Online learning is a learning system that uses internet media as a learning model. Implementation of online learning activities using various media such as Webex, Google Zoom, Google Meet. During COVID 19, online learning was needed for the continuity of the learning process. Online learning with Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a step to solve the problem of practical knowledge. The method in this research uses research and development (R&D). The research sample consisted of the control class and the experimental class. The division of the groups was carried out: (1) vocational education in Indonesia (2) Posttest was carried out to see the abilities in the experimental class and the control class (3) a basic test of students' initial knowledge. The population in this study were vocational students consisting of the practical course and the control class. The results showed that there were differences and improvements in student learning outcomes during the COVID 19 period.


Remuneration to executives has risen sharply, even during the recent economic decline and financial crisis, giving rise to public outcries and harsh criticism. At the same time, there has been a shift toward more performance-based remuneration, which is generally awarded over the long term. Coincident with these observations is an evolving literature aimed at studying executive pay and its determinants to learn if a pay-for-performance link exists. Although most studies focus on corporate financial performance (CFP) as a compensation determinant, which is based on shareholder theory, others broaden performance to include activities linked to corporate social responsibility (CSR), which relies on stakeholder theory. In this latter case, a nexus is identified between the pay-for-performance relationship and that between CFP and corporate social performance (CSP). In this research, we use a system of equations to form this connection and examine the influence of short-term versus long-term compensation measures on the resulting interrelationships. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment


Abstract. We studied primary succession on mobile tropical coastal sand dunes over an 8-yr period. Every six months, we monitored changes in species composition and sand movement in permanent quadrats located on the windward slopes, the arms and the crests. Our results indicate that sand movement decreased over time but was significantly higher on the slopes and crests than on the arms. In all cases, there were seasonal fluctuations in sand movement which increased during the period with strong northerly winds and decreased during the rainy season. Sand movement was significantly correlated with species distribution. Plant cover and species richness increased at all three locations. Diversity increased on the slope, decreased on the arms and remained unchanged on the crest. However, the equitability values indicated the dominance of a few species, especially at the end of the study period. Temporal trends and species turnover rates differed among locations. Species turnover occurred first on the arms (1994), then on the crests (1998) and lastly on the slopes (at the end of the study period). In all cases the tall grass, Schizachyrium scoparium var. littoralis, became dominant over the endemic legume, Chamaecrista chamaecristoides var. chamaecristoides. Similar to temperate dunes, primary succession on tropical sand dunes was spatially and temporally heterogeneous.


This book contains a written documentation of the process of directing a main season theatrical production in fulfillment of the requirements for Master in Fine Arts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This work is comprised of nine chapters that analyze the directorial process. The preliminary chapters deal primarily with personal history, script selection, research, script analysis and concept. The majority of the text is devoted to the compiled e-mails and varied journal entries maintained during the creation of the production. The final chapter is an overall evaluation of the process and the final product. This is not just a thesis on the process and culmination of one single production, but a thesis on a personal and formal educational process in the theatre arts. It is a private reflection that discusses and examines the artistic choices one can make. It examines a journey through university learning and subsequent professional training and the creativity gained during the process.


AIMS
To examine the effectiveness of contingency management (CM) techniques in treating substance use disorders (i.e. illicit drugs, alcohol, tobacco).

DESIGN
Meta-analysis was used to determine the average effect size and potential moderators in 47 comparisons of the effectiveness of CM from studies based on a treatment-control group design and published between 1970 and 2002.

FINDINGS
The mean effect size (ES) of CM was positive, with a magnitude of d = 0.42 using a fixed effects model. The magnitude of the ES declined over time, following treatment. CM was more effective in treating opiate use (d = 0.65) and cocaine use (d = 0.66), compared with tobacco (d = 0.31) or multiple drugs (d = 0.42). Larger effect sizes were associated with higher researcher involvement, earlier studies and shorter treatment duration.

CONCLUSIONS
Study findings suggest that CM is among the more effective approaches to promoting abstinence during the treatment of substance use disorders. CM improves the ability of clients to remain abstinent, thereby allowing them to take fuller advantage of other clinical treatment components.


Purpose: This article intends to identify, understand and explore the challenges and critical success factors ("CSF") arising from implementation of new technologies in Romanian companies. We conduct a cross-industry partially explanatory, partially exploratory research focusing on 3 business cases whereby innovative technologies such as automation software, industrial robots and continuous steel melting through the use of electrical cauldron have been implemented.
Research Methodology/Design:  We have used a case study approach. We've reviewed and mapped the existent academic literature on the subject matter, we have conducted interviews with business stakeholders, we have traced the identified challenges and CSF' and measured their occurrence in relation to the case studies.
Findings:The results suggests that there are several pervasive challenges such as conflicts among the stakeholders, no management and/or employee buy-in, value misalignment and resistance to change that if appropriately mitigated can lead to successful outcomes. We've also identified a number recurring critical success factors that can ensure the effective implementation of the new technologies such as management buy in and understanding of value proposition.
Research limitations/implications:The current study further extends the existing research on challenges and CSF related to the implementation of technologies from the standpoint of innovation theory.
Practical Implications:The present article further expands on the exploration research performed so far on challenges and critical success factors related to the implementation of new technologies taking the scholarly research and validating the findings in the real business world.
Originality/value: The current research study provides practical evidence using cross-industry occurrence-based validation testing to indicate the challenges and critical success factors related to the implementation of new technologies in Romanian companies. It adds to the exploratory research on technology transformation as it pertains to jurisdictions that, more often than not, are outside the research radar.


Intradialytic hypotension is a most frequent complication of hemodialysis and may contribute to cardiovascular events and high mortality. There is a hypothesis that an increase in adenosine generation during hemodialysis may cause vasodilation and a decrease in cardiac output, which results in systemic hypotension. We studied whether this can be blocked by an adenosine A1 receptor antagonist. We investigated the effects of an A1 antagonist, FK352, injection in 30 chronic hemodialysis patients with frequent intradialytic hypotension by a prospective, multicenter, double-blind placebo-controlled study for 4 weeks after 4 weeks of the observation period. Intradialytic hypotension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) less than 110 mmHg, with SBP drop of more than 30 mmHg from the predialysis level. The efficacy of FK352 was primarily assessed by the reduction rate of dialysis hypotension between the FK352 and placebo groups. Incidence of emergency treatments caused by hypotension was evaluated. FK352 (50 mg, intravenous) or an equivalent placebo was injected into the dialysis circuit 1 h after starting dialysis. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored every 30 min during dialysis. FK352 significantly improved intradialytic hypotension (P= 0.046), in that the reduction rates of intradialytic hypotension in the FK352 and placebo groups were -12.8% (Q1 (first quantile), Q3 (third quantile): -27.5, -1.7), and +8.3% (Q1, Q3: -16.6, +16.7), respectively. The frequency of discontinuation of dialysis was significantly reduced by FK352. No apparent side effects were observed from treatment with FK352. In conclusion, the A1 antagonist FK352 may offer a novel therapeutic option for chronic dialysis patients associated with intradialytic hypotension.


In its simplest form, the traffic flow prediction problem is restricted to predicting a single time-step into the future. Multi-step traffic flow prediction extends this set-up to the case where predicting multiple time-steps into the future based on some finite history is of interest. This problem is significantly more difficult than its single-step variant and is known to suffer from degradation in predictions as the time step increases. In this paper, two approaches to improve multi-step traffic flow prediction performance in recursive and multi-output settings are introduced. In particular, a model that allows recursive prediction approaches to take into account the temporal context in term of time-step index when making predictions is introduced. In addition, a conditional generative adversarial network-based data augmentation method is proposed to improve prediction performance in the multi-output setting. The experiments on a real-world traffic flow dataset show that the two methods improve on multi-step traffic flow prediction in recursive and multi-output settings, respectively.


In this essay, I demonstrate how the ecological concept of "scaling" carries potential to animate critical logics in the Anthropocene. I argue that scaling can expose unexpected linkages across space and time that help to denaturalize particular ecological formations as entangled, rather than separate. I demonstrate the critical ecological potential of scaling by performing it rhizomatically, weaving across scales of space and time while juxtaposing theoretical concepts with my experiences of life as a resident in the urban desert landscape of Phoenix, AZ. This ecology ultimately reveals how climate change acts as a complex necropolitic of the Anthropocene.


In this research the screening of several higher fungi - basidiomycetes cultures for the presence of collagenolytic activity was carried out. The highest collagenase activity was detected in submerged culture of higher fungus Coprinus lagopides. The enzyme preparation of collagenase was isolated from culture liquid of this producer. The optimum temperature and pH of the collagenolytic activity of the enzyme preparation were determined. The selection of nitrogen and carbon sources and ratios of carbon and nitrogen sources in the composition of nutrient mediums was carried out in order to increase the collagenase activity of fungus submerged culture. In addition to the collagenase activity of producers culture the amount of accumulated biomass, pH and protein concentration in the culture liquid of basidiomycete were also determined.


