Working capital is an important factor for the company because without sufficient capital, the company's operational activities cannot be held. High working capital shows the greater ability of the company to gain profit and will affect the high level of profability as well. The more funds used as working capital are increasing in profit, so it can be said that working capital becomes an element needed by a company because working capital is influential in raising Profit growth. This research was conducted at PT. Plantation Nusantara IV Medan for the period 2013-2017. The purpose of writing this thesis is to know and analyze working capital to increase net profit growth. The data used in this research is the secondary data acquired from the company, and the data analysis method used is a descriptive method and comparative method of methods that attempt to collect data according to the circumstances The truth, presenting and analyding it so that it can give a fairly clear comparison of the objects that are carefully and can then be drawn a conclusion. From the results of the research that the company's working capital has not been optimal in improving net profit growth, based on the results of analysis in the year 2013-2017 showed that the net profit growth was fluctuating or ascending Year 2014 growth is 0.74%, year 2015 dropped to-0.47%, year 2016 back up to 0.40%, and year 2017 fell back to 0.37%. This is due to the fundamental condition of the company has not been effective and efficient in utilizing and using assets, assets and working capital owned by the company.


1Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; 2Department of Joint Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China; 3Department of Geriatric Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; 4Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China Purpose: With the use of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) as a preoperative examination, it is not rare to screen out airflow limitation (AFL) in asymptomatic patients undergoing lung surgeries. This study aims to elucidate whether there is a difference in the prevalence and prognosis of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) between asymptomatic patients with newly diagnosed AFL and the normal population undergoing lung surgeries. Patients and Methods: The medical records of asymptomatic patients undergoing lung surgeries who were spirometrically diagnosed with AFL between January and October 2017 were collected in Qilu hospital. These patients were subsequently followed up until February 2021. The diagnosis of PPCs was based on a recommended consensus definition. The incidence of PPCs between the newly diagnosed AFL group and the normal group was compared and a propensity score-matched analysis (PSM) was performed. The survival analysis was performed to investigate the long-term prognosis of the two groups. Results: Overall, 535 asymptomatic subjects were recruited and 126 subjects (11.4%) were spirometrically diagnosed as AFL. The incidence of PPCs was significantly higher in the newly diagnosed AFL group than in the normal population (28.6%VS 14.4%, P < 0.001), especially in the FEV1/FVC≤65% group (P < 0.001), which were all confirmed by PSM analysis. Furthermore, these patients were at a higher risk of ICU admissions (P < 0.001) and 90-day hospital readmissions secondary to PPCs (P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the overall, in-hospital and 90-day mortality between the AFL group and the normal group (P values >0.05). Conclusion: Asymptomatic patients with AFL are at higher risk of PPCs than the general population after lung surgeries, along with an increase in ICU admissions and 90-day hospital readmissions secondary to PPCs. Although these patients tended to report worse current conditions, they were similar in the in-hospital, 90-day and overall mortality during the follow-up.


A single-mode optical fiber model is proposed with discrete mode-coupling centers having random coupling coefficients at regular intervals. The degree of polarization in a single-mode fiber with random-mode coupling does not approach zero with increasing fiber length. Numerical results show that the ensemble average of the degree of polarization approaches a nonzero value the magnitude of which depends on the coupling intensity, the light source spectrum, the fiber birefringence, and the spatial frequency of coupling centers, The theoretical and numerical results clarify the limitation of the perturbation iteration method for long optical fibers.


The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Technology Development (OTD) is developing technology to aid in the cleanup of DOE sites. Included in the OTD program are the Robotics Technology Development Program and the Mixed Waste Integrated Program. These two programs are working together to provide technology for the cleanup of mixed waste, which is waste that has both radioactive and hazardous constituents. There are over 240,000 cubic meters of mixed low level waste accumulated at DOE sites and the cleanup is expected to generate about 900,000 cubic meters of mixed low level waste over the next five years. This waste must be monitored during storage and then treated and disposed of in a cost effective manner acceptable to regulators and the states involved. The Robotics Technology Development Program is developing robotics technology to make these tasks safer, better, faster and cheaper through the Mixed Waste Operations team. This technology will also apply to treatment of transuranic waste. The demonstration at the Savannah River Site on November 2-4, 1993, showed the progress of this technology by DOE, universities and industry over the previous year. Robotics technology for the handling, characterization and treatment of mixed waste as well robotics technology for more » monitoring of stored waste was demonstrated. It was shown that robotics technology can make future waste storage and waste treatment facilities better, faster, safer and cheaper. « less


INTRODUCTION Arterial spin labeling (ASL) is a non-invasive method to assess not only perfusion, but also dynamic flow patterns within the cerebral vasculature. Dynamic ASL has been applied to estimate the degree of flow in arteriovenous malformations (AVM) [1, 2]. In theory, the increase in SNR at ultrahigh magnetic fields allows for ASL images with higher spatial resolution. However, SAR limitations and changes in relaxation times imply that standard imaging protocols are only of limited use and have to be adapted to the higher field strength. In this work, we present how the challenges of acquiring dynamic angiography images at 7 Tesla can be overcome.


Apply for the John Mather Trust competition to win a share of £20k for your business idea at City of Glasgow College! Deadline: 7th February 2018


The invention relates to a pin cylinder with at least one spur with puncturing needles. At least one at least temporarily protruding from spur deflector which preferably once in the spur and is extendable, it shields a signature from subsequent spur needles.


T h e following concepts and notations are used in this investigation: Mean, M = where Xi is the i:th observation and n the number of observations. M is n an unbiased estimator of the populat ion mean μ. 2(ι-) Variance, V = . V is an unbiased estimator of the population variance a. n—1 Standard deviation, SD = ^ V . Correlation coefficient, r = y — r is a measure of the linear relationship V Z ( x i M x ) « 2 ( y i M y ) · between the two variables x and y. 2 ( x i M x ) ( y i M y ) Regression coefficient, b = — . b is the slope of the straight line connected 2 ( x i M x ) 2 with the linear regression of y on x. Most of the methods used in this study are of a conventional type and can be found in an ordinary textbook (e.g. Brownlee 1965). Some special comments are given below in order to facilitate the unders tanding of their applications in this study. By a confidence interval for a mean value is mean t an interval which with a certain degree of confidence includes the true mean value. If the observations are bivariate , i.e. each individual included can be represented by a point in a two dimensional coordinate system, a confidence area can be constructed analogously, such that, it includes the true mean value point in the coor dinate system with a certain degree of confidence. Unde r the usual assumptions these areas have the shape of an ellipse. T h e variations of a variable can sometimes be described by means of a so called prediction interval. This is an interval within which one new observation will fall with a certain probability. I n the bivariate case a prediction area (under the usual assumptions an ellipse) can be constructed, within which one new bivariate observation will fall with a certain probability. In comparing two mean values, the (1 —a) 100 % confidence interval is calculated for the difference between the two m e a n values, as follows :


