Integrated Health Center for elderly has been established in Serpong a suburban area of Jakarta since 1998, however, to date dental health program who has not been included in the Integrated Health Center for elderly activities. Village health volunteers who are responsible in Integrated Health Center for elderly only give general health care service. The condition of dental health of the elderly in Serpong region was studies. The objective of this study was to make a fit program for the elderly in the area of Serpong to solve their dental health problem based on the condition of dental health of the elderly. Samples were drawn from elderly who are member of Integrated Health Center in the area of Lengkong Gudang and Serpong with ages over 55 year. DMF-T and CPITN indices were applied to assess the mobility of the teeth. Besides, ginigval recession, caries and periodontal disease prevalence were also measured. Questioner was applied to investigate their knowledge, attitude and practice in the dental health care. Caries prevalence was 100% with mean DMF-T index was 18.46. Perventage of samples with degree of tooth mobility score 2 or mote was 14.08. Prevalence of periodontal disease was 97.18% with mean CPITN index was 2. Percentage of samples with gingival recession more than 3 mm was 91.59%. Tooth loss was 16.24 teeth per person. Their knowledge, attitude and practice towards dental health care were low. Therefore, specific dental health programs for the elderly conducted by the village health volunteers is required. The priority of the program will be to motivate the elderly in maintaining optimum oral health care.


This paper presents a novel method for studying cilia forming cells in asymmetric microfluidic environments. It has previously been shown that bending the primary cilium by a fluid flow will give rise to a calcium signal, but the sensitivity for flow direction has so far not been studied. The microfluidic device presented here was designed for control of the local direction of fluid flow on the cellular level, and thus, enables studies of cellular response to a direction controlled cilium movement. Cells seeded on cover slips form cilia with the average length 2.9 µm after three days in culture and 4.3 µm after four days. Distinct calcium peaks were found after the initiation of flow in the channel. By using a microstructured flow system we have been able to study the sensitivity of confluent COS 7 cells expressing primary cilium to changes in fluid flow.


A series of 2,5-bis-substituted 3,6-diaziridinyl-1,4-benzoquinones have been tested for their ability to be reduced by the two-electron NAD(P)H:(quinone acceptor) oxidoreductase [DT-diaphorase (DTD); EC 220.127.116.11]. Symmetrically alkyl-substituted carbamoyl ester analogs of 2,5-ethyl(carboethoxyamino)3,6-diaziridinyl-1,4- benzoquinone [AZQ], 3,6-diaziridinyl-1,4-benzoquinone (DZQ), and its 2,5-dimethyl derivative (MeDZQ) were tested. The rate of reduction by DTD was DZQ greater than MeDZQ greater than n-butyl- (D5) greater than sec-butyl- (D7) greater than n-propyl- (D3) greater than methyl- (D1) greater than ethyl- (AZQ) greater than i-butyl- (D6) greater than i-propyl- (D4) substituted derivatives. The hydroxyethylamino analog (BZQ) was not a substrate for DTD. The order of toxicity to HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells (at 1-log cell kill) was MeDZQ greater than DZQ greater than BZQ greater than D1 greater than D5 greater than AZQ greater than D7 greater than D3 greater than D6 greater than D4. Dicumarol, a known inhibitor of DTD, was capable of inhibiting the cytotoxicity of DZQ, MeDZQ, AZQ, D3, D4, D5, D6, and D7, with little inhibition of D1 cytotoxicity. Alkaline elution assays suggested that DZQ induced DNA strand breaks, whereas MeDZQ induced DNA interstrand crosslinks in HT-29 cells. The formation of both classes of lesions was inhibited by dicumarol. DZQ and MeDZQ were 5-6-fold less cytotoxic to the DTD-deficient BE cell line, whereas BZQ was more cytotoxic to this cell line than the HT-29 cell line. BZQ was capable of inducing dicumarol-insensitive DNA interstrand crosslinks in both cell lines. In summary, these data show a trend between the rate of reduction by DTD of an analog and its ability to induce cytotoxicity in HT-29 cells, and they support a role for DTD in the bioreductive activation of AZQ and its analogs.


The global environment is changing. Substantial shifts in temperature, rainfall, cloud cover, and UV radiation (UVR) are all predicted as a result of anthropogenic activity. Although the actual and potential effects of changes in single environmental variables are being studied intensively, the interactive effects of multiple stressors have received little attention. Here we offer the first experimental evidence of interactive effects between UVR and temperature on germination and growth in multicellular organisms. To address the question of how temperature affects survival and growth of organisms in the presence of UVR, we exposed early life stages of two species of intertidal algae, Alaria marginata Postels et Ruprecht and Fucus gardneri Silva, to four levels of UVR at three temperatures for 56 h. PAR and day length (12:12‐h light:dark) were held constant across all treatments. UVR levels bracketed natural levels, and temperatures were within the range of ambient temperatures. Designated endpoints were germination rate and cell number, and we recorded mortality where survival was nil. Our results support the hypothesis that temperature mediates the net biological effect of UVR and vice versa. For instance, spores of A. marginata were able to survive and grow at 15° C at all UV levels and at 10° C in the absence of UVR but were unable to survive at 10° C in the presence of high levels of UVR. Our results suggest that the ability to predict the effects of global change hinges on understanding interactions among environmental variables, imposing strict limits on inferences made from single‐factor experiments.


Background—Virtual colonoscopy is a potentially powerful tool for non-invasive colorectal evaluation. In vitro studies have established its accuracy in simulated polyp detection but little data exist regarding its use in clinical practice. Aims—To evaluate the ability of virtual colonoscopy to detect colorectal cancers and polyps in patients with endoscopically proven colorectal neoplasms and to correlate the findings of virtual colonoscopy with those of conventional colonoscopy, surgery, and histopathology. Patients—Thirty eight patients with endoscopic findings suggestive of colorectal carcinoma. Methods—Virtual colonoscopy was performed using thin section helical computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis after rectal insuZation of room air. Commercially available software was used to generate endoscopic "fly through" examinations of the colon from the CT data. Results were correlated with the findings of conventional colonoscopy and with the surgical and histopathological outcome in each case. Results—Thirty eight pathologically proven colorectal cancers and 23 adenomatous polyps were present. On virtual colonoscopy, all cancers and all polyps measuring greater than 6 mm in size were identified; there were two false positive reports of polyps. On conventional colonoscopy, there was one false positive report of a malignant sigmoid stricture; four subcentimetre polyps were overlooked. Virtual colonoscopy enabled visualisation of the entire colon in 35 patients; conventional colonoscopy was incomplete in 14 patients. Virtual colonoscopy correctly localised all 38 cancers, compared with 32 using conventional colonoscopy. Conclusion—Virtual colonoscopy is a feasible method for evaluating the colon; it may have role in diagnosis of colorectal cancer and polyps. (Gut 1998;43:806–811)


Political thinking in terms of "left and "right" has successfully expanded from its originating Western European context all over the globe. In all included world regions except the Middle East, at least 60 percent of the total population are ready to place themselves on a respective LR-scale. In all regions, left-right self identifications are particularly widespread among the more educated and politically active strata. However, very significant regional divergences cannot be explained neither by different micro-characteristics on the level of respondents nor with the degree of macroeconomic development. Thus, they are likely to emerge from differences in endogenous political culture. In conformity with previous, studies, it was found that issue positions are better in predicting LR values on the left half of the scale, while differences between moderate and extreme rightist positions cannot be grasped well with the indicators at hand. However, this regularity is not valid in East Asia where the right scale section is more highly associated with specific political stances. Highly educated strata show more interregional variance in their degree of ideology than population with less schooling. This result evidently contradicts the widespread theoretical notion that educated strata are more likely to adopt a homogeneous Westernized culture all over the world. Abstract Political thinking in terms of "left and "right" has successfully expanded from its originating Western European context all over the globe. In all included world regions except the Middle East, at least 60 percent of the total population are ready to place themselves on a respective LR-scale. In all regions, left-right self identifications are particularly widespread among the more educated and politically active strata. However, very significant regional divergences cannot be explained neither by different micro-characteristics on the level of respondents nor with the degree of macroeconomic development. Thus, they are likely to emerge from differences in endogenous political culture. In conformity with previous, studies, it was found that issue positions are better in predicting LR values on the left half of the scale, while differences between moderate and extreme rightist positions cannot be grasped well with the indicators at hand. However, this regularity is not valid in East Asia where the right scale section is more highly associated with specific political stances. Highly educated strata show more interregional variance in their degree of ideology than population with less schooling. This result evidently contradicts the widespread theoretical notion that educated strata are more likely to adopt a homogeneous Westernized culture all over the world. __________________________________________________________________________


PurposeThis paper aims to present the impact evaluation findings from a multiprofessional leadership programme commissioned in the South East of England to support primary care networks (PCNs) to lead system improvement together. It identifies programme impact at micro and meso system levels; a leadership impact continuum that can be used by individuals and teams to evidence impact of improvements in PCN practices; the learning and development strategies that were effective and proposes implications for other networks.

Design/methodology/approachMixed methods underpinned by practice development methodology were used to explore the impact of the programme on two practitioner cohorts across 16 PCNs. Data were collected at the start, mid-point and end of the eight-month programme.

