There are several trends that warrant an international cooperative approach to energy security. The first is that economic growth and population gains will lead to energy demand doubling over the next 30 years, mostly in developing countries. Second, fossil fuels on current trends will continue to provide the vast majority of energy, but these resources are distributed unevenly around the world. This has contributed to a growth in global trade of energy and is the source of perceived energy insecurity. The perception has led to confusion between energy security and energy independence. These are two different issues. Energy security, as defined by the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Agenda Council on Energy Security (on which I serve as a council member), is the reliable, stable and sustainable supply of energy at affordable prices and at an acceptable social cost. This definition recognises that environmental and other issues are inexorably linked with those of energy. Energy security, therefore, can only be achieved efficiently through global cooperation and not isolation. The aim, therefore, should be to constitute a much more effective international system for promoting energy security which allays anxieties about the reliability of energy supplies and is rooted in the mutual interdependence of producing and consuming nations. All nations – producers and consumers, rich and poor – must be engaged while pivotal nations should be called upon to play a leadership role.


E-learning is a lifeline for the educational process, which contributed to the sustainability of working educational organizations and prevented them from stopping, so the study came to measure the compatibility between E-learning quality dimensions (information technology, educational curricula, teaching methods, and intellectual capital of educational institution) as an independent variable, and educational services quality dimensions represented by (safety, tangibility, reliability and Confidence) as a dependent variable. The sample was 150 teachers was drawn from the College of Administration and Economics community of 293 teachers through the use of several statistical methods to measure the degree of correlation and impact between the variables. The study found a relationship and an impact between the dependent and independent variables, as well as the pandemic's contribution to digital literacy among teachers and learners and the elimination of language illiteracy because most of the digitized software for scientific content is not supported in the Arabic language. © 2021. RIGEO. All Rights Reserved.


Abstract It has been generally recognized that BigData analytics presently have most significant impact on computer inference in life sciences, such as genome wide association studies (GWAS) in basic research and personalized medicine, and its importance will further increase in near future. In this work non-parametric separation of responsive yeast genes from experimental data obtained in chemostat cultivation under dilution rate and nutrient limitations with basic biogenic elements (C,N,S,P), and the specific leucine and uracil auxothropic limitations. Elastic net models are applied for the detection of the key responsive genes for each of the specific limitations. Bootstrap and perturbation methods are used to determine the most important responsive genes and corresponding quantiles applied to the complete data set for all of the nutritional and growth rate limitations. The model predicts that response of gene YOR348C, involved in proline metabolism, as the key signature of stress. Based on literature data, the obtained result are confirmed experimentally by the biochemistry of plants under physical and chemical stress, also by functional genomics of bakers yeast, and also its important function in human tumorogenesis is observed.


BACKGROUND
Clostridium difficile infection has been associated with negative outcomes in the general population and in pregnant patients. Fecal microbiota transplant has become the standard for treatment of recurrent as well as refractory C difficile infection.

CASE
We present a case of a 28-year-old pregnant woman who presented with recurrent C difficile infection despite treatment with vancomycin and fidaxomicin and underwent a successful fecal microbiota transplant through colonoscopy at 18 weeks of gestation. She no longer required antibiotics for the remainder of her pregnancy to treat C difficile and had a term vaginal delivery at 39 weeks of gestation.

CONCLUSION
Our pregnant patient tolerated and responded to a fecal microbiota transplant for treatment of recurrent C difficile infection. Future large-scale studies are needed to determine the efficacy, safety, and long-term effects of manipulating the microbiome in pregnant patients and the neonates.


In this research work, silica nanoparticles and silica-gentamicin nanostructured solution were synthesized by using the microwave-assisted synthesis, in basic medium, using two silane precursors (tetraethylorthosilicate and octyltriethoxysilane) and the antibiotic (gentamicin sulfate). The prepared materials were characterized through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, TGA analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to investigate the morphology and structure. Antimicrobial studies of the silica-gentamicin nanostructured solution versus silica nanoparticles were performed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. FTIR spectra showed that the gentamicin has been loaded to the silica nanoparticles. AFM analysis showed that the morphology of the silica-gentamicin nanostructured solution has changed, and agglomerations of particles are present at the surface. Antimicrobial testing, performed using the diffusion method through spot inoculation, indicates that the silica-gentamicin nanostructured solution exhibited activity against the resistant strain. The obtained silica-gentamicin solution can be used as biochemical agent for the prevention and treatment of microorganisms which are deposited on different surfaces (e.g., glass, plastic, ceramic).


Following a review of experimental methods used for the production of necrosis or inactivation of the myocardium, a new method employing low temperatures is described. Lesions, with complete necrosis of muscle cells, can be controlled as to size and can be selectively placed to involve any of the four cardiac chambers and the interventricular septum. This facilitates attempts to study chronic myocardial insufficiency in terms of quantity and location of damaged muscle. Also, it has been possible to produce disturbances in conduction by production of small interventricular septal lesions. Refined electrocardiographic analysis of the magnitude and location of ventricular lesions has not been possible.


This study aimed to analyze the predictive value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to better clarify which patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) would benefit most from apatinib after multiline treatment for drug resistance. This observational cohort study involved patients with advanced NSCLC who were treated with apatinib between May 2016 to May 2018. The participants in this study had previously been treated with at least two treatment regimens. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional risk models were used to evaluate the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of the pretreatment NLR. A total of 125 patients were reviewed. The median age was 64 years (range, 33–92); and 32.8% of the patients were female. Only 0.8% of the patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS) score ≥ 2. In multivariate analysis, pretreatment NLR ≥ 5 had an independent correlation with inferior OS (median 2.07 vs 3.40 months; HR 1.493, 95% CI 1.022–2.182; P = .038) and inferior PFS (median 1.83 vs 2.76 months; HR 1.478, 95% CI 1.015–2.153; P = .042). Elevated pretreatment NLR is associated with shorter OS and PFS in patients with advanced NSCLC treated with apatinib after multiline treatment for drug resistance.


Co-production of water and sanitation services, especially in the global South, implies that recipients of a service play a fundamental role in managing water resources. In the context of citizen–government synergies, service recipients are more than consumers, and (co)-production alters their involvement in the service production process, with respect to their relationships with both the natural resources and the delivery process. Our hypothesis is that a meaningful understanding of co-production for water and sanitation services is only possible through an interdisciplinary approach that takes into account natural and social dimensions. The objective is to develop a possible new conceptualization of service co-production that can foster a renewed citizenship while taking into account the risks of urban fragmentation.


The use of plant bioactives to replace antibiotics are now widely investigated. Turmeric or Curcuma longa (CL) and curcuma xanthorrhiza (CX), are commonly used by human and known to have active ingredients as antimicrobial. Therefore a research was conducted to evaluate the possibility of using these plant bioactives to replace antibiotic in poultry feed. The bioactives concentration of the CL and CX powder were measured prior to the feeding trial and then supplemented into standard diets of broiler chikens. The levels tested in this trial were based on the active ingredients that could inhibit growth of bacteria and fungi, i.e., low, medium and high levels of the CL and CX, respectively. The combination of low level of CL + high level of CX and low level CL +  medium level of CX were also tested. A diet without feed additives and with antibiotics were used as controls. Each diet was fed from day old to 35 days old, replicated 6 times and each replication consist of 15 birds. Results showed that neither the antibiotic tested nor the turmeric (CL), xanthorrhiza (CX) nor the mixture of CL and CX gave significant (P>0.05) improvement on performances (body weight, FCR and mortatlity), nutrient digestibility of feed and carcass yield of broilers. Key Words :  Broilers, Curcuma Longa, Curcuma Canthorrizhol, Bioactive


Abstract, Thematic learning is learning that uses themes. One theme for several subjects. In this 2013 curriculum integrated thematic learning is designed. It means theme-based learning with several subjects in it. Student books and teacher books are currently one social studies subject with PPKn at the Primary School level. Learning that applies the 2013 curriculum teachers are required to be more active and creative. Teachers who only apply one strategy and one method are not enough. Especially thematic which intersects with PPKn, IPS, and Indonesian Language material, sometimes still traditional, such as lectures, memorization, and assignments, summarizes and only works on problems. With this, children are not invited to interact in two directions, let alone find their own concepts (inquiry). This kind of learning will affect the motivation and student learning outcomes. From the data on the initial learning outcomes of VIA grade students at SDIT Al-Uswah Tuban, the students' completeness score was only 61% and the class average was 74.65 even though the class was declared to have been completed if it received 85%. The existence of such problems, the authors find a drug or formulation in the form of a strategy, this strategy is SPBAS or learning strategies that are activity oriented students using group discussion methods. Research on the application of SPBAS with group discussion methods in improving student learning outcomes at Theme 8 (My Earth) class 6A SDIT Al Uswah Tuban is focused on two issues. First "Does the application of SPBAS with group discussion methods help to improve student learning outcomes in theme 8 (my earth) sub-theme 1 (difference in time and influence) of the VIA SDIT Al Uswah Tuban class? and second "Is the application of SPBAS with group discussion methods able to increase motivation and learning activities of VIA SDIT Al Uswah Tuban class students?" This study aims to determine the success of SPBAS implementation on theme 8 (my earth) sub-theme 1-time difference and influence and to know motivation and student activities in thematic learning theme 8 sub-theme 1. This research is classroom action research with interview instruments, observations, tests, and questionnaires. Interviews were carried out before the study was conducted. Observations were made to find out the validation of the interview results. Tests are given to students with two cycles, namely when completing learning cycle I and cycle II. While the questionnaire was given at the end of learning on theme 8 of sub-theme 1 with the application of SPBAS with group discussion methods. The result, the average grade of students in cycle 1 was 74.65 and the completeness of the class 61% while in the second cycle indigo the class average was 85.83 and the completeness of the class was 87% and students were sufficiently motivated to be active in the learning process. The authors concluded that the application of SPBAS with group discussion methods greatly helped improve student learning outcomes in learning theme 8 (my earth) sub-theme 1 (time difference and influence). As with the Chinese proverb "I hear then I forget, I see then I know, I do then I understand". The author suggests classroom teachers to apply SPBAS with group discussion methods in each classroom learning.
Keywords: SPBAS with Group Discussion Method and Student Learning Outcomes


