This review article draws on scarce and poorly studied archival information and several published articles to describe the development and organisation of public health services in the town of Bakar over the 18th and 19th century. For a short while at the turn of the 19th century, Bakar established a hospital run by two physicians and one surgeon to treat patients affected by the so called Škrljevo disease, an endemic type of syphilis. As the century went on, the number of healthcare providers increased by two more physicians, four surgeons, and three to six licensed midwives. There was also a town pharmacy, that worked all that time. As a busy port, the town also provided well-organised maritime sanitary services. As its economy changed over the two centuries to come to a halt after an initial boom, which resulted in a severe drop in population from 7600 to 2000 people, public services deteriorated, including public health. Maritime services suffered the hardest blow, while the workforce gradually came down to one or two physicians and surgeons and several midwives.


Let \(a_i i:= 1,\dots,m.\) be an i.i.d. sequence taking values in \(\mathbb{R}^n\). Whose convex hull is interpreted as a stochastic polyhedron \(P\). For a special class of random variables which decompose additively relative to their boundary simplices, eg. the volume of \(P\), integral representations of their first two moments are given which lead to asymptotic estimations of variances for special "additive variables" known from stochastic approximation theory in case of rotationally symmetric distributions.


The article examines how the caveat in Article 194(2) TFEU on Member States' right to determine the conditions for exploiting its energy resources affects the division of powers between the Union and the Member States to regulate the conditions for exploitation of their energy resources. In the background of the discussion is the question of whether the Union should be concerned with the complex and sometimes divergent rules that govern access to exploitation of energy resources in the Member States and asks whether the Union has powers under Article 194(2) TFEU to take action. The article also addresses the question of whether the caveat can be seen as a sign of increased resource nationalism - in the sense that states seek to maintain or reclaim control over the exploitation of their energy resources, or, whether the caveat simply reflects a balance already agreed upon in the Hydrocarbon Directive.


The present paper deals with the effect of the surface roughness on the performance of centrifugal compressors and the applicability of the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for the purpose of the quantitatively accurate prediction of the performance deterioration due to the surface roughness. Commercial CFD solver FLUENT was applied in the current research. High Reynolds number turbulence model was used with the wall function corrections to the rough walls. In the initial phase, CFD analyses were conducted on an axial compressor and an axial turbine cascades, those geometrical and experimental data on the effect of the surface roughness are publicly available. The comparison of the CFD results with the experimental data showed reasonable agreement in view of the increase in the cascade loss coefficient at the cascade design conditions, although less satisfactory agreements were obtained at some off-design conditions. In the next step, a series of performance testing was conducted on the centrifugal compressor stages, whose wetted surfaces are intentionally roughened by sand-blasting surface treatment. Corresponding CFD analyses were conducted. In these analyses the intensity and extent of the surface roughness were appropriately modeled based on the observations and measurements of the surface texture. Efficiency decrements were compared and good agreements were confirmed between them. In this case, good agreements were obtained not only for the design conditions but also for the wide range of the off-design conditions. Based on the above analyses and comparisons with experimental data, following conclusions were obtained. Reasonable quantitative agreements between experimental data and CFD analyses were obtained on axial compressor and turbine cascades and centrifugal compressor stages. CFD analyses with wall roughness can be used to estimate the detrimental effect of the surface roughness.Copyright © 2008 by ASME


The replication of pox virus DNA is known to require the prior synthesis of new proteins. It can thus be completely inhibited by the addition early after infection of either puromycin (Joklik & Becker, 1964) or p-fluorophenylalanine (FPA) (Appleyard & Zwartouw, 1965). This dependence upon protein synthesis has been related to a requirement for new enzymes and particularly the DNA polymerase which has been demonstrated in pox virus-infected cells (Magee, 1962; Green & Pina, 1962; Jungwirth & Joklik, 1965). Recently, however, Kates & McAuslan (1967) suggested that there is also need for a second type of protein function stoichiometrically related to DNA synthesis. We here draw attention to a difference in the action of puromycin and FPA which supports this interpretation and record additional findings which suggest that a third protein function may be needed to make 'functional' virus DNA.


Apparel brands communicate social identity and membership of the person that consume it. Knowing this, many brands were developed, some exploring their relationship with fashion, whereas others use a cause association. In order to increase knowledge about the brand influence, this study aimed to analyze the impact of tag types (social, generic and manufacturer), on the choice and the price of a shirt. It was developed a quantitative survey with a accidental sample of the 248 people with high degree of education. Through the use of conjoint analysis, it was obtained a model that ranked three attributes according their importance to the choice of a T-shirt and the most relevant characteristics of each attribute. Also, it was analyzed the relationship of the three brand types and the T-shirt price. The study revealed that the quality in this segment is more important than the brand, and that different brands can add value to a product at varying levels, depending on the consumer segment.


PURPOSE
Growing number of elderly lung cancer patients reflecting a lengthening life span has become a serious problem. Purpose of this study was to elucidate the short and long-term outcome of the surgery for octogenarians, and to evaluate the role of lung cancer surgery for this high age group.

METHODS
The patients with lung cancer aged 80 years or more who underwent the surgery at our institute from January 1998 through December 2012 were retrospectively analyzed by chart review, and the operative mortality, morbidity and the long-term survival were assessed.

RESULTS
Out of a total of 1107 patients with primary lung cancer who received surgery during the study period, 94 were octogenarians (8.5%). Sixty-nine patients (73.4%) had preoperative co-morbidity including hypertension in 50 (53.2%), coincidence of other malignancy in 35 (37.2%), anti-coagulant therapy in 29 (30.9%). Twenty-six patients (27.7%) had major or minor postoperative morbidity, and one (1.1%) died due to bronchopleural fistula. Overall-5-year survival rate was 57.5%. Univariative and multivariative analysis using Cox proportional hazard model revealed that male gender and non-adenocarcinoma histology were significant risk factors for poor prognosis.

CONCLUSION
Gender and histology should be taken into account in preoperative evaluation of indication for lung cancer in octogenarians.


AIM
The first aim of the project was to evaluate the benefits of the determination of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) and the risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm (ROMA) index for primary detection of ovarian cancer in a population of Czech women. The second aim was to study the advantages HE4, cancer antigen 125 (CA125) and ROMA index for distinguishing between benign and malignant tumors. Aware of the age distribution of ovarian cancer, we focused on postmenopausal patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
Our group of patients consisted of 256 females, 21 with ovarian cancer and 235 with benign ovarian tumors. All diagnoses were histologically verified. We determined the serum levels of HE4 and CA125 and calculated the ROMA2 index for postmenopausal women. Serum levels of the analytes were measured using an Architect 1000i instrument. Serum samples were collected prior to surgery or any other form of treatment and the results of the two groups of patients were compared (malignant vs. benign).

RESULTS
There was a significant difference in the serum levels for all parameters studied between the groups of patients with malignant and those with benign diagnoses (Wilcoxon test, p<0.0001). When all parameters were evaluated at 95% specificity, the HE4 cut-off was 112 pmol/l at a sensitivity of 71.42%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 55.56%, a negative predictive value (NPV) of 97.14% and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9152. The CA125 cut-off was 81 IU/l at a sensitivity of 80.95%, a PPV of 58.62%, a NPV of 98.23% and an AUC of 0.9731. ROMA2 index had a cut-off 37.70% at a sensitivity of 85.71%, a PPV of 62.06%, a NPV of 98.65% and an AUC of 0.9803. The highest diagnostic efficiency was achieved by the ROMA2 index.

CONCLUSION
Determination of HE4 along with CA125 and ROMA2 index calculation is a suitable method for the improvement of the primary detection of ovarian cancer. This approach also improves the differential diagnostic possibilities for distinguishing between malignant and benign tumors.


Background: Although several treatment options described in paper, Haglund's Syndrome (HS) is a challenging common lower extremity disorder. This study reported the clinical outcomes of Zadek osteotomy (ZO) for the treatment of HS.Methods: This retrospective study included 19 patients who underwent ZO from January 2016 to June 2018. Patients were evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale (AOFAS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), ankle range of motion (AROM), and Chauveaux-Liet (CL) angle preoperatively and at final follow-up visit (16.3±4.2) months. Postoperative complications of patients were also recorded.Results: The ZO exhibited a significant improvement (P<0.05) in preoperative to postoperative AOFAS (from 53.2±5.4 to 86.4±6.5), VAS ( from 6.3±2.1 to 0.9±1.2 ) scores and CL angle (from 18.2±1.3 to 9.4±2.1 ) degrees, the dorsiflexion of AROM (DAROM) (from 23.4±2.3 to 29.4±1.2) degrees. The planter flexion of AROM (PAROM) (from 32.5±3.5 to 33.2±3.4) degrees (P>0.05). One postoperative complication was observed: a case of hardware pain in healthy patient. The overall rate of satisfaction after surgery was (94.7%).Conclusions: ZO is effective and safe procedure for the treatment of HS. This method can be a good option for those patients of HS.