Objectives Our purpose was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a new cardiac shock wave therapy (CSWT) treatment regimen with a shorter duration. Methods A total of 55 patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) were randomly divided into treatment group A (n=20) and group B (n=21) and control groups (n=14). The control group received only medical therapy. In group A patients were treated for 1 week out of 4, and CSWT was performed 3 times on days 1, 3, and 5. The total duration of treatment was 3 months. In group B, patients underwent 3 CSWT sessions/week, and nine treatment sessions were completed within 1 month. Primary outcome measurement were 6-min walk test (6MWT). Other measurements like Canadian Cardiology Society (CCS) grading of angina, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification, Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ), nitroglycerin dosage (times/week), regional wall motion, peak systolic strain rate (PSSR), myocardial perfusion imaging (MRI) score were also evaluated. Results After following for 12 months, the 6MWT, CCS grading of angina, dosage of nitroglycerin, NYHA classification, and SAQ scores were all significantly improved in group A and B compared to control group. Group A and B also showed significant improvement over control group in peak systolic strain rate (PSSR) and myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) under resting and load conditions. There was no significant difference in 6MWT between group A and B as well as other measurements. Conclusions A CSWT protocol with 1 month treatment duration showed similar therapeutic efficacy compared to a protocol of 3 months duration.


Resonant beam charging (RBC) is the wireless power transfer (WPT) technology, which can provide high-power, long-distance, mobile, and safe wireless charging for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Supporting multiple IoT devices charging simultaneously is a significant feature of the RBC system. To optimize the multiuser charging performance, the transmitting power should be scheduled for charging all IoT devices simultaneously. In order to keep all IoT devices working as long as possible for fairness, we propose the first access first charge (FAFC) scheduling algorithm. Then, we formulate the scheduling parameters quantitatively for algorithm implementation. Finally, we analyze the performance of FAFC scheduling algorithm considering the impacts of the receiver number, the transmitting power, and the charging time. Based on the analysis, we summarize the methods of improving the WPT performance for multiple IoT devices, which include limiting the receiver number, increasing the transmitting power, prolonging the charging time, and improving the single-user's charging efficiency. The FAFC scheduling algorithm design and analysis provide a fair WPT solution for the multiuser RBC system.


The analgesic action of tramadol in the post-operative period was compared with that of an analgesic combination (Nisidin) in a sample of 60 patients (31 male, 29 female) aged between 20 and 70 years undergoing surgical operations on the abdomen involving opening of the peritoneum. The study was carried out according to a controlled and randomized experimental design. Tramadol in 100 mg/2 ml vials and Nisidin in 2 ml vials were administered parenterally at a dosage of three vials a day during the first three days of the post-operative period. The analgesic action of tramadol was shown to be more effective than that of Nisidin both after the first dose and during the three days of observation (p < 0.01). Local and general safety were good in both groups, and respiratory and heart rates did not undergo clinically significant modifications. In conclusion, tramadol proves to be particularly indicated in the treatment of post-operative pain, given that it has analgesic action combined with good local and general safety.


Current technologies are useful for improving the productivity and appearance of writing. However, with several notable exceptions, they neither offer qualitative advances over previous tools in helping mature writers express or refine their thoughts, nor help novices develop better writing skills. We propose that writing tools contribute indirectly to writing development (e.g., by encouraging more writing) when they should provide direct support, in ways to be described. At the same time, an exciting new cognitive-developmental perspective on


Objectives:Body weight is regulated by the balance between energy intake and energy expenditure, but the influence of HIV infection on energy balance has not been fully examined. The main objectives of this study were (1) to assess the effect of HIV on energy balance, (2) to examine the relationship of parameters of immunodeficiency to energy balance, and (3) to examine the interrelationship of different components of energy balance in asymptomatic HIV-seropositive men. Design:A cross-sectional study of nutrition and metabolism in asymptomatic HIV-seropositive men. Methods:Components of energy balance were examined in 104 asymptomatic HIV-seropositive men (CD4 count 4–482×106/l) and 57 age-matched HIV-seronegative male controls. Energy and protein intake were measured using 5-day diaries, and small bowel absorption and permeability was assessed using four sugar probes. Resting energy expenditure was calculated from indirect calorimetry and nitrogen loss estimated from 24 h urine collection. Four methods were used to assess the effect of HIV infection on body composition (anthropometry, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, bioelectrical impedance and 24 h urine creatinine). Results:Resting energy expenditure per kilogram of fat-free mass was raised (P < 0.0001), fat mass was decreased (P = 0.001), fat-free mass was increased (P = 0.05), energy intake was higher (P = 0.05), absorption of L-rhamnose (P = 0.01) and 3-O-methyl-D-glucose was decreased (P = 0.003), and small bowel permeability was increased (P < 0.0001) in HIV-seropositive men compared with HIV-seronegative controls. HIV-seropositive subjects with a CD4 count less than 100×106/l had decreased absorption of L-rhamnose (P < 0.05), D-xylose (P < 0.05) and 3-O-methyl-D-glucose (P < 0.05) compared with HIV-seropositive subjects at higher CD4 counts, and had a similar resting energy expenditure to HIV-seronegative controls. Protein intake, carbohydrate, fat and protein oxidation, 24 h nitrogen excretion and appendicular muscle mass were similar in HIV-seropositive men and controls. Conclusion:HIV infection exerts a direct effect on parameters of energy balance that varies with the severity of immunosuppression.


Both monoammonium and diammonium phosphate fertilizers contain various (Ca,Mg)(NH4)- (Fe,Al)(PO4)(F,OH)H2O compounds that are insoluble in water and comprise 4.9-9.9% of the total phosphorus content of the fertilizers. The compounds have been isolated and characterized by chemical, X-ray powder diffraction, ix., and thermogravimetric techniques. The compounds are only 35-60% as effective as monocalcium phosphate (MCP) in supplying phosphorus to wheat grown under glasshouse conditions. The residual effectiveness of the compounds for a second crop of wheat was generally lower (10-20% relative to freshly applied MCP) than the residual value of MCP (20 %).


Peripheral vascular disease is characterized by progressive atherosclerotic deterioration of peripheral arteries and coronary and cerebral vascular complications. Antiplatelet treatment retards the progression of peripheral atherosclerosis but it is still unclear if this is associated with a reduced risk of amputation. Vasodilator prostaglandins have been administered in critical ischemia but the results have been disappointing. An alternative approach to enhance peripheral vasodilation is to increase nitric oxide production, which is reduced in peripheral vascular disease, particularly in the case of severe ischemia. Critical ischemia secondary to thromboembolism has been treated with thrombolysis within 7 days of the acute episode, but this approach is no more effective than vascular surgery in reducing amputation; earlier treatment should be planned to further investigate its clinical efficacy. The effect of antiplatelet treatment in preventing cardiovascular events was investigated in three randomized trials with negative results. A post-hoc analysis of the CAPRIE study demonstrated that clopidogrel is superior to aspirin in preventing cardiovascular disease. This suggests that antiplatelet treatment may be efficacious in this setting; future study should assess if its combination with other drugs, such as statins, that retard coronary atherosclerotic progression, could further reduce cardiovascular complications in peripheral vascular disease.


Mathematical models of the flow and tracer tests in fractured aquifers are being developed for the further study of radioactive wastes migration in round water at the Lake Area, which is associated with one of the waste disposal site in Russia. The choice of testing methods, tracer types (chemical or thermal) and the appropriate models are determined by the nature of the ongoing ground-water pollution processes and the hydrogeological features of the site under consideration. Special importance is attached to the increased density of wastes as well as to the possible redistribution of solutes both in the liquid phase and in the absorbed state (largely, on fracture surfaces). This allows for studying physical-and-chemical (hydrogeochemical) interaction parameters which are hard to obtain (considering a fractured structure of the rock mass) in laboratory. Moreover, a theoretical substantiation is being given to the field methods of studying the properties of a fractured stratum aimed at the further construction of the drainage system or the subsurface flow barrier (cutoff wall), as well as the monitoring system that will evaluate the reliability of these ground-water protection measures. The proposed mathematical models are based on a tight combination of analytical and numerical methods, the former being more » preferred in solving the principal (2D axisymmetrical) class of the problems. The choice of appropriate problems is based on the close feedback with subsequent field tests in the Lake Area. 63 refs. « less


We analyze dephasing by electron interactions in a small disordered quasi-one dimensional (1D) ring weakly coupled to leads, where we recently predicted a crossover for the dephasing time $\tPh(T)$ from diffusive or ergodic 1D ($\tPh^{-1} \propto T^{2/3}, T^{1}$) to $0D$ behavior ($\tPh^{-1} \propto T^{2}$) as $T$ drops below the Thouless energy $\ETh$. We provide a detailed derivation of our results, based on an influence functional for quantum Nyquist noise, and calculate all leading and subleading terms of the dephasing time in the three regimes. Explicitly taking into account the Pauli blocking of the Fermi sea in the metal allows us to describe the $0D$ regime on equal footing as the others. The crossover to $0D$, predicted by Sivan, Imry and Aronov for 3D systems, has so far eluded experimental observation. We will show that for $T \ll \ETh$, $0D$ dephasing governs not only the $T$-dependence for the smooth part of the magnetoconductivity but also for the amplitude of the Altshuler-Aronov-Spivak oscillations, which result only from electron paths winding around the ring. This observation can be exploited to filter out and eliminate contributions to dephasing from trajectories which do not wind around the ring, which may tend to mask the $T^{2}$ behavior. Thus, the ring geometry holds promise of finally observing the crossover to $0D$ experimentally.


