"AN ORGANIZED SERVICE whose contribution to medical care should not be underestimated is that provided by visiting nurse associations." So wrote Dr. William P. Shepard and Dr. George M. Wheatley more than ten years ago. 1 "Visiting nurse service," they went on to say, "... is the practicing physician's partner in caring for the sick." The statements are even more true today than they were when they first appeared. Nursing services offering care of the sick at home are more frequently being provided in response to community demands. Some of the reasons are obvious—an increase in the proportion of our population in the over-65 age group and a corresponding increase in the incidence of chronic and longterm illness, the increasing cost of hospital care, and the limited number of hospital beds in some communities. There is growing recognition that many patients make better progress when cared for at home than when


This study examined 758 deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps for breast reconstruction, with respect to risk factors and associated complications. Risk factors that demonstrated significant association with any breast or abdominal complication included smoking (p = 0.0000), postreconstruction radiotherapy (p = 0.0000), and hypertension (p = 0.0370). Ninety-eight flaps (12.9 percent) developed fat necrosis. Associated risk factors were smoking (p = 0.0226) and postreconstruction radiotherapy (p = 0.0000). Interestingly, as the number of perforators increased, so did the incidence of fat necrosis. There were only 19 cases (2.5 percent) of partial flap loss and four cases (0.5 percent) of total flap loss. Patients with 45 flaps (5.9 percent) were returned to the operating room before the second-stage procedure. Patients with 29 flaps (3.8 percent) were returned to the operating room because of venous congestion. Venous congestion and any complication were observed to be statistically unrelated to the number of venous anastomoses. Overall, postoperative abdominal hernia or bulge occurred after only five reconstructions (0.7 percent). Complication rates in this large series were comparable to those in retrospective reviews of pedicle and free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps. Previous studies of the free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap described breast complication rates ranging from 8 to 13 percent and abdominal complication rates ranging from 0 to 82 percent. It was noted that, with experience in microsurgical techniques and perforator selection, the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap offers distinct advantages to patients, in terms of decreased donor-site morbidity and shorter recovery periods. Mastery of this flap provides reconstructive surgeons with more extensive options for the treatment of postmastectomy patients.


The relaxation times τ1 and τ2 for rotations of the flexible parts and the whole molecules of the isomers of anisidine and toluidine (j) in benzene (i) under a 9.945 GHz electric field are predicted from the slope and intercept of a linear equation of (χ0ij-χ'ij)/χ'ij against χ''ij/χ'ij for different weight fractions wj's of solute at 35 °C. χ'ij and χ''ij are the real and imaginary parts of the high-frequency complex orientational susceptibility χ*ij and χ0ij is the low-frequency susceptibility which is real. The τ's; dimensionless parameters b's involved with τ's and linear coefficients β's of χ'ij-wj curves are used to obtain dipole moments µ1 and µ2 of the flexible parts and the whole molecules. The theoretical weighted contributions c1 and c2 due to τ1 and τ2 towards dielectric dispersions from Fröhlich's equations are worked out to compare with experimental ones by graphical variations of χ'ij/χ0ij and χ''ij/χ0ij at wj→0. The estimated τ's from the ratio of the individual slopes of χ''ij and χ'ij with wj's at wj→0 are compared with those of Murthy et al (1989 Indian J. Phys. B 63 491) and reported τ's. The symmetric and characteristic relaxation times τs and τcs by symmetric and asymmetric distribution parameters γ and δ are computed to suggest the symmetric relaxation behaviour of the molecules. The measured µ1 and µ2 from double relaxation phenomena and the reported µ's signify the fact that a part of the molecule is rotating under a gigahertz electric field. The slight disagreement between the theoretical dipole moment µtheo from available bond angles and bond moments of substituent polar groups attached to the parent molecules and measured µ1 demands the inductive and mesomeric effects suffered by the substituent polar groups, in addition to structural and associational aspects of such molecules.


The subject of the analysis is the problem of interrelation of language, understanding, and being in H.-G. Gadamer's hermeneutics. The analysis is focused on Gadamer's equivocal and ambiguous thesis that "being that can be understood is language". The author reveals the fundamentally ontological background of Gadamer's hermeneutical analysis of language, and critically rethinks the interpretation of this thesis by a prominent researcher Jean Grondin.


was to have the CEQ oversee agencies' EISs, thus enabling it to act as guardian for environmental values, much as the Council of Economic Advisers does for economic growth. This was never enacted into law, but a comprehensive research role was. As he unhappily notes, this plan was not carried out due to lack of funds, and the function was turned over to EPA, where it has atrophied. This is a gap that he still hopes to see filled in the future. He also hopes that the process of planning will become truly interdisciplinary, rather than merely multidisciplinary, and that the world outside the federal bureaucracy will come to reflect this approach as well. He views such developments as the Institute for Ecology as one hopeful sign that such spinoffs are occurring.


Background Stable COPD patients are colonised if potentially pathogenic organisms are identified on sputum culture. Associations between colonisation and clinical features such as exacerbation frequency and airway inflammation have been suggested. There is however limited data describing the reproducibility of sputum microbiology results in clinically stable COPD patients. Aims Examine repeatability of sputum microbiology in subjects with stable COPD over time. Methods Subjects with COPD were enrolled into an observational study and seen at baseline and at stable visits after 3 and 6 months. Sputum was obtained and samples were divided and analysed over time using standard culture, semi-quantitative bacterial count (colony forming units, CFU), PCR for potentially pathogenic organisms [(Haemophilus influenzae (HI), Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP), Staphylococcus aureus (SA), Moraxella catarrhalis (MC)] and quantitative bacterial 16S analysis. Results 63 subjects provided paired sputum samples; 52 were male with a mean (SD) FEV1 (L) and FEV1/FVC ratio (%) of 1.48(0.54) and 53% (12.8) respectively. 40% were current smokers with an exacerbation frequency of 3 in the preceding year. Results for standard culture were divided into two groups (culture positive or negative). Results are expressed as Kappa values (95% CI). There was moderate agreement after 3 months, Kappa = 0.48 (0.24 to 0.71); and after 6 months, Kappa = 0.50 (0.25 to 0.76). Individual PCR revealed fair agreement after both time intervals. After 3 months, HI=0.17(–0.08 to 0.43), SA=0.27(–0.03 to 0.56), SP=0.30(0.06 to 0.53), MC=0.19(–0.04 to 0.43). After 6 months, HI=0.09(–0.18 to 0.35), SA=0.10(–0.22 to 0.43), SP=0.37(0.13 to 0.62) and MC= –0.14(–0.4 to 0.11). Quantitative bacterial analysis demonstrated no differences (mean difference; 95% CI) at 3 or 6 months in bacterial load measured by CFU (–0.18; –0.41 to 0.04, p=0.11 and –0.06; –0.32 to 0.2, p=0.65 respectively) or 16S (–0.03; –0.28 to 0.33, p=0.86 and –0.1; –0.42 to 0.22, p=0.54 respectively). Discussions These results demonstrate that sputum microbiological assessment in stable COPD is complex. Further longitudinal assessments of sputum microbiology and associations with clinical features are needed.


Questions about how Gaelic storytellers have learned, remembered and performed their tales are key to understanding the Gaelic narrative tradition. This article examines the experience of Brian Stewart, a Scottish Gaelic storyteller, and the techniques he reported using for learning, remembering and telling traditional Gaelic stories. Mr Stewart learned his stories – native heroic or international wonder tales – from his grandmother Susie Stewart and his uncle Alasdair Stewart (also known as 'Alilidh Dall'). Strategies considered include taking an interest in stories; repeatedly listening to tales being told by a more experienced tradition bearer; practicing in front of, and being corrected by, another storyteller; consciously reviewing and rehearsing tales; visualizing stories; and retaining a faithful memory of formulaic language or runs. The difference between learning a story and learning a song is also discussed. It is suggested that studying these strategies can contribute to a better understanding of the Stewarts' storytelling ethos.


Continuous faecal pollution in source water is a global problem that is particularly debilitating to rural communities that are directly dependent on untreated source water for all their domestic and other purposes. The elevation of indicator bacteria levels (such as the faecal coliforms) in the water may pose a public health risk. This study reports the results of microbial monitoring of the Mhlathuze River over a 21-month period. Elevated levels of indicator micro-organisms (both faecal and total coliforms) and heterotrophic plate count bacteria were observed from March 1998 to November 1999. Surface water temperature and rainfall during this period appeared to be some of the factors affecting the increased bacterial counts. Bacteria isolated from the river included E. coli, Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacter spp. (detected frequently), Serratia spp., Klebsiella spp., and Aeromonas hydrophila (detected less frequently). This study generated some essential baseline information of the microbial population for a section of the river utilised for domestic, agricultural and industrial purposes.


The use of the Boston type 1 Kpro has increased significantly during the past decade not only in the US but around the World. Important device modifications together with changes in postoperative managment have made this success possible. This presentation will review the current most relevant complications encountered in patients implanted with this device including endophthalmitis, retroprosthetic membranes, glaucoma and stromal melt,. Strategies for their prevention and management will be discussed.


The design and implementation of a novel dexterous robotic hand is described. To provide flexibility of application the design features three fingers, each position or force controllable in X- Y-Z, and a large workspace (400 mm dia. × 75 mm deep ). These requirements plus the need for adequate strength (i.e. force and stiffness) are in conflict with the need to keep the mass within the payload capacity of common robots. These contrary objectives are met by designing a novel hybrid parallel-serial finger mechanism, a lightweight frame and pneumatic servos for finger actuation. The implemented design is verified experimentally, and may be scaled for other applications.


The Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) offers greater flexibility in network deployment, especially when powered by batteries. It offers solutions to the sensor nodes' energy consumption as it mainly operates as devices with faster data acquisition. Hence, it is difficult for the sensor nodes to carry such a computational burden from the source nodes to the target base station or the internet gateway. It is essential to maintain the routing paths as well as the balance of the sensor nodes. In this paper, we propose a Boolean Spider Monkey Optimization (BSMO) routing on WSNs is developed to maintain the stable routing path that matches the speed of input data acquisition. The sensor nodes help in data collection and acquisition and WSNs routes the data collected via hops between the source and sink nodes. The BSMO is responsible for controlling the data routing and matches the routing speed with data acquisition speed. Hence, the network is maintained in a stabilized condition. The simulation results are estimated in terms of average delay, throughput, and network energy efficiency. The result shows


Viral vectors displaying specific ligand binding moities such as scFv fragments or intact antibodies hold promise for the development of targeted gene therapy vectors. In this report we describe baculoviral vectors displaying either functional scFv fragments or the synthetic Z/ZZ IgG binding domain derived from protein A. Display on the baculovirus surface was achieved via fusion of the scFv fragment or Z/ZZ domain to the N-terminus of gp64, the major envelope protein of the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus, AcNPV. As examples of scFv fragments we have used a murine scFv specific for the hapten 2-phenyloxazolone and a human scFv specific for carcinoembryonic antigen. In principle, the Z/ZZ IgG binding domain displaying baculoviruses could be targeted to specific cell types via the binding of an appropriate antibody. We envisage applications for scFv and Z/ZZ domain displaying baculoviral vectors in the gene therapy field.


The performance analysis of a RAKE receiver for low processing gain DS/CDMA systems is presented in this paper. The multipath interference effects, that have typically been assumed negligible or approximated as Gaussian noise, become significant for low processing gain systems. In this paper, a scheme to accurately evaluate the multipath interference effects is proposed.


The fossil evidence on the brain is from casts of the cranial cavity (endocasts) which are only slightly misrepresented when called "fossil brains." Endocasts of most mammals are remarkably brainlike in appearance; the cranial cavity is usually an excellent mold for a three-dimensional model of the brain. But an endocast is not a brain; it is a view of the external surface, and in primates it is a view that excludes most of the details of the pattern of convolutions. Even with these limitations fossil endocasts are a marvelous source of information about the evolution of the brain. A review of this literature can be encyclopedic or it can be critical. I take the second option, because several recent publications have satisfi ed the en cyclopedic objective. Tobias ( lIS) reviewed much morphological as well an quantitative evidence specific to the hominids, and my monograph ( 58) empha sizes relative size relations, especially 9rain: body relations, in all of the verte brates. The monograph by Tobias is a profusely illustrated, eclectic work, which also presents his views on the evolution of human behavior. I review the evidence on cranial capacity in hominids within the context of the evolution of encephalization in vertebrates and emphasize the role of "intelligence" as a response to certain selection pressures during the evolution of birds and mam mals. Kochetkova (64) has also reviewed the evidence available as of about 1969 in a magnum opus which is a suitable memorial for her too brief scientific career. It would be helpful to have an English translation of this monograph; it is presently accessible to those with a minimum of Russian since much of the material is in tables and graphs suitable for further analysis. Among older publications Coon's (17) remains useful, especially on the Neanderthals, and Piveteau's volume on primates (91) supplements Coon by illustrating the morphology of the Neanderthal and other Homo sapiens fossil endocasts. It would be appropriate to reassess Neanderthal data at this time, in view of recent use of this material in the analysis of the evolution of speech (70, 73). Shorter reviews have appeared that have also been quite comprehensive. Holloway (53, 54) has reviewed the data on the East African fossils and used this


ABSTRACT Immune-competent ICR and BALB/c athymic (nude) mice were infected intravenously with Histoplasma capsulatum and treated with either fluconazole or nikkomycin Z or 5% dextrose (controls). In immune-competent ICR mice, fluconazole and nikkomycin Z both prolonged survival when given at 5 mg/kg of body weight twice daily. When administered in doses as low as 2.5 mg/kg twice daily, nikkomycin Z reduced fungal counts in both the spleen and liver. When both drugs were combined, there was no antagonism, and in combined therapy spleen and liver counts were reduced more than for either drug alone. However, nikkomycin Z had no effect on brain fungal burden. In nude mice fluconazole and nikkomycin Z had an additive effect in prolongation of survival and reduction of liver and spleen burden. Nikkomycin Z is well tolerated, is at least as effective as fluconazole, and may interact beneficially with fluconazole for treatment of murine histoplasmosis.


More than half of the Dutch population makes use of electronic user-reviews online by reading and evaluating these reviews as part of their decision-making process. However, an important practical issue is the rise of fake reviews on the Internet. Studies of Chevalier and Mayzlin (2003) and Zhu and Zhang (2010) showed evidence that reviews can have a direct influence on product sales, and marketers are well aware of this. As a result, the popularity of online reviews brings about growing concerns about the credibility of online reviews since there is substantial evidence of marketers cheating the public opinion with fake online reviews. Therefore, this study aims to answer the following research question: which factors influence credibility assessments of eWOM of strangers? Our sub questions were based on three pillars:

- What is the influence of receiver characteristics in credibility assessments of anonymous eWOM? (characteristics of the receiver)
- What is the influence of attributes of the review on credibility assessments? (characteristics of the message)
- What is the influence of characteristics of the reviewer on credibility assessments? (characteristics of the source)

Given the exploratory nature of the research objectives, a preliminary study was conducted. The goal of this preliminary study was to collect rich and detailed information concerning the attitudes, beliefs and trust of consumers towards anonymous eWOM via 15 interviews. This study made it possible to cover the predetermined areas of research, but it also allowed for unexpected new insights. The interviews not only helped answering some of the sub questions, but also served as a basis for the main study: an online experiment. The preliminary study showed that there is not one particular cue that influences credibility assessments, as it appears to be a combination of characteristics of the source, receiver and the message.

In the second part of the study we took an experimental approach. Our experimental material consisted of a (for the purpose constructed) website that contained product information about a camera and twelve (manipulated) user reviews. Reviews were manipulated on name, expertise, message quality, negative product information, social presence, gender and consistency. There were four versions of the website that all looked the same, except for the reviews on it because these were randomly divided over the four websites. This was done to account for other (unintended) effects, such as the influence of the order of certain reviews or the combination of certain reviews. The four versions of the websites were equally distributed to the participants. Participants were asked to comment on the credibility and trustworthiness of each review by giving plusses and minuses accompanied by explanation for elements that helped or hurt perceived credibility. This could be any element, from words to sentences to profile pictures or punctuation marks. Afterwards, all 126 participants were asked to fill out a survey that measured their levels of trust on a 7-point Likert scale.

When the main study was finalized, around 2000 comments on perceived credibility had to be analysed. This was done by coding each comment, based on a codebook that was both data-driven and theory-driven. The results of the main study confirmed what was said in the preliminary study: it appears that there is not one particular cue that influences credibility assessments, because it is a combination of cues. So, to answer the main research question: as expected, it appears that in this study perceived credibility assessments are influenced by a mixture of characteristics of the receiver, characteristics of the message and characteristics of the source. From the data of this study, it appears that there is not one factor that will instantly make a review credible and trustworthy. It is the interaction between characteristics of the receiver (e.g. experience with eWOM, attitude towards eWOM and trusting stance), characteristics of the source (e.g. expertise, experience and social presence) and characteristics of the message itself (e.g. message quality and balanced arguments) that influences credibility assessments.

This study builds on the existing knowledge about eWOM and made a first step in adding more insight into what cues can increase or hurt perceived credibility in an online environment. Because of the nature of the study, the results cannot be seen as hard evidence, but must be seen as the first step in a journey towards full understanding of credibility in electronic word-of-mouth. Findings in this study should be used to gain a deeper understanding of what causes credibility in online reviews and even more important: how to increase the credibility and trustworthiness of these reviews. Future studies need to find out if results of our study can be generalized, for instance through a quantitative study that builds on our more explorative, qualitative study, in order to provide more definitive insights of what causes credibility in eWOM.


To assess the stability and efficiency of liposomes carrying a phospholipase A2-sensitive phospholipid-allocolchicinoid conjugate (aC-PC) in the bilayer, egg phosphatidylcholine and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylglycerol-based formulations were tested in plasma protein binding, tubulin polymerization inhibition, and cytotoxicity assays. Liposomes L-aC-PC10 containing 10 mol. % aC-PC in the bilayer bound less plasma proteins and were more stable in 50% plasma within 4 h incubation, according to calcein release and FRET-based assays. Liposomes with 25 mol. % of the prodrug (L-aC-PC25) were characterized by higher storage stability judged by their hydrodynamic radius evolution yet enhanced deposition of blood plasma opsonins on their surface according to SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. Notably, inhibition of tubulin polymerization was found to require that the prodrug should be hydrolyzed to the parent allocolchicinoid. The L-aC-PC10 and L-aC-PC25 formulations demonstrated similar tubulin polymerization inhibition and cytotoxic activities. The L-aC-PC10 formulation should be beneficial for applications requiring liposome accumulation at tumor or inflammation sites.


