. Immunogenicity might be a potential factor for the decrease in efficacy rate in patients with IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aortic-valve-stenosis (AS) is a frequent degenerative valvular-disease and carries dismal outcome under-medical-treatment. Transvalvular pressure gradient reflects severity of the valve-disease but is highly dependent on flow-conditions and on other valvular/aortic characteristics. Alternatively, aortic-valve-area (AVA) represents a measure of aortic-valve lesion severity conceptually essential and practically widely-recognized but exhibits multiple-limitations. We analyzed the 4D multi-detector computed tomography(MDCT) of 20 randomly selected patients with severe AS. For each-patient, we generated the 3D-model of the valve and of its calcifications, and we computed the anatomical AVA accounting for the 3D-morphology of the leaflets in three-different-ways. Finally, we compared our results vs. Doppler-based AVA E measurements and vs. 2D-planimetric AVA-measurements. 3D-reconstruction and identification of the cusps were successful in 90% of the cases. The calcification patterns where highly-variable over patients, ranging from multiple small deposits to wide and c-shaped deposits running from commissure-to-commissure. AVA E was 82 ± 15 mm2. When segmenting 18 image planes, AVA Tight , AVA Proj-Ann , AVA Proj-Tip and their average AVA Ave were equal to 80 ± 16, 88 ± 20, 93 ± 21 and 87 ± 19 mm2, respectively, while AVA Plan was equal to 143 ± 50 mm2. Linear-regression of the three measurements vs. AVA E yielded regression slopes equal to 1.26, 1.13 and 0.93 for AVA Proj-Ann , AVA Proj-Tip and AVA Tight , respectively. The respective Pearson-coefficients were 0.85,0.86 and 0.90. Conversely, when comparing AVA Plan vs. AVA E , linear regression yielded a slope of 1.73 and a Pearson coefficient of 0.53. We described a new-method to obtain a set of flow-independent quantifications that complement pressure gradient measurements and combine the advantages of previously proposed methods, while bypassing the corresponding-limitations. • A new CT based method to obtain a set of flow-independent quantifications that complement pressure gradient measurements is proposed. • By 4D multi-detector computed tomography of 20 randomly selected patients with severe AS the anatomical AVA is computed accounting for the 3D morphology of the leaflets in three different ways. • Results were compared to Doppler-based AVA E measurements and vs. 2D planimetric AVA measurements, highlighting high feasibility and showing previously undescribed anatomical details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neste relato de experiência, apresentamos uma proposta de readequação visual do Ambiente Virtual de Aprendizagem (AVA), planejada e implementada durante o estágio curricular supervisionado em Letras-Inglês, bem como uma tarefa, que fez parte de um ciclo de tarefas desenvolvido com alunos do terceiro ano do ensino médio do Colégio de Aplicação de uma universidade no sul do Brasil. Iniciamos com uma breve revisão de aspectos teóricos que fundamentaram nossas escolhas. Em seguida, apresentamos as estratégias utilizadas e as mudanças realizadas no layoutdo Moodle. Na sequência, detalhamos uma das tarefas utilizadas e tecemos comentários sobre o seu impacto para a confecção da tarefa final. Finalmente, concluímos o relato tecendo algumas considerações sobre o desenvolvimento do estágio de forma remota.

A Educação a Distância tem se desenvolvido de modo significativo nos últimos anos nas diversas áreas do conhecimento, incluindo o campo da Educação em Ciências. Levando em consideração essa expansão e o desenvolvimento dessa modalidade, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar e caracterizar a produção científica sobre ferramentas multimídias e ambientes virtuais no ENPEC quanto aos seus usos e papéis no processo de ensino e aprendizagem em Ciências. Para isso, consideramos o período de 2007 a 2019 para levantamento das pesquisas e utilizamos a Análise de Conteúdo para a análise das informações textuais. Os resultados mostram que existem poucos trabalhos que se dediquem a tratar das ferramentas tecnológicas e dos ambientes virtuais destinados ao processo de ensino e aprendizagem. Os trabalhos apontam para os usos dessas ferramentas e ambientes virtuais como dimensões científico-tecnológicas que medeiam as relações entre os participantes, com preponderância da utilização do AVA, chats e fóruns, ao passo que evidenciam os papéis que desempenham e/ou viabilizam relacionados a motivação e interação entre os participantes, a adoção de posturas científicas e a relação entre diferentes saberes. O que se percebe é que esses meios e possibilidades digitais apresentam potencialidades a serem exploradas no ensino de ciências, seja na variedade das ferramentas, seja no uso diferenciado que é conferido a elas, não havendo trabalhos que envolvam a diversificação desses recursos.