Purpose: CPI-613, a lipoate analogue that inhibits pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and α-ketogluterate dehydrogenase (KGDH), has activity in patients with myeloid malignancies. This study explored the role of mitochondrial metabolism in chemotherapy response and determined the MTD, efficacy, and safety of CPI-613 combined with high-dose cytarabine and mitoxantrone in patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia. Experimental Design: The role of mitochondrial response to chemotherapy was assessed in cell lines and animal models. A phase I study of CPI-613 plus cytarabine and mitoxantrone was conducted in patients with relapsed or refractory AML. Results: Exposure to chemotherapy induced mitochondrial oxygen consumption that depended on PDH. CPI-613 sensitized AML cells to chemotherapy indicating that mitochondrial metabolism is a source of resistance. Loss of p53 did not alter response to CPI-613. The phase I study enrolled 67 patients and 62 were evaluable for response. The overall response rate was 50% (26CR+5CRi/62). Median survival was 6.7 months. In patients over 60 years old, the CR/CRi rate was 47% (15/32) with a median survival of 6.9 months. The response rate for patients with poor-risk cytogenetics also was encouraging with 46% (11/24 patients) achieving a CR or CRi. RNA sequencing analysis of a subset of baseline bone marrow samples revealed a gene expression signature consistent with the presence of B cells in the pretreatment marrow of responders. Conclusions: The addition of CPI-613 to chemotherapy is a promising approach in older patients and those with poor-risk cytogenetics. Clin Cancer Res; 24(9); 2060–73. ©2018 AACR.


Heterotopia is the space of otherness, a counter-space. A very specific type of heterotopia is a human's body, especially in its illness and sickness. Hysteria, the disease which can imitate many other diseases, is here a crucial example. From its ancient beginnings until today hysteria makes us reflect on the essence of illness and disease, on the definition of the human condition, on the social role of a healthy and ill human body, etc. The archeology of hysteria explains how disorders shape medical standards.


This study was performed to evaluate the antioxidant activities and anti-asthma effects of Morus bark water extracts. Inhibitory effect of Morus bark onto free radical generation was determined by measuring DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities in vitro. Anti-asthma activities of Morus bark water extracts were assessed by testing their effects on the degranulation of mast cell. For this, β-hexosaminidase released from a basophilic cell line, RBL-2H3 was used and pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA kit. The antioxidant activities of water extracts of Morus bark was 59.2% in the DPPH assay at 2,000 ㎍/mL and 78.8% in the hydroxyl radical scavenging assay at 2,000 ㎍/mL. Our results indicated that Morus bark water extracts effectively inhibited free radical generation. Morus bark water extracts inhibited inflammation-mediating substances such as histamine and β-hexosaminidase release from RBL-2H3 cells. Cytokine release demonstrated a more effective blockading ability of the Morus bark water extracts to the release of IL-4 and TNF-α compared to control. These results demonstrate that Morus bark may be beneficial in the treatment of allergic inflammatory disease.


OBJECTIVE
To explore the spatio-temporal characteristics of Oncomelania hupensis snails along the Danyang section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the Danyang-Jintan-Liyang Canal, so as to provide scientific evidence for the dynamic assessment of the risk of snail spread in this region.

METHODS
O. hupensis snail status was collected in the plain regions with waterway networks in the study area from 2012 to 2017. The spatio-temporal variations of snail distribution were investigated along the Danyang section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the Danyang-Jintan-Liyang Canal using buffer zone analysis, spatial autocorrelation, hotspot analysis and standard deviational ellipse with the geographical information system (GIS) tools.

RESULTS
The number of snail habitats showed a tendency towards a rise in the study area from 2012 to 2017, and snail habitats were predominantly distributed in the 1 000 m long buffer zone of the Danyang-Jintan-Liyang Canal, notably along the Jiuqu River at the junction between the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the Danyang-Jintan-Liyang Canal. The distribution of snail habitats appeared spatial autocorrelations in 2014, 2016 and 2017, and the hotspot areas were mainly identified at the junction between the Danyang-Jintan-Liyang Canal and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. In addition, the overall distribution of snail habitats was located in the northeastern-southwestern part of the study aera, and gradually shifted to the southern and northern parts with the time.

CONCLUSIONS
The spatial distribution of O. hupensis snails is complex along the Danyang section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the Danyang-Jintan-Liyang Canal, and there is a risk of snail spread from the upper reaches to the lower reaches, where snail control needs to be intensified.


Twenty seven women with mild, moderate or severe cervical dysplasia proven by pathology were treated by retinamide RII suppository. Retinamide RII suppository, 10 mg QD, was given intravaginally for six months (three months as a course). Clinical examination, Papanicolaou cytology and tissue biopsy under colposcope were carried out before and after treatment. The results indicated that after the second course, 26 out of 27 patients responded; of them, precancerous lesions disappeared in 24 and even normal squamous epithelium was observed in 3. The overall response rate was 96.29% and the marked response rate was 88.89%. The general side effects were mild. There was little cervical and vaginal irritation which was well tolerated. The results of this clinical trial make available a practical base for chemoprevention of cervical cancer.


Far infrared spectra of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus thuringiensis were recorded using Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). Multiple dilutions of each species were prepared to enable the analysis of spectral data up to 2,5 THz. The optical constants of pure spores were then extracted using the well know Maxwell-Garnett effective medium model. We show that the refractive index can be used to discriminate the two sporulated species, contrarily to absorption coefficient.


Introduction: The endemic fishes of the ancient lakes of Sulawesi are under increasing threat. Objective: To evaluate the data and information available from a holistic management perspective and to formulate measures to conserve the endemic ricefish Oryzias nigrimas in Poso Lake, Indonesia. Methods: Collection of primary data from three stations around Lake Poso and literature study. Results: Threats to O. nigrimas include habitat degradation and loss, introduced alien species, and exploitation as a locally important food fish. Options to promote sustainable fisheries management include spatial and temporal limitations to minimise catch of gravid or brooding fish. Habitat protection should include measures to minimise impacts from activities which can reduce water quality and disturb or kill aquatic vegetation. Conclusion: Measures to prevent further O. nigrimas population decline are considered urgent and further research is recommended to fill identified knowledge gaps. Ex-situ conservation, including the development of captive breeding, could also contribute to a holistic O. nigrimas conservation strategy.


Gout is an inflammatory disease caused by monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. The role of neutrophils in gout is less clear, although several studies have shown neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation in acutely inflamed joints of gout patients. MSU crystals are known to induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NET formation in neutrophils isolated from blood, but there is inconclusive knowledge on the localization of ROS production as well as whether the ROS are required for NET formation. In this report we demonstrate that MSU crystals activate human neutrophils to produce ROS exclusively in intracellular compartments. Additionally, in vivo transmigrated neutrophils derived from experimental skin chambers displayed markedly increased ROS production as compared to resting blood neutrophils. We also confirmed that MSU stimulation potently induced NET formation, but this response was not primed in in vivo transmigrated neutrophils. In line with this we found that MSU-triggered NET formation was independent of ROS production and proceeded normally in neutrophils from patients with dysfunctional respiratory burst (chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) and complete myeloperoxidase (MPO) deficiency). Our data indicate that in vivo transmigrated neutrophils are markedly primed for oxidative responses to MSU crystals and that MSU triggered NET formation is independent of ROS production.


This study was designed to evaluate innovative last-mile delivery concepts involving autonomous parcel robots with simulation and optimization. In the proposed concept, the last mile of parcel delivery is split into a two-tiered system, where parcels are first transported to a transfer point by conventional trucks and then delivered with parcel robots on customer demand. The purpose of this publication is to compare different time slot selection options for customers, namely due window and on demand selection, in the context of city logistics measures such as access regulations and driving bans for city centers. An agent-based simulation model is used, including a Geographic Information System environment and optimization algorithms for allocation and scheduling of delivery robots. The concept is tested in a comprehensive case study located in the city center of Cologne (Germany) based on real data from the parcel delivery company Hermes.


Distributed real-time computing has been the domain of practical system engineering for many decades. The development of a discipline of real-time programming would allow the construction of programs with analysable and variable timing properties. Such a discipline will need to be built on a well-integrated framework in which different methods are used where appropriate to obtain timing properties to which a high-level assurance can be attached. Time is everything in this current system, everything fast will gain the most valuable achievements especially in the business field. Whoever tries to get the first opportunity to fulfil the market needs will gain most profit. This paper looks into the various query engine models and frameworks that tries to improve on both the design and performance.


Purpose:The purpose of this study was to examine the process and outcome of an intervention using the project-based learning (PBL) model to increase students' health-related fitness (HRF) knowledge.Method:The participants were 185 fifth-grade students from three schools in Alabama (PBL group: n = 109; control group: n = 76). HRF knowledge was measured using a valid written test.Results:Using a two-level Hierarchical Linear Model (HLM) where students were nested within teachers' classrooms, the results show that controlling for "Class" there was a statistically significant difference between the two group conditions with the PBL cohort scoring 18.85% greater than the control schools at posttest.Discussion:The findings have shown supportive evidence as to the efficacy of a PBL-themed fitness education unit.


The pandemic of Covid-19 has an impact on all aspects of human life and changed human lifestyles around the world, including Indonesia. The economy is of course one of the sectors affected by this pandemic. Companies must be creative and use various strategies in order to survive. Especially for companies that do not produce non primary products such as beauty products. Large companies that have survived for decades with beauty products that are well known and also have offline stores in various cities was not an exception. One of the effort taken is to reduce the cost of marketing communication which maximizes the online platform. This research was conducted to determine the use of online marketing communication (OMC) media by beauty brands during the Covid-19 pandemic, the OMC media referred in this research are WhatsApp Business. Conducted using descriptive method, through observations and interview to customer of beauty brands that have been operating for decades and also have an established brand. Results of this research showed that the advantages of using OMC is to maintain the existence of their brands and increase revenue, these large and well-established companies choose WhatsApp Business as the OMC media which are usually used by companies that are relatively new or not really popular. Based on customers' experience, the existence of WhatsApp Business is very helpful in order to obtain what they need, including beauty products, especially during pandemic, so customers don't have to leave their home, they only need to use their smartphone, shopping is now as easy as sending message. Research's conclusion, the selection of WhatsApp Business as one of the OMC media by various beauty brands is not stupid at all and also reasonable. This research is expected to provide input and evaluation for non-primary products or brands that are closely related to lifestyle in order to increase revenue and maintain engagement with customers during the pandemic, online and low cost.