FindingsResults illustrate an innovative approach to collective leadership development. A continuum of impact created with participants offers insight into the journey of transformation, recognising that "change starts with me". The impact framework identifies enablers, attributes and consequences for measuring and leading change at micro, meso and macro levels of the health-care system. Participants learned how to facilitate change and collaboratively solve problems through peer consulting which created a safe space for individuals to discuss workplace issues and receive multiprofessional views through action learning. These activities enabled teams to present innovative projects to commissioners for service redesign, enabling their PCN to be more effective in meeting population health needs. The authors believe that this programme may provide a model for other PCNs England and other place-based care systems internationally.

Originality/valueThis study offers insight into how to enable a journey of transformation for individuals and PCN teams to enhance team effectiveness and collective leadership for system-wide transformation required by the National Health Service Long Term Plan (2019).

Contribution to Impact


Postsecondary institutions for indigenous peoples emerged in the late 1960s, just as other special purpose colleges based on gender or race began to close. What accounts for the emergence of these distinctive institutions? Though indigenous students are among the least populous, the poorest, and the most educationally disadvantaged in the world, they differ from most other racial, ethnic, cultural, and linguistic minorities by virtue of their exceptional claims to sovereignty under international and domestic law. Uncommon Schools explores the emergence of postsecondary institutions for indigenous peoples worldwide, with a focus on developments in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Providing the opportunity to examine larger social, political, and legal processes, it traces the incorporation of indigenous peoples into nation-states, the rise of a global indigenous rights movement, and the "massification" of postsecondary education while investigating the variety of ways these culturally relevant colleges differ from each other and from other postsecondary institutions.


Background: One of the most painful situations that a woman may experience is labor. On the other hand, except for some indicated cases, cesarean has been proved to be dangerous for mother. The pain of uterus contractions can be diminished by epidural analgesia. Maternal Catecholamine increases during labor and epidural anesthesia reduces Epinephrine level and increases uterine blood flow . The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of epidural analgesia on Epinephrine concentration and duration of first stage of labor. Materials and Methods: Using clinical trial method, we considered 100 healthy parturient primigravid with single fetus and ≥ 4 cm cervix dilatation without major medical complication for epidural anesthesia with 10 ml Lidocaine 5% (50 patients) or 50 mg IV Mepridin (50 patients). Then venous blood samples (5 cc) were obtained from all patients at the end of first stage of labor. All samples were analyzed by a Radio enzymatic assay for Epinephrine level. T test, colmograph and smirnof tests were used for data analysis. Results: Plasma epinephrine levels in Mepridin and epidural groups were 95.9±22.2 and 41.4±15.4 pg/ml respectively (P Conclusion: Lumbar epidural anesthesia during labor Reduces maternal Epinephrine level and duration of first stage of labor (active phase.) Epidural anesthesia is an effective method of analgesia in labor.


The potato cyst nematodes (PCN)
Globodera
rostochiensis
 and
Globodera
pallida
 are two
economically important potato pests constituting major limiting
 factors to production of the
crop in the UK. Soil treatment with synthetic nematicides is wi
dely practiced and is an
essential part of an integrated
management tactic for PCN. Howe
ver, environmental
concerns and human health issues have prompted the withdrawal o
f a number of active
substances leaving a limited few, which are not only under Euro
pean Union review
(Hillocks, 2012; Anon, 2009), but are suggested to provide inad
equate control of
G
.
pallida
(Trudgill
et al
., 2003), the predominant of the two species in England and Wal
es.
Consequently, alternative nematicides and crop protection strat
egies are urgently required to
ensure sustainable production of the potato. This thesis report
s the findings of experiments
conducted (i) to evaluate the efficacy of fluensulfone, a novel
 molecule belonging to the
fluoroalkenyl group, for control of
G
.
pallida
and (ii) to determine factors likely to influence
the efficacy of fluensulfone.
In all, five experiments (three as field and two as polytunnel
pot experiments) determined
fluensulfone soil treatments on the control of
G
.
pallida
. The field experiments were
conducted in 2010 and 2011, and were undertaken in commercial p
otato fields that were
predominantly infested by
G
.
pallida
 at Woodcote and Howle near Newport in Shropshire,
England. The field experiments 1 and 2 studied the control of
G
.
pallida
 by fluensulfone
application at five rates (1.95, 3.00, 4.05 (full rate), 5.05 a
nd 6.00 kg a.s. ha
-1
) as a 15%
granular (G) formulation and a single rate (4.05 kg a.s. ha
-1
) of a 480 g L
-1
 emulsifiable concentrates (EC) formulation. These treatments were compared w
ith the currently
commercially available fosthiazate (as Nemathorin 10G) and oxam
yl (as Vydate 10G)
applied at their respective recommended rates of 3.00 and 5.50
kg a.s. ha
-1
. An assessment
of the number of nematodes found within potato roots at ca. 4 a
nd 6 weeks after planting indicated that the treatments with fluensulfone had decreased t
he invasions of root by
G
.
pallida
 and that fluensulfone had similar effects as the fosthiazate o
r oxamyl treatment.
Besides the effects on the root invasions, the multiplication r
ate and final population density
at harvest were reduced. Overall, the application of fluensulfo
ne at the full rate gave more
consistent controls than the two lower rates of 1.95 and 3.00 k
g a.s. ha
-1
, and the data showed
no significantly greater effects for the applications higher th
an the full rate. Despite the clear
reduction in PCN root invasion and population increase, no sign
ificant improvements in
plant growth and tuber yields were recorded for the fluensulfon
e, as well as the two standard
nematicide treatments. In 2012, a follow-up polytunnel pot expe
riment (Polytunnel
experiment 1) determined the effects of granular fluensulfone t
reatments at 1.95, 4.05 and
5.05 kg a.s. ha
-1
 on
G
.
pallida
 egg viability, juvenile hatching and root invasion. The data
suggested that at the studied rates, fluensulfone may be more e
ffective at suppressing
activities of the infective juvenile
G
.
pallida
 in the soil than in eggs within cysts. The field
experiment 3, at Howle in 2011, determined the integration of g
ranular fluensulfone
application at the full rate and partially resistant potato (Sa
nte or Vales Everest) treatment
on
G
.
pallida
. The results showed significant interactive effects on the mul
tiplication rate
and the final population density, but not on the root invasions
. Furthermore, there was
evidence to suggest that fluensulfone had integrated effectivel
y with Sante but not with Vales
Everest in controlling
G
.
pallida
 population increase.
In order to determine factors li
kely to influence efficacy, flu
ensulfone persistence and
sorption on soil were investigated. The persistence studies inv
olved measurements of the
half-life (DT
50
) as per the granular fluensulfone application at the full
rate in the Field
experiments 1 and 2, as well as in four arable soils in pot und
er polytunnel conditions
(Polytunnel experiment 2). The data indicated persistence no lo
nger than 24 days at an
incorporation depth of 15-20 cm in the fields and in the soils
in the polytunnel. Fluensulfone
persisted similarly as fosthiazate in the field plots. Regressi
on analyses, however, could not establish a significant relationship between the DT
50
, as well as the dissipation rates constant
(
k
) and soil properties. It was, t
herefore, suggested that fluens
ulfone had dissipated
independently of the prevailing conditions. Additionally, infer
ences from the reductions seen
for the application of fluensulfone at the full rate on root in
vasion and population build-up,
suggested that the determined dissipation rates did not affect
the efficacy of fluensulfone.
The sorption measurements were made both for the technical-grad
e and the granular product
and were undertaken on a range of UK arable soil using the batc
h equilibrium technique.
The results, as per both the Freundlich and equilibrium sorptio
n coefficients
K
F
 and
K
D
,
respectively, showed variable, but generally, low sorption of f
luensulfone. The formulation
gave a four-fold decrease in the sorption, and the difference w
as due to limited availability
of fluensulfone for uptakes. The
 pesticide mobility factor (
K
OC
), likewise, was low, ranging
from 64 – 115 mL Kg
-1
 OC. In all instances, the soil organic carbon accounted for mo
st of
the variations in sorption, and both the
K
F
 and
K
D
 correlated positively with soil amendments
with peat. The theory that soil organic matter would constitute
 a limiting factor to the
efficacy of fluensulfone was, however, not supported by a follo
w-up polytunnel pot
experiment (Polytunnel experiment 3) in 2012, which showed that
 the application of granular
fluensulfone at the full rate had decreased root invasion by
G
.
pallida
 in a peat-amended
Shropshire sandy clay loam, irrespective of level of moss peat
amendments. Fluensulfone
analyses, as per water extraction in this experiment, showed th
at the solution concentration
of fluensulfone, throughout the duration of the experiment, was
 higher than the minimum
effective concentration proposed
in
vitro
 for control of
G
.
pallida
 J2 hatching and mobility.
The suggestion, therefore, was that sorption may not limit avai
lability of fluensulfone in the
soil for nematicidal activities.