Objectives: To investigate the clinical implications of serum levels of R-spondin 1 (RSPO1), a natural antagonist for Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), and of DKK1/RSPO1 ratios in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Method: Serum DKK1 and RSPO1 levels were measured in 102 RA patients and 39 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. In addition, DKK1 and RSPO1 levels were determined prior to and 3 months after anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-α) therapy in 15 RA patients. Clinical and laboratory data and baseline radiographs of the hands and feet were obtained. Serial radiographs were evaluated in 83 RA patients. Radiographic joint damage was assessed by the modified Sharp/van der Heijde score (SHS). Results: Serum RSPO1 levels were significantly reduced whereas serum DKK1 levels and DKK1/RSPO1 ratios were significantly increased in RA patients compared with controls (all p < 0.0001). Anti-TNF-α treatment significantly suppressed DKK1/RSPO1 ratios (p < 0.01). In contrast to DKK1 or RSPO1 levels, the ratios were significantly associated with erosive disease, elevated acute phase reactants, Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) > 3.2, and radiographic progression rate (all p < 0.05). Although the RA patients with radiographic progression exhibited significantly increased DKK1 and reduced RSPO1 levels (p < 0.05), only the DKK1/RSPO1 ratio (log-transformed) was found to be a significant predictor of subsequent radiographic progression [odds ratio (OR) 2.07, p < 0.01]. Conclusions: In this study, the presence of RSPO1 in the circulation was shown for the first time. Our results suggest that the serum DKK1/RSPO1 ratio represents a better predictor of structural progression than either DKK1 or RSPO1 levels alone in RA patients.


The study was carried out on analysing the effect of effluent from abattoir at 20m to 50m distance on the quality of adjacent well water in Arowomole, Ogbomosho. The choice of the location was to reflect the variation in concentration of the parameters of water quality issue: these parameters were based on their relative important in abattoir effluents composition by the wash down from the abattoir activities. Water samples were collected at four wells around the abattoir. The water was examined for physicochemical and microbiological characteristics. Water quality parameter tested were: pH, colour, turbidity, conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), Total suspended solids (TSS), Total Solid (TS), Biochemical Oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia (NH3) and nitrate, heavy metals (Zn, Fe, Pb, Al) among others. Standard procedures were observed for analysis. The ranges of physicochemical parameters studied were as follows: PH (6.3 – 6.7), TS (21.40 – 26.20mg/l), TSS (18.50 –74.60mg/l), Turbidity (0.3 -6.7NTU), BOD (38.0.2-63.7mg/l), and Conductivity (4.60 – 37.42ms/m) and Nitrate (0.063 – 0.59 mg/l), faecal coliform count exceed the WHO recommended value. The chemical composition of the ground water which was 20m to 50m from the slaughter house also found unsatisfactory as raw water source for drinking purpose. There is need to develop and prevent the water from environmental pollution so that the water will never be a risk to the human health.


The incidence of lymph node (LN) involvement and its prognostic value based on radiological imaging in stage IIB cervical cancer (CC) remains unclear, and evidence regarding oncological outcomes of patients with stage IIB CC with LN metastases is limited. In this study we retrospectively reviewed the incidence and prognostic significance of pretreatment radiologic LN status in 72 patients with clinical stage IIB CC (FIGO 2009), with or without radiologic evidence of LN enlargement. An enlarged LN was defined as a diameter > 10 mm on CT/MRI. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed. Radiologic LN enlargement of >10 mm was observed in 45.8% of patients with stage IIB CC. PFS (p = 0.0088) and OS rates (p = 0.0032) were significantly poorer in the LN group (n = 33) than in the non-LN group (n = 39). Univariate Cox analysis revealed that LN > 10 mm contributed to a higher rate of recurrence and mortality. In conclusion, nearly half of the patients with clinical stage IIB CC had enlarged LNs (>10 mm) identified during pretreatment radiologic evaluation, which negatively impacted prognosis. Our findings highlight the need to incorporate CT- or MRI-based LN assessment before treatment for stage IIB CC.


A case of Fanconi anaemia in a 7-year-old male child is reported. He was grossly anaemic with typical cutaneous pigmentary changes. Peripheral smear revealed normocytic hypochromic anaemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed absence of right kidney.


Abstract A new regional aeromagnetic anomaly map covering the southern Weddell Sea and surrounding areas was produced by combining Russian and British magnetic anomaly data acquired between 1973 and 1989. The map is divided into four zones on the basis of characteristic anomaly wavelength: Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea embayment, Haag Nunataks and the western coast of East Antarctica. Over the southern Weddell Sea and the Ronne and Filchner ice shelves, the magnetic field is relatively smooth indicating a thick sedimentary cover although there are some distinctive anomalies. A broad positive anomaly is clearly visible running W-E across the north of the area, which is interpreted as representing the continent — ocean boundary. The most prominent magnetic feature is the elongate Explora Anomaly which runs parallel to the coast of East Antarctica and continues over Berkner Island terminating at the Dufek Massif. We interpret the source of this anomaly as rift-related volcanic rocks probably emplaced around the same time as the Dufek intrusion. The rift itself is interpreted as running south between the Andenes escarpment and East Antarctica and terminating south of Berkner Island. Russian gravity profiles show that Berkner Island does not have an associated Bouguer anomaly, although a large positive anomaly (approx 80 mGal) is seen to the east of the island over the Filchner Ice Shelf, suggesting the presence of a second rift structure. Gravity modelling across these features shows thinned crust below the Ronne and Filchner ice shelves, indicating that the whole area has undergone significant extension. A gravity model across the flanks of Berkner Island is used to estimate the ratio of unstretched to stretched crustal thickness. The resulting value of approximately 2.7 indicates that enough extension has taken place to induce melting, supporting the idea that the source of the magnetic anomaly over Berkner Island is rift-related volcanic rocks.


Technological innovations leading to the industrial revolution in the 19 century have proceeded in an accelerated manner to lead to an information revolution in the 21 century. In addition to warfare in land, sea and air domains, "space" has emerged as a new field of operation. Further technological innovations have yet again set up another domain called "cyberspace," dominated by information technologies with the capability to change the course of war on land, sea, air and/or space. Besides, organised crime and terrorist organisations, following the progress in cyberspace technologies, have increased their profits and developed new types of crime using new types of weapons. Attacks in the cyber domain evolve so rapidly that legal arrangements cannot cope with meeting security requirements and need to be frequently updated. On the other hand, new threats, such as "cyberterrorism," necessitate wide-scope interpretation of the norms in international law. Turkey has taken several counter-cyberterrorism precautions. The establishment of the Cybersecurity Council, the adoption of the National Cybersecurity Strategy and of the 2013-2014 Action Plan are major steps in this regard. The rapid development in communication technologies has removed the national boundaries, increasing and gradually deepening the interaction between countries. Therefore, in order to strengthen cybersecurity efforts, it is necessary to further international cooperation as well as the cooperation between local public authorities and the private sector.


At least 8 randomized controlled clinical trials have examined the effects of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine on radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). At least 12 randomized controlled trials have examined the effects of either intramuscular or oral gold on radiographic progression. A review of these studies shows that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine have minimal, if any, inhibitory effects on radiographically documented progression of bone erosions and joint destruction when used to treat RA. Intramuscular gold (with most of the data from studies of sodium aurothiomalate) appears to be better than placebo, about equal to intramuscular methotrexate (MTX), but probably not as effective as cyclophosphamide or azathioprine in its effects on radiographic progression. Auranofin appears to be better than placebo, comparable to or perhaps moderately less effective than intramuscular gold, comparable to lower dose oral MTX (7.5 mg/week), and not as effective as higher dose oral MTX (7.5-15 mg/wk) in inhibiting radiographic progression in RA. The inhibitory effects of gold compounds on proinflammatory cytokine synthesis (especially interleukin 1) offer a plausible mechanism for their inhibitory effects on bone erosion and joint destruction in RA.


It is a well-known concept that bone remodeling occurs during orthodontic tooth movement. The orthodontic literature is vastly full of information about the changes occurring on the periodontal ligament level. However, changes occurring in the alveolar bone are being elucidated. The purpose of this chapter is to present some of the studies describing the bone changes associated with orthodontic tooth movement. Initiation of osteoclastogenesis requires inflammation in the adjacent area. Tissue biomarker RANKL responds to the compressive forces. Conversely, an increase in osteoprotegrin biomarker causes a decrease in RANKL and inhibits tooth movement. Osteocyte activity during tooth movement is not well understood. Emerging studies are showing the effect of osteocytes on orthodontic tooth movement. Nitric oxide (NO), produced by osteocytes, is an important regulator of bone response to loading and has been shown to mediate osteoclast activity. iNOS (which produces NO) has been shown to mediate inflammation-induced bone resorption on the compression side. Several molecules have been linked to osteogenesis in tooth movement: TGF-β, BSP, BMPs and epidermal growth factor. Osteogenesis on the tension side is not well understood. Studies have shown increase in the expression of Runx2 on the tension side. Additionally, eNOS (produces NO) mediates bone formation on the tension side. The concept of osteoclastogenesis and osteogenesis is being unraveled.


Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC

Forkhead box O (FoxO) transcription factors play an important role in multiple signaling pathways and physiological and pathological processes including apoptosis, proliferation metabolism, immunity, and tumorigenesis. Activation of the FoxO subfamily in cells can upregulate cell-cycle inhibitors p21Cip1 and p27Kip1 and downregulate the cell-cycle regulator cyclin D1/2, consequently leading to G1/S arrest of cells.

Recently, quercetin has attracted much attention in relation to its anticancer activities in many cancer models, however, molecular mechanisms underlying quercetin-mediated cellular responses remain poorly defined. We have previously observed that apoptosis of breast cancer cells in response to quercetin was mediated by transcriptional activation of Foxo3a. In addition, C-Jun N-treminal kinase (JNK) regulated the activation of FoxO3a, leading to apoptosis. However, early apoptotic cells stained with Annexin V were not enough to illustrate the whole amount of decreased cell viability as detected by MTT assay.