Most Image Aesthetic Assessment (IAA) methods use a pretrained ImageNet classification model as a base to fine-tune. We hypothesize that content classification is not an optimal pretraining task for IAA, since the task discourages the extraction of features that are useful for IAA, e.g., composition, lighting, or style. On the other hand, we argue that the Contrastive Language-Image Pretraining (CLIP) model is a better base for IAA models, since it has been trained using natural language supervision. Due to the rich nature of language, CLIP needs to learn a broad range of image features that correlate with sentences describing the image content, composition, environments, and even subjective feelings about the image. While it has been shown that CLIP extracts features useful for content classification tasks, its suitability for tasks that require the extraction of style-based features like IAA has not yet been shown. We test our hypothesis by conducting a three-step study, investigating the usefulness of features extracted by CLIP compared to features obtained from the last layer of a comparable ImageNet classification model. In each step, we get more computationally expensive. First, we engineer natural language prompts that let CLIP assess an image's aesthetic without adjusting any weights in the model. To overcome the challenge that CLIP's prompting only is applicable to classification tasks, we propose a simple but effective strategy to convert multiple prompts to a continuous scalar as required when predicting an image's mean aesthetic score. Second, we train a linear regression on the AVA dataset using image features obtained by CLIP's image encoder. The resulting model outperforms a linear regression trained on features from an ImageNet classification model. It also shows competitive performance with fully fine-tuned networks based on ImageNet, while only training a single layer. Finally, by fine-tuning CLIP's image encoder on the AVA dataset, we show that CLIP only needs a fraction of training epochs to converge, while also performing better than a fine-tuned ImageNet model. Overall, our experiments suggest that CLIP is better suited as a base model for IAA methods than ImageNet pretrained networks.

Este estudo tem como objetivo discutir fatores que potencializam ou dificultam a elaboração de propostas pedagógicas em ambientes virtuais de aprendizagem (AVA), em um curso de Licenciatura em Informática Educacional. A fundamentação teórica está ancorada em estudos sobre ambientes tecnológicos, tecnologias educacionais e formação docente. A metodologia de investigação envolveu a participação de 26 discentes matriculados em um componente curricular do curso e integrou um planejamento e o desenvolvimento de um conjunto de atividades de configuração de um AVA. As técnicas utilizadas, para a organização e tratamento dos dados e informações obtidas, foram a observação participante, atividades exploratórias e questionários de avaliação. Apesar das dificuldades operacionais apresentadas pelos licenciandos, a experimentação se mostrou uma alternativa viável para integrar tecnologias digitais de informação e comunicação (TDIC) e o Ensino a Distância (EaD), na formação inicial do professor de informática educacional.

Due to the periodicity and rhythmicity of sedimentation, short-term cycles are commonly developed in sedimentary strata. Under the assumption of a long seismic wavelength, such strata can be regarded as a seismic single thin bed with vertical transversely isotropic (VTI) characteristics. A thin interbed can be formed by the stacking of a series of isotropic and VTI single thin beds. In seismic inversion, the interference of multiples and mode-converted waves generated within and between thin beds and transmission losses are ignored. These interferences are hardly addressed in seismic data processing due to being submerged in first arrivals. In this work, to thin interbeds of isotropic and VTI single thin beds, we propose second-order approximations of Kennett reflection coefficients for PP-, SP-, PS-, and SS-waves, which consider the internal and interlayer wave propagation effects. The numerical analyses show that the proposed approximations are of high accuracy when the P-wave impedance difference in the VTI single thin bed is from − 40 to 100% and of strong anisotropy. The proposed approximations can be used for the efficient and accurate simulation of the wavefields of media with thin interbedding, bringing great potential for the studies of the inversion methods for the internal property parameters of thin interbeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cumulative oil predictions are made from stochastically inverted earth attributes. The inverted attributes are from the SEAM Life of Field model and an offshore field in West Africa. To perform the prediction, we use a naïve Bayesian classifier for its transparency in methodology, computational efficiency and flexibility. The inverted properties we use for classification consist of porosity, P‐S wave velocity ratio (Vp/Vs), acoustic impedance and density which are extracted from within a set radius around the well‐path. The production from the wells in both SEAM and the West African field serve as the labels for the naïve Bayesian classifier, which are ultimately placed into two classes: the 'high' and 'low' producers. For calculating the accuracy of the classifier, we perform full cross‐validation with a set number of training wells. The cross‐validation accuracy is 78.0% and 83.3% for the SEAM model and the West African Field respectively. The classifier's sensitivity to the chosen radius around the wells and its inherent independence assumption are investigated and shown to change the bulk accuracy by less than 3.0%. We implement full reservoir classifications on SEAM to highlight potential drilling locations and show the capability of the classifier. Overall, we demonstrate how the naïve Bayesian classifier can efficiently and transparently synthesize the entire distribution of stochastic inversions of seismic data to predict oil production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempted a rock physics template (RPT) based approach to model the impact of mechanical compaction and chemical diagenesis on overall porosity reduction of the Barail Sandstone across the Assam Shelf and Schuppen Belt area. Then, a sensitivity analysis was carried out based on the probabilistic amplitude variation with angle (AVA) approach to study the impact of diagenesis, rock frame constituents, and pore fluids on seismic amplitude response. The RPT depth trend suggests a significant upliftment (~ 2500 m) within the supra-thrust region, while the Assam Shelf and sub-thrust part of the Schuppen Belt were normally compacted throughout the geologic time. The geologically constrained RPT was used to (i) identify the primary process for chemical diagenesis as feldspar dissolution and (ii) estimate total cement, non-contact cement (NCC), and contact cement (CC) values. Laboratory-based analysis of rock samples validated the modeled cement volumes. The RPT-based CC (mode value) estimates were observed as 3%, 5%, and 7%, whereas the NCC varied as 6%, 8.5%, and 11% sequentially from extensional through supra-thrust to