Aceh is one of the regions in Indonesia with a history of Southeast Asia's longest conflicts. Although there has been a peace agreement back in 2005, to build the foundation correctly for the character of the next generation is crucial, because of the post-conflict tensions yet fully biodegradable and potentially emerge negative emotions, such as the vengeful, anger, and distrust to others. Character education as an active effort to establish good habits needs to be inculcated goodness continues as children from childhood. Kindergarten is one of formal education to instill values that make up the character. One media that teacher use in instilling the values of the characters is storytelling. The study aims to test the effectiveness of the method Hikayat PMTOH for kindergarten teachers in improving storytelling skills to educate tolerance and peace-loving character in early childhood. Hikayat PMTOH is an art that has unique way to tell a story with rhythm, simple props, and expression (facial narrator) in accordance with the character in the story that appeared in the packaging attractive and memorable to children. Through Hikayat PMTOH, tolerance and love peace is internalized through the training of kindergarten teachers who will be able to become an alternative solution to teach character values in children. The study will involve as many as 30 kindergarten teachers who will be divided into the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group will be trained with Hikayat PMTOH method to improve storytelling skills education for tolerance and peace-loving character. The data obtained will be analyzed by the method of analysis of variance. The results are expected: Hikayat PMTOH effective to improve the skills of teachers to build a character of tolerance and peaceful for childhood. Keywords : Hikayat  PMTOH, Teacher Skills, Tolerance, Peace-Loving Character


Lomefloxacin, as other fluoroquinolones, is a drug of choice in the treatment of uncomplicated urinary infections (acute cystitis, pyclonephritis) in outpatient practice. The advantage of lomefloxacin consists in a single-dose regimen (400 mg with 24-h interval). A course of acute cystitis lasts 3 days, acute pyelonephritis--10-14 days. Lomefloxacin is also the first-line drug in exacerbation of mild or moderate chronic pyclonephritis in hospitals and outpatient clinics. Fluoroquinolones are now most effective in management of acute or exacerbation of chronic bacterial prostatitis. Optimal lomefloxacin regimen in prostatitis is 400 mg with 24-h interval for one month. For prevention of postoperative suppuration in prostatic resection lomefloxacin is given in a single dose 400 mg 3-6 hours prior to operation. If operation is to be performed in the presence of urinary infection or prostatitis, lomefloxacin should be taken for 5-7 days before surgery.


The 1990 World Summit for Children set in motion the development of what were called 'National Programmes of Action' in a number of countries. In the Philippines the birth of the overall government plan has been accompanied by that of a number of supporting schemes at the provincial level. This paper examines the preparation and content of these local initiatives. It provides, in so doing, a clear picture of the Philippine experience of 'decentralisation' - the process whereby emphasis is transferred from large-scale capital development projects to more sustainable, community-based services for children.


Background Medication use during pregnancy is ex-tremely common and has increased over the past decades.1–3 Unfortunately, no Belgian data are available on the number and type of products used. The aim of the PREVIM-study (Pregnancy related use of vitamins and medication) is therefore to provide a detailed overview of the prevalence of different types of health products' use among Belgian pregnant women. Methods All pregnant women, ≥18 years, attending the obstetrics department of the University Hospitals Leuven and understanding Dutch, French or English were asked to complete an online web-survey once between No-vember 2016 and February 2017 (cross-sectional study). The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic and pregnancy-related questions, questions about the use of health products and questions about medication beliefs and information desire. Support from a study collabo-rator was available. The questionnaire could be finished at home if necessary. The questionnaire was linked with a database consisting of more than 100 000 pictures of available health products in Belgium. A draft Dutch ver-sion was pilot tested in ten pregnant women and the final version was translated into English and French. Approv-al of the Ethics Committee was obtained; participants signed informed consent prior to the study. Results In total, 379 pregnant women (40,4%0–13 w, 26,4%14–27 w, 33,2%28–40 w), mean age 32 years (range 18–48), participated in the study. Most women were pro-fessionally active (88.9%), of which one-fifth was working in health care. In 14.5% of cases, the pregnancy was the result of a fertility treatment. Almost all women (98,2%) had used a health product in the preceding week; 86.0% had used folic acid or a pregnancy-specific multivitamin; 52% had used a prescription or OTC medication reg-istered in Belgium. In 53.8% of those, it concerned one medicine; 3.56% had used four or more medicines. 64.1% of pregnant women indicated to have used alcohol in the three months preceding the pregnancy; 12.4% were at that time smokers and 2.6% used drugs. Only 34.8% of women mentioned to have changed life style before pregnancy. 91.6% of smokers stopped smoking at the time they realised they were pregnant or later during pregnancy, while 89,6% of alcohol drinkers did so. 6.1% of women had still smoked cigarettes in the week preced-ing the survey; 5.5% had used alcohol and 0.53% were substance-users. Conclusion Preliminary data from this cross-section-al study show that almost all Belgian pregnant women used one or more health products in the week preceding the survey. Only one third of women adapted life style in the months before pregnancy; most women who quitted smoking or drinking alcohol did it too late.


Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the BD SurePath™ liquid-based Papanicolaou test for assessing the cytology of intrauterine endometrial samples according to newly devised cytological diagnostic criteria and a novel descriptive reporting format. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty-two endometrial samples were analyzed. All samples were obtained directly from the intrauterine cavity using the Uterobrush or Honest Super Brush. The samples used for the histological examination and cytological tests were collected simultaneously. Our study group devised new cytological diagnostic criteria for examining endometrial samples: the Osaki Study Group method. In this study, histological diagnosis was considered to be the gold standard for cytological diagnosis. A novel descriptive reporting format was also used. Results: Satisfactory cytological specimens were obtained in all cases. The sensitivity and specificity of the SurePath endometrial cytological examination method were 96.4 and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: These results indicate that the SurePath method is acceptable for clinical use. Since the SurePath method seems to be easier and allows greater preparation standardization than the conventional method, coupling it with our newly devised cytological diagnostic criteria and descriptive reporting format might represent a reliable diagnostic method for assessing endometrial specimens.


The key issue of electroencephalography (EEG)-based brain switches is to detect the control and idle states in an asynchronous manner. Most existing methods rely on a threshold. However, it is often time consuming to select a satisfactory threshold, and the chosen threshold might be inappropriate over a long period of time due to the variability of the EEG signals. This paper presents a new P300-based threshold-free brain switch. Specifically, one target button and three pseudo buttons, which are intensified in a random order to produce P300 potential, are set in the graphical user interface. The user can issue a switch command by focusing on the target button. Two support vector machine (SVM) classifiers, namely, SVM1 and SVM2, are used in the detection algorithm. During detection, we first obtained four SVM scores, corresponding to the four flashing buttons, by applying SVM1 to the ongoing EEG. If the SVM score corresponding to the target button was negative or not at the maximum, then an idle state was determined. Moreover, if the target button had a maximum and positive score, then we fed the four SVM scores as features into SVM2 to further discriminate the control and idle states. As an application, this brain switch was used to produce a start/stop command for an intelligent wheelchair, of which the left, right, forward, backward functions were carried out by an autonomous navigation system. Several experiments were conducted with eight healthy subjects and five patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). The experimental results not only demonstrated the effectiveness of our approach but also illustrated the potential application for patients with SCIs.


Sustainability is becoming a pivotal guide for driving the governance strategies of value chains. Sustainable policy should have as its objective the perpetuation of production models over time to maintain its environmental, economic and social dimensions. Therefore, measuring the sustainability of a production system is fundamental to deepening the understanding of ongoing trends, considering the pressure exerted by agricultural policies, market dynamics and innovations introduced in the production system. The purpose of this paper is to present a holistic framework for assessing the sustainability of food quality schemes (FQS), including the role of both stakeholders within the value chain, and the territorial dimension. This paper discusses the use of dimensional indicators and proposes synthetic indexes to provide an overall picture of the evolution of sustainability of a specific production system. Particularly, the evolution of sustainability in the Parmigiano Reggiano Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) production system is evaluated over the period 2000-2018. It is assumed that its evolution is due to the effect of 20 years of innovations which have impacted on product quality, value chain performance and rural development, modifying the sustainability of the whole production system.


Background The ministry of health and medical education of Iran and many other countries advice physicians to use this guideline for diagnosis and treatment of acute otitis media (AOM), but there is not any evaluation of effectiveness and obedience of this guideline, so the aim of this study was to evaluate the attitude of pediatricians, the most important group that interfere with these patients in treatment of acute otitis media. Methods A total of 120 anonymous surveys were mailed to 120 pediatrician in Tehran (Iran) to evaluate pattern of diagnosis and treatment of AOM in these physicians. Age, gender, place of work, attitude of diagnosis and treatment were asked by anonymous survey. Results Sixty-two completed surveys were received, for a response rate of 51%. There was no significant difference between responders in these survey and scenarios, according to sex, age, practice setting, graduation year or the number of AOM patients visiting each month. Conclusion Our study seems to add new insights to the previous literature on management of AOM according to guideline. We can assess the impact of guidelines on the usual practice of practitioners in evidenced-based management of AOM.


INTRODUCTION
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) is an autosomal dominant genetic syndrome caused by germline mutation in RET proto-oncogene. The most common mutations are in a cysteine rich domain. Phaeochromocytoma will develop in approximately 50% of RET proto-oncogene carriers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
The studied population consisted of 228 RET proto-oncogene mutation carriers. Monitoring for the diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma was carried out in all patients with established genetic status. Mean time of follow up was 138 months. Surveillance consisted of periodically performed clinical evaluation, 24-hour urinary determinations of total metanephrines complementary with imaging (CT, MR, MIBG scintigraphy).

