This study aims to describe the improving commitment and teacher's ability in creating an innovative lesson plan through practice work with feedback. The method use classroom action research in two cycles. The results are: (1) improvement of teacher's commitment in designing innovative lesson plan, with 92% of teachers can reach minimum score of 4,00-5,00 in widescale 1-5; and (2) improvement of teachers' ability to designing innovative lesson plan, with 92% of teachers are able to reach minimum score of 4,00-5,00. The strategy of practice work with feedback proves to increase the teachers' work in designing an innovative lesson plan.


The present study, in addition to investigating the prevalence of flat-foot deformity among 12-15 year old male and female teenagers, studies the effect of a special exercise program on correcting this deformity. For this purpose, 351 male and 346 female students were evaluated randomly by using "foot-print" technique. Among them 83 male student and 47 female students were considered having flat-foot to some degree. Then out of the total number of the subjects, 30 subjects were selected randomly and divided into two experimental and control groups. These subjects participated in 6 weeks of corrective exercise program with 3 sessions per week. To ensure the validity of the method of evaluation by foot-print, 3 subjects were X-ray in pre and post tests tags. The information related to the subjects' health status and movement habits were also collected through questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed statistically by method of x 2 (P≤0.05) which led to the following results. The prevalence of flat-foot deformity in males is higher than females. There is a significant relationship between age and weight of the students and this deformity (P≤0.05). It means that older, heavier and endomorphic subjects had more problems about flat-footedness. The results of the post-test also did not indicate a significant relationship between 18 sessions of exercise program and the correction of this deformity among subjects (P≤0.05). Therefore considering the high prevalence of flat-foot deformity among teenagers, and its negative effects on their health, it is emphasized in this study that a more serious attention should be paid to recognition, prevention and correction of this deformity. according to the out comes of researches it also seems that using X-ray method has been useful in the sifting stage , and to be more effective , taking exercise , increasing intensives and time of exercise and using other complementary methods such as medical shoes during exercise and after that and using surgery in secretive cases can be effective in the cure near flat- footed people


ABSTRACT
AimTo identify characteristics of children who died in the community rather than hospital.
MethodsAll children admitted to a PICU in England or Wales (1st Jan 2004 and 31st Dec 2014) were identified in the PICANet dataset. Linkage to death certificate data was available up to the end of 2014.Place of death was categorised as hospital (hospital or PICU) or community (hospice, home or other) for multivariable logistic modelling.
ResultsThe cohort consisted of 110,328 individuals. 4760 deaths occurred on first admission in PICU (excluded from analyses) and 7709 deaths occurred after first discharge from PICU. Overall 41.2% of these deaths occurred in hospital, 32.5% in PICU, 16.6% at home, 8.7% in hospice and 0.7% elsewhere. Deaths in hospital (incl PICU) decreased from more 83.8% in 2004 to 68.1% in 2014. 852 (0.8%) of children were discharged to palliative care.Children discharged to palliative care were 8.4 times more likely to die in the community (OR 8.36 95%CI (6.76-10.34)). Children in all older age groups were significantly more likely to die outside hospital than the under 1s.Children from a South Asian background (OR 0.48 95%CI (0.36-0.58)) and those living in the most deprived categories were significantly less likely to die outside the hospital.
ConclusionsA large proportion of children dying after discharge from PICU continue to die in hospital. More involvement of palliative care at the point of discharge has the potential to offer choice around place of care and death for these children and families.


Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL

Although the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is frequently hyperactivated in human cancers due to the loss of function of the PTEN tumor suppressor, a proportion of cancer cells still carries wild type PTEN and thus the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in these cells may remain unaltered. While it has been widely accepted that these cancer cells are less susceptible to the allosteric mTOR inhibitor rapamycin, it is unclear whether this is also the case for an ATP-competitive mTOR inhibitor. To address this question we evaluated the effects of the mTOR kinase inhibitor AZD8055 in a panel of wild type PTEN expressing cancer cells (6 cell lines of 4 tumor types). The phosphorylated Akt (S473) level was undetectable in most of these cells, suggesting the regular mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway and low mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) activity. Cell proliferation was determined by WST-1 (MTT) assay and clonogenic survival was tested by colony formation assay. AZD8055 suppressed cell proliferation at the nanomolar level in a dose dependent manner, with IC50 values in a range of 6∼35 nM for different cell types. In contrast, rapamycin exhibited limited anti-proliferative effect, with less than 50% of inhibition observed even with higher doses in most cell lines. Similarly, clonogenic capacity was impaired by AZD8055 to a greater extent than was the case for rapamycin. To detect the mTOR pathway alterations by drug treatment, two cell lines with different expression levels of mTORC1 downstream pathways were selected: murine mammary tumor 4T1 cells (low phosphorylated S6 and high phosphorylated 4E-BP1) and human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells (normal phosphorylated S6 and moderate phosphorylated 4E-BP1). While the phospho-S6K (T389) and phospho-S6 (S235/236) pathway was potently inhibited by both agents, AZD8055 displayed more striking inhibition of the hierarchical 4E-BP1 phosphorylation (T37/46, T70 and S65) than rapamycin in both cells. In addition, both rapamycin and AZD8055 slightly increased Akt phosphorylation (T308 or S473), suggesting that the activation of the feedback loop controlled by S6K was functional. However, the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin did not sensitize cells to either agent, implying such feedback-dependent activation is dispensable for attenuating the drug response. Taken together, these findings indicate that AZD8055 significantly inhibits growth and survival of cancer cells that have wild type PTEN and normal PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, an observation mainly associated with the comprehensive activation of 4E-BP1. These data provide in vitro evidence in support of broadening the application of ATP-competitive mTOR inhibitors in cancer treatment.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3761. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3761


Multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP1) causes cellular drug resistance in several cancer cell lines. In this paper we show that antisense oligonucleotides decrease MRP1 expression in human leukaemia cells. We investigated biological activity of a series of 12 linear phosphorothioate oligonucleotides, complementary to several regions of MRP1 mRNA. The oligonucleotides were administered to leukaemia HL60/ADR cells overexpressing MRP1 protein. Then, the level of MRP1 mRNA was determined by means of semiquantitative RT-PCR and the protein level by reaction with specific monoclonal antibodies. Some of the investigated antisense oligonucleotides decrease the expression level of the MRP1 protein by 46% and its mRNA level by 76%.


The separate effects of volume expansion and of increased delivery of sodium on sodium reabsorption in the diluting segment of the distal nephron were studied in man. In six normal subjects during a sustained water diuresis, sodium delivery to the distal nephron was increased without volume expansion by the administration of acetazolamide. In these subjects, free water clearance rose linearly as a function of urine flow. In five patients with complete, central diabetes insipidus, distal sodium delivery was increased by the infusion of hypertonic saline during a sustained water diuresis. In four of these five patients, changes in free water clearance were also observed during hypertonic saline diuresis in the presence of distal blockade of sodium reabsorption with chlorothiazide. At high rates of distal delivery the following observations were made: (a) free water clearance was lower and fractional sodium excretion higher during saline diuresis compared to acetazolamide diuresis; (b) although free water clearance was moderately reduced by chlorothiazide at low rates of urine flow, there was no difference in free water clearance between saline loading alone and saline plus chlorothiazide at high rates of urine flow; and (c) during saline loading free water clearance rose without evidence of a limit when increased distal delivery was accompanied by spontaneous increases in glomerular filtration rate, but tended toward a limit when glomerular filtration rate remained constant. The data indicate that during acute volume expansion with saline, there is a decrease in the fraction of delivered sodium reabsorbed in the distal nephron when compared to the response of the distal nephron to comparable increases in distal sodium delivery in the absence of volume expansion.


Background Cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality are significantly greater in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients than in the general population. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is known to be associated with a significant decrease in the incidence of CV events in patients at high CV risk, as we have recently demonstrated in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, but its effectiveness as primary prophylaxis in RA patients has not yet been addressed. Objectives To investigate the role of ASA in reducing the incidence of CV events in an Italian multicentre RA cohort from the GIRRCS (Gruppo Italiano di Ricerca in Reumatologia Clinica e Sperimentale). Methods The clinical charts of RA patients consecutively admitted to 4 GIRRCS centres for their 1 st visit from November 1 st 2000 to December 31 st 2015, who, at admission, satisfied 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria for RA and had not experienced any CV event, were analysed. The incidence of CV events during follow-up was recorded at December 2016. Kaplan Meier curve and log-rank test were used to investigate differences in event-free survival. Cox regression analysis served to identify factors associated with CV event occurrence. Results Seven hundred and forty-six consecutive RA patients were enrolled and followed up for a median of 5.6 years (range 2.9–8.9 years). The incidence rate (IR) of CV events was 7.8/1000 person-years (pys) in the overall cohort. Patients were subdivided into two groups, namely ASA- (242 patients) and non-ASA-treated (504 patients). The IR of CV events was significantly lower in the ASA-treated with respect to the non ASA-treated group (IR 1.7 vs 11.5/1000 pys;p=0.0002). Furthermore, the CV event-free rate was longer in ASA-treated than in non-ASA-treated patients (log-rank test 12.3;p=0.0004). Figure 1. At multivariate analysis hypertension and metabolic syndrome (HR 5.6, 95% CI:1.2–26.3;p 0.03 and HR 3.7, 95% CI:1.3–9.8;p 0.009) resulted to be the only positive predictors; ASA treatment (HR 0.04, 95% CI:0.06–0.33;p 0.02) the only negative one. Conclusions The incidence rate of CV events in our italian multicentric cohort was lower than that reported in other European and non European cohorts. Low-dose ASA may have a role in the primary prophylaxis of CV events in RA patients. References [1] del Rincón ID, et al. High incidence of cardiovascular events in a rheumatoid arthritis cohort not explained by traditional cardiac risk factors. Arthritis Rheum2001;44(12):2737–45. [2] Fasano S, et al. Longterm Hydroxychloroquine Therapy and Low-dose Aspirin May Have an Additive Effectiveness in the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. J Rheumatol2017;44(7):1032–1038. [3] Meek IL, et al. Cardiovascular case fatality in rheumatoid arthritis is decreasing; first prospective analysis of a current low disease activity rheumatoid arthritis cohort and review of the literature. BMC Musculoskelet Disord2014;15:142. Disclosure of Interest None declared