Social media platforms have become an integral part of journalistic work. These tools allow journalists to pursue stronger, more intimate connections with their audiences, to cultivate their own professional identities or "brands," and to advocate for improved working conditions within their organizations. Yet, social media platforms have also created new risks and challenges for journalists, most notably in the form of dark participation, which refers to negative, selfish or even deeply sinister forms of online audience engagement. Although scholars have devoted considerable effort to exploring how this harassment unfolds and how it impacts journalists who face it, there is less research investigating the implications of this harassment for the future of journalism and its relationship with the public. To address this, this research uses interviews with a diverse group of 37 US journalists to propose larger structural changes to newsroom leadership and social media policy creation. The interview data suggest that newsroom leadership must become more diverse so that newsroom policy is assembled by a group of people that is representative of its staff—as well as the public at large. The authors conclude by observing that "dark participation" is not unique to journalism alone, and by discussing the implications of our findings for communication stakeholders invested in overcoming the current, global climate of populism that frequently results in hate, harassment, and hostility within social media.


The authors report two cases of pseudotumor cerebri in patients taking lithium for treatment of bipolar disorder. Pseudotumor cerebri is a poorly understood syndrome characterized by chronic headaches, bilateral papilledema, and increased intracranial pressure without localized neurologic signs or symptoms, intracranial mass, or hydrocephalus. Ventriculography, computed tomography, and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging reveal normal or small ventricles. Multiple etiologies may include Vitamin A toxicity, obesity, head trauma, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, prolonged steroid therapy or its withdrawal, Addison's disease, Cushing's disease, pituitary insufficiency, and lithium therapy. Patients treated with lithium whose antidiuretic hormone-cyclic adenosine monophosphate mechanism is disturbed are most likely to develop pseudotumor cerebri via disregulation of sodium balance, thyroid-stimulating hormone production, and glucose metabolism. The authors recommend careful medical monitoring to avoid iatrogenic effects of lithium, including pseudotumor cerebri.


The U.S. dairy industry, many segments of which supported dairy policy changes in the 1996 Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act, is much different than it was 20 or even 10 years ago. This report provides a historical overview of the industry, more detailed examinations of the fluid milk market and selected manufactured dairy product markets, a discussion of future prospects and trends in the industry, and some thoughts on the implications of those prospects and trends for dairy farmers and their organizations, processors, dairy product manufacturers, and retailers.


Economic thought still confronts with new problems
arising together with the advancement of civilization. Economic matters are driving
forces of human interactions so economics is expected to reveal why people, companies,
banks, and governments behave in particular modes. B. Khumalo [1] is the author
of a recent article in which he proposes a definition of economics that is adjusted
to present times. Our article continues these considerations, since both terms:
capital and resources have essentially changed their meaning. Though economics is
still the study of a production and a distribution of goods, we recognize that labor
of people and assets, which lead to the increase of concentration of capital in
products is a driving force of economic activities as well. Essential explanations
of a core triad: capital, labor and money accompany the proposed definition of economics.


The use of timber volume elements (TVEs) in residential multi-storey buildings is increasing in popularity. Manufacturing methods and building processes have been streamlined to improve product quality. However, further streamlining still remains concerning the efficiency of current calculation methods, as many developers still use simple hand calculations. The objective with this dissertation was to create a three-dimensional numerical calculation model of a TVE building system from a well-known TVE developer. The dissertation aimed mainly at providing further knowledge about lateral stabilisation for TVE systems, since this is one of the current challenges for the developer. The focus was on how connections within and between TVEs affect the overall stability of the structural system, and what advantages could be gained from using a three-dimensional numerical model compared to analytical methods. Numerical models of TVEs were developed using the finite element method. Firstly, individual TVE models were assembled and stiffnesses gained from regarding three-dimensional effects were compared to those obtained from analytical methods. Secondly, the TVE models were assembled into the tallest and most slender configuration possible in regards to lateral stability. Assumptions made in previously performed analytical calculations were tested, as well as further three-dimensional effects from regarding the complete structural system. The analysis of the individual TVEs resulted in a 30~\% stiffness increase compared to analytical methods, mainly from load-sharing between parallel shear walls through the roof. The assembled model of the building system resulted in transverse walls having a significant impact on load-sharing, as rotations and out-of-plane displacements in shear walls increased with increasing building height. Depending on wind load direction and model configuration, 17-40~\% of lateral loads were shared with the transverse walls. Overall, the numerical model provided sufficiently accurate depictions of connection force distributions. Thus, further experimental calibrations are required to take full advantage of the three-dimensional structural behaviour. (Less)


(1) Background: Millions of people worldwide were infected with COVID-19. After the acute phase of the disease, many suffer from prolonged symptoms, the post-COVID syndrome, especially the phenotype with lung residuals. Many open questions regarding lung ultrasound (LUS) have to be answered. One essential question is the means for optimal following-up of patients with post-COVID-19 residuals with LUS; (2) Methods: A retrospective data analysis of patients after acute COVID-19 infection diagnosed with post-COVID syndrome in the state hospital of Steyr and the rehabilitation center of Hochegg was performed. LUS examinations following a 12-zone scanning protocol were performed, and the LUS score quantified comet tail artifacts. A total of 16 patients were evaluated twice with LUS from May 2020 until June 2021. (3) Results: All patients' reverberation artifacts were reduced over time. The initial LUS score of 17.75 (SD 4.84) points was decreased over the duration of the second rehabilitation to 8,2 (SD 5.94). The difference in the Wilcoxon test was significant (p < 0.001); (4) Conclusions: Lung ultrasound was a valuable tool in the follow-up of post-COVID-syndrome with lung residuals in the first wave of COVID-19. A reduction in reverberation artifacts was demonstrated. Further studies about the clinical significance have to follow.


Money managers have little control over the values of their individual holdings, but they have considerable control over the risk exposure of their portfolios. This article introduces new tools for the risk management of mortgage portfolios. We extend the traditional duration analysis to two dimensions, interest rates and mortgage prepayments, and develop independent hedging rules for the interest rate risk and the prepayment risk. In particular, we define the PSA duration as a formal measure of the mortgage prepayment risk and as a mortgage market counterpart of the traditional bond duration, commonly used in fixed-income practice for managing the interest rate exposure. The exposition is accompanied by a number of market applications to risk hedging and fixed-income portfolio design.


The introduction of several new cellular and connectivity radio standards has attracted the wireless industry to the concept of softwaredefined radio systems, preferably implemented in advanced nanometer CMOS technology. Several novel circuits and architectures have been investigated to cope with the huge design challenges involved, an overview of which will be given in this article. First, two digitally inspired receiver approaches are presented in detail. Discrete-time radio receivers exploit the paradigm that time is better controllable than voltage in modern CMOS, and are implemented using transistors mainly as switches. RF ADCs digitize the signal as close as possible to the antenna, but still require highspeed analog circuits to achieve the required performance. The second part of the article presents a "traditional" direct-conversion architecture, including also a transmitter, where several new circuits and architectures are used to exploit as much as possible the capabilities of a modern digital CMOS technology.


Abstract There are about 190 wild potato (Solanum L. section Petota Dumort.) species distributed from the southwestern United States to central Argentina and adjacent Chile and Uruguay. The morphological similarity of many of its constituent species has led to widely conflicting taxonomic treatments. Solanum series Piurana Hawkes is one of 21 series recognized in section Petota in the latest comprehensive taxonomic treatment by Hawkes in 1990. They are distributed from southern Colombia, south through Ecuador to central Peru. The limits of the series and validity of its constituent species are unresolved. We provide the first comprehensive morphological phenetic study of the series, to include putatively related species in ser. Conicibaccata, Cuneoalata, Ingifolia, Megistacroloba, Simplicissima, Tuberosa, and Yungasensa, through an examination 188 living germplasm accessions of 33 species, planted in replicated plots in a field station in Andean Peru. Only four morphologically well-defined groups were supported. Continuing work is exploring molecular support for these species in these eight series.


Manuscript type: Research paper Research aims: This research is based on an experiment which is conducted to examine the effects of financial information and corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure on investment decision. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research employs the laboratory experiment design which involves 45 graduate students as subjects. The independent variable, financial information, is manipulated by favourable and unfavourable financial information while the CSR disclosure is manipulated by prevention focus and promotion focus. The dependent variable, investment decision, is manipulated by using the 10-point Likert scale. Subjects are randomly assigned to one of four treatments (favourable or unfavourable financial information and promotion focus or prevention focus of CSR disclosure). Research findings: The results show that CSR disclosure affects investment decision. The results also show that subjects decide on greater investments when the CSR disclosure is with a prevention focus. Theoretical contribution/Originality: By investigating the effect of financial information and CSR disclosure on investment decision, this research has effectively used the CSR disclosure strategy to determine investment decision. This research contributes to extant literature by highlighting that CSR disclosure based on regulatory focus can be more effective for investment decision, especially when it has a prevention focus. This persuades investors to make their investment decision. Practitioner/Policy implication: The findings of the current research show that investors make greater investments in financial information and CSR disclosure with a prevention focus. The findings of this research will encourage firms to disclose their CSR activities by taking into consideration the situational aspects, based on the prevention focus that emphasises on avoiding social and environmental negative effects. Research limitation/Implications: This research only examines the situational focus of regulation on investment decision. Future research can examine the effect of chronic regulatory focus on investors.
Keywords: Financial Information, Corporate Social Responsibility, Regulatory Focus Theory, Experimental Design, Investment Decision JEL Classification: M41


We investigate a planar ion chip design with a two-dimensional array of linear ion traps for the scalable quantum information processor. The segmented electrodes reside in a single plane on a substrate and a grounded metal plate, a combination of appropriate rf and DC potentials are applied to them for stable ion confinement, and the trap axes are located above the surface at a distance controlled by the electrodes' lateral extent and the substrate's height as discussed. The potential distributions are calculated using static electric field qualitatively. This architecture is conceptually simple and many current microfabrication techniques are feasible for the basic structure. It may provide a promising route for scalable quantum computers.