sub-thrust regions. The extensional and supra-thrust regions dominantly exhibited class IV AVA for oil and gas saturated rocks mainly due to the presence of coal and the relatively under compacted nature of the Barail Sandstones. A change in AVA class was observed to class II and IIP within the sub-thrust region due to enhanced cementation. The forward modeling revealed that a small amount (2%) of coal presence could potentially change the AVA class from II to IV, and an increase in CC from 5 to 7% could cause the AVA class to change from IV to II. This study efficiently modeled the digenetic effects and seismic amplitude in this tectonically complex region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to use a data collection instrument, previously proposed, with the purpose of evaluating 11 different factors related to the perception of self-declared utility by users of a virtual learning environment and its information and communication technologies, as pedagogical resources used in the implementation of the blended learning methodology. Based on descriptive statistics and the application of the non-parametric test of Wilcoxon posts, a comparative assessment was carried out between the levels of utility perceived by 71 students and their teachers, in three curricular components of different undergraduate courses of a public university in the state from São Paulo. In addition, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to measure the reliability of the data collection instrument used in this research. At the end of this study, it was observed that, although the subjects included in the sample of this research present different levels of perception of utility for most of the factors analyzed, there is a certain degree of convergence in relation to the factors considered most relevant by both, that is, teachers and students attributed a greater perception of usefulness to factors such as interaction and complementarity between classroom and online content, and also to the general utility of information and communication technologies in the respective virtual learning environment. In the specific case of students, the interaction between teacher and student was also considered as one of the most important factors, in the three undergraduate courses analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assuming that wine markets are efficient, ultimately a bottle of wine's cost and therefore its price should reflect its vintage, grape variety as well as how it is vinified. Yet, being an experiential good, a wine's price is also closely related to its place of origin. If the designated viticultural area of wine is coming from is not considered, even in a relatively new wine country, wine makers may end up over-estimating the premium attached to vintage, variety as well as how it is vinified. Regression results indicate that, for Ontario wines, the over-estimations vary between 1% points and 18% points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Site characterization is a crucial component in assessing seismic hazard, typically involving in situ shear-wave velocity (VS) depth profiling, and measurement of site amplification including site period. Noninvasive methods are ideal for soil sites and become challenging in terms of field logistics and interpretation in more complex geologic settings including rock sites. Multiple noninvasive active- and passive-seismic techniques are applied at 25 seismograph stations across Eastern Canada. It is typically assumed that these stations are installed on hard rock. We investigate which site characterization methods are suitable at rock sites as well as confirm the hard rock assumption by providing VS profiles. Active-source compression-wave refraction and surface wave array techniques consistently provide velocity measurements at rock sites; passive-source array testing is less consistent but it is our most suitable method in constraining the rock VS. Bayesian inversion of Rayleigh wave dispersion curves provides quantitative uncertainty in the rock VS. We succeed in estimating rock VS at 16 stations, with constrained rock VS estimates at 7 stations that are consistent with previous estimates for Precambrian and Paleozoic rock types. The National Building Code of Canada uses solely the time-averaged shear-wave velocity of the upper 30 m (VS30) to classify rock sites. We determine a mean VS30 of ∼ 1600 m/s for 16 Eastern Canada stations; the hard rock assumption is correct (>1500 m/s) but not as hard as often assumed (∼2000 m/s). Mean variability in VS30 is ∼400 m/s and can lead to softer rock classifications, in particular, for Paleozoic rock types with lower average rock VS near the hard/soft rock boundary. Microtremor and earthquake horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios are obtained and provide site period classifications as an alternative to VS30. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the Advanced Vision Analyzer (AVA; Elisar Vision Technology) and to compare pointwise threshold sensitivity and functional correlation of Elisar Standard Algorithm (ESA) with the Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm (SITA) of the Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc). Design: Prospective, cross-sectional, observational case series. Participants: One hundred sixty eyes (85 control participants, 75 glaucoma patients) for functional assessment, 15 eyes for test–retest variability (TRV), 107 eyes for blind spot trial (45 normal eyes, 62 glaucoma eyes) were recruited consecutively. A separate group of participants was chosen for each assessment. Methods: All participants underwent ESA and SITA Standard 24-2 testing, and 1 eye of each participant was selected randomly. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland-Altman, linear regression, mean bias (MB), and proportional bias analyses were quantified and assessed. Threshold measurements, TRV, and blind spot location accuracy were compared with those of the HFA. Main Outcome Measures: Pointwise threshold sensitivity, sectoral mean sensitivity (MS), mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation (PSD), TRV, blind spot location, average test time were computed, and data were correlated. Results: The mean time required to perform a field test with the AVA was 7.08 ± 1.55 minutes and with HFA was 6.26 ± 0.54 minutes (P = 0.228). The MS difference between AVA and HFA was –2.2 ± 2.3 dB in healthy participants (P < 0.001) and –2.6 ± 3.5 dB in participants with glaucoma (P < 0.001). The correlation coefficients for pointwise threshold values were moderately to strongly correlated for both the devices (r = 0.68–0.89). For MS, the overall ICC value was 0.893 (P < 0.001) with MB of 2.48 dB and a limits of agreement (LOA) of 10.90 (range, 7.93 to –2.97). For TRV, response variability decreased with an increase in sensitivity and increased with eccentricity. Blind spot location was accurate, and global indices of testing methods correlated well. Conclusions: The AVA effectively captures threshold values for each point in the visual field. Adequate functional correlation suggests substantial equivalence between the AVA (ESA) and HFA (SITA Standard), implying that AVA may allow accurate assessment of visual field.