Optimizing the processing parameters of fused deposition modeling is a challenging task due to the significant number of factors that influence the quality of the fabricated parts. Therefore, optimizing the dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, or mechanical properties usually requires a considerable amount of test samples. In the presented work, the design of experiments approach was used to minimize the number of tests needed to optimize the factors. Most of the work available in literature did not investigate the interactions between the factors or their second-order effects on the strength and stiffness of fused deposition modeling parts. In this work, the effects of the layer thickness, extrusion temperature, and infill percentage are investigated and optimized to achieve the optimum strength and stiffness of the fabricated parts. The response surface method was used to investigate the interaction effects and second-order effects on the tensile strength and elastic modulus of the fabricated samples. It was found that some interaction and second-order effects exist and affect the strength and stiffness of FDM parts. Generally, increasing the extrusion temperature and infill percentage increase the tensile strength and the elastic modulus. In addition, the predicted data matches the experimental results well. However, multi-objective optimization is needed when choosing the layer thickness.


The single-mode fiber provided by YOFC inc is employed for spiral processing by commercial welding machine. It can clearly see the periods structure under the light, but there is no obvious deformation of the fiber core, cladding and surface morphology under a microscope. There is an obvious resonant peak near 1560 nm, half peak width is about 25 nm, the depth of the resonant peak closed to –26 dB, when the period is about 411 μm. It agrees with theoretical calculation results according to the long-period fiber grating coupled-mode theory. The resonance wavelength is caused by coupling between the fundamental mode and the LP14 mode. The responsivities of the helically twisted long-period fiber gratings (H-LPFG) for the temperature is measured, the resonance wavelength is linear with temperature, the slope is 86 pm/℃. Because it is easy to inscribe by commercial welding machine, and has a strong resonance peak, it has potential applications as the temperature sensor.


Virtually all cases of inherited C4 deficiency appear to be caused by homozygosity for rare MHC haplotypes carrying combined defects of genes coding for the C4A and C4B isotypes. The present analysis concerned a C4-deficient patient with two different MHC haplotypes, [HLA-A2, B40, SC00, DR6] and [HLA-A30, B18, F1C00, DR3]. Digestion of genomic DNA from the patient with Taq I and probing with a 5' cDNA C4 probe and a CYP21-specific probe gave only a 7.0-kb and a 3.7-kb band, respectively. The analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphism in family members showed that both C4-deficient haplotypes contained a C4 pseudogene at the C4 locus I and a CYP21 gene together with a deletion of the C4B gene and the adjacent CYP21P gene. None of the C4 pseudogenes contained C4A- or C4B-specific nucleotide sequences as judged from hybridization studies of polymerase chain reaction products. The findings illustrate the high degree of polymorphism in C4 genes and that both gene deletions and presence of a C4 pseudogene are common as reasons for C4 null alleles. The rare C4 double null alleles appear to have arisen in different MHC haplotypes independently.


Background Parasites of the order Trypanosomatida are known due to their medical relevance. Trypanosomes cause African sleeping sickness and Chagas disease in South America, and Leishmania Ross, 1903 species mutilate and kill hundreds of thousands of people each year. However, human pathogens are very few when compared to the great diversity of trypanosomatids. Despite the progresses made in the past decades on understanding the evolution of this group of organisms, there are still many open questions which require robust phylogenetic markers to increase the resolution of trees. Methods Using two known 18S rDNA template structures (from Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas, 1909 and Trypanosoma brucei Plimmer & Bradford, 1899), individual 18S rDNA secondary structures were predicted by homology modeling. Sequences and their secondary structures, automatically encoded by a 12-letter alphabet (each nucleotide with its three structural states, paired left, paired right, unpaired), were simultaneously aligned. Sequence-structure trees were generated by neighbor joining and/or maximum likelihood. Results With a few exceptions, all nodes within a sequence-structure maximum likelihood tree of 43 representative 18S rDNA sequence-structure pairs are robustly supported (bootstrap support >75). Even a quick and easy sequence-structure neighbor-joining analysis yields accurate results and enables reconstruction and discussion of the big picture for all 240 18S rDNA sequence-structure pairs of trypanosomatids that are currently available. Conclusions We reconstructed the phylogeny of a comprehensive sampling of trypanosomes evaluated in the context of trypanosomatid diversity, demonstrating that the simultaneous use of 18S rDNA sequence and secondary structure data can reconstruct robust phylogenetic trees.


Native valve endocarditis due to Staphylococcus capitis is uncommon and is usually managed conservatively with good outcome. Of the nine previously reported cases there has been only one mortality. We report a case of native aortic valve endocarditis due to S capitis in an elderly diabetic that had a fatal outcome despite appropriate therapy with antibiotics. A review the literature is also presented.


Using an extensive inquiry into the family income of Ghent artisans and cotton, linen, and metal workers around 1900, the research reported in this article examines the level and the composition of family income at different phases of the life-cycle. In the Belgian textile center Ghent, which was characterized by a low male wage level, married women made a substantial contribution to the family income, especially in the years before children started to earn a living. The family income per person of textile workers approached or even exceeded the income of metal workers and artisans despite the fact that heads' wages were lower: the textile families' strategy, consisting of an increased work effort of women and children, was successful in bridging the income gap. On the other hand, the wives of metal workers and artisans came closer to the realization of the domestic ideal.


AIM AND OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study is to assess "Myths in dentistry related to Oral Hygiene and its association with Gingival Health Status among patients visiting Institutional diagnostic clinic in Aseer region of Saudi Arabia."

MATERIALS AND METHODS
The present study was a cross-sectional study done on 152 subjects attending Institutional diagnostic clinic in Aseer region Saudi Arabia. Myths in dentistry related to oral hygiene were assessed by using a ten-item, multiple-choice, close-ended structured questionnaire and Gingival Health Status was assessed using gingival index described by Loe and Silness on the Ramfjord teeth. For the comparison of proportions, a Chi-Square test was used with continuity correction whenever appropriate. "p" value of <0.05 was taken to be statistically significant for the purpose of analysis.

RESULTS
A total of 152 study subjects were included in the study, of which 60.5% were males and the rest 39.5% were females. Eighty-two percent of the study subjects believed that myths do affect the oral hygiene of the person. Combinational use of household ingredients (like apple vinegar, turmeric, lemon, baking soda, coal, honey, and sodium bicarbonate) was seen among 40% of the subjects. A majority of 48% learned from family as a source of information and 53% believed that use of household ingredients would improve the esthetical value (bleaching) of the tooth. Eighty-two percent of the study subjects believed that myths do affect the oral hygiene of the person. 40.8% had some form of gingival health problem. There was no statistically association observed between myths in dentistry related to oral hygiene and gingival health.

CONCLUSION
The present study revealed that myths in dentistry related to oral hygiene are quite prevalent in society. The use of household ingredients can influence oral health status and one has to ensure the judicious use if good oral health is to be expected.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Myths in dentistry related to oral hygiene can influence a lot on oral health and this can augment the health of the individual in any direction. So as a responsible clinician, it is very important to address these issues and bring in more health awareness among the study population to achieve the social goal-"health for all." How to cite this article: Assiri KI, Ajmal M, Al-Ahmari BM, et al. Oral Hygiene Myths and its Association with Gingival Health Status among Patients in Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2021;22(5):506-510.


Music streaming services increasingly incorporate additional music taxonomies (i.e., mood, activity, and genre) to provide users different ways to browse through music collections. However, these additional taxonomies can distract the user from reaching their music goal, and influence choice satisfaction. We conducted an online user study with an application called "Tune-A-Find," where we measured participants' music taxonomy choice (mood, activity, and genre). Among 297 participants, we found that the chosen taxonomy is related to personality traits. We found that openness to experience increased the choice for browsing music by mood, while conscientiousness increased the choice for browsing music by activity. In addition, those high in neuroticism were most likely to browse for music by activity or genre. Our findings can support music streaming services to further personalize user interfaces. By knowing the user's personality, the user interface can adapt to the user's preferred way of music browsing.


Inevitably interest focusses on the recent trends in public sector employment; however, the themes of cuts, capacity and targets are indicative of more significant current and medium term issues affecting the public sector. Cuts in staffing and capacity (a 30% reduction in staff and loss of experienced managers) were seen as a contributory reason for the failures by the Department of Transport"s West Coast rail franchise, as contributing to the failure to pick up the recent food contamination (Local Authorities in England collected some 21% fewer samples in 2011 – 2012 compared to earlier years), and underpinning concerns as to the reduced levels of fire service cover in London. The impact of cuts, capacity and targets on standards of care were highlighted in the publication the Francis Report (The final report of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry) and we return to this later.