To clarify this point, we analyzed changes of their cell cycle after stimulation of 20μM quercetin and detected obvious cell cycle arrest at S and G2/M phases leading to delay in their progression. Treatment of quercetin resulted in 3 fold induced population of S phase and 2 fold induced population of G2/M phase, along with 35 % reduced population of G1 phase. Using luciferase reporter assay, MDA-MB231 cells treated with quercetin represented highly increased level of p53, p21 and GADD45 signaling activity, which control cell cycle of breast cancer cells. Moreover, reporter activities of p53, p21 and GADD45 were not stimulated when the expression of Foxo3a was abolished using transfection of Foxo3a shRNA. Since the activation of Foxo3a coincided with increased phosphorylation of JNK after treatment of quercetin, signaling pathways for cell cycle were analyzed in the presence of inhibitor for JNK (SP600125). SP600125 reversed the activation of p53, p21 and GADD45 signaling as well as the activation of Foxo3a. Flow cytometry revealed that quercetin-induced cell cycle arrest of MDA-MB231 cells was partially abrogated when cells were treated with SP600125.Taken together, our data show that cell cycle arrest of breast cancer cells in response to quercetin is dependent upon Foxo3a activation regulated by JNK, resulting in the activation of p53, p21 and GADD45 signaling pathways. These results suggest that an understanding of precise molecular mechanisms for anti-cancer property of quercetin .

Citation Format: Hae-Sung Kim, Ju-Suk Nam, Sang Su Lee, Lee-Su Kim, Byung-Yoon Ryu, Hee-Joon Kang, Byung-Su Choi, Bilguun Ganbold, Yun-Cheol Ko. Foxo3a regulates cell cycle arrest through the regulation of p53, p21 and GADD45 signaling activity in Quercetin-treated MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 564. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-564


This paper explores the "indigenous development" process in the Inter-War period of Japan. Typical indigenous development process can be seen in the development of rural weaving industry before the World War I. There functioned the production form besides factory such as putting-out system based on the peasant's sideline work. After the World War I, however, putting-out system in the weaving industry rapidly gave way to factory system that equipped the power looms. Contrastively, the industrial development in Tokyo during Inter-War period entailed the increase of newly formed petty and small workshops. There functioned the production system based on the complex transaction of merchants, factories, small workshops and domestic works. Among these actors, small workshops that had a certain level of skill for processing played a significant role to maintain this production system. The reproduction of these skills was preserved by the quasi-apprentice system within the workshops. Although the comparatively low wage in these workshops, the expectation to start up the own workshop after trained in the workshop attracted the juveniles. There existed the organizers (merchants) transferring market information to the manufacturing spot on one hand, and the reproduction of low cost workshops preparing a certain level of skills on the other hand. Being combined these two actors together and utilized the favorable urban environment such as integration of related industries and technologies, concentration of unskilled labour migrated from rural areas, the non-factory production system, which got into the phase of decline in the countryside, activated in urban areas after the World War I.


Context: Retention factors for athletic trainers (ATs) generally include autonomy, work-life balance, and job satisfaction, but little is known specifically about the position of Head AT. Objective: To investigate factors that influence retention of the Head AT in a leadership role. Design: A qualitative study that employed structured interviews. Patients or Other Participants: 18 Head ATs (13 males, 5 females; 44 ± 8 years of age; 22 ± 7 years of experience in the role) participated. Data Collection and Analysis: Participants responded to a series of questions presented through an online interview. The data were analyzed through a general inductive approach. Results: Two key retention factors that were identified by the analysis were enjoyment of the work setting and professional motivation. Conclusions: Head ATs remain in their positions due to rewarding relationships with staff members and student-athletes. A commitment to lifelong learning for professional development also exerts a positive influence ...


A novel adaptive network fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) based filter is presented for the enhancement of images corrupted by random valued impulse noise (RVIN). This technique is performed in two steps. In the first step, impulse noise using an Asymmetric Trimmed Median Filter (ATMF). In the second step, image restoration is obtained by an appropriately combining ATMF with ANFIS at the removal of higher level of RVIN on the digital images. Three well known images are selected for training and the internal parameters of the neuro-fuzzy network are adaptively optimized by training. This technique offers excellent line, edge, and fine detail preservation performance while, at the same time, effectively enhancing digital images. Extensive simulation results were realized for ANFIS network and different filters are compared. Results show that the proposed filter is superior performance in terms of image denoising and edges and fine details preservation properties.


Due to an increasing number of wireless spectrums, the multiple frequencies are tangling resource management process that results hindrance in operation. In addition, the previous data become vulnerable when reports are received for data leakage enigma. In this situation, it is indispensable to secure the data in the dataset and detect the actual amount of data during resource transformation mechanism in wireless networks. A system as been developed to detect the leaked data using supervised and unsupervised testing technique by conducting simulation in Python. The targeted and actual outcome is obtained which deduced through supervised and undersized testing, the outcome remained 96.03%, and 94.53% respectively.


Flexible working time, also known as flextime, is the incorporation of one or more of a variety of arrangements that modify the hours and location of work. Flextime has been associated with a variety of positive workplace outcomes, including talent retention, higher morale, and improved customer satisfaction. Yet few employers adopt robust flextime practices. This manuscript articulates a business case for flextime, while exploring some of the informational and attitudinal barriers that impede adoption of flextime practices. This manuscript also examines some of the consequences of poorly handled flextime initiatives and discusses emerging legal reforms in favor of flexible work.


Abstract We report the complete chloroplast genome sequence of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, which produces triterpenoid saponins similar to Panax ginseng. The assembled chloroplast genome (cpDNA) was 157,654 bp in length and structurally divided into four distinct regions, namely, large single copy region (86,794 bp), small single copy region (18,654 bp) and a pair of inverted repeat regions (26,103 bp). A total of 143 genes were annotated, including 87 protein-coding genes, 10 tRNA genes and 46 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the chloroplast genome sequence of G. pentaphyllum is most closely related to Cucumis melo.


Using cold bosonic atoms with two (hyperfine) ground states, we introduce a spin-boson mixture which allows to implement the quantum Ising model in a tunable dissipative environment. The first specie lies in a deep optical lattice with tightly confining wells and forms a spin array; spin-up/down corresponds to occupation by one/no atom at each site. The second specie forms a superfluid reservoir. Different species are coupled coherently via laser transitions and collisions. Whereas the laser coupling mimics a transverse field for the spins, the coupling to the reservoir sound modes induces a ferromagnetic (Ising) coupling as well as dissipation. This gives rise to an order-disorder quantum phase transition where the effect of dissipation can be studied in a controllable manner.


We estimate lexical Concreteness for millions of words across 77 languages. Using a simple regression framework, we combine vector-based models of lexical semantics with experimental norms of Concreteness in English and Dutch. By applying techniques to align vector-based semantics across distinct languages, we compute and release Concreteness estimates at scale in numerous languages for which experimental norms are not currently available. This paper lays out the technique and its efficacy. Although this is a difficult dataset to evaluate immediately, Concreteness estimates computed from English correlate with Dutch experimental norms at ρ = .75 in the vocabulary at large, increasing to ρ = .8 among Nouns. Our predictions also recapitulate attested relationships with word frequency. The approach we describe can be readily applied to numerous lexical measures beyond Concreteness.


The process of myoblast fusion was observed in embryonic chick skeletal muscle cells grown in monolayer cultures at the fine structural level. At the first step, the sarcolemmas of cells destined to fuse are closely applied to each other. They are linked in some places by fasciae adherentes; in other places, engulfment of small processes of one cell by another is seen. At a somewhat more advanced stage of myogenesis, vesicles and tubules are formed between the adjacent cytoplasms; presumably, the apposed membranes have opened at several points and their edges have fused to each other. Finally, remnants of cell membranes (vesicles and tubules) disappear completely, and the confluent cytoplasm is formed. The cytoplasmic contents of the multinucleated cells are often poorly admixed, giving the cytoplasm a mosaic appearance in which different zones can be designated as arising from separate cells. This observation suggests, however, that there is slow diffusion of myoblast contents (ribosomes and, possibly, other materials) into the myotube. In agreement with the previous works at the light microscopic level, the present study suggests the occurence of fusion between mononucleated cells, between mononucleated cells and multinucleated myotubes, and between nascent multinucleated myotubes.


Abstract Purpose: Terrorist attacks, with their intent to maximize psychological and economic damage as well as inflicting sickness and death on given targeted populations, are an ever-growing worldwide concern in government and public sectors as they become more frequent, violent, and sensational. If given the chance, it is likely that terrorists will use radiological or nuclear weapons. To thwart these sinister efforts, both physical and medical countermeasures against these weapons are currently being researched and developed so that they can be utilized by the first responders, military, and medical providers alike. This is the third article of a three-part series in which we have reviewed additional radiation countermeasures that are currently under early preclinical phases of development using largely animal models and have listed and discussed clinical support measures, including agents used for radiation-induced emesis, as well as countermeasures not requiring Food and Drug Administration approval. Conclusions: Despite the significant progress that has been made in this area during the last several years, additional effort is needed in order to push promising new agents, currently under development, through the regulatory pipeline. This pipeline for new promising drugs appears to be unreasonably slow and cumbersome; possible reasons for this inefficiency are briefly discussed. Significant and continued effort needs to be afforded to this research and development area, as to date, there is no approved radioprotector that can be administered prior to high dose radiation exposure. This represents a very significant, unmet medical need and a significant security issue. A large number of agents with potential to interact with different biological targets are under development. In the next few years, several additional radiation countermeasures will likely receive Food and Drug Administration approval, increasing treatment options for victims exposed to unwanted ionizing irradiation.