For centuries silver and its compounds have been in use to control infection and avoid septicaemia in the care of burns and chronic wounds. Renewed interest has resulted in a number of silver-based dressings exploiting nanotechnology that are now widely employed in burns centers. Despite extensive use, a systematic study of the chemical composition, release kinetics and biochemical action of these products has yet to be published. In this work we have characterized the morphology and elemental composition of a commercial dressings containing Ag by SEM-EDS. The silver content was determined by ICP-MS to be about 1.4 mg cm -2 . Release kinetics in ultra pure water, physiological saline solution and human serum substitute were then deeply investigated. The highest release rates were found in serum substitute, with a maximum of 2.6 µg hr -1 cm -2 . Our results show that the mean inhibitory concentrations are exceeded for most common pathogens in serum substitute and sterile water, while the presence of high Cl - levels inactivates the dressings.


The purpose of this paper was to explore the organisation of a support system for the professional development of women in public cultural institutions. The deliberations in this paper are based on qualitative research. The research included biographical interviews with ten women who currently work in managerial positions in public cultural institutions in Poland. This research strategy made it possible to get to know the experiences of women who reached managerial positions in their professional career in culture and to attempt an explanation of the observed phenomena as they are seen by people who were part of the system. Research has shown that the support system for the professional development of women in public cultural institutions seems to be largely based on informal solutions initiated within the personal support networks of women who are part of the system, its foundation being interpersonal relations. The main contribution of the paper is the interesting dataset gathered. Moreover, the proposed rhizome metaphor enriches the field of organizational research by suggesting new ideas that contribute to expanding on how we can see and perceive the complexity and variation in organizational phenomena of women in leadership positions and therefore opening up new interpretations and directions.


An asymmetric synthesis of the benzazocine core of FR900482 has been achieved in 15 steps from 3,5-dinitro-p-toluic acid. Key features of the synthesis include an enantioselective N-methylephedrine-mediated zinc acetylide addition to a highly enolizable arylacetaldehyde and a novel Pd-catalyzed carbonylative lactamization to form an eight-membered ring. [reaction--see text]


Background. The Duffy antigen-receptor for chemokines (DARC) is a chemokine-binding protein that is up-regulated on peritubular capillaries (PTC) during cellular renal allograft rejection. C4d deposition and accumulation of inflammatory cells in PTC are indicators of humoral renal allograft rejection. Because DARC is expressed at the site of C4d deposition and might be involved in inflammatory cell recruitment, the authors evaluated the expression of DARC in different forms of human renal allograft rejection. Methods. Deposition of C4d and DARC expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 42 renal transplant biopsy specimens. Biopsy specimens were subdivided according to histologic and immunohistochemical results, that is, C4d-negative biopsy specimens with (Banff 1, n=8) or without signs of cellular rejection (n=16), and C4d-positive biopsies (humoral rejection) with (Banff 1 rejection, n=7) or without cellular rejection (n=11). Results. DARC expression was found on a small number of PTC and veins in patients without rejection. Cellular and humoral rejection led to a comparable increase in the number of DARC-positive PTC (9.7 and 8.7 vs. 2.6 vessels per high-power field [HPF], respectively). The highest numbers were found in biopsy specimens with signs of both humoral and cellular rejection (17.5 vessels per HPF). Conclusions. This is the first study that demonstrates an induction of a chemokine-binding protein at the site of C4d deposition in humoral allograft rejection. The additive effect of humoral and cellular rejection on DARC expression might imply different pathways of DARC induction for different forms of allograft rejection.


To make sure, we shall restate the changed part: P5.5. There is a decomposition \Sa\ of 5 such that each Sa is a groupoid with a two-sided identity ea and eaeß = eß. VIIIS'. {P5.1.P5.2, P5.5}. Theorem 6 can be restated as follows: Theorem 6. A groupoid S is an M-groupoid if and only if S is a right zero band of groupoids Sa with identity ea, 5 = U«sb Sa, SaSaCSß such that eaeB = eB. In other words: Let 5 be a right zero band of groupoids Sa with an identity ea. Then 5 is the direct product of a right zero band and a groupoid with an identity if and only if


Once upon a time, looking for a book in the library involved an ancient mechanism called the card catalog. Now, most card catalogs are gone forever and patrons gaze at computer screens. As electronic technology becomes more pervasive, or invasive, librarians and library users continue to be embroiled in the controversy over the function of a library and its staff. As "knowledge" loses ground to "information" and techware pre-empts book budgets, library collections are "purged" and reference librarians find their role diminished--except to put more paper in the printer (to serve the voracious wood-pulp appetite of the new paperless society). The essays in this book analyze the complex issues surrounding the postmodern library and its increasingly impersonal nature, as the librarian at its center is more and more frequently marginalized. The insights and observations, both practical and thoughtful are those of a practicing librarian. An annotated bibliography guides the reader to additional important articles and books that explore the future of the library and the role of technology.


At 0.1-1 microM, U50488H, a kappa-opioid receptor agonist, inhibited the stimulatory effects of 1 microM isoprenaline, a beta-adrenoceptor agonist, on the electrically induced intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+](i)) transient and cAMP accumulation ("cross talk" between kappa-opioid receptors and beta-adrenoceptors) in the presence of 1 microM ICI118,551, a beta(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist in ventricular myocytes from both normoxic and chronically hypoxic rats. Pretreatment with 20 microg/ml cholera toxin increased the ADP-ribosylation of Gsalpha subunits and the electrically induced [Ca2+](i) transient in both normoxic and chronically hypoxic rats. The effects of cholera toxin were inhibited by 1 microM U50488H and the inhibitory effect of U50488H was attenuated in chronically hypoxic rats. Similarly, 1 microM forskolin also increased the electrically induced [Ca2+](i) transient and cAMP accumulation, which were both inhibited by U50488H, in both normoxic and chronically hypoxic rats. The inhibitory effects of 1 microM U50488H were significantly attenuated in chronically hypoxic rats. The results are novel findings, in that the "cross talk" between kappa-opioid receptors and beta-adrenoceptors is attenuated following chronic hypoxia. The attenuation may be due to decreased responses of Gs-protein and adenylyl cyclase to kappa-opioid receptor activation in addition to desensitization of the receptor itself.


The study aims to know how the implementation of school culture on Senior High School in District of Lima Puluh Kota.The research is a descriptive quantity study with a population of 484 people, using stratified disproportionate random sampling technique which is totaled 83 people.The data were analize by using score of average (Mean). The results of the study show that trust, cooperation, and responsibility inherent to the goal of the school culture (overall score 3.15 of 4.00). However, school still has to strengthen the culture through better trust, cooperation, and responsibility. Key word: Trust, Cooperation, and Responsibility


Six patients with inoperable desmoid tumors have been treated by preoperative chemotherapy. In all six cases objective response occurred and allowed conservative surgery. Objective responses included tumor softening (6/6), releasing of articular motion previously limited (3/3), and tumor size' decreasing (2/6). Few histologic modifications were seen. Such data advocates for preoperative chemotherapy in desmoid tumor when large and threatening the limb or the life of the patient.


Abstract The 6 high-affinity insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) are multifunctional proteins that modulate cell signaling through multiple pathways. Their canonical function at the cellular level is to impede access of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and IGF-2 to their principal receptor IGF1R, but IGFBPs can also inhibit, or sometimes enhance, IGF1R signaling either through their own post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation or limited proteolysis, or by their interactions with other regulatory proteins. Beyond the regulation of IGF1R activity, IGFBPs have been shown to modulate cell survival, migration, metabolism, and other functions through mechanisms that do not appear to involve the IGF-IGF1R system. This is achieved by interacting directly or functionally with integrins, transforming growth factor β family receptors, and other cell-surface proteins as well as intracellular ligands that are intermediates in a wide range of pathways. Within the nucleus, IGFBPs can regulate the diverse range of functions of class II nuclear hormone receptors and have roles in both cell senescence and DNA damage repair by the nonhomologous end-joining pathway, thus potentially modifying the efficacy of certain cancer therapeutics. They also modulate some immune functions and may have a role in autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. IGFBPs have been proposed as attractive therapeutic targets, but their ubiquity in the circulation and at the cellular level raises many challenges. By understanding the diversity of regulatory pathways with which IGFBPs interact, there may still be therapeutic opportunities based on modulation of IGFBP-dependent signaling.


The stamping forming process of an automobile front rails extension part was numerically simulated based on blank stamping non-linear finite element software eta/Dynaform.Before the forming process optimization,the forming limit diagram was obtained.According to the simulation results,the drawing surface and the drawing bead were modified and optimized.Ultimately,the defect in the forming process was b eliminated.Supplying the optimized results to practical production,the eligible drawing parts were gained.