Recently, with the faster pace of development on the sophisticated detection and stealth technology, extensive attention is being paid to the reduction of Radar Cross Section (RCS) as it emerges in security and commercial applications. The Vivaldi antennas are one of the best choices for wide impedance bandwidth, planar configuration, and low profile as well. However, RCS reduction affects the antenna gain due to the complexity of radiation property. This paper intends to design an optimized vivaldi antenna to enhance gain performance. More particularly, the antenna is designed with the fine-tuning of antenna parameters like taper length l t , aperture width w ap , opening rate, slot line width w s , cavity diameter d , cavity to taper spacing s , ground plane length l and ground plane width w , respectively. More particularly, optimization algorithms play a vital role in fine-tuning of the parameter, and hence this paper intends to propose a new Improved Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm with Fitness based Update evaluation (IGWO-FU), which is the enhanced version of traditional GWO. Finally, the performance of the proposed IGWO-FU model is compared over other traditional algorithms with respect to gain, VSWR, directivity, charge and current distribution, return loss as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses panel co-integration methods and Granger causality examines to scrutinize the dynamic causal relationship between carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, gross domestic product (GDP), renewable energy (RE), agriculture value added (AVA) and population for the thirteen developed and developing Asia Pacific countries (APCs) covering the period 2005-2017. The results evaluate in two ways: in the short-run, Granger causality test (GCT) is operating from AVA to GDP and express bidirectional causation among GDP and agriculture. In the distant future, there is causality from RE and Population to CO2emissions. The short-run causality is important due to the agriculture sector which causes in boosting GDP while economic development, population and clean energy (including waste and combustible) raise CO2 emissions causes in the reduction of production and services. The research finds out that reduction in AVA, GDP increase, uncontrolled population and lack of attention on clean energy are interrelated in creating emissions. Policy recommendation insights that Asian Pacific establishments should control the population, less use of fossil fuel, encourage clean energy technologies such as solar and wind to fight with global warming.

Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms are commonly employed for accurate uncertainty appraisals in non‐linear inverse problems. The downside of these algorithms is the considerable number of samples needed to achieve reliable posterior estimations, especially in high‐dimensional model spaces. To overcome this issue, the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo algorithm has recently been introduced to solve geophysical inversions. Different from classical Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms, this approach exploits the derivative information of the target posterior probability density to guide the sampling of the model space. However, its main downside is the computational cost for the derivative computation (i.e. the computation of the Jacobian matrix around each sampled model). Possible strategies to mitigate this issue are the reduction of the dimensionality of the model space and/or the use of efficient methods to compute the gradient of the target density. Here we focus the attention to the estimation of elastic properties (P‐, S‐wave velocities and density) from pre‐stack data through a non‐linear amplitude versus angle inversion in which the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo algorithm is used to sample the posterior probability. To decrease the computational cost of the inversion procedure, we employ the discrete cosine transform to reparametrize the model space, and we train a convolutional neural network to predict the Jacobian matrix around each sampled model. The training data set for the network is also parametrized in the discrete cosine transform space, thus allowing for a reduction of the number of parameters to be optimized during the learning phase. Once trained the network can be used to compute the Jacobian matrix associated with each sampled model in real time. The outcomes of the proposed approach are compared and validated with the predictions of Hamiltonian Monte Carlo inversions in which a quite computationally expensive, but accurate finite‐difference scheme is used to compute the Jacobian matrix and with those obtained by replacing the Jacobian with a matrix operator derived from a linear approximation of the Zoeppritz equations. Synthetic and field inversion experiments demonstrate that the proposed approach dramatically reduces the cost of the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo inversion while preserving an accurate and efficient sampling of the posterior probability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) are descriptors of where wine grapes are grown that are designed to capture qualities unique to the wine and to influence its price. Sub-AVAs are sub-divisions of well-known AVAs designed to have the same effect. In this paper, I study the impact of the Napa Valley Sub-AVA system on the pricing and rating of Napa Valley wines. The analysis utilizes a primary hedonic pricing model to isolate both the individual Sub-AVA's price effect and the system's cumulative price effect. This study uses a unique dataset of 5,017 Napa Valley wines reviewed by the Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine over the 10-year period from 2004–2013. Estimated price effects persist even after controlling for rating differences, implying that consumers value the wines of sub-AVA's independently of critics' ratings. These results indicate that Sub-AVAs deliver a more substantial price effect than previous literature has suggested. (JEL Classifications: C01, L10, L66, O13) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seismically derived amplitude‐versus‐angle attributes along with well constraints are the base inputs into inverting seismic into subsurface properties. Conditioning the common image gathers is a common workflow in quantitative inversion and leads to a more accurate inversion product due to the removal of post‐migration artefacts. Here, we apply a neural