My contribution attempts to investigate the intertwining of art and life in Wolfgang Hildesheimer's Marbot as a manifold process that touches upon the notions of authorship, authenticity, legitimation and fictionality. Hildesheimer himself stated that in Marbot he was biographer and autobiographer at the same time. When the biographical text cannot refer to an extratextual reference whose factual basis stands the test of truth beyond any reasonable doubt, the authenticity of the main character of a mock-biography lies precisely in its fictionality.


We study the following local-to-global phenomenon: Let $B$ and $R$ be two finite sets of (blue and red) points in the Euclidean plane $\mathbb{R}^2$. Suppose that in each "neighborhood" of a red point, the number of blue points is at least as large as the number of red points. We show that in this case the total number of blue points is at least one fifth of the total number of red points. We also show that this bound is optimal and we generalize the result to arbitrary dimension and arbitrary norm using results from Minkowski arrangements.


Joseph Schumpeter's writings on entrepreneurship and innovation have had a profound impact on economic theory and economic thought. Schumpeter initially saw the small entrepreneur as the source of innovation and economic growth within an economic system but later saw large corporations as the source of much innovation. Because large corporations, and in modern times many governments and universities as well, play such a large role in funding research and development and new innovations, much of the bank financing of innovation is done by smaller banks for small entrepreneurs and their ideas. Venture capitalists and self-financing are the other two major forms of small entrepreneur/small business financing. Meanwhile, the financial markets (stocks and bond markets) only indirectly play a role in funding the innovation of large corporations via changes in these firms' stock prices. Changes in stock prices reflect an estimate of the large firms' research and development efforts and their prospects for profitable, future innovation. Much corporate research and development is financed internally within the organization as an expense of doing business. Meanwhile, government and university funding through tax dollars and non-profit sources indirectly subsidize corporate innovation because governmental entities and universities take on risks that the private sector will often not tolerate. Yet, large corporations are often the beneficiaries of such governmental and university financing of research and development efforts. In today's times, Schumpeter would be impressed with the success of large firms regarding innovation but probably would be disappointed about the marginalization of the small entrepreneurial firm and the banking system and their diminished roles in innovation. This paper summarizes Schumpeter's views on how the banking system and financial markets could play a role in innovation and explains how a modern day monopoly capital system (Baran and Sweezy 1966) and its financial system have transformed entrepreneurship and innovation away from small business and innovation by the small entrepreneur.

Baran, Paul A, and Paul M Sweezy. 1966. Monopoly Capital: An Essay on the American Economic and Social Order. New York: Monthly Review Press.


A state-dependent model and nonlinear operator-based approach to estimation and filtering is introduced for discretetime multi-channel systems including time delays. The problem involves a signal entering a communications channel involving nonlinearities and transport delay elements. The measurements are assumed to be corrupted by a coloured noise signal which is correlated with the signal to be estimated. The communications channel may include either static or dynamic nonlinearities represented by a general nonlinear operator and/or a state-dependent model form. The theoretical solution does not involve empirical assumptions or linearisation approximations. The resulting algorithm is relatively simple to derive and to implement and the solution has an estimator block structure that can be justified intuitively.


Studies in ballistic-electron-emission spectroscopy (BEES) have enabled precise energy measurements of Schottky barrier heights with excellent spatial resolution and, more recently, it was shown that even scattering at the metal/semiconductor interface affects the BEES spectrum [1]. Monte Carlo simulations have been done to predict the spatial resolution of ballistic-electron-emission microscopy (BEEM) [2]. In this paper, we will discuss the experimental spatial resolution of BEEM, and we will also give some of our BEES results for Au/Si and for Au/PtSi/Si. Our experimental BEEM studies indicate that, for Au/Si, hot electron transport is diffusive rather than ballistic, because the inelastic mean free path length (∼100 nm) is much larger than the elastic mean free path length (∼10 nm). This is in agreement with existing theories and with the literature on the internal photoemission method of studying the transport. Even in this diffusive regime, the spatial resolution of BEEM is still expected to be very good, being on the order of 10 nm [2]. Our preliminary work on PtSi shows that it has an attenuation length of 4 nm, which differs significantly from that of Au.


The aim of the study was to assess long-term results of high-dose immunosuppressive therapy with autoimplantation of hemopoietic stem cells in patients with severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) resistant to standard immunosuppressive therapy and compare them with the outcome of the two modalities. The study and control groups comprised 15 women each aged 18-55 and 20-55 years respectively. The results were estimated 1 months after the onset of therapy and during the 45 +/- 10.4 (study) and 30 +/- 7.6 (control) month follow-up. Combined treatment resulted in complete remission (SLEDAI below 3) in 6 (40%) and reduced SLE activity in 6 (40%) patients. The effect was absent in 1 (7%) patient, 2 others died. Remission and reduced SLE activity occurred in 1 (7%) and 1 (7%) patients of the control group respectively, 13 (87%) failed to benefit from therapy, and 1 (7%) died. Seven (47%) patients given combined treatment suffered recurrence of SLE, 3 (20%) had complete or partial remission, and 3 died during the long-term follow-up. Five-year survival rate was 80%. None of the patients in the control group showed remission in the late posttreatment period, SLE activity remained unaltered in 8 and progressed in 4; two patients died. Five-year survival rate was 70%. It is concluded that high-dose immunosuppressive therapy with autoimplantation of hemopoietic stem cells is an efficacious tool for the treatment of lupus erythematosus resistant to standard therapy and has advantages over the latter.


This paper reports on a study that examined the perceptions of computer users in regard to the risks to their organisation's information systems (IS). A total of 12 employees from a local government organisation were interviewed in accordance with the Repertory Grid Technique (RGT). These structured interviews elicited a total of 110 constructs which represented individual thoughts, beliefs and views pertaining to information security (InfoSec) risks. These constructs were hermeneutically allocated into 28 categories of risk perception and then analysed via Content Analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to identify perceptions of IS risks and to uncover the major situational factors that influence these perceptions. The findings indicate that the local government participants perceived that the most serious risk to their organisation's IS was that systems will become unusable or unavailable such that large costs would be incurred to restore services and to maintain productivity. The situational factor that had the most influence on this IS risk perception was the type of loss suffered.


: Transition metal hydride complexes are key intermediates in a variety of catalytic processes. Transfer of a hydride, hydrogen atom, and proton are defined by the thermochemical parameters of hydricity, bond dissociation free energy (BDFE), and p K a , respectively. These values have been studied primarily in organic solvents to predict or understand reactivity. Despite growing interest in the development of aqueous metal hydride catalysis, BDFE measurements of transition metal hydrides in water are rare. Herein, we report two nickel hydride complexes with one or two cationic ligands that enable the measurement of BDFE values in both aqueous and organic solvents using their reduction potential and p K a values. The Ni(I/0) reduction potentials increase anodically as more charged groups are introduced into the ligand framework and are among the most positive values measured for Ni complexes. The complex with two cationic ligands, 2-Ni(II)–H, displays exceptional stability in water with no evidence of decomposition at pH 1 for at least 2 weeks. The BDFE of the nickel hydride bond in 2-Ni(II)–H was measured to be 53.8 kcal/mol in water, and between 50.9-56.2 kcal/mol in acetonitrile, consistent with prior work that indicates minimal solvent dependence for BDFEs of O-H and N-H bonds. These results indicate transition metal hydride BDFEs do not change drastically in water and inform future studies on highly cationic transition metal hydride complexes.


Grateful Med is a computer software package developed by the National Library of Medicine which provides access to MEDLINE and other medical databases. The program is available for both IBM and Macintosh computers, is inexpensive, easy to install and has excellent documentation. Health professionals in all areas find Grateful Med to be a user-friendly, cost-effective way to search current, world-wide medical literature.


The AKT inhibitors appear to hold some promise with regards to inhibition of ER + breast cancers which have relapsed. It has been hypothesized that the combination of an aromatase inhibitor plus an AKT inhibitor may be particularly effective. We, therefore, tested whether an allosteric AKT inhibitor (MK2206) alone or together with the aromatase inhibitor vorozole would be effective in a preventive and/or therapeutic setting. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were administered a single IV dose of methylnitrosourea (MNU) at 50 days of age. Beginning 5 days later, rats were administered the AKT inhibitor. In a preliminary study, two treatment regimens were employed: (1) dosing with inhibitor (100 mg/Kg BW/day, 7X/week) or (2) dosing with inhibitor (700 mg/Kg BW, 1X/week). These treatments minimally affected tumor multiplicity, but did significantly decrease tumor weights. We then examined the effects of combining the AKT inhibitor once weekly with a suboptimal dose of vorozole (0.12 mg/Kg BW/day) in a therapeutic setting. In a separate study, rats were treated with MNU and were allowed to develop their first palpable cancer. They were then treated with the combination of vorozole plus the AKT inhibitor or vehicle for 6 weeks. While tumors in vehicle treated rats grew an average of 600%, tumors treated with the inhibitor grew an average of only 95%; and, in fact, 5/12 showed a decrease in tumor size. Finally, we performed a similar combined study in a prevention setting. Dosing was: (a) AKT inhibitor (700 mg/Kg BW, 1X/week), (b) Vorozole (0.12 mg/Kg BW/day, 7X/week), (c) a plus b combined, and (d) vehicle. A, b, and c reduced tumor multiplicity by 26, 48 and 77%, respectively. Thus, combining an AKT inhibitor with an aromatase inhibitor showed synergy in prevention and treatment of ER + tumors. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-08-01.


