Abstract Purpose This study was conducted in a home-based context where trained occupational therapists delivered progressive physical exercise training and home modification intervention for preventing falls, namely the FIT-at-Home intervention. We assessed the feasibility of the intervention's content and mode of delivery from the occupational therapists' perspective as well as the feasibility of study procedures. Methods We used a mixed-methods approach, which generated qualitative data from 14 OTs' after delivering the intervention via interviews and quantitative data of the study procedures via questionnaires and documentation sheets. Results In total, 16 of the 17 older people completed the intervention. Of 9 recorded falls, no serious physical problems occurred. Qualitative data suggested that the intervention content and mode was feasible. Only minor adaptations to the program are needed based on the users' feedback. The main benefit was seen in the fact that simple exercises can be integrated into everyday life for older people with restricted mobility. Conclusion The FIT-at-Home intervention comprising lifestyle-integrated balance and strength exercises and home safety is feasible for occupational therapists to deliver. The findings will help to further refine the intervention and study procedures. Implications for rehabilitation Falling is a frequent and serious health problem for many community-living older people, and the incidence of injurious falls increases with advancing age. Home visiting programs comprising physical exercise training and home modification appear to be beneficial for older people with poor health, functional limitations, and limited mobility. This study indicates that it is feasible to introduce lifestyle-integrated balance and strength exercises, performed as part of daily routine for older people at risk of falling. Behavioural self-management strategies have the potential to improve the implementation of exercises during the course of rehabilitation treatment and afterward.


In Korea, a movement for forming intentional communities is gathering people's interests to improve individualistic living environment, and to create a humanistic lifestyle. However, it is difficult to say if its management is successful or not, because intentional community is just in the experimental stage in Korea. The purpose of this study is to identify actual condition of residents' participation in forming process, shared activities in their daily lives, residents' regulation, common facilities and its management in order to offer basic information for revitalization of intentional communities in Korea. 7 intentional communities including eco-friendly villages, religious communities and a cooperative housing community were collected as the study objects. Upon analysis, those communities were divided into two groups according to their purpose of establishment; "HC (Housing-life focused Community includes cooperative housing community and eco-friendly community)" and "IC (Ideology focused Community includes ideology community and religious community)" in order to identify difference in residents' participation between the two groups. In-dept interviews with representatives of 7 intentional communities by a structured questionnaire were used as study method. The findings of this study are as follows; In general, more active residents' participation is identified in ICs than in HCs. There is no common house, which is considered as essential in intentional community, in HCs, while it was facilitated in all ICs. Role of leader seems more important in ICs than in HCs. About the ownership of housing and land, private owned is common in HCs, while community owned is common in ICs. Shared activities and residents' regulations are evidently less in most HCs than in ICs. Furthermore, in order to run a community sustainable, it is crucial to encourage sense of community among residents, and developing common house and activity programs. Common house design, which can promote proactive residents' participation in shared activity should be studied fitted to Korean circumstances. Above all, proactive participation in the shared activities is one of the most important factors in intentional community.


Exchanging Notes set out to explore whether young musicians at risk of low attainment, disengagement or educational exclusion could achieve the best musical, educational and wider outcomes through participation in a longitudinal music education project. Alongside this was an aspiration to investigate new models of effective partnership-working between schools and out-of-school music providers.
This report documents the findings from young musicians, teachers, music leaders, music providers, head teachers and music hub leads. It also analyses statistical data held by schools. The report draws together these findings and offers insights into the successes and challenges of partnership working for 21st century music curriculum.


The discovery, in the mid-1990s, of a variety of internal transport barriers (ITBs), capable of lowering transport down to neoclassical values, has been one of the major steps forward in the progress of plasma confinement. These phenomena, which usually show reduced transport together with the suppression of some instabilities, also offer a means to improve our understanding of the underlying processes which control the anomalous transport in toroidal plasma confinement devices. An understanding of ITBs requires extensive and detailed experiments, which imply new challenges for the diagnostic community. The present paper attempts to outline the main advances achieved as well as the prospects for improvement on selected diagnostics oriented towards ITB physics. We will concentrate on the latest achievements in three systems, each of them concerning, simultaneously, several parameters in the growth rate against stabilization/decorrelation processes (electric fields, sharp gradients and turbulence): heavy-ion beam probe (mainly a monitor for electric fields, but also able to provide fluctuation measurements of density and plasma potential), microwave reflectometry (used for turbulence and density profile studies) and a `classical' core diagnostic with capabilities to resolve sharp gradients and detailed structures in the density and temperature profiles, high-resolution Thomson scattering.


Injury severity as assessed by law enforcement officers is one of the metrics used when allotting safety funds by transportation agencies. The Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES) is a database that contains injury severity assessments by law enforcement officers and the actual health outcomes as measured by medical practitioners. Crashes from 2008 through 2012 were analyzed to determine reasons for discrepancies between law enforcement officer's assessment of injury severity and that of a medical practitioner. Comparing the two assessments of injury severity shows law enforcement officers only rate serious injury severity "A" (Incapacitating Injuries) accurately for 33% of crash victims. Overall accuracy of injury severity is only 51% for all crash victims. Crashes where injury severity was inaccurately assessed were analyzed. Factors such as alcohol, gender, vehicle type, and lighting conditions contributed to law enforcement officer's inaccurate injury severity assessment. It was also found law enforcement officers have difficulty assessing injuries to almost every body region. Crash victims with accurate injury severity assessments were also analyzed. Injuries and other crash data noted by a law enforcement officer in the crash report was collected to build a logistic regression model and classification trees to estimate injury severity. For both logistic regression and classification trees injury severity estimation improved from law enforcement officers current accuracy, particularly for "Incapacitating" (injury severity "A") and "Non-Incapacitating" (injury severity "B") injuries. Logistic regression was found to be the best method to improve injury severity. Injury severity "A" estimation increased to 77% from the 33% accuracy of law enforcement officers currently. Injury severity "B" estimation increased to 51% from 18% currently. Overall, accuracy was improved from 51% to 70%.


We consider rate optimization in multicast systems that use several multicast trees on a communication network. The network is shared between different applications. For that reason, we model the available bandwidth for multicast as stochastic. For specific network topologies, we show that the multicast rate optimization problem is equivalent to the optimization of scalar quantization. We use results from rate-distortion theory to provide a bound on the achievable performance for the multicast rate optimization problem. A large number of receivers makes the possibility of adaptation to changing network conditions desirable in a practical system. To this end, we derive an analytical solution to the problem that is asymptotically optimal in the number of multicast trees. We derive local optimality conditions, which we use to describe a general class of iterative algorithms that give locally optimal solutions to the problem. Simulation results are provided for the multicast of an i.i.d. Gaussian process, an i.i.d. Laplacian process, and a video source.


In children with large left-to-right shunts secondary to congenital heart defects the imbalance between the pulmonary and systemic perfusion may lead to circulatory congestion with clinical signs similar to those of heart failure. The circulatory function in this state was evaluated by using the invasive measurements performed during cardiac catheterisations in n = 64 young patients with ventricular septal defect (n = 56) or complete atrioventricular septal defect (n = 8) aging 0.1-23.7 years (median 1.1 years). The mean shunt ratio was Qp/Qs = 2.4 (range 1-8). With increasing shunt ratio the pulmonary perfusion raised (r = 0.84), but the systemic output dropped significantly (r = -0.77) while the total cardiac output (Qp + Qs) increased slightly not exceeding 141/min/m2. In infants, the systemic hypoperfusion affects the hemoglobin content: Hb = 14.9-1.01 x Qs, r = 0.63, p < 0.01. This may be due to the diminished oxygen extraction reserve of 46%. With dropping systemic output, the vascular resistance increases and the mean aortic pressure (MAP) remains normal. The actual pressure values layed near to the curve of the normal aortic pressure calculated as MAP = Qs x Rs. This pressure-flow-resistance diagram was used to interpret the effects of vasodilators established by 7 studies: ACE-Inhibitors, Hydralazine, and Na-Nitroprusside reduce the vascular resistance effectively but induce hypotension, because the systemic output fails to increase. In the chronic circulatory congestion secondary to a large intracardiac left-to-right shunt the pulmonary perfusion increases with the shunt ratio but the systemic output decreases and the total cardiac output is limited to a maximum of 141/min/m2. In this state vasodilators cause systemic hypotension thus offering no acceptable therapeutic option.


A city can be a place for productive tourism places. Bandung, for example, has become a tourists' city and especially benefited from weekend visitors from Jakarta. Visitors in the city are offered attractions for leisure and consumption. The city's attractions are dominated by heritages: from pattern of street layout to the existence of a distinctive architecture, to the variety of activities to create the city itself as a visitors' experience. These conditions need a deliberate attempt to create the city as multicultural places of consumption for both retail and tourism as part of urban cultural management. This paper examines the creation of the city as a tourism destination. It is argued that changes to the process of capital accumulation in many cities have led to the commodification of place at a local level. Part of this process has been the creation of heritage as a tangible asset and this is linked to changing patterns of consumer retail activity. This paper argued that tourism should not be conceptualized as a distinct activity but rather as a form of consumption in the context of both local and global changes.


Drs. Fraczek and Kurpisz, in their insightful commentary, highlighted the pitfalls of the current sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) testing (1). These authors remarked that the association between SDF and clinical outcome of assisted reproduction is not without controversy in the literature. An interesting study cited by these authors proposes the predictive values of sperm vitality on SDF (2) and deserves further discussion in our response.