network to condition the post‐migration gathers. The network is a cycle generative adversarial network, CycleGAN, which was designed for image‐to‐image translation. This can be considered the same problem as translating an artefact rich seismic gather to an artefact free seismic gather. To assess the feasibility of applying the network to pre‐stack conditioning, synthetic data sets were generated to train different networks for different tasks. The networks were trained to remove white noise, residual de‐multiples, gather flattening and a combination of the above for conditioning. The results show that a trained network was able remove white noise providing a more robust amplitude‐versus‐offset calculation. Another network trained using synthetic gathers with and without multiples assisted in multiple removal. However, instability around primary preservation has been observed so the network works better as a residual de‐multiple method. For gather conditioning, a network was trained with the unpaired artefact‐rich and artefact‐free training data where the artefacts included complex moveout, noise and multiples. When applied to the test data sets, the networks cleaned the artefact‐rich test data and translated complex moveout into flat gathers whilst preserving the amplitude response. Finally, two networks are applied to real data where a gather based on the well logs is used to quantify the match between the conditioned gathers and the raw gathers. The first network used synthetic data to train the network and, when applied to real data, provided a better tie with the well. The second network was trained with synthetic gathers whose properties were constrained by real seismic gathers from near the well. As anticipated, the network trained on the representative training data outperforms the network trained using the unconstrained data. However, the ability of the first network to condition the gather indicates that a sweep of networks can be trained without the need for real data and applied in a manner analogous to the way parameters are adjusted in traditional geophysical methods. The results show that the different neural networks can offer an alternative or augmentation to the existing geophysical workflow for conditioning pre‐stack seismic gathers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In geophysical inverse problems, the posterior model can be analytically assessed only in case of linear forward operators, Gaussian, Gaussian mixture, or generalized Gaussian prior models, continuous model properties, and Gaussian‐distributed noise contaminating the observed data. For this reason, one of the major challenges of seismic inversion is to derive reliable uncertainty appraisals in cases of complex prior models, non‐linear forward operators and mixed discrete‐continuous model parameters. We present two amplitude versus angle inversion strategies for the joint estimation of elastic properties and litho‐fluid facies from pre‐stack seismic data in case of non‐parametric mixture prior distributions and non‐linear forward modellings. The first strategy is a two‐dimensional target‐oriented inversion that inverts the amplitude versus angle responses of the target reflections by adopting the single‐interface full Zoeppritz equations. The second is an interval‐oriented approach that inverts the pre‐stack seismic responses along a given time interval using a one‐dimensional convolutional forward modelling still based on the Zoeppritz equations. In both approaches, the model vector includes the facies sequence and the elastic properties of P‐wave velocity, S‐wave velocity and density. The distribution of the elastic properties at each common‐mid‐point location (for the target‐oriented approach) or at each time‐sample position (for the time‐interval approach) is assumed to be multimodal with as many modes as the number of litho‐fluid facies considered. In this context, an analytical expression of the posterior model is no more available. For this reason, we adopt a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm to numerically evaluate the posterior uncertainties. With the aim of speeding up the convergence of the probabilistic sampling, we adopt a specific recipe that includes multiple chains, a parallel tempering strategy, a delayed rejection updating scheme and hybridizes the standard Metropolis–Hasting algorithm with the more advanced differential evolution Markov chain method. For the lack of available field seismic data, we validate the two implemented algorithms by inverting synthetic seismic data derived on the basis of realistic subsurface models and actual well log data. The two approaches are also benchmarked against two analytical inversion approaches that assume Gaussian‐mixture‐distributed elastic parameters. The final predictions and the convergence analysis of the two implemented methods proved that our approaches retrieve reliable estimations and accurate uncertainties quantifications with a reasonable computational effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell surface immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) proteins play important roles in the development and function of the nervous system. Here we define the role of a Caenorhabditis elegans IgSF protein, RIG-3, in the function of the AVA command interneuron. This study reveals that RIG-3 regulates the abundance of the glutamate receptor subunit, GLR-1, in the AVA command interneuron and also regulates reversal behavior in C. elegans. The mutant strain lacking rig-3 (rig-3 (ok2156)) shows increased reversal frequency during local search behaviors. Genetic and behavioral experiments suggest that RIG-3 functions through GLR-1 to regulate reversal behavior. We also show that the increased reversal frequency seen in rig-3 mutants is dependent on the increase in GLR-1 abundance at synaptic inputs to AVA, suggesting that RIG-3 alters the synaptic strength of incoming synapses through GLR-1. Consistent with the imaging experiments, altered synaptic strength was also reflected in increased calcium transients in rig-3 mutants when compared to wild-type control animals. Our results further suggest that animals lacking rig-3 show increased AVA activity, allowing the release of FLP-18 neuropeptide from AVA, which is an activity-dependent signaling molecule. Finally, we show that FLP-18 functions through the neuropeptide receptor, NPR-5, to modulate reversal behavior in C. elegans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aesthetics is a subjective concept that is likely to be