In this paper, we consider the problem of the numerical computation of Greeks for a multidimensional barrier and lookback style options: the payoff function depends in a rather general way on the minima and maxima of the coordinates of the d-dimensional underlying asset process. Using Malliavin calculus techniques, we derive additional weights that enable computation of the Greeks using Monte Carlo simulations. Numerical experiments confirm the efficiency of the method. This work is a multidimensional extension of previous results (see Gobet and Kohatsu-Higa 2001).


The manual creation of gold standards for named entity recognition and entity linking is time- and resource-intensive. Moreover, recent works show that such gold standards contain a large proportion of mistakes in addition to being difficult to maintain. We hence present Bengal, a novel automatic generation of such gold standards as a complement to manually created benchmarks. The main advantage of our benchmarks is that they can be readily generated at any time. They are also cost-effective while being guaranteed to be free of annotation errors. We compare the performance of 11 tools on benchmarks in English generated by Bengal and on 16 benchmarks created manually. We show that our approach can be ported easily across languages by presenting results achieved by 4 tools on both Brazilian Portuguese and Spanish. Overall, our results suggest that our automatic benchmark generation approach can create varied benchmarks that have characteristics similar to those of existing benchmarks. Our approach is open-source. Our experimental results are available at http://faturl.com/bengalexpinlg and the code at https://github.com/dice-group/BENGAL.


The current study explores the construct validity of the standard Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for Aboriginal children living in urban communities in New South Wales, Australia. Parent report SDQ data from the first 717 Aboriginal children aged 4–17 years who participated in the baseline survey of the Study of Environment on Aboriginal Resilience and Child Health were analysed. The overall construct validity of the SDQ in our sample was acceptable but not "good." The internal consistency reliability was excellent overall and good for all subscales with the exception of peer problems, a concept that may have a different significance for urban Aboriginal parents. Removing the peer relationships subscale, however, did not improve the fit of the model. The convergent validity of the SDQ was good. The prosocial behaviours scale and both the peer and conduct problems scales were highly correlated suggesting Aboriginal parents conceptualise these differently and that prosocial behaviours may be considered a key indicator of well‐being for Aboriginal children. Overall, the SDQ is a promising tool for urban Aboriginal children in New South Wales. Those working with Aboriginal young people should focus on the SDQ total difficulties score and limit their reliance on the peer relationships subscale.


In the world of big data, cloud computing in trading and rapid development in computing hardware and software; cloud computing and high frequency trading (HFT) unconditionally turn to be tightly related as the way market is changing rapidly. We find the practicability of event trading strategy of HFT in the Finnish stock market based on auto regressive empirical test and comparative ratios insinuating the impression on positive recovers of event trading. A specialised version of cloud trading system is then architected after discovering and exploring the feasibility of HFT in event-based trading in the Finnish stock market so that afresh get going HFT firms who are speculating what tact to exercise with what holding period and not capable to get micro second favours of news feed earlier than their adversaries; can practice this discipline and the proposed cloud trading architect for alpha generation.


OBJECTIVE
We investigated the correlations between abnormal fetal heart rate (FHR) during the second stage of labor and delivery types and intrapartum maternal complications and fetal outcome.

METHODS
The data of 232 nulliparas with single vertex in the second stage of labor (111 cases with normal FHR, 121 cases with abnormal FHR) were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS
The incidence of abnormal FHR in the second stage of labor was 52.2% (121/232). The patterns of abnormal FHR included: 81 (66.9%) cases with moderate and/or severe variable deceleration (VD), 27 (22.3%) cases with scattered late deceleration (LD), only one with continuous LD, 4 (3.3%) cases prolonged deceleration (PD), 2 (1.7%) cases with VD and LD, 3 (2.5%) cases with VD and PD, 4 (3.3%) cases with diminished baseline variability. There were 13 (11.7%) among the cases with normal FHR and 35 (28.9%) among the cases with abnormal FHR underwent assistant delivery operations (forceps or/and vaccum), respectively (P < 0.05). Furthermore 29 of 35 (82.9%) cases underwent assistant operations for vagina delivery due to abnormal FHR, the others underwent assistant operations for vagina delivery due to weak expulsive force or malpositioning of fetal head. There was one case of complicated vaginal laceration in the group with abnormal FHR. There was no difference of newborns with low Apgar score between two groups.

CONCLUSIONS
There was a very high incidence of abnormal FHR during the second stage of labor, however, the most cases were response to parasympathetic stimulation due to umbilical cord or fetal head compression by mothers over push and descent of fetal head, or temporal diminishing of uterine placenta blood flow. It suggests that it is unnecessary to interfere immediately, unless truly fetal distress.


How do financial markets price new information? This paper analyzes price setting at the intersection of private and public information, by testing whether and how the reaction of financial markets to public signals depends on the relative importance of private information in agents' information sets at a given point in time. It studies the reaction of UK short-term interest rates to the Bank of England's inflation report and to macroeconomic announcements. Due to the quarterly frequency at which the Bank of England releases one of its main publications, it can become stale over time. In the course of this process, financial market participants need to rely more on private information. The paper develops a stylized model which predicts that, the more time has elapsed since the latest release of an inflation report, market volatility should increase, the price response to macroeconomic announcements should be more pronounced, and macroeconomic announcements should play a more important role in aligning agents' information set, thus leading to a stronger volatility reduction. The empirical evidence is fully supportive of these hypotheses.


The present study extended research on relationships between individual differences and individual-level adaptation (J. A. LePine. J. A. Colquitt, & A. Erez, 2000). This study focused on team-level relationships (N = 73 teams) and demonstrated that after an unforeseen change in the task context, performance was superior for teams with members who had higher cognitive ability, achievement, and openness and who had lower dependability. These relationships were mediated by a measure of role structure adaptation (i.e., the effectiveness with which teams adapted their role structure when faced with an unforeseen change in their task context). Members' individual differences did not explain variance in team performance prior to the unforeseen change in the task context. Overall, results suggest differential relationships for team composition across routine and changing task contexts.


We carried out translocations of three rare plants that inhabit mineral islands in the marshy Biebrza Valley in order to create alternative populations and facilitate connectivity between existing subpopulations. The species chosen were Iris aphylla and two orchids: Cypripedium calceolus and Cephalanthera rubra. Thirty soil monoliths with vegetative orchid plants or parts of I. aphylla rhizomes were dug out and transplanted to three different sites on new mineral islands (half in 2012 and half in 2013). Prior to translocation, we measured soil moisture and pH and took phytosociological characteristics in 68 potential recipient sites for orchids and 15 for I. aphylla. Then, we monitored the number of shoots for 4 years and retrospectively conducted principal component analysis (PCA) in order to compare the similarity of donor sites and chosen recipient sites. Three years after transplantation we found new C. calceolus populations in good condition, I. aphylla populations in moderate, while C. rubra transplants emerged only in the first and second season. All newly established populations of C. calceolus and I. aphylla survived. In the case of the first species, fruiting was observed in two populations, while a marked increase in shoot number was observed in one population. The most successful C. calceolus translocation site was also the most similar to the donor sites according to PCA.


For a long history of comprehensive study of the shelf of the Eastern Arctic seas and assessment of its resource base, significant volumes of research have been carried out. The geological and geophysical operations are aimed primarily at studying the geological structure of the shelf, assessing the prospects of its oil and gas potential, identifying priority large oil and gas exploration sites, assessing resources and geological risks, and determining the strategy and tactics for further geological exploration in the region. The main purpose of this work was to restore the sedimentation conditions of the Mesozoic-Cenozoic deposits in the northern part of the East Siberian and Chukchi Seas on the basis of sequence stratigraphic analysis, as well as the specification of the structure of the selected and new promising objects.


Abstract The purpose of this corpus-based study is to explore how academic writers from different cultural backgrounds employ authorial self-mention words in their research articles (RA). The data set of the present study comprises roughly 300 research articles, which were selected through criterion sampling method, from the field of Applied Linguistics. Randomly selected 100 articles were examined through document analysis technique in order to unearth how writers from different cultural backgrounds use authorial self-mention words to achieve a variety of rhetorical purposes. The data were analyzed using Hyland"s (2002) text analysis model. The findings reveal that the RA is not a modest, self-effacing genre, devoid of writer presence; rather it is a site where writers strategically employ authorial self-mention words and project themselves in their works. The study ends with suggestions for non-native novice writers, underscoring the need to raise (non-native) novice writers" awareness of the strategic use of authorial selfmention words in academic writing.