Objectives: In 2018, the ACGME (Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education) made a change to the maximum permissible number of consecutive nights a resident trainee can be on "night float," from six to seven nights. To our knowledge, although investigators have studied overall discrepancy rates and discrepancy rates as a function of shift length or perceived workload of a particular shift, no study has been performed to evaluate resident-faculty discrepancy rates as a quality/performance proxy, to see whether resident performance declines as a function of the number of consecutive nights. Our hypothesis is that we would observe a progressive increase in significant overnight resident – attending discrepancies over the 7 days' time. Methods: A total of 8,488 reports were extracted between 4/26/2019 to 8/22/2019 retrospectively. Data was obtained from the voice dictation system report server. Exported query was saved as a .csv file format and analyzed using Python packages. A "discrepancy checker" was created to search all finalized reports for the departmental standard heading of "Final Attending Report," used to specify any significant changes from the preliminary interpretation. Results: Model estimates varied on different days however there were no trends or patterns to indicate a deterioration in resident performance throughout the week. There were comparable probabilities throughout the week, with 2.17% on Monday, 2.35% on Thursday and 2.05% on Friday. Conclusions: Our results reveal no convincing trend in terms of overnight report discrepancies between the preliminary report generated by the night float resident and the final report issued by a faculty the following morning. These results are in support of the ACGME's recent change in the permissible number of consecutive nights on night float. We did not prove our hypothesis that resident performance on-call in the domain of report accuracy would diminish over seven consecutive nights while on the night float rotation. Our results found that performance remained fairly uniform over the course of the week.


A biologically realistic model of crop yield response to herbicide application is presented. It includes functions for weed mortality from herbicide application and yield loss due to surviving weeds. The optimal herbicide rate and two types of decision thresholds are derived theoretically and illustrated with empirical examples. Responses of the various decision criteria to changes in parameters are also examined theoretically and empirically. A multidimensional threshold for weeds based on weed density and weed-free yield is presented. The issue of farmers using other than officially recommended herbicide rates is discussed.


The study aimed to find the extent of applying revenue management (RM) practices in star-rated hotels in Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to determine RM policies and implementation, application of RM techniques, and the use of RM systems. The study used a quantitative approach and adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. The study targeted 225 revenue managers from all-star-rated hotels in Kenya. The findings revealed that RM is a practice in star-rated hotels, even though not in all hotels. Hotels reported having RM policy and implementation taking place. There was an adoption of RM techniques. A dynamic RM team and the presence of social media integration with RM were identified. The findings revealed that by large, starrated hotels interact with RM systems and sub-systems on the use of RM systems. Some hotels use either one or a combination of two systems. Furthermost, hotels were found to have automated their revenue collection. It was also revealed that they have adopted integrated RM soft-wares. The hotels were found to have meaningful RM data and information, RM pricing devices, and non-pricing devices. In comparison, information reveals a slightly above average presence of RM application in hotels in Kenya. The empirical evidence presented in this paper reveals that some hotels have not entrenched RM applications in terms of policies and implementation, RM tools and techniques, and their RM systems are lacking. The paper proposes that for full realization and maximization benefits associated with RM practices like predicting the growth of hotels, reducing operational costs, improving yields, and generating revenue, the industry should fully embrace RM applications.


AIM
The American thyroid association (ATA) recommends that additional imaging procedures supplement cervical ultrasonography (US) in any patient with a basal calcitonin value above 150 pg/ml in the follow-up of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). The aim of the present study was to reaffirm or challenge this cut-off for 18-Fluorine-Fluorodihydroxyphenylalanine positron emission tomography (18F-DOPA PET) and conventional imaging ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)).

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirty-nine patients (18 females, 21 males), mean age 62 years, range from 35 to 86, followed-up for MTC were included in the present retrospective study. In our patients 64 18F-DOPA scans, 28 neck US, 28 CT and 8 MRI were performed. For all cases basal calcitonin values were available. Sensitivity and specificity of 18F-DOPA PET and conventional imaging (US, CT, MRI) related to calcitonin values were calculated.

RESULTS
According to the calcitonin cut-off of 150 pg/ml, we found the following sensitivities and specificities: 79% and 80% for 18F-DOPA PET, 75% and 92% for US, 80% and 25% for CT, 50% and 75% for MRI. Taking the level of detectable calcitonin, we calculated the following sensitivities: 52% for 18F-DOPA PET, 46% for US, 79% for CT and 38% for MRI.

CONCLUSION
We cannot confirm the calcitonin cut-off proposed by the ATA for the detection of MTC recurrences and contemporaneously we cannot state that 18F-DOPA PET has a very high sensitivity. For the neck region 18F-DOPA PET and US showed similar results. 18F-DOPA PET/CT seems to be the best imaging modality for whole-body tumor detection. Bone metastases are best detected by MRI.


Semantic space models represent the meaning of a word as a vector in high-dimensional space. They offer a framework in which the meaning representation of a word can be computed from its context, but the question remains how they support inferences. While there has been some work on paraphrase-based inferences in semantic space, it is not clear how semantic space models would support inferences involving hyponymy, like horse ran → animal moved. In this paper, we first discuss what a point in semantic space stands for, contrasting semantic space with Gardenforsian conceptual space. Building on this, we propose an extension of the semantic space representation from a point to a region. We present a model for learning a region representation for word meaning in semantic space, based on the fact that points at close distance tend to represent similar meanings. We show that this model can be used to predict, with high precision, when a hyponymy-based inference rule is applicable. Moving beyond paraphrase-based and hyponymy-based inference rules, we last discuss in what way semantic space models can support inferences.


BACKGROUND/AIM
This study evaluated the usefulness of a Bochdalek hernia rabbit model as a tool for advanced thoracoscopic training, teaching the specific skills required for thoracoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
An incision was made in the Bochdalek triangle of 25 New Zealand rabbits (weighing 3-3.5 kg) to induce an experimental diaphragmatic hernia. At 72 hours later, a thoracoscopic repair of the hernia as described for newborns was performed by 25 pediatric surgeons divided into two groups: expert and novice. The tasks assessed were organ relocation and diaphragm suture. A visual analog scale was used to evaluate technical performance. The objective performance measure was completion time. Complications were recorded, and suture quality was scored. The surgeons evaluated the model by completing a questionnaire, grading items on a 5-point scale.

RESULTS
All 25 animals developed a diaphragmatic hernia with protrusion of the intestine into the thoracic cavity. Expert trainees had significantly shorter completion times and better performance scores than novices. Experts also received higher scores for suture quality. Five novices caused perforations or bleeding, but no experts did. The surgeons rated the model positively, highlighting the similarities between the model and newborn hernias and its usefulness for pediatric training programs.

CONCLUSIONS
The Bochdalek hernia rabbit model can be used to detect different levels of experience in pediatric thoracoscopy. This realistic and easily reproducible model can help to perfect thoracoscopic skills in a realistic recreation of a pediatric Bochdalek hernia repair.


The field of magnetooptics is reviewed and the application of a magnetic memory system as a readout technique is discussed. A review and comparison of the fundamental magneto-optic effects and their utility in a system is presented. It is shown for a longitudinal Kerr readout system that laser and shot noise limit wide-band (1 MHz) signal-to-noise ratios to about 40 dB. Media noise problems are reviewed. The limitations to packing density are discussed, and it is concluded that packing densities greater than 107bit/in2(including suitable guardbands) are practical. The various techniques for optico-thermal recording are surveyed. A discussion of related hardware components (such as optical modulators and lasers) is presented. It is concluded that a viable magnetooptic detection-laser beam memory system is practical. No suitable nonmechanical scanning system has yet been developed.


The Facial Action Coding System (Ekman & Friesen) has shown promise as a behavioral measure of emotional experience. The current study examined the degree of (de)synchrony between self-reported and facial expressions of fear, disgust, and sadness in response to a traumatic event–relevant film among individuals who had experienced a traumatic motor vehicle accident. Given high rates of comorbidity between posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and depressive symptoms, the potential impacts of both PTSS and depressive symptoms on emotional responding were examined. Results demonstrated synchrony between self-reported and facial expressions of disgust and sadness; however, no association between measures of fear was observed. Furthermore, depressive symptoms were associated with greater fear responding and PTSS were associated only with self-reported fear. Together, results support the importance of examining discrete negative emotions, rather than broad valence categories, when examining fear-based responding in traumatic event–exposed populations. Additional research examining the psychometric properties of the Facial Action Coding System as a measure of discrete emotional experiences among traumatic event–exposed individuals is needed to advance multimodal assessment approaches that yield incremental information for understanding emotional responding in this population.