Waters of the southearn of Makassar Strait is a region which relatively rich of organic matter because the phenomenon of upwelling along the eastern season. The purpose of this research was to analyze the distribution patterns and the development of upwelling areas in the southern of Makassar Strait. This study used chlorophylla data and sea surface temperature from level 1 of Modis image for two years (2009 and 2010). The result showed that phenomenon of upwelling that occurs in the southern Makassar Strait appears since early June, the strongest upwelling in August and disapear in October. The upwelling was indicated by declining of sea surface temperature and increasing of chlorophyll-a concentration. Analysis of wind direction and speed indicate that the upwelling occurs in the southern Makassar strait spread to southwest with and estimated upwelling area around 46.000 km 2 . Keywords: upwelling, Makassar Strait, chlorophyll-a, sea surface temperature


s Submitted Late for the 2nd World Congress of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Please see Volume 39, Supplement 1


INTRODUCTION (7). A comparison of some of the properties of In recent years it has become evident that the the fungal and beef heart cytochrome c follows: total iron content of the animal organism is greater than the sum of the iron found in all of the Hemochrome Absorption known iron compounds (1). The nature of this Source M8,D pI Maxima (mp) remaining iron is unknown although in part it a may be accounted for by the "non-heme iron" which Green and Beinert (2) have discovU. sphaerogena.... 18-20 X 103 7.0 550 520 ered as components of various respiratory Beef heart.12 X 103 10.5 550 520 enzymes. It is apparent that, eventually, all of the iron compounds of living cells will have to be On a molar basis the beef heart and fungal cytoidentified before a total picture of iron metabolism chromes were found to be of about equal activity and function can be established. Since all living in the rat liver succinoxidase system. cells are faced with more or less similar metabolic Ferrichrome. Extracts of U. sphaerogena from problems it should be possible to use almost any which all cytochrome components had been respecies as a subject for the study of unknown moved by ammonium sulfate precipitation still iron compounds. On the other hand, as Kluyver contained an appreciable amount of both color and van Niel have pointed out in their elegant and iron. These extracts were accordingly fraclittle book The Microbe's Contribution to Biology tionated by solvent extraction, and a crystalline (3), there are certain advantages in the selection iron containing substance named ferrichrome was of microorganisms as subjects for the examinaobtained (8). Crystals of this substance are tion of metabolic processes. Thus it is possible shown in figure 1. that an organism could be found with an exagIn the production of ferrichrome, U. sphaerogerated iron metabolism. After studying this gena was grown in 200-liter batches using vigorous species it might further be possible to apply the aeration and a medium containing yeast extract results to the general problem of iron metabolism and glucose. The yield of pigment was 0.4 to 0.5 in plants and animals. g per kg of dried cells. The isolation of ferrichrome from the culture fluid has not been achieved. EXPERIMENTS WITH USTILAGO SPHAEROGENA Ferrichrome is also formed by U. sphaerogena Ustilago cytochrome c. The smut fungus Ustilago when the fungus is grown on a simple salts-glucose sphaerogena is an organism with an exaggerated medium (9). With such a medium the ferrichrome iron metabolism. Weisel and Allen (4) showed concentration within the cells has been increased that when grown on a medium containing yeast to about 1.5 g per kg of dried cells in the absence extract, this fungus formed large amounts of a of added zinc (9). substance which by direct spectrophotometric Chemical properties of ferrichrome. The purity examination of the cells appeared to be cytoof thrice recrystallized ferrichrome can be conchrome c. In subsequent work they found that veniently checked by paper chromatography, the addition of zinc to a simple synthetic medium using ultraviolet inspection. The Rf values are was an important factor in the realization of high 0.40 and 0.68 with a butanol-acetic acid-water yields of the hemoprotein (5). and with a 50 per cent methanol-0.1 M phosphate In order to be certain that the substance obbuffer solvent system, respectively. Thus the served by Weisel and Allen was indeed cytosubstance is extremely soluble in water and chrome c, the pigment was extracted from the sparingly soluble in all organic solvents with the cells and obtained in the pure state (6) by use of exception of hot methanol. an ion exchange chromatography procedure preThe approximate empirical formula is C27-29 viously worked out for beef heart cvtochrome c H42 46012N9Fe. The mol wt of ferrichrome has


Most existing 3-D object recognition/localization systems rely on a single type of sensory data, although several sensors may be available in a robot task to provide information about the objects to be recognized. In this paper, we present a technique to localize polyhedral objects by integrating visual and tactile data. It is assumed that visual data is provided by a monocular visual sensor , while tactile data by a planar-array tactile sensor in contact with the object to be localized. We focus on using tactile data in the hypothesis generation phase to reduce the requirements of visual features for localization to a V-junction only. The main concept of this technique is to compute a set of partial pose hypotheses oo-line by utilizing tactile data, and then complement these partial hypotheses on-line using visual data. The technique presented is tested using simulated and real data.


Henry Goodeve was appointed assistant surgeon to the Bengal Principality of the East India Company in 1831 and in 1835 was appointed assistant to Dr MJ Bramley, who was the newly appointed Superintendent of the Calcutta Medical School. Later that year, Goodeve was appointed Professor of Medicine and Anatomy and in 1845 accompanied four Indian students to London where they underwent further training at University College. Returning to Calcutta two years later, he was appointed Professor of Midwifery and retired in 1853, returning to England. Goodeve was appointed Senior Physician to the Rentkioi Hospital at the end of the Crimean war in 1855. After this he spent the rest of his life in Bristol. He built a large mansion and became a magistrate and was on numerous committees. He had many publications including Hints on Children in India that went to 14 editions and was the co-editor of one of the Calcutta Medical Journals.


Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that COPD is currently the seventh leading cause of death and disability worldwide, but will rise to the fifth position by 2020. The estimated prevalence of COPD worldwide in 2001 was 1013/100,000 population; it was highest in the Western Pacific Region and lowest in Africa. The mortality from COPD followed the same pattern. The prevalence of smoking is slowly decreasing in the industrialised world and rising in developing countries, especially in Asia and Africa. Cigarette consumption per adult has also decreased in the Americas, remained the same in Europe but increased in all other regions, especially the Western Pacific. Indoor air pollution from combustion of biomass/traditional fuels and coal, previous tuberculous infection, outdoor air pollution and childhood respiratory infections are other important risk factors for COPD in developing countries. The rise in morbidity and mortality from COPD will be most dramatic in Asian and African countries over the next two decades, mostly due to progressive increase in the prevalence of smoking. As developing countries can ill afford the added economic burden of COPD and other smoking-related diseases, there is an urgent need for multi-dimensional actions in reducing the main risk factor of cigarette smoking.


tation, in contrast to directed mutation, is defined as mutation that occurs at variable rates depending on conditions, particularly stress conditions that enhance these rates, but it is not targeted to a specific site. Adaptive mutation is less controversial than directed mutation, but the mechanisms involved are in many cases still poorly defined. Part of the justifiable skepticism concerning directed mutation resulted from experiments that supposedly demonstrated this phenomenon, but were subsequently shown to be explainable by classical genetics [Roth and Andersson, 2004; Roth et al., 2006]. Mutation rates vary with environmental conditions (e.g. growth state) and genetic background (e.g. mutator genes) [Denamur and Matic, 2006; Foster, 2005; Wright, 2004]. Such mutations fit the definition 'adaptive' (rates of mutations increase under stress conditions), but do not arise in a 'directed' fashion. Evolution depends on mutations, generally thought of as rare errors in the transmission of genetic information [Elez et al., 2010]. Experimentally, mutations have been identified by detecting altered phenotypes (as observed by Luria and Delbrück in 1943) or by sequencing complete genomes. However, most mutations do not have obvious phenotypes. The major source of mutations is 'A new scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents and making them see the light, but rather because its opponents eventually die, and a new generation grows up that is familiar with it.' Max Planck


In this paper the algebraic regulator and filter Riccati equations of weakly coupled discrete-time stochastic linear control systems are completely and exactly decomposed into reduced-order continuous-time algebraic Riccati equations corresponding to the subsystems. That is the exact solution of the global discrete algebraic Riccati equation is found in terms of the reduced-order subsystem nonsymmetric continuous-time algebraic Riccati equations. In addition, the optimal global Kalman filter is decomposed into local optimal filters both driven by the system measurements and the system optimal control inputs. As a result, the optimal linear-quadratic Gaussian control problem for weakly coupled linear discrete systems takes the complete decomposition and parallelism between subsystem filters and controllers.<<ETX>>


High-tech and environmentally friendly biomaterials are emerging and rapidly expanding class of materials and have been widely applied in the biomedical field. Among the promising body of biopolymers, proteins with their unique structural and biological properties are being exploited extensively for the creation of innovative biomaterials, such as adhesives and fibers. The overall goal of the project was to produce protein-based mechanical biomaterials using bioengineered proteins as a platform. In this thesis, various biomaterials have been produced by relying on electrostatic interactions between supercharged polypeptides (SUPs) and surfactants, including SUP glues and SUP fibers. SUPs are inspired by natural elastin and were expressed recombinantly in E. Coli. SUPs mainly consist of repetitive pentapeptide sequences (VPGXG)n, in which the fourth position X represents either lysine (K) or glutamic acid (E). By the choice of these two amino acids positive and negative charges are introduced into the polypeptide backbone, respectively. Chapter 1 presents a brief introduction to protein-based biomaterials with extraordinary mechanical properties, ranging from protein-based glues to protein-based fibers. Chapters 2, 3, and 4 focus on the fabrication and application of SUP glues. Chapter 5 aims to develop SUP fibers with mechanical behaviors that can be modulated reversibly by light. Finally, some conclusive remarks for SUP-based biomaterials are provided in Chapter 6.