The efiect of 5 winter and 2 post-winter defoliation frequencies on the morphology of medium-leafed and large-leafed white clover and perennial ryegrass plants in an irrigated perennial pasture in northern Victoria was investigated. Measurements included leaf appearance rates, axillary bud development and survival, stolon elongation and survival, and tiller production and survival. White clover leaf appearance rate was afiected little by either defoliation frequency or cultivar, ranging from 0¢4 leaves/week in July to 1¢ 1 leaves/week in February. In contrast, perennial ryegrass leaf appearance rate in the same period ranged from 0¢ 35 to 0¢7 leaves/week. Axillary bud production on clover stolons was highest in winter and spring and lowest through summer, and was usually greater in the medium-leafed than in the large-leafed cultivars. When the swards were not defoliated through winter, the rate of bud production was reduced in late winter; this was followed by a high rate of bud production in early spring, resulting in little treatment difierence in the number of buds per stolon by mid spring. Bud survival was greater when initiated in winter than in summer. The rate of stolon death in spring was higher in the swards not defoliated during winter and higher in the large-leafed than in the medium-leafed cultivar. These efiects were associated with the stolon elongation rate in late winter; the medium-leafed cultivar was unafiected by defoliation frequency, whereas in the large-leafed cultivars the rate of stolon elongation increased as the defoliation interval lengthened and canopy shading increased. Perennial ryegrass tiller production was greater with frequent than infrequent winter or post-winter defoliation, but never exceeded 1¢2 daughter tillers/tiller, with 44% of the reproductive tillers failing to replace themselves. The low leaf appearance rate and tiller production of the perennial ryegrass may contribute to its poor competitiveness and persistence in this environment.


This correspondence aims to maximize the average throughput via the joint design of the transmit power and trajectory for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-enabled network. The conventional way to tackle this problem is based on the alternating optimization (AO) method by iteratively updating power and trajectory until convergence, resulting in a non-convex trajectory subproblem which is difficult to deal with. To develop more efficient methods, we propose a novel AO method by incorporating both power and trajectory into an intermediate variable, and then iteratively updating power and the newly introduced variable. This novel variable transformation makes it easier to decompose the original problem into two convex subproblems, namely a throughput maximization subproblem and a feasibility subproblem. Consequently, both of these subproblems can be solved in a globally optimal fashion. We further propose a low-complexity algorithm for the feasibility subproblem by exploiting the alternating directional method of multipliers (ADMM), whose updating step is performed in closed-form solutions. Simulation results demonstrate that our proposed method reduces the computation time by orders of magnitude, while achieving higher performance than the conventional methods.


Smoking in the Services In 1961 47 per cent of newly joined Army doctors were non-smokers. Today rather more than 75 per cent are non-smokers. Unfortunately the position for soldiers is not as encouraging. In 1959 76 per cent of boy soldiers aged 17 years were regular smokers; by 1966 this figure had fallen to 68 per cent. But in 1975 the prevalence of cigarette smoking in :the Army generally was 72 per cent, well above the national average. As an occupational group the Army is not far behind coal miners who lead the field at 79 per cent. Moreover present evidence suggests that among confirmed regular smokers, soldiers are also heavier smokers than average. The Army anti-smoking campaign has not yet met with much success, and there remains very considerable scope for positive action to reduce smoking in the Services.


In an era of news abundance, people increasingly feel uncertain as to whether they possess adequate information to participate in politics. However, previous research has not paid attention to the issue of such efficacy. To fill the gap, this study examines (a) how different types of news repertoire are associated with political information efficacy and (b) how perceived news overload mediates the relationship. The findings show that people have three distinct types of news repertoires, such as commentary-oriented, TV, and social media news repertoires, and those who consume news via a commentary-oriented news repertoire tend to have a higher level of political information efficacy, while the use of TV and social media news repertoires does not show significant effects on political information efficacy. In addition to that, the perceived news overload negatively mediates the link between all three types of news repertoires and political information efficacy. Two-wave original survey data were used for analyses.


. This descriptive exploratory research aims to determine the extent of the implementation of the SDGs Desa in the Village through the role of BUM Desa. The population of the study was 416 BUM Desa in Kabupaten Bogor. The sampling method is accidental sampling by distributing printed questionnaires, therefore the research sample was 141 BUM Desa who filled out and returned the research questionnaire. The research objects are the five bottom line, business ethics, and leadership as independent variables, while the SDGs Desa as the dependent variable, and GCG as the moderating variable. The unit of analysis is the organization, the research location is BUM Desa in Kabupaten Bogor with the research period from November to December 2021. The research method uses a mixed method. Sources of primary data through questionnaires and interviews, while secondary data through literature studies. The type of data used is quantitative data in the form of closed-ended questionnaires using a Likert scale which was statistically tested using SPSS and qualitative data in the form of interviews with Chief of Forum BUMDes Kabupaten Bogor.


As the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted how institutions of higher education function, colleges and universities have shifted to remote learning and now rely heavily on the use of web conferencing tools, such as Zoom, WebEx, Adobe Connect, and others. As a result, educators are increasingly experiencing the effects of Zoom fatigue. The purpose of this article is to explore the videoconferencing fatigue that has emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. The technostress model is used as the framework to provide strategies for recognizing and addressing videoconferencing fatigue.


The article is devoted to the theoretical analysis of some behavioral and socio-psychological features of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), involved in a sport activity. It was found, that adaptive potential of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is studied well in a context of their social behavior at educational organizations and pedagogical influence on this behavior, but there is a lack of psychological research on personal features, motivation, sociopsychological adaptation, psychological comfort of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, especially in a sport activity. There are some psychological problems of children with ADHD such as high aggression, difficulties in social relationships, etc. that could lead to problems in socio-psychological adaptation. In young athletes with ADHD, motor skills are developed less compared to their peers and consequently sports results are worse. But a lot of researchers note the positive effect of different sport activities on correction of symptoms of ADHD, so it is important to maintain the interest in sport in children with ADHD. ADHD is determined by neurobiological, genetic, socio-psychological factors that require a comprehensive individual approach to the correction of the syndrome including not only physical exertion, but also psychological, pedagogical and in some cases medical methods of treatment and recovery.


Research on online shopping experience has been studied intensively over the past years. However, there are only few studies related to online second-hand shopping experience. The present study aims to investigate the effect of online second-hand shopping experience on trust, attitude, and repurchase intention. The results indicate that online second-hand shopping experience has a significant and positive effect on attitude, trust, and repurchase intention. Attitude and trust also have a positive influence on repurchase intention. This study provides implications to second-hand e-retailers to develop marketing strategies to retain the existing customers.


Objective: We tested the hypothesis that the serum Malondialdehyde (MDA) total cholesterol (TC) high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and vitamin C concentration are affected in welder workers relative to non-welder subjects, and to clarify the relationship of MDA as marker of oxidative stress with these lipoproteins and vitamin C as antioxidant. Study design: A prospective case control study conducted at Basrah Province through a period of two months from the first of March till the end of April 2005.Venous blood samples were collected for sixty welder workers, who were classified into 3 groups according to their age and to another 3 groups related to their duration of working, and another sixty non welders workers saved as a control group whose aged range (20 - 60) years. Serum was analyzed for concentrations of MDA, TC, HDL – C and vitamin C using standard methods. Result: The results of the study showed significant increase in the concentrations of serum MDA, TC and HDL- C levels and significant decreases in the concentration of vitamin C (P<0.05) with advancing age in welders relative to non welder workers. Further more, there were significant gradual increase p<0.05 in the concentration of MDA and TC levels and significant gradual decrease p<0.05 in the concentration of vitamin C with increase the duration of working in the welder group. The effect of fruits and vegetable intakes and smoking habits on the above biochemical parameters in each group revealed significant decreases in the concentrations of MDA and TC and significant increases in the concentration of HDL-C and vitamin C p<0.05 with the increase the intake of both fruits and vegetables and give the adverse effect on both parameters due to the smoking habit in welder workers related to control subjects and to those having negative smoking habit. Conclusion: The increase in the concentrations of MDA and TC levels and the decreases in the concentration of vitamin C in welder workers with advancing age or with the increase of duration revealed that those subjects were at high risk of oxidative stress which might lead to increase the incidence of many cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. This effect had not been seen as soon as possible due to the increased in HDL-C level.


Hereditary palmoplantar keratodermas (PPK) comprise a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of genodermatoses, which share impaired epidermal differentiation resulting in prominent palmoplantar hyperkeratosis. Classically, keratodermas have been separated according to their clinical appearance into diffuse, focal, and as a feature of ectodermal dysplasias and many other syndromes. Since molecular genetic analyses have helped characterize the underlying genetic defects in an increasing number of hereditary PPK over the last two decades, a pathophysiological separation seems more reasonable. Today PPK can be classified based on defects in keratins, loricrin, desmosomes, connexins, and cathepsins. Although these proteins have different structures and functions, all of them influence epidermal differentiation and cornified envelope assembly. Depending on tissue distribution and location of mutation with a certain gene, the clinical spectrum of PPK range from a pure palmoplantar restricted skin abnormality to a complex combination of symptoms with dental anomalies, deafness, progressive cardiomyopathy and even cancer. Solely for those reasons, a correct diagnosis based on molecular genetic analyses is mandatory, although a causal therapy is still not available. Instead, several therapeutic modalities including topical ointments, surgical interventions and systemic retinoids help to reduce the patients' symptoms.


The use of power systems as close to their operating limits can cause
instability if a disturbance is occurred. The damping of the system's
oscillations can be obtained by conventional means such as voltage and speed
regulation but also by Flexible AC Transmission System devices (FACTS). These
devices are increasingly used in power systems. This paper presents a
systematic procedure for modelling and simulation of a single-machine
infinite-bus power system installed with a Static VAR Compensator (SVC). So the
impact of the SVC on power system stability can be reasonably evaluated. Genetic
algorithm (GA) optimization technique is applied to design robust power system
stabilizer and SVC-controllers for single-machine infinite-bus (SMIB) and is employed
to search for optimal controller parameters.


A key element for decision makers to track is their stakeholders' sentiment. Recent developments show a tendency of including various aspects other than word frequencies in automated sentiment analysis approaches. One of these aspects is negation, which can be accounted for in various ways. We compare several approaches to accounting for negation in sentiment analysis, differing in their methods of determining the scope of influence of a negation keyword. On a set of English movie review sentences, the best approach is to consider two words, following a negation keyword, to be negated by that keyword. This method yields a significant increase in overall sentiment classification accuracy and macro-level F1 of 5.5% and 6.2%, respectively, compared to not accounting for negation. Additionally optimizing sentiment modification of negated words to a value of −1.27 rather than −1 yields a significant 7.1% increase in accuracy and a significant 8.0% increase in macro-level F1.