perceived differently among people of different ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds. While techniques that directly compute this concept in images has seen increasing attention by the multimedia and machine-learning community, there are very few attempts at encoding the influences from the photographer's viewpoint. This work demonstrates how the aesthetic quality of photos can be better learned by accounting for the demographic background of a photographer. A new AVA-PD (Photographer Demographic) dataset is created to supplement the AVA dataset by providing photographers' age, gender and location attributes. Two deep convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures are proposed to utilize demographic information for aesthetic prediction of photos; both are shown to yield better prediction capabilities compared to most existing approaches. By leveraging on AVA-PD meta-data, we also present some additional machine-learnable tasks such as identifying the photographer and predicting photography styles from a person's gallery of photos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research is to determine the ICT Competencies of Visual Arts teachers at University of Atlántico for Distance and Virtual Education. We also want to know what their perception is about the use of virtual learning environments in their educational work. This project will help teachers to go further in the generation of knowledge in order to develop new teaching skills with educational impact, so that students can learn through the appropriate use of ICT. Once the teachers are aware of their own ICT profile as they teach Visual Arts at the Fine Arts program at the Faculty of Fine Arts, they will be able to create new policies that support the appropriate use of technologies, as well as to create pedagogical models based on constructivist learning trends.

La propuesta de una metodología que permita la valoración del ambiente virtual de aprendizaje desde la perspectiva del estudiante, subyacente a la propuesta de educación virtual de la Universidad de Nariño Virtual, es necesaria e imprescindible, en el sentido de lograr una visibilidad general según la experiencia merecida por el educando en estos ambientes. No debe ser vista desde lo absoluto, sino por el contrario, como una propuesta que con el transcurso del tiempo se modifica, presta a los avances que emergen, los cambios, mestizajes de saberes, interculturalidades y diversos lenguajes que caracterizan al ser humano. La información que se logra obtener al aplicar una estrategia valorativa del AVA a los estudiantes, permite desde una postura crítica: revisar la adecuación y pertinencia de los procesos de seguimiento y evaluación institucional, favorecer la aproximación a la visión y experiencia de los destinatarios, la identificación de las debilidades para convertirlas en oportunidades de mejora. Todo ello es coherente y responde a la misión de la Universidad de Nariño, comprometida con una educación superior de calidad.

An antipodal Vivaldi Antenna (AVA) with dielectric lens for Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) application is proposed. Impedance bandwidth and antenna gain have been increased to 140% (from 2.8 to 16 GHz) and 15 dBi respectively. simulation process and related results of each step have been presented in the text. The dimension of the antenna has been reduced to 50 × 70 ×0.76 mm3. The designed antenna is a good candidate for uwB GPR application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The classical seismic asymptotic inversion can be transformed into a problem of inversion of generalized Radon transform (GRT). In such methods, the combined parameters are linearly attached to the scattered wave-field by Born approximation and recovered by applying an inverse GRT operator to the scattered wave-field data. Typical GRT-style true-amplitude inversion procedure contains an amplitude compensation process after the weighted migration via dividing an illumination associated matrix whose elements are integrals of scattering angles. It is intuitional to some extent that performs the generalized linear inversion and the inversion of GRT together by this process for direct inversion. However, it is imprecise to carry out such operation when the illumination at the image point is limited, which easily leads to the inaccuracy and instability of the matrix. This paper formulates the GRT true-amplitude inversion framework in an angle-domain version, which naturally degrades the external integral term related to the illumination in the conventional case. We solve the linearized integral equation for combined parameters of different fixed scattering angle values. With this step, we obtain high-quality angle-domain common-image gathers (CIGs) in the migration loop which provide correct amplitude-versus-angle (AVA) behavior and reasonable illumination range for subsurface image points. Then we deal with the over-determined problem to solve each parameter in the combination by a standard optimization operation. The angle-domain GRT inversion method keeps away from calculating the inaccurate and unstable illumination matrix. Compared with the conventional method, the angle-domain method can obtain more accurate amplitude information and wider amplitude-preserved range. Several model tests demonstrate the effectiveness and practicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is part of a master's thesis which dealt with implementation of gamification in an online course offered by Judicial School at São Paulo Regional Labour Court. The question of this paper is to review relevant literature about benefits and pitfalls of gamification in learning contexts to propose a framework for implementing gamification in Moodle 2.5. The objective of this paper is to compare the creation of a framework of an online course without game elements with its gamified version with elements that can motivate and engage people in online learning contexts, such as activity completion, restricted access, progress bar block, badges, and jeopardy-like quizzes. After implementing these features in an existing online course without gamification, the main results are that it is feasible to implement simple game mechanics in Moodle 2.5, although it takes a long time to create some of them, such as badges, and it is mandatoryxad to have knowledge of development if the course demands Moodle documentation to create a more complex gamification block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Extracting true