RESULTS
Phaeochromocytoma developed in 41 patients (18% of all RET proto-oncogene mutations carriers). The mean age of diagnosis for the whole cohort was 43 years. In eight cases phaeochromocytoma was the first manifestation of the MEN 2 syndrome. Only eight (20%) patients were symptomatic at diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma. The mean size of the tumour was 4.3 cm. There was no extra-adrenal localisation. We observed one case of malignant phaeochromocytoma.

CONCLUSIONS
In patients with MEN 2 syndrome phaeochromocytomas are usually benign adrenal tumours with high risk of bilateral development. Taking to account the latter risk and non-specific clinical manifestation of the neoplasm it is mandatory to screen all RET proto-oncogene mutations carriers for phaeochromocytoma.


Cervical lymphangioma is an uncommon entity, usually reported in children, rarely in adults. We report two cases in adults and present a review of the literature. Cervical lymphangioma involves congenital and cystic abnormalities derived from lymphatic vessels with a progressive and unpainful growth. Diagnosis can be suggested by clinical features and CT or MRI findings. Final diagnosis is based on postoperative histology. Surgery is indicated. Complete removal is more easily achieved in adults than in children. Recurrences are thus more frequent in adults.


Creating a proper understanding of the strategies which are used in different parts of the organization and its impact on performance, can cause Managers to have an accurate understanding for decision making. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of using marketing strategies on performance through supply chain performance in insurance industry in the present study, data were collected through questionnaire and the questions were drawn from the Green et al, (2012) study which has been used after localization. Statistical sample of this survey is all employees of Iran Insurance Company in Mashhad which are selected by simple random sampling. In the present study, in order to examine the research hypotheses, we use structural equations. LISREL and SPSS software are used so as to analyze questionnaires data and hypothesis testing. The results indicated that using of marketing strategies has a positive impact on supply chain performance and it impacts on marketing performance positively through supply chain performance, but supply chain performance impacts on the financial performance indirectly through marketing function.


Equations and methods are developed for computing the lens powers, separations, and lens shapes of preliminary thin lens designs of Taylor-type triplets. The three lens powers and two spaces are determined by specified values of equivalent power, Petzval sum, longitudinal chromatic aberration, lateral chromatic aberration, and spherical aberration. The three lens shapes are determined by desired values of the three Seidel sums relating to coma, astigmatism, and distortion. Procedures for replacement of thin lenses by equivalent thick lenses and for final trigonometric adjustment are outlined. The methods given are not limited to the case of the infinitely distant object, but may be used to determine a system for any specified magnification and having any moderate values of the eight independent variables.


This study provides predictable flow behavior of a hybrid biocomposites made from kenaf/coir reinforced unsaturated polyester using the Moldflow software. A medium size electrical part has been chosen as a mold having multi-wall thicknesses and complex surfaces. Three different shapes of charges of the bulk molding materials were used and compressed into the mold part. The shapes of charges would be rectangular, cubic and cylindrical shapes. The results showed that rectangular charge took 0.2 seconds to fill up the part while the cubic and the cylindrical charges took 1.911 and 2.898 seconds respectively. After 70 seconds the conversion at nodes was more than 98% for all charges. On the other hand, the final densities were 1.88 ± 0.08 g/cm3 for all charges. The cubic charges showed a better temperatures distribution at flow front followed by rectangular, the last being the cylindrical charge, and the average shrinkage was 5-7% for the charges. The cubic shape showed good fibers orientation to the flow direction of the bulk materials followed by cylindrical charge while the rectangular charge showed poor orientation of fibers affected on the deflections, weld lines and air traps in the internal part. For the rectangular, the charge showed more critical weld lines and more air traps especially on the surface of the molded part and more deflections on the corner edges. But, the cubic charge showed the lowest deflections rate, air traps and weld lines defects.


STUDY OBJECTIVES
Functional interactions between sleep spindle activity, declarative memory consolidation, and general cognitive abilities in school-aged children.

DESIGN
Healthy, prepubertal children (n = 63; mean age 9.56 ± 0.76 y); ambulatory all-night polysomnography (2 nights); investigating the effect of prior learning (word pair association task; experimental night) versus nonlearning (baseline night) on sleep spindle activity; general cognitive abilities assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-IV (WISC-IV).

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS
Analysis of spindle activity during nonrapid eye movement sleep (N2 and N3) evidenced predominant peaks in the slow (11-13 Hz) but not in the fast (13-15 Hz) sleep spindle frequency range (baseline and experimental night). Analyses were restricted to slow sleep spindles. Changes in spindle activity from the baseline to the experimental night were not associated with the overnight change in the number of recalled words reflecting declarative memory consolidation. Children with higher sleep spindle activity as measured at frontal, central, parietal, and occipital sites during both baseline and experimental nights exhibited higher general cognitive abilities (WISC-IV) and declarative learning efficiency (i.e., number of recalled words before and after sleep).

CONCLUSIONS
Slow sleep spindles (11-13 Hz) in children age 8-11 y are associated with inter-individual differences in general cognitive abilities and learning efficiency.


This study determined the level of actual learning success of the pre-service teachers (BSEd English majors) from three Teacher Education Institutions in the U-Belt, Manila. Forty six pre service students and three off-campus supervisors participated in the study. A validated tool and observation protocol were used to gather the data needed. Results show that the participants have a very low rating in all three areas tested (general education, professional education and English) however, the results of the observation protocol yielded a high level of actual learning success. It was recommended that the four agencies tasked with the preparation of future teachers (CHED, TEI's, PRC and DepEd) should interface so that congruency in all their actions can be achieved.


As the key part of offshore drilling drawworks brake system, the brake disc plays a vital role in guaranteeing the working reliability and operational security of the drawworks. To obtain the distributions and variations of thermal stress field in the water-cooling bake disc in an emergency braking, the 3D thermo-mechanical coupling theoretical model and FEM were established in this paper. Meanwhile the displacement and thermal boundary conditions for solution were determined, and then fully coupled analysis of thermal stress field in the disc was carried out by using ABAQUS software. The analysis results showed that, temperature field and stress field in the process of emergency braking were fully coupled. The temperature, radial stress and circumferential stress on the disc surface were presented as a hackle. The circumferential stress was significantly greater than the radial stress. Thermal stress has a periodic effect on the brake disc during braking, so the circumferential stress is the main factor that accounts for the initiation and propagation of crack on the brake disc surface.


We examine the effects of mixed sampling frequencies and temporal aggregation on the size of commonly used tests for cointegration, and we find that these effects may be severe. Matching sampling schemes of all series generally reduces size distortion, and the nominal size is obtained asymptotically only when all series are skip sampled in the same way – for example, end‐of‐period sampling. We propose and analyse mixed‐frequency versions of the cointegration tests in order to control the size when some high‐frequency data are available. Otherwise, when no high‐frequency data are available, we discuss controlling size using bootstrapped critical values. We test stock prices and dividends for cointegration as an empirical demonstration.


In this study, a mathematical programming-based optimization technique known as data envelopment analysis, DEA is used to compute and analyze the decomposition of Malmquist index of total factor productivity, TFP into technological change, technical efficiency change and scale efficiency change by utilizing an output-oriented DEA model under the assumptions of constant and variable returns to scale. The methodology is applied to selected 5-digit Malaysian food manufacturing sub-industries using annual time-series data for the period 2002 to 2007. The results suggest that the TFP growth is largely due to positive technological change or frontier shift rather than technical efficiency change.


Background Facial rejuvenation is an elective procedure commonly performed to combat the consequences of normal aging. The senior author's practice initially consisted of traditional facelifts with superficial muscular apopneurotic system plication and/or superficial muscular apopneurotic system flap. After the development of the minimal access cranial suspension (MACS) technique by Tonnard et al., the senior author transitioned to an almost exclusive MACS facelift practice. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of the MACS technique versus the traditional facelift approach and objectively incorporate these results into practice. Methods A retrospective cohort study design was performed to identify all patients who underwent a facelift by the senior author between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2015. Patient demographics, comorbidities, type of procedure, complications, revision surgery, and objective surgeon satisfaction were among the parameters recorded. This was compared with an historical cohort of the senior author's earlier experience. Results There was a statistically significant decrease in the use of the MACS facelift procedure between this study and the senior authors' seminal study. Within this study cohort, compared with conventional facelift, the MACS technique was done on younger patients, proved to have significantly shorter operative time, mean follow up, and allowed for additional concurrent non-facial procedures when compared with the traditional approach (all comparisons significant at P < 0.05). However, continued postoperative neck laxity, submental pleating, and periocular pleating were seen with the MACS technique. Conclusions The current study shows that the MACS technique is better suited for young patients with lesser cervical bulk or laxity and provides an opportunity for concurrent nonfacial procedures. Objective assessment with recognition of the limitations of the MACS technique versus the traditional facelift approach has led to a change in the senior author's practice. Although the MACS lift incurs shorter procedure time and quicker recovery, it does demonstrate limitations when it comes to marked skin laxity and bulky necks/platysmal banding. Both techniques are used with in line with the respective limitations and advantages.