Following in with modern time's trends where digital technology is transforming the world of business and society, new peer to peer (Crowd funding) on- line investment vehicles that offers inclusivity, is available to real estate entrepreneurs now a days. Crowd funding has been in existences ince the 2008 global economic downturn. This phenomenon is becoming a valuable alternative source of funding for entrepreneurs seeking external and emerging approaches for implementing their ideas despite not having traditional monetary resources such as banks and venture capital (Shengetal, 2016). The crowd funding market is an evolving market that has shown considerable growth over the last few years an estimate of the global markets how that at the end of 2015thevalue was $145.29 billion.According to Sonoman and Urguhart (1998), highrates of unemployment and very low salaries are proof that people in need of housing do not qualify for loans offered by the regular banks, more so in developing countries. This calls for innovative financing mechanism for the excluded and in most situations the majority of the population. A real estate crowd funding platform offers financing vehicles that are inclusive, open, democratic and unbiased than traditional property financing methods (Lakhani, Hutter etal.2014).Since Real Estate Crowd Funding CF is a form of securities-based crowd-funding, it is a regulated activity and most countries have developed regulatory frame works to better protect stakeholders. In the UK regulatory policy governing the crowd funding industry was introduced in March 2014 and is enforced by the Financial Conduct Authority(IPD,2016). The FCA distinguishes between equity based and debt based crowd funding platforms. Currently there are no specific crowd funding laws or regulatory frame works in Africa as in the UK or other established equity-based or debt-based crowd funding markets. Despite this regulatory absence, there were approximately 75 listed crowd funding platforms founded and headquartered in Africa during 2015. Most of the above-mentioned crowd funding platforms in Africa are operating without any industry specific regulatory framework, unless they opted for a license as a financial services or a registered credit provider (Afrik start, 2016). The absence of regulation limits the expansion of equity-based or debt-based crowd funding plat forms in Africa, as it deters potential investors to pool their money in platforms in which they have no basic investors' protection rights and clear exit strategies ( Afrikstart, 2016).A regulatory frame work that controls the transparency, speed, and scale that advances in technology and the Internet can deliver to early-stage funding market place and protect investor is important because if not crowd funding becomes rife with fraud which could lead to market collapse (World Bank, 2013). Furthermore, the development of a regulatory environment for the crowd funding sector needs carefully consideration to ensure that new financial models can grow and innovate freely overtime. A balance need to be created by authorities to allow existing platforms to gradually become complaint overtime and not to suppress the potential of the nascent crowd funding industry during in fancy stage as too sudden restrictive regulations may harm a crowd funding market (WorldBank,2013)The aim of the study is examine what lessons can be learned by examining real estate crowd funding platforms regulations in the UK and the practicability of introducing these regulations in Namibia to help develop commercial real estate crowd funding plat forms. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques will be used in combination with primary and secondary data. Extensive study of existing literature from journal articles, media publications, academic publications, books will be undertaken. A review of the existing legal and regulatory frameworks for crowd funding in both the UK and Namibia will also be undertaken. Questionnaires developed from combined elements of literature review will provided at a analysis, and opinions and experiences from stakeholders in Namibia.


Despite the potential of Predictive Learning Analytics (PLAs) to identify students at risk of failing their studies, research demonstrating effective application of PLAs to higher education is relatively limited. The aims of this study are 1) to identify whether and how PLAs can inform the design of motivational interventions and 2) to capture the impact of those interventions on student retention at the Open University UK. A predictive model — the Student Probabilities Model (SPM) — was used to predict the likelihood of a student remaining in a course at the next milestone and eventually completing it. Undergraduate students (N=630) with a low probability of completing their studies were randomly allocated into the control (n=312) and intervention groups (n=318), and contacted by the university Student Support Teams (SSTs) using a set of motivational interventions such as text, phone, and email. The results of the randomized control trial showed statistically significant better student retention outcomes for the intervention group, with the proposed intervention deemed effective in facilitating course completion. The intervention also improved the administration of student support at scale and low cost.


Charged residues in the S4 transmembrane segment of voltage-gated cation channels play a key role in opening channels in response to changes in voltage across the cell membrane. However, the molecular mechanism of channel activation is not well understood. To learn more about the role of the S4 in channel gating, we constructed chimeras in which S4 segments from several divergent potassium channels, Shab, Shal, Shaw, and Kv3.2, were inserted into a Shaker potassium channel background. These S4 donor channels have distinctly different voltage-dependent gating properties and S4 amino acid sequences. None of the S4 chimeras have the gating behavior of their respective S4 donor channels. The conductance–voltage relations of all S4 chimeras are shifted to more positive voltages and the slopes are decreased. There is no consistent correlation between the nominal charge content of the S4 and the slope of the conductance–voltage relation, suggesting that the mutations introduced by the S4 chimeras may alter cooperative interactions in the gating process. We compared the gating behavior of the Shaw S4 chimera with its parent channels, Shaker and Shaw, in detail. The Shaw S4 substitution alters activation gating profoundly without introducing obvious changes in other channel functions. Analysis of the voltage-dependent gating kinetics suggests that the dominant effect of the Shaw S4 substitution is to alter a single cooperative transition late in the activation pathway, making it rate limiting. This interpretation is supported further by studies of channels assembled from tandem heterodimer constructs with both Shaker and Shaw S4 subunits. Activation gating in the heterodimer channels can be predicted from the properties of the homotetrameric channels only if it is assumed that the mutations alter a cooperative transition in the activation pathway rather than independent transitions.


Chilli (containing the active ingredient capsaicin) forms an important flavouring agent in the preparation of meals in the tropics. Previous studies have shown that capsaicin in high doses causes gross structural and functional changes in the gut. The present study investigates the effect of pure capsaicin on the absorption of glucose, water and alanine by the small intestine of the rat. Perfusion studies were carried out using a 10 cm jejunal segment. Absorption rates of glucose, water and alanine from a control solution containing the nutrient and from a test solution containing added capsaicin were compared. Recovery of absorptive function of the intestinal mucosa after exposure to capsaicin was also studied. Absorption of water, glucose and alanine was found to be significantly reduced in the presence of capsaicin. Recovery of absorptive function occurred when capsaicin was withdrawn from the perfusate. It was concluded that capsaicin adversely affected absorption of nutrients from the rat small intestine; this effect was reversible at least in the case of some nutrients.


Background: Although the Affordable Care Act has been successful in expanding Medicaid to >17 million people, insurance alone may not translate into access to health care. Even among the insured, substantial barriers to accessing services inhibit health care utilization. Objectives: We examined the effect of selected barriers to health care access and the magnitude of those barriers on health care utilization. Research Design: Data come from a 2008 survey of adult enrollees in Minnesota's public health care programs. We used multivariate logistic regression to estimate the effects of perceived patient, provider, and system-level barriers on past year delayed, foregone, and lack of preventive care. Subjects: A total of 2194 adults enrolled in Minnesota Health Care Programs who were mostly female (66%), high school graduates (76%), unemployed (62%), and living in metro areas (67%) were included in the analysis. Results: Reporting problems across all barriers increased the odds of delayed care from 2 times for provider-related barriers (OR=2.0; 95% CI, 1.2–3.3) to >6 times for access barriers (OR=6.2; 95% CI, 3.8–10.2) and foregone care from 2.6 times for family/work barriers (OR=2.6; 95% CI, 1.3–5.1) to >7 times for access barriers (OR=7.1; 95% CI, 3.9–13.1). Perceived discrimination was the only barrier consistently associated with all 3 utilization outcomes. Conclusions: Multiple types of barriers are associated with delayed and foregone care. System-level barriers and discrimination have the greatest effect on health care seeking behavior.


In their commentary on the recent report on the ethics of managed care by the American Medical Association's (AMA) Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs, Miles and Koepp offer two salient criticisms: For one thing, they fault the Council for not disclosing how intellectual, legal, and financial conflicts of interest may have influenced the Council's ethical opinions. Specifically, they point to the AMA's customary interest in preserving the fee-for-service system and in avoiding potential litigation that might arise from strictures imposed on rulings of the Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). For another, Miles and Koepp decry the Council's focus on the ethical obligations of individual physicians to their own patients to the neglect of their obligations to the healthcare plan, the other patients in the plan, and to society at large. Specifically, they lament the lack of a well-developed ethic of distributive justice and collective governance suitable to the economic exigencies of allocating resources. In this commentary, I wish to examine more closely two issues raised by Miles and Koepp's critique. The first issue is the assumption that the existence of interests--and, therefore, the possibility of conflicts of interest--is relevant in assigning validity to the conclusions of an ethical deliberation and that full disclosure is helpful in determining that validity. The second issue is the proper ethical relationship that should obtain between the obligations of physicians, to their own patients with whom they have a covenant of trust, and the obligations they incur to a health plan or to society when they sign a contract as a participating physician. This is part of the more general question of the proper relationship between commutative and distributive justice when they are in conflict. A third issue, which neither Miles and Koepp nor I address is the ethical propriety or moral legitimacy of restraints imposed by the FTC on the ethical guidelines of a profession. Should the FTC's legal hegemony over competition overrule the integrity of professional ethics? Should it make any difference in the Council's ethical opinions? This is a subject for more extended treatment than I can give it here. Suffice it to say that the rulings of the FTC are legal, not ethical, rulings. As such, their validity must be subjected to the same critical examination as other ethical statements. The mere existence of an FTC ruling, its practical consequences notwithstanding, is no warrant for abandoning an ethical principle. This is particularly the case since the FTC has made the protection of competition its icon and endowed it with a quasi-ethical authority. My commentary is not an item-by-item apologia for the Council's report. I do agree with, and wish to defend, its emphasis on the primacy of the physician's obligation to his or her patient even in a managed-care system. But I also agree with Miles and Koepp that a fuller development of an ethic of distributive justice is in order. I suspect they would frame their ethic differently than would I. I do not agree with them, however, that disclosure of interests would help to judge the ethical validity of the Council's opinions, except in a limited way. Lest I be suspected of a conflict of interest, I must state at the outset that I had no part in drafting the Council's report and that I have no personal or intellectual commitment to fee-for-service per se. The report did cite a work of mine, however, and I do have an interest in clarifying its relevance to the issues in question.