amplitude versus angle common image gathers is one of the key objectives in seismic processing and imaging. This is achievable to different degrees using different migration techniques (e.g., Kirchhoff, wavefield extrapolation, and reverse time migration techniques) and is a common tool in exploration, but the costs can vary depending on the selected migration algorithm and the desired accuracy. Here, we investigate the possibility of combining the local‐shift imaging condition, specifically the time‐shift extended imaging condition, for angle gathers with a Kirchhoff migration. The aims are not to replace the more accurate full‐wavefield migration but to offer a cheaper alternative where ray‐based methods are applicable and to use Kirchhoff time‐lag common image gathers to help bridge the gap between the traditional offset common image gathers and reverse time migration angle gathers; finally, given the higher level of summation inside the extended imaging migration, we wish to understand the impact on the amplitude versus angle response. The implementation of the time‐shift imaging condition along with the computational cost is discussed, and results of four different datasets are presented. The four example datasets, two synthetic, one land acquisition, and a marine dataset, have been migrated using a Kirchhoff offset method, a Kirchhoff time‐shift method, and, for comparison, a reverse time migration algorithm. The results show that the time‐shift imaging condition at zero time lag is equivalent to the full offset stack as expected. The output gathers are cleaner and more consistent in the time‐lag‐derived angle gathers, but the conversion from time lag to angle can be considered a post‐processing step. The main difference arises in the amplitude versus offset/angle distribution where the responses are different and dramatically so for the land data. The results from the synthetics and real data show that a Kirchhoff migration with an extended imaging condition is capable of generating subsurface angle gathers. The same disadvantages with a ray‐based approach will apply using the extended imaging condition relative to a wave equation angle gather solution. Nevertheless, using this approach allows one to explore the relationship between the velocity model and focusing of the reflected energy, to use the Radon transformation to remove noise and multiples, and to generate consistent products from a ray‐based migration and a full‐wave equation migration, which can then be interchanged depending on the process under study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El objetivo principal de este artículo es presentar un referente metodológico para la construcción de Objetos Virtuales de Aprendizaje, el cual se fundamenta en el análisis del actual modelo pedagógico de la Universidad de Boyacá, la definición de objeto de aprendizaje, la conceptualización de la metodología, los objetivos y su estructura, así como las diferentes fases que la componen. UBoa se convierte en un mediador que soporta una fase de control de calidad, que permite la organización de los procesos y valida la información para poder publicar OVA´s que cumplan con las exigencias pedagógicas y técnicas de un modelo pedagógico virtual. Este referente es el resultado de un trabajo colaborativo y multidisciplinario para el apoyo de la construcción de módulos tanto b-learning como e-learning.

ABSTRACT Existing and commonly used in industry nowadays, closed-form approximations for a P-wave reflection coefficient in transversely isotropic media are restricted to cases of a vertical and a horizontal transverse isotropy. However, field observations confirm the widespread presence of rock beds and fracture sets tilted with respect to a reflection boundary. These situations can be described by means of the transverse isotropy with an arbitrary orientation of the symmetry axis, known as tilted transversely isotropic media. In order to study the influence of the anisotropy parameters and the orientation of the symmetry axis on P-wave reflection amplitudes, a linearised 3D P-wave reflection coefficient at a planar weak-contrast interface separating two weakly anisotropic tilted tranversely isotropic half-spaces is derived. The approximation is a function of the incidence phase angle, the anisotropy parameters, and symmetry axes tilt and azimuth angles in both media above and below the interface. The expression takes the form of the well-known amplitude-versus-offset 'Shuey-type' equation and confirms that the influence of the tilt and the azimuth of the symmetry axis on the P-wave reflection coefficient even for a weakly anisotropic medium is strong and cannot be neglected. There are no assumptions made on the symmetry-axis orientation angles in both half-spaces above and below the interface. The proposed approximation can be used for inversion for the model parameters, including the orientation of the symmetry axes. Obtained amplitude-versus-offset attributes converge to well-known approximations for vertical and horizontal transverse isotropic media derived by Rüger in corresponding limits. Comparison with numerical solution demonstrates good accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nesta comunicação apresentamos o relato de utilização de um grupo secreto na rede social facebook em contexto educativo, no ensino superior. Esta experiência decorreu no âmbito do seminário “Questões Avançadas de Comunicação Educativa” que integra o curso de doutoramento em Ciências da Educação da UTAD. Inclui um enquadramento teórico à metodologia adotada no Ambiente Virtual de Aprendizagem e apresenta e discute os resultados obtidos a partir dos inquéritos de diagnose e de satisfação realizados, conjugados com os dados emergentes da observação direta e participante. Na construção do AVA (Ambiente Virtual de Aprendizagem) partimos do modelo de um modelo que integra 5 dimensões: social e de partilha¸ negociação, compromisso mútuo e cooperação; colaboração e construção de conhecimento; liderança e moderação em ambientes online e dimensão de construção de identidade em ambientes online, conjugado com as 4 fases de development research [pesquisa no desenvolvimento, muito usada em tecnologia educativa], para o desenvolvimento de um AVA e construção do conhecimento, como uma elaboração de possibilidades para a criação e otimização do nosso grupo secreto na rede social facebook, entendido como uma possível COP online, por considerarmos ser aquele que melhor respondia aos objetivos delineados para este estudo exploratório.