Nanogrids are renewable energy based distribution system suitable for low power household applications. This paper focuses on DC nanogrid which is supplied by Solar photovoltaic. Nanogrids are considered building cells of a Microgrid. A survey of different types of DC to DC Boost converters used in Nanogrid is presented in this paper. The topologies of some of the configurations of Boost converter are reviewed. This paper also highlights the advantages and disadvantages of all the reviewed converters.


Objective The aim was to compare between laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and conventional photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) regarding postoperative myopic regression after 6 months. Background Myopia is a condition in which the refractive power of the eye is greater than required. The most frequent complaint of people with myopia is blurred distance vision, which can be eliminated by refractive surgery procedures such as PRK and LASIK. Materials and methods A prospective comparative case series study was conducted on 50 patients with mild to moderate myopia with or without astigmatism, who were divided into two groups: group A included 25 patients operated with PRK and group B included 25 patients operated with LASIK. Follow-up was done by slit lamp and assessment of uncorrected distance visual acuity, manifest refraction, and best spectacle corrected distance visual acuity at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Results Mean uncorrected visual acuity after 1 week was 0.60 ± 0.11 for the PRK group and 0.84 ± 0.12 for the LASIK group (P < 0.001). Mean uncorrected visual acuity after 1 month was 0.98 ± 0.13 for the PRK group and 0.89 ± 0.13 for the LASIK group (P < 0.002). Mean uncorrected visual acuity after 6 months was 1.07 ± 0.12 for the PRK group and 0.90 ± 0.12 for the LASIK group (P < 0.001). Mean spherical equivalent after 6 months was −0.32 ± 0.22 D for the PRK group and −0.05 ± 0.52 D for the LASIK group (P < 0.024). Conclusion Uncorrected visual acuity 1 week after surgery is significantly better in eyes undergoing LASIK than in eyes undergoing PRK. Both procedures provide functional vision by 1 week after surgery. No refractive regression was noted after 6 months of follow-up.


The tense suffixes can express time, mode and aspect. In order to give the mode and tense values of the tense suffices in a correct fashion one must also define the specific aspect. In this study we will therefore not only focus on the mode and tense values of tense suffixes but also sometimes on the aspect in order to be able to show which function a suffix has in cases where tense and mode is not indicated. After the basic approaches to tense suffixes have been presented the tense suffixes will be evaluated in their own context in the light of these approaches and it will be attempted to define the tense and mode values. As it would lead too far to discuss all uses of tense suffixes only selected examples will be given.


Fan-out wafer level packaging (FO-WLP) is the fastest growing packaging technology. Besides providing greater number of IOs than could be obtained by fan-in wafer level packaging (WLP) it also offers interesting opportunities for multi-die packaging with minimum package dimensions. Combined inertial sensor is an established category of automotive sensor components. with of two or more MEMS sensor dies for 36 axis motion measurement and an interface circuit die. It is used for electronic chassis stability control (ESC) and for advanced driver assistant systems (ADAS). Currently the sensor is packaged in various standard or proprietary configurations: ceramic cavity packages, pre-molded plastic cavity packages, over-molded SOIC, PBGA. The demand is towards smaller foot print and smaller height, lower cost and better robustness to vibrations. FO-WLP offers some excellent characteristics like small size, compatible cost, vibration robustness and low stress to sensitive MEMS dies. Present work shows that it will also reach automotive reliability requirements and pass high temperature, thermal cycle and temperature-humidity tests. Three fracture mechanism of the solder ball IOs were identified at 2000 thermal cycles. Solder fatigue was no issue and by design changes two other mechanisms can be corrected. Two-fold redundancy will make an IO failure rate low enough. EMI and internal cross-talk protection was found better than with existing devices. Reversible humidity dependence due to moisture absorption by polyimide film was seen and a lay-out change was implemented to overcome it.


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

Oncogenic mutation of the KRas enzyme occurs frequently in human tumors and results in the constitutive activation of multiple signaling pathways. KRas mutation occurs in three specific codons, 12, 13, or 61, and involves the substitution of multiple amino acids. We observed in cancer cell lines containing activating mutations in KRas but not wild type KRas, that the Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 α (HIF-1α) is expressed and functional under normoxic conditions. HIF-1α itself has been implicated in multiple aspects of tumorigenesis, including survival and invasion. We have found that exogenous expression of wild type KRas or the introduction of oncogenic KRas into transformed cells, causes the expression of HIF-1α in normoxia, but has little or no effect on HIF-1α induction by hypoxia. Additionally, in cancer cells, the deletion of the oncogenic KRas allele, while preserving the wild type allele, silenced the normoxic expression of HIF-1α. To determine the mechanisms by which KRas elicits the expression of HIF-1α, we quantitated the expression of 176 phospho or total proteins utilized a Reverse Phase Protein Array (RPPA) of 74 highly characterized non small cell lung cancer lines (NSCLC's) including 22 NSCLS with oncogenic KRas under three different culture conditions (with serum, without serum and starved then stimulated with serum for 30 minutes). From this RPPA, we found that NSCLC lines containing oncogenic KRas expressed active serine 473 Akt at differing levels, dependent upon which amino acid substitution was present in KRas. Additionally, we found that the KRas activation of Akt signaling, along with other KRas dependent signals, was responsible for HIF-1 stabilization in a hypoxia independent manner. As previously suggested we find that through KRas and Akt driven signaling, KRas is able to overcome the oxygen driven mechanisms responsible for HIF-1α degradation by increased HIF-1α protein translation However, we additionally found that aerobic glycolysis driven by KRas and Akt, specifically the accumulation of the products of glycolysis, also contribute to HIF-1α expression in normoxia. Finally, genome wide mRNA profiling of a KRas transformed line with a stable shRNA mediated knockdown of HIF-1α compared it a vector control showed that under normoxic conditions, knockdown of HIF-1α down regulates several genes important to transformation, including growth factors previously associated with KRas induced transformation. This data suggests inhibitors of HIF-1α may be effective in tumors harboring the KRas oncogenes. Additionally, Akt and HIF-1α inhibitors may be more active when combined with other agents targeted to other signaling pathways activated by KRas in order to bypass resistance mediated by redundant KRas driven signaling pathways.

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


In response to seasonal variation in energy availability and thermal environment, physiological and endocrine mechanisms have evolved in temperate zone animals. Seasonal changes in hormone activity affect metabolism, body temperature, and reproductive activity. We examined the seasonal regulatory role of hormones on basal metabolic rate (BMR) and regulatory nonshivering thermogenesis (RNST) in 98 female and 17 male adult Eptesicus fuscus (big brown bat). We measured BMR, RNST, and plasma levels of thyroid hormone (T3), leptin, and cortisol in bats captured in maternity colonies in eastern Massachusetts from May to August (from arousal from the hibernation phase to the prehibernation phase). We hypothesized that all three hormones are seasonally primarily metabolic hormones and secondarily thermogenic hormones. In males, only BMR significantly changed seasonally. In females, all five variables significantly changed seasonally. The seasonal pattern of plasma leptin and cortisol levels correlated with the seasonal pattern of BMR, with an initial increase followed by a decrease, suggesting that leptin and cortisol are primarily metabolic hormones. The seasonal pattern of plasma T3 levels generally paralleled the basic seasonal pattern of RNST, with both increasing at the second half of the season, suggesting that T3 is primarily a thermogenic hormone. The observed decrease in plasma leptin levels may be necessary to allow for the observed seasonal decrease in BMR, with the similar cortisol pattern important for leptin regulation. While T3 is needed to maintain BMR, it may play a more critical role in the seasonal regulation of RNST than of BMR.


Epidural blood patching is an effective treatment for postdural puncture headache but has potential risks. Arachnoiditis is a very rare disabling condition and few cases have been described following an epidural blood patch. We present a case of chronic adhesive arachnoiditis in a parturient treated with a repeat epidural blood patch. A healthy 29-year-old woman had an accidental dural puncture following epidural insertion during labour. Initial treatment of postdural puncture headache with an epidural blood patch was ineffective and was therefore repeated. She gradually developed severe neurological symptoms consistent with arachnoiditis confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging. Despite intensive multimodal treatment with analgesics and physiotherapy, her neurological condition remains unresolved two years later. This serious but rare complication should encourage caution when treating parturients with postdural puncture headache with a repeat epidural blood patch.


INTRODUCTION
Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy recently rises as a new option in the treatment of ureteral calculi, particularly those of the greatest size, hardness or impactation. We describe such an indication to resolve a case of forgotten for more than eight years and severely obstructive ureteral stone.

PATIENT AND METHOD
A 64 years-old male received extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for a right distal ureteral stone and, simultaneously, a left impacted iliac ureteral calculi was discovered, at the confluence of an incomplete duplication of the ureter, for which treatment was recommended, but deferred by the patient. Eight years after, the same stone caused a massive dilatation with poor function of the upper pole moiety and slightly preserved function of the lower pole moiety of the left kidney. Two intents of retrograde ureteroscopy failed because of impossibility to reach the stone. Transperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy was performed in lateral decubitus position, with double J in place and three 10 mm ports. After identification of the dilated ureter, an V-shape ureterothomy was made and the stone mobilized and extracted. The ureter was stented and the ureterothomy closed with intracorporeal suture. The patient had a postoperative stage of four days and a mild functional recovery.

DISCUSSION
If the usual treatment options (extracorporeal lithotripsy and ureteroscopy with intracorporeal lithotripsy) failed, then laparoscopic ureterolithotomy is less invasive than open ureterolithotomy. However, the indications of laparoscopic ureterolithotomy are restricted because substantial laparoscopic experience is needed to cope with possible technical difficulties.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the change in intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement by Goldmann applanation tonometer after Laser in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia and myopic astigmatism, and to assess the correlation between the changes of lOP reading and the reduction of central corneal thickness (CCT) after LASIK in Thai patients.