The significant Czech geographer and geomorphologist Jan Krejčí celebrates his 75 birthday the 20 May 1982. He worked from 1931 till 1972 (with exception during the World War II) as Professor at the University of Brno. His main works are devoted to the geomorphological investigation in Moravia (river terraces, young tectonics); he published many works also in hydrology, especially in applied hydrology. In this article the short biography and main fields of the activity of Professor Krejčí are presented.


Multimedia computing requires real-time guaranteed I/O throughput. Today's storage solution doesn't scale to meet the high requirement demand of multimedia. Multimedia data demands a high rate of data transaction and the storage space fills quickly. One direct method is to use the master/slave architecture where a stream of data is broken into smaller pieces and stored temporarily onto different servers. The reliability of data retrieval and consistency in performance depends on the data flow and available bandwidth. Dedicating specific servers to handle a client request and duplicating the data in the background makes not only the system reliable and simple but also ensures that the storage system is evenly filled. By replicating in-coming multimedia stream onto several servers and re-arranging it back to the original order before storing it will solve multi-user access issues. This approach will maintain system reliability and yield a faster response by using more storage units in parallel. The authors present a replication scheme for handling multimedia data that will take advantage of master/slave architecture.


Aims Unplanned extubation is an important quality issue. Quality surveillance showed that we were not achieving national targets for the number of ventilated days between unplanned extubations. A QI project was launched with the primary aim of increasing the number of ventilated days between unplanned extubations. QI literature directed at unplanned extubations have used statistical methodology that detects significance at the end of a fixed time period. This does not allow continuous quality monitoring. "G type" charts are a type of statistical quality control chart that exhibit improved sensitivity over conventional statistical approaches when dealing with rare events. Methods A Root cause analysis showed us that most unplanned extubations were secondary to the endotracheal tube (ETT) slipping through loose tapes in lightly sedated patients. A series of interventions (Table 1) were implemented. Following intervention implementation we performed continuous monitoring using a "g-type" chart (Figure 1). Abstract G384(P) Table 1 Intervention ETT fixation After the first full wrap on the ETT continue spiralling the tape up by two further revolutions. Introduction of a standard operating procedure (SOP). Sedation/Feeding Routine cessation of feeds between 6 am and the ward round to ensure starvation coincides with stopping sedation for planned extubations. A review of our sedation guideline. Training Regular training sessions on the SOP for ETT fixation. Abstract G384(P) Figure 1 Results The mean number of ventilated days between unplanned extubations increased from 1 per 40.8 days to 1 per 250 days. G-chart 1 clearly illustrates that the mean number of ventilated days between unplanned extubations increased above the upper confidence limit following intervention implementation. Conclusion We have shown an intervention that can significantly increase the number of ventilated days between an unplanned extubation. "G type" charts can be used to monitor the real time effects of an intervention. The surveillance advantage of these charts is that they take immediate advantage of each adverse event rather than waiting until the end of a pre-defined time period to identify root causes and thus enables continuous quality improvement.


Inflammation is a reaction of a living vascularised tissue to an injury. Conventional or synthetic drugs used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases are inadequate, it sometimes have serious side effects. So, number of herbal medicines is recommended for the treatment of inflammation that has no side effects. Pongamia pinnata, Pierre (Family- Fabaceae) commonly known as karanja. The seed and seed oil of the plant have been reported to be effective in various inflammatory and infectious diseases such as leucoderma, leprosy, lumbago, muscular and articular rheumatism, cutaneous affection including herpes and scabies etc. in folk medicine and Ayurveda, a traditional system of healing . Anti-inflammatory activities of this plant for various parts have been reported in various models. This study examined the anti-inflammatory potential of a methanolic leaves extract of Pongamia pinnata and reference drug Declofenac sodium, invitro using heat-induced protein denaturation technique. The concentrations of the leave extract used were 50-250μg/ml. While diclofenac sodium were 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250μg/ml. Both the Diclofenac sodium and extract showed the IC50 values 18.36 and 82.24µg/ml respectively. It is concluded that the methanolic leaves extract of Pongamia pinnata possess marked in vitro anti-inflammatory activity which is mediated possibly by flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids. This is a novel finding. Further the results scientifically justify the use of leaves of Pongamia pinnata in India traditional medicine to treat inflammation.
Keywords: Inflammation, Pongamia pinnata, Fabaceae, heat-induced protein denaturation technique


Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a T cell subpopulation known to possess immunoregulatory functions and recognize CD1d molecules. The majority of NKT cells express an invariant TCR [alpha] chain rearrangement and are called Type I NKT cells; all other NKT cells are Type II. In the current study, we have analyzed the roles for NKT cell subsets in the host's innate antitumor response against the murine NS0 B-cell lymphoma model in vivo. As the NS0 cell line lacks detectable cell surface CD1d expression, murine CD1d1 cDNA or empty vector was transfected into NS0 cells to generate CD1d+ and control cell lines. In tumor-bearing mice, we found that Type I NKT cells conferred protection in a CD1d-dependent manner, whereas Type II NKT cells exhibited inhibitory activity. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines secreted by splenocytes from tumor-bearing mice were predictive of tumor progression. Myeloid suppressor cells (CD11b+Gr1+) were present in larger numbers at the tumor site and in the spleen of tumor-bearing Type I NKT-deficient mice, suggesting a possible inhibition of antitumor immunosurveillance mediated by these cells. Therefore, there are distinct roles for NKT cell subsets in response to a B-cell lymphoma in vivo, pointing to potential novel targets to be exploited in the immunotherapy of blood cancers.
 This study was supported by NIH grants RO1 CA89029 and AI46455 to RRB.[alpha]


In the administrative law doctrine, both scholars and legislation contend that public servants are to be legaly invested, either by appointment or by election, in a public office - of authority, administration, implementation, public utility; to enjoy some prerogatives of authority; to have a certain capacity defined through its scope, and accountability; and to have institutional affiliation. Criminal law however, due to the fact that it is normatively and conceptually autonomous, is not held to the meaning given to certain notions by the areas of law from which these notions have been taken and can therefore give a new different meaning to the concepts analyzed. The meaning of concepts such as "clerk", "public servant", "wage earner" in criminal law have a different meaning than within the field of administrative law. More so, they differ from the definitions established by the European law, therefore efforts should be undertaken by the Romanian legislator in order to have a coherent approach.


The voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels, encoded by 40 genes, repolarize all electrically excitable cells, including plant, cardiac, and neuronal cells. Although these genes were fully sequenced decades ago, a comprehensive kinetic characterization of all Kv channels is still missing, especially near physiological temperature. Here, we present a standardized kinetic map of the 40 homomeric Kv channels systematically characterized at 15, 25, and 35°C. Importantly, the Kv kinetics at 35°C differ significantly from commonly reported kinetics, usually performed at room temperature. We observed voltage-dependent Q10 for all active Kv channels and inherent heterogeneity in kinetics for some of them. Kinetic properties are consistent across different host cell lines and conserved across mouse, rat, and human. All electrophysiology data from all Kv channels are made available through a public website (Channelpedia). This dataset provides a solid foundation for exploring kinetics of heteromeric channels, roles of auxiliary subunits, kinetic modulation, and for building accurate Kv models.


The detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) may have important prognostic and therapeutic implications; therefore, we expect a broader range of tumor types in which CTC detection and count will routinely be conducted in the coming years. This article evaluates the application of CTC as a potentially useful diagnostic and prognostic test in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MMe). MMe is a rare but increasingly prevalent, highly aggressive asbestos exposure-related tumor. MMe develops after long time latency, is rarely diagnosed at early stages, is poorly sensitive to conventional treatments and presents a very short survival upon diagnosis. Pursuing research of CTC in MMe can represent a very important task for all the clinical and preclinical scientists working on blood biomarkers of this tumor. Possibly in combination with other diagnostic tools, such as a thoracoscopy and advanced imaging, CTC can represent a promising tool for MMe prognosis and follow-up. Further studies to confirm value of CTC test in MMe are warranted.


The differential gene expression is the molecular base of development and responses to stimuli of organisms. Transcription factors (TFs) play important regulatory roles in this kind of differential gene expression. Therefore, to elucidate how these TFs regulate the complex differential gene expression, it is necessary to identify all target genes of them and construct the gene transcription regulatory network controlled by them. DNA binding is a key step for TFs regulating gene transcription. Therefore, in order to identify their target genes, it is indispensable to identify all possible DNA sequences that can be recognized and bound by TFs at the molecular level of their interactions with DNA, i.e., construction of the DNA-binding profiles of TFs. In recent years, along with the development of DNA microarray and high-throughput DNA sequencing techniques, there appeared some revolutionary new techniques for constructing DNA-binding profiles of TFs, which greatly promotes studies in this field. These techniques include ChIP-chip and ChIP-Seq for constructing in vivo DNA-binding profiles of TFs, dsDNA microarray, SELEX-SAGE, Bind-n-Seq, MMP-SELEX, EMSA-Seq, and HiTS-FLIP for constructing in vitro DNA-binding profiles of TFs. This paper reviewed these techniques.