Cell motility plays an essential role in many physiological and pathological processes, yet we still lack information about the spatio-temporal coordination between regulatory biochemical processes and mechanics of cell migration. This dissertation has investigated the mechanics of amoeboid cell migration through intensive analysis of the traction forces exerted and shapes adopted by single Dictyostelium discoideum cells migrating chemotactically, focusing on wild-type (WT) and contractility-defective cells lacking either protein myosin II (mhcA⁻) or the myosin II essential light chains (mlcE⁻). We have developed an improved traction force cytometry method to calculate cell traction stresses which considers the finite thickness of the substrate. We have shown that the strain energy exerted by locomoting cells on the substrate evolves quasi-periodically and correlates with cell length, and thus it can be used as a quantitative indicator of the cell motility cycle. The periodicity (T) of the oscillations in the traction forces correlates strongly with the average velocity of migration (V) of cells according to the hyperbolic law V T=[lambda], where the constant [lambda] is independent of the strain analyzed and corresponds to the average distance a cell travels per cycle. Given the quasi-periodic character of both cell length and strain energy, we have performed a phase statistical analysis to obtain a spatio-temporal representation of the canonical motility cycle divided into four phases: protrusion, contraction, retraction, and relaxation. This analysis has elucidated the role that protein myosin II plays in enhancing the kinetics of the four stages of the cycle and in controlling the spatial distribution of the traction forces regulating that process. We have used principal component analysis to dissect the mechanics of locomotion of amoeboid cells into a reduced set of dominant components of cellular traction forces and shape changes. The dominant traction force component accounts for 40% of the strain energy performed by these cells, and its temporal evolution correlates with the quasi-periodic variations of cell length and strain energy exerted on the substrate. Finally, we have developed two analytic assays for the calculation of cell traction stresses in configurations of interest to further understand the mechanosensing machinery of cells


Full-grown oocytes of Atlantic croaker are insensitive to maturation-inducing steroid (MIS) unless they are primed with gonadotropin (Gd-I). The objective of this study was to examine the mechanism of GtH-induced maturational competence in croaker oocytes. Specifically, we determined the in vitro secretion of steroids by intact ovarian follicles of unprimed or hCG-primed fish, the direct effects of steroids on maturational competence, and the effects of steroid (cyanoketone), protein (cycloheximide), and RNA (actinomycin D) synthesis inhibitors on hCG-induced maturational competence and steroidogenesis in vitro. The steroid content of the incubation medium after hCG treatment was measured by RIA. The effects of hCG or exogenous steroid treatment on maturational competence were determined by recording the incidence of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) after MISinduced GVBD in a standard bioassay. Our major findings were: (1) induction of maturational competence occurred after exposure of ovarian follicles to hCG either in vivo or in vitro; (2) MIS secretion was detected in follicles of hCG-pruned fish but not unprimed fish, and no MIS secretion was observed during hCG induction of maturational competence in vitro; (3) treatment with cyanoketone blocked the hCG-dependent secretion of testosterone and estradiol but not the development of maturational competence; (4) treatment with MIS or various other exogenous steroids in the absence of hCG did not induce maturational competence; and (5) hCG-induced maturational competence was inhibited by cycloheximide and actinomycin D. Therefore, the mechanisms of GtH induction of oocyte maturation in Atlantic croaker can be described in two distinct stages: a delta-4 steroid(including MIS) and estrogen-independent priming stage followed by a MIS-mediated GVBD stage. The priming stage may involve mechanisms requiring RNA as well as protein synthesis.


Damselflies or Zygoptera, an important group of predators and biodiversity indicator, has been neglected in Pakistan. Partially to redress this, damselflies were collected from various localities of Pakistan during 2004 – 2008. A total of 1061 damselflies collected,yielding 51 species in 26 genera and 5families. Eight species, namely; Libellago lineata lineata, Libellago greeni, Protosticta hearseyi, Coeliccia vacca,
Cylonolestes cyanea, Ellatoneura souteri, Ellatoneura campioni and Ellatoneura atkinsoni are recorded for the first time from Pakistan. A new species of Indocnemis ahmedi sp. nov. is described from Nouseri (AJK) and Dasu (N.W.F.P). All species incorporated into key are illustrated by their valid names, synonyms, measurement of body parts (abdomen, forewing and hindwing length), habitat description, sex ratio of collected specimens with their dates of collection, distribution range, differential characters from published description for new records to country and comprehensive characters
description for new to science specimen has been provided. The known distribution of all the species is also updated. A map is provided of the distribution of each of them. Biodiversity indices study indicates that it was comparatively higher in AJ&K as compared to
Punjab, N.W.F.P, Baluchistan, Sindh and Northern areas respectively. Comparison of all the collected damselflies was done on area basis as well as on time period basis. Results revealed significant diferences among 3 species and non-significant in 30 species on area basis. On time
period basis, 33 species showed decreased length and 17 species showed increase in length. Sex ratio for whole collection was also calculated and it was found female biased.


The potential of predicting druggability for a particular disease by integrating biological and computer science technologies has witnessed success in recent years. Although the computer science technologies can be used to reduce the costs of the pharmaceutical research, the computation time of the structure-based protein-ligand docking prediction is still unsatisfied until now. Hence, in this paper, a novel docking prediction algorithm, named fast cloud-based protein-ligand docking prediction algorithm (FCPLDPA), is presented to accelerate the docking prediction algorithm. The proposed algorithm works by leveraging two high-performance operators: (1) the novel migration (information exchange) operator is designed specially for cloud-based environments to reduce the computation time; (2) the efficient operator is aimed at filtering out the worst search directions. Our simulation results illustrate that the proposed method outperforms the other docking algorithms compared in this paper in terms of both the computation time and the quality of the end result.


Catalonian artist Vanessa Donoso Lopez has been living and working in Dublin for much of her professional career. She exhibits widely, with successful solo shows this year in Kevin Kavanagh Gallery, Dublin, and Golden Thread Gallery, Belfast. Her practice is interdisciplinary and developed within a dialogical framework; exploring a variety of media and mechanisms as she moves from project to project, working with ceramics and paper, site-specific installation, sculpture, electronics and low-tech wearable technology. Conceptually Lopez attempts to negotiate the tension between cross-cultural identities and narratives, their instabilities and complexities, and their potential for the loss of identity and language. Her work is deeply connected to something that connects within us all; highlighting the movement of time as viewed through the lens of the metaphysical self—manifested, changed, reinvented or forgotten. Her creative approach showcases a sensitive awareness for the experiences she encounters as both migrant and researcher: one who moves between the familiar and the unknown, between landscape and history, and between the varying points of origin that shape and define us.  https://www.vanessadonosolopez.com/


One of the cornerstones of the law of succession in South Africa is the principle of freedom of testation. One of the ideas behind it is that the testator wishes to distribute the assets he or she collected in life to his or her surviving family members in order to care for them and ensure that they are provided for after his or her death. But freedom of testation goes beyond that - these assets can be distributed to whosoever the testator wishes.


This paper integrates two perspectives on why producers who span categories suffer social and/or economic disadvantage. According to the audience-side perspective, audience members refer to established categories to make sense of producers; they perceive producers who incorporate features from multiple categories to be poor fits with category expectations and less appealing relative to category specialists. The producer-side view holds that producers who span categories have lower ability to target effectively each category's audience, which decreases their appeal to audience members. This paper integrates these two perspectives by developing a formal account of how penalties arise as a consequence of audience-side and producer-side processes. Rather than treating these as rival explanations, we propose that both types of processes contribute to the penalties seen for category spanning. Analysis of data on the consequences of spanning categories in two dissimilar contexts, eBay auctions and U.S. feature film projects, provides support for the formal theory.


A double blind study comparing intravenous pethidine and meptazinol has been performed to establish the efficacy and safety of meptazinol as an analgesic agent in colonoscopy. Twenty two patients received pethidine and 23 patients received meptazinol and no difference in analgesic effect or sedative effect could be demonstrated either by observer or patient assessment using a visual analogue scale. A group of 10 patients in the pethidine group and 9 in the meptazinol group had continuous recording of electrocardiogram, pulse rate and blood pressure throughout the procedure. Significant falls in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were recorded in the pethidine group but not the meptazinol group. Benign cardiac arrhythmias were recorded in both groups before and after the administration of premedicant drug and 1 patient in each group had transient ST depression. Side effects were recorded with equal frequency in each group except for vomiting which occurred in 5 of 23 meptazinol patients but none of the pethidine patients. Meptazinol is an effective analgesic drug in colonoscopy which produces less cardiovascular depression than pethidine and thus may be useful in selected patients especially the elderly or those with known cardiovascular disease.


Although culture does not have a general definition in the international scientific community, usually culture is consisting from life experience derivates, more or less organized, learned or created by the individuals of a population, including those images or codes needed for own interpretation (meaning) and transmitted from generation to generation. Starting with this definition as o milestone in our analysis, we can identify that the learning process has a major impact on cultural evolution. A significant role in the process of culture evolution is played by communication as the communication methods are extremely important in the classification of learning methods and processes. This way, through communication we can identify a series of transmission and reception channels that help us indicate a bi-directional relation between the learning process participants at large, and specifically e-learning: we discuss about one hand the instructors and educators, and the other hand students.
In the particular case of e-learning, in the culture-communication-learning process relationship a new element worth mentioning, technology considered as the main communication environment in the learning process.
Through the culture-communication-technology-learning process, emerges a cultural values transfer process radiating from a specific educational system (local, national, regional) towards regional/international beneficiaries of the learning process. The cultural values transfer is exercising a direct strong influence on inter- and trans-cultural educations by the instrumentality of online environment. Consequently, a positive contribution is brought to human capital development through cultural awareness and social competence improvement.
Despite this perspective of cultural development through e-learning, there are a series of technologic, economic and infrastructure challenges that will be address in this paper.