STUDY DESIGN
Prospective correlational study.

MATERIAL AND METHOD
LASIK was performed on 65 eyes of 33 patients for correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. IOP was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometer before and 3 months after LASIK. The correlation between the change in IOP reading and the change in central corneal thickness were evaluated.

RESULTS
IOP reading was significantly reduced by mean of 2.9 +/- 2.5 mmHg (p = 0.0001). The authors used Pearson analysis to study the correlation between the change in IOP and the reduction of CCT. In subgroup analysis the patients were divided by degree of myopia: group 1, myopia less than -3 diopters (D) (n = 14); group 2, myopia -3 to -6 D (n = 31); group 3, myopia greater than -6 D (n = 20)). The result showed more correlation in higher myopia group (Pearson; r = 0.158 in group 3, r = -0.098 in group 2 and r = -0.102 in group 1).

CONCLUSION
Goldmann applanation tonometry underestimates the IOP in thin cornea. Variability in CCT is a potent confounder of this tonometry technique. Therefore, it has important implications for considering CCT measurement incorporated with Goldmann applanation tonometry for glaucoma diagnosis especially in myopic patients who undergo LASIK surgery.


The heat shock response has been extensively studied by a number of investigators to understand the molecular mechanism underlying the cellular response to severe heat stress (higher than 42°C). But, body or tissue temperature increases by only a few degrees Celsius during physiological events. Therefore, the physiological cellular response to mild heat stress rather than severe heat stress is likely to be more important. Repeated exposure to hyperthermia for consecutive 5 days induces heat acclimation which is an adaptive physiological process in humans and animals. However, thus far, the effect of continuous exposure to heat stress on cells has not been fully evaluated. In this study, we investigated an adaptive physiological process that is induced in culture cells by continuous exposure to mild heat stress for 5 days. Exposure to heat activated p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase; inhibited cell growth without apoptosis; and increased the levels of HSPs and HSF-1 in mouse fibroblast cells. Interestingly, exposure to heat regulated the expression of aquaporins and induced morphological change. In a physiological sense, these results suggested that continuous exposure to mild heat stress for 5 days, in which heat acclimation is attained in humans and animals, might induce molecular adaptation to heat in cells.


The aims of this study were 1) To evaluate retinal nerve fiber layer (fRNFL) thickness and ganglion cell layer plus inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness at the fovea in eyes affected with traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) compared with contralateral normal eyes, 2) to further evaluate these thicknesses within 3 weeks following trauma (defined as "early TON"), and 3) to investigate the relationship between these retinal layer thicknesses and visual function in TON eyes. Twenty-nine patients with unilateral TON were included. Horizontal and vertical spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans of the fovea were taken in patients with unilateral TON. The main outcome measure was thickness of the entire retina, fRNFL, and GCIPL in eight areas. Thickness of each retinal layer was compared between affected and unaffected eyes. The correlation between the thickness of each retinal layer and visual function parameters, including best corrected visual acuity, color vision, P100 latency, and P100 amplitude in visual evoked potential (VEP), mean deviation (MD) and visual field index (VFI) in Humphrey visual field analysis in TON eyes was analyzed. Thicknesses of the entire retina, fRNFL, and GCIPL in SD-OCT were significantly thinner (3–36%) in all measurement areas of TON eyes compared to those in healthy eyes (all p<0.05). Whereas, only GCIPL in the outer nasal, superior, and inferior areas was significantly thinner (5–10%) in the early TON eyes than that in the control eyes (all p<0.01). A significant correlation was detected between retinal layer thicknesses and visual function parameters including color vision, P100 latency and P100 amplitude in VEP, MD, and VFI (particularly P100 latency, MD, and VFI) (r = -0.70 to 0.84). Among the retinal layers analyzed in this study, GCIPL (particularly in the superior and inferior areas) was most correlated with these five visual function parameters (r = -0.70 to 0.71). Therefore, evaluation of morphological change of each retinal layer using SD-OCT can help in understanding TON pathophysiology and indirectly assessing visual function. Moreover, evaluation of the morphological change of the GCIPL in TON eyes may be useful to assess visual function in patients with early TON.


Abstract. Airborne wind energy systems (AWES) aim to operate at altitudes above conventional wind turbines where reliable high resolution wind data is scarce. Wind LiDAR measurements and mesoscale models both have their advantages and disadvantages when assessing the wind resource at such heights. This article investigates whether assimilating measurements into the mesoscale WRF model using observation nudging generates a more accurate, complete data set. The impact of continuous observation nudging at multiple altitudes on simulated wind conditions is compared to an unnudged reference run and to the LiDAR measurements themselves. We compare the impact on wind speed and direction for individual days, average diurnal variability and long term statistics. Finally, wind speed data is used to estimate optimal traction power and operating altitudes of AWES. Observation nudging improves the overall accuracy of WRF. Close to the surface the impact of nudging is limited as effects of the air-surface interaction dominate, but becomes more prominent at mid-altitudes and decreases towards high altitudes. The wind speed probability distribution shows a multi-modality caused by changing atmospheric stability conditions. Based on a simplified AWES model the most probable optimal altitude will be around 400 m. Such systems will benefit from dynamically adjusting their operating altitude.


ABSTRACT Dysfunctional histone deacetylases (HDACs) elicit unrestrained fibrosis and damage to organs. With regard to the link between HDACs and fibrosis, this research is practiced to decipher the concrete mechanism of HDAC3 in hyperuricemia (HN)-induced renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) from microRNA-19b-3p/splicing factor 3b subunit 3 (miR-19b-3p/SF3B3) axis. The HN model was established on rats to induce RIF by oral administration of adenine and potassium oxalate. HN rats were injected with miR-19b-3p- or HDAC3-related vectors to figure out their effects on RIF through detecting 24-h urine protein, uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Scr) contents and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and fibronectin (FN) contents in renal tissues and observing pathological damages and RIF index of renal tissues. HDAC3, miR-19b-3p and SF3B3 expression in renal tissues were tested, along with their interactions. Elevated HDAC3 and SF3B3 and reduced miR-19b-3p were displayed in renal tissues of HN rats. Suppressed HDAC3 or promoted miR-19b-3p relieved HN-induced RIF, as reflected by their inhibitory effects on 24 h urine protein, UA, BUN, Scr, α-SMA, TGF-β1, and FN contents and RIF index and their ameliorated effects on pathological damages of renal tissues. HDAC3 bound to the promoter of miR-19b-3p to regulate SF3B3. MiR-19b-3p depletion abrogated down-regulated HDAC3-induced effects on HN-induced RIF. It is delineated that depressed HDAC3 relives HN-induced RIF through restoring miR-19b-3p and knocking down SF3B3, replenishing the references for RIF curing.


Services such as interactive video and real time gaming are ubiquitous on modern networks. The approaching realisation of 5G as well as the virtualisation and scalability of network functions made possible by technologies such as NFV and Kubernetes pushes the frontiers of what applications can do and how they can be deployed. However, managing such intangible services is a real challenge for network management systems. Adaptive Policy is an approach that can be applied to govern such services in an intent-based manner.In this work, we are exploring if the manner in which such services are deployed, virtualized, and scaled can be guided using real time context aware decision making. We are investigating how to apply Adaptive Policy to the problem of optimizing interactive video streaming delivery in a virtualized environment. We utilise components of our previously established test bed framework and implement a single layer neural network through Adaptive Policy, in which weights assigned to network metrics are continuously adjusted through supervised test cycles, resulting in weights in proportion to their associated impact on our video stream quality. We present the initial test results from our Perceptron inspired policy-based approach to video quality optimisation through weighted network resource evaluation.


Bacterial community composition can change as a result of increased nutrient loads and may be useful for assessing ecosystem health in estuaries. However, the ability to understand how bacterial communities respond to increased nutrient concentrations is limited by the paucity of communitylevel bacterial base data, in particular for tropical estuaries. Our aim was to describe and compare the bacterial community in the water column and sediments across tropical tidal creeks in Darwin Harbour (NT). The authors assessed the relationship between communities and increased nutrient loads, comparing sites with sewage effluent inputs to control sites. In this tropical estuary, bacterial species richness and diversity in water increased with increased nutrient load. This result suggests that there is an untapped resource of bacteria that should be explored as potential water quality indicators for receiving environments. The authors' work has shown that taxa such as Aeromonas, Azomonas and various cyanobacteria have potential as water quality indicators, not just for public health but also as measures of ecosystem health.


Doxorubicin (Dox) may induce loss of follicles, resulting in the depletion of ovarian reserve and consequent premature ovarian failure. Selenium (Se) is an oligoelement with fundamental biological features and is among the most common chemical inhibitor compounds. The present study describes the curative effects of dietary supplementation with different Se doses on Dox-induced ovarian damage in rats. In this study, 64 adult female Wistar rats were randomly separated into eight groups: Control group, Dox group (5 mg/kg intraperitoneal [i.p.]), low-dose Se (0.5 mg/kg i.p.), middle dose Se (1 mg/kg i.p.), high dose (Se 2 mg/kg i.p.), Dox + low-dose Se group (0.5 mg/kg i.p.), Dox + middle dose Se (1 mg/kg i.p.), and Dox + high-dose Se group (2 mg/kg i.p.). After the experiment, ovarian follicles were counted, and Antimüllerian hormone, interleukin 1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and caspase-3 expression were determined. Levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were biochemically measured in ovarian tissue. Dox caused ovarian injury, as evidenced by significant changes in ovarian markers, histological abnormalities, and the debilitation of antioxidant defense mechanisms. Furthermore, Dox therapy significantly changed the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic markers. Dox + 1 mg Se with various saturations was studied, and this study demonstrated both histopathological and follicular reserve and more protective features. 1 mg Se pretreatment improved Dox-induced ovarian toxicity through alleviating the antioxidant mechanism, decreasing inflammation and apoptosis, and restoring ovarian architecture. As a result, our findings indicate that 1 mg Se is a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention of ovarian damage associated with Dox.