Botanical illustration - coloured - Lampranthus explanatus (L.Bolus ) N.E.Br. Dissected drawing of flower included plus attached capsule. Drawn from a collection which flowered at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, 1917. Comment made by M.M. Page that it was plentiful on sand dunes at Somerset Strand (1912-1922). Capsule scanned B.H. 15946 was from N.S. Pillans' garden, June 1919. Lampranthus bicolor (L.) H.Jacobsen.


Attempted surgical removal of advanced stage peritoneal cancers is mostly insufficient and often fails in areas affected by disseminated disease. But the successful elimination of peritoneal surface spread is known to have a significant impact on patient survival. However, standard therapies such as surgical cytoreduction and systemic chemotherapy combined with radiation have only shown limited-efficacy, accessibility, and nonspecific toxicity as well as frequent development of multidrug resistance (MDR). To overcome those limitations, we previously reported about the development of a mucoadhesive, chitosan-hybrid gel (CS(BCDDP)) embedded with cisplatin (CDDP) containing alginate beads for intraperitoneal administration (# 1948, AACR 2012). Here we report additional results illustrating CDDP release from CS(BCDDP) at different pH in vitro, CDDP accumulation to genomic DNA (gDNA) isolated from tissues as well as toxicity data in vivo. To determine the amount of CDDP released from CS (BCDDP) in vitro, B50μgCDDP, CDDP-chitosan (CS50μgCDDP) and CS (B50μgCDDP) pellets (8 mm o, 1.5 mm thickness) were prepared and placed into a 6 well plate containing 2 ml/well PBS (pH 6, 7, 7.4 and 8). Multiple samples were collected during the 24 h incubation (37°C, 100rpm) period. The majority (75%) of CDDP was successfully released from CS(BCDDP) within the first 2 h at pH 7.4 showing the rate of drug release to be inversely correlated with pH yielding a more rapid release under acidic pH conditions. To assess CDDP accumulation to gDNA, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was performed with tissue samples obtained from the left peritoneal sidewall of female nu/nu mice 24 hours after treatment with CS50μgCDDP, CS(B50μgCDDP), intravenously (i.v.) CDDP(IV50μgCDDP) and intraperitoneal (i.p) CDDP (IP50μgCDDP), respectively. The results demonstrated a greater than three-time enhancement of CDDP-accumulation to the gDNA from CS(B50μgCDDP) when compared to CS50μgCDDP and IV50μgCDDP administration. In addition, CS(B50μgCDDP) showed similar levels of CDDP adduction compared to direct IP50μgCDDP administration. Moreover, assessment of CDDP accumulation in kidneys and blood 24 h following treatment with either IP50μgCDDP or CS(B50μgCDDP), demonstrated significantly decreased kidney toxicity from CS(B50μgCDDP) when compared to IP50μgCDDP. Our results, therefore strongly suggest that administration of this hybrid gel directly to mucosal surfaces such as the peritoneal cavity is feasible making it an advantageous, safe and non-toxic intraperitoneal drug delivery system for the treatment of disseminated peritoneal cancers such as advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer. Currently ongoing experiments are evaluating the efficacy and safety of our hybrid gel/CDDP in an orthotopic peritoneal cancer animal model. Citation Format: Sungpil Cho, Yongen Sun, Elke A. Jarboe, Andrew P. Soisson, Mark K. Dodson, David K. Gaffney, C.Mattew Peterson, Margit M. Janat-Amsbury. Tissue accumulation and toxicity of platinum released from a novel chitosan hybrid gel for intraperitoneal drug delivery. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5402. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5402


Bladder cancer holds the record for the highest lifetime cost on a per-patient basis. This is due to high recurrence rates, which necessitate invasive and costly long-term evaluation methods such as cystoscopy and imaging. Microfluidics is emerging as an important approach to contribute to initial diagnosis and follow-up, by enabling the precise manipulation of biological samples. Specifically, microdevices have been used for the isolation of cells or genetic material from blood samples, sparking significant interest as a versatile platform for non-invasive bladder cancer detection with voided urine. In this review, we revisit the methods of bladder cancer detection and describe various types of markers currently used for evaluation. We detail cutting-edge technologies and evaluate their merits in the detection, screening, and diagnosis of bladder cancer. Advantages of microscale devices over standard methods of detection, as well as their limitations, are provided. We conclude with a discussion of criteria for guiding microdevice development that could deepen our understanding of prognoses at the level of individual patients and the underlying biology of bladder cancer development. Collectively, the development and widespread application of improved microfluidic devices for bladder cancer could drive treatment breakthroughs and establish widespread, tangible outcomes on patients' long-term survival.


In January 1919, the Army of Soviet Latvia (ASL) emerged out of Red Army units fighting onfuture Latvian territory. Until its dissolution in early June 1919, units of the ASL participated ina war that covered areas claimed by both the Latvian and Lithuanian governments. The articleaims to reevaluate the campaign in northern Lithuania in the first half of 1919. Until today, thefighting on the left flank of the ASL has been seen as a secondary front, and therefore usuallyoverlooked. The article explores the plans of the ASL, the forces involved, and the actual warfare.Attention is also paid to events behind the front line, and the activities of the Soviet Latvianauthorities in Lithuania. Key words: Red Army, Army of Soviet Latvia, Latvian-Soviet war, Lithuanian-Soviet war.


The aim of this longitudinal cephalometric study was to investigate early characteristics of favorable and unfavorable growth. Two groups of untreated subjects with skeletal Class II pattern were formed on the basis of an ANB angle at least 2.5 degrees above the individual norm, according to Järvinen, at age 5. The subjects were followed longitudinally until age 12. The favorable growth group (n = 13) consisted of subjects who exhibited a decrease in the individualized ANB angle of at least 1.5 degrees during follow-up. The unfavorable growth group (n = 10) was characterized by an increase in the individualized ANB angle during the growth period from 5 to 12 years. Early characteristics of unfavorable growth included increased mandibular plane angle (measured to the sella-nasion line and the palatal plane, P <.05), increased lower gonial angle (P <.05), and a decreased ratio of posterior-to-anterior face height (P <.05) [corrected]. At the longitudinal follow-up at age 12, the 2 groups showed significant differences in SNB (P <.01) and individualized ANB (P <.01). The improved sagittal jaw relationship in the favorable growth group was the result of changed mandibular position. Morphogenetic posterior rotation seems to occur early in patients with skeletal Class II pattern and unfavorable growth and might be part of an adaptive mechanism compensating for insufficient mandibular growth.


UKM Roti ZB is a company engaged in the food sector. The problem that is being faced by the company is the assignment of product delivery to consumers, each employee is facilitated by the same means of transportation but has a different delivery time. The purpose of this study is to determine the efficiency of the resulting delivery time using the Hungarian method, as well as to provide settlement arrangements for employee placement in product delivery to consumers based on the Hungarian method. This study uses the Hungarian method and POM-QM for Windows software. Based on the research that has been done, the result is that the total time of product delivery before using the Hungarian method is 89 minutes, while if using the Hungarian method is 85 minutes. So that the time efficiency obtained when using the Hungarian method is 4 minutes. Then there are differences in product delivery assignments before using the Hungarian method, namely Doni to deliver products to Cibuaya, Rahmad to Cilaber, Wawan to Jayakerja, Aldi to Banyusari, and Irwan to Jatisari. Meanwhile, if you use the Hungarian method for Doni for Cilaber, Rahmad for Cibuaya, Wawan for Banyusari, Aldi for Jayakerja, and Irwan for Jatisari.


The evolution of concentration values in a turbulent flow is quantified by the probability density function (PDF) of concentration or more simply by the expected mass fraction function (EMF). It is convenient to use some lower-order moments to approximate the PDF or EMF. In this paper a particularly simple representation of these moments is explored. Concentration measurements using planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) are made over the cross-section of a fluorescent plume emanating from a point source in a gridturbulence flow in a water tunnel. It is observed that the distributed moments across the plume are determined from a 'local' concentration scale and the mean concentration profile. The moments of the EMF appear to be related to the center-line moments and the EMF to have a simple, self-similar form when scaled with the center-line mean concentration.


We have recently shown that the Semliki Forest virus (SFV) subgenome contains a translation enhancer region in the coding part of its RNA. The enhancer increases the translation of the viral structural genes approximately ten-fold and thereby plays a key role in virus assembly. In this study we conclusively show that this translation enhancer represents an adaptation to the


BACKGROUND Understanding the networks of trophic interactions into which generalist predators are embedded is key to assessing their ecological role of in trophic networks and the biological control services they provide. The advent of affordable DNA metabarcoding approaches greatly facilitates quantitative understanding of trophic networks and their response to environmental drivers. Here, we examine how key environmental gradients interact to shape predation by Lycosidae in highly dynamic vegetable growing systems in China. RESULTS For the sampled Lycosidae, crop identity, pesticide use, and seasons shape the abundance of preydetected in spider guts. For the taxonomic richness of prey, local- and landscape-scale factors gradients were more influential. Multivariate ordinations confirm that these crop-abundant spiders dynamically adjust their diet to reflect environmental constraints and seasonal availability to prey. CONCLUSION The plasticity in the diet composition is likely to account for the persistence of spiders in relatively ephemeral brassica crops. Our findings provide further insights into the optimization of habitat management for predator-based biological control practices.