Irradiation has been successful in the attenuation of infective stage parasites for use as vaccines against a number of parasites including Fasciola spp. The mechanisms of action of irradiation-attenuated vaccines, however, are not clearly understood. In this study, we examined the effect of 3, 10, and 40 krad of gamma-irradiation on the expression of carbohydrates and cathepsin-B by newly excysted juvenile Fasciola hepatica (NEJ). Following irradiation of metacercariae, the expression of concanavalin A (ConA)-specific sugars was decreased on the surface of NEJ and the expression of wheat germ agglutinin (WGA)-specific sugars was increased in the gut and reduced on the surface of NEJ. Cathepsin proteases are a major component of liver fluke excretory/secretory material (ES) and can cleave host immunoglobulin (Ig). Cathepsin-B protease was localized in nonirradiated NEJ to the gut lumen and to secretory granules within the gut epithelia. Irradiation of fluke with 3, 10, and 40 krad of gamma-rays significantly reduced the tissue expression of cathepsin-B at 8 hr postirradiation in an apparently dose-dependent manner. After a further 24 hr culture tissue expression of cathepsin-B was significantly reduced in 10- and 40-krad-irradiated NEJ. Protease activity of ES samples collected over a 24-hr period from irradiated and nonirradiated NEJ cultured in vitro were tested using a rabbit Ig cleavage assay. The proteolytic activity of ES from 10- and 40-krad-irradiated NEJ was reduced during the initial 6 hr in culture and between 12 and 24 hr when compared to ES from nonirradiated controls. Biosynthetic labeling experiments using [35S]methionine and [35S]cysteine indicated that ES material was actively synthesised during 48 hr in vitro culture. Therefore, from this study, we conclude that gamma-irradiation of NEJ alters expression of cathepsin-B protease and WGA- and ConA-specific sugars which may be detrimental to parasite invasion and contribute to the protective immune responses generated in the host by irradiation-attenuated metacercariae of Fasciola spp.


We report a case of a 42-years-old woman with constipation, anemia and recurrent itch. After several investigations, celiac disease was diagnosed and a treatment with a gluten-free diet was applied with beneficial effects. Recognizing celiac disease can be difficult because some of its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. In fact, sometimes it is confused with irritable bowel syndrome or iron-deficiency anemia or intestinal infections: as a result, celiac disease is commonly underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. This case report is described to address the physician to a correct diagnosis of celiac disease.


With the increasing requirement on QoS of data service, the long term evolution (LTE) of 3G is being researched and standardized to provide higher bit rates with lower latency, lower cost and improved coverage. In this paper, a novel network topology optimization of UMTS access networks combining mobility management and improved authentication schemes is proposed to support these requirements. The architecture presents a concept of URA (UMTS terrestrial radio access network registration area) self-control system in control plane (C-plane) of access network, so that the handover process of C-plane can be independent of that of user plane (U-plane), which significantly reduces the handover latency. Moreover, a novel layered tunnels topology method is proposed in U-plane to achieve load equilibrium in access gateway (AGW). Based on the proposed network architecture, we give examples of signaling sequence combining fast handover process and proposed authentication scheme, and shows that their performance is generally superior to current 3G network architecture, in terms of reducing handover latency and increasing data security and integrity


John Perry Barlow's insights were inseparable from his lyrical way of conveying them. Barlow's expression mates joy and canniness, and one of his talents in writing about new technologies was to flip our conception of the status quo in order to correct it. In 1994, the conventional sense was that the Internet and its champions were heedlessly upsetting a longstanding set of relationships and legal entitlements, with copyright as a signal example. And while that was superficially true, it wasn't the whole story. This brief essay examines the legacy of Barlow's work from the vantage point of today's markedly different digital world.


In this essay, we argue that an historical perspective helps to understand some of the strategic choices made by organizations. More specifically, the purpose here is to describe the great influence of historical events (related to economy, politics, technological advancement etc.) on the creation, acceptance, spreading and / or establishment of the strategic theories and tools developed since the beginning of the 20th century. Texts that usually discuss management and history outline only the Industrial Revolution or the transition from feudalism to capitalism, underestimating other historical forces that offer additional explanations to the evolution of strategic thinking. As a result of an extensive bibliographical research, we were able to identify four periods where the strategic theories developed reveal suitable responses to the challenges created by the environment: in the first one (1900-1938), strategy is concerned with organization and control of business activities, resembling the ideas developed by Scientific Administration; in the second period (1939-1964), strategic planning is formalized and the area is broadly recognized; the next decades (1965-1989) are characterized by competition and uncertainty, making strategy focus on problems emerged from the outside; finally, on the turn of the century (1990-2010), the unlimited information availability enhances the need for strategists' conceptual and practical knowledge. Also, as a final contribution, we suggest two possible trends to the future of strategy.


Belief propagation (BP) algorithm for decoding low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes over a binary input additive white Gaussian noise (BIAWGN) channel requires the knowledge of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the receiver to achieve its ultimate performance. An erroneous estimation or the absence of a perfect knowledge of the SNR at the decoder is referred to as "SNR mismatch". SNR mismatch can significantly degrade the performance of LDPC codes decoded by the BP algorithm. In this paper, using extrinsic information transfer (EXIT) charts, we design irregular LDPC codes that perform better (have a lower SNR threshold) in the presence of mismatch compared to the conventionally designed irregular LDPC codes that are optimized for zero mismatch. Considering that min-sum (MS) algorithm is the limit of BP with infinite SNR over-estimation, the EXIT functions generated in this work can also be used for the efficient analysis and design of LDPC codes under the MS algorithm.


We present a novel approach to bounded program verification that exploits recent advances of SMT solvers in modular checking of object-oriented code against its full specification. Bounded program verification techniques exhaustively check the specifications of a bounded program with respect to a bounded domain. To our knowledge, however, those techniques that target data-structure-rich programs reduce the problem to propositional logic directly, and use a SAT solver as the backend engine. Scalability, therefore, becomes a major issue due to bit blasting problems. In this paper, we present a novel approach that translates bounded Java programs and their JML specifications to quantified bit-vector formulas (QBVF) with arrays, and solves them using an SMT solver. QBVF allows logical constraints that are structurally closer to the original program and specification, and can be significantly simplified via high-level reasonings before being flattened in a basic logic. We also present a case study on a large-scale implementation of Dijkstra's shortest path algorithm. The results indicate that our approach provides significant speedups over a SAT-based approach.


A rapid (7 day) solution-based screening test was developed using 15 annual Medicago cultivars and one M. sativa. Based on a relative root regrowth after exposures to aluminium (Al), Zodiac (M. murex), Orion (M. sphaerocarpos) and the M. polymorha cultivars Santiago, Cavalier and Serena had the greatest Al tolerance. Herald (M. littoralis) and Rivoli (M. tornata) were most sensitive. Ranking for Al tolerance from the solution culture correlated well (r = 0.80) with ranking for tolerance of the 16 genotypes grown in an acidic soil (unlimed pHCa 4.1). We screened 17 Australian populations of lucerne (M. sativa) using a 24 h 'pulse' of 75 µmol/L Al, and a three day 'recovery' of 10 µmol/L Al. We identified and recovered plants with a root regrowth of ≥5 mm in all 17 populations with selection intensities of 2 to 4%. Four of these selected populations (Aurora, UQL-1, A513 and TO2-011) were polycrossed within each population to produce four populations of seed from the cycle 1 selections. The length of root regrowth under Al stress was improved for all four populations of cycle 1 selection (P ≤ 0.001; from 2.6 mm for the original populations to 6.3 mm for the cycle 1 selections). In a subsequent experiment the cycle 2 selections from Aurora, UQL-1 and TO2-011 had significantly greater root regrowth than both the cycle 1 selections (P ≤ 0.001; 8.3 cf. 6.6 mm) and the unselected populations (3.0 mm). The selections from TO2-011 appeared to have greater improvement in the average length of root regrowth after 2 cycles of selection. Selected germplasm was more tolerant than GAAT in our evaluation. Based on estimation of realised heritability, it seemed likely that higher selection intensities would give more rapid improvements in tolerance. Our studies have not investigated the physiological basis of any tolerance of Al which we observed.


"Take me wherever you wish. I am needed everywhere", Herbert von Karajan, in his typical modesty, is told to have replied to a taxi driver's question about destination. This is how Hans-Olov Adami opened his keynote address at the First Panum Seminar: The Future of Epidemiology in Copenhagen, on 25 January 1999, arguing that epidemiology, like von Karajan, is needed everywhere. The seminar, chaired by Jorn Olsen, drew some 300 participants. The discussions concerned questions such as whether the future is for macrosocial public health epidemiology, for molecular epidemiology, or for something in between; whether epidemiology needs substantive theories; or whether it is a general toolbox rather than a science, as Stig Wall formulated it in his keynote; and whether methodological or substance-matter limits should be set for epidemiology. It was generally agreed that all levels are important. As Mervyn Susser put it, we need a multilevel conceptual framework of disease causation and prevention. A problem remains, Neil Pearce noted, for resource allocation seems to favor molecular epidemiology, drawing from public health epidemiology. Many of the discoveries on the causes of cancer, for example, have their origins in systematic international comparisons of cancer incidence. On the other hand, soon we will know the human genome, as David Hunter reminded, pointing towards the vast potential for molecular studies. But just as epidemiologists need to look inside the black box, so should biologists look outside it. In this spirit, Walter W Holland called for a broad focus for epidemiology and disease control. Many speakers were also worried about the paucity of preventive intervention studies, including those done in the Third World. The invited speeches will be published in the International Journal of Epidemiology . Follow also the Epidemiology Monitor . A continuation is expected as a satellite seminar at the International Epidemiological Association meeting in Kaunas, Lithuania, in August 2000.