A study was conducted to observe the effects of diets containing varying levels of roasted Delonix regia seed meal on the milk quality and milk yield from Savanna brown does using fifteen nulliparous does. The animals were allotted to five treatment groups of three replicates each in a completely randomized design and fed isocaloric and isonitrogenous treatment diets designated T 1 , T 2 , T 3 , T 4 and T 5 which had the groundnut cake component substituted with Delonix regia seed meal at 0 %, 25 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 % respectively. Data on milk quality and yield were collected and subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the differences between the means were separated using the Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The results obtained showed that animals fed diets with 50 % of groundnut cake replaced with roasted Delonix regia seed meal performed better with respect to all the milk parameters evaluated, with a decline in these parameters at dietary levels above 50 %. It was concluded that feeding diets having 50 % replacement level of groundnut cake with roasted Delonix regia seed meal is a nutritionally effective means of improving the performance of does in terms of the performance parameters so evaluated. Key words: Delonix regia , savanna brown does, milk quality


In two recent papers, Brayton and Tong developed some significant results which are the basis of a constructive approach in the stability analysis of dynamical systems. Although their algorithm is powerful, it taxes the capabilities of most modern computers when the dimension of a system is high or even when the dimension is moderate in size. In this paper we remove these difficulties to a certain extent by generalizing the work of Brayton and Tong to interconnected dynamical systems. In our approach, the analysis of complex dynamical systems (which may be of high dimension) is accomplished in terms of the qualitative properties of the free subsystems and the interconnections of such systems.


Tariff and non-tariff trade barriers have become a common topic in the current trading environment. Food safety and quality standards prevailing at the national and international levels can act as non-tariff barriers for trade, especially for the developing countries like Sri Lanka heavily dependent on agricultural trade. The present study analyzed this issue empirically using the Gravity Model approach, focusing on the special case of the ISO 22000 food safety metasystem and the food safety standards linked with the Maximum Residue Levels (MRL) on major tea exporting nations in the world. Country specific variables such as distance to trading partners, country's GDP and population, whether the country is landlocked or not, whether the nation shared a common language and had colonial ties with trading partners, were examined together with the effects of the introduction of quality standards such as ISO22000 and Minimum Residue level requirements. The results revealed that the impact of the introduction of ISO 22000 had been positive. A unit increase of the standards has led to more than three-fold increase in total global tea exports. The MRL requirement, however, surprisingly indicated an insignificant negative impact. Relaxation of quality standards by major importing countries would reduce the export volumes. Total population and the importing and exporting countries being landlocked were also found significant. The study thus found evidence to conclude that a metasystem like ISO 22000 could have trade facilitating effect, quite contrary to the common belief that food safety standards hinder global agricultural trade, and that Sri Lanka could secure long-term positive effects on tea exports to the European Union and Japan through the adoption of such a metasystem.


The main aim of the study is to find the gap between expectations and perceptions of entrepreneurial students regarding the service quality of the Entrepreneurial Development Program (EDP) they are enrolled at the idea-GYM, Central University of Technology in the Free State Province, South Africa. Expectations of a customer or a student refer to the beliefs about a service delivered by a company or institution as a standard or reference point against which the performance of the service received afterwards is judged. Knowing what the customer or student expects is a very important departure point in overall service delivery process. Customer perceived value is all about the quality service received and the satisfaction levels around the received service. Satisfaction is generally the broader concept, while service quality is focused specifically on the service delivery dimensions.  A stratified random sampling technique was used to collect the data from the EDP students on the program of 2021 and 2022. Students completed the questionnaire on expectations before they started with the EDP program and then after the last session of the program, they completed the perception questionnaire. The results indicated that there were differences between the expectations and perceptions of the students related specifically to empathy and tangible dimensions of service quality. There were some significant differences between the expectations and perceptions of the students towards the service quality of the EDP which in most cases the perceptions were higher than what they expected beforehand from the program. Research limitations: The data was only collected from the current students attending the EDP program in 2021 and 2022. Moreover, the study focused only on the EDP program and the content within the program. The research methodology of this study is based on a pre-evaluation (expectations of the EDP program) and a post-evaluation (perceptions of the EDP program) after they were done with the content of the program.


The body surface is an essential interface that dynamically reflects states inside and outside the body. To realize a computer mediated embodied interaction, focusing on its characteristic as a visual display, we propose dynamically intervening in the shape of the body surface. In this paper, we define the design requirement for a system that deforms the body surface, organize the design space, and build a prototype. Dynamic Derm is a prototype that dynamically deforms clothes by pushing them up from inside, where and each module can present two degrees of freedom in translation. We investigated the spatial accuracy of the system, the actuator response under load and a clothes deformation as a basic technical evaluation of the system. We also designed several presentation scenarios based on the design space, and conducted a qualitative evaluation of the adequacy of their representations.


A method is proposed by which an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network can directly provide a connectionless data service in a customer premises network. Cells that carry connectionless messages are routed to their destination based on an address written in the VPI/VCI field. This is performed directly by the ATM switches, without any overlay switching functions. The method applies to one addressing domain, which can match a customer premises network. The basic protocols and a buffer protection scheme which can be employed for implementing the service are given. For destinations outside the domain, the protocols allow a transparent use of the connectionless service defined by the CCITT.<<ETX>>


The Ambulatory Oncology Patient Satisfaction Survey (AOPSS) is a standardized instrument to assess the overall cancer patient experience. This study retrospectively investigated differences in care experiences and satisfaction among ambulatory oncology patients who self-identified as receiving outpatient therapies for curative intent or for symptom or disease control. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the AOPSS collected between February and April 2019 within the provincial cancer program in Alberta, Canada. There were 2104 participants who returned the survey, representing a 52.7% response rate. This nationally validated survey gathers patient care experiences and satisfaction across six domains of person-centred care. Treatment intent was characterized by adding a new "goal of treatment" question. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann–Whitney U tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVAs). Cancer patients' treatment goals were found to be significantly associated with key patient characteristics like age, sex, tumour group, and the locations where they received care. Patients whose self-identified goal of treatment was to cure their cancer reported significantly higher levels of satisfaction and a more positive experience in five out of the six person-centred care domains. Results identify marked differences in satisfaction and experience between these two patient groups even though they both received care in the same ambulatory environments. A better understanding of the experience and satisfaction of non-curative cancer patients could allow for a more holistic and supportive approach to patient care. In addition, an early palliative approach to care is recommended for improved patient outcomes.


Numerical results from an investigation of the Optimal control of a parabolic distributed parameter system are presented. The results from a matrix Riccati formulation are contrasted with those using a variable metric method. Spurious oscillations in the optimal control given by the Riccati algorithm are shown to stem from the use of Simpson's rule to approximate the integrals. It is concluded that the trapezoidal rule is to be preferred.


Thermal aspects of geological processes play a central role in tectonophysics. The thermal state of the lithosphere also has a bearing on studies in other earth science disciplines such as seismology, petrology, geochemistry and volcanology. In this report we attempt to emphasize these interrelationships, within a framework of plate tectonic and other geodynamic processes. This review first addresses thermal processes at plate margins, including processes at spreading ridges and rifts, transform faults, and plate convergence zones. Thermal processes in plate interiors are discussed next; this encompasses largely epeirogenic vertical movements that result in basin formation arid plateau uplift, and in thermal rejuvenation by hot spots. Finally, the thermal state and evolution of both oceanic and continental lithosphere is followed for different periods in earth history. Heat flow observations are described in terms of the constraints they provide for the respective large scale thermal processes.


The hybrid micro gird is growing due to the potential benefits in providing safe, reliable and sustainable electricity from renewable energy sources. In this paper, we are discussing the multiple energy sources i.e. PV/Fuel cell and wind based hybrid microgrid with help of simulation approach to improve the power quality in microgrid with ANN control. The artificial neural network control is used for dc/ac conversion with PWM and DVR control to improve the power quality. A small hybrid microgrid has been modeled and simulated using the simulink in the MATLAB. The simulation results are comparing with Pi control.


The range of drugs available to treat people with Parkinson's disease has never been greater. However, patients still encounter difficulties in non-specialist settings where there is often confusion over drug selection, dosage and the timing of dosages. Small adjustments to the type of drug used, dosage and timing can have a significant impact on the control of Parkinson's disease and with it the quality of life of patients, carers and their families. This article provides a brief overview of Parkinson's disease including how to identify poor symptom control.


www.omicsonline.org/open-access/water-level-fluctuation-as-the-sum-of-environmental-and-anthropogenicactivities-in-southeast-punjab-india-2161-0525-1000298.phpCoastal areas provide important benefits to humans in terms of food resources and ecosystem services. At the same time, human activities can have significant negative impacts on the health of ecosystems. Thus, control of pollution of watersheds, as well as necessary, it is essential to reduce and systematically eliminate today impactful consequences that are evident in marine and estuarine ecosystems. The present study investigated the extent of metals distribution at Sepetiba bay watershed. Five sampling sites were selected for the analysis of surface sediments. Samples were collected from February 2013 to September 2014 and analysed for the concentrations of As, Cd, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni, and Co, using ICP. For control, some samples were used in uncontaminated areas outside the direct effect from chemical industries. The data indicate that the sediments in the research sites are contaminated. However, the levels found, although near the limits are shown below the maximum permitted concentrations established by Brazilian reference. The result of this study can be used to intervene in the pollution Sepetiba bay watershed, guiding direct actions in the effluents discharged by industries as well as in environmental management.