Background Rapid developments and implementation of digital technologies in public health domains throughout the last decades have changed the landscape of health delivery and disease prevention globally. A growing number of countries are introducing interventions such as online consultations, electronic health records, or telemedicine to their health systems to improve their populations' health and improve access to health care. Despite multiple definitions for digital public health and the development of different digital interventions, no study has analyzed whether the utilized technologies fit the definition or the core characteristics of digital public health interventions. A scoping review is therefore needed to explore the extent of the literature on this topic. Objective The main aim of this scoping review is to outline real-world digital public health interventions on all levels of health care, prevention, and health. The second objective will be the mapping of reported intervention characteristics. These will include nontechnical elements and the technical features of an intervention. Methods We searched for relevant literature in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Xplore, and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Full-Text Collection. All original study types (observational studies, experimental trials, qualitative studies, and health-economic analyses), as well as governmental reports, books, book chapters, or peer-reviewed full-text conference papers were included when the evaluation and description of a digital health intervention was the primary intervention component. Two authors screened the articles independently in three stages (title, abstract, and full text). Two independent authors will also perform the data charting. We will report our results following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist. Results An additional systematic search in IEEE Xplore and ACM, performed on December 1, 2021, identified another 491 titles. We identified a total of 13,869 papers after deduplication. As of March 2022, the abstract screening state is complete, and we are in the state of screening the 1417 selected full texts for final inclusion. We estimate completing the review in April 2022. Conclusions To our knowledge, this will be the first scoping review to fill the theoretical definitions of digital public health with concrete interventions and their characteristics. Our scoping review will display the landscape of worldwide existing digital public health interventions that use information and communication technologies. The results of this review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal in early 2022, which can serve as a blueprint for the development of future digital public health interventions. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/33404


Barriers to dispersal can disrupt gene flow between populations, resulting in genetically distinct populations. Although many marine animals have potential for long-distance dispersal via a planktonic stage, gene flow among populations separated by large geographic distances is not always evident. Polychaetes are ecologically important and have been used as biological surrogates for marine biodiversity. Some polychaete species are used as bait for recreational fisheries, with this demand supporting commercial fisheries for polychaetes to service the retail bait market. However, despite their ecological and economic importance, very little is known about the life history or population dynamics of polychaetes, and few studies have used genetic or genomic approaches to understand polychaete population connectivity. Here, we investigate the population structure of one commonly collected beachworm species used for bait on the eastern coast of Australia, namely, Australonuphis teres, by using genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism data. We sampled A. teres from hierarchical nested spatial scales along 900km of the coast in New South Wales. We identified six genetic groups, but there was no clear geographic pattern of distribution. Our results suggest that there is considerable gene flow among the sampled populations. These high-resolution genomic data support the findings of previous studies, and we infer that oceanographic processes promote genetic exchange among polychaete populations in south-eastern Australia.


Verbs for referring to sources in academic style, i.e verbs
which introduce explicitly mentioned sources in signal clauses
of authorial text, rather than in bare parenthetic references
in the form of brackets or notes, are by far not limited to
say, ask and write. They display a variety including verbs of
speaking and writing, reporting verbs, verbs of thinking, and
verbs expressing different kinds of attitude and agreement.
Similarly, referring verbs manifest a variety of grammatical
forms, namely tenses, aspects, number, person and verbal voice.
This paper is based on an analysis of academic papers in
several disciplines of humanities and social sciences. The
corpus consists of an equal share of native and expert
non-native English papers to reflect the international status
of English in academic discourse. However, possible differences
between native and non-native distribution are of marginal
interest; the main focus of the research is on establishing
some rough ratios between individual types and forms of verbs
for referring to sources, which would be beneficial in the
instruction of future as well as novice authors, whether
researchers or students.


At embryo implantation, it is postulated that the initial contact between blastocyst and maternal tissues is by adhesion of the trophoblast to the uterine epithelium. This cell-to-cell interaction is thought to be critical for implantation, although the actual adhesive forces have never been determined. In the present study, the atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to study the adhesion between human uterine epithelial cell lines (HEC-1-A; RL95-2) and human trophoblast-type cells (JAR). Specific interaction forces of these epithelia via their apical cell poles were determined on the basis of approach-and-separation cycles. For this purpose, the AFM tip was functionalized with JAR cells, then brought to the surface of uterine epithelial monolayers and was kept in contact for different periods of time (ms, 1, 10, 20, 40 min). The approach force curves displayed repulsive interactions for both HEC-1-A and RL95-2 cells. However, RL95-2 cells (with a smooth surface structure and a thin glycocalyx) showed lower values of the repulsive regime than HEC-1-A cells (with a rough surface structure and a thick glycocalyx). After having overcome repulsive interactions, the initial contact was followed by adhesive interactions. For contact times of 20 and 40 min, RL95-2 cells, but not HEC-1-A cells, showed specific JAR binding, i.e. the separation force curves displayed repeated rupture events in the range of 1-3 nN with a distance between 7-15 microm and, thereafter, a final rupture event at a distance of up to 45 microm. These features point to the formation of strong cell-to-cell bonds. Collectively, these studies provide the first definition of interaction forces between the trophoblast and the uterine epithelium, and are consistent with the hypothesis that an RL95-2-like architecture of uterine epithelial cells, i.e. an non-polarized phenotype, is essential for apical adhesiveness for the human trophoblast.


The symbiotic relationship between corals and Symbiodinium spp. is the key to the success and survival of coral reef ecosystems the world over. Nutrient exchange and chemical communication between the two partners provides the foundation of this key relationship, yet we are far from a complete understanding of these processes. This is due, in part, to the difficulties associated with studying an intracellular symbiosis at the small spatial scales required to elucidate metabolic interactions between the two partners. This feasibility study, which accompanied a more extensive investigation of fixed Symbiodinium cells (data unpublished), examines the potential of using synchrotron radiation infrared microspectroscopy (SR‐IRM) for exploring metabolite localisation within a single Symbiodinium cell. In doing so, three chemically distinct subcellular regions of a single Symbiodinium cell were established and correlated to cellular function based on assignment of diagnostic chemical classes.


A Two-phase Three-dimension (3D) common capacitor LLC resonant converter is proposed to achieve automatic current sharing. The series capacitor of each phase are connected by a coupling impedance which is inductor, capacitor or short-circuit. A coupling index is indicated to analyze the current sharing performance under three types converter based on the Fundamental Harmonic Analysis (FHA). The previous method only work at coupling index equals to 1 and 0. However, the coupling index can be design any value in (−∞, +∞) for two-phase 3D common capacitor LLC converter, and the current sharing performance is better if the coupling index is designed in negative value. Four steady-state operations under coupling index is 1, 0.5, 0, −1 are discussed to verify the current sharing improving. A 600W, 12V two-phase LLC converter with short-circuit coupling impedance prototype is built. The prototype verified the feasibility and demonstrated advantages of the proposed converter.


Case Report A 59-year-old non-atopic woman presented with an eczematous rash that had erupted 5 days after she had returned home from a holiday in the Canary Islands. The rash, which started on her legs and back, had spread extensively and resulted in her needing 4 days of inpatient care. Patch testing, using an extended British Contact Dermatitis Society standard series and also a cosmetic and a textile series, was negative. Photopatch testing (5 J/cm UVA), using a combination of commercially available photoallergens supplied by Trolab (Hermac, Reinbek, Germany) and Chemotechnique (Crawford Pharmaceuticals, Milton Keynes, UK), showed a positive result for benzophenone 4 (D2/D4) on the irradiated skin only. 2 of the patient's sunscreens were also photopatch tested undiluted: there were positive (+) reactions at D4 to both products on the non-irradiated and irradiated skin, the D2 reactions being ?+. The ingredients of the patient's 2 sunscreens, referred to as A and B, were further investigated. Neither sunscreen listed benzophenone 4 as an ingredient but both contained several UV filters. Photopatch testing with the ingredients of A showed positive (+) reactions to drometrizole trisiloxane (2.5% alcohol) at D4 on both nonirradiated and irradiated skin, consistent with a non-photoallergic positive reaction. There were ?+ reactions at D2 to this UV filter with negative reactions at D2 and D4 to all of the other 24 ingredients. There were no positive results when the ingredients of sunscreen B were similarly tested. Patch testing with the drometrizole trisiloxane in 15 control patients gave negative reactions only at D2 and D4.


This report summarises a number of points discussed in a series of recent published articles and in those papers in various stages of preparation (see list at the end). It is argued that the science of Holocene sea-level change is essentially at the stage of data collection with explanation being achieved via inductive models. Studies of sea-level change lack any accepted formal methodology and therefore scientific laws and theories. Problems arise when a common language is required so that classification of and correla tion between the work of different research workers can be made. Without adequately rigid operational definitions, and strict adherence to them, even statistically significant features become incomparable. The philosophical principles of sea-level studies are further weakened by the lack of an explicit statement of the working hypotheses which are to be tested and perhaps falsified. Multiple hypotheses should be presented so that research designs will lead to new data which will allow all but one working hypothesis to be rejected. Each working hypotheses must be presented in a form that allows for it to be tested and rejected.


Because currently anticipated Social Security revenues are inadequate to pay for promised benefits, reform of the Social Security program is likely. Several different plans to restore the program to actuarial balance have emerged, and more will arise as the debate continues. Comparison and evaluation of these alternatives require a framework for analysis and criteria along which to judge their strengths and weaknesses. After discussing the goals of the Social Security system, we identify three main criteria (income adequacy, individual equity and economic growth), and propose several other issues for consideration.


The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that weight loss results in a reduction in intramuscular lipid (IMCL) content that is concomitant with enhanced insulin action. Muscle biopsies were obtained from morbidly obese individuals [body mass index (BMI) 52.2 +/- 2.5 kg/m(2); n = 6] before and after gastric bypass surgery, an intervention that improves insulin action. With intervention, there was a 47% reduction (P < 0.01) in BMI and a 93% decrease in homeostasis model assessment, or HOMA (7.0 +/- 1.9 vs. 0.5 +/- 0.1). Histochemically determined IMCL content decreased (P < 0.05) by approximately 30%. In relation to fiber type, IMCL was significantly higher in type I vs. type II fibers. In both fiber types, there were reductions in IMCL and trends for muscle atrophy. Despite these two negating factors, the IMCL-to-fiber area ratio still decreased by approximately 44% with weight loss. In conclusion, despite differing initial levels and possible atrophy, weight loss appears to decrease IMCL deposition to a similar relative extent in type I and II muscle fibers. This reduction in intramuscular triglyceride may contribute to enhanced insulin action seen with weight loss.