Drawing on published material, gray literature, and personal research, this article explores the implications of growth in mobile phone usage across Africa for patterns of physical mobility, organization of transport services, and the potential for improved transport planning. Emerging intersections between virtual and physical mobility—and broader interactions with wider social, economic, and political contexts—offer fascinating new foci for research in the continent. Social equity issues, including those associated with gender- and age-related mobility, will require careful monitoring and further explication over time, as patterns of phone ownership develop and change.


When the financial crisis struck in 2008, Main Street felt the blow just as hard as Wall Street. The "New York Times" national economics correspondent Peter S. Goodman takes us behind the headlines and exposes how the flow of capital from Asia and Silicon Valley to the suburbs of the housing bubble perverted America's economy. He follows a real estate entrepreneur who sees endless opportunity in the underdeveloped lots of Florida - until the mortgages for them collapse. And he watches as an Oakland, California-based deliveryman, unable to land a job in the biotech industry, slides into unemployment and a homeless shelter. As Goodman shows, for two decades Americans binged on imports and easy credit, a spending spree abetted by ever-increasing home values - and then the bill came due. Yet even in a new environment of thrift and pullback, Goodman argues that economic adaptation is possible, through new industries and new safety nets. His tour of new businesses in Michigan, Iowa, South Carolina, and elsewhere and his clear-eyed analysis point the way to the economic promises and risks America now faces.


: Olive oil is a key component of the Mediterranean Diet (MD), being the main source of vegetable fat, especially monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). As Mediterranean unique food stuff, olive oil has become a legendary culinary oil with very difficult-to-match health benefits. Anyone coming from the Mediterranean region of the world would tell you about the health benefits, as well as the wonderful flavor, of a good dose of olive oil on salads, pasta, fish and almost anything else. Fortunately, it is available throughout the year to satisfy taste buds and promote good health. In the last decade, many epidemiological studies confirmed the protective role of olive oil against several chronic diseases. Polyphenols and monounsaturated fatty acids may play a mysterious role in olive oil benefits and curability. They possess high potential anti-inflammatory effects, enhance cardiorespiratory health, can promote a healthy digestive system and healthy bone remodeling, maintain a good glycemic response, may prevent cancer, and can enhance beauty.


An answer to a question that is uppermost in the minds of young people. Difficult issues on sexuality, abortion and boy-girl relationships are skillfully considered with a view of upholding
the human dignity and not compromising the important values in life.


The density and vertical distribution of living calcareous foraminifera have been studied in six box cores from the shelf depressions in the Western Barents Sea in relation to total organic carbon content and flux to the seafloor, primary production, sedimentation rates, bottom-water masses and stable isotopes. It appears that at least several infaunal species—like Melonis barleeanus , Islandiella norcrossi and perhaps Nonionellina labradorica , Cribroelphidium excavatum clavatum and Cassidulina reniforme —might penetrate down to 8–10 cm below the sediment surface searching for a favorable microhabitat. A deep penetration of some living specimens, notably epifaunal Cibicides lobatulus , into the sediment might result from bioturbation and survival inside polychaete tubes. The highest foraminiferal abundances (up to 130–240 sp/50 cm3) of the six cores were found in the most productive areas on the West Spitsbergen shelf and in the mouth of the Isfjorden (Svalbard) and likely resulted from fast sedimentation and mass accumulation rates of marine organic matter. These factors seemed to be responsible for deeper penetration and habitat depth of the above-mentioned species on the shelf as compared to the northern Barents Sea continental slope. However, the abundance of living calcareous foraminifera on the slope was much higher than in our study, probably due to a greater flux of particulate organic matter produced during the seasonal phytoplankton bloom along the ice-edge margin. In general, more depleted δ18O values (of unstained foraminifera) are found in the box cores obtained beneath pure Atlantic water compared to those beneath cooler bottom water. Estimated δ18O disequilibrium effects for Nonionellina labradorica (0.28‰), Cibicides lobatulus (−0.76‰) and Melonis barleeanus (−0.41‰) support previous findings for these species.


Pineapple is a tropical fruit of great consume demand. However, due to its high perishability at room conditions, there is noticeable loss of quality postharvest in a short period. In this context, the use of biodegradable coatings is a promising alternative for maintaining postharvest quality. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the use of cassava starch-alginate based biodegradable coatings added with ascorbic acid and an elicitor on postharvest quality and conservation of 'Perola' pineapple. Fruits were coated with: Cassava starch 1.5% + alginate 0.5%; cassava starch 1.5% + alginate 0.5% + ascorbic acid 0.18 %; cassava starch 1.5% + alginate 0.5% + elicitor,  each added of 0.5% of glycerol as a plasticizer, and the control (uncoated fruits), following storage at room conditions (23 ± 1°C, 88 ± 2% RH). Pineapples coated with cassava starch-alginate associated with the elicitor (SE) or ascorbic acid (SA) kept lower levels of reducing and total sugars as well as better appearance and general acceptance (GA) during room storage for 18 days. According to the panelists, the determining factors for higher GA of 'Perola' pineapple under these coatings were the sweetness, fresh like characteristics of taste and odor, and better appearance. Overall, the use of SE and SA coatings had a marked impact in maintained the quality during 18 days and did not adversely affect the sensory characteristics of 'Perola' pineapple stored at room conditions.

 Key words: Ananas comosus, Manihot esculenta, biodegradable coating, sugars, sensorial acceptance.


The framework presents how trading in the foreign commodity futures market and the forward exchange market can affect the optimal spot positions of domestic commodity producers and traders. It generalizes the models of Kawai and Zilcha (1986) and Kofman and Viaene (1991) to allow both intermediate and final commodities to be traded in the international and futures markets, and the exporters/importers to face production shock, domestic factor costs and a random price. Applying mean-variance expected utility, we find that a rise in the expected exchange rate can raise both supply and demand for commodities and reduce domestic prices if the exchange rate elasticity of supply is greater than that of demand. Whether higher volatilities of exchange rate and foreign futures price can reduce the optimal spot position of domestic traders depends on the correlation between the exchange rate and the foreign futures price. Even though the forward exchange market is unbiased, and there is no correlation between commodity prices and exchange rates, the exchange rate can still affect domestic trading and prices through offshore hedging and international trade if the traders are interested in their profit in domestic currency. It illustrates how the world prices and foreign futures prices of commodities and their volatility can be transmitted to the domestic market as well as the dynamic relationship between intermediate and final goods prices. The equilibrium prices depends on trader behaviour i.e. who trades or does not trade in the foreign commodity futures and domestic forward currency markets. The empirical result applying a two-stage-least-squares approach to Thai rice and rubber prices supports the theoretical result.


Large-scale vision-language models (VLM) have shown impressive results for language-guided search applications. While these models allow category-level queries, they currently struggle with personalized searches for moments in a video where a specific object instance such as "My dog Biscuit" appears. We present the following three contributions to address this problem. First, we describe a method to meta-personalize a pre-trained VLM, i.e., learning how to learn to personalize a VLM at test time to search in video. Our method extends the VLM's token vocabulary by learning novel word embeddings specific to each instance. To capture only instance-specific features, we represent each instance embedding as a combination of shared and learned global category features. Second, we propose to learn such personalization without explicit human supervision. Our approach automatically identifies moments of named visual instances in video using transcripts and vision-language similarity in the VLM's embedding space. Finally, we introduce This-Is-My, a personal video instance retrieval benchmark. We evaluate our approach on This-Is-My and Deep-Fashion2 and show that we obtain a 15% relative improvement over the state of the art on the latter dataset.


Purpose: Patients treated with opioid drugs for cancer pain experience different relief responses, raising the possibility that genetic factors play a role in opioid therapy outcome. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that genetic variations may control individual response to opioid drugs in cancer patients. Experimental Design: We tested 1 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in European cancer patients, selected in a first series, for extremely poor (pain relief ≤40%; n = 145) or good (pain relief ≥90%; n = 293) responses to opioid therapy using a DNA-pooling approach. Candidate SNPs identified by SNP-array were genotyped in individual samples constituting DNA pools as well as in a second series of 570 patients. Results: Association analysis in 1,008 cancer patients identified eight SNPs significantly associated with pain relief at a statistical threshold of P < 1.0 × 10−3, with rs12948783, upstream of the RHBDF2 gene, showing the best statistical association (P = 8.1 × 10−9). Functional annotation analysis of SNP-tagged genes suggested the involvement of genes acting on processes of the neurologic system. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the identified SNP panel can modulate the response of cancer patients to opioid therapy and may provide a new tool for personalized therapy of cancer pain. Clin Cancer Res; 17(13); 4581–7. ©2011 AACR.