ABSTRACT Although intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an innovative treatment for male infertility, a significant number of clinical cases of fertilization failure remain. ICSI overcomes the difficulty in fertilization of sperm entry into the egg cytoplasm. The goal of fertilization, however, is the union of the male and female genomes; sperm incorporation into the oocyte is only the start of fertilization. Human sperm must perform three vital functions after entering the egg: it contributes to the male genome, awakens the quiescent egg, and crystallizes the motility apparatus that unites the sperm and egg nuclei, consummating the fertilization process. During fertilization in most mammalian species, including humans, the sperm introduces the centrosome, which acts as a microtubule organizing center (MTOC). By promoting pronuclear apposition and mitotic spindle formation, the sperm plays the leading part in the induction of "motility", post-ICSI, in fertilization. The present review introduces the challenges remaining in functional assessment of the human sperm centrosome and discusses the biparental (e.g. rabbit) and maternal (e.g. parthenogenesis) centrosomal contributions to microtubule organization during development.


OBJECTIVE
To develop an epiduroscopic technique for use in standing cattle and describe the endoscopically visible anatomic structures of the epidural space in the sacrococcygeal area.

ANIMALS
6 healthy nonlactating, nonpregnant cows (mean +/- SD age, 60 +/- 18.5 months; mean weight, 599.7 +/- 63.87 kg) and 3 bovine cadavers.

PROCEDURES
Cadavers were used to allow familiarization with the equipment and refinement of the technique. Following these experiences, procedures were performed in live animals. Each cow was restrained in a stock. After sedation with xylazine (0.03 mg/kg, IV), 2% lidocaine hydrochloride (0.25 mg/kg) was injected epidurally in the first intercoccygeal or the sacrococcygeal intervertebral space. By use of an introducer set (guidewire and dilation trocar and shaft), a flexible endoscope (length, 75 cm; diameter, 2.3 mm) was inserted through the dilation shaft into the epidural space. To obtain an optimal view, small amounts of air were insufflated into the epidural space through the working channel of the endoscope via a syringe with special filter.

RESULTS
Anatomic structures of the epidural space that were viewed by means of the endoscopic procedure included blood vessels, connective tissue, fat, nerves, and the spinal dura mater. No adverse events were detected during epiduroscopy, and it was tolerated well by all 6 cows.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
In ruminants, epidural structures can be viewed via endoscopy. Such epiduroscopic procedures may be useful in anatomic studies as well as for the diagnosis of disease or therapeutic interventions in ruminants.


Research results from Nielsen Company July 2017 mentions that Generation Millenials, aged 20-34 years prefer internet and cinema media to get content. Thus, at least millenials in the campus environment have the potential to experience radicalization in religious thought. The purpose of this study to determine the efforts of an institution or organization to minimize radicalization through the use of official websites and social media accounts. The sample of the research focuses on Instagram account "Pesantren Krapyak" Yogyakarta, Twitter account "NU Garis Lucu", Official Website "NU Online", Website of Universitas Wahid Hasyim, and IAIN Metro Lampung Website. This research is library research type with documentation data collection method. The results suggest that social media accounts and official websites owned by institutions can be a tool to minimize deradicalization in millenials. These efforts can be done through content that contains the substance of peace signals, news about the cooperation of mass organizations, cultural articles of politeness in religion, news results Ta'lim Pondok Pesatren, Quote Kiai containing peace, and scientific articles through the Open Journal System. Implication of this research is that social media accounts of institutions or communities and official websites owned by organizations have the potential to deradicalize millennials Keywords—Religious deradicalization; radicalization; Millenials; website; social media.


The association of political clans with traditional politics, vote buying, impunity and other detrimental practices in Philippine politics is well documented in the academic literature. And in very recent studies, political dynasties have also been shown to be associated with deeper poverty — where there are fatter dynasties (i.e. political clan members occupying positions together) there tend to be increased poverty and underdevelopment. This paper provides an update on the over-all leadership patterns in the country, incorporating the results from the May 2016 elections. Over-all, when considering the results of the 2016 elections, the Philippines' local governments became even more dynastic with over 80% of Governors and around 78% of Representatives belonging to political clans. Based on the present trend, we estimate that almost 70% of the entire local government leadership will be dynastic by 2040.


Conventional productivity evaluation criteria are inadequate to evaluate subsistence livestock production, because 1) they fail to capture non-marketable benefits of the livestock, and 2) the core concept of a single limiting input is inappropriate to subsistence production, as multiple limiting inputs (livestock, labour, and land) are involved in the production process. As many of the livestock functions as possible (physical and socio-economic) should be aggregated into monetary values and related to the resources used, irrespective of whether these "products" are marketed, home-consumed or maintained for later use. A broad evaluation model involving three complementary flock-level productivity indices was applied to evaluate subsistence goat production in eastern Ethiopian highlands. The results showed that indigenous goat flocks generated significantly higher net benefits under improved than under traditional management, which challenges the prevailing notion in countries like Ethiopia that indigenous livestock do not adequately respond to improvements in the level of management. It is then concluded that the evaluation model not only allows a broad aggregation of benefits from subsistence livestock, but also provides a more realistic platform to propose sound improvement interventions.


The psycho pedagogy facilitates the processes of learning; it aims to understand the complexity of factors involved in this process and to solve the problems of learning through a dynamic intervention. This study aimed to find out the aspect of psychopedagogic on EFL learners' performance at IAIN of Manado. This study applied a qualitative approach using a case study design in which researchers conducted the in-depth exploration of the events, processes, and learning activities. The subject of this study was five students of English Education Department of IAIN of Manado who have good performance in English. The researcherswerethe key instrument who participated actively in the learning activities. In collecting data, the researchers used observation, interview, field note and documentation. The data were analyzed concurrently with the data collection interactively through the process of data reduction, display and verification using domain analysis, taxonomic, conventional, and cultural theme analysis. The researchers found that there were some psychopedagogical aspects employed by the teachers which contributed to the EFL students' performance, such motivation, age, formal presentation, L1, and environment


A mobile agent (MA) is an autonomous and identifiable software process that travels through a network of heterogeneous machines and acts autonomously on behalf of the user. Improving the survivability of MA in presence of various faults is the major issue concerned with implementation of MA. This paper presents a hierarchical fault tolerance protocol (HFTP) for mobile agents, which can tolerate host failure, system failure as well as link failure by grouping the hosts within a network and rear guard based migration of MA in the global network. It also presents Colored Petri Net (CPN) based architectural modeling of HFTP, which includes systematic specification, design and implementation of components of the system. Various useful results have been drawn by simulation as well as data collector and monitoring tools. We also present a formal analysis of the protocol.


In acute lung injury (ARDS) oxygenation is essential. It is determined by the volume of lungs ventilated during the entire respiratory cycle. Therefore, the central objective of this study is an image-based quantification of ventilated lung volume in order to determine the part of recruitable atelectasis with the goal of optimizing ventilation strategies. Dynamic acquisitions of 11 mechanically ventilated pigs (PEEP 0 or 5 mbar) have been conducted using 128-slice MDCT before and after induction of ARDS by surfactant wash-out. Total acquisition time was 26s over a detector range of 8cm. At all-time points of the respiratory cycle, image volumes have been analyzed semi-automatically with a software (YACTA) developed in-house. YACTA-based analysis shows a strong correlation of cyclic variations induced by respiration and lung parenchyma density values of morphologically well-ventilated (WV) lung volume [-900; -501HU], hypoventilated (HV) volume [-500; -101HU] and atelectasis (A) [-100; 100HU]. While the volume of HV lungs shows no shift, the WV lung volume increases (57% to 67%) and A decreases (18% to 12%) by increasing PEEP after ARDS induction. ARDS-induced A varies during the breathing cycle which corresponds to cyclic recruitment of lung parenchyma. Through the use of dynamic CT and software-based evaluation it is possible to quantify effects of ARDS and the clinical effects of different automated mechanical ventilation regimes throughout the whole respiratory cycle for the first time. Translation of this setting into clinical treatment is technically feasible. It could make an important contribution to individualized optimization of ventilation parameters.


Around 70% of global family owned manufacturing firms fail after the first generation, over 86% fail after the second generation, and more than 97% fail after the third generation. Likewise, although Tanzanian family owned manufacturing firms increased by 50% between 1960's and early 1970s, only 13% of them survived to 2015. The study aimed at establishing the sources of conflicts of interest stemming from succession planning and thus hinders the survival of FOMFs and how the proposed problem solving factors relate with the survival of family owned manufacturing firms. Descriptive quantitative research and cross-sectional field survey was employed by this study. The units of analysis were managers, directors and chief executive officers of the family owned manufacturing firms in Dar es Salaam region. The sample size was 384 respondents from 37 family owned manufacturing firms selected by simple random sampling. Multiple linear regression analysis was used for data analysis. External recruitment of the successor and incompetent successor were revealed as the major sources of conflicts of interest rooting from succession planning. Internal recruitment of the successor and successor factors-work fit were revealed as the factors for solving the conflicts of interest between the management and the principal which emanate from succession planning and were empirically tested. The findings show that internal recruitment of the successor has the significant effect on International Journal of Science Arts and Commerce Vol. 5 No 1, January-2020 www.ijsac.net Page 35 the survival of family owned manufacturing firms. Furthermore, successor factors-work fit has the positive and significant effect on the survival of family owned manufacturing firms.