Introduction: The availability of a licensed anthrax vaccine that is safe, effective, and easy to administer for both pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis is critical to successfully manage and prevent potential anthrax attacks. BioThrax® (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed; AVA) is the only licensed anthrax vaccine in the US. Areas covered: Recent licensed improvements to BioThrax vaccine for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have included an intramuscular (IM) five-dose schedule (in 2008) and a three-dose IM primary series at 0, 1 and 6 months (in 2012). Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) – three doses given subcutaneously (SC) at 0, 2, and 4 weeks – was licensed in 2015. We review the anthrax disease and vaccine literature that supported these licensure efforts. Expert commentary: This PEP licensure is the first time the FDA’s Animal Rule has been used to license a vaccine. Additional improvements such as fewer vaccine doses and reduced time to protection are desirable for a PEP vaccine and are being pursued with next generation vaccine candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Geographic branding has become an important strategy for economic actors to differentiate their products. While studies have examined geographic branding in well-established industries, less is known about the factors that lead to the adoption of geographic branding innovations in emerging industries. Results from a 2011 mail survey of Pennsylvania winemakers (N = 71, response rate: 50%) indicate that winery operation type (grape grower or wine-only), growth in wine and/or grape production, and trade association membership influence the extent to which geographic branding is adopted and in what forms (regional or state-based) it is used. Winemakers also identified challenges that they believe limit the economic growth of the industry. Findings shed light on the opportunities and limitations of geographical branding and its impacts on regional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the routine method to perform AVA (Amplitude Variation with incident Angle) inversion is based on the assumption that the ratio of S-wave velocity to P-wave velocity γ is a constant. However, this simplified assumption does not always hold, and it is necessary to use nonlinear inversion method to solve it. Based on Bayesian theory, the objective function for nonlinear AVA inversion is established and γ is considered as an unknown model parameter. Then, variable metric method with a strategy of periodically variational starting point is used to solve the nonlinear AVA inverse problem. The proposed method can keep the inverted reservoir parameters approach to the actual solution and has been performed on both synthetic and real data. The inversion results suggest that the proposed method can solve the nonlinear inverse problem and get accurate solutions even without the knowledge of γ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed (AVA, BioThrax ® ) is approved for use in humans as a priming series of 3 intramuscular (i.m.) injections (0, 1, 6 months; 3-IM) with boosters at 12 and 18 months, and annually thereafter for those at continued risk of infection. A reduction in AVA booster frequency would lessen the burden of vaccination, reduce the cumulative frequency of vaccine associated adverse events and potentially expand vaccine coverage by requiring fewer doses per schedule. Because human inhalation anthrax studies are neither feasible nor ethical, AVA efficacy estimates are determined using cross-species bridging of immune correlates of protection (COP) identified in animal models. We have previously reported that the AVA 3-IM priming series provided high levels of protection in non-human primates (NHP) against inhalation anthrax for up to 4 years after the first vaccination. Penalized logistic regressions of those NHP immunological data identified that anti-protective antigen (anti-PA) IgG concentration measured just prior to infectious challenge was the most accurate single COP. In the present analysis, cross-species logistic regression models of this COP were used to predict probability of survival during a 43 month study in humans receiving the current 3-dose priming and 4 boosters (12, 18, 30 and 42 months; 7-IM) and reduced schedules with boosters at months 18 and 42 only (5-IM), or at month 42 only (4-IM). All models predicted high survival probabilities for the reduced schedules from 7 to 43 months. The predicted survival probabilities for the reduced schedules were 86.8% (4-IM) and 95.8% (5-IM) at month 42 when antibody levels were lowest. The data indicated that 4-IM and 5-IM are both viable alternatives to the current AVA pre-exposure prophylaxis schedule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Epitope-focused immunogens can elicit antibody against the loop neutralizing determinant (LND), a neutralizing epitope found within the 2β2-2β3 loop of protective antigen (PA), which can protect rabbits from high-dose inhalation challenge with Bacillus anthracis Ames strain. Interestingly, data suggests that this epitope is relatively immunosilent in rabbits and non-human primates immunized with full length PA. Methods To determine whether the LND is immunosilent among humans vaccinated with PA, we screened antisera from AVA- or placebo-vaccinees from a clinical trial for antibody reactive with the LND. Results AVA-vaccinee sera had significant PA-specific antibody compared to placebo-vaccinee sera; however, sera from the two cohorts were indistinguishable with regard to the frequency of individuals with antibody specific for the LND. Conclusions AVA-vaccinees have a low frequency of antibody reactive with the LND. As with rabbits and non-human primates, the elicitation of LND-specific antibody in humans appears to require immunization with an epitope-focused vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]