The impact of type 1 diabetes (T1D) on school performance is controversial.

OBJECTIVE
To study the relationship between school performance and metabolic control in children with T1D (Ch-T1D), comparing their school grades to general population children (Ch-GP).

PATIENTS AND METHOD
Clinical data for 66 Ch-T1D was reviewed, school grades were compared in Ch-T1D with Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) HbA1c < 7.5% and ≥ 7.5%. School marks were also compared between Ch-T1D and Ch-GP from the same level, community and school type (public, private o chartered). Simple linear regression analysis and Mann Whitney test were used to compare groups. A p < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS
Ch-T1D were: 13.4 ± 2.9 years old, T1D duration: 5.3 ± 3.2 years, HbA1c was 8.6 ± 1.9% and capillary blood glucose was measured 3.2 ± 1.2 times per day. Grade averages showed no correlation with HbA1c, diabetes duration, hypothyroidism, mental health issues, neither with hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis records. However, primary education Ch-T1D showed lower grades than Ch-GP 5.6 ± 0.7 and 6.0 ± 0.2 (p = 0,0002). School grades correlated with the number of capillary blood glucose readings per day, Pearson correlation coefficient (r) 0.25, 0.41, 0.52 and 0.58 with general grade point average, math, language, and history average respectively (p < 0.05). School non-pass rate was 6.1% in Ch-T1D and 4.8% in Ch-GP (p = 0.65) and school dropout rate was 10.5% in Ch-T1D and 7.7% in Ch-GP (p = 0.47).

CONCLUSION
Ch-T1D attending primary school showed lower school grades than Ch-GP, and patients who more frequently checked capillary blood glucose showed better school grades. T1D may have a deleterious impact on school performance.


A persistence of hypoxia is a common feature for the Sea of Oman, and the western Arabian Sea. By using historical data complemented by ongoing measurements, the relationship between the frequency of harmful algal blooms, fish kill incidents, and oxygen depletions, was investigated. In the Sea of Oman, the seasonal pattern exhibited a tendency of fish kill incidents to increase, from January to November. In the western Arabian Sea, the pattern was different- maximal occurrence of fish kill incidences was observed in December and January. In 1988-2011, the number of harmful algal blooms accompanied by fish kills was 4 times higher for the Sea of Oman (N= 91) compared to the Arabian Sea coast (N= 22), whereas the total number of fish kill incidents was about the same (22 versus 25). This means that the Arabian Sea coast faced more frequent harmful blooms than the Sea of Oman. The Sea of Oman coastal time series of the dissolved oxygen concentration implied a steady decline throughout the year, from January to December. The fish kill incidents in this region were mainly driven by oxygen depletions, whereas in the Arabian Sea these incidents were mediated by the harmful algal blooms along with the oxygen depletions. In analyzing the Omani coast as a whole, the Ridge Multiple Regression Analysis implied the dissolved oxygen concentration and monthly occurrence of algal blooms as the two variables explaining 75% of the seasonal variations in fish kill incidents.


At the end of 2019, a severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by SARS-CoV-2 started a pandemic, leading to millions of deaths and many important political and social changes. Even in the absence of contamination, the mobility reduction, social distancing and closing of exercise facilities negatively affected physical activity and conditioning, which is associated with muscle atrophy, loss of muscle strength, and reductions in functional capacity. In cases of infection, it has been shown that increased physical capacity is associated with decreased hospitalization and mortality risk. Although millions of people have died from COVID-19, most contaminated individuals survived the infection, but carried different sequelae, such as the severe loss of physical function and a reduced quality of life. Among different physical exercise models that might help to prevent and treat COVID-19-related conditions, resistance training (RT) might be particularly relevant. Among its benefits, RT can be adapted to be performed in many different situations, even with limited space and equipment, and is easily adapted to an individual's characteristics and health status. The current narrative review aims to provide insights into how RT can be used in different scenarios to counteract the negative effects of COVID-19. By doing this, the authors expect to provide insights to help deal with the current pandemic and similar events the world may face in the future.


A machine is described which can perform the Gram stain. Comparison of slides stained by machine versus hand revealed no difference in reproducibility or accuracy. In addition to providing clean, dry, uniformly stained slides, the machine saves 24 sec per slide when compared with a hand staining technique.


The most intractable and protracted transatlantic trade conflict of the last decade was over bananas, which grow neither on the European nor on the North American continent. Our explanation of the conflict emphasizes the determining role of the domestic politics of the EU and the United States. It was driven not only by the extreme divergence of preferences of Brussels' and Washington's domestic constituencies, rooted in the competitive position of competing banana industries, but also, and critically, by the institutional configuration of (agricultural) trade policymaking on either side of the Atlantic. The EU agricultural trade policy process is characterized by a division of labor that favors agricultural over wider trading interests, sectoral segmentation, and sector-specific issue-linkage. The U.S. trade policy process is characterized by the Congress's growing reassertion of its trade policy prerogatives, the growing institutionalization of firms' access to the trade policy bureaucracy, and the growing volume and role of corporate campaign donations. The combined effect of these different policy process traits has been to facilitate the capture of banana trade policy by highly organized, particularistic, and predominantly trading interests. Although neither the WTO nor the transatlantic trading relationship ultimately "slipped" over bananas, the conflict provides scant reason for optimism concerning the future of this relationship or indeed of the multilateral international trading system, at least in as far as the latter depends on good EU-U.S. relations.


The neutral-point-clamped (NPC) inverter topology has been the centre of research and development effort for numerous applications, including medium- and high-voltage electric motor drives, static compensators (STATCOMs) and other utility type of power electronic systems for almost three decades now. Pulse-width modulation (PWM) control methods have been developed for such topology for respective three-level and multilevel versions. The issue of voltage balancing between the DC bus capacitors is a drawback that requires attention and the problem becomes more serious as the number of levels increases. Selective harmonic elimination PWM can be applied to control the topology as a method to reduce the switching transitions to the lowest possible number. The active NPC (ANPC) topology is derived from the NPC topology by adding an active switch in anti-parallel to each clamping diode. Hybrid configurations combining flying capacitors are also possible. The five-level topology discussed in this paper is derived through different connections of active clamping paths. A novel recently proposed five-level symmetrically defined SHE-PWM method is applied. The simulation results presented in the paper confirm the suitability of the new method.


ABSTRACT Bayu Nuarihad Prayitno. 2016. Translation Strategies of Swear Words In The 22 Jump Street Film Subtitle. English Study Program, Dian Nuswantoro University. Adviser: Raden Arief Nugroho. S.S , M.Hum Key words : Translation Strategies, 22 Jump Street, Film Subtitle, Translation by Cultural Substitution, Translation by Omission To identify types of swear word used in the 22 Jump street Film Subtitle. To identify the grammatical pattern of swear word in the 22 Jump Street Film Subtitle. To identify the translation strategies applied in Translation Strategies of Swear Words in the 22 Jump Street Film Subtitle. Documentation method was used in collecting the data. The research was taken the data from the internet, and the subtitle from the film. The researcher used the following steps: selecting the film, downloading the film on the internet, getting the Target Language (TL) script, finding out the Source Language (SL) script on the internet to find the utterances (swear words) that were said by the actors, typing the Indonesian subtitle beside the Source Language (SL) subtitle in a note as data. There are containing 96 units of data analysis found in 22 Jump Street film and its subtitle which have been analyzed based on Mona Baker`s translation strategies. It is found that there are 2 kinds of 4 translation strategies. They are Translation by Cultural Substitution and Translation by Omission. There are four types of swear words used in 22 Jump Street film and its subtitle. There are 57 data (59.375%) for expletive, 22 data (22.916%) forauxiliary, 14 data (14.583%) for abusive, and the last is 3 data (3, 125%) for humorous. The researcher found that the film translation is dominated by Translation by Cultural Substitution and Translation by Omission. It can give the reader a concept which the reader can identify something similar otherwise Translation by Omission. Translators can has purpose to make simply omit translating the word or expression. The highest percentage of translation strategies used is Translation by Cultural Subtitution. This is the translation strategies mostly used in the film. This is some kind of cultural subtitution where spesific terms in the source language is translated in the common cultural in the target language, so that the result of the translation work is understandable in the target language.


In this work the static and dynamic tensile properties of vanadium alloy V-5Cr-5Ti were investigated at strain rates ranged from 3.3x10-5/s to 1.2x102/s. The material microstructures were analyzed using optical microscope, SEM, TEM, XRD and EDS. Results show that the yield strength a increases with strain rate. The brittle-ductile transition strain-rate is about 101/s to102/s. At room temperature the tensile fracture at a low strain rate occurs via mixed modes of microvoid aggregating and transgranular cracking; at high strain rate the fracture occurs via a brittle mode. The analysis by TEM, XRD and EDX shows the existence of lath martensite, and on there exits precipitate phase of Ti(O,C, N) in grain boundaries.


This chapter studies Article 23, which sets out some basic procedural guidelines for the arbitral hearing—addressing such issues as notice requirements, identification of witnesses, and logistics for witness examination—and vests broad discretion in the tribunal on the conduct of the hearing. While the tribunal typically enjoys a broad discretion in laying the 'ground rules' for the hearing, it will also be influenced by several other factors. First, the tribunal may well decide to adopt outright, or at a minimum be guided by, international standard rules