Background: Aluminum contamination of parenteral nutrition solutions has been documented for 3 decades. It can result in elevated blood, bone, and whole body aluminum levels associated with neurotoxicity, reduced bone mass and mineral content, and perhaps hepatotoxicity. The primary aluminum source among parenteral nutrition components is glass-packaged calcium gluconate, in which aluminum concentration in the past 3 decades has averaged approximately 4000 &mgr;g/L, compared with <200 &mgr;g/L in plastic container-packaged calcium gluconate. A concern about plastic packaging is leaching of plasticizers, including phthalates, which have the potential to cause endocrine (male reproductive system) disruption and neurotoxicity. Methods: Aluminum was quantified in samples collected periodically for more than 2 years from 3 calcium gluconate sources used to prepare parenteral nutrition solutions; 2 packaged in glass (from France and the United States) and 1 in plastic (from Germany); in a recently released plastic-packaged solution (from the United States); and in the 2 glass containers. Phthalate concentration was determined in selected samples of each product and leachate of the plastic containers. Results: The initial aluminum concentration was approximately 5000 &mgr;g/L in the 2 glass-packaged products and approximately 20 &mgr;g/L in the plastic-packaged product, and increased approximately 30%, 50%, and 100% in 2 years, respectively. The aluminum concentration in a recently released Calcium Gluconate Injection USP was approximately 320 &mgr;g/L. Phthalates were not detected in any calcium gluconate solutions or leachates. Conclusions: Plastic packaging greatly reduces the contribution of aluminum to parenteral nutrition solutions from calcium gluconate compared with the glass-packaged product.


A case of clinically successful autografting of rib perichondrium to the patella in a 55-year-old woman suffering from painful traumatic chondromalacia patellae is reported. A postoperative arthrogram however did not show any significant regeneration of cartilage but arthroscopy revealed a smooth surface of cartilage on the patella. Biopsies were not performed.


To develop the metal–organic framework (MOF)-based sensing of triethylamine (TEA) in an aqueous phase, Al-MIL-101-NH2 (MIL: Material Institute Lavoisier) with a tripod-like cavity was utilized based on a lock-and-key model. Al-MIL-101-NH2 (Al-MOF) was found to be an excellent fluorescent sensor for the TEA molecules in the range of 0.05–0.99 mM. The limit of detection (LOD) and linear calibration range of this probe towards TEA were found to be 3 μM and 0.05–0.40 mM, respectively. The mechanism of the sensing process indicates the dominant role of physical processes (e.g., non-covalent bond interactions). In addition, the exact fit of the TEA molecule (6.5 Å) in the tripod-like cavity (6.78 Å) supported the strong interaction between three ethyl groups (TEA) and aromatic rings (MOF). This kind of specific suitability between size/shape of the TEA and tripod-like cavity of MOF (ΔG: −46.7 kJ mol−1) was not found in other molecules such as ethylamine (ΔG: −2.20 kJ mol−1 and size: 3.7 Å), formaldehyde (ΔG: +1.50 kJ mol−1 and size: 2.8 Å), and ammonia (ΔG: +0.71 kJ mol−1 and size: 1.6 Å). As such, Al-MOF was found to be a selective and stable sensor for TEA.


This article examines the role of Islamic boarding schools in improving the quality of education by opening and operating vocational high schools. The research objective was to know and explain the development model of the vocational high school at Al Amien Islamic boarding school, Prenduan Sumenep, Indonesia. A qualitative with phenomenology research design was used. Data were gathered through observation, in-depth interview, and documentation and then analyzed using data reduction and data display, and by concluding. The research subjects were students, teachers, leaders, and developers of the cooperation of Al Amien Islamic boarding school. The findings revealed that (i) Rihlan Iqtishadiyah [economy comparison study] was essential to analyze and study deeply the theory and practice followed by various educational systems to know and find similarities; (ii) Reward baketram, which translates to an appreciation and reward on effort, achievement, and creativity, should be incorporated as a part of the vocational skill-building program; and (iii) industry work practice program allowed students to sharpen their talents and skills through the integration of concept, idea, and experience immediately.
Keywords: vocational education, experiential learning, industry work practice


In this paper, a high efficiency and high reliability 915 nm semiconductor laser is designed and fabricated, which is a key component of the fiber lasers. In order to maximize the electro-optic conversion efficiency of the device, a double asymmetric large-cavity waveguide structure is adopted in the design, and the quantum well structure, waveguide structure, doping, and device structure are systematically optimized. Device simulations show that the device's maximum electro-optical conversion efficiency reaches 67% at an ambient temperature of 25℃. The material is grown by Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition(MOCVD), and a laser chip having a light emitting region width of 95 μm and a cavity length of 4.8 mm is prepared. Tests show that the efficiency of the packaged device and other parameter indices have reached the advanced level of similar devices in the world. In the case that the threshold current is 1 A at room temperature, the slope efficiency is 1.18 W/A, the maximum electro-optic conversion efficiency is 66.5%, the output power is 12 W, and the electro-optical conversion efficiency reaches 64.3%. It can be seen that the test results are in good agreement with that of the device theory simulation. After approximately 6 000 hours of long-life accelerated testing, the device power does not attenuate, indicating that the produced high-power 915 nm laser chip has very high reliability.


Electrophoretic and enzyme techniques have been used to study the structure and function of the contractile protein system in the myocardium of dogs before and after beta-adrenoceptor blockade. Animals were examined after acute beta-adrenoceptor blockade by using intravenous atenolol (0.2 mg/kg) and following chronic therapy with oral atenolol (100 mg twice daily) for a mean period of 106 days. Two-dimensional polyacrylamide-gel electrophoretic techniques were used to examine the myocardial contractile and regulatory proteins present in endomyocardial biopsy specimens obtained after acute and chronic beta-adrenoceptor blockade. No differences in charge, molecular weight or the relative proportions of actin, myosin light chains, tropomyosin or troponin-C were seen after either acute or chronic beta-adrenoceptor blockade. The maximal activity and calcium sensitivity of the myofibrillar adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) was also unchanged after acute and chronic atenolol therapy. It is concluded that beta-adrenoceptor blockade has no significant adaptive effect on the structural or functional properties of the myofibril.


BACKGROUND
Advanced stage at presentation, lack of BRAF mutations and overall rarity pose unique challenges to the therapy and trial design in sinonasal melanoma.

METHODS
Here, we assessed the expression status of 12 proteins in two independent cohorts of sinonasal melanoma (n = 20).

RESULTS
Each case showed expression of at least one protein (KIT, TP53, MYC, HER2, EGFR, MET, VEGFR, BRAF V600E and/or MDM2), whereas lack of ALK, FLI1 and PDGFRα expression underscores differences to cutaneous melanoma. Comparison of marker frequencies to a metareview of the literature indicates that MYC, HER2, EGFR and MET had not been previously assessed.

CONCLUSION
Expression of at least one potentially targetable protein per case illustrates proteome pathway profiling as one starting point for marker stratified trial design.


Noticeably, stress has affected the performance of the university's manpower which result to sagging morale in the workplace. Thus this study evaluated the factors associated with and notions concerning stress of the administration and academic personnel of SLSU. A descriptive-survey method was employed to gather data from the 125 respondents using a Stress Audit instrument adopted from Miller and Smith (1993). The data gathered were consolidated and statistically analyzed using percentages and Pearson-r. On the whole, the administrative and academic personnel of SLSU had manifested serious susceptibility to stress sources and stress symptoms which were significantly affected by the academic personnel's age profile, and slightly affected by the length of service of both academic and administrative staff. The academic personnel's number of office designations had affected both their perspective on stress sources and symptoms. It can be deduced that the SLSU administrative and academic personnel's notions concerning stress sources and symptoms vary due to the nature and gravity of the tasks they perform. Therefore, it is recommended that a comprehensive "Welfare Administration Program" for the SLSU personnel be implemented to reduce health risks caused by stress and to promote the welfare and well-being of all SLSU employees.Keywords - Stress susceptibility, stress sources, stress symptoms, performance, academic staff, administrative personnel


The effect of Pre-treatment condition has been studied for extracting gelatin from Beluga Sturgeon fish skin with acetic Acid (0.2 N and 2.0 N) and NaOH (0.2 N and 2.0 N) on gelatin extraction yield, melting point, viscosity and SDS-PAGE electrophoresis pattern of the solution. The results showed that extraction yield increased by increasing acid concentration or decreasing NaOH concentration (p<0.05). The samples treated with 2.0 N acid- 2.0 N NaOH solutions and 0.2 N Acid – 2.0 N NaOH solutions had the lowest and the highest melting point respectively. The values were respectively 17°C and 23°C. The results showed a significant correlation between the type of gelatin and its functionality


Introduction There is rising awareness that we need multidisciplinary approaches integrating psychological treatments for schizophrenia, but a comprehensive evidence based on their relative efficacy is lacking. We will conduct a network meta-analysis (NMA), integrating direct and indirect comparisons from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to rank psychological treatments for schizophrenia according to their efficacy, acceptability and tolerability. Methods and analysis We will include all RCTs comparing a psychological treatment aimed at positive symptoms of schizophrenia with another psychological intervention or with a no treatment condition (waiting-list and treatment as usual). We will include studies on adult patients with schizophrenia, excluding specific subpopulations (eg, first-episode patients or patients with psychiatric comorbidities). Primary outcome will be the change in positive symptoms on a published rating scale. Secondary outcomes will be acceptability (dropout), change in overall and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, response, relapse, adherence, depression, quality of life, functioning and adverse events. Published and unpublished studies will be sought through database searches, trial registries and websites. Study selection and data extraction will be conducted by at least two independent reviewers. We will conduct random-effects NMA to synthesise all evidences for each outcome and obtain a comprehensive ranking of all treatments. NMA will be conducted in Stata and R within a frequentist framework. The risk of bias in studies will be evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the credibility of the evidence will be evaluated using an adaptation of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework to NMA, recommended by the Cochrane guidance. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses will be conducted to assess the robustness of the findings. Ethics and dissemination No ethical issues are foreseen. Results from this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant conferences. PROSPERO registration number CRD42017067795.