Background Accountability pressure is rising in healthcare, and this demonstrates that the quality of care provided within a residential care setting is of utmost importance. Hostmanship is a quality improvement program focusing on person-centered care in residential care settings. Objectives This study aimed to explore the influencing factors for job satisfaction and intention to leave among healthcare workers and the difference in job satisfaction and intention to leave the employer between residential care centers with and without Hostmanship. Methods A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted in sixteen Flemish residential care settings in Belgium. A total of 293 participants completed the questionnaire, divided into two groups: the group with Hostmanship (n = 139), at least one year into a change process implementing Hostmanship, and the group without the Hostmanship program (n = 154). Hierarchical logistic regression analysis estimated effects between demographic characteristics (block one), facility management, staffing and Hostmanship (block two), work characteristics (block three), and work engagement or burnout dimensions (block four) as explanatory variables of job satisfaction and turnover intention as outcome variables. Results This study confirmed the positive impact of social capital and decision latitude on staff member job satisfaction, as shown in previous findings. Age and workload were associated with turnover intentions. A hierarchical logistic regression model explained 68.7 % of the variance in workers' job satisfaction, and a hierarchical logistic regression explained 49.2% of the variance in their intent to leave. Also, no effects were found for Hostmanship on staff job satisfaction and intention to leave. Conclusions This study shows how a quality improvement project such as Hostmanship could produce counterintuitive results for organizations in elderly residential centers. However, results inconsistent with literature were found. It is unclear whether Hostmanship warrants job satisfaction or retaining personnel. Future research must take into consideration success factors when implementing new quality initiatives. A general framework for successful implementation in the healthcare sector should be provided.


Administration of growth hormone (GH) results in increased body weight gain in dogs. Increased body weight gain is believed to be a result of the trophic effect of GH on the musculoskeletal system. However, edema is one of the side effects described in man following exogenous GH administration. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine if the expected increased weight gain in GH-treated dogs is a result of increased muscle mass. Porcine growth hormone (pGH), administered subcutaneously to beagle dogs at doses of 0.025, 0.1, and 1 IU/kg/day for 14 wk, resulted in elevated serum GH and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels (see accompanying paper, Prahalada et al). This was associated with a significant increase in body weight gain and weights of the cranial tibialis muscle in both male and female dogs. The increased muscle mass likely contributed to the significant increase in body weight gain seen in both sexes. Quantitative analysis of skeletal muscle sections stained for ATPase activity showed increases in type I (slow twitch) and type II (fast twitch) myofiber sizes in mid- and high-dose males and in high-dose females. The ratio of type I and type II muscle fibers remained unchanged. Hypertrophic myofibers were enlarged but had a normal histologic and ultrastructural organization when observed by light and transmission electron microscopy. The results of this study have demonstrated that increased muscle mass in pGH-treated dogs is related to hypertrophy of muscle fibers and not due to edema. Exogenous GH administration has an anabolic effect on skeletal muscle in dogs.


Reptiles include more than 10'000 species that collectively exhibit an outstanding variety of phenotypes. Yet, sequencing resources for representatives of this group are scarce, thus much additional data is required to improve our knowledge of their evolution, diversification and development. First, we built the 'Reptilian Transcriptome Database v2.0', providing an extensive annotation of transcriptomes and genomes from species covering the major lineages of the Class Reptilia using a single pipeline to facilitate downstream comparative analyses. We then built large concatenated protein sequence alignments of single-copy genes and uncovered the phylogenetic positions of turtles and the tuatara as sister groups of Archosauria and Squamata, respectively. Second, we assembled and annotated three versions of the corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) genome, improving its quality and contiguity following the advances in sequencing techniques in the last five years. Our first draft genome was 1.53 Gb long with an N50 of 3.7 Kb and an L50 of 94,091 sequences, whereas the final version totals 1.72 Gb with an N50 of 15.5 Mb and an L50 of 25 sequences. In other words, the combined use of 10x Genomics sequencing and BioNano optical mapping resulted in a 4,000-fold contiguity improvement, making the corn snake genome one of the best reptilian genomes currently assembled. In addition, we modelled with the MAKER and BRAKER annotation pipelines 26,540 and 27,994 genes supported by evidence data, respectively.


Context. In the course of a close approach to planets or stars, the morphological and dynamical properties of rubble-pile small bodies can be dramatically modified, and some may catastrophically break up, as in the case of comet Shoemaker-Levy 9. This phenomenon is of particular interest for the understanding of the evolution and population of small bodies, and for making predictions regarding the outcomes of future encounters. Previous numerical explorations have typically used methods that do not adequately represent the nature of rubble piles. The encounter outcomes and influence factors are still poorly constrained.
Aims. Based on recent advances in modeling rubble-pile physics, we aim to provide a better understanding of the tidal encounter processes of rubble piles through soft-sphere discrete element modeling (SSDEM) and to establish a database of encounter outcomes and their dependencies on encounter conditions and rubble-pile properties.
Methods. We performed thousands of numerical simulations using the SSDEM implemented in the N-body code pkdgrav to study the dynamical evolution of rubble piles during close encounters with the Earth. The effects of encounter conditions, material strength, arrangement, and resolution of constituent particles are explored.
Results. Three typical tidal encounter outcomes are classified, namely: deformation, mass shedding, and disruption, ranging from mild modifications to severe damages of the progenitor. The outcome is highly dependent on the encounter conditions and on the structure and strength of the involved rubble pile. The encounter speed and distance required for causing disruption events are much smaller than those predicted by previous studies, indicating a smaller creation rate of tidally disrupted small body populations. Extremely elongated fragments with axis ratios ~1:6 can be formed by moderate tidal encounters. Our analyses of the spin-shape evolution of the largest remnants reveal reshaping mechanisms of rubble piles in response to tidal forces, which is consistent with stable rubble-pile configurations derived by continuum theory. A case study for Shoemaker-Levy 9 suggests a low bulk density (0.2–0.3 g cc−1) for its progenitor.


A 32-yr-old active duty United States Navy Lieutenant Naval Flight Officer (NFO), 6 mo status post photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in both eyes performed as part of the first protocol to evaluate laser refractive surgery in aviators, ejected from a Navy S-3B Viking aircraft while performing field carrier landing practice. Neither the pilot nor the NFO suffered physical consequences as a result of the ejection. Coincidentally, the NFO had been examined just 1 wk before the mishap and was noted to have uncorrected visual acuity of 20/16 in each eye. Examination 1 wk following the mishap could not detect a change in vision. The NFO's vision status and his post-PRK status was not listed as a causal factor in the mishap. While this case report will not settle the debate regarding the appropriateness of refractive surgery in aviators, it does provide anecdotal evidence to support the safety of PRK in the aviation community.


ABSTRACT Sepsis is associated with an activation of the renin-angiotensin system and causes acute kidney injury. The aim was to examine the effects of a low, nondepressor dose of the selective angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist candesartan on renal hemodynamics and function in endotoxemic rats. Endotoxemia was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by a dose of LPS (Escherichia coli O127:B8; 7.5 mg kg−1, i.p.). At 16 h after endotoxin administration, renal clearance experiments were performed in thiobutabarbital anesthetized rats. Study groups (1) sham-saline, (2) LPS-saline, and (3) LPS-candesartan received isotonic saline or candesartan (10 &mgr;g kg−1, i.v.) after baseline measurements. Kidney function, renal blood flow (RBF), and cortical and outer medullary perfusion (laser-Doppler flowmetry) and oxygen tension (PO2; Clark-type microelectrodes) were analyzed during 2 h after drug administration. At baseline, endotoxemic rats showed an approximately 50% reduction in glomerular filtration rate and RBF (P < 0.05), a decline in cortical and outer medullary perfusion, and Po2 (P < 0.05), but no significant alterations in MAP compared with saline-injected controls. Candesartan treatment significantly improved RBF (+40% ± 6% vs. baseline), cortical perfusion (+18% ± 3% vs. baseline), and cortical (+19% ± 7% vs. baseline) and outer medullary (+22% ± 10% vs. baseline) Po2 in endotoxemic rats (P < 0.05 vs. LPS-saline). Candesartan did not significantly influence MAP or glomerular filtration rate, whereas filtration fraction was reduced by 27% ± 5% vs. baseline (P < 0.05 vs. LPS-saline). In conclusion, candesartan, in a dose that did not significantly decrease MAP, caused renal vasodilation and markedly improved RBF and intrarenal Po2 in endotoxemic rats. These findings suggest renoprotective effects of candesartan in sepsis.


Using Census and CPS data, we show that U.S.-born Mexican Americans who marry non-Mexicans are substantially more educated and English proficient, on average, than are Mexican Americans who marry co-ethnics (whether they be Mexican Americans or Mexican immigrants). In addition, the non-Mexican spouses of intermarried Mexican Americans possess relatively high levels of schooling and English proficiency, compared to the spouses of endogamously married Mexican Americans. The human capital selectivity of Mexican intermarriage generates corresponding differences in the employment and earnings of Mexican Americans and their spouses. Moreover, the children of intermarried Mexican Americans are much less likely to be identified as Mexican than are the children of endogamous Mexican marriages. These forces combine to produce strong negative correlations between the education, English proficiency, employment, and earnings of Mexican-American parents and the chances that their children retain a Mexican ethnicity. Such findings raise the possibility that selective ethnic "attrition" might bias observed measures of intergenerational progress for Mexican Americans.