Both team and individual sports require competition, whereas cooperation is more prevalent in team than in individual sports. In particular, team athletes have to compete (for starting roles) while cooperating (for team success) with the same teammates. For team athletes, competition and cooperative behavior, two mutually exclusive constructs according to earlier psychological research, might therefore be less incompatible than for individual athletes. In Study 1, team athletes attributed a higher demand to compete and cooperate with the same teammates or training partners to their sport than individual athletes to their sport. Study 2 showed that experiencing competition (vs. control) undermines information sharing less for team than for individual athletes. In addition, Study 2 demonstrated that priming competition undermines the accessibility of cooperative thoughts less for team than for individual athletes. Therefore, team athletes might be better at competing without ceasing to cooperate. Implications for collaboration in groups are discussed.


The heat value of food processing sludge is similar to that of bituminous coal, thus is suitable as biofuel; however, the problem of incinerated ash disposal after combustion should be address. This study evaluated the applicability of food processing sludge-derived fuel incinerated ash (FA) to pozzolanic material and soil improvement, and proposed reuse strategies. When applied to pozzolanic material, the addition of FA reduced the hydration heat of fresh incinerated ash cement paste (FACP) significantly (85.96~91.23%), and prolonged the initial setting times (87.88~134.85%) and final setting times (87.88~134.85%) of FACP significantly. When the FA addition was 10% and 20% respectively, the pozzolanic strength activity index (SAI) was greater than 75% until the hardened FACP was cured for 28 days and 90 days respectively. When applied in soil improvement, the final seed germination of Chinese cabbage and water spinach in the original soil (ash content 0%) and improved soil (ash content 20%) was 98% and 90% respectively. There was no significant effect on the growth rate of Chinese cabbage and water spinach.


The spectral and lasing parameters of Yb3+ ions in zirconium dioxide crystals with a stabilised cubic structure (fianites) are studied. It is found that the absorption and luminescence spectra of Yb3+ in these crystals are characterised by a considerable inhomogeneous broadening. The nature of this broadening is investigated and the model of optical centres consistent with the properties of the inhomogeneous spectra of Yb3+ in the cubic zirconium dioxide crystal is proposed. It is shown that fianites can be used in solid-state lasers. Lasing in Yb3+ ions in diode-pumped fianite crystals was obtained and studied.


BACKGROUND
Cancer cells use several mechanisms to resist the cytotoxic effects of drugs, resulting in tumor progression and invasion. One such mechanism capitalizes on the body's natural defense against xenobiotics by increasing the rate of xenobiotic efflux and metabolic inactivation. Xenobiotic metabolism typically involves conversion of parent molecules to more soluble and easily excreted derivatives in reactions catalyzed by Phase I and Phase II drug metabolizing enzymes.

METHODS
We performed a structured search of peer-reviewed literature on P450 (CYP) 3A, with a focus on CYP3A4 and CYP3A5.

RESULTS
Recent reports indicate that components of the xenobiotic response system are upregulated in some diseases, including many cancers. Such components include the pregnane X receptor (PXR), CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 enzymes. The CYP3A enzymes are a subset of the numerous enzymes that are transcriptionally activated following the interaction of PXR and many ligands.

CONCLUSION
Intense research is ongoing to understand the functional ramifications of aberrant expression of these components in diseased states with the goal of designing novel drugs that can selectively target them.


Introduction . Adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare cancer but is the most common primary cancer in the adrenal gland. Despite the low incidence of ACC the mortality rate ranges from 0.04 to 0.2 %, in the overall structure of cancer mortality. Treatment of ACC is mainly surgical and radical surgical excision is the treatment of choice for local disease stages. Aim of the study — to present our results of surgical treatment of localized and locally advanced ACC in children and to determine the risk factors of relapse. Materials and methods . Twenty-eight patients (median age of 47.8 (06—216) mo.) with localized and locally advanced ACC underwent a retrospectively analysis. Stage I, II, and III revealed in 12 (45 %), 7 (25 %), and 9 (30 %), respectively. In 19 (68 %) cases the secretion of one or more hormone observed. Macroscopically and microscopically complete resection were performed in 26 (93 %) and 23 (82 %) patients, respectively. The median tumor volume was 183 (3.6—1608) cm 3 and the median tumor weight was 207.9 (48—710) g. Results . Five-year overall (OS) and relapse-free (RFS) survival were 71 % and 69 %, respectively. OS and RFS according to stage I, II, and III were 100 % vs. 71 % vs. 17 % and 100 % vs. 71 % vs. 14 % respectively. The radical surgical resection and the level of Ki-67 expression influenced significantly the rates of OS and RFS (p < 0.001). Conclusion . The main factor affecting the survival rate of ACC in children with stages I—III is the radical surgical resection. It should be taken into account when planning postoperative therapy. Some of biological characteristics of the tumor could also significantly affect the results of treatment.


In H.264 video coding, there are a substantial number of 4x4 blocks becoming all-zeros after transformation and quantization. This is a waste of computational resources because these skipped blocks do not require forward transform and quantization. We proposed a very effective early detection of fast skipped block detections based on the theoretical derivation of H.264 integer transform and quantization. The experimental results show that the algorithm can detect 9.71%-43.35% more zero blocks than Yong's method.


This chapter presents an experimental finding on the use of waste materials for strength - ening a reinforced concrete (RC) frame prepared with low-grade materials. Compressive, tensile and flexural strength of concrete specimens made of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) and natural coarse aggregate (NCA) were evaluated to assess RCA suitability for structural use. Results show that the strength parameter decreases in all cases. In order to extend the application of RCA concrete to structural elements, three RC frames were pre pared and tested under monotonic loading. The joint regions of one of the frame were cast using Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber, i.e., PET fiber-reinforced concrete (PFRC). PET fiber (aspect ratio = 25) of 0.5% by weight of concrete used in the PFRC mix was obtained by hand cutting of post-consumer PET bottles. A reference specimen was also prepared using 100% NCA and subjected to a similar loading condition. The RCA frame resulted in a brittle mode of failure and lower load carrying capacity as compared to the reference specimen. However, the presence of PFRC improved the damage tolerance and load resisting capacity and hence seismic parameters such as stiffness degradation, ductil ity and energy dissipation increased. This indicates that PET fiber is a viable substitute for steel fiber as a low-cost material in improving the seismic performance of frame structures.


Increasing integrated circuit (IC) power densities and temperatures may hamper multiprocessor system-on-chip (MPSoC) use in hard real-time systems. This paper formalizes the temperature-aware real-time MPSoC assignment and scheduling problem and presents an optimal phased steady-state mixed integer linear programming-based solution that considers the impact of scheduling and assignment decisions on MPSoC thermal profiles to directly minimize the chip peak temperature. We also introduce a flexible heuristic framework for task assignment and scheduling that permits system designers to trade off accuracy for running time when solving large problem instances. Finally, for task sets with sufficient slack, we show that inserting idle times between task executions can further reduce the peak temperature of the MPSoC quite significantly.


The recent development of payment channels and their extensions (e.g., state channels) provides a promising scalability solution for blockchains which allows untrusting parties to transact off-chain and resolve potential disputes via on-chain smart contracts. To protect participants who have no constant access to the blockchain, a watching service named as watchtower is proposed -- a third-party entity obligated to monitor channel states (on behalf of the participants) and correct them on-chain if necessary. Unfortunately, currently proposed watchtower schemes suffer from multiple security and efficiency drawbacks. In this paper, we explore the design space behind watchtowers. We propose a novel watching service named as fail-safe watchtowers. In contrast to prior proposed watching services, our fail-safe watchtower does not watch on-chain smart contracts constantly. Instead, it only sends a single on-chain message periodically confirming or denying the final states of channels being closed. Our watchtowers can easily handle a large number of channels, are privacy-preserving, and fail-safe tolerating multiple attack vectors. Furthermore, we show that watchtowers (in general) may be an option economically unjustified for multiple payment scenarios and we introduce a simple, yet powerful concept of short-lived assertions which can mitigate misbehaving parties in these scenarios.


This paper discusses four phase detector (PD) models that could be used in DSP implemented phase locked loops (PLL) for frequency recovery at intermediate frequency (IF) or at baseband. The PD models, which are nonlinear functions in general, can be easily implemented in DSP. The steady state and the acquisition performances of the PD models are discussed and compared with each other, and the noise statistics are explored by means of computer experiments and numerical analysis.