Resveratrol (RES), a dietary polyphenol compound, has been shown to possess health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiatherosclerosis properties. Tryptophan metabolite-derived indoxyl sulfate (IS) is identified as one of the uremic toxins and physiological endogenous ligand/activator of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), associated with atherosclerosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Studies have shown that a high serum level of IS causes deleterious effects on health primarily by inducing oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. However, the precise mechanisms are still unclear. Here, we investigated the underlying mechanism of IS effect on endothelial permeability and the role of RES on IS-induced endothelial hyperpermeability via the AHR/Src-dependent pathway. Bovine aorta endothelial cells (BAECs) were cultured and incubated with IS in the presence or absence of RES, and transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and permeability of cells were measured. Alongside, AHR, Src kinase, and Vascular Endothelial Cadherin (VE-Cadherin) activation were examined. Our data showed that IS reduced TEER of cells resulting in increased permeability. VE-Cadherin, a vital regulator of endothelial permeability, was also significantly activated in response to IS, which appeared to be associated with changes of endothelial permeability and AHR/Src kinase. Interestingly, in this setting, RES reversed the effect of IS and inhibited the increased activation of Src induced by IS-activated AHR and modulated VE-Cadherin and permeability. CH223191, an inhibitor of AHR, significantly inhibits IS-induced endothelial hyperpermeability. Further analysis with treatment of PP2, an inhibitor of Src abolishing Src activation, suggests downstream factors. All our data indicated that IS upregulated the AHR/Src kinase pathway, and increased endothelial permeability and phosphorylation of VE-Cadherin may be represented and provide new strategies for addressing protective properties of RES against Src kinase involved in AHR-mediated endothelial hyperpermeability. The findings may be crucial for managing diseases in which endothelial permeability is compromised, and the dietary polyphenols are involved.


Detailed analysis of the endogenous sterol content of purified Pneumocystis carinii preparations by gas-liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry suggested that this parasite can both synthesize de novo steroid skeletons (to produce delta7 sterols) and take them from the infected host (leading to delta5 sterols). In both cases the final products are 24-alkyl sterols, resulting from the action of delta24(25) and delta24(24') sterol methyltransferases, enzymes not present in vertebrates. To investigate the physiological significance of these sterols, cultures of P. carinii in embryonic lung cells were exposed to 22,26-azasterol (20-piperidin-2-yl-5alpha-pregnan-3beta-20(R)-diol), a compound previously shown to inhibit both enzymes and to halt cell proliferation in fungi and protozoa. This compound produced a dose-dependent reduction in the parasite proliferation, with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 0.3 microM and 80% reduction of growth after 96 h at 10 microM. Correspondingly, parasites treated with the azasterol at 10 microM for 48 h accumulated 24-desalkyl sterols such as zymosterol (cholesta-8,24-dien-3beta-ol) and cholesta-8,14,24-trien-3beta-ol to ca. 40% of the total mass of endogenous sterols. This is the first report on the antiproliferative effects of a sterol biosynthesis inhibitor on P. carinii and indicate that sterol methyltransferase inhibitors could be the basis of a novel and specific chemotherapeutic approach to the treatment of P. carinii infections.


BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
To investigate the prevalence of vitamin A and vitamin D deficiency and the associated factors in hospitalized neonates in Xi'an, China.

METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN
A total of 524 hospitalized neonates were collected in this study. Serum vitamin A and D concentrations were detected in neonates within two weeks of birth.

RESULTS
Serum vitamin A and D concentrations of hospitalized neonates were 0.55±0.21 μmol/L and 42.0±20.6 nmol/L, respectively. They were greater in full-term neonates than in preterm neonates, greater in rural neonates than in urban, and greater in single than in twin (all p<0.001). The prevalence of vitamin A and D deficiency were 14.9% and 33.0%, the prevalence of marginal vitamin A deficiency was 64.7%, and vitamin D insufficiency was 35.1%. Neonatal serum vitamin A and D concentrations were all positively correlated with birth weight and gestational age. Neonatal serum vitamin D concentration was also positively correlated with maternal serum vitamin D concentration. Additionally, neonatal vitamin A concentration was positively correlated with neonatal serum vitamin D concentration.

CONCLUSIONS
Vitamin A and vitamin D statuses are compromised in hospitalized neonates in Xi'an, especially in premature neonates, low birth weight neonates, twins, and those born in urban areas. Individualized supplementation with vitamin A and vitamin D in neonates should be a clinical consideration.


Utilization of water as a reagent as well as a solvent is an important topic in synthetic organic chemistry. This article describes recent progress of hydration and hydrolysis reactions catalyzed by transition metal complexes. Direct transformation of 1-alkynes into aldehydes by Ru (II) -catalyzed hydration has been developed. It has been long known as a textbook example that the hydration follows Markovnikov's rule to give ketones as a sole product. Mechanistic study of the transformation revealed that Ru (II) -vinylidene complexes presumably are not involved in the current hydration reaction, but Ru (IV) -hydride-vinylidene complexes are concerned. Ru (II) -catalyzed hydroamination and its application to heterocycle synthesis are also described. This paper also illustrates metal catalyzed hydrolysis of terminal epoxides, alkenyl esters and ethers. Hydrolytic kinetic resolution of some chiral terminal epoxides and vinyl ethers are also developed.


BACKGROUND
Herpes zoster is an illness which is especially common amongst the elderly in the Netherlands and which can express itself in various ways. Besides affecting sensory nerves, which leads to postherpetic pain, the varicella zoster virus may also invade motor nerves.

CASE DESCRIPTION
A 73-year-old female went to the surgeon with symptoms of a painful swelling in the left lower abdomen. She had experienced herpes zoster at the site of the swelling a few months earlier. A CT scan revealed asymmetry of the abdominal wall musculature, which led us to suspect a link between motor involvement of herpes zoster and the abdominal swelling. EMG revealed denervation of the affected abdominal wall muscle, which confirmed the link with herpes zoster in that dermatome.

CONCLUSION
Abdominal wall paresis caused by herpes zoster is a rare condition. It can be diagnosed on the basis of clinical findings and may be confirmed by EMG investigation of the affected muscle. In view of the temporary nature of the paresis, it is possible to opt for conservative management of the condition.


Introduction Although most urologists agree that failures after laparoscopic pyeloplasty occur usually within a year after the operation, late failures are also reported. Aim To assess late results of laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Material and methods Seventy-eight of ninety-five patients who had been operated on between November 2001 and September 2009 were notified about the possibility of diuretic renography (DR). Excluded from the study were 3 patients who failed within 1 year after surgery, 2 others with late recurrences at 1.5 and 2.5 years postoperatively, 8 patients who were lost to follow-up immediately after the operation, 2 patients with equivocal DR after pyeloplasty and 2 cases with open conversion. Twenty-six (33.3%) patients responded to the notification. Mean follow-up was 89 months. In all patients DR, ultrasound, serum creatinine concentration, estimatated glomerular filtration rate and the assessment of symptoms were carried out. Success was defined as T1/2 ≤ 12 min and improved or stable differential renal function on DR. Results Diuretic renography revealed no obstruction in 25/26 (96%) patients. One woman was not appropriately hydrated, which rendered the result of the investigation unreliable. Mean half time to tracer clearance was 6.74 min. Mean split renal function on the operated side was 44.62%. Mean pain strength according to the VAS scale was 1.54. Conclusions Our study seems to indicate that recurrence after laparoscopic pyeloplasty in the follow-up period longer than 5 years is very unlikely. However, until more data are available, patients should undergo long-term follow-up to receive the benefit of the operation.


Design considerations are discussed for the structural optimisation of 1.3μm zero-dispersion single-mode fibres for use in the 1.55 μm-wavelength region. The ranges of optimum fibre parameters for mode field diameter 1W and effective cutoff wavelength λce are determined as 2W = 10.5 ± 10 μm and 1.35 μm < λ <, 1.60 μm, respectively. A mean test fibre loss of 0.185 dB/km has been achieved.


The yeast PDR5 gene encodes an efflux pump that confers multidrug resistance. Expression of PDR5is positively regulated by the transcription factors Pdr1p and Pdr3p that recognize the same pleiotropic drug resistance elements (PDREs) in the PDR5 promoter. Pdr1p and Pdr3p belong to the Gal4p family of zinc cluster proteins. The function of RDR1(YOR380W), which also encodes a member of this family, is unknown. To identify target genes for Rdr1p, we have performed whole-genome analysis of gene expression with DNA microarrays. Our results show that Rdr1p is a transcriptional repressor of five genes, including PDR5. A Δrdr1 strain has increased resistance to cycloheximide, as expected from the overexpression ofPDR5. In addition, the activity of a PDR5-lacZ reporter is increased in a Δrdr1 strain. All (but one) genes affected by removal of Rdr1p contain PDREs in their promoters. We tested if the effect of Rdr1p is mediated through PDREs by inserting this DNA element in front of a minimal promoter. Activity of this reporter was increased in a Δrdr1 strain. Moreover, mutations known to reduce binding of Pdr1/Pdr3p abolished the induction observed in the Δrdr1 strain. Thus, we have identified a transcriptional repressor involved in the control of multidrug resistance.