B1216 Towards a More Uniform Classifi cation of Patient Safety Events in Solid Organ Transplantation: Applying the World Health Organization International Classification for Patient Safety. L. McElroy,1,2 A. Yanes,2 J. Joseph,2 A. Skaro,2 A. Daud,2 J. Holl,1,2 M. Abecassis,2 D. Woods,1,2 D. Ladner.1,2 1Center for Healthcare Studies, Institute of Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; 2Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL. Background: Patient safety events have had a dramatic effect on the fi eld of solid organ transplantation. As research in this area increases, the ability to compare fi ndings across institutions will become increasingly important. This comparison will be facilitated in part by a standardized language. The International Classifi cation for Patient Safety (ICPS) and its accompanying conceptual framework were developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for this purpose. The aim of this study was to adapt the classifi cation for use in safety studies in solid organ transplant. Methods: An interdisciplinary team developed a system of incident classifi cation based on the ICPS. The classifi cation was applied iteratively by four physician coders to web-based safety debriefi ngs. Disagreements were reconciled via consensus until good inter-rater reliability was achieved, and a codebook was developed for future use by researchers. Results: A total of 334 patient safety issues were coded in 270 debriefi ng responses (31 adverse events, 19 no-harm incidents, 9 near misses, 120 reportable circumstances, 155 contributing factors). The most common incident class reported was Resources/Organizational Management (49/179; 27.4%), of which Human Resources/Staff Availability/Adequacy was the most common subcategory (26/49; 53.1%). The second most common incident class reported was Medical Device/Equipment (39/179; 21.8%), of which Failure/Malfunction was the most common subtype (19/39; 48.7%). Conclusions: We found that the ICPS can be applied to facilitate the analysis of patient safety incidents that occur in solid organ transplant. Prior research has looked at safety in solid organ transplant, but has not applied this system of classifi cation. Assessments of safety vulnerabilities can accelerate progress and by using the WHO Conceptual Framework as a guideline, we can better facilitate the aggregation and dissemination of data. Abstract# B1217 Impact of Live Organ Donor Screening On Donation Yield: A Single Center Retrospective Assessment. N. Beauvais,1,2 S. Landron,1 J. Leventhal,2 J. Fryer,2 M. Ison.2 1Northwestern Memorial Hosptial, Chicago; 2Northwestern Univ Feinberg SoM, Chicago. Background: Although exceedingly rare, transmission of infectious diseases (ID) from potential live organ donors (PLOD) to transplant recipient occurs. Recently, guidance and policy has resulted in increased PLOD screening. It is recommended that PLODs at increased risk of ID transmission be rescreened for HIV, HBV and HCV within 30 days of the donation procedure. Further, OPTN policy has been enacted requiring PLOD screening, including screening for Strongyloides, TB, T. cruzi and West Nile Virus (WNV). The yield and outcomes of such testing has not been reported. Methods: Testing results and dates from all PLODs evaluated at Northwestern Memorial Hospital 1/1/08-12/31/13 were extracted from the EMR. Descriptive statistics were calculated Results: During the study period, 3414 PLODs were evaluated (2824 kidney and 591 liver PLODs). During this period, 919 kidney and 107 liver PLODs proceeded to donation (See Table 1). +HBsAg resulted in PLODs being excluded as donors; HCV sero+ triggered additional testing that contributed an additional 23 days to the time from evaluation to decision. Rates of CMV sero+ among donors are lower among PLODs than deceased donors at our center (data not shown). 2.9% of PLODs who proceeded to donation were classifi ed as increased risk per OPTN policy (mostly MSM). 9-14% of PLODs who proceeded to donation were QGold +, most with risk factors; +QGold was associated with an average of 56 day delay to donation. Treatment was offered to all QGold + PLODs but donation was not defer in PLODs without evidence of active tuberculosis. No donor-derived disease transmissions were recognized among this population of live donor recipients. B1217 Impact of Live Organ Donor Screening On Donation Yield: A Single Center Retrospective Assessment. N. Beauvais,1,2 S. Landron,1 J. Leventhal,2 J. Fryer,2 M. Ison.2 1Northwestern Memorial Hosptial, Chicago; 2Northwestern Univ Feinberg SoM, Chicago. Background: Although exceedingly rare, transmission of infectious diseases (ID) from potential live organ donors (PLOD) to transplant recipient occurs. Recently, guidance and policy has resulted in increased PLOD screening. It is recommended that PLODs at increased risk of ID transmission be rescreened for HIV, HBV and HCV within 30 days of the donation procedure. Further, OPTN policy has been enacted requiring PLOD screening, including screening for Strongyloides, TB, T. cruzi and West Nile Virus (WNV). The yield and outcomes of such testing has not been reported. Methods: Testing results and dates from all PLODs evaluated at Northwestern Memorial Hospital 1/1/08-12/31/13 were extracted from the EMR. Descriptive statistics were calculated Results: During the study period, 3414 PLODs were evaluated (2824 kidney and 591 liver PLODs). During this period, 919 kidney and 107 liver PLODs proceeded to donation (See Table 1). +HBsAg resulted in PLODs being excluded as donors; HCV sero+ triggered additional testing that contributed an additional 23 days to the time from evaluation to decision. Rates of CMV sero+ among donors are lower among PLODs than deceased donors at our center (data not shown). 2.9% of PLODs who proceeded to donation were classifi ed as increased risk per OPTN policy (mostly MSM). 9-14% of PLODs who proceeded to donation were QGold +, most with risk factors; +QGold was associated with an average of 56 day delay to donation. Treatment was offered to all QGold + PLODs but donation was not defer in PLODs without evidence of active tuberculosis. No donor-derived disease transmissions were recognized among this population of live donor recipients. Discussion: HCV seropositivity and +QGold resulted in delays in donor evaluation. Retesting of increased risk PLODs did not result in signifi cant delays or cancellations. Screening for Strongyloides, T. cruzi and WNV had a low yield in this population. +QGold live donors can be safely utilized without completing treatment for latent TB. Abstract# B1218 Parental Perspectives On the Financial Impact of Caring for a Child With Chronic Kidney Disease. M. Medway,1 A. Tong,1 J. Craig,1 S. Kim,2 F. Mackie,3 S. McTaggart,4 B. Barton,2 K. Howard,1 G. Williams,2 G. Wong.1 1University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; 2The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia; 3Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia; 4Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia. Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can impose a signifi cant social and fi nancial burden on patients and caregivers, however little is known about how caregivers experience and cope with the fi nancial impact of CKD. We aimed to describe parental perspectives on the fi nancial impact of caring for a child with CKD. Methods: Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 parents of children with CKD (including transplant recipients) across three centers in two states in Australia. Transcripts were thematically analyzed. Results: We identifi ed fi ve themes: loss of freedom (prioritizing demands of care, limiting occupational opportunities, appreciating socio-economic advantage); strain of sole responsibility (inability to rely on others, lack of respite, increased separation of family roles, self-reliance); adapting for survival (vigilant budgeting, redefi ning normality and expectations, re-channeling resources to basic needs, exploring new income sources, negotiating work fl exibility); instability (depleted capacity to work, unpredictability of child's health, burden of travel-related costs, borrowing and debt); and unresolvable struggle ('falling through the cracks', unmet information needs). Conclusion: Parents focused their resources and attention on meeting the complex needs of their child. Inability to sustain employment, loss of business, and both medical and non-medical expenses were major contributors to the fi nancial impact of caring or a child with CKD. This compounded their sense of stress and uncertainty, though transplantation enabled parental caregivers to re-establish vocational opportunities and reduced the burden of expenses associated with CKD. B1218 Parental Perspectives On the Financial Impact of Caring for a Child With Chronic Kidney Disease. M. Medway,1 A. Tong,1 J. Craig,1 S. Kim,2 F. Mackie,3 S. McTaggart,4 B. Barton,2 K. Howard,1 G. Williams,2 G. Wong.1 1University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; 2The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia; 3Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia; 4Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia. Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can impose a signifi cant social and fi nancial burden on patients and caregivers, however little is known about how caregivers experience and cope with the fi nancial impact of CKD. We aimed to describe parental perspectives on the fi nancial impact of caring for a child with CKD. Methods: Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 parents of children with CKD (including transplant recipients) across three centers in two states in Australia. Transcripts were thematically analyzed. Results: We identifi ed fi ve themes: loss of freedom (prioritizing demands of care, limiting occupationa


The amount of echo data is huge in spotlight SAR imaging.To solve this problem,the imaging method with compressed Spotlight SAR echo data based on Compressed Sensing is proposed.First,the echo measurement matrix is designed by the waveform-matched rules.Second,the sparse transformed matrix of the echo data can be obtained by constructing the 2D-DCT equivalent matrix.Then the smoothing L0 algorithm is utilized to reconstruct the target scene.The amount of raw data collected by the proposed method is much less than that of the conventional spotlight SAR imaging method.Finally,the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method are shown by the simulation results.


Understanding travelers' route choice behavior is a key task in transportation studies. In this paper, we analyze the route choices of Beijing taxi drivers regarding four frequently mentioned cost-based route choice rules: pursuing shortest time, or distance, avoiding passing signalized intersections, or making left/right turnings. Test results show that route choices of drivers are not always optimal according to either of these rules. Instead, we argue that taxi drivers are bounded rational and usually choose a satisfactory route that belongs to one of the few routes that consume the shortest times. Test results show that more than 90% observed traces can be explained by this simple explanation.


In this study, the theoretical correlation for the lift-off diameter of bubbles generated on a horizontal tube is proposed. A force balance analysis in the direction normal to the heated surface at the moment of the bubble lift-off was performed to develop the model. According to the developed model, the bubble lift-off diameter depends strongly on the azimuthal position of the horizontal tube, the relative velocity between a bubble and surrounding liquid, the properties of the bubble, and the liquid. The developed model can be applicable to define the sub-model of wall heat flux partitioning for natural and forced convective boiling.Copyright © 2014 by ASME


In this interview, artist Eduardo Kac talks about the relation between contemporary art, science, and technology as expressed in his works. Classified as a '...


The JAK2 V617F mutation is present in 97% patients with polycythemia vera (PV) and approximately 50% of patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) and idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF). JAK2 is widely expressed and is a critical component of signaling pathways in multiple cell types. It remains unclear to what extent the V617F mutation contributes to the pathogenesis of non-hematological cancers and hematological malignancies other than the classical myeloproliferative disorders. To determine the frequency with which the V617F mutation occurs in a broad range of human malignancies, we sequenced 486 cell lines derived from over 30 different histological types of solid tumor, together with 132 cell lines derived from hematological malignancies. Only the HEL cell line, which was derived from an erythroleukemia, was positive for the mutation. We then screened a further 211 primary hematological malignancies and found the mutation in 5/90 AML patients, 1/20 myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and 1/91 chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. The five V617F positive AML patients were male, significantly older than wild-type AML patients and did not have FLT3-ITD mutation, or the t(8;21), inv(16) or t(15;17) rearrangements. In addition, none of the five patients had a history of a prior overt myeloproliferative disorder (MPD). The V617F positive MDS patient was unusual in that he had trephine features of myelodysplasia with fibrosis, consistent with a myelodysplasia/myeloproliferative overlap syndrome. The V617F-positive CML patient had a twelve-year history of BCR / ABL -negative thrombocytosis prior to presenting with CML. The molecular basis of the V617F-negative MPDs remains obscure. We therefore screened samples from 24 MPD patients without the V617F allele for alternative JAK2 mutations, and for mutations in other components of the JAK/STAT pathway. All 128 coding exons of JAK1 , JAK2 , JAK3 , TYK2 , STAT5A and STAT5B were sequenced in peripheral blood granulocyte DNA from 19 ET and 5 IMF patients that lack the V617F allele. No mutations were detected in these individuals. Collectively, these data suggest that the JAK2 V617F mutation does not occur in non-haematological cancers, that this mutation is uncommon in myeloid malignancies other than the classic BCR / ABL -negative MPDs, and that the V617F-negative MPDs are likely to reflect mutations in other molecules that modulate the JAK/STAT pathway, or mutations in different signaling pathways.


In two dairies in the Campania region (Italy), the production lines of fresh cheese defined caciotta, have been observed by: a) visual checks of premises, tools, machines, personal behaviour and clothing, and processing techniques; and by b) bacteriological tests of milk to be processed and of finished products. The results show that the hygienic and microbiological standards generally do no comply with what is prescribed by the D.P.R. 14/01/1997, n. 54.