STUDY OBJECTIVES
This double-blind study evaluated the efficacy and safety of modafinil for treating excessive daytime sleepiness in Japanese patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

METHODS
Patients with residual excessive sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS] ≥ 11) on optimal nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) therapy (apnea-hypopnea index ≤ 10) were randomized to either 200 mg modafinil (n = 52) or placebo (n = 62) once daily for 4 weeks. Outcomes included baseline-week 4 changes in ESS total score, sleep latency on maintenance of wakefulness test (SL-MWT), nocturnal polysomnography, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and safety.

RESULTS
All 114 randomized patients completed the study. Mean change in ESS total score (-6.6 vs -2.4, p < 0.001) and SL-MWT (+2.8 vs -0.4 minutes, p = 0.009) were significantly greater with modafinil than with placebo. ESS total score decreased from > 11 to < 11 at the final assessment in 69.2% of modafinil-treated patients and 30.6% of placebo-treated patients (p < 0.001). Corresponding rates at week 1 were 57.7% and 33.9% (p = 0.014). Changes in nocturnal polysomnography, PSQI, and apnea-hypopnea index from baseline to the final assessment were similar in both groups. Adverse drug reactions occurred in 36.5% and 22.6% of patients in the modafinil and placebo groups, respectively (p = 0.146).

CONCLUSIONS
Once-daily modafinil was effective and well tolerated for managing residual daytime sleepiness in Japanese OSAS patients with residual excessive daytime sleepiness on optimal nCPAP therapy.


Abstract. We propose an optical security technique for image encryption using triple random-phase encoding (TRPE). In the encryption process, the original image is first double-random-phase encrypted. The obtained function is then multiplied by a third random-phase key in the output plane, to enhance the security level of the encryption process. This method reduces the vulnerability to certain attacks observed when using the conventional double random-phase encoding (DRPE). To provide the security enhancement of the proposed TRPE method, three attack cases are discussed: chosen-plaintext attacks, known-plaintext attacks, and chosen-ciphertext attacks. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. Compared with conventional DRPE, the proposed encryption method can provide an effective alternative and has enhanced security features against the aforementioned attacks.


It has been known for a long time that isolated mitochondria are able to accumulate large amounts of calcium ions. Before the discovery that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was the main Ca2+‐storing cellular organelle, mitochondria were thought to play a major role in cytoplasmic Ca2+ homeostasis (Carafoli, 2002). After IP3 was discovered and it was shown that IP3 receptors were localized in ER membrane and that Ca2+‐binding proteins such as calsequestrin could store large amounts of Ca2+ in the ER, the role of mitochondria in the regulation of cytoplasmic Ca2+ was questioned. However, in recent years, mostly due to the development of new methods, there has been increasing evidence that mitochondria could be an important cytoplasmic Ca2+ sink, especially under conditions of a high cellular Ca2+ load.


Governance has become an interesting field of study in public administration. The shifting of authority from central government to local government and even to village level becomes a challenge as well as an opportunity for bureaucrats to provide community services. It justifies why understanding of ideal and relevant governance is needed to solve current problems. As a bureaucracy aiming to serve the community, Nagari is expected to be able fulfilling the society's needs. Based on this condition, this initiative was conducted in Nagari Talang Anau, Kecamatan Gunuang Omeh, 50 Kota Regency, West Sumatera Province to solve the problems of limited understanding of local government employees regarding state administration (government). To achieve this goal, the program began by contacting and making confirmation with Wali Nagari and then followed by training and socialization regarding state administration system (government), public policy formulation in Nagari, and community services. The result indicated that there were several problems in Nagari Talang Anau administration, such as limited access to information and technology sector, lack of programs by Lembaga Pemberdayaan Masyarakat (LPM) and insufficient human resources. Based on these problems, the authors and the team members suggested that Nagari administration should focus more on the issue of improving the quality of human resources.


This study is to remind teachers that professional development and quality assurance are required to perform a good working in improving either learning process or school quality. Nowadays, teaching has been officially recognized as a profession. Consequently, teachers must be enforced professionally in their charges. To be professional in carrying their tasks, teachers must continuously improve competency themselves and perform quality assurance in their duties. This study is a literature review related to the importance of professional development and quality assurance in order to increase teachers' effectiveness in providing learning services in Secondary Vocational Schools. Professional development is the need required by any teachers. Teachers' professional development in Vocational Secondary School is expected to create changes in attitudes, improve the learning process and promote the students' learning output and outcomes. In addition, teachers are not only responsible for improving the quality of learning outputs but also for working collaboratively with other teachers to elevate the quality of learning outcomes. It suggests the quality assurance as the key to achieve and to ensure the quality of teaching learning process and also the school's effectiveness demanded by the stakeholders.


This paper is about a research focusing on recent problems of Hungarian teachers. The aim of the study is to reveal the real troubles of Hungarian pedagogues, on the basis of their answers to a questionnaire, the nature of these problems and how they affect the role of the teacher. Supposedly, the nucleus of the problems of the teachers is connected with existence, skills and material or professional uncertainty. The study based on the related professional literature and its main statements. The conclusions could be applied mostly to the intellectual and existential preparation of would-be teachers. The aim of the research is to reveal the real problems of the high school teachers after the turn of the century, what these problems are, how stressful they are and how they impact the changing teacher role as, "Teachers are central to any consideration of schools, and majority of education policy discussions focus directly or indirectly on the role of teachers" (Hanushek & Rivkin, 2006). Ever since the pedagogical researches had started many monitors, surveys and reports have there appeared about the actual matters, issues and problems of the teachers. However, these previous examinations were structured or set up on the base of assumptions of researchers. The possible problem-framing was quite hypothetical and suggested the presuppositions of the inventors of questions, not that of the involved teachers. The methodological mean of the research was the questionnaire. The research has supposed that problems that are in the forefront of teacher thinking include skills, lack of conformity to practical demands, and material and financial uncertainness. We have focused the survey on finding the problematic activities that are primary for the educators. The results could be applied mainly in the field of the teacher training, especially in the mental and existential preparation of the would-be-teachers. It has also an actuality, since the teacher training stands before a changeover from the traditional structure to the two-level structure (transition between the former traditional and the BA and MA levels of higher education), so these remarks can also add somewhat to the reform program and—at the collective level—to the identification of issues important to the community of teachers, would-be-teachers and both in-service teachers and educators.


Among psychologists, forgiveness and reconciliation are typically viewed as separate constructs. This distinction is often adaptive, making it possible for a person to forgive a deceased offender or to forgive without entering back into a dangerous relationship. But to what extent does this privatized and secularized view of forgiveness conflict with the religious construct of forgiveness that many clients and their religious leaders may hold? Two survey studies are reported here. The first assessed the opinions of academic psychologists and Christian theologians regarding the distinction between forgiveness and reconciliation. The second survey assessed the opinions of expert psychologists and Christian theologians who have published books on the topic of forgiveness. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses revealed that psychologists are more inclined to distinguish between forgiveness and reconciliation than Christian theologians. Implications are discussed.


Background: Liver cell injury commonly occurs after perinatal asphyxia. This study aimed to identify the neonatal and maternal factors related to hepatic dysfunction associated with birth asphyxia. Methods: A case control study was carried out in Basra comprising 43 asphyxiated newborns, and 57 healthy full terms enrolled as control. Serum levels of liver enzymes [alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] were measured and compared between the study and control groups. Levels beyond +2SD above the mean of control considered high. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS program version 20. Chi-Square test and ANOVA were used where appropriate, P-value <0.05 was considered as significant. Elevated levels of enzymes were studied in relation to selected neonatal and maternal variables. Results: Higher levels of liver enzymes were found related to gestational age > 40 weeks, newborn's body weight > 4 Kg, mother's age>35 years, parity > 4 children and maternal medical disease. The results were statistically significant (P<0.05). However, no statistical differences were detected regarding newborn's gender and growth status, maternal education and mode of delivery. Conclusion: The study highlights the relationship between maternal and neonatal risk factors and perinatal asphyxia associated with hepatic dysfunction.


Interest in high-energy substituted furans has been increasing due to their occurrence in biofuel production and their versatility in conversion to other useful products. Methylfurans are the simplest substituted furans and understanding their reaction pathways, thermochemical properties, including intermediate species stability, and chemical kinetics would aid in the study of larger furans. Furan ring C-H bonds have been shown to be extremely strong, approximately 120 kcal mol-1, due in part to the placement of the oxygen atom and aromatic-like resonance, both within the ring. The thermochemistry and kinetics of the oxidation of 2-methyfuran radical at position 5 of the furan ring, 2-methyl-5-furanyl radical (2MF5j), is analyzed. The resulting chemically activated species, 2MF5OOj radical, has a well depth of 51 kcal mol-1 below the 2MF5j + O2 reactants; this is 4-5 kcal mol-1 deeper than that of phenyl and vinyl radical plus O2, with both of these reactions known to undergo chain branching. Important, low-energy reaction pathways include chain branching dissociations, intramolecular abstractions, group transfers, and radical oxygen additions. Enthalpies of formation, entropies, and heat capacities for the stable molecules, radicals, and transition-state species are analyzed using computational methods. Calculated ΔH°f 298 values were determined using an isodesmic work reaction from the CBS-QB3 composite method. Elementary rate parameters are from saddle point transition-state structures and compared to variational transition-state analysis for the barrierless reactions. Temperature- and pressure-dependent rate constants which are calculated using QRRK and master equation analysis is used for falloff and stabilization.