Introduction: Cervical myelopathy due to anomalies of the posterior elements of the axis is rare, and limited cases have been reported. This study reports such a unique case of congenital anomaly of the laminae of the axis, which is treated by partial removal of the anomalous bony structure surgically, and provides a comprehensive review of the present literature on this pathological condition. Case Presentation: A 65-year-old man presented with a 3-year history of numbness in both arms with a sensory change in the right arm. Six months before admission, he noticed weakness in his right upper extremities and stiffness of the right lower extremity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a bilaterally compressed spinal cord with an anomalous bony structure at the C2-3 level. Computed tomography (CT) showed an invaginated abnormal bony structure at the C2-3 level and an abnormal lateral mass on the right side at the C2-3 level. The patient underwent posterior decompression surgery using the conventional open approach. One year after surgery, his myelopathy partially ameliorated, with his cervical radiograph showing no signs of the secondary instability and MRI showing sufficient decompression of the spinal cord. The age of onset, symptoms, and surgical treatment in our case was similar to those in the 14 previously reported cases; however, the morphology of the anomaly had variations. Conclusion: This is a report of a rare anomaly in the laminae of the axis. MRI and reconstructed CT scans were useful for the treatment of this case. Partial surgical removal was an appropriate treatment for this patient, resulting in a satisfactory outcome.


In RFID systems, some readers will suffer from RF interference, which can lead to reader collision. Consequently, an anti-collision algorithm based on distributed power control (DPC) scheme was proposed as a solution for the problem in this paper. The proposed algorithm dynamically adjusts power output of a RFID reader based on the signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) of RFID reader receiver, minimizes the reader collision ratio while maintaining a desired read range. The simulation results shown that the proposed algorithm reduces the collision ratio greatly while ensure overall coverage area of the RFID system.


In this paper, we revisit the research results of DAD, Daily Artificial Dispatcher, published in 2010 [S. Z. Stefanov, New Mathematics and Natural Computation 6 (2010) 275–283], and give it new interpretation bring out the best of its meaning, as well as some more quantitative novel formula. In metaphorical sense, DAD is the analogue to DNA and hence the Smart Grid is analogue to the Creature by invoking the postmodern theory [J.-F. Lyotard, Moralités Postmodernes (Éditions Galilée, 1993) (in French)]. Specifically, the DAD's binary expressions are generated by an innocent dialogue between DAD and Smart Grid in the form of world-strings. Namely, the living space-time of the DAD's binary symbols is generated via a discussion between DAD and Smart Grid. Metaphorically speaking, DAD's world is digitally described as a dramatic game and the Smart Grid as a creating cartoon loaded with an integral holographic complexity. Overall, the so called creatures capable of innocent discussions under near-zero temperature are generated by the epidemic growth of the Smart Grid cartoon. It is further concluded that the number of the Smart Grid creatures is inversely proportional to the half-time of the DAD's binary "DNA" life cycle. Each Smart Grid can be coded in one of eight colors pool, as an aging in one of the four ways and as being in one of three possible development phases, dynamically. Finally, we take the liberty of calling the DAD's world, a string prescribed as topology and landscape, to be "Aria".


We examine whether wireless ISPs should be able to legally limit the applications used on wireless devices. The analysis is based on wireless network architecture and communications law. We review how wired and wireless networks differ in traffic management, and conclude that wireless networks require stronger traffic management than wired networks at and below the network layer. We review communications law, and conclude that ISPs should be prohibited from giving themselves an unfair competitive edge. We examine three scenarios of how applications may be restricted, and find that none guarantees a level playing field between ISPs and application providers while allowing ISPs to reasonably manage network resources. We propose regulations that limit an ISP's ability to restrict applications by requiring an open interface between network and transport layers. We illustrate how ISPs may deploy QoS within such a regulatory framework, and how this proposed policy can achieve the goals.


Abstract This paper focuses on a comparision of recent algorithms such as the arithmetic optimization algorithm, the slime mold optimization algorithm, the marine predators algorithm, and the salp swarm algorithm. The slime mold algorithm (SMA) is a recent optimization algorithm. In order to strengthen its exploitation and exploration abilities, in this paper, a new hybrid slime mold algorithm-simulated annealing algorithm (HSMA-SA) has been applied to structural engineering design problems. As a result of the rules and practices that have become mandatory for fuel emissions by international organizations and governments, there is increasing interest in the design of vehicles with minimized fuel emissions. Many scientific studies have been conducted on the use of metaheuristic methods for the optimum design of vehicle components, especially for reducing vehicle weight. With the inspiration obtained from the above-mentioned methods, the HSMA-SA has been studied to solve the shape optimization of a design case to prove how the HSMA-SA can be used to solve shape optimization problems. The HSMA-SA provides better results as an arithmetic optimization algorithm than the slime mold optimization algorithm, the marine predators algorithm, and the salp swarm algorithm.


Frank Jackson and the author each take the other to hold a position in philosophy of mind that it is extremely difficult to sustain. This chapter tries to say something about how that can be. It seeks to demonstrate the sanity of Jackson's opponents and the fragility of his own position than to hold out for the truth of any particular doctrine. It wants to bring to the surface an assumption in ontology, which is seen as a crucial part of the grounding of Jackson's particular version of physicalism. Once it is appreciated that this assumption is contestable, Jackson's opponents may be seen in a different light from the one in which they appear in his writings. More generally, a connection will appear between the vast literature on physicalism as a topic in philosophy of mind and the equally vast literature on material constitution as a topic in metaphysics.


With ageing of the population in the world, patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) consequently increase. People suffering from this pathology show early modifications in their "activities of daily living". Those abilities modifications are part of the dementia diagnosis, but are often not reported by the patients or their families. Being able to capture these early signs of autonomy loss could be a way to diagnose earlier dementia and to prevent insecurity at home. We first developed a wearable camera (shoulder mounted) to capture people's activity at home in a non-invasive manner. We then developed a video-indexing methodology to help physicians explore their patients' home-recorded video. This video indexing system requires video and audio analyses to automatically identify and index activities of interest where insecurity or risks could be highlightened. Patients are recruited among the Bagatelle (Talence, France) Memory clinic department patients and are suffering from mild cognitive impairments or very mild AD. We met ten patients at home and we recorded one hour of daily activities for each. The data (video and questionnaires: Activities of Daily Living/Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) are now collected on an extended sample of people suffering from mild cognitive impairments and from very mild AD. We aimed at evaluating behavioral modifications and ability loss detection by comparing the subjects' self reported questionnaires and the video analyses. This project is a successful collaboration between various fields of research. Here, technology is developed to be helpful in everyday challenges that people suffering from dementia of the Alzheimer type are faced with. The automation of the video indexing could be a great step forward in video analysis if it could reduce the time needed to embrace the patient's lifestream, helping in early diagnosis of dementia and becoming a very useful tool to keep individuals safe at home. In fact, many goals could be reached with such video analyses: an early diagnosis of dementia of the Alzheimer type, avoiding danger in home living and evaluating the progression of the disease or the effects of the various therapies (drug-therapy and others).


Since the first studies by Shackel and cols. (1969), subjective tests based on the compilation of information by means of so-called 'comfort questionnaires' have been widely used in ergonomics. However, this method has seldom been used in the study of sports footwear. This method implies the use of three types of questionnaires to collect information about 'general comfort', 'pain in body areas' and 'subjective opinion' (errors in footwear design).
The present study used this method to analyze the comfort associated with the footwear used in tennis practice. The data were collected by means of personal interviews in which each item was scored according to a Likert type scale. The questionnaires were administered in different courts in 5 tennis clubs in the area of Valencia. A total of 146 questionnaires were filled out; therefore the maximum sampling error is 8% (tennis player population 4000).
A descriptive analysis was made of the variables under consideration. The associations of comfort and pain in body areas and design errors were evaluated by means of cross tabulation and chi square. A factor analysis was made of pain in body areas and footwear design errors in order to define independent factors (summary variables) which grouped those variables related between them and those independent of the others, by the analysis of the principal components, rotation by the varimax method, taking values above 1 and considering the component values above 0.5.
The results show that 9% of the players consider their footwear uncomfortable, 23% consider it acceptable and 68% regard it as comfortable. However, a great number of design errors were detected, as well as pain in body areas related to the use of footwear.
The factor analysis allowed us to establish 4 pain factors (attributable to wrong shock absorption, wrong pressure distribution and wrong footwear structural adaptation to the foot) and 6 design errors. A later correlation analysis established a relationship among these factors, of which we can point out the correlation (r=0.1866 and p=0.022) of a wrong plantar pressure distribution and a wrong arch support.

REFERENCES:
Shackel, B. Chidsey, K. D., Shipley, P. The Assessment of Chair Comfort. Ergonomics
12, 269-286.


BACKGROUND
There is limited information on amikacin pharmacokinetics (PK) and dose requirements in patients with mycobacterial infections.

OBJECTIVES
To conduct a population PK analysis of amikacin data from patients with mycobacterial infections and compare predicted concentrations from standard and modified dosage guidelines with recommended target ranges.

METHODS
A population PK model was developed using NONMEM. Cmax, Cmin, concentration 1 h post-infusion (C1h) and AUC0-24 using 15 mg/kg daily (once daily), the WHO table, 25 mg/kg three times weekly (TTW) and modified guidelines were compared using Monte Carlo simulations of 1000 patients.

RESULTS
Data were available from 124 patients (684 concentrations) aged 16-92 years. CL was 4.64 L/h per 100 mL/min CLCR; V was 0.344 L/kg. With once-daily regimens, Cmax was 35-45 mg/L in 30%-35% of patients and 35-50 mg/L in 46%-48%; C1h was 25-40 mg/L in 53%-59%. The WHO table produced high Cmax values in patients <60 kg and low in patients >75 kg. With TTW dosing, around 30% of Cmax values were 65-80 mg/L, 40% were 60-80 mg/L, and 48% of C1h were 45-65 mg/L. Increasing the dosage interval for patients with CLCR <50 mL/min reduced Cmin values >2 mg/L from 34% to 25% for once-daily dosing and from 18% to 13% for TTW. In patients whose Cmin was <2 mg/L, 82% of AUC0-24 values were 100-300 mg.h/L.