As peer tutoring programs have become pervasive on college campuses, it has become common to hear their benefits extolled. The goal of this paper is to examine the literature to determine in what ways accessing peer tutoring may impact college students. Specifically, the dual lenses of cognitive development and the generation and conversion of academic and social capital are employed to limit the scope of the research and focus the analysis. Conclusions include that while "peer tutoring" lacks a commonly accepted definition, students may receive intellectual benefits and their social networks may be broadened when accessing services that are intentionally structured. These ideas are connected to institutional mission statements and stated goals. 1 Breslin: Evidence-Based or Just Good for the Soul? Examining the Efficacy of Peer Tutoring in College Published by UKnowledge, 2011 Peer tutoring programs have become commonplace in higher education, especially as notions of retention and persistence have become a stated goal at many institutions. Some research suggests that at least 75% of all four-year institutions offer tutoring programs (Hodges & White, 2001). It is not uncommon to hear both researchers and practitioners extol the benefits of such programs for undergraduate students. For example, some authors suggest that students who participate in such peer-to-peer interaction better understand concepts and score higher on assignments and exams (Mazur, 1997). Others imply that students will experience increased engagement, enhanced cognitive and psychosocial development, and a generally easier transition to college life (Ender & Newton, 2000). Further examples include claims of enhanced confidence and self-efficacy, improved study skills, and the generation of friendships (Beasley, 1997). However, many such claims seem to be anecdotal, to rely on potentially unfounded assumptions, and may include preconceived notions or bias from the author that has not been considered. The intent here is to examine evidence from the literature that demonstrates how students who access such services benefit from them. More specifically, the intention here is to address the following questions: How does accessing peer tutoring impact academic achievement? Can peer tutoring create an environment conducive to promoting cognitive development? Is participating in peer tutoring an activity that expends social or academic capital or enhances it? Admittedly, these are broad questions about which entire books could be written. The sections that follow offer a conceptual framework intended to focus and limit the scope of this project. The evidence offered may not be comprehensive, but the hope is that it will be representative and thereby sufficient to answer the stated questions. 2 Kentucky Journal of Higher Education Policy and Practice, Vol. 1, Iss. 1 [2011], Art. 3 https://uknowledge.uky.edu/kjhepp/vol1/iss1/3 Personal Bias At the outset, it seems reasonable and necessary to note briefly the personal experience and perspective of the author. I am a student affairs professional who works with college students every day. One of my major professional responsibilities is coordinating a peer tutoring program at a large, public research university in the southeastern United States. My undergraduate training is in anthropology and I have taken a number of graduate courses in that discipline. This background has influenced me to think from a holistic, cultural perspective in my work and research, sometimes manifesting as the application of social theory. As such, it is not uncommon for me to approach my work (both academic and professional) with concepts such as political economy, capital, power, or hegemony in mind. When I began coordinating a peer tutoring program, I was struck by how genuinely engaged, appreciative, and comfortable students who accessed the service became after voluntarily attending tutoring sessions only once or twice. My passion for working with college students in general is what prompted my application to a master's program in higher education. Professionally, I have spent much time evaluating the tutoring program in different ways and from different perspectives, and have continued to be puzzled by the variety of colleagues who implement programs, services, or interventions while neglecting to consider theory and assessed practice that can be invaluable to informing academic support services. Conceptual Framework A discussion of peer tutoring in general is one that continues to consume volumes of writing. Because of the quantitative, evidence-based trend in higher education, one focus will be on understanding how students benefit academically or how their academic achievement may be impacted by accessing peer tutoring. The use of certain theoretical perspectives here will be 3 Breslin: Evidence-Based or Just Good for the Soul? Examining the Efficacy of Peer Tutoring in College Published by UKnowledge, 2011 useful both to reasonably limit the examination of peer tutoring and also to view peer tutoring and the questions addressed here through certain lenses. The approaches used will include cognitive student development and notions of academic and social capital. The intention is to frame the discussion of peer tutoring and the examination of the literature with these concepts and to employ these perspectives in a critical analysis of the evidence. These particular approaches were chosen because they align with common goals of peer tutoring initiatives (to enhance students' engagement and social connections on campus and enhance their development). Cognitive Development Even as theories of student cognitive development continue to expand and diversify, many tend to trace their foundations to William Perry's work (Love & Guthrie, 1999). In general, Perry's theory of cognitive development may be seen as an extension of Piaget's childhood development model. A key concept of any theory of cognitive development, and one that is frequently lost in such conversations, is that cognitive development may be understood as the way individuals make meaning of the world around them. The critical distinction here is between how a person thinks and what they are actually thinking about. In employing cognitive development theory, it is essential to focus on the "how" rather than the "what." The context in which Perry developed his model is also important to recognize, particularly because of its distinctions with contemporary campus life. He developed his theory while working as a professor at Harvard during the 1950's and 1960's (Love & Guthrie, 1999). The subjects of his research were college students from Harvard and Radcliffe -a group composed almost entirely of white, upper-class males who represented only a fraction of the contemporary college student population (Love & Guthrie, 1999). While these potential sources 4 Kentucky Journal of Higher Education Policy and Practice, Vol. 1, Iss. 1 [2011], Art. 3 https://uknowledge.uky.edu/kjhepp/vol1/iss1/3 of bias are typically acknowledged in discussions of Perry, they are significant and have become a source of contention in more recent departures from his work. An approach that differentiated Perry's work from other types of developmental theories was in how he defined his positions and transitions. Overall, his theory is composed of four major stages (dualism, multiplicity, relativism, and commitment) that subsume nine distinct positions. A significant difference in Perry's approach is that he understands positions as static and transitions as locations of movement, where the development actually occurs: "I realized that positions are by definition static, and development is by definition movement. It was therefore the transitions that were so fresh and intriguing" (Perry, 1981, p. 78). One of the departures from Perry's work that may also be helpful in this analysis is the work done by Marcia Baxter Magolda. A student of Perry's, Baxter Magolda's model differs from Perry's in that it intentionally takes into account and is informed by the notion that gender influences (but does not determine) the pattern within a student's ways of knowing (Baxter Magolda, 1992). Her four stages (absolute knowing, transitional knowing, independent knowing, and contextual knowing) are related from her longitudinal study participants to other students through "parallels" that emerge along three story lines: the development and emergence of voice, changing relationships with authority, and evolving relationships with peers (Baxter Magolda, 1992, p. 193). While her stages and model of development may advance similarly to Perry's, a key aspect of her work here is that "Baxter Magolda observed that co-curricular involvements place the student's experience in the forefront, thereby legitimizing it as a basis for constructing new knowledge" (Evans, Forney, & Guido-DiBrito, 1998, p. 158). In general, the work of both Perry and Baxter Magolda on cognitive development is significant in this context. Both seem to agree that students' development can be enhanced given 5 Breslin: Evidence-Based or Just Good for the Soul? Examining the Efficacy of Peer Tutoring in College Published by UKnowledge, 2011 a supportive environment and sufficient challenge to think differently about their experiences in the world. One potential issue that may be illuminated in this paper is whether a peer tutoring environment, if appropriate for enhancing such development, is capable of encouraging cognitive development for students at all stages or just those in certain stages. Additionally, because cognitive development is a process that happens at a relatively slow pace, it is difficult, if not impossible, to determine if such development occurred during or as the result of a tutoring session. Therefore, the focus here is an examination of peer tutoring environments to try to determine if they are conducive to such intellectual devel


Two metal-lux fusions were constructed in Alcaligenes eutrophus by transposon Tn4431 mutagenesis. The resulting strains, named AE1239 (pMOL90::Tn4431) and AE1433 (pMOL30::Tn4431, pMOL28), were respectively emitting light in the presence of copper ions and in the presence of zinc, cadmium, cobalt, and lead ions. Both strains were freeze dried and used as microbial bioluminescent sensors for the evaluation of incinerator fly-ashes (IFA) and soils contaminated by heavy metals. Two detection protocols (with or without direct contact between the bacterial sensors and the IFA) were used to test different batches of IFA that were either not treated or treated in order to be used as recycled material. The bacterial light production measured with a luminometer in the presence of increasing concentrations of IFA was compared with the IFA metal concentration measured by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer. The same methodology was used to compare different soils samples from a sandy soil area severely contaminated by heavy metals. Both biosensors could successfully assess the bioavailability of heavy metals. This bioassay appeared to be very simple and rapid since no pretreatment of the samples was required. Those biosensors can either be used to predict the potential risk of the use of heavy metal-recycled materials in the environment or serve as a rapid screening tool for the efficacy of remediation practices used on contaminated soil. © 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.


Many large cold traps exist at both lunar poles where temperatures never exceed 110 K annually, allowing the preservation of water ice. Much has been learned about these regions from orbital measurements, but in situ access is needed to truly understand the abundance, distribution, texture, and chemistry of volatiles that might be present in the regolith. We systematically studied the accessibility of the larger cold traps to wheeled vehicles from nearby staging areas. We calculated minimum energy routes for 20 north pole cold traps and 39 south pole cold traps >50 km2 in area. At each, accessibility metrics were determined for paths into and out of the cold trap and for round trip paths that return to the same location. We found that 55 of the 59 cold traps are readily accessible without exceeding 25° slopes. Smaller cold traps are generally more accessible than larger ones, with certain exceptions. The accessibility data set is presented graphically, in tabular form, and as ArcGIS shapefiles, all of which can be used to inform site selection and mission planning for future scientific and resource‐focused activities.