Computational approaches in historical linguistics have been increasingly applied during the past decade and many new methods that implement parts of the traditional comparative method have been proposed. Despite these increased efforts, there are not many easy-to-use and fast approaches for the task of phonological reconstruction. Here we present a new framework that combines state-of-the-art techniques for automated sequence comparison with novel techniques for phonetic alignment analysis and sound correspondence pattern detection to allow for the supervised reconstruction of word forms in ancestral languages. We test the method on a new dataset covering six groups from three different language families. The results show that our method yields promising results while at the same time being not only fast but also easy to apply and expand.


The first half of this book, "The Radiologic Examination of the Petrous Portion of the Temporal Bone," is written by Wesley E. Compere, Jr., MD, associate clinical professor of surgery (otolaryngology) at the University of Southern California School of Medicine. It consists of four chapters, including "Radiologic Signs of Petrosal Disease, Absorptive or Destructive Manifestations"; "The Mastoid Process and Tympanic Cavity"; "Eustachian Tube"; and "Techniques." Galdino Valvassori, a radiologist who has pioneered and contributed most of the original work on temporal bone laminography in this country, has written the second half of the atlas. It includes "Normal Roentgenographic Anatomy"; "Pathologic Conditions of the Ear"; "Inflammatory Processes"; "Neoplastic Conditions"; and "Otosclerosis—Pre-and Postoperative Evaluation." More editing prior to publication would have made this a more valuable book; nevertheless, it represents a worthwhile contribution and is highly recommended.


The goal of this appendix is to introduce the reader to some of the most useful reference map resources now available through the World Wide Web (WWW). The maps presented in earlier versions of this appendix have been eliminated, since they are no longer updated and the most common methods of access and retrieval of up‐to‐date reference maps are now through the WWW. It should be noted that the very nature of the WWW is dynamic change. New sites appear and old ones disappear with somewhat disruptive regularity. The sites mentioned here are the most likely to remain stable, and thus to remain useful for the human gene mapper.


This paper aspires to provide a reflection, inspired from personal experience, on online education at the university level in Morocco. The data has been gathered by means of recently published literature on online education to enable the researcher to be at a better position to critically evaluate concepts, methodologies and teaching approaches in tandem with online education. The use of information technology to publicly promote the renewal and revival of education in general and teaching in particular is a blatant epistemological marker of our education model's progress in terms of digitalization and computerization of educational resources via different robust national programs, such as MARWAN (2002), GENIE (2005), NAFIDA (2008), INJAZ (2009) and LAWHATI (2015). In fact, this has given rise to emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data (BD) and the Internet of Things (IOT). In this regard, it must be noted that the current Moroccan education system exhibits diversified online education trends both in form and content, and thus this new paradigm of learning abundantly introduces various types of intelligent education systems and platforms that emerge on a perpetual basis. Owing to this conscious online shift, both the class content and the learning context of students can be tracked and monitored at any time, which is directly conducive to fathoming out the individualization and differentiation of students in a timely manner.


We examined data on captive multi-mammate mice (Mastomys coucha) to assess differential maternal investment, and sex-specific resource allocation. Differences in maternal size were induced through manipulation of dietary protein in three treatment groups: low (10%), medium (15%) and high (20%) protein diets. Mothers on the 20% protein diet were significantly larger than those on the lower protein diets, and produced significantly more male than female offspring. Mothers on the lower protein diets did not produce sex-biased litters. There were no sex-specific differences in body size or body tissue composition of pups at birth or at weaning within each treatment group. At weaning, pups in the 20% protein treatment group had proportionately greater amounts of lean tissue and less body lipid reserves than pups in the 10% protein treatment group. Pups in the 20% protein treatment group were also larger, and had faster growth rates, than those in the 10% protein treatment group. Weaned pups in the 15% protein treatment group had the fastest growth rates and greatest energetic reserves of all of the treatment groups. Our results suggest that larger mothers on the high (20%) protein diet show differential investment in the sexes, not by allocating more resources to individuals of that sex, but by producing more male than female offspring.


Purpose of review As heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cases continue to rise, identifying lifestyle modifications to prevent cardiometabolic disease (CMD) is urgently needed. Clinical evidence consistently shows that higher dietary or biomarker levels of linoleic acid (LA; 18:2n6) reduce metabolic syndrome (Mets) and reduce the risk for CMD. Yet, dietary recommendations to include LA as part of a lifestyle plan with the goal of preventing CMD remain elusive. Recent findings Clinical interventions consistently show that dietary the addition of LA to the diet improves body composition, dyslipidemia, and insulin sensitivity while reducing systemic inflammation and fatty liver. These effects of LA position dietary LA-rich oils as a potential dietary strategy to aid in preventing CMD. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear hormone receptors that are cellular targets for many polyunsaturated fatty acids and oxylipin metabolites. PPAR activation can regulate dyslipidemia, insulin sensitivity, adipose biology, and inflammation, potentially explaining the plethora of effects of dietary LA on aspects of CMD. Summary Unraveling the cellular mechanism(s) of LA to impact PPAR activity may reset a false dogma that LA, as a member of the omega-6 fatty acid family, promotes inflammation in humans. In fact, LA appears to reduce inflammation and reduce risk for CMD.


Oil and gas operations involve several stages; including exploration, development, production and decommissioning. In contrast to the first three stages, the process relating to decommissioning can appear at first sight to be considerably less glamorous. Yet the technical challenges involved are increasingly regarded as comparable to those associated with constructions and installations. The legal treatment of the decommissioning process in terms of environmental protection, or on-going liabilities is now understood as a crucial part of a mature province. The United Kingdom has had a very long history of extracting oil and gas as well as a great experience in the legal treatment of the decommissioning of offshore installations, considering the conventions it has ratified and the Brent Spar experience which transformed its decommissioning legal regime entirely. Uganda on the other hand has no experience in the legal treatment of decommissioning. It has ratified the 1958 Geneva Convention on decommissioning. Both its domestic law on petroleum and oil and gas policy contain serious lacunae.


Electronic patient records are now being developed to assist in the clinical management of patients within secondary care. This paper reviews how various types of information technology used in these electronic patient records can improve the performance of clinical pharmacy services. The different levels of information technology support for some of the main aspects of clinical pharmacy services are described. How the impact and outcome of information technology support for these services should be evaluated are discussed. The human and technological factors that must be considered to ensure that the implementation succeeds and the potential benefits are realized are examined.


This paper introduces a method to support intuitive and simple surface appearance design of 3D computer graphics shapes. Texture mapping is widely used to improve the visual richness of 3D surfaces. This method generates multiple texture patterns obtained by various image processing and allows users to evaluate them sensitively. We apply interactive evolutionary computation (IEC) framework to find the pleasant color texture pattern for 3D surfaces.


Abstract : The simulator experiment reported here is a component of the USCG waterway Performance, Design and Evaluation Study, and was done for the development of a procedure to predict performance or risk in a waterway from the characteristics of user traffic. A sample of seven commercial ships, ranging in size from a 33,000 deadweight ton (dwt) bulker to a 250,000 dwt tanker, made multiple transits, under similar channel and environmental conditions, controlled by commercial pilots, in a experiment conducted at the simulator at the USCG Academy in New London, Connecticut. A preliminary analysis that found that piloted performance data grouped over all transits for a given ship varied as expected with ship size (displacement), but was not sensitive to controllability indices. A more detailed analysis by individual runs found that performance was sensitive to these indices.


A theoretical model destined to analyse simultaneously thermally stimulated luminescence (TL), conductivity (TSC) and exoelectronic emission (TSEE) measurements is developed and applied to α-Al2O3 material. In the scope to distinguish between bulk processes, for TL and TSC, and surface emission for TSEE, a multilayer model is adopted. It is also assumed that TSEE results from thermionic mechanism. The model allows the study of heating rate effect on TL, TSC and TSEE responses. It is experimentally established that response of ~450 K TL peak decreases when heating rate increases. Simultaneously, TSC response remains constant whereas TSEE signal increases. The attenuation of TL response is explained by thermal quenching of F-centre luminescence and it is well described by the Mott-Seitz theory.


Introduction: Extreme preterm (EP) birth is associated with acinar developmental alterations, potentially influencing lung diffusing capacity (DLCO) and gas exchange. Techniques of measurement are complex and feasibility in children needs to be addressed.

Aims: To study repeatability of DLCO in children and young adults, and to compare results of subjects born EP and at term in two different decades.

Methods: Two area-based cohorts of subjects born at gestational age (GA) ≤ 28 weeks or with birth weight (BW) ≤ 1000 grams in the two periods 1991-1992 (n=35) and 1982-1985 (n=46) and matched controls born at term performed single-breath DLCO tests twice within two weeks. Mean ages (SD) were 10.6 (0.4) and 17.7 (1.2) years.

Results: The coefficient of variation for intersession measurements of DLCO for subjects born preterm and at term in the 1991-92 and 1982-85 birth-cohorts were 8.2 and 7.7%, and 9.5 and 7.6%, respectively. EP birth was associated with significantly reduced height adjusted DLCO and with lower KCO**. Deficits were similar in the two birth-cohorts (test of interaction, p = 0.410).

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Conclusions: Repeatability of DLCO was acceptable for all subgroups. Compared to controls born at term, lung diffusion capacity was significantly and similarly reduced for subjects born preterm in the two decades studied.