A study on the influence of soil drainage and elephant damage on the abundance and structure of Colophospermum mopane was carried out in Central Mana Pools National Park (MPNP) Zimbabwe. Data were collected in April- May 2013. The stratified random sampling method was employed. The study area was stratified according to soil drainage. Three strata were established namely; well drained, moderately drained and poorly drained soils. Ten plots were sampled in each strata and a total of 30 plots were sampled to determine the abundance and structure of C. mopane in Central MPNP. Results from One way ANOVA showed significant differences in tree height, basal area, tree canopy volume, shrub canopy volume, sapling density, tree density, number of stems per tree and damaged trees density (PA‹Â'0.05). There was no significant difference in the number of dead trees across the three strata (PA‹Âƒ0.05). Moderately drained soil had the highest number of undamaged trees (n=91; 42%), saplings and stems per tree. Well drained soils had the highest number of damaged live trees (n=112; 51%) and poorly drained soils had the highest number of dead trees (n=60; 51%). There were significant differences in damage (PA‹Â'0.001). Regression analysis showed a negative relationship between elephant density and damaged trees density (R2=0.03; PA‹Âƒ0.05), however, there was a positive relationship between elephant density and dead trees (R2=0.3865; PA‹Â'0.05). Results from this study suggest that soil properties as well as elephant damage have an influence on the abundance and structure of C. mopane, therefore the need for constant monitoring of this tree species.


Here we report the results of an experimental study of the thermal conductivity of GaN crystals doped by oxygen with concentrations of 4 × 1016, 2.6 × 1018 and 1.1 × 1020 cm−3, carried out in the temperature interval 7–318 K. We observed the highest thermal conductivity ever reported for GaN, 269 Wm–1 K–1 at 300 K, in the sample with the lowest oxygen content. This result is explained by the renormalization of GaN elastic constants, caused by the effect of spontaneous polarization. Results were analyzed using the Callaway model. The contribution of phonon scattering by free carriers in doped GaN crystals was considered for the first time. We show that free electrons reduce the thermal conductivity by up to 32%–42% at 300 K for a sample with a 1.1 × 1020 cm−3 of oxygen concentration.


INTRODUCTION
Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) provide primary care to women across the lifespan. Yet these primary care providers face barriers to practice that include restrictive state laws and regulations regarding prescriptive authority. The purpose of this review is to critically examine and report the regulatory requirements relative to prescriptive authority for CNMs/CMs in the United States.

METHODS
State statutes and rules relative to midwifery practice were reviewed for all 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

RESULTS
CNMs have been granted the authority to write prescriptions in all 50 United States and the District of Columbia, while CMs have been granted prescriptive authority only in the state of New York. Prescriptive authority for CNMs and CMs is regulated by individual state agencies and regulatory boards. Regulations regarding prescriptive authority for CNMs and CMs vary widely from state to state and are described, with a summary for each state presented.

DISCUSSION
While CNMs are granted fully independent prescriptive authority in some states, the regulatory requirements relative to prescriptive authority for CNMs/CMs limit patients' access to necessary services in most states.


DOI:  10.17014/ijog.v8i3.162 Garut Basin are is part of Bandung-Garut Greater Basin (Bandung Zone) characterized by a large basin surrounded by mountain ranges. Active volcanoes had distributed their material as pyroclastic deposits around the outer border of the zone and as lava flow deposit separating the two basins. Bouguer gravity anomaly data had also indicated the presence of several low anomaly closures at about the area of Bandung and Garut Basins that were surrounded by high gravity anomaly zones. Two magnetotelluric surveys were completed to acquire the subsurface model that might explain the tectonic evolution of studied area. The first stage was characterized sby the presence of horst - graben structures that might imply an extensional regime of the area. The next stage of evolutionwas indicated by the horizontal layering correlated to the relative non-active tectonic. In addition, a most recent structure that appeared near the surface might suggest a possible extension force as the current stage.


In this interactive, hands-on workshop, the three co-authors/ workshop presenters (with experience in mathematics, math education, weaving and architecture) share insights into the mathematics of braided and twined structures and interests in large scale embodied mathematics learning and community construction techniques. Participants will explore the structures of braidand rope-making, first through small-scale hand building, and then through collaborative 'danced' construction of twines, braids and Maypole-inspired helical lattices as architectural structures, with the aim of developing deeper understandings of patterns inherent in these patterns. The techniques used in this workshop would provide powerful techniques in classroom explorations of the geometries of ropes and braids for courses in mathematics, teacher education and architecture.


Relativistic mean-field theory has also shown great success for the description of nuclear structure at low energies, where relativistic kinematics is not needed. Several phenomena in low-energy nuclear structure are discussed which indicate the relativistic dynamics in nuclei, such as a relativistic saturation mechanisms, the spin-orbit splitting and its isospin dependence, pseudo-spin symmetry as a relativistic theory and nuclear magnetism in rotating nuclei.


A series of fifteen patients with abdominal tuberculosis, managed personally by two clinicians over a five-year period, is presented. These fall into three broad groups: tuberculous peritonitis, gastrointestinal tuberculosis and tuberculous hepatitis. In more than half of the patients the chest radiographs were normal and three patients had negative tuberculin reactions. In emphasizing the fact that abdominal tuberculosis is not longer a rarity in Britain, attention is drawn to the many different ways in which the disease may present. One patient in the series, who presented as a possible case of cholera, had duodeno-colic fistula (only the third proven case in the literature) and two other patients presented with jaundice due to hepatic tuberculosis, again a rare form of abdominal tuberculosis.


Severe intraoperative hypotension has been reported in patients on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor subtype 1 antagonists. We describe a patient on lisinopril who developed refractory intraoperative hypotension associated with increased serum tryptase level suggesting mast cell activation (allergic reaction). However, allergology workup ruled out an allergic etiology as well as mastocytosis, and hypotension recalcitrant to treatment was attributed to uninterrupted lisinopril therapy. Elevated serum tryptase was attributed to our patient's chronic renal insufficiency.


Decades of scholarly efforts to reignite the theoretical integration between sociology and biology have come to partial fruition in the birth of evolutionary sociology at the turn of the twentieth-first century. This paper examines one of the most elaborated versions of the paradigm—"new evolutionary sociology" (NES)—proposed by Jonathan H. Turner and colleagues. NES emphasizes purposeful, multilevel selective pressure targeted at corporate units, groups, or societies—rather than the blind, Darwinian natural selection on individuals—from which institutional systems are developed. Despite its contribution, NES possesses conceptual lacunae that have fettered NES in specific and evolutionary sociology in general from becoming a novel and truly evolutionary-cum-sociological paradigm in explaining social phenomena. This paper identifies three conceptual hiatuses of NES, in that it lacks due deliberation of (1) the gene-culture interaction that bridges individual behaviors—via natural, sexual, group, and multilevel selections—with the emerging sociocultural formations; (2) the epistemic role of fitness as a post factum propensity in empirical analysis; and (3) the concept of causal mechanism utilized to explain the diverse paths leading to the emergent phenomena.


Since 1961 a number of reports have been published in which significant hmmolysis has been described in patients following cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation. In the majority of cases prosthetic valves had been inserted. In this report we present results of a study made to determine the frequency of mininial as well as overt hmmolysis in a series of patients who underwent open-heart surgery for correction of a variety of defects. It appeared that mild chronic hemolysis was a consistent finding in patients in whom a prosthetic valve was inserted. In addition, hemolysis was occasionally demonstrated in patients with other intracardiac deformities.


Soy protein adhesives are good candidates for the replacement of formaldehyde-based adhesives due to environmental concerns. However, poor water resistance has limited their application. This study was conducted to improve the water resistance of a soy-protein adhesive intended for plywood by polyethylene glycol (PEG) with different molecular weights. Ethylene glycol (EG), diethylene glycol (DEG), 400-, 2000-, and 10000-dalton polyethylene glycols were used as additives to soy protein isolate (SPI). The hydrogen bonding interaction, thermal properties, wettabilities on poplar veneer, and adhesion properties of the blended adhesives were investigated. Results showed that improving the wettability and intermolecular hydrogen bonding, induced by ethylene glycol, increased the wet adhesion strength by 30%. Higher-molecular weight polyethylene glycol imposed a decrease in adhesion due to its poor water resistance. Based on the present results, it is proposed to improve the water resistance of soy adhesives by introducing hydrophilic polyols, which also could simultaneously improve surface wetting and wet adhesion.


The general practice records of 68 children with secretory otitis media (SOM) were studied. A control group was matched one-for-one on the basis of sex, year of birth and general practice list. The SOM group had twice the incidence of recorded atopy, twice the incidence of recorded previous upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), and three times the incidence of recorded attacks of acute otitis media (AOM) compared with the control group. The recorded antibiotic treatment of URTI and AOM in the two groups was similar. Antihistamines and decongestants were seldom recorded in the treatment of AOM. The higher incidence of atopy found in the children with SOM prompts the suggestion that antihistamines and decongestants used by general practitioners in the routine treatment of AOM and URTI might help prevent the development of SOM. A prospective double-blind trial along these lines seems desirable.


Free-living animals rely on cognitive functions, such as learning and memory, for numerous aspects of their survival. However, research involving these mechanisms is often limited to the laboratory where animals are far removed from natural influences. Here, we adapted the Morris Water Maze (MWM) for use in the field to test learning and memory of free-living white-footed mice, Peromyscus leucopus. The MWM consists of a pool filled with opaque water and a platform that is hidden beneath the surface of the water. Mice were tasked with finding an escape platform using proximate-cue based spatial learning skills across trials within and between two tests. The two tests occurred 2 hrs apart and each consisted of 5 trials with a maximum search time of 60 s, separated by 15-s breaks. We found mice demonstrated rapid learning within the first 5 trials, as indicated by a faster time and reduced distanced swam to find the platform in trial 5 as compared to trial 1 in Test 1. We also found mice remembered the task, as indicated by equivalent performance (in time and distance) after the two-hour delay period (i.e., performance in Test 2 trial 1 was similar to that in Test 1 trial 5). Lastly, we found that there was no increase in performance as mice completed an additional 5 trials (i.e., no difference in Test 1 trial 5 vs. Test 2 trial 5). By assessing several variables that serve as standard metrics for learning and memory within the MWM, we were able to illustrate the ability of wild mice to successfully navigate within a modified version of an established learning/memory paradigm. This study is important for promoting more accessible forms of cognitive testing in free-living animals and use of such a method could provide insights into how animals cope with environmental stressors in their natural environment such as anthropogenic disturbance, invasive species, and habitat degradation. A better understanding of cognitive behavior in wild animals may help diminish the disparity of knowledge that is often present between laboratory and field research.