CONCLUSIONS
Standard amikacin dosing guidelines achieve low percentages of target concentrations for mycobacterial infections. Extending the dosing interval in renal impairment and widening target ranges would reduce the need for dose adjustment.


Objective: To evaluate the impact and effectiveness of 24-hour helpline service in providing information and educating patients about self-management of diabetes. Method: The study was conducted at Baqai Institute of Diabetology & Endocrinology (BIDE), a tertiary diabetes care center, Karachi, Pakistan. People with diabetes attending the outpatient department from November 2012 to October 2014 were included in this study. After providing diabetes education, a helpline number was provided for emergency situations. Calls of registered patients were received by diabetes educators stationed at the BIDE around the clock. Data was collected through specially designed interface of HMS (health management system) in which the current complaint of caller and the advice of educator was recorded. Result: A total of 4842 calls were received. Out of those, 4268 (88%) were made by Type-2 diabetics and 526 calls (10%) were made by Type-1 diabetics. The average age of patients was 47.6 years. Three seventy-four calls (7.7%) were received with complaint of Hypoglycemia (72-80mg/dl). Six hundred and ninety-eight calls (14.4%) were received with complaint of hyperglycemia (>200mg/dl). Insulin dose was adjusted on 935 calls (19.3%). Calls regarding other special situations such as (insulin handling, technique, medicine information) 2014 (41.6%) were received. Conclusion: Station based 24-hour telephonic helpline service is an effective tool for providing continuous support to people with diabetes and their families, for the self-management of diabetes. It can help in the management of various acute complication of diabetes, thereby preventing unnecessary hospital visits and admission.


The resolving power of the electron microscope as assessed by purely electron optical factors is of the order of 1 A. The resolution obtainable in practice is limited by adventitious instabilities, mechanical and electrical in nature. The detailed design of a high resolution microscope follows from an analysis of these disturbances; its construction must be carried out with the highest precision. Special attention is paid to the electron gun, to the specimen stage and to the mounting of the microscope. For the Cambridge project, 600 kV has been adopted on the grounds of cost- effectiveness. It employs a lanthanum boride cathode and high stability electronics. A pneumatic suspension system supports the microscope when in operation, to isolate it from ambient vibrations. From the electron optical parameters of the condenser-objective lens, together with the recorded levels of residual disturbances, an image reso¬lution of 2.0 A is predicted (at 600 kV), which should be improved to 1.5 A by image processing. Initial results from thin specimens of minerals, metal particles and metallic glasses demonstrate that this performance is already closely approached.


The aim of this article is to test the hypothesis that Halford Mackinder and Nicholas Spykman's geopolitical theories, which sustained the grand strategy of the United States with the implementation of 1946 Truman Doctrine, are still relevant today after their termination. The results indicate that the intellectual matrixes were found in documents of the grand strategy of the United States in two moments. First, in 1992, in the George Herbert Walker Bush's government's Defense Planning Guidance document, formulated by the Pentagon, in February 1992. Second, they were found replicated 10 years after in the first term of President George Walker Bush, inaugurated in 2001. In the latter, the theoretical formulations repercussions were depicted in the official documents Quadrennial Defense Review (2001) and the National Security Strategy (2002). The article concluded that the authors' ideas remain valid to explain and interpret the actions of the United States' grand strategy in the international scenario.


We have adapted our two laboratories at our department based on our research results, which were presented at the conference CADGME 2014 in Halle and published in the journal [1]. In this article we describe the hardware and software structure of the Laboratory 1: LabIT4KT-1 -Laboratory of Computer Modelling and the Laboratory 2: LabIT4KT-2 -Laboratory of Numerical Mathematics. We explain the functionality of these laboratories in teaching mathematics courses at our faculty with priority given to usage of freely available software. We describe why we have made some changes in the laboratories and how these changes assist in their operation. We focus mainly to teach the following mathematical subjects at these laboratories: Operational Analysis, Linear and Quadratic Programming, Numerical Mathematics, Applied Statistics, Queuing Theory, Software Computing Resources, Software tools for modeling processes, Applications of Differential Equations, Optimization Methods, and Fundamentals of the TeX, (LaTeX).


Rainwater is conventionally perceived as an alternative drinking water source, mostly needed to meet water demand under particular circumstances, including under semi-arid conditions and on small islands. More recently, rainwater has been identified as a potential source of clean drinking water in cases where groundwater sources contain high concentrations of toxic geogenic contaminants. Specifically, this approach motivated the introduction of the Kilimanjaro Concept (KC) to supply fluoride-free water to the population of the East African Rift Valley (EARV). Clean harvested rainwater can either be used directly as a source of drinking water or blended with polluted natural water to meet drinking water guidelines. Current efforts towards the implementation of the KC in the EARV are demonstrating that harvesting rainwater is a potential universal solution to cover ever-increasing water demands while limiting adverse environmental impacts such as groundwater depletion and flooding. Indeed, all surface and subsurface water resources are replenished by precipitation (dew, hail, rain, and snow), with rainfall being the main source and major component of the hydrological cycle. Thus, rainwater harvesting systems entailing carefully harvesting, storing, and transporting rainwater are suitable solutions for water supply as long as rain falls on earth. Besides its direct use, rainwater can be infiltrating into the subsurface when and where it falls, thereby increasing aquifer recharge while minimizing soil erosion and limiting floods. The present paper presents an extension of the original KC by incorporating Chinese experience to demonstrate the universal applicability of the KC for water management, including the provision of clean water for decentralized communities.


The increased promotion of foreign investment in the digital economy - especially in countries that are actively pushing digitalization in their economy, like in the European region - , has brought questions on cybersecurity of foreign investment to the attention of (international) legal scholars and policy-makers. However, a comprehensive study on cybersecurity of foreign investment has not yet been undertaken and also at the EU level the regulation still appears quite fragmented.

This paper investigates whether – and to what extent – it is possible to frame a governance system for cybersecurity of foreign investment in Europe, with a special focus on the European Union (EU) institutional and regulatory framework.

The first part of the paper offers an introduction to the cybersecurity challenges of foreign investment at both the international and European level; then, it offers an overview of the (international, European and national) actors involved in the relevant governance system. The last part of the paper proposes some (preliminary) recommendations on how the EU foreign policy can (efficiently) handle the issues at hand.


In this study,single blind grouping method was applied to compare the effect of chloroquine and triamcinolone-A which were used to treat 360 cases of oral lichen planus.The results showed the effect of local injecting triamcinolone-A was better than that of taking chloroquine,and also was better than that of taking triamcinolone-A accompained of chloroquine.Therefore,they were two effective ways to cure OLP and worthy of wide use.


The present research work was designed to prepare Azithromycin (AM)-loaded nano lipid carriers (NLs) for ocular delivery. NLs were prepared by the emulsification–homogenization method and further optimized by the Box Behnken design. AM-NLs were optimized using the independent constraints of homogenization speed (A), surfactant concentration (B), and lipid concentration (C) to obtain optimal NLs (AM-NLop). The selected AM-NLop was further converted into a sol-gel system using a mucoadhesive polymer blend of sodium alginate and hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (AM-NLopIG). The sol-gel system was further characterized for drug release, permeation, hydration, irritation, histopathology, and antibacterial activity. The prepared NLs showed nano-metric size particles (154.7 ± 7.3 to 352.2 ± 15.8 nm) with high encapsulation efficiency (48.8 ± 1.1 to 80.9 ± 2.9%). AM-NLopIG showed a more prolonged drug release (98.6 ± 4.6% in 24 h) than the eye drop (99.4 ± 5.3% in 3 h). The ex vivo permeation result depicted AM-NLopIG, AM-IG, and eye drop. AM-NLopIG exhibited significant higher AM permeation (60.7 ± 4.1%) than AM-IG (33.46 ± 3.04%) and eye drop (23.3 ± 3.7%). The corneal hydration was found to be 76.45%, which is within the standard limit. The histopathology and HET-CAM results revealed that the prepared formulation is safe for ocular use. The antibacterial study revealed enhanced activity from the AM-NLopIG.


Systematic failure analysis enhances the ability of decision makers to implement strategies that are beneficial to systems they manage. However, in industrial maintenance activities such as, Major overhauls, outages, shutdowns and turnarounds (MoOSTs) there is scarcity of knowledge and experience, limiting the effectiveness of such failure analysis. Transformation of knowledgeable actions generated from experts' tacit based knowledge from performing MoOSTs is encouraged. A key step to achieve such transformation is by prioritizing maintenance efforts by critically assessing relevant maintenance attributes. Criticality analysis of tasks is considered as an effective approach for prioritizing MoOSTs activities. This paper combines a traditional approach for analysing attributes of frequency and consequence factor values ranked by experts using a mathematical relationship to determine critical activities as well as a fuzzy logic system to develop a fuzzy inference system (FIS) for generating fuzzy criticality numbers of MoOSTs activities. In this regard, the traditional method qualitative criticality matrix, and boundary settings by experts provide baseline information for the FIS, to establish If-Then rules and map membership functions of two crisp inputs and output. Practical applicability is demonstrated using a Raw Mill System (RMS) from a cement manufacturing plant. The comparison of results from the two methods shows slight variations in criticality numbers, howbeit a consistent ability to capture critical MoOSTs activities. Moreover, the validity of results obtained by the fuzzy logic system is enhanced and more superior because it can demonstrate sensitivity.


Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS), also known as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) encompasses an infrequent group of non-malignant, yet potentially life-threatening disorders caused by massive cytokine release from activated lymphocytes and macrophages (Filipovich, 2009; Henter et al., 1998, 2007; Janka et al., 1998; Janka, 2009). This multisystem inflammatory syndrome is associated with a range of genetic and acquired factors. Hectic and persistent fever, cytopenias, hepatitis, jaundice, edema, splenomegaly, neurological symptoms and hemophagocytosis in bone marrow (BM), liver or lymph nodes are common clinicopathological features of HLH.


Disease-modifying treatments (DMTs), which are the foundation of multiple sclerosis (MS) care, reduce clinical exacerbations (relapses) and slow disease progression; however, improving quality of life (QOL) is an unmet need for many individuals with MS. DMTs, including interferon-beta, glatiramer acetate, natalizumab, mitoxantrone, and fingolimod, reduce the rate and severity of relapses, the accumulation of brain and spinal cord lesions as shown on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and disability progression. Many studies link diminished QOL with specific MS symptoms (fatigue, impaired mobility, spasticity, etc). Even in patients already receiving DMTs, symptoms and QOL may improve with additional agents that treat specific symptoms, thereby improving patient function and ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). Patients have reported that mobility impairment is one of the worst aspects of MS. Almost half of patients treated with DMTs reported no improvement in mobility. However, blocking the voltage-dependent potassium channels on the surface of demyelinated nerve fibers may improve signal conduction. Dalfampridine, a potassium channel blocker, received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for all forms of MS specifically to improve walking, which was demonstrated by increased walking speed. By improving walking in some patients with MS, the effects of dalfampridine may complement those of DMTs and address the stated priorities of many patients.


Abstract For many political observers the successful creation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) came as a surprise, as major powers, in particular the United States, had opposed the plans for the ICC. Moreover, the institutional design of the ICC entails enormous sovereignty costs for states but only uncertain benefits. An analysis of the negotiations suggests that the court's successful creation can be attributed to persuasion and discourse within negotiations, that is, a shift in states' interests. The article develops a theoretical model of institutional change that defines the conditions under which persuasion and discourse can affect collective decision making. In particular, this study attempts to show that if (traditionally) weaker actors alter normative and institutional settings of negotiations they can further the chance of persuasion and discourse.


As an effort in reducing the dependency on fossil fuel, efforts have been gathered to develop electric vehicle (EV) for the past decades. Technology of electric vehicles (EV) has been initialized in developed countries. However, the latter have different geographical and environmental conditions. Therefore, the system of EV cannot be utilized directly in this country. The controller of an EV functions by utilizing a potentiometer; supplying a certain amount of voltage from the batteries to the motor by driver's force applied to the acceleration pedal. This action generates a huge amount of heat due to the internal resistance of the controller (e.g. potentiometer). In order for an EV to operate at optimum condition, temperature of the controller has to be maintained at a certain limit. Hence an effective cooling system is required to be designed to fulfill the above condition. The objective of this paper is to present the design of the cooling system for the controller of an electric vehicle (EV). Two types of cooling system namely liquid cooled plate heat exchanger and forced air cooled finned structure are designed and evaluated to assess the behavior of heat transfer as well as effects of heat transfer fluids and cooling system material towards the heat removal rate. Simulation using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for both cooling systems has been carried out to have better understanding. CFD results are compared with some of the analytical results. The findings revealed that both systems are suitable to be implemented as EV controller cooling system in Malaysian Environment.


In the article it is considered an urgency in scientific terminology of the term "tutor" according to occurrence of a new profession in education system of Ukraine that is caused by a modern level of information society development. Existing examples of educational institutions which today prepare tutors are considered. Necessity of modeling of network interaction, the organization of educational "distance" conferences during preparation of tutors is conditioned. In the article functional responsibilities of the tutor are defined. Specificity of distance learning which forms the especial requirements to the tutor different from the requirements to the usual teacher is analysed.


The name, 'western' blot, was first coined by Dr. Burnette in 1981 after the eponymous Southern blot for DNA, and consequent coinage of the northern blot in 1977 for RNA. The western blot (WB) is an effective and widely utilized immunoassay that confers selective protein expression analysis. WB selects for an individual protein amongst a potentially significant milieu via leveraging the specificity of antigen (Ag)-antibody (Ab) binding. Of notable interest is its application in clinical pathology wherein a western detects the presence of a pathologically-relevant protein from a patient sample. This review will discuss the biochemical principles, clinical significance, and troubleshooting aspects of this technique.


There are strong incentives to build classification systems that show outstanding performance on various datasets and benchmarks. This can encourage a narrow focus on models and the performance metrics used to evaluate and compare them—resulting in a growing body of literature to evaluate and compare metrics. This paper strives for a more balanced perspective on binary classifier performance metrics by showing how uncertainty in these metrics can easily eclipse differences in empirical performance. We emphasise the discrete nature of confusion matrices and show how they can be well represented in a 3D lattice whose cross-sections form the space of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. We develop novel interactive visualisations of performance metric contours within (and beyond) ROC space, showing the discrete probability mass functions of true and false positive rates and how these relate to performance metric distributions. We aim to raise awareness of the substantial uncertainty in performance metric estimates that can arise when classifiers are evaluated on empirical datasets and benchmarks, and that performance claims should be tempered by this understanding.


Bile acid contents in isolated rat hepatocytes were determined by gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-selected ion monitoring with the use of deuterium-labeled internal standards. This allowed us first to monitor the actual amounts of not only major but also minor bile acid components present with sufficient sensitivity and specificity and to follow the changes of individual bile acids in cultured rat hepatocytes simultaneously. In freshly isolated rat hepatocytes, cholic and beta-muricholic acids were the major components, comprising 35 and 46% of the total bile acids, respectively. These two bile acids were found to be most actively synthesized during the first 2 h of incubation and continued to increase thereafter for up to 6 h (the end of the period studied). In contrast, chenodeoxycholic and alpha-muricholic acids, which are the precursors of beta-muricholic acid, showed slight increases only in the first hour of incubation and decreased thereafter. These results suggested that the conversion to beta-muricholic acid from chenodeoxycholic acid via alpha-muricholic acid occurred rapidly in cultured rat hepatocytes. The secondary bile acids such as deoxycholic, hyodeoxycholic, and 3 alpha, 12 beta-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholanoic acids declined steadily from the start of incubation, which supported the findings that further hydroxylation of these dihydroxy bile acids occurs in rat liver.


So she sat on, with closed eyes, and half believed herself in Wonderland, though she knew she had but to open them again and all would change to dull reality.... --Lewis Carroll (1) I. INTRODUCTION: THE DEFAMATION OF THE RESTATEMENT (SECOND) OF CONFLICT OF LAWS IN CYBERSPACE The new information age has caused scholars to consider the adequacy of traditional jurisdictional regimes where interstate disputes arise in cyberspace. Personal jurisdiction has been one of the first of these regimes to undergo criticism and, for the most part, has come out relatively unscathed, despite its opponents' arguments that traditional notions of personal jurisdiction have no place in cyberspace. (2) While the assault on personal jurisdiction in cyberspace has lessened in recent years, in its wake has come yet another attack on conventional jurisdictional notions: a criticism of traditional choice-of-law regimes in cyber-disputes. Much in the same vein as their assault on personal jurisdiction, many scholars argue that traditional choice-of-law doctrines are inadequate to determine which state law to apply in interstate cyber-disputes. (3) While these critics assert many arguments in support of their view that traditional choice-of-law approaches are inadequate for cyberspace, (4) the overwhelming criticism is that "old choice-of-law doctrines fail to provide any meaningful guidance in the virtual world because these doctrines depend on notions of physical location." (5) Essentially, the argument is that "because there is no `there' in the virtual world, [traditional choice-of-law] doctrines are virtually useless." (6) In the same breath, many scholars are eager to propose offending alternative regimes to these perceived problems with choice of law in cyberspace, (7) most of which deal with choice of law by ignoring it. (8) While many opponents criticize traditional choice-of-law regimes in cyber-disputes arising out of contracts, trademark infringement, and other areas of law, much of the criticism focuses on the law of defamation in cyberspace, or "cyber-defamation". (9) The brunt of this scholarly attack on traditional choice-of-law regimes almost certainly falls on cyber-defamation actions. This is because of the unique aspect the law of defamation brings to cyberspace: publishing on the Internet is publishing instantaneously all over the world. Thus, in a multistate cyber-defamation action, a defendant could conceivably collect for damages in any state where the defamatory material was published. (10) As one scholar notes, "[t]he Internet allows anyone connected to it to disseminate information, statements, gossip, and so on, to millions of people with a few strokes on a computer keyboard. Thus millions of people now have their own electronic printing presses--capable of inexpensively communicating with millions of others worldwide." (11) Clearly, the law of defamation represents the perfect lens through which to examine the adequacy of traditional choice-of-law regimes in cyberspace. Despite the various choice-of-law doctrines available, (12) the focus of this Note is almost entirely on the Restatement (Second) of Conflict of Laws ("Restatement (Second)") for two reasons. First, the Restatement (Second) is an eclectic mix of dominant policies and principles taken from traditional choice-of-law doctrines. (13) Second, of those states turning away from the original Restatement of Conflicts of Laws, most are adopting the Restatement (Second). (14) This Note examines the adequacy of the traditional choice-of-law rules, including the Restatement (Second), in interstate cyber-defamation disputes, and argues that there is nothing different or unique about cyberspace which warrants the modification or abandonment of traditional choice-of-law regimes for cyber-defamation disputes. A distinction must be made, however. This Note does not attempt to argue the adequacy of traditional choice-of-law approaches in and of themselves; the disparaging of traditional choice-of-law doctrines in the real world has been and continues to be a pastime among practitioners and scholars alike. …


BACKGROUND
We examined: (i) the usefulness of the International Fitness Scale (IFIS) to correctly rank adolescents into physical fitness levels; (ii) the capacity of the IFIS for predicting cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk; and (iii) the reliability of the IFIS in adolescents.