Background: Aortic root aneurysms are traditionally treated by open surgery methods, which significantly increase the risk of postoperative complications. Elderly patients with a history of previous cardiac surgery have a higher risk of postoperative events and demand more careful supervision during hospitalization. Materials & Methods: We report a case of a 72-year-old female patient with aortic root aneurysm and a previous history of cardiac surgery (CABG) with a high risk for EuroSCORE II (15,52%). The postoperative period was uneventful. Discussion and Conclusion: We use this case to discuss the effectiveness and short-term results of this procedure in patients with high risk. Keywords: aortic aneurysm,


The role of taxation in the process of wage formation has reeently gained interest in the macroeconomie literature. Attention has been drawn on the tax push inflation argument, e.g. by Knoester and Van der Windt (1987) and by Malcomson and Sartor (1987). An increase in taxation would, according to this view, lead to claims for higher gross wages by unions. In highly unionized and small open economies, sueh as Belgium, an expansion of the public sector could therefore harm the stability of the economy if the resulting increase in taxation would be shifted forward by unions into higher wages. The competitive position would consequently deteriorate and unemployment would rise. A tax-wage spiral would consequently develop and destabilize the economy. It is the purpose of this paper to incorporate tax shifting in a wage bargaining framework. In addition to income taxes and sodal security contributions paid by union members, a payroll tax will be introduced as well. The resulting wage equation will be estimated simultaneously with a labour demand equation. The degree of tax shifting will then show up in the parameter estimates of the model. Since the emphasis of this paper lies on the tax shifting behaviour, changes in the tax structure, e.g. through changes in the progressivity


In this study, benefits of public service electric vehicles (EV) are investigated for three potential sectors, school bus, waste collecting truck, and city bus. The cost of operations is estimated based on their mobility patterns with environmental impacts and the gain from vehicle-to-grid is approximated by the optimized frequency regulation (FR) supports associated with the time-varying FR prices. Preliminary results show that the annual savings with EV services can be 8k to 22k USD per vehicle. The cost benefits are expected to increase further as the global warming emission constraints are getting tighter.


The article considers the concept of «constructive dialogue» as a special media text format aimed at obtaining a positive reaction from the audience, the formation or modification of public opinion, which is accordingly constructive in the interaction of the media and the audience. The author notes the leading role of constructive dialogue in the chain of interaction between the media editorial staff as well as individual journalists with the audience (feedback – informational participation – constructive dialogue). The role of constructive dialogue as an obligatory format of media analytical materials is emphasized, which plays a significant role in the prevention and resolution of conflict situations. The classification of analytical genres by the levels of involvement in a constructive dialogue with the audience (high, medium and low) is given according to five criteria: the presence of a constructive type of speech behavior in the media text, the level of potential positive reaction of the readership, the acquisition of new knowledge, the desire to form or modify public opinion, and the potential to prevent or contribute to the resolution of the conflict. The relevance of the topic is due to the need to study a constructive dialogue as an element of the direct interaction of journalists with the media audience, including as an obligatory format for analytical materials. The purpose of the study is to identify trends and patterns in the use of constructive dialogue as a media text format in analytical media genres.


This article argues that hadith narration is characterized by self-reflexivity which is clearly reflected in the metanarrative genres which evolved around hadith narrative. Among these metanarratives are the Methodology of hadīth (Usūl al-Hadīth), Methodology of Islamic Law (Usūl al-Fiqh), commentaries on hadīth compilations, and the biographical dicof transmission at that time he attains to the beginning level of hadīth narrators" (al-Sakhawi, Shams al-Din Muhammad (H. 831–906), al-Jawahir wa al-Durar fi Tarjamah Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Hajar (al-'Asqalani), Cairo 1406/1986). 17 Sakhawi defined it as follows: "Shaykh al-Islam," as inferred from its use as a term among the authorities, is a title attributed to that follower of the book of Allah Most High and the example of His messenger, who possesses the knowledge of the principles of the Science (of Religion), has plunged deep into the different views of the scholars, has become able to extract the legal evidences from the texts, and has understood the rational and the transmitted proofs at a satisfactory level" (Sakhawi al-Jawahir wa al-Durar). Sakhawi traces the evolution of the concept and lists the very few scholars who had been given this title. 18 For a detailed discussion on the titles of hadīth scholars, see Sa'd Fahmi Ahmad Bilal, al-Siraj alMunir fir Alqab al-Muhaddithin, Riyad 1417/1996. See also, Shams al-Din Muhammad ibn `Abd alRahman al-Sakhawi (831–902 H), al-Jawahir wa al-Durar fi Tarjamat Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Hajar (al-`Asqalani)" (ed. Hamid Abd al-Majid and Taha al-Zayni), Cairo 1986. Hadis Tetkikleri Dergisi (HTD) ___________________________________________________________ 56 tionary literature (rijāl, tabaqāt and tārīkh). Each one of these metanarrative genres is distinguished by a distinct critical focus on a particular aspect of hadith. Methodology of hadīth is reflexive on chains and types of narration, Methodology of Law is reflexive on the legal interpretation of hadīth while the biographical dictionary literature is reflexive on the narrators and their networks. The article comparatively analyzes the most nascent aspects of these metanarrative genres. Citation: Recep ŞENTÜRK, "Critical Methods on Hadīth: Self Reflexivity in Hadīth Scholarship", Hadis Tetkikleri Dergisi (HTD), III/2, 2005, pp. 37-56.


The gluon polarization functional is evaluated for a generic linear covariant gauge and for any space dimension in pure Yang-Mills SU(N) theory up to second order in a generalized perturbation theory, where the zeroth order action is freely chosen and can be determined by some variational method. Some numerical data are given for the gluon propagator in Landau gauge and compared with Feynmann gauge. A comparison is given for several variational methods that can be set up by the knowledge of the second-order polarization.


In this provocative interview with Gale and Vance, Nigel Holden, an internationally recognized scholar on knowledge management across cultures, talks about the relationship between tacit and explicit knowledge and the importance of managing these differences in business. While past research has considered the influence of culture in areas such as the applications of ethics in international business and expatriate international adjustment (Beyer & Nino, 1999; Bird, Osland, Mendenhall, & Schneider, 1999), few researchers besides Holden have examined the active influence of national culture within deep tacit and more explicit levels of knowledge across global society. Holden believes the West undervalues tacit knowledge, a cross-cultural knowledge sharing that arises from experience and intuition. He challenges some of the traditional cornerstones of cross-cultural understanding, specifically Hofstede's, Trompenaars's, and the GLOBE project's models that focus on values, because in his view they create abstractions and stereotypes instead of "common cognitive and emotional ground" that he says is inherently subjective. Holden believes managers must be aware of the gaps and distortions in knowledge transfer that result from differences in language because these differences can undermine business strategies and unintentionally hijack an otherwise successful business transaction. Companies can successfully manage knowledge if they develop common cognitive ground across cultures in part by understanding the differences between Western or cerebral-based knowledge and Eastern or heartbased, tacit knowledge. As some may question this dichotomy, they create space for future work on this topic.


This paper reviews the possibilities presented by the Quadrennial Salary Structure Survey (EES), especially for economic and sociological studies in the spanish tourist sector, using exploratory data analysis (EDA) of the salary structure in Hospitality. The article is divided into two different parts, first, the instructions and the structure of the data for the correct exploitation of the survey are reviewed. Second, an EDA exercise is carried out in the hospitality economic sector where salary and geographical differences are tested, by economic sector, age and sex cohorts. Finally, after the analysis carried out, it is concluded by highlighting the great analytical possibilities that the survey database can develop, and some confirmatory lines of analysis are offered that help to complement this exploratory introduction to the wage gap.


Citizen's environmental rights are further concerned about after the environmental crises have been produced. This article discusses the definition of citizen's environmental rights, and analyzes the nature. The author defines citizen's environmental rights as one legal right. It is one of the fundamental human rights followed by the existence rights. But the article is expected to make more clear regulations in the laws of the high-order steps.


Choose factors which influence the energy demand by the method of path analysis, build radial basis function (RBF) neural network model to predict energy demand in China. The RBF neural network is trained with the actual data of the main factors affecting energy demand during 1989-2003 and energy demand during 1993-2007 as learning sample with a good fitting effect. After testing network with the actual data of the main factors affecting energy demand during 2004-2007 and energy demand during 2008-2011, higher prediction accuracy can be obtained. By comparison with the BP network, RBF network prediction model outperforms BP network prediction model, finally RBF network is applied to make prediction of energy consumption for the year 2013-2015.


Introduction. Hormonal and metabolic changes implicit in menopause, are set towards body weight increase and android redistribution of fat, produce peripheral insulin resistance, blood pressure elevation an dyslipidemia; all of them known today as main components of metabolic syndrome (MS); a strong predictor of cardiovascular diseases and eventually early death. Estrogenic therapy has shown beneficial effects over some of the components of MS previously mentioned, potentially contributing to reduce the mobility and mortality secondary to ischemic heart disease. Objective. To determine the prevalence of MS in postmenopausal women in order to compare different hormonal therapies available. Material and methods. and methods. and methods. and methods. and methods. Design has a transversal, retrospective, observational, descriptive, conducted since January 1st to April 30th 2011 in Women's Hospital, Ministry of Health. Results. The incidence of MS was 72.2% (n = 182). There was no statistical significance in the reduction of MS in the oral therapy (p = 0.08 estrogen, estrogen + progestin p = 0.12) transdermal treatment showed a lower incidence of MS (p ≤ 0.05 for estrogen and estrogen-progestin). ConcluConclu- ConcluConclusions. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in this patient group is high. This prevalence appears to be reduced with the use of hormone replacement therapy (Especially in transdermal administration), but cannot be conclusive in this regard.


The rheological properties, including yield stress, steady shear viscosity and dynamic viscoelasticity, of airwa), secretions from dogs and cats were measured by a Carri-Med cmntrolled stress rheometcr. Data show no statistically significant difference in the apparent yield stress (ranging from 2 to 7 dynes/cm2) among secretions From different locations in the airway. However, oral and, especially, tracheal secretions are more viscous than nasal or pharyngeal secretions. Dynamic measurements show that, under small strains (e.g. <lo%), all of the secrexions are true gels (i.e. loss tangent or tan6<1). Tracheal secretions have much higher critical strains (where tan&= 1) than oral, nasal or pharyngeal secretions, in spite of their similar tanb under small strains.


The indispensable prerequisite to effective work is that the matter in hand shall be recognized and attacked as a problem. One thinks seriously and works energetically only when an obstacle or a difficulty appears, raising a problem. The most ordinary experiences of life illustrate clearly the foregoing fundamental truth. A few months ago a good friend of mine who had been operating his new automobile for about two months took me for a drive of several miles in the country and exhibited great delight in showing the smoothness with which his new machine operated. We parked the car for an hour's visit; it was operating so smoothly that it seemed impossible for it to get out of repair. When the time came to start home, it refused to budge. For the first time he realized that his fine new machine could present a problem. I inquired the difficulty. He hastened to respond that he hadn't the least idea. Various drivers of passing machines offered assistance until finally, after one had busied himself for several minutes and the starter was touched, the car was ready for action again. The combined wisdom of all who had attempted to treat the machine pointed to the conclusion that something was wrong with the electrical equipment. Just what was wrong no one knew; but my friend assured me that he would immediately proceed to familiarize himself with the electrical equipment and with the possible types of difficulty which might appear in its successful operation. The practiced cabinet-maker does nothing in the presence of all his materials, with all his fine skill, until a job appears to be turned out. Meeting the requirements of the job presents a definite, concrete problem upon which he goes to work with all his accumulated art, persisting until the task is completed. The


Andrzej Kmiecik

About Joseph M. Bochenski's Philosophy of Enterprise and the Causes of the Present Financial Crisis

Abstract

This article is connected with my research in the area of computer simulation of social behavior. My purpose is to propose new topics for philosophical research, and to attempt to depict the present world financial crisis through Bochenski's analysis of company. For example I propose a philosophy of management based on virtue ethics, business philosophy based on Kotarbinski's ethic, etc. The fundamental cause of the financial crisis in the USA and Europe is the greed of managers of banks.
The structure of this text is as follows: (1) Some methodological remarks; (2) What is the philosophy of enterprise and what is its place in philosophy?; (3) State of research; (4) Bochenski's stand; (5) A contribution to the ontology of company; (6) Financial crisis – the present context of the philosophy of enterprise.

Keywords: enterprise, ontology, financial crisis, Joseph M. Bochenski.


The digital age requires each individual to redevelop new skills and many literacy skills in order to function in modern society. Therefore, new concepts are emerging in education that explain what all the skills are necessary in order to adequately perform certain activities in the online environment. One of the modern concepts is multimodality, which is inevitably accompanied by modes, multimodal literacy, and digital, as well as broader literacy. Multimodality is a communication phenomenon that relies on the use of modes, i.e., semiotic resources, whose role is to create meaning. Namely, mods include images, charts, sounds, colours, audio, videos, maps and so on. Their function is to help digital texts convey a specific message in an online environment. In all this, the key role is played by multimodal literacy, which is the ability to successfully work with texts that include different modes, as well as digital literacy, which includes the ability to search, locate, select and analyse digital information. Having in mind that both literacies are interconnected and complementary, the aim of this paper is to draw attention to the mentioned concepts as well as to present their importance for the realization of multimodality in education.


The Molteno implant is a well recognised method of treating end-stage secondary glaucoma. Several variations of the technique have been described in the literature, but few reports of long-term studies have been published. This paper reports the results of a series of patients followed for two to six years. Indications for the procedure and results are put forward.


1976-1982 Professor in Planning at the Department of Operational Efficiency, Faculty of Forestry, Swedish University for Agricultural Sciences. The terms of reference for the professorship was "Allocation of resources in time and space in the forest sector." Task: To establish a new research group in the field of the professorship and to develop a package of new tools for various planning and analyses of the Swedish forest sector. A team of 7-8 scientists were involved in the research activities during this period.


AIM: To study the relationship between the apoptosis and expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and bax in placentas of serious pregnancy induced hypertension (SPIH). METHODS: Placental samples were obtained from 25 uncomplicated third trimester pregnancies and from 25 cases of SPIH. Light microscopy and electron microscopy were used to identify and quantify apoptosis. HSP70 and bax were detected by immunohistochemical staining. The expression of HSP70 protein was assessed by Western blot. RESULTS: Apoptosis has been demonstrated within human third trimester placental tissues. Medians and interquartile ranges of SPIH group were 0.36% (0.20%-0.46% )and those of the normal control were 0.15% (0.09%-0.21%). The incidence of apoptosis was higher in placentas of SPIH (P0.05). The positive rates of HSP70 were 100% in SPIH group and 93% in control, but the intensity of staining was significantly different between these two groups (P0.01). In comparison to those in the normal control, the expression of HSP70 increased in placentas of SPIH group. The positive rates of bax were 84% in SPIH group and 43% in control, respectively ( P 0.01). CONCLUSION: Increased placental apoptosis in SPIH and the up regulation of expression of bax are simultaneous. The expression of HSP70 does not increase resistance to placental apoptosis in SPIH and it may play a role in the pathophysiologic mechanism of PIH.


Improving the stabilized dispersion of nanocontaining ceramic particles is the key technique in preparing nanocontaining ceramic coating. In this paper, the mechanism and effects of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a dispersant on nanocontaining ceramic aqueous suspension are examined by the measurements of ξ potential and the sedimentation test. The results show that a high negative ξpoteneial above 45 mV is retained with 0.1% CMC when pH=9~10. But in order to retain the appropriate viscosity of the coating, addition of 0.1% CMC to the coating give stable dispersed and excellent performance nanocontaining ceramic coating when pH=7~8.


Despite growing implementation of teacher-facing analytics in higher education, relatively little is known about the detailed processes through which instructors make sense of analytics in their teaching practices beyond their initial encounters with tools. This study unpacked the sensemaking process of thirteen instructors with analytic experience, using interviews that included walkthroughs of their analytics use. Qualitative inductive analysis was used to identify themes related to (1) the questions they asked of the analytics, (2) the techniques they used to interpret them, and (3) the challenges they encountered. Findings indicated that instructors went beyond a general curiosity to develop three types of questions of the analytics (goal-oriented, problem-oriented, and instruction modification questions). Instructors also used specific techniques to read and explain data by (a) developing expectations about the answers the analytics would provide, and (b) making comparisons to reveal student diversity, identify effects of instructional revision and diagnose issues. The study found instructors faced an initial learning curve when seeking and making use of relevant information, but also continued to revisit these challenges when they were not able to develop a routine of analytics use. These findings both contribute to a conceptual understanding of instructor analytic sensemaking and have practical implications for its systematic support.


Component-based programming is the trend in the software industry. Software components are reusable software units in executable form that can be plugged into other components from other vendors with relatively little effort. The components present a set of functionality through interfaces. This report will discuss the Microsoft-based programming technologies such as DLL, COM/DCOM, OLE Automation and ActiveX Controls. The motivation for establishing each of these techniques, the fundamental architecture, and the implementation examples for creating software objects using these techniques will be discussed


Through the investigation on the current situation and the development of Tan-sheep industry in Yanchi County and the market conditions in the surrounding provinces and cities,the article summarizes and analyzes the main problems and reasons of the Tan-sheep industry,such as the sheep farms running with low efficiency,the scale effect not strong,breeding and conservation lagging behind,weak protection of brand. Then some proposals and suggestions for further making the Tan-sheep industry stronger and bigger were advanced.


A high-performance parallel coherent LiDAR based on phase-coded subcarrier modulation with record-high imaging rate and high ranging precision is demonstrated, which also breaks through the high-hardware requirements in the previous parallel coherent LiDARs.


In this present study computer Science theses submitted to the top five contributing universities in Shodhaganga electronic thesis repository during the period 2014-15 have been taken for conducting citation study. The 4,490 citations are analyzed to ascertain the authorship patterns along with calculation of collaboration coefficient, type of literature, ranking of journals books, time span, and geography. This study reveals that journals are most preferred source of information used by researchers in the field of computer science. Journal of IEEE occupies in the first rank as the most preferred journal having been cited 332 times. This kind of studies will be helpful in recognizing researcher"s information needs and can serve as feedback to the librarians in the selection and acquisition of most useful journals.


The frost tolerance of 12 peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) varieties was determined in artificial freezing tests, while the developmental rate was examined through microscopic study of microsporogenesis. The frost tolerance of flower buds continuously increased from autumn till December, then started to decrease. There was a high correlation between the rate of microsporogenesis and the change of cold hardiness of the flower buds during winter. The slower the rate of microsporogenesis the better the cold hardiness of a variety. 'Piroska', a native Hungarian variety had slow microsporogenesis and the best frost tolerance. Of the foreign varieties, the frost tolerance of 'Champion' was the best. In addition 'Early Redhaven', 'Harko', 'Redhaven' and 'Babygold 6' possessed a suitable level of frost tolerance. The floral bud developmental rate was quick for the varieties 'Fairlane', 'Red June' and 'Michelini', which was paralleled by quick decrease of their frost tolerance in the second half of winter. 'Venus', 'Springcrest' and 'Mayfire' are not recommended for Hungary, due to their poor frost tolerance.


In cities served by high-speed rail (HSR), local actors expect there to be an expansion in the tourism sector. Indeed, HSR can be perceived as an opportunity for renewed attractiveness, particularly in the field of tourism. However, the literature on this subject is highly controversial. A few cities have experienced growth in visitor numbers; however, a decrease in the average duration of tourist stays sometimes occurs. A number of elements may affect the link between HSR and tourism; this article focuses on the forms of cooperation that exist between actors, which seem to be one of the key elements of this reported dynamism. After all, a tourist destination incorporates numerous products and services realized by various stakeholders in a given place. The production of this destination requires coordination between these stakeholders. The arrival of an HSR service can incite them to work together, so as to take full advantage of the best possible accessibility for their area.


Flow cytometry is a technique of single cell analysis, based on the scattering of light and emlsslon of fluorescence by laser. Flow cytometry offers an rapid, objective and quantitative measured results for analysis and sorting of cells in suspension condition. The fundamental concept of flow cytometry is simple : cells interact indiviually with a laser beam as they pass by single file in suspension. The interaction with the laser is measured as laser scatter, commonly measured at " forward" and " 90 0 angles" to the incident light source. Other parameters measured include fluorescence emission(FL, and FLz). In a flow sorter, single cell can be passed in charged droplets based on a compos ite of these parameters, and physically separated from the larger cell populations. Anal ysis and sorting of other particular material is also possible. The microscope has been the primary tool of pathologists and medical researchers since its invention in the early 1600s. The major disadvantages of light microscopy are its subjective, mechanical nature and based on the training and experince of the observer and is limited to the inherent resolution of the human eye. In addition, light microscopy is laborious and not suitable for the rapid examination of large numbers of cells. Flow cytometry is examined at the single-cell level and quantitative measurements of physical or biological properties of the cells are accurately made. Furthermore, multiparameters of the cells can be simultaneously measured and cell populations can be separated(sorting function) on the bases of one or several parameters. Modern flow cytometry resulted from the application of knowledge and techniques which were developed independently in the fields of laser technology, monoclonal antibody production, immunohistochemical staining, fluorochrome chemistry, optical system, fluidic system, electronic system and computer science. The identification and classifica tion of cells by the presence of. surface antigen began with the revolution in immunology brought about by the discovery of T and B lymphocytes and has now expanded to


Objective:To investigate impact of low-protein diets on predialysis clinical status in chronic renal failure patients.Methods:We designed a 11~20 months compositive therapy that using low-protein diets (0.6 g·kg -1 ·d -1 ) as central therapy until dialysis in 11 patients with chronic renal failure,23 predialysis chronic renal failure patients who had not received dietary interventions as controls.We measured the compliance with the suggested protein intake by urinary urea, investigated changes of the nutritional indices after therapy in T group patients,and compared the predialysis clinal status of patients between T group and C group.Results:(1)Actual mean protein intake was(0.64±0.10) g·kg -1 ·d -1 in T group patients;(2)There were no obvious changes on nutritional indices after the therapy in T group patients;(3)Compared to controls ,the nutritional status was better and nausea,edema,bleeding tendency were little at predialysis time in T group patients .Conclusion:The compositive therapy that using low-protein diets as central therapy did not worsen the nutritional status,and ameliorated predialysis clinical status in chronic renal failure patients.


It was found that carbon with an extremely steady characteristic can be obtained by baking the furan resin, one sort of thermoset high polymer in the condition of 3-4°C/h up to 200°C and 7-8°C/ h above 200°C respectively in N2 gas and He gas atmosphere. Relatively few researches have been done so far of the high molecule carbon as a bulk material such as the one we did. The application as an industrial material can be expected by further elucidation of physical properties. We are trying its material as one or two of applications, the one is useful for long life impact printing types as the high-speed computer-printer. In this report, we will report on the relationship between the baking temperature and the surface hardness as well as the baking temperature and superior wear resistance as part of study for the improvement and completion of the material. The surface hardness of carbonized furan resin is reinforced in proportion to the baking temperature from 500°C to 1250°C, and indicated the maximum at 1250°C. Its hardness indicated 429 at HV, and 449 at HK. Wear resistance is increased between 500°C-1250°C.


We present experimental and theoretical results for the measurement of RGD of molecular gas absorption lines, which have the potential to be stable and well-characterized standards. We show the experimental apparatus we constructed for measuring group delay. We used an extended-cavity diode laser having a 80 nm tuning range centered at 1560 nm, with a single mode linewidth of 5 MHz in a one-second time interval.


This article posits that the Ottoman international system was built on three pillars: power projection, interconnectedness, and autonomy of frontier polities. While its military power projection dwarfed its great power rivals, cultural and organizational capacities of the Ottoman Empire extended its influence to areas out of its military reach. Occupying a central position in trade, pilgrimage, and diplomacy during the early modern period, the Ottoman Empire fostered connections throughout the wider Afro-Eurasian world. The flexible and almost independent status of the peripheral polities not only increased the survival capacity of the empire but also played a central role in the functioning of the Ottoman international system. Rather than presenting either a material or ideational perspective, the present study adopts a via-media approach, integrating both perspectives to elucidate the Ottoman international system, which persisted for nearly three centuries from the early 16th century to the late 18th century. Analyzing such a broad historical phenomenon, this article aims to enrich and contribute to the increasingly popularized historical and non-Western IR subfields. Additionally, it holds potential to deepen our comprehension of heterogeneous international systems and their modus operandi. Le système international ottoman : Projection de puissance, interconnexion et autonomie des territoires frontaliers


A small and sleepy former market town in the southwest corner of .ZlJScotland, Wigtown proudly claims today to be home to 900 peo ple, a malt whiskey distillery, nineteen bookshops, and a quarter of a million books. For the past ten years it has been Scotland's National Book Town, hosting an annual festival that has proved so successful in regenerating the area that Wigtownshire recently polled as one of the most "authentic" tourist destinations in the world.1 Yet the importance of the book to Wigtown's recent recovery evokes a greater degree of historical authenticity than has so far been recognized. The surviving records of a library founded there by subscription in the 1790s provide a tantalizing snapshot of book use that is virtually unparalleled amongst


Huang Zong-xi is a great thinker. His thought is contained in his poems, biographies, landmark table, epitaph knotted with other political, economic, philosophical, ethical, educational relevant areas of the exposition. His poetic vision broadens their thinking, in the multi-faced, multi-angle criticism in the practice of the "history of death and then poetry' in "epic" proposition. The arguments are in three dimensions triggering and deepening the traditional "epic" concept. Hard and twisted life experiences make Huang Zong-xi regard poems as a meaningful form of existence. He uses poetry as a starting point for thinking and social record of a summary of the contradictions of the times. His epic thinking indicates the spirit of the times and rich cultural connotations-a critical spirit. In order to explore Huang Zong-xiś thought connotation and cultural character in his "epic", it is necessary to put his epic conception into the process of the change of Chinese classic poetry of the whole history and combine his cultural context of his life as the aesthetic contrast, so as to see its traditional heritage and the poetics of transferring the significance of innovation.


Designing energy-efficient networks is of critical importance for improving the applicability of deep learning to mobile and edge settings. In this work, we introduce a splitting steepest descent algorithm for fast energy-aware neural architecture optimization. Our main idea is to frame the architecture optimization into a continuous splitting process, which gradually grows the network by splitting existing neurons into multiple off-springs. Empirical results show that our method can train highly accurate and energy-efficient networks on challenging benchmarks such as ImageNet.


This article analyzes and compares the politics of European policy-making within the British Labour Party, the Parti Socialiste (PS) and the Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands (SPD) between 1997 and 2012. We know that party leaders have assumed much autonomy in the making of European policy, but, as with policy-making in any area, their autonomy is constrained and sometimes even questioned by other parts of the party. In order to establish how they are constrained, and what factors increase the level of constraint, this study explores the roles played by four party actors in the making of European policy: conferences, national executive committees, Members of Parliament and Members of the European Parliament. This article, which is based on over 35 interviews with EU experts from the three parties, confirms that European policy was generally made by the party leadership. Other party actors, however, were able to influence the leadership on a small number of occasions. The extent of their influence depended upon the polity, party, policy and politics.


We present an approximation simulation study on the dynamics of a comb polymer chain, such as –(–A–BR–)–x, with and without excluded volume, where R is the side chain. The dynamics of comb polymer chains are studied by investigating the dynamics of the equifinal linear polymer chains, –(–A–B′–)–x, with the probability of movement of B′ bead p. It is found that relaxation times of the first three normal modes obey the relation Tk(P)—(N – 1)1.96/k1.97p0.70 in the absence of excluded volume, and Tk(P)—TklPβκ(β1=0.5, β2=0.75, β3=0.72) in the presence of excluded volume, where N=2x and Tkl is the relaxation time of the first three normal modes Tk of linear polymer chains (k=1, 2, and 3).


Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) is a signalling lipid that regulates many cellular processes in mammals. One well‐studied role of S1P signalling is to modulate T‐cell trafficking, which has a major impact on adaptive immunity. Compounds that target S1P signalling pathways are of interest for immune system modulation. Recent studies suggest that S1P signalling regulates many more cell types and processes than previously appreciated. This review will summarise current understanding of S1P signalling, focusing on recent novel findings in the roles of S1P receptors in innate immunity.


The rheological behavior of polymers in the neighborhood of the glass transition has been investigated in the framework of the free volume theory of nonlinear viscoelastic behavior. Free volume theory as normally applied above the glass transition was modified to account for the effect of the residual volume of vacancies below the glass transition; this modification was accomplished by modelling the changes in the state of the polymer as the sum of viscoelastic changes and a random disturbance deriving from the thermal collisions between molecules. The changes in mechanical properties going across the glass transition follow from the freezing-in of relaxation mechanisms and of free volume. The pressure dependence of the glass transition was found to be in qualitative agreement with measurements on PVAc, while the ratio of the glassy and rubbery heat capacities was found to coincide with the ratio of the equilibrium bulk compliances in the glassy and rubbery domains. The predictions of the model for the problem of transient and residual thermal stresses were compared with those of two simpler models.

The second part of the thesis studies the consequences of the nonlinear viscoelastic behavior on the decohesion zone in front of a crack propagating through an adhesive layer. The softening of the material response in the cohesive zone is taken to be effected by free volume induced change in relaxation times of the cohesive material and by void growth; the latter is assumed to depend on a critical value of strain at the beginning of the cohesive zone. The stress intensity factor for steady crack propagation is obtained by imposing the finiteness of strains at the crack tip. For the case where the properties of the adherends are the same as the linearized properties of the adhesive, the predictions show three regimes of crack propagation: a low speed regime where the adherends behave elastically with the rubbery properties, an intermediate range where their response becomes increasingly stiffer, and a high speed regime characterized by glassy behavior of the adherends and control of the crack growth process exclusively by the nonlinearly viscoelastic behavior of the failing material.


Abstract The Architectural Legacy of English Dissent, ed. C.F. Stell, Nonconformist Chapels and Meeting Houses in Eastern England, English Heritage, 2002, 380pp, £65


Confronted by families clamoring for more convenient access to care, rising office overhead and increasing productivity demands, it's no wonder that pediatricians use telephone encounters to manage certain clinical problems with established patients.

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Dr. Brown

It takes


This paper presents a cutting-edge 65nm gate dielectrics technology featuring EOT at 1.06 nm (CET = 1.79nm), nFET Jg at 8.5 A/cm/sup 2/, as well as 10/spl mu/m/spl times/10/spl mu/m n/pMOSFET Vt of 0.078/0.148V. A novel room temperature plasma SiON is developed with a unique capability to achieve higher top-to-bottom nitrogen concentration ratio than conventional plasma SiON. In addition, nitrogen peak is moved toward top surface. Furthermore, EOT-Jg characteristics are improved by applying this novel plasma process to the post poly-etch re-oxidation step without increasing Vt. The proposed scheme demonstrates a superior interface state density with excellent resistance to boron penetration without mobility and NBTI degradation showing very promising features for gate oxynitride scaling toward 65nm and beyond high performance CMOS applications.


This paper describes the study of the design procedure for the step-by-step setup parameters and of the magnetizing method for performance and size reduction in the development of a haptic vibrator. The study of magnetization was accomplished by comparing the electromagnetic force in accordance with the horizontal and the vertical magnetization. The theoretical results indicated that the horizontal magnetization resulted in a better performance. The systematic design of a step-by-step procedure for establishing the design parameters was verified by testing the characteristics of the fabricated prototype product. The vibration response function analysis and electric field analysis were processed by decoupling of the analytical method, and these were determined to be in good agreement with the test results. The design parameters to contributing to the product reliability included the spring height, the welding position, and the coil position. The sensitivity of the electromagnetic field and the performance change were analyzed based on the design parameters. As a result, we proposed a design method to implement a reliability-based, high performance haptic vibrator.


Abstract We report a highly efficient and recyclable heterogeneous zinc catalytic system via covalent immobilization of 2-hydroxyacetophenone (2-HAP) onto an amine functionalized silica gel followed by metallation with zinc chloride and its catalytic application in three component click synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles. The structure of the synthesized organic–inorganic hybrid material (SiO2@APTES@2HAP-Zn) has been confirmed by various physicochemical characterization techniques, such as solid-state 13C CPMAS NMR spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (ED-XRF), and elemental analysis. The newly designed catalyst works under mild reaction conditions and also exhibits excellent performance in terms of good product yield and high turnover number (TON). One of the most important attributes of the present methodology is that the catalyst can be recycled several times without appreciable loss in its activity as proved by FTIR spectroscopy and SEM analysis. Besides, the heterogeneity test also confirms that no leaching of active catalytic species occurs from the silica supported zinc catalyst which confirms its remarkable structural stability under the reaction conditions.


Objective To investigate the levels of P-selection,IL-6,D-dimer,and the relationship between and the disease severity in patients with acute pancreatitis(AP),and to suggest the disease severity and therapeutic choice.Methods Plasma concentrations of P-selection,IL-6 and D-dimer were evaluated by ELISA methods in 34 patients with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP) and 22 patients with mild acute pancreatitis(MAP),and were also compared in acute pancreatitis 36 patients with SIRS and 20 patients with non-SIRS.results were analyzed by One-Way ANOVA,Pearson correlations and ROC curve.Results There was significant difference in P-selection,IL-6,D-dimer levels between SAP and MAP.As compared with the non-SIRS group,the plasma concentrations of IL-6 and D-dimer were much higher in SIRS(P0.01),The increased P-selection level was related to D-dimer in AP(γ=0.463,P0.001),IL-6 level was correlated to D-dimer(γ=0.276,P=0.013),D-dimer had larger area under the ROC curve in diagnosing SAP.Conclusion P-selection,IL-6 and D-dimer increased significantly in SAP compared with MAP.Increased significantly D-dimer tended better to distinguish SAP from AP.


A rational development of industrial territories and regions implies the improvement of their cooperation in economic sector of the country, perfecting the territorial structure of husbandry, rational exploration of natural resources, usage of promising technologies, mobilization of investment etc. Along with this, the improvement of the existing and formation of a new industrial manufacture structure should be implemented with consideration of key market aspects, connected with competitiveness and innovations. Thus, an important condition of industrial structure development is the formation of innovative landscape representing the entirety of innovative territorial subjects that use innovative technologies, management tools for creation the product. In narrow sense, innovative landscape can be understood as an integrative entirety of parameters including socio-economic conditions, state administrative body, innovative economic subjects, existence of innovative infrastructure and cluster interactions etc. A methodic approach to comparative estimation of industrial regions innovative landscape parameters considered in the article lets identify its state and structural characteristics with the purpose of making more reasonable decisions on productive forces location and o n the increase of innovativeness level of industrial territories and regions.


The recent developments of neutral point ground modes of medium-voltage power network and variety of national related standards are presented. The enterprises should absorb useful things from the contents presented. Ground with low resistance is gradually used in the city's power network, but there are few design standards for reference. Selection of ground current, comparison of isolation level and consideration of protective device in the resistance ground system are presented.


569The individual in international law — Nationality — Option — Provision for declaration of option — Failure to make declaration within time-limit — Bar to declaration — Release from bar where failure due to circumstances beyond control of applicant — Nationality Law 1968, Article 20(3) — The law of Luxembourg


Greetings again, flight docs. Welcome to the Fall 15 edition that will attempt to answer that question. Your officers have been working hard to transition the organization leadership and establish our "battle rhythm" for the coming year. Hopefully you'll see some results in this edition and like what you see. As you'll recall, I challenged each of you to 1) advance Aerospace Medicine (AsM), 2) recruit and retain more flight surgeons and AsM specialists, and 3) foster continuing professional development and leadership. I also said that #3 was the big one, so to speak.


Multi-layer materials, at least two metallized layers on at least one textile prepared comprising, by (A) pattern or uniformly applied to at least two textile surfaces a formulation which comprises as component at least one metal powder (a), (B) depositing a further metal on the textile surface, Combined (C) having one or several layers of fabric which can be metallized and also which may also be metallized.


The continuous process of production of molded metallurgical coke from poorly-caking and gas coal types, developed in the USSR, involves thermal treatment of the molded coal in vertical continuous coking ovens. The process of heat transfer is complicated by the movement of the coked material and the requirement of a certain heating rate to the final temperature for strong molded coke. Equations are developed for the calculation of the capacity for molded coke from one running meter of vertical continuous oven with external heating, depending on the oven width and the velocity of the coking material. 8 references, 1 table.


Observation of a very high-quality factor (Q) of ∼30,000 is reported for a planar semiconductor microcavity grown by molecular-beam epitaxy using in situ optical monitoring. The very high Qs are measured in pillars of 5–10μm diameter, and are approximately a factor of 3 higher than measured in planar structures before etching. The higher values in the pillars are ascribed to the elimination of the effects of in-plane dispersion, diffraction, and lateral inhomogeneities, thus allowing the intrinsic Q of the planar structure to be observed. Spectrally resolved mode mapping is reported, accounting qualitatively for the decrease of Q with increasing mode number in the pillars.


When a wellknown name of a very common species is suddenly changed for nomenclatural reasons we always feel disagreeable and regret that no possibility exists for conservation of specific names. An actual case is Cladonia sylvatica (L.) Hoffm., in 1961 changed by T. Ahti to C. arbuscula (Wallr.) Rabenh. In Taxon vol. 14 (pp. 228231) J. W. Thomson claims that the rejection of the epithet sylvatica was based upon a misunderstanding of the descriptive method of Linnaeus. However, a critical study of the Species Plantarum and other publications by Linnaeus leaves no doubt that Ahti was correct in his interpretation of the case in question. The problem was raised in 1953 when, in a new commented edition of Linnaeus's Iter Dalecarlicum J. A. Nannfeldt pointed out (p. 232): "In spite of the fact that Linnaeus is always cited as the author of all three species mentioned [Cladonia rangiferina, C. silvatica and C. alpestris] he was obviously totally unfamiliar with the existence of two distinctly different types of the 'common reindeer lichen', which are easily and surely recognized already by their colours (pure-grey to greyish-white in C. rangiferina, and yellowish-greenish-white in C. silvatica" (translated from Swedish). In his Flora Lapponica (1737 p. 335) Linnaeus stated the occurrence of two different types of reindeer lichen, one species and its variety: "Lichen noster in Botanicorum scriptis delineatus quodammodo convenit cum eo, qui in campis arenosis & siccioribus crescit, sed datur & varietas quaedam major, quam a nullo depictam observavi, nisi a solo Wormio in suo musaeo ...". The division into two parts of the whole species of reindeer lichen is clearly shown in Flora Suecica (ed. 1, 1745 p. 358; italics by R.S.): "Habitat ubique in sylvis praesertim in montosis sterilibus.


A novel method for high-repetition-rate optical parametric oscillator (OPO) at the wavelength of 1.73 μm was demonstrated with potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) as the nonlinear crystal. The OPO based on KTP was pumped by a 1.064 μm pulsed laser beam from a two-stage diode-end-pumped electro-optically Q-switched Nd:YAG and Nd:YVO4 oscillator-amplifier system. For a Q-switched operation, in the LD pulse pumping regime, the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) was changed from 1 to 3 kHz. At PRFs as high as 2 kHz, the maximum average output power of 2.3 W was obtained at the signal wavelength of 1.725 μm. With a line width of 0.08 nm, the pluses delivered a near-diffraction-limited beam with M2 values of 1.37 and 1.41 in the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively. In this case, a pulse energy of 1.1 mJ and pulse width of 9.6 ns were recorded, and the corresponding optical-to-optical conversion efficiency and slope efficiency were 22.8% and 61.1%, respectively. This work provides an excellent candidate laser source for bond-selective imaging of deep tissue, and also provides a reliable theoretical as well as experimental basis for the industrialization of new solid-state laser.


Radiation leaving the solid surface provides an important reference for detection in both military and civilian areas. In this paper, total radiation leaving a solid plate is calculated with different emissivities considering the environment radiation. The results prove that a lower emissivity of the surface material has a stronger reflection of irradiance from the Sun, and therefore may enhance the total radiation leaving the plate. This is different from most cases where a lower emissivity always leads to a smaller radiation effects. The emissivity of material coated to the solid surface should be properly chosen according to the detailed surrounding environment as well as the radiative properties of the solid parts in order to achieve a minimum radiation effects.


Purpose. Analysis of distortions in the de-ramped linear frequency modulated continuous wave (LFM-CW) signal reflected from an extended target (ET), which model is presented by a set of point scatterers. Definition of parameters affecting distortions in the de-ramped signal spectrum, and development of ET radar profile restoration methods. Methodology. Numeric computations method based on the equation describing the de-ramped LFM-CW signal of an ET. The de-ramped signal properties analysis by means of numeric computation with varying values of properties of the probing signal and the ET. Findings. Parameters of the transmitted signal and the ET model that affect the distortions have been determined: starting frequency, frequency change rate, the ET relative height, the distance between the reflectors, the limits of phase noise values. The spectrum distortion index has been introduced. Value. ET radar profile restoration methods that can be used for signal processing have been developed.


Suppression of random noise can significantly improve the quality of seismic imaging. In this study we used a method, which reduces multichannel random noise and time of computations while protecting seismic structures. The method is based on multichannel singular spectrum analysis (MSSA). Usually attenuating multichannel random noise via rank reduction comes up with large block Hankel matrices and a large amount of computations. We applied a randomized singular value decomposition (RSVD) method (Oropeza and Sacchi, 2010) to estimate rank reduced matrices. We evaluated the performance of the method on synthetic and real seismic data.


The main purpose of this study is to explore the leadership style, distributed leaderships in particular, used by principals of high schools in Taiwan. Questionnaires were given to principals and teachers from 70 public senior high and vocational school in Taiwan to investigate the relationship between the distributed leadership of the principals and teacher morale. Results revealed that principals and teachers held different perspectives on the extent of distributed leadership. The two types of schools also perceived the extent of implementing the two elements of distributed leadership differently. Teachers of different positions manifested different teacher morale. There were significant differences in teacher morale between different school types. A positive correlation was observed between the extent of principals implementing distributed leadership and teacher morale. The results have deeply educational implication for school leaders and managers. Keywords—Distributed leadership, teacher morale


the applications of LED lightin industrial and mining enterprises has gotten rapid development in recent years, the article reveals a new LED mining lamp, which can well solve the traditional metal halide lamp industrial and mining lamp depreciation, short life, poor reliability, weight, energy-saving, environmental and other shortcomings, the design can well solve heat dissipation, cost, and contradiction between the performance, to better adaptation lighting in the industrial and mining enterprises, can bring obvious economic benefit for the customer.


Abstract We investigated the wide viewing angle and the fast response time characteristics for negative dielectric anisotropy nematic liquid crystal (NLC) using a vertical-alignment (VA) mode on a rubbed polyimide (PI) surface. Good voltage-transmittance (V-T) curves using a VA − 1/4 π cell and a VA-π cell without a negative compensation film were measured. The iso-viewing angle characteristics using a VA − 1/4 π cell and a VA-π cell without a negative compensation film can be achieved. The fast response time of 24.2 ms for NLC was successfully observed. Consequently, the iso-viewing angle, fast response time, and low driving voltage characteristics using a VA − 1/4 π cell and a VA-π cell on a rubbed PI surface can be achieved.


The article reviews the exhibition "Strategic Vandalism: The Legacy of Asger Jorn's Modification Paintings," curated by Axel Heil and Roberto Ohrt, at the Petzel gallery in New York City.


Fishes are blessed with specialized cells known as melanophore, which holds hundreds of melanin filled pigment granules, termed as melanosomes. Melanophores transport their pigments in reaction to extracellular cause, neurotransmitters either towards or away from the cell centre in fishes. The scrutiny on the captivating aspect regarding animal behaviour that deal with physiological colour changes, physiological responses, nature of chromatic fibers and occurrence of receptors on the dominant melanophores in fishes in response to various drugs has been taken up to review different mechanisms relating to this aspect in different species of fishes.


Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α is one of the major proinflammatory cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In addition, TNFα has been revealed to develop bone destruction through activating osteoclasts. Therefore, suppression of the biological activity of TNFα may not only lead to improvement of clinical manifestations of RA but also to prevent joint destruction and deformity and these anti-TNF agents are considered to be the best therapeutic regimen for the management of RA patients failing to adequately respond to traditional anti-rheumatic drugs (1). In Japan there are two anti-TNF agents available for the treatment of RA. Infliximab, a chimeric mouse/human monoclonal antibody against human TNF was approved in July 2003, and the other biologic agent etanercept which is a fusion protein composed of two recombinant human TNF receptor p75 molecules and the Fc domain of human IgG1, was introduced in March 2005. Both agents are already used worldwide, and more than 10,000 Japanese RA patients have received one of the two therapies. On the other hand, TNFα plays a pivotal role in cellular immunity, especially granuloma formation in infectious diseases caused by intracellular microorganisms such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (2, 3), Listeria monocytogenes (4), and Pneumocystis jiroveci (formerly Pneumocystis carinii) (5). Thus the use of TNF blocking agents may be associated with the increased risk of these opportunistic infections (6). In June, 2006 issue of the journal, Imaizumi et al report two cases of opportunistic infection, extrapulmonary tuberculosis and Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP), which developed during infliximab therapy for RA (7). In terms of tuberculosis in RA patients receiving TNFblockade therapy, the incidence is reported to be several times higher than that of the general population, and the ratio of extrapulmonary diseases such as miliary tuberculosis is very high (2). It is thought to be a reactivation of latent infection because most cases of tuberculosis occur within 3 months after the initiation of infliximab (2). As the authors mentioned, the post-marketing surveillance (PMS) has been done for 4,000 RA patients treated with infliximab in Japan. Eleven cases with tuberculosis were seen among the first 2,000 patients, but only two developed tuberculosis among the last 2,000 patients, most of them might have intensive screening tests for tuberculosis before starting infliximab. These PMS data revealed that infliximab therapy increased the risk of tuberculosis (325 per 100,000) to 13-fold that of the general population in Japan (about 25 per 100,000). In addition, 6 of 13 (46%) had extrapulmonary tuberculosis, which supported the previous oversea reports (2, 3). The PMS data also showed that all 13 patients who suffered tuberculosis had not received isoniazid (INH) as a prophylaxis, and no patients who had taken INH developed tuberculosis. The prophylactic use of INH is effective for preventing tuberculosis and is recommended for high-risk patients (8). Since some of the high-risk patients can give a negative tuberculin skin test because of immunosuppressive treatment for RA, rheumatologists must notice early signs and symptoms of tuberculosis including extrapulmonary diseases and subsequently must take an aggressive diagnostic approach such as PCR, transbronchial biopsy. In addition, new diagnositic methods such as anti-tuberculosis glycolipid (TBGL) antibody (9) and interferon-gamma release assay may also be helpful (10). Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) is another important opportunistic infection (5). The PMS data for infliximab in Japan indicated a high incidence of PCP (15 out of 4,000 RA cases), and the median interval from the introduction of infliximab to the onset of PCP is 74 days and all of the reported PCP episodes occurred within 22 weeks after infliximab was started. These findings suggested that PCP development might be due to the reactivation of latent infection rather than to the environmental exposure, although it is said that person-to-person transmission is more likely in HIVinfected patients (11). For early and accurate diagnosis of PCP, PCR from in-