Utilization of a transparent insulation material (TIM) in a solar collector wall has been proven to have a significant potential to reduce heating load in passive solar buildings. Transparent insulation transmits a high proportion of incident solar radiation onto a layer of thermal mass which subsequently slowly releases heat, thus reduces the requirement for heating throughout the day. Due to the high transmittance and convective suppression properties of the transparent material, the thermal resistance of the wall will be improved extensively with minimum losses of transmitted radiation. This thesis presents a numerical simulation model for a building with one transparently insulated wall. The explicit finite difference method is employed to study the thermal performance of an outdoor test room as a function of energy consumption and thermal comfort. It involves first a simulation for a one dimensional wall model with honeycomb-structured transparent insulation material (TIM). Then, a methodology is developed to simulate a complete room that has one transparently insulated wall. Different control strategies are employed for the shading device and one new strategy is developed to estimate the thermal performance of the transparently insulated room taking into account the incidence angle-dependent transmittance of TIM, and the non-linear convective-radiative behavior of both, exterior insulation system and the room interior surfaces. Simulation results indicate significant savings in energy consumption as a result of TIM utilization.


A simple synthesis of monoand bis-salicylic acid derivatives 1-10 by the transesterification of methyl salicylate (methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate) with 3-oxapentane-1,5-diol, 3,6dioxaoctane-1,8-diol, 3,6,9-trioxaundecane-1,11-diol, propane-1,2-diol or 1-aminopropan-2-ol in alkaline conditions is reported. All compounds were tested in vitro on three malignant cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, PC-3) and one non-tumor cell line (MRC5). Strong cytotoxicity against prostate PC-3 cancer cells expressed compounds 3, 4, 6, 9 and 10, all with the IC50 less than 10 μmol/L, which were 11-27 times higher than the cytotoxicity of antitumor drug doxorubicin. All tested compounds were not toxic against the non-tumor MRC-5 cell line. Antioxidant activity of the synthesized derivatives was also evaluated. Compounds 2, 5 and 8 were better OH radical scavengers than commercial antioxidants BHT and BHA. The synthesized compounds showed satisfactory scavenger activity, which was studied by QSAR modeling. A good correlation between the experimental variables IC50 and IC50 and MTI (molecular topological indices) molecular descriptors and CAA (accessible Connolly solvent surface area) for the new compounds 1, 3, and 5 was observed.


As the traffic volume becomes greater in recent years, the performance of asphalt pavement has decreased. Modified bituminous materials can increase performance and reduce highway maintenance. The goal of this study is to investigate  the influence of polymer modification for improving pavement performance. A detailed laboratory study is carried out by preparing modified asphalt mixtures specimens using (40-50) grade asphalt from dourah refinery. A comparative study of laboratory performance of application of three polymer types: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Phenol resin, and Polystyrene Polymer in asphalt paving mixtures is investigated. These modified asphalt mixtures were prepared with asphalt cement previously modified by using three percent of polymer (2,4and 6%) by weight of asphalt. To evaluate mix performance, effect of  polymer modification was studied by performing indirect tensile strength and retained stability test. In order to evaluate the mixture behavior due to temperature change, two different testing temperatures are used (25,45C˚). From the results of this study, it is concluded that with the incorporation of low percentage of polystyrene polymer  tensile strength increase, therefore polystyrene modified asphalt mixtures can be used in cold climate conditions. In addition, it can indicate, that using phenol resin in modified asphalt mixes will increase strength and resistance to deformation, then it can be used in hot climate conditions. The results of the present study indicated that the modified mixtures exhibited improved performance when the polymer was used.


Ionic liquids are becoming of increasing interest for an extensive range of applications. Small scale characterization processes are being continually researched to find cheap and efficient methods for processing ever smaller sample volumes. This work presents a dual Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) setup with one smooth, and one patterned surface using chemically compatible materials allowing separate viscosity and density measurements of room temperature ionic liquids. Measurements were corroborated with standard measurement techniques and show good agreement, demonstrating the merit of the dual QCM setup in determining the physical properties of these exciting new solvents.


Malaria, a mosquito-borne infectious disease, is a severe health problem worldwide. As reported, some anti-malarial drugs with anti-parasitic properties also block mast cells (MCs) activities. It is hypothesized that MCs activity may be correlated with the pathogenesis of malaria. Thus, the role of MCs on malarial pathogenesis and the involved physiological action and pathways need to be further investigated. This study aimed to investigate the effect of MCs activation on malaria disease severity using KunMing mice with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbANKA) infection treated with MCs degranulator (compound 48/80, C48/80) or MCs stabilizer (disodium cromoglycate, DSCG). PbANKA infection caused a dramatic increase in MCs density and level of MCs degranulation in cervical lymph node (CLN) and skin. Compared with infected control, C48/80 treatment had shortened survival time, increased parasitemia, exacerbated liver inflammation and CLN hyperplasia, accompanied with increase in vascular leakage and leukocyte number. The infected mice with C48/80 treatment also elevated the release of CCL2, CXCL1, and MMP-9 from MCs in CLN and skin, and TNF-α, IFN-γ, CCR2, and CXCR2 mRNA expression in CLN and liver. In contrast, the infected mice treated with DSCG showed longer survival time, lower parasitemia, improved liver inflammation and CLN hyperplasia, followed by a decline of vascular leakage and leukocyte number. Decreased MCs-derived CCL2, CXCL1, and MMP-9 from CLN and skin, mRNA expression in CLN and liver (TNF-α, IFN-γ, CCR2, and CXCR2) were also observed in infected mice with DSCG treatment. Our data indicated that MCs activation may facilitate the pathogenesis of PbANKA infection.


In Mercy among the Children, the Canadian modernist writer David Adams Richards relates the short tragic life of Sydney Henderson using the first person narrative in the voice of the hero's son, Lyle Henderson. The novel explores the conflict and clash between social ethics and personal beliefs. Through analyzing the Lyle's behavioral change in different chapter, this paper intends to probe into his mind course in his rising above the tragic fate of his father and grandfather and in his successful redemption of his own soul.


Hypoxemia is a common complication of the diseases associated with the central nervous system, and neurons are highly sensitive to the availability of oxygen. Neuroplasticity is an important property of the neural system controlling breathing, memory, and cognitive ability. However, the underlying mechanism has not yet been clearly elucidated. In recent years, several pieces of evidence have highlighted the effect of hypoxic injury on neuronal plasticity in the pathogenesis and treatment of mood disorder. Therefore, the present study reviewed the relevant articles regarding hypoxic injury and neuronal plasticity and discussed the pathological changes and physiological functions of neurons in hypoxemia in order to provide a translational perspective to the relevance of hypoxic injury and mood disorder.


AIM
To investigate the correlation between gastric cancer growth and signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) expression.

METHODS
We assessed the expressions of STAT3, phosphor-STAT3 (pSTAT3), suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS-1), survivin and Bcl-2 in gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy by immunohistochemical method. In addition, in situ hybridization was used to further demonstrate the mRNA expression of STAT3 in gastric cancer.

RESULTS
With the univariate analysis, expressions of STAT3, pSTAT3, SOCS-1, survivin and Bcl-2, the size of primary tumor and the lymph node metastasis were found to be associated with the overall survival (OS) of gastric cancer patients. However, only pSTAT3 expression and the lymph node metastasis were identified as the independent factors of OS of gastric cancer with multivariate analysis. STAT3 expression was correlated with the lymph node metastasis. There were positive correlations between expressions of STAT3, survivin, Bcl-2 and pSTAT3 in gastric cancer, whereas there was negative correlation between STAT3 expression and SOCS-1 expression in gastric cancer.

CONCLUSION
STAT3 can transform into pSTAT3 to promote the survival and inhibit the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. SOCS-1 might be the valid molecular antagonist to inhibit the STAT3 expression in gastric cancer.