Purpose of reviewRecent developments in technology have ushered in a new era of managing type 1 diabetes. Continuous glucose monitoring is rapidly becoming an accepted adjunct to traditional self-monitoring of plasma glucose, and the marriage of continuous glucose sensors to continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion is the first step towards the development of a true artificial pancreas. The purpose of this review is to familiarize the reader with the new glucose sensors and discuss the literature evaluating their accuracy and effectiveness. Recent findingsCurrent models of continuous glucose sensors are still less accurate than traditional methods of blood glucose monitoring but provide information regarding trends that cannot be obtained with blood testing. Short-term studies of continuous glucose sensors have demonstrated reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin levels and time spent in hypo- and hyperglycemic ranges. Patient acceptance and satisfaction with sensors has been shown to depend on the quality of the data, comfort of wear, and ease of use. SummarySensor-augmented pump therapy represents a landmark improvement in diabetes treatment and will likely become the standard of care. Future work should focus on improvements in sensor accuracy and development of user-friendly algorithms to assist patients with self-management.


Nanoparticles, smaller than 100 nm are synthesized by chemical and physical methods. Biological synthesis of nanoparticles is very popular in science recently. The aim of the study is green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using the lichen extract (Ramalina fraxinea) and investigating the cytotoxic effects of ZnO NPs on human neuroblastoma cells (SHSY-5Y). Despite the widespread use of ZnO NPs, a limited number of studies have investigated the neurobiological effects of ZnO NP. Therefore, we tested the neurotoxic effect of green synthesized ZnO NPs administration and its neuroprotective effect against hydrogen peroxide-induced cell damage on SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line. The absorbance peak of the ZnO NPs was detected by UV–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) at 330 nm. The average diameter of ZnO NPs was measured as about 21 nm by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) images. According to X-ray Diffraction (XRD) diagram, ZnO NPs were hexagonal in structure. The peaks observed in the Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) test showed functional groups in the structure of the nanoparticles. According to our results, ZnO NPs may have beneficial effects at the low concentrations while neurotoxic effects at the higher doses in SH-SY5Y. In addition, we indicate that hydrogen peroxide-induced cell death could not reverse by ZnO NPs and its higher doses potentiated the neurodegenerative effect of hydrogen peroxide. In conclusion, here we report that ZnO NPs, widely used in various products, may have beneficial or harmful effects in a dose-dependent manner and play a role in neuropsychiatric disease, especially neurodegenerative diseases. This is the first study dealing with neurotoxicity on SHSY-5Y of Ramalina fraxinea extract based ZnO NPs.


Bone marrow (BM)-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) participate in myocardial repair following myocardial infarction (MI). However, their reparative capability is limited, partly because of poor homing abilities. MI is associated with an inflammatory reaction. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) appears to have a fundamental role in regulating neutrophil localization in ischemic tissues through binding CXCR1/CXCR2 receptors, which show major expression on neutrophils. We hypothesize that the application of IL-8 will enhance the recruitment of overexpressing CXCR1/CXCR2 MSC to sites of degenerated tissue of myocardium, decreasing the ischemic region and improving cardiac function.


The use of surface coils on subjects, and internal engineering improvements have combined to greatly improve the signal-to-noise ratio on the magnetic resonance imager at our institution over the past two and one-half years. This has resulted in a marked improvement in image resolution, as well as reduction in the time required and related cost of these studies. Magnetic resonance (MR) examinations at our institution now cost less than comparable computed tomography (CT) studies. This article summarizes our experiences in imaging the larynx and tongue base. Eleven cases are presented to illustrate how the direct multiplane capacity of MRs and their increased soft tissue contrast provide some definite advantages over CT in determination of extent of disease in these regions.


Cytogenetic studies were performed in 12 papillary serous adenocarcinomas of the ovary. Of the more than 19 clonal structural chromosome abnormalities observed in these cancers, 6q- and 14q+ were found to be the most frequent. Both markers coexisted in the cells of eight cases; in the other four cases, either a 6q- or 14q+ was present. In at least six cases, the additional segment on the long arm of chromosome 14 appeared to originate, on the basis of the chromosomal quantity and fluorescence pattern, from the missing part of chromosome 6. This suggested that the 6q- and 14q+ markers had arisen as a result of a reciprocal translocation at Bands q21 and q24, respectively, i.e., t(6;14)(q21;q24). However, it is uncertain in the remaining six cases whether an identical type of translocation was responsible for the formation of the markers. Thus, abnormalities involving chromosomes 6 and 14 seem to be specifically associated with papillary serous adenocarcinoma of the ovary.


CONTEXT
Data from electrothermometers are used to determine therapeutic modality usage, but the value of experimental results is only as good as the data collected.

OBJECTIVE
To determine the reliability and validity of 3 electrothermometers from 2 manufacturers.

DESIGN
A 3 x 4 x 17 factorial with repeated measures on 2 factors. Independent variables were trial (1, 2, 3), thermometer (mercury thermometer, Iso-Thermex calibrated from -50 degrees C to 50 degrees C, Iso-Thermex calibrated from -20 degrees C to 80 degrees C, and Datalogger), and time (17).

SETTING
Human Performance Research Center.

INTERVENTION(S)
Eighteen thermocouples were inserted through the wall of a foamed polystyrene cooler, and 6 were connected to each of the 3 electrothermometers. The cooler was positioned on a stir plate and filled with room-temperature water (18.4 degrees C). A mercury thermometer was immersed into the water bath. Measurements of the water bath were taken every 10 seconds for three 3-minute trials.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
The temperature variability of 3 electrothermometers was taken from a calibrated mercury thermometer.

RESULTS
The Iso-Thermex electrothermometers did not differ statistically from each other in uncertainty (validity error +/- reliability error = 0.06 degrees C +/- 0.03 degrees C +/- 0.03 degrees C +/- 0.02 degrees C, P < .05), but both differed from the Datalogger (0.64 degrees C +/- 0.20 degrees C, P < .05). The Datalogger temperature was consistently higher than the mercury thermometer temperature.

CONCLUSIONS
The Iso-Thermex electrothermometers were more stable than the Datalogger, and values were within the published uncertainty (+/-0.1 degrees C) when used with PT-6 thermocouples. The Datalogger we used had an uncertainty of measurement greater than that indicated in the user's manual (approximately +/-0.52 degrees C). Uncertainty of +/-0.84 degrees C can significantly influence the interpretation of results when intramuscular temperature changes are usually less than 5 degrees C.


Expression of the multidrug-resistance gene product P-glycoprotein (P-170) was screened in 21 untreated human renal cell carcinomas using monoclonal antibodies (265/F4, C219) and immunoperoxidase staining. The inherent drug resistance of the same samples against doxorubicin was established by a short-term chemoresistance test in order to investigate the association between the expression of P-170 and intrinsic drug resistance in kidney cancers. P-glycoprotein could be demonstrated in 10 cases. Using the short-term test for predicting resistance, 17 resistant and 4 sensitive cancers were found. In vitro 10 of 17 resistant tumors revealed an increase of P-glycoprotein. On the other hand, in the sensitive tumor in vitro, an expression of P-glycoprotein could not be demonstrated. This investigation reveals that intrinsic drug resistance exists in many renal cell carcinomas and it is associated at least in part with increased expression of P-glycoprotein. The immunohistochemical results suggest that the presence of the P-glycoprotein may be useful as a marker for screening the multidrug-resistant phenotype in renal cell carcinomas and as an indicator of the therapeutic efficacy of multidrug-resistant kidney cancers.


In this paper, we investigate the influence of time-varying channels on the bit-error-rate (BER) performance for distributed space-time block coded system. We make use of pilot symbol assisted modulation (PSAM) to estimate the time-varying channel coefficients. We assess the performance of different reception methods, one of which is our newly considered receiver called cooperative maximum likelihood detector. The others are maximum likelihood detection in [12], Alamouti's receiver, zero-forcing detection and decision-feedback detection. Our results show that all detection methods, except cooperative maximum likelihood detection, achieve nearly the same BER performance over time-varying channels, unlike the results obtained in (Vielmon et al., 2001) by assuming perfect channel estimation. In many cases, cooperative maximum likelihood detection performs better by about 5dB due to the diversity gain. In addition, we have found that the time-varying nature contributes to the error flooring effect.


BACKGROUND: Abdominoperineal excision of rectum has been associated with poor oncological specimens and high local recurrence rates in comparison with restorative surgery. The role of recent changes in operative position has yet to be evaluated. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine whether a change in the perineal phase from the Lloyd-Davies position to the prone jackknife position might improve excision margins and oncological outcomes. METHODS: A single-institution review of a prospectively maintained database comparing the quality of excision and oncological outcomes after abdominoperineal excision in conventional and prone position was performed. Consecutive abdominoperineal excisions performed for adenocarcinoma of the rectum between January 1999 and April 2008 were included. RESULTS: Abdominoperineal excision cases were assessed including 63 in the Lloyd-Davies position and 58 in the prone jackknife position. The 5-year local recurrence rate was 5% in the prone jackknife group in comparison with 23% in the Lloyd-Davies group (p = 0.03) by life table analysis. For local recurrence, the most significant and independent risk factors were a favorable effect of having the patient in the prone jackknife position for the perineal phase of abdominoperineal excision (HR 0.2; 95% CI 0.04–0.81) and, unfavorably, a positive circumferential resection margin (HR 7.1; 95% CI 2.4–20). Lymph node involvement (N2) was an independent risk factor for overall survival (HR 4.6; 95% CI 2.1–9.5) and relapse of disease (HR 4.0; 95% CI 0.7–9.4). LIMITATIONS: This study has some limitations because it is a retrospective review of a prospective database. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the rate of local recurrence after abdominoperineal excision may be lowered by adaptation of the prone jackknife position.