On-line and real-time information of the road/tire interaction is the essential factor not only from the vehicle monitoring viewpoint but also for the Advanced Vehicle Control Systems(AVCS)approach. In particular, their interactions are known to be closely related to the tractive ability, handling stability, steerability and braking characteristics of ground vehicles. The key variables representing the interactions can be tire-road friction coefficient and the longitudinal/lateral forces acting on the tires. However, it is not feasible in the operating vehicles to measure those variables directly because of high cost of sensors, limitations in sensor technology, interference with the tire rotation and harsh environment. The Alternative is indirect sensing technique which can estimate the key variables, such as tire forces based on vehicle dynamics models. In this paper, in order to estimate the tire forces, a new monitoring technique, named Kalman Filter with Input Estimation(KFIE), is developed based on the Kalman filter and an adaptive law derived from the Lyapunov stability condition. A 14 DOF vehicle model with the combined-slip Magic Formula tire model is utilized in order to generate true vehicle motion. The lateral forces acting on the tires are estimated using this monitoring technique and its estimation accuracy is compared with the true values.


In this paper we study the creation of brane-worlds in AdS bulk. We first consider the simplest case of onebranes in AdS3. In this case we are able to properly describe the creation of a spherically symmetric brane-world deriving a general expression for its wavefunction. Then, we sketch the AdSd+1 set-up within the context of the WKB approximation. Finally, we comment on these scenarios in light of the AdS/CFT correspondence.


Theoretical and experimental results for the distribution of molecular orientations at the liquid/vapour interface of water are compared. The present calculations are based on an extended mean-field density functional theory applied to an intermolecular potential model containing dipolar and quadrupolar interactions, with parameters chosen to agree with the TIP4P model of water. The results for the orientational order parameters at the interface are used to calculate several observable quantities as functions of temperature, namely: (i) the surface electrostatic potential, (ii) the coefficient of ellipticity; (iii) the nonlinear susceptibility measured by second-harmonic generation. Comparisons are made with both the experimental and computer simulation data for water. The limitations of current methods for revealing the preferred molecular orientations at an interface are discussed.


Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (TB bacteria) is a rod-shaped bacterium with a very small size. This bacterium can cause lung disease known as Tuberculosis. These TB bacteria can be seen at least by using a conventional microscope with magnification 1000 times. Images that have been seen in a microscope will be further processed by digital image processing. The data used in this study were 100 captions. Based on the color of the TB bacteria, a sputum image is detected and then cropping is done. Total data on TB bacteria and non-bacterial crops in automatic cropping were 1266 crops consisting of 633 TB bacteria and 633 non-TB bacteria. The size of the TB bacteria and open TB bacteria have different pixel sizes, so it needs to resize the image with a size of 50 x 50 pixels. There are several Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) architectures that have been tried in solving classification problems among them LeNet, AlexNet, ZFNet, GoogleNet, VGGNet and ResNet. In other studies, the accuracy was 95.05% using the Inception V3 method. In the case of this classification of TB bacteria, researchers proposed the 2 AERI RACHMAD, NUR CHAMIDAH, RIRIES RULANINGTYAS ResNet-101 architecture with 224x224x3 pixel input data specifications, 347layer and 1000 full connected layer (fc1000). As for the classification, researchers used the Support Vector Machine (SVM) to determine TB bacteria or not TB bacteria. The results of this study resulted in an accuracy of 97.6%, 97.9% precision, 97.4% recall and F1 score 97.6%.


Objective: According to a recent CDC report, lung cancer rates have declined in several states during 19975-2005. Tennessee, being a tobacco producing State, has received a large settlement from the tobacco industry and engaged in quit smoking program since 2006. Effective October 2007, the state also banned smoking in public places. However, the effect of this ban and smoking cessation program on lung cancer rates remains unknown. This presentation examines whether the lung cancer rates have changed over four years (2005-2008), and whether they vary by race and gender. Methods: We extracted relevant data pertaining to primary diagnosis of lung cancer (adenocarcinoma, ICD-9 codes of 160-165) and demographics from Tennessee Hospital Discharge Data system (HDDS) for 2005-2008. Data for each year pertained to 3,500 patients, mostly white (79%) and males (56.8%) with an average age of 66 years. To examine the effect of race and gender on cancer rate, we computed lung cancer prevalence rates per CDC procedures for age-adjusted rates (per 100,000 hospitalized patient population standardized to 2000 Census). Results: Our analyses show that the overall rates of lung cancer increased during four years by 26.3% (from 61.6/100K in 2005 to 77.8/100K in 2008). The increase was larger for blacks than whites (66.0% vs. 42.2%, p Conclusion: Lung cancer rates have increased for both blacks and males. However, it is too early to tell if smoking cessation programs, banning asbestos use and smoking in public places will produce the desired decline in lung cancer rates. The results at present point to the need for more population-based intensive smoking cessation programs in Tennessee to lower lung cancer rates. Citation Format: Baqar A. Husaini, Van Cain, Mehhan Novotny, Zaheed Samad, Robert Levine. Changes in lung cancer rate over four years in a tobacco producing state: Examining the effect of race and gender. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A90. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-A90


This paper presents a spatial and temporal model of electric vehicle charging demand for a rapid charging station located near a highway exit. Most previous studies have assumed a fixed charging location and fixed charging time during the off-peak hours for anticipating electric vehicle charging demand. Some other studies have based on limited charging scenarios at typical locations instead of a mathematical model. Therefore, from a distribution system perspective, electric vehicle charging demand is still unidentified quantity which may vary by space and time. In this context, this study proposes a mathematical model of electric vehicle charging demand for a rapid charging station. The mathematical model is based on the fluid dynamic traffic model and the M/M/s queueing theory. Firstly, the arrival rate of discharged vehicles at a charging station is predicted by the fluid dynamic model. Then, charging demand is forecasted by the M/M/s queueing theory with the arrival rate of discharged vehicles. This mathematical model of charging demand may allow grid's distribution planners to anticipate a charging demand profile at a charging station. A numerical example shows that the proposed model is able to capture the spatial and temporal dynamics of charging demand in a highway charging station.


Model complexity is fundamentally tied to predictive power in the sciences as well as in applications. However, there is a divergence between naive measures of complexity such as parameter count and the generalization performance of overparameterized machine learning models. Prior empirical approaches to capturing intrinsic complexity in a more sophisticated manner than parameter count are computationally intractable, do not capture the implicitly regularizing effects of the entire machine-learning pipeline, or do not provide a quantitative fit to the double descent behavior of overparameterized models. In this work, we introduce an empirical complexity measure inspired by the classical notion of generalized degrees of freedom in statistics. This measure can be approximated efficiently and is a function of the entire machine learning training pipeline. We demonstrate that this measure correlates with generalization performance in the double-descent regime.


Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor is a relatively uncommon distinct odontogenic neoplasm. It is an uncommon tumor of odontogenic origin with varying number of ductlike structures and inductive changes in the stroma. It is a benign and slow growing epithelial tumor and represents 3% of all odontogenic tumors. Its occurrence is more common in anterior region of the maxilla than mandible. Most of the adenomatoid odontogenic tumors occur intra-osseously but few peripheral variant have been reported which are attached to the gingival structures. The intra-osseous Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor may be related to unerrupted tooth (follicular varient) or may not (extrafollicular varient) be related to unerrupted tooth. This paper is to present a rare case of an extrafollicular Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor occurring in the body of the mandible in a male patient which is distinct and secondly it was clinically and radiographically diagnosed as residual cyst. The diagnosis of Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor was confirmed by Histopathological investigation. How to cite this article: Shivali V, Khanna VD, Khanna P, Singh A, Pandey A, Ahuja T. A Rare Case of Extrafollicular Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumour in the Posterior Region of the Mandible: Misdiagnosed as Residual Cyst. J Int Oral Health 2013; 5(5):124-8.


Magnesium (Mg) is an element with a role in oxidation processes. The optimal concentration of magnesium for the development of fungi is associated with an optimal concentration of phosphorus (P), which through its essential constituents, is an important element for the existence of biological systems in nature through nucleic acids, phospholipids, phosphoglycerides, phytin and phosphates. Magnesium has a role in the activity of certain enzymes and in respiration, being a component of protein substances with a special importance for microorganisms being included in reducing and phosphorylating enzymes and for protein synthesis. In this study, magnesium sulphate (MgSO4), which is an accessible source of both magnesium and sulphur, as well as magnesium carbonate (MgCO3) were used as sources of magnesium, both being used in different concentrations in the growth medium. The culture medium or substrate influences the growth of the fungal mycelium, through the mineral, nutritive and stimulating substances in their composition. Using experimental culture media, an isolated tissue culture was performed from 2 strains of Cordyceps militaris (L.) fungus. The culture was performed in Petri dishes, incubated at a temperature of 24 ° C, aiming to increase the mycelium for 15 days. The highest increase was recorded by strain CI 32 with the addition of magnesium sulphate.


The purpuse of this study was to investigated the influence of anthropogenic impacts on Podocnemis unifilis nesting on a stretch from Falsino river, with two forest reserves, and one urban area on the Araguari river, state of Amapá, eastern Amazon (Brazil). A total of 180 nests were found, being 89.4 % in the forest reserves and only 10.6 % in urban areas. On Falsino river, we observed a spawning pattern, because the number of nests was correlated to the length and width of the nesting locations. On Araguari river, the P. unifilis nests were generally found in areas with surrounding vegetation up to 5 meters in height, minimum distance of 120 meters from residences and immediately or after places of higher exploration of pebbles. Females from Falsino river had smaller eggs, but the neonates were bigger and with higher body condition index than the neonates from Araguari river. About 80 % of the nests were prey, mostly because of the large collection of eggs for feeding. Furthermore, it was found that adult turtle hunting has been intense. Although one of the areas is in forest reserves, the human impacts were similar to those caused in urban areas, indicating the need to implement protection programs for the conservation of P. unifilis.