Palynological study of 50 ditch samples from a segment of GBO-04 well located onshore western Niger Delta Basin was carried out determine the age of the sediment and reconstruct the paleoclimate and paleodepositional environments. All the analyzed samples were composited at 60 ft. from stratigraphic depth interval of 3010 to 6030 ft. The lithology was made of shale and friable sandstone. Palynological slides were prepared following standard palynological preparation procedure involving sample maceration with hydrochloric (HCl) and hydrofluoric (HF) acids. The samples yielded well preserved, moderately diversified palynomorph assemblages comprising 72 taxa and belonging to pollen, spores, dinoflagellates, acritarch, algae and fungi spores. The stratigraphic distribution of floristic assemblage was highly variable. The assemblage was dominated by pollen and spores. The pollen included Monoporites annulatus, Brevicolporites guinetii, Sapotaceoidaepollenites spp., Psilatricolporites crassus, Psilatricolporites spp., Zonocostites ramonae, Retitricolporites irregularis, Monocolpites marginatus, Monocolpites spp., Pachydermites diederixi, Proxapertites cursus, Verrutricolporites spp., Ctenolophonidites spp., Arecipites exilimuratus, Arecipites cf. crassimuratus, Striatricolporites catatumbus, Canthiumidites spp., Chenopodiacaea spp., Clavainaperturites clavatus, Crototricolporites crotonoisculptus, Echiperiporites icacinoides, Echiperiporites spp. and Inaperturopollenites spp. The retrieved spores included Magnastriatites howardi, Acrostichum aureum, Laevigatosporites spp., Polypodiaceoisporites spp., Verrucatosporites spp., Crassoratitriletes vanraadshooveni and Verrucatosporites usmensis, Charred graminae curticle, Cyathidites spp. and Foveotriletes margaritae. The dinoflagellates included Achmosphaera spp., Andulusiella polymorpha, Batiacasphaera spp., Selenopemphix nephroides and Spiniferites spp. Leiosphaeridia spp. was the only acritarch recovered in the assemblage. The algae were Botryococcus braunii and Pediastrum spp. Fungi spores and hyphae and charred curticle constituted minor components of the assemblage. The stratigraphic interval was dated Early Miocene (Burgidalian-Langhian) based on the occurrence and distribution of Pachydmies diederixi, Praedopollis flexibilies, Crassoretitrilete vanraadshoodveni, Psilatricolporites crassus and Laevigasporites spp. The abundant occurrence of pollen and spores typical of low land rain forest in the assemblage indicated tropical paleoclimatic conditions. The distribution pattern of Monoporites annulatus (Poaceae) and Zonocostites ramonae (Rhizophora) suggested cyclical fluctuations of paleoclimate between wetter and drier phases. The sediments were laid down in lagoons, delta swamps and shallow marine nearshore paleoenvironments.


The introduction of an unfamiliar animal to a new individual or group can be highly stressful for any animal. Various studies have tried to determine the best method for introducing unfamiliar animals to each other, but many disagree on the most appropriate method of introduction. In this study, three new male lion-tailed macaques Macaca silenus, were introduced to the resident group in Fota Wildlife Park. The introduction method here was slow, with controlled contact between the new males and resident group over a period of 17 months. Behavioural data were collected using scan and focal sampling to observe the differences in the behaviour of the existing group before and after the introduction of these new males and during the different types of contact ('outside pen', 'indoor house', 'split group' and 'mixed'). Data were analysed using randomisation and a likelihood-ratio G-test. Active behaviours increased in the first 3 months following the introduction of the new males, while self-directed behaviours decreased overall. Aggression was observed most frequently in the first three months after introduction of the new males, during the 'outside pen' period of contact. By September 2018, there was one successful birth within the group, one of the two surviving males was fully integrated into the group, and with the integration of the second male looking promising, overall this indicates a positive introduction and integration.


Mystic music is the flying to spiritual and mental tranquility, calmness, peace, quiescence, and Pirpattar music as one of the most important and immortal music of district of Iran mollifies human spirit and takes it to unparalleled calmness and privacy. Investigation in to Pirpattar music songs and it's mystery according to its ancient and proficient members, is a work that nobody has not done it yet, and there is an apprehension that by death of four old men, the survivors of their band of six members and cool reception and rejection of youth to learn this music, there will not be any trace of Pirpattar by next twenty years. This group is the follower and disciple of Sheikh Abdul Ghader Gilani and they live in Nikshahr, a city in Baluchestan in Iran. The superintendent of Pirpattar is called caliph who has a large tambourine in his hands called Maled and two small tambourines called Keysel held and played by two artists and two pursuant. The short poem of this music that is called Zekr (prayer recitation) is in Arabic language. Even though, in some of the poems, there are some words of Baluchi language. Many psychic and mental patients regain their health by that, and the old men of this group, at the age of 65 and 75 perform extraordinary actions during the performance of ceremony that a lot of ready and healthy adults are not up to this job. They strengthen and tranquilize their spirits and bodies by Pirpattar music that is performed on weekend. They also bring peace and calmness to their lives under the protection of God, Prophet Muhammad, and their dignitary spiritual guide, Sheikh Abdul Ghader Gilani.


We present the first experimental evidence for an effect of the absolute phase. Atoms are ionized by a short laser pulse and the electrons leaving the ion core are registered with two detectors facing each other on opposite sides of the laser beam. Thus, each laser pulse can be characterized by the number of electrons emitted to the left and the right. Accordingly, the laser shots are recorded in a contingency map. Due to the absolute phase, a laser shot that produces a lot of electrons flying to the right has a high probability to produce only a few flying to the left. This anticorrelation becomes visible as a structure perpendicular to the diagonal.


Rapid industrial development and the excessive use of fossil fuels have produced a significantly large volume of CO2 in the atmosphere. The efficient conversion of CO2 to useful chemicals and fuels is an important step towards reducing the concentration of CO2. To overcome the thermodynamic and kinetic barriers involved in CO2 activation and conversion, an effective heterogeneous catalyst and a suitable form of energy, such as thermal, photochemical, and electrochemical, are necessary. Considering a wide variety of catalytic materials for CO2 conversion using all forms of energy resources discussed above, earth-abundant carbon materials have exhibited the capability to catalyze the thermal, photo-assisted, and electrochemically mediated conversion of CO2. Among carbon-based materials, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is an inexpensive and sustainable catalyst that can be effectively used for CO2 conversion. The chemical reactivity and optoelectronic properties of g-C3N4 can be finely tailored for its use as a conventional catalyst or photocatalyst or photoelectrocatalyst. This article aims to summarize the synthetic strategies to prepare various types of g-C3N4 materials as conventional catalysts/photocatalysts/electrocatalysts for the improved conversion of CO2 to chemicals and fuels. This article reviews the utilization of CO2 as a feedstock for chemical and fuel synthesis via insertion, carboxylation, and reduction reactions. Further, an in-depth understanding of the catalytic mechanism of various reactions discussed in this article will help in the design of a new generation of heterogeneous catalysts for CO2 conversion. Special emphasis is placed on the various parameters influencing the photocatalytic and electrocatalytic CO2 reduction. Finally, the underlying challenges and outlook for the future development of catalysts for CO2 conversion to specialty chemicals and fuels are discussed.


Looking Back: the Voice of Physical Education Teachers about their Professional Career in a Multicultural School This paper explores what physical education teachers with more than five years of experience think about their career (perceptions, feelings, actions, etc.) in schools with more than 50% immigrant students. From a qualitative perspective, a multiple case study (n=12) was conducted in the province of Barcelona. Semi-structured interviews and non-participant observations were the instruments used, and content analysis was employed to interpret them. As a general conclusion, this study revealed that, despite all the difficulties that teachers found throughout their careers, most of them had a very positive perception of their emotional mood and their professional career in a multicultural school. This could debunk the social image of this school as problematic and conflictive for students and teaching staff.


Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC

Background: Understanding the mechanism of action (MOA) of novel therapeutic agents is instrumental for their recommended use in the clinic. U3-1287 (AMG 888) is a novel, fully human mAb that targets HER3, a member of the EGFR family involved in tumor growth and resistance to anti-HER inhibitors. To understand its MOA, we evaluated HER3 internalization, degradation, and downstream signaling in tumor cell lines in response to U3-1287 (AMG 888) treatment.

Methods: Confocal microscopy was used to locate antibody/receptor complexes. MDA-MB-453 and MDA-MB-175 breast cancer cells were serum starved overnight and treated on ice with 10 ug/mL of quantum dot 585 (Invitrogen) conjugated U3-1287 (AMG 888) and 2 ug/mL of quantum dot 655 (Invitrogen) conjugated HER2 Ab5 (Labvision). Images were taken at time 0 and after 1 hour incubation at 37°C. In addition, cell surface reduction of HER3 was measured by flow cytometry. T47D breast cancer cells were incubated at 37°C for 0, 1, 4 and 24 hours with either U3-1287 (AMG 888), c225, trastuzumab or c2C4 (10 µg/ml). The cells were re-stained with the same primary antibodies (10 µg/ml) at 4°C, and analyzed. To evaluate the consequence of longer term U3-1287 (AMG 888) treatment, BxPC3 pancreatic cells were treated from 0-96 hours in vitro and A549 NSCLC xenografts were treated for 2 weeks in vivo. Total HER3, pHER3 and pAKT were measured by Western blot and HER3 mRNA was measured by RT-PCR.