Abnormal vaginal bleeding is one of the most common presenting complaints in women of any age seeking gynecologic health care. Two of the most frequently used diagnostic tests to investigate the cause of the bleeding are endometrial biopsy and transvaginal sonography. The most worrisome cause of abnormal bleeding is endometrial carcinoma, yet benign etiologies are far more prevalent, including fibroids, polyps, and endometrial atrophy. Endometrial biopsy and transvaginal sonography have equal sensitivities for carcinoma, but sonography is far more effective in diagnosing benign disease. This article reviews the state‐of‐the‐art in the diagnostic evaluation of abnormal vaginal bleeding and analyzes the data, with emphasis on the prevalence of benign and malignant disease as the basis for determining whether sonography or biopsy is more cost‐effective in evaluating women with abnormal vaginal bleeding. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 32:348–353, 2004


Objective: To quantify the influence that workers' satisfaction with the firm's treatment of their disability claim and their health care provider has on workers' return to work (RTW) following onset of occupational LBP. Methods: Using a prospective survey on back pain, medical treatment, and workers' satisfaction, we employ nonparametric and logistic analyses to see how satisfaction affects RTW. Results: Workers' satisfaction with their employer's treatment of their disability claim is more important in explaining RTW than satisfaction with health care providers or expectations about recovery. Dissatisfied workers have worse return to work outcomes because they are more likely to have time lost claims and are more likely to have multiple spells of joblessness. Conclusions: Workers' RTW is more responsive to their satisfaction with how the firm treated their disability claim than with their satisfaction with the health care provider. Satisfaction of both types plays an important role in determining RTW.


Background and Purpose: Hand grip strength is a major component of hand function. Although reference values are available from western populations, it would not be appropriate to apply them for Indian population due to the variation in geographical, genetic, nutritional, social and cultural factors. The main objective of this present study was to generate reference values for grip strength in a healthy Indian population.
Methodology: Grip strength was measured using Jamar dynamometer according to the norms provided by ASHT (American society of hand therapists) in the age group of 21 to 80 years healthy Indian participants.
Results & Conclusion: This present study generated normative values of hand grip according to gender and different age groups for Indian population. The gender difference in grip strength was statistically significant with higher grip strength found in males than females. Also, it was noted that grip strength greater in dominant hand than non-dominant hand. There was an inverse relationship between age and grip strength.


Vocation community based economic is the design to cover centralistic development program and the boarding school is a social organization that exist as creator in developing vocation based economic. Al-Ittifag boarding school has succeed in developing vocation community based economic as part of the program of the boarding school through synergic cooperative vocation in economic and business tutoring so that they build such strong cooperation.


This study was aimed at examining code switching in Sarah Sechan talk show program on NET TV. The objectives of the study are to find out the types of code switching occurring in the talk show, the process of code switching, and the reasons for code switching in the talk show. This research was conducted by using qualitative descriptive design. The source of data was Sarah Sechan talk show. There were five episodes of Sarah Sechan talk show as the data of this study. The technique of data collection was documentary technique and the instrument of data collection was recorder. The technique of data analysis was interactive model by Miles, Huberman and Saldana (2014). The findings showed that all types of code switching occurred in Sarah Sechan talk show with different proportion. The most dominant type occurring in the talk show is intra sentential switchingThe processes of code switching occurred in Sarah Sechan talk show are insertion, alternation and congruent lexicalization. Reasons for using code switching were expressing solidarity, ethnic identity marker, changing the topic, switching for affective meaning, and emphasizing the meaning.


Increasing the yield and quality has been one of the major objectives of scientists working in tomato especially through organic based inputs. Among the various approaches, use of biostimulants and Plant Growth Regulators has been promising in terms of increasing yield and quality in the context of organic farming. Biostimulants are organic compounds composed of peptides, amino acids, polysaccharides, seaweeds, humic acids and phytohormones for immediate uptake and availability within the plant. It also stimulates natural processes to enhance nutrient uptake, tolerance to abiotic stress and crop quality. In order to understand the responses of plants to biostimulants and plant growth regulators in terms of physiological and biochemical changes, the pot culture experiment was conducted in tomato with variety PKM 1. Various components of biostimulants viz., seaweed extract, humic acid, phytohormones were applied as foliar spray at appropriate concentrations in completely randomized block design with four replications. Results revealed that the higher chlorophyll content, soluble protein, NRase activity and shoot length were observed in plants treated with 100 ppm salicylic acid followed by 0.2 per cent humic acid and seaweed0.5 per cent Kappaphycus alvarezii. These findings suggest that biostimulants and PGRs can be effectively used to influence the physiological and biochemical traits which would results in better growth and yield.


Dwellings of historic value offer qualities that benefits the owner or user, or the society in general. Historic preservation involve use of different policies including push and pull strategies to help protect and manage historic valuable dwellings for present and future generations. The majority of previous studies aiming to assess the impact of historic preservation on housing values employ hedonic pricing models to control for the heterogeneous nature of dwellings. These studies show deviant results and cannot, however conclude whether the observed historic preservation premium are due to a policy effect because it is likely to include a heritage effect due to unobserved characteristics that got the dwelling historic preserved in the first place. This study expands upon previous studies by introducing a unique dataset, which combines data of historic preserved dwellings in Oslo, Norway, and data from the housing market from 1990 to 2017, allowing us to study sales prices for the same dwellings both before and after the action of historic preservation. We further address the omitted variable bias by estimating a two-way fixed effects model including a differences-in-differences estimator. Our results suggest a policy premium of about 4%. Moreover, results suggest that the dwellings subject to the strictest policy hold a lower policy premium than the dwellings subject to the less strict policy, what implies quite clear policy recommendations.


We study a particular type of local quench in a generic quantum critical one-dimensional system, using conformal field theory (CFT) techniques, and providing numerical checks of the results in free fermion systems. The system is initially cut into two subsystems A and B which are glued together at time t = 0. We study the entropy of entanglement (EE) between the two parts A and B, using previous results obtained by Calabrese and Cardy (2004 J. Stat. Mech. P06002; 2007 J. Stat. Mech. P10004), and further extending them. We also study in detail the (logarithmic) Loschmidt echo (LLE). For finite size systems both quantities turn out to be (almost) periodic in the scaling limit, and exhibit striking light-cone effects. While these two quantities behave similarly immediately after the quench—namely as c/3logt for the EE and c/4logt for the LLE—we observe some discrepancy once the excitations emitted by the quench bounce on the boundary and evolve within the same subsystem A (or B). The decay of the EE is then non-universal, as noticed by Eisler and Peschel (2007 J. Stat. Mech. P06005). In contrast, we find that the evolution of the LLE is less sensitive than the EE to non-universal details of the model, and is still accurately described by our CFT prediction. To further probe these light-cone effects, we also introduce a variant of the Loschmidt echo specifically constructed to detect the excitations emitted just after the quench.


Recombinant pharmaceutical proteins expressed in hairy root cultures can be secreted into the medium to improve product homogeneity and to facilitate purification, although this may result in significant degradation if the protein is inherently unstable or particularly susceptible to proteases. To address these challenges, we used a design of experiments approach to develop an optimized induction protocol for the cultivation of tobacco hairy roots secreting the full‐size monoclonal antibody M12. The antibody yield was enhanced 30‐fold by the addition of 14 g/L KNO3, 19 mg/L 1‐naphthaleneacetic acid and 1.5 g/L of the stabilizing agent polyvinylpyrrolidone. Analysis of hairy root cross sections revealed that the optimized medium induced lateral root formation and morphological changes in the inner cortex and pericycle cells, indicating that the improved productivity was at least partially based on the enhanced efficiency of antibody secretion. We found that 57% of the antibody was secreted, yielding 5.9 mg of product per liter of induction medium. Both the secreted and intracellular forms of the antibody could be isolated by protein A affinity chromatography and their functionality was confirmed using vitronectin‐binding assays. Glycan analysis revealed three major plant complex‐type glycans on both forms of the antibody, although the secreted form was more homogeneous due to the predominance of a specific glycoform. Tobacco hairy root cultures therefore offer a practical solution for the production of homogeneous pharmaceutical antibodies in containment. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 336–346. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


Purpose The present study aimed to examine the effects of short-term high intensity interval exercise training compared with moderate intensity continuous training, on exercise capacity of physically inactive young males. It was hypothesized that short-term high intensity interval exercise training would elicit higher degree of exercise capacity which compared with moderate intensity continuous training. The findings will provide better understanding of the protocol design of high intensity interval exercise training. Methods Nineteen physically inactive young male volunteers (age from 18 to 30) were randomly assigned to three groups: high intensity interval training (HIT, n=6), moderate intensity continuous training (CMT, n=7) and no training control (CON, n=6) group. Participants with present or past history of cardiac diseases, hypertension, diabetes, medication, smoking etc. were excluded. Ethical approval was received from the Human Research Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. The training was conducted on a same treadmill Noramco ST4600HRT (Noramco Inc. Athens, GA, USA) within 2 weeks with 1–2 days rest between sessions. The volunteers of HIT group completed six session exercise training including six sets of 1 min of treadmill exercise at 100% of VO2 max separated by 1 min of recovery. The volunteers of CMT performed six sessions of moderate exercise training including six sets of 20 min continuous treadmill exercise at 60% of VO2 max. A maximal exercise treadmill test of Bruce protocol was carried out in the afternoon in Marquette Case 8000 system (GE, USA) 3 days before and after training. The maximal workload (METs) and the total exercise time (s) were measured during exercise test and analysed. Results The statistical analysis was computed using SPSS version 17 statistical package (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA). In HIT group, the total training time was 72 min and that of the CMT was 120 min. Statistical comparison among three groups using paired t test to compare the differences for METs and total exercise time. The results indicated that the maximal workload (METs) of HIT group increased significantly from 14.1±1.7 to 15.0±1.3 (METs) (p<0.05), and the total exercise time was prolonged from 717±82 to 784±49 s after training (p<0.01). CMT increased total exercise time from 672±95 to 714±105 s, p<0.05 but had no significant effect for maximal workload. One way ANOVA was performed to examine the effects between groups. There was a significant difference between HIT and CON groups for maximal workload and total exercise time after training but no significant difference between CMT and CON groups for all variables. Conclusion The results showed that regular short term high intensity interval training on treadmill increases the exercise capacity of physical inactivity young males and is more effective than continuous moderate exercise training. Due to the limitation of experimental design, this current study was not used the VO2 max as the key parameter. However, METs is one common index of exercise capacity which is convenient to be collected. The training protocol was designed based on the pilot study. Participants also reported higher level of perceived exertion and fatigue. The optimal protocol will be conducted in the next phase of the study.