This paper describes the SMACkers99 RoboCup team, developped at the Institut de Recherche en Informatique de Toulouse. Our research team has defined an adaptation process for artificial systems founded on self-organization between its parts (the agents), where cooperation is the criteria for organization evaluation and transformation. The decision process is local to each agent and led by suppression of un-cooperative situations. The combination of these individual decisions leads to a efficient collective behavior. 1 The theory of self-organization by cooperation Our team Systemes Multi-Agents et Cooperatifs (SMAC) has developped a theory of self-organization for complex systems immerged in a dynamic environment. We have shown that for any functionnaly adequate system (that is, a system that realizes the global function it has been designed for), there is a cooperative system which realizes an equivalent function. The main charateristic of such systems is that self-organization decisions are always taken autonomously by the agents from local interactions. If the agents are well defined, our theory guarantees the emergence of an effective global phenomenom. This result seems surprising but is in coherence with most of the studies in the field of multi-agent systems. Th systems we are dealing with have the following properties: ˆ the parts of the system (the agents) are unaware of the global function to be obtained. ˆ each agent realizes its partial function autonomously: there is no central control nor pre-planned decisions. ˆ an agent has only a limited ability to perceive an act in the world. ˆ an agent is able to interact directly (via messages exchanges) or indirectly (via the environment) with other agents of the system.


In this examination project I look into what ways upper secondary school students conceive themselves as politically influenced before they voted for the general election of 2010. The purpose is to examine which influences the upper secondary school surroundings and the classes of civic education are contributing with to students before they voted. As a method, I have used personal, semi-structural interviews on eight upper secondary school students who all voted for a party represented in the parliament. I have asked questions about how they believe their parents, the surroundings of their school and the classes of civic education have influenced them. To separate which influences primarily the upper secondary school and the classes of civic educations have had on the students, I have selected two comparison groups of four students in each. One group contains only parent-influenced students whereas the other group contains only not parent-influenced students. My findings show that the upper secondary school surroundings have played an important part to both student groups and the outcome may be theoretically generalized to all upper secondary school students studying natural science. The influences related to the classes of civic education have had a diversified outcome, mostly on not parent-influenced students. Therefore, this piece of result cannot be theoretically generalized to all natural science students. Not parent-influenced students also perceive themselves as more influenced by miscellaneous meaningful people, than do parent-influenced students. I understand the results as students not concurring with their parents politically, are more inclined to chase their political identity among their peer friends and other meaningful people. They are also more open-minded in the teaching moments of political parties, also during the political debate throughout the civic education. Finally, I discuss how the results should be viewed by teachers in civic education and what role the upper secondary school continues to play, as a political socialization agent.


We present BVRIK images and photometry of the z = 1.175 radio galaxy 3C 65 and its extended blue companion, along with a 6 cm radio map. These data are used to test the hypotheses that the companion is scattering the continuum of a hidden active nucleus within the radio galaxy and/or is undergoing a starburst triggered by interaction with its radio plasma. However, we find that the object's spectral energy distribution (SED) is best fitted by a model of constant star formation with moderate dust extinction for a redshift of approximately 2.8, while no fit to the SED can be obtained for redshifts equal to or below that of 3C 65. The object thus appears to be part of the recently discovered population of star-forming galaxies at z ~ 3, which is also consistent with its morphology and size as revealed by Hubble Space Telescope WFPC2 images. The age of the object is not well-constrained by the model fits and could range from 0.2 to 3.5 Gyr. Our best-fitting model has an age of 1.4 Gyr, which at z ≅ 2.8 does not violate standard cosmologies.


Hole-transporting materials (HTMs) are integral to the construction of a wide variety of state-of-the-art semiconductor devices today. Insofar as display and lighting technologies based on organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are concerned, HTMs are indispensable. Radical development of the area of OLEDs within the last two decades has led to creation of innumerable number of HTMs that are structurally diverse. A better understanding of the structural attributes and structure–property relationships is pivotal for improving the device performance results significantly. We have endeavored to collate, consolidate and discuss the structural milieu, classification, physical properties and electroluminescence data of diverse HTMs. Although our focus of the collection of HTMs is limited to those applied in OLEDs, the inferences drawn from an incisive scrutiny of the chosen structural landscape of HTMs and associated properties are applicable to research on solar cells, field effect transistors, photovoltaics, etc. Consolidated data such as HOMO–LUMOs, Tgs, Tds, hole mobilities, etc. of the HTMs should serve as an invaluable boon to the researchers working in interdisciplinary fields of chemistry, materials science, electrical engineering and physics. Indeed, the review is envisaged to serve as a concise resource of HTMs with important and necessary data.


We demonstrate the first phased-array wavelength multiplexer fabricated in the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) waveguide technology. The four-channel wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) has a channel spacing of 1.9 nm centered at 1550-nm wavelength and a 3-dB channel bandwidth of 0.72 nm. The crosstalk to neighboring channels is less than -22 dB and the on-chip insertion loss is below 6 dB for all channels. The TE-TM shift is less than 0.04 nm which is the smallest attained without compensation techniques in any integrated optic technology.


Quercus plants are widely distributed in Korea and have been used for their antiallergic and anti-inflammatory properties to treat dermatitis. The phenolic compounds of Quercus acutissima Carruth (QA) are estimated to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, based on the results of previous studies with Quercus mongilica, Quercus stenophylla, Quercus gilva Blame., and Quercus acuta Thunb. We yield QA extract and the isolated phenolic compounds (hyperoside (1), astragalin (2), kaempferol 3–O-(6″- galloyl)–β–D–glucopyranoside (KGG) (3), quercetin 3–O-(6″-O-galloyl)-β–D–glucopyranoside (QGG) (4), pedunculagin (5), and casuarinin (6)) and were identified using NMR. Among them, KGG (3) and QGG (4) were isolated for the first time from QA. QA extract and the isolated phenolic compounds demonstrated antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiacne activities in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells in vitro. 3–6 demonstrated strong inhibitory activities in the DPPH scavenging and NO production assay and anti-inflammatory and antiacne activities through western blotting (NLRP3, IL-1β, and 5α-reductase). The most outstanding activity in all experiments was casuarinin (6). The study findings suggest potential therapeutic candidates for acne.


This study is aimed at finding an empirical evaluation of the rationality of naïve diversification when applied to indexed investments, linked to the most representative benchmarks of the US and EMU stock markets. An investor, in the MPT and CAPM frameworks, is assumed to be rational when he/she chooses the most efficient portfolio. The empirical study employs four measures of efficiency: the Gibbons, Ross and Shanken test; the Wald test, implemented through a bootstrap simulation; the Generalized Method of Moments test, implemented through a block bootstrap simulation; and Kandel and Stambaugh's relative efficiency measure. Results provide strong evidence of the superior efficiency of equal weighting if compared to floatand capitalizationweighting. As a consequence, these findings suggest that naïve diversification can be regarded as rational behavior for indexed investors. Keywords—naïve diversification; 1/N heuristic; diversification heuristic; portfolio efficiency; indexed investing; equal weighting.


The eyes of 273 Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) taken from Charr Lake, the Ikarut River, and Hebron Fiord in northern Labrador were examined for diplostomula. All anadromous charr taken from the Ikarut river and Hebron Fiord were uninfected. The resident fish from Charr Lake were parasitized with large numbers of diplostomula and intensity of infection increased with age and length. Infections of up to 2,852 diplostomula in one fish are the highest recorded. Such infections did not appear to affect the vision of the charr.


Data of Bank Indonesia stated that Small Medium Enterprises (SME) loan portfolio by the end of April 2012 amounted to 20.65% of the total national banking loans. Currently the banks, ranging from the state owned banks, private banks, rural banks (BPR), joint venture banks, to foreign banks are competing to grab SME market. The reason is that the SME sector is a profitable and huge market.
Bank BJB is one of the commercial banks based in West Java, where in the region, small medium enterprises are growing. It is opportunity of Bank BJB to focus on expanding its SME loans to the region. Existing strategies that adopted by Bank BJB is by opening new branch offices, channeling strategy and acquiring of existing BPR. This study aims to compare the three strategies above in terms of strength, weakness, opportunity and threat that likely occur.
Method of analysis to be used is SWOT analysis. Once known Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat for each strategy, then use the TOWS matrix to map out the existing strategy that fits with the use of strength, weakness, opportunity and threat for SME lending expansion of Bank BJB. CAMELS ratio will be used to measure the performance of BPR while Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) is method to valuate the value of BPR.
Based on the results, it can be seen that strategy of opening a new branch has strength in terms of management authority which head office can control loans quality of the branch office while the weakness is difficult to find a strategic location for new branch office and it needs big initial investment. Strategy of opening new branches will remain to continue, especially in the district and sub-district area. The channeling strategy has advantage because it does not need big initial investment so the capital can be disbursed as loans effectively. This strategy will be implemented primarily to BPR bank that has broad coverage and low of NPL. The acquisition strategy has advantages in terms of fully authority of head office to control loans quality of the branch offices. This strategy can expand its loans by the existing infrastructure and resources of BPR acquired.