Results: U3-1287 (AMG 888) treatment of MDA-MB-453 and MDA-MB-175 cells resulted in the internalization of HER3 but not HER2. Treatment of T47D cells with trastuzumab, c2C4 or c225, U3-1287 (AMG 888) resulted in a 8, 4, 0 and 73% reduction of cell surface HER2, HER2, HER1 and HER3, respectively at the 1 hr time point. A ∼75% reduction of HER3 was maintained during the 24 hr treatment with U3-1287 (AMG 888). Although a 60% reduction in total HER3 was not observed until 4 hours post treatment of BxPC3 cells with U3-1287 (AMG 888), pHER3 and pAKT were reduced >90% within 15 minutes. Neither U3-1287 (AMG 888) nor heregulin (the ligand for HER3) treatment resulted in a significant change in HER3 mRNA levels over the 96 hr treatment period. Analyses of A549 tumor xenograft tissue demonstrated a dose dependent loss of total HER3 and pHER3 in response to U3-1287 (AMG 888) administration versus IgG control treatment.

Conclusions: We demonstrate that U3-1287 (AMG 888)-induced inhibition of HER3 signaling and HER3 degradation are separate events, whereby loss of HER3 receptor in response to U3-1287 (AMG 888) treatment is preceded by U3-1287 (AMG 888)-mediated inhibition of HER3 activation. HER3 transcription is not affected by U3-1287 (AMG 888) or heregulin in BxPC3 cells. These findings suggest that U3-1287 (AMG 888) mediates both inhibition of HER3 downstream signaling and HER3 degradation and that these mechanisms may contribute to the activity of U3-1287 (AMG 888) in the clinic.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-306.


At the area investigated the solid materials situated up the ground slightly dominated over the marking just on the ground. The concrete materials were mainly used followed by the stones, and soil. Rare were the cases of marking on the herb vegetation. Occasional marking was observed on a dead grass snake Natrix natrix and nylon remains.


With a plethora of new connections, features, and services introduced, the 5th generation (5G) wireless technology reflects the development of mobile communication networks and is here to stay for the next decade. The multitude of services and technologies that 5G incorporates have made modern communication networks very complex and sophisticated in nature. This complexity along with the incorporation of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides the opportunity for the attackers to launch intelligent attacks against the network and network devices. These attacks often traverse undetected due to the lack of intelligent security mechanisms to counter these threats. Therefore, the implementation of real-time, proactive, and self-adaptive security mechanisms throughout the network would be an integral part of 5G as well as future communication systems. Therefore, large amounts of data collected from real networks will play an important role in the training of AI/ML models to identify and detect malicious content in network traffic. This work presents 5G-NIDD, a fully labeled dataset built on a functional 5G test network that can be used by those who develop and test AI/ML solutions. The work further analyses the collected data using common ML models and shows the achieved accuracy levels.


We have shown the full prevention of mesangial expansion in insulin-deficient diabetic rats by treatment with clinically-relevant dosages of glibenclamide (Glib). Studies in mesangial cells (MCs) also demonstrated reduction in the high glucose (HG)-induced accumulation of collagens, proposing that this was due to increased catabolism. In the present study, we investigated the signaling pathways that may be implicated in Glib action. Rat primary MCs were exposed to HG for 8 weeks with or without Glib in therapeutic (0.01 μM) or supratherapeutic (1.0 μM) concentrations. We found that HG increased collagen IV protein accumulation and PAI-1 mRNA and protein expression, in association with decreased cAMP generating capacity and decreased PKA activity. Low Glib increased collagen IV mRNA but fully prevented collagen IV protein accumulation and PAI-1 overexpression while enhancing cAMP formation and PKA activity. MMP2 mRNA, protein expression and gelatinolytic activity were also enhanced. High Glib was, overall, ineffective. In conclusion, low dosage/concentration Glib prevents HG-induced collagen accumulation in MC by enhancing collagen catabolism in a cAMP-PKA-mediated PAI-1 inhibition.


Four 220 MWe pressurised heavy water reactors are under operation at Kaiga in the state of Karnataka in India. Environmental radiological survey of the surrounding areas of the Kaiga site is carried out by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai. The estimated dose to the members of the public due to ingestion of radioactive isotope of potassium, a natural radionuclide, in the surroundings of the Kaiga site is 136 μSv (13.6 mrem) per year. The value indicates that the dose to the public due to operation of the nuclear reactors in Kaiga is insignificant in comparison with the dose due to unavoidable natural radioactivity.


The mechanism of inactivation of bacterial spores by heat and pressure is still a matter of discussion. Obviously, the change of the dissociation equilibrium under pressure and temperature plays a dominant role in inactivation of microorganisms. Heat and pressure inactivation of Geobacillus. stearothermophilus spores at different initial pH-values in ACES and phosphate buffer confirmed this view. Thermal inactivation in ACES buffer at 122°C resulted in higher logarithmic reductions. Contrary, after pressure treatment at 900 MPa with 80°C phosphate buffer showed higher inactivation. These results indicated the different dissociation equilibrium shifts in buffer systems by heat and pressure. Due to preparation, storage and handling of highly concentrated spore suspensions the clumping and the formation of aggregates can hardly be avoided. Consequently, the impact of the agglomeration size distribution on the quantitative assessment of G. stearothermophilus spore inactivation was determined by using a three-fold dynamic optical backreflexion measurement. Two limiting cases have been discriminated in mathematical modelling: three dimensional, spherical packing for maximum spore count and two dimensional, circular packing for minimum spore count of a particular agglomerate. Thermal inactivation studies have been carried out in thin glass capillaries, where by using numerical simulations the non isothermal conditions were modelled and taken into account. It is shown that the shoulder formation often found in thermal spore inactivation can sufficiently be described by first-order inactivation kinetics when the agglomeration size is considered. In case of high pressure inactivation agglomerations could be strongly changed by high forces at compression and especially decompression phase. The physiological response of Bacillus licheniformis spores to high pressure was investigated using multiparameter flow cytometry. Spores were treated by high pressure at 150 MPa with 37°C, and then dual stained with the fluorescent dyes SYTO 16 and propidium iodide. For pressure treated spores four distinct populations were detected by flow cytometry, and for these we suggest a three step model of inactivation involving a germination step following hydrolysis of the spore cortex, an unknown step, and finally an inactivation step with physical compromise of the spore inner membrane. An understanding of these effects and mechanisms will aid the safety assessment of pressure assisted thermal sterilisation, in turn facilitating the adoption by industry and commercialisation of such processes.


A physical-layer network coding (PNC) scheme based on MIMO linear detection is proposed in this paper for a two-way relay channel with a multi-antenna relay. We apply a real-valued linear combiner to the output symbols of the MIMO linear detector to obtain a superimposed constellation for which the labelling is obtained from the exclusive or operation on the two transmitted symbols. The superimposed constellation is QAM-like which can facilitate the SER (symbol error rate) analysis.


Aerosols were sampled in the Amazon Basin, as part of the Global Tropospheric Experiment (GTE), during the Amazon Boundary Layer Experiment (ABLE 2A) in July–August 1985. Fine- and coarse-particle fractions were analyzed for 22 elements by particle-induced X ray emission. Gravimetric mass, black carbon, sulfate, and nitrate concentrations were also determined. Morphological and trace element measurements of individual particles were carried out by automated electron probe X ray microanalysis. Various receptor models, including multivariate methods and a chemical mass balance model, were employed in the interpretation of the bulk trace element concentrations. Three factors explained over 85% of the variability of fine- and coarse-mode variables. On the basis of the elemental composition of the factors, two could be identified as plant related, and the third was a soil dust component. Of the coarse-mode aerosol mass concentration (of 7.6±1.6 μg/m3), 62% could be attributed to aerosols released by the vegetation and 11% to soil dust. In the fine mode, soil dust accounted for less than 10% of the measured mass concentration (of 6.8±3.9 μg/m3). The variables related to the plant component were K, P, S, Ca, Mg, Cl, Rb, and the gravimetric mass. The elemental profile of the plant component resembled the bulk plant composition. By single-particle analysis coupled with hierarchical cluster analysis, six to nine different biogenic-related particle groups could be identified in the fine- and coarse-aerosol modes. Almost all particle types consisted predominantly of carbonaceous material, with trace amounts of K, S, Ca, P, Cl, and Na. Only one group, comprising less than 11% of the total number of particles, consisted of soil dust–related aerosol.


This paper investigates the procyclicality of bank loans to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and to Large Enterprises (LEs) using aggregated and cross-sectional data from major private, foreign, and state-owned banks in Korea in the period from 1999 to 2008. Based on previous studies, it is hypothesized that compared to LEs, banks loans to SMEs may be more vulnerable to external economic shock. Berger and Udell (1994) suggested that bank loans to SMEs are comparatively risky due to their relatively low collateral and heavy dependence on banks for raising funds. In this study, empirical tests are verified by applying the rolling vector error correction Model (VECM), panel generalized least squares model (GLS), and the Clustering Fixed Effect Model. Findings include robust support for the procyclicality of bank loan to SMEs, but not for LEs. The review of short-term dynamics among first differential variables such as loans and GDP provides evidence to support a related hypotheses: the profit-oriented motivation of commercial banks in enhancing relationships with SMEs, the characteristics of governance structure in three types of banks (private, state-owned, and foreign owned banks), and the large-bank barriers assumption.


An integrated approach (i.e. lecture, computer simulation and experimental measurements) to percolation theory is discussed. The computational and experimental techniques are simple enough to make the introduction of such topics to university entrance and even high school students a realistic proposition.