We investigate travelling premixed reaction waves in a diffusional-thermal model with a two-step competitive reaction mechanism where both reactions are exothermic. Travelling waves are assumed to propagate at constant speed. An approximation of the Arrhenius reaction rate is adopted to simplify the combustion model. Based on this assumption, an asymptotic theory is presented for solid fuels under adiabatic conditions. This approach provides a convenient way to analyse the system in the phase plane. The asymptotic speeds for the flame fronts are compared with numerical solutions by solving the governing partial differential equations. In addition, piecewise approximate solutions for the temperature and fuel mass fraction profiles are presented and compared with those obtained numerically. Our results can be applied to combustion synthesis in the production of advanced materials.

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In this paper we propose a software based method to detect control flow errors in embedded software, which are caused by transient faults or are inserted by attackers with the aim to perform return oriented programming.


Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome of Hemiculter leucisculus was determined to be 16,617 bp. It contains the structure of 22 transfer RNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and non-coding control region (D-loop). The critical central conserved sequences (CSB-D, CSB-E, and CSB-F) were also detected. The determination of H. leucisculus mitogenome would play an important role in genetic diversity and population vitality in Cyprinidae.


In 1850 Harvard University commissioned daguerreotypes of seven enslaved people—Delia, Renty, Jem, Alfred, Fassena, Drana, and Jack—as part of its effort to popularize the racist theory of polygenesis. Today the same university retains possession of the photographs but now reframes them as evidence of a liberal idea of shared humanity. This article argues that such reframings are a form of harm made possible by Harvard's proprietary and discursive capture of the photographs, which is currently being contested in a reparations lawsuit brought by Tamara Lanier, a descendent of Renty and Delia. Focusing on this lawsuit and its historical precedents, this article claims that the spectral forms of Renty and Delia recur in Harvard's institutional mediascape not only because they are routinely instrumentalized by the university but also because the ongoing harms of slavery and anti-Blackness have not yet been acknowledged, much less repaired, within or beyond the US legal system.


The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) system is the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) in humans, and all knowledge on this system is of great interest to the field of medical sciences. HLA has become an important tool for understanding the pathogenesis of various infectious diseases; the alleles or HLA haplotypes inherited by an individual can predict several risk and protective factors related to infections caused by various agents.


Recent observations of neutron stars (NS) with radio, X-rays and gravitational waves have begun to constrain the equation of state (EoS) for nuclear matter beyond the nuclear saturation density. To one's surprise, there exist approximate universal relations connecting certain bulk properties of NSs that are insensitive to the underlying EoS and having important applications on probing fundamental physics including nuclear and gravitational physics. To date, analytic works on universal relations for realistic NSs are lacking, which may lead to a better understanding of the origin of the universality. Here, we focus on the universal relations between the compactness(C), moment of inertia (I), and tidal deformability(related to the Love number), and derive analytic, approximate I-Love-C relations. To achieve this, we construct slowly-rotating/ tidally-deformed NS solutions analytically starting from an extended Tolman VII model that accurately describes non-rotating realistic NSs, allowing us to extract the moment of inertia and the tidal deformability on top of the compactness. We solve the field equations analytically by expanding them about the Newtonian limit and keeping up to 6th order in the stellar compactness. Based on these analytic solutions, we can mathematically demonstrate the O(10%) EoS variation in the I-C and Love-C relations and the O(1%) variation in the I-Love relation that have previously been found numerically. Our new analytic relations agree more accurately with numerical results for realistic NSs(especially the I-C and Love-C ones) than the analytic relations for constant density stars derived in previous work. Based on these analytic findings, we attribute a possible origin of the universality for the I-C and Love-C relations to the fact that the energy density of realistic NSs can be approximated as a quadratic function, as is the case for the Tolman VII solution.


Correlation and path co-efficient analysis was carried out for yield, yield component and water use efficiency traits among 30 blackgram genotypes under organic fertilizer management. Correlation studies indicated that seed yield per plant showed highly significant and positive correlation with harvest index, followed by number of primary branches per plant, number of pods per plant. It exhibited significant negative correlation with SCMR (SPAD chlorophyll meter reading) at 35 DAS and SLA (Specific leaf area) at 50 DAS at both phenotypic and genotypic levels. Path Analysis revealed that harvest index exhibited high and positive direct effect on seed yield per plant followed by number of pods per plant and number of primary branches per plant. SCMR (SPAD chlorophyll meter reading) at 35 DAS and SLA (Specific leaf area) at 50 DAS plant exhibited low and negative direct effects on seed yield per plant. Hence selection based on these traits would be effective in increasing the seed yield and improving water use efficiency. Opting for genotypes with low to moderate SLA (Specific leaf area) readings and high SCMR (SPAD chlorophyll meter reading) at flowering stage would increase water use efficiency under organic fertilizer management.


Synopsis Few trace fossils are known from the North Esk Inlier. Hitherto, only four ichnospecies have been identified from the Deerhope Formation, three in open nomenclature. To this meagre total are added two further ichnotaxa, both morphologically distinct from those already known, namely very numerous Chondrites isp. and much rarer Gordia marina Emmons. Casts of burrows were preserved in partial convex hyporelief by erosion, then infill by a mass flow sand. The low topography and contrast of these specimens led to photography being supplemented by pencil and wax crayon rubbings of the bedding surface, providing a superior record of the gross morphology of G. marina.


Kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spp.) use specialized bipedal hopping like that of kangaroos. In contrast to kangaroos that have elastic tendons capable of storing energy, kangaroo rats have inelastic tendons that are unable to store large amounts of energy. Thus, the musculature of the ankle joint provides the greatest power contribution to kangaroo rat hopping. Skeletal muscle can be characterized by several fiber types, including slow twitch (Type I) and fast twitch (Type II) fibers. Fast fibers are found in higher concentration in muscles that perform quick, dynamic movements, whereas slow fibers are found in higher proportion in muscles that perform slow, endurant movements. Using fiber type specific antibodies, we identified four pure (Types I, IIA, IIB, and IIX) and two hybrid (Types I/IIA and IIA/IIX) fiber types in six hindlimb muscles from three kangaroo rats (Dipodomys merriami) to investigate the relationship between fiber composition and hindlimb muscle function. Hindlimb muscles (except soleus) were dominated by Type IIB fibers, which were largest in cross‐sectional area, and are known to be best suited for rapid and explosive movements. Oxidative Type IIA and Type IIX fibers were found at moderate concentrations and likely function in maintaining continual saltatory locomotion. Thus, kangaroo rats can use these two fiber type populations as "gears" for both endurant and explosive behaviors.


As to value-judgement, Max Weber says that the question accessible to scientific analysis is to ask the appropriateness of the means for achieving the given end. The assumption of"given end"is called by him"Wertfreiheit". The end or its underlying value-postulate, according to Weber, is"subjective"in origin and it is justified only by those who hold it, so that its justification is undiscussible on scientific point of view. G. Myrdal also, concerning measures of economic policy, takes ends or values as hypothetically given. Karl Popper afterwards refers to Weber's"Wertfreiheit"and rejects the assumption of"given ends". Although he also admits the subjectivity of values, specially values pluralizing in respect to belief-freedom, he puts emphasis on a clash of interests resulted from the confronting values, such as between the freedom of a piano-player and the freedom of his neighbour's desire to sleep: the clash of interests, which cannot be left undiscussible. Thus the dispute about the word value-freedom shows that it is interpreted in two ways as follows.(1) to be free from values: (i)"subjective"origin undiscussible, (ii) to reject"objective"pretended to evade from"subjective".(2) to believe values freely: (i) confronted effects discussible, (ii) to reject"monistic"pretended to evade from"pluralistic".(1) and (2) are complementary concerning (i), and synonymous concerning (ii). To join (1) and (2) together, the word"value-freedom"may be interpreted in a wider sense, including both Weber's subjectivity as well as Popper's pluralism.