The purpose of the work is to furnish a study of a discrete and special function, discovered by the author and named with the Arabian letter (Shin) 1 , produced by a family of functions. A fundamental theorem is enunciated: it connects the rational values of this family with a natural number; to this aim two rational-value functions will be created, with the characteristic, in the fleld of real positive numbers, to be piecewise continuous. We state not only the existence of a separation element, but we prove that this element is just formed by one only integer constant function, the value of which is equal to 2. We point out a hypothetical, subtle connection among the special function , the Eulerian function Gamma and the second-order Eulerian numbers. It is flnally proved that is completely monotonic: this characteristic is peculiar for the functions that have considerable applications in difierent flelds of pure and applied Mathematics.


Privacy concern is still one of the major issues that prevent users from moving to public clouds. The root cause of the privacy problem is that the cloud provider has more privileges than it is necessary, which leaves no options for the cloud users to protect their privacy. Due to the same problem, once the control virtual machine or the cloud platform is compromised, all user's privacy will be breached. Many cryptographic solutions have been developed to protect sensitive data in the cloud. However, arbitrary processing is usually prohibited once cryptography is used. Homomorphic cryptography is considered promising but it does not offer practical performance at the current stage. Instead of cryptographic solutions, in this paper, we propose a new cloud architecture - MyCloud to solve the problem. MyCloud removes the control virtual machine (control VM) from the processor's root mode and only keeps security and performance crucial components in the TCB. MyCloud achieves the following security goals. First, MyCloud de-privileges the cloud provider such that the cloud provider cannot inspect users' memory through the control virtual machine. Second, MyCloud enables user configured privacy protection. Third, the reduced the TCB size also minimizes the attack surface of the cloud platform. We implemented a prototype system with ~5.8K LOCs on x86 architecture. According to our experimental results, our platform shows acceptable overhead while providing significantly enhanced security and privacy protection that can be configured by users.


Experimental data are reported for the temperature and polarization dependence of the oneand two-magnon Raman light scattering in the rutile-structure antiferromagnet CoF2. The correspondingn Stokes and anti-Stokes Raman spectra are measured, emphasizing the temperature and polarization variations of the one-magnon frequency, line width, and integrated intensity. A Green's function method is employed to derive the excitation energies and their intensities over a broad range of temperatures (below the Néel temperature = 38 K) for a spin S = 3/2 anisotropic antiferromagnet with strong spin-orbit coupling. The exchange terms are analyzed using the random-phase approximation while single-ion anisotropy terms are treated exactly by generating a closed set of coupled Green's function equations. Good overall agreement between theory and experiment is obtained.


Greater leisure‐time physical activity (PA) levels or a lower body mass index have previously been associated with a lower risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia or less severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). However, separating the effects of PA from obesity can be difficult, and the types of PA and the mechanisms underlying any association with LUTS among older men are unclear. The present analysis used multiple validated instruments to measure PA domains across workplace, leisure time, and home domains, and finds that PAs ranging from sports to light housework are associated with lower LUTS severity. The benefits of PA were seen with irritative symptoms, and also among obese men. Furthermore, this analysis begins the investigation of mechanism by finding that the relationship between PA and LUTS is not mediated by prostate enlargement.


a. Patients receiving automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) treatment report significantly more time for work, family and social activities (Level II evidence; single good quality RCT, clinically relevant outcome, strong precise effect). APD should be prescribed in preference to continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for patients in whom minimising the time spent performing peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an important consideration (e.g. workers, school pupils, students, carers of elderly or debilitated patients).


OF THESIS A MULTIPLE CASE STUDY OF MUSIC THERAPISTS' PERCEPTIONS OF VOCAL HEALTH As professional voice users, music therapists should be aware of their vocal health and the risks for developing vocal problems through habitual vocal use. Vocal abuse refers to vocal activities such as yelling, singing with poor technique, and shouting which cause the laryngeal mechanism to not function optimally. Although many music therapists are at risk for vocal abuse, to my knowledge, no researchers have looked at how music therapists are using their voices. The purpose of this qualitative study was to better understand music therapists' perceptions of their vocal health and vocal health training. I used a multiple case study design to develop a deeper understanding of vocal training that music therapists have had in the past, their current perception of their vocal health, and factors that facilitate and inhibit their vocal health. The participants were five board-certified music therapists (MT-BC) who had either worked in their current position for at least three years or had worked with the population they currently serve for three or more years. Although the clinical settings where participants worked varied (e.g., schools, inpatient hospital, clinics, and private practice), all five participants worked in Kentucky. Participants took part in one in-person semi-structured interview, completed a vocal health diary for five workdays, and responded to follow-up questions through email. I manually transcribed interviews and coded responses and another researcher assisted with coding. Qualitative analysis revealed that several factors facilitated the vocal health of the music therapists, specifically: feedback during music therapist training, home remedies, medical interventions, and motivation to continue vocal training. Several factors that inhibited the music therapists from achieving their optimal vocal health were lack of training, extended vocal use, the negative impact of allergies and sickness, and logistical and financial barriers. All participants experienced vocal problems at some point in their professional career but did not seek additional vocal training because of the inhibitive factors. The findings suggest that music therapists would benefit from additional vocal training opportunities within their entry education and training and easily accessible vocal health resources and continuing education opportunities specific to the field of music therapy. Additionally, there is a need for additional research on the effects of vocal training programs in music therapy.


By the invention of a very small, simple and reliable self-starting synchronous motor, in conjunction with convenient means for regulating the average frequency of an alternating circuit, there has been developed a new field of usefulness for electric power. It is now feasible to drive all kinds of timing devices such as clocks, graphic instrument movements, time recorders, etc., directly from the lighting circuits. Remarkable accuracy is obtained, and the amount of care is minimized by the elimination of winding and regulating.


The effect of interpleural analgesia on postoperative hospital course was analyzed in a prospective randomized study of patients undergoing cholecystectomy. Control patients were treated in the standard manner with systemic narcotics alone; catheter patients had an interpleural catheter placed at the end of surgery and, in addition, could receive systemic narcotics if necessary. The catheter group received interpleural 0.5% bupivacaine with epinephrine every six hours for a total of four injections. Thirteen patients were in each group. Pain score, pulmonary function and narcotic requirement were measured over the first postoperative day. Catheter patients had a lower average pain score (visual analog scale (VAS), 3.6 versus 5.2), decreased narcotic requirement in the recovery room and improved oxygen saturation (96% versus 93%). However, there was no statistical difference in amount of morphine (catheter, 25 ± 14 mg; control, 31 ± 15 mg), number of narcotic injections (catheter, 3.8 ± 1.5; control, 3.5 ± 1.5), forced vital capacity (catheter, 44% preoperative control, 41% preoperative), recovery room time (catheter, 129 ± 54 minutes, control, 117 ± 39 minutes) or total hospital stay (catheter, 4.1 ± 0.9 days; control, 3.7 ± 0.8 days). Analysis of hourly VAS scores following a bolus indicated that the analgesia disappeared within approximately four hours. The mean time to a request for narcotic following a bolus was 4.2 hours (excluding 17 of a potential total of 52 instances when narcotic was not requested at all). Therefore, the duration of pain relief for subcostal incisions using interpleural 0.5% bupivacaine is approximately four hours. In conclusion, while there are some advantages conferred to patients treated with the intrapleural catheter, it would appear that a bolus regimen more frequent than every six hours would be necessary to maximize any benefit.


Using data based on census materials concerning developments during the decade 1970-1980, the paper outlines the rapid economic growth in South Korea and how this has affected employment. It examines changes in the structure of employment, output growth in each sector and the relationships between output growth and employment. It also evaluates the unusual concentration of nonagricultural activity in Korea's cities and its implications for urbanization and migration by comparing Korean experience with that of Taiwan. Issues associated with the turning point, which could have occurred around 1969 and 1965, are also discussed. After Korea's world-record development in the 1970s, the paper notes a dramatic reversal in 1980 and a slow recovery in 1981-82 with no return to rapid growth until 1983. Finally, the paper discusses the effects of the recent recession and recovery on employment absorption and prospects for the future.


Materials that absorb electromagnetic waves over an ultra-wide frequency band have great potential for military and civilian applications. In this study, a square-frustum-type metamaterial structure was designed and prepared using CI/silica gel composites and flake-shaped FeNi/silica gel composites as the filling substrate. The structural parameters of the square frustum were simulated and optimized using CST Studio Suite. The results show that the optimal performance was achieved when the base consisted of 50 vol.% CI/silica gel composites and 25 vol.% FeNi/silica gel composites with a cross-pattern distribution, the square frustum consisted of 50 vol.% CI/silica gel composites, and the total thickness, base thickness, base-edge length, and top-edge lengths were 5, 1.8, 2.5, and 1.5 mm, respectively. This arrangement can effectively absorb frequencies between 1.8 and 40 GHz, realizing ultra-broadband absorption. The excellent absorption performance of the absorber is attributed to multiple quarter-wavelength resonances and edge diffraction effects.


Two cottonseed oil biodiesel samples (cottonseed oil methyl esters, COME) produced in Clemson lab, together with other two commercial cottonseed oil biodiesels were evaluated on their engine performance with the No. 2 diesel fuel as a reference. The results revealed that emission of CO, CO2 and NOx from cottonseed oil biodiesels was lower than that of the No. 2 diesel fuel. CO decreased by 13.8%, CO2 by 11.1% and NOx by 10%, though there was no significantly sta- tistical difference at p<0.05. The engine test also showed a slightly higher amount of consumption and less tendency of coke formation from COME than the No. 2 diesel fuel. The oxidative stability study showed COME with acceptable sta- bility. COME exhibited friendly environmental benefits and acceptable stability, demonstrating its feasibility as an alter- native fuel.


The PROMISE (prosthetic centres andmetalions in protein activesites) database aims to present comprehensive sequence, structural, functional and bibliographic information on metalloproteins and other complex proteins, with an emphasis on active site structure and function. The database is available on the WorldWide Web at http://bioinf.leeds.ac.uk/promise/