METHODS
The study comprised 3059 adolescents (aged 12.5-17.5 years) from nine European countries (HELENA study). Blood samples were collected in one-third of the participants (randomly selected, n = 981). Test-retest reliability of the IFIS was studied in a separate sample of 277 adolescents. Physical fitness-cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular fitness (MF), speed-agility (SP-AG), flexibility and overall fitness-was self-reported using 5-point Likert-scale questions (1 = very poor, 5 = very good) and measured using standard field-based tests. The CVD risk factors measured included total/central adiposity indices and mean arterial pressure, total and high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin resistance (HOMA) and C-reactive protein.

RESULTS
Analysis of covariance showed that adolescents reporting better fitness had higher measured fitness levels for all the variables studied (all P < 0.001), regardless of gender, age and weight status. Adolescents reporting very good overall fitness, CRF and SP-AG had a healthier cardiovascular profile in eight out of nine CVD risk factors studied. Perfect agreement (same test-retest answer) was observed in 65% of the adolescents and perfect-acceptable agreement (same answer or ±1) in 97% of the adolescents.

CONCLUSIONS
(i) The IFIS is able to correctly rank adolescents according to their measured physical fitness levels; (ii) adolescents reporting a good/very good overall fitness, CRF or SP-AG have a more favorable cardiovascular profile; and (iii) The IFIS is reliable in adolescents.


Internet use is increasing and its applications to medicine and patient information are widening daily. Previous studies have focused on the quality and quantity of medical information on the Internet. The current study focuses on a population of 120 new patients presenting to a hand surgery practice. A questionnaire was used to analyse patterns of Internet access, use of the Internet to look up personal symptoms, and patients' opinions on the use of electronic mail by office staff. Results showed that approximately 90% of the group had some form of Internet access, with a significant age-related decrease in Internet access. Only 17% used the Internet to look up their symptoms, but this group was more likely to correctly match their self-diagnosis to the surgeon's diagnosis. On average, 65% of the study group favoured the use of electronic mail for office staff's communications with patients.


stereochemical control than the more common trimethylsilyl unit. For example, the condensation of allylic zinc reagents with benzoyl triisopropylsilane produced the a-adduct exclusively. The overall applicability of the process is quite broad.1° Similar results were obtained using a$-unsaturated or aliphatic aldehydes, with organozinc, magnesium, lithium,loaJ1 or potassium reagents. Some of our results are shown in Table 11. Noteworthy is the example that condensation of cis-2pentenyl p o t a s s i ~ m ' ~ J ~ prepared from cis-2-pentene, po-


We retrospectively reviewed 5 cases of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HL) associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) reactivation in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. All patients had clinical and biological features characteristic of HL. Pulmonary symptoms were present in all patients and were frequently life threatening. The mean number of HL episodes was 6. Four patients had HL-associated Kaposi sarcoma, and 3 had multicentric Castleman disease. The mean CD4 cell count was 200 cells/mm(3). HIV loads were stable in all patients. All patients had high levels of HHV-8 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells during attacks, and a significant increase in this parameter before the attacks was seen in 3 patients. Although 2 patients died of HL, 3 are still alive and receiving etoposide therapy (mean follow-up, 3 years). HHV-8-related HL is associated with life-threatening symptoms and biological HHV-8 reactivation, and it may be controlled in the long term by etoposide therapy combined with highly active antiretroviral therapy.


Vascular Endothelial Factor [VEGF] is an endothelial cell-specific mitogen that regulates most steps of the angiogenic process, including endothelial cell degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM), migration, proliferation, and tube formation. In keeping with its ability to induce ECM degradation, VEGF increases the expression and activity of plasminogen activators, urokinase type plasminogen activator (uPA) and tissue type plasminogen activator (tPA). Both proteases are specifically inhibited by plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), the expression of which is also up regulated by VEGF . Specific Aims: To examine the differences between VEGF and PAI-1 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma [SCCs] and normal human oral keratinocytes [NHOK]. Experimental Design: 1- Cell lines and culture conditions: a- A total of three human oral cancer cell lines [Cal33, SCC-4 & SCC-9] and NHOK isolated from different sites of oral mucosa [Tongue, Gingiva, & Palate]. b- Cells were grown to 80% confluence, and subjected to different conditions, Normoxia [20% O2] and Hypoxia [2% O2]. 2- VEGF & PAI-1 were examined on both translation and transcription levels using the following: a- Northern Blot Analysis, b- Enzyme-Linked immunoAbsorbant assay [ELIZA], c- Zymography of PAI-1 (Reverse fibrin overlay), d- Western Blot Analysis and e- Immunocytochemistry. Results: Hypoxia upregulated VEGF and PAI-1 expression on both normal and oral cancer cell lines, with a statistically significant difference between normal and oral cancer cell lines. Pattern of hypoxia induced VEGF mRNA level tightly followed the PAI-1 mRNA expression in the cell lines tested. From the above results, we conclude that oral Squamous cell carcinoma express VEGF and PAI-1 more than NHOK that are upregulated by hypoxia. VEGF and PAI-1can play a role in oral cancer angiogenesis, progression and invasion.


Infrared spectroscopic measurement, especially near infrared spectroscopy, was widely used in grassland soil inspection. Recently, visible and ultraviolet diffuse reflectance spectroscopic techniques also were used in this field. Spectroscopy method is a rapid, timely, less expensive, non-destructive, straightforward analytic method. Furthermore, a single spectrum allows for simultaneous characterization of various soil properties and the techniques are adaptable for "on-the-go" field use. In the present paper, the authors reviewed the use of the techniques to inspect the water content, organic matter, nitrate content, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium and soil texture classes of soil. The thermal infrared remote sensing assisted method for monitoring soil water content mainly includes thermal infrared method, thermal inertia method and temperature/vegetation index method. The content of organic material is strongly correlative with absorption features of soil spectrum in ultraviolet wave band (around 376,795 nm), visible radiation wave band (around 616,506 nm), and infrared wave band (around 724,975 nm). Mid-infrared Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy could be used to determine nitrate concentration in soil pastes. When visible (Vis) (400-700 nm), near infrared (NIR) (700-2500 nm) and mid infrared (MIR) (2500-25000 nm) were used to predict a number of different soil properties, more accurate predictions were obtained using the MIR for available phosphorus and electrical conductivity and the NIR produced more accurate predictions forexchangeable AL and K. Vis-NIR-FDA (the factorial discriminant analysis) is an efficient technique to classify soil into three main groups, sandy (light soils), loamy (medium soils), and clayey (heavy soils), and the classification models could be used for an on-the-go measurement system of soil properties. A standard penetrometer cone was modified to collect near-infrared reflectance and estimate soil moisture, density, and clay content. Because the techology can get useful soil datum, it can effectively improve grassland management. Nowaday a question that needs to be answered is how to examine the belowground biomass by the technique, so the authors can base on the data to forecast the grass growth. It is also needed to to invent more portable and "on-the-go" field use spectroscopy apparatus.


Claudin, a tight junction integral membrane protein and a family of proteins, forms the actual sealing element of the tight junction. There are more than 20 members of the claudin family with different tissue-specific expression and barrier functions. Thus, a family of claudin may be a target for modifying the absorption of drugs. Here, we examined whether modulation of claudin could be used to enhance drug absorption. In the current studies, we used a C-terminal fragment of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (C-CPE) as a modulator of claudin-4. The absorption of dextran was assessed in an in situ loop assay in rats to evaluate the absorption-enhancing effects of C-CPE. Treatment with C-CPE dose-dependently enhanced the absorption of dextran (mol. wt. 4000). These effects were not accompanied by injury of the intestinal mucosa as assessed by leakage of lactose dehydrogenase and histological observation. C-CPE was over 400-fold more potent at enhancing dextran absorption than capric acid, a clinically used enhancer of absorption. C-CPE interacted directly with claudin-4, and C-CPE lacking a part the C terminus neither bound claudin-4 nor enhanced absorption in the rat jejunum. These results suggest that C-CPE enhances the absorption of dextran in rat jejunum, apparently through interactions with claudin-4, and this effect may represent an effective novel strategy for enhancing the absorption of drugs.


Carbon dioxide separation has gained immense importance since its detrimental effects towards our environment has been realized. Commercially, CO2 has been captured by absorption in alkanolamines such as diethanolamine (DEA), since many years. The thermodynamics and kinetics of the process is a key factor towards its efficiency and significantly depends on its qualitative and quantitative speciation. In this work, the analysis of speciation for CO2 loaded aqueous DEA has been performed by Raman spectroscopy. Experimentally determined CO2 loading data and modified Kent Eisenberg equation was used to quantify the chemical species present. The speciation results were fitted with the respective characteristic Raman peaks of (CO3-, HCO3-, DEACOO-, DEA, DEA+, CO2) by Principal Component Regression (PCR). The fitted results showed good agreement with thermodynamically predicted chemical species.


Like many areas of the United States, Hawai'i and its rural communities are suffering from a significant physician shortage. The University of Hawai'i (UH) John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) developed the Hawai'i Rural Health Program (HRHP) in 2011 to help provide early and substantial rural training experiences for its medical students in hopes of generating more rural health care providers. Thus far, 20.6% of the students who participated in this program and have since graduated from residency are now practicing in rural communities. Final exam grades of students who participated in the program were not statistically different from those who did not participate, suggesting a similar quality of training between both the rural and traditional cohorts of students. Reflections from students who completed the program demonstrate the large and lasting impact that this immersive experience has on their medical education and desire to help rural communities.