Background We and others have previously demonstrated an increased risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to the general population, already within a few years of RA diagnosis. With implementation of more intense therapeutic options and more intense treatment strategies in early RA, risk data from historical RA populations may no longer adequately reflect risks in contemporary patient cohorts. Objectives To assess whether patients diagnosed with RA in recent years also are at increased risk of ACS even shortly after RA diagnosis. Methods From the Swedish Rheumatology Quality Register, we assembled an incident RA-cohort consisting of patients diagnosed 1997 through 2012 within one year of symptom onset (n 13,128), and a general population comparator (n 113,990, matched 1:10 on year of birth, sex, and area of residency). Information on first time hospitalizations for ACS (ICD 10 codes I21 and I20.0) through 2012 was retrieved from the Swedish Patient register. Individuals with a history of ACS were excluded. Hazard Ratios (HR) were estimated using Cox models taking calendar period of RA diagnosis and RA duration into account. All models were adjusted for the matching factors, age and educational level. Results Mean age at RA diagnosis was 57 years, 70% were women. The proportion of patients who initiated a DMARD therapy within the first year following diagnosis increased from 76% 1997-2001 to 89% (2002-2006) and 85% 2007-2012. Among those, the proportion who initiated MTX increased from 60% via 83% to 90%. Median (interquartile range) follow up was 5.3 (6.6) years in both RA patients and comparators. During the entire follow-up of 766,483 person years, 624 RA patients and 3,629 comparators were hospitalized with an incident first-time ACS, overall HR of 1.46 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34-1.59). Those diagnosed with RA 2007-2012 had similar HRs as patients diagnosed 1997-2001 (table). Patients diagnosed 2007-2012 had a 40% increased risk of ACS 1-<5 years after RA diagnosis, which was also true for patients diagnosed with RA 1997-2001. Conclusions Despite intensified and improved treatment strategies in recent years, the short-term risk increase for ACS remains. Identification of and intervention against ACS risk factors should thus be part of early RA management. Disclosure of Interest None declared


Background Specific biomarkers for outcome prediction of lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) are still lacking. This study assessed the prognostic value of differentially expressed miRNAs of LUSC patients. Results Twelve of the 133 most significantly altered miRNAs were associated with overall survival (OS) across different clinical subclasses of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) LUSC cohort. A linear prognostic model of seven miRNAs was developed to divide patients into high- and low-risk groups. Patients assigned to the high-risk group exhibited poor OS compared with patients in the low-risk group, which was further validated in the validation cohort and entire LUSC cohort. Methods MiRNA expression profiles with clinical information of 447 LUSC patients were obtained from TCGA. Most significantly altered miRNAs were identified between tumor and normal samples. Using survival analysis and supervised principal components method, a seven-miRNA signature for prediction of OS of LUSC patients was established. Survival receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the performance of survival prediction. The biological relevance of predicted miRNA targets was also analyzed using bioinformatics method. Conclusions The current study suggests that seven-miRNA signature may have clinical implications in the outcome prediction of LUSC.


Weapon systems for future war require operating various war scenarios that are getting complex. Similarly, modeling and simulation technique is getting attention to acquire more effective weapon systems. Several S/W tools exist for simulating small scale engagements which depict a kind of war. However, it is very hard to model combat objects more systematic, and reuse them. To overcome these difficulties, this paper presents a modeling methodology for simulating small scale engagement using the DEVS-formalism. In this paper, we systematically classified and defined combat objects, likewise, explain a framework for a small scale combat simulation.


BACKGROUND
The purpose of this survey was to describe the natural history of complications in 52 long-surviving haemodialysis patients to obtain a clearer picture of the impact these patients have on the dialysis population. This is important as they are often no longer suitable for transplantation and therefore are destined to remain on dialysis for the rest of their lives.

METHODS
The patients who survived for more than 10 years on haemodialysis alone were studied. Information was obtained from patients' records and from the renal unit computer.

RESULTS
Mean age at start of dialysis was 43 years and mean duration of HD 14.5 years. Renal failure was most commonly due to polycystic kidney disease or glomerulonephritis. Sixty-two per cent of patients developed cardiovascular disease, 78% complained of joint pains, 72% had a parathyroidectomy, and 50% developed carpal-tunnel syndrome. Two hundred and forty-five episodes of infection were recorded, 41% related to vascular access acquired in hospital or on immunosuppression. Only three infections occurred which could be described as opportunistic. Twelve patients were hepatitis C positive. In the 37 patients who have died, cardiovascular disease was the most common cause of death. Compared to other patients who started on dialysis before 1986 but who had a successful transplant the survival of patients on haemodialysis is much worse.

CONCLUSION
Long-term survival on renal replacement therapy is dependent on successful transplantation. Complications, morbidity, and mortality are high after 10 years of dialysis.


Faults and fractures play an important role in the circulation of geothermal fluids in the crust, and the nature of that role varies according to structural setting and state of stress. As a result, detailed geologic and geophysical mapping that relates thermal springs to known structural features is essential to modeling geothermal systems. Published maps of Surprise Valley in northeastern California suggest that the "Lake City fault" or "Lake City fault zone" is a significant structural feature, cutting obliquely across the basin and connecting thermal springs across the valley. Newly acquired geophysical data (audio-magnetotelluric, gravity, and magnetic), combined with existing geochemical and geological data, suggest otherwise. We examine potential field profiles and resistivity models that cross the mapped Lake City fault zone. While there are numerous geophysical anomalies that suggest subsurface structures, they mostly do not coincide with the mapped traces of the Lake City fault zone, nor do they show a consistent signature in gravity, magnetics, or resistivities that would suggest a through-going fault that would promote connectivity through lateral fluid flow. Instead of a single, continuous fault, we propose the presence of a deformation zone associated with the growth of the range-front Surprise Valley fault. The implication for geothermal circulation is that this is a zone of enhanced porosity but lacks length-wise connectivity that could conduct fluids across the valley. Thermal fluid circulation is most likely controlled primarily by interactions between N-S–trending normal faults.


Objectives The goal was to model and quantify the atmospheric concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as the result of the Hebei Spirit oil spill, and to predict whether the exposure levels were abnormally high or not. Methods We developed a model for calculating the airborne concentration of VOCs that are produced in an oil spill accident. The model was applied to a practical situation, namely the Hebei Spirit oil spill. The accuracy of the model was verified by comparing the results with previous observation data. The concentrations were compared with the currently used air quality standards. Results Evaporation was found to be 10- to 1,000-fold higher than the emissions produced from a surrounding industrial complex. The modeled concentrations for benzene failed to meet current labor environmental standards, and the concentration of benzene, toluene, ortho- meta- para-xylene were higher than the values specified by air quality standards and guideline values on the ocean. The concentrations of total VOCs were much higher than indoor environmental criteria for the entire Taean area for a few days. Conclusions The extent of airborne exposure was clearly not the same as that for normal conditions.


Land surface temperature (LST) is an important parameter that affects the water cycle, environmental changes, and energy balance at global and regional scales. Herein, a time series analysis was conducted to estimate the monthly, seasonal, and interannual variations in LST during 2001–2019 in the Tarim Basin, China. Based on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) LST, air temperature, air pressure, relative humidity, wind speed, precipitation, elevation, and land-cover type data, we analyzed the spatio-temporal change characteristics of LST and the influencing factors. High LSTs occurred in the desert and plains and low LSTs occurred in surrounding mountain regions. The highest LST was recorded in July (25.1 °C) and the lowest was in January (−9.5 °C). On a seasonal scale, LST decreased in the order: summer > spring > autumn > winter. Annual LST showed an increasing trend of 0.2 °C/10 a in the desert and mountain areas, while the plains indicated a decreasing trend. In spring and autumn, western regions were dominated by a downward trend, whereas in winter a downward trend occurred in eastern regions. In summer, areas covered by vegetation were dominated by a downward trend, and desert and bare lands were dominated by an upward trend. Random forest (RF) model analysis showed that elevation was the most significant influencing factor (22.1%), followed by mean air temperature (20.1%). Correlation analysis showed that the main climatic factors air temperature, relative humidity, and elevation have a good correlation with the LST. Land-cover type also affected LST; during February–December the lowest LST was observed for permanent glacier snow and the highest was observed in the desert. El Nino and La Nina greatly influenced the LST variations. The North Atlantic Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation indices were consistent with the mean LST anomaly, indicating their considerable influence on LST variations.


ABSTRACT The founding conference of the Big Data Statistics Branch (BDSB) of the Chinese Association for Applied Statistics (CAAS) was held on 8 December 2018, at East China Normal University (ECNU), Shanghai, China. More than 600 experts and scholars attended the conference. Professor Zhang Riquan was elected as the chairman of the first Board of Directors of the BDSB. Fang Xiangzhong, Chairman of the CAAS, delivered a speech. Professor Wang Zhaojun and Dr Liu Zhong delivered, respectively, keynote reports on the development of Big Data researches and practices, at the conference. The BDSB will be dedicated to building a high-level big data statistics exchange platform for experts and scholars in universities, governments, enterprises, and other fields to better serve the society and serve the country's major strategies.


To the Editor.— Dr Bronow 1 and the National Organization of Physicians Who Care are properly concerned about the looming changes in physician payment and practice patterns. Many of their fears, though, may not be wholly justified. We need not go as far as Saskatchewan to find an example of a universal-enrollment, managed care system that has served physicians and patients admirably well. The US military medical system provides comprehensive, cradle-to-grave medical care, with no out-of-pocket cost to the patient, to over 9 million people. At a cost of about $1444 per beneficiary, 2 the system is also more cost-efficient by 28% than the US per capita health care cost and is nearly as cost-efficient as the Canadian and German systems. 3 Poor, elderly, and chronically ill patients are all cared for. While staffing fluctuations occasionally lead to temporary curtailment of services in military hospitals, the Department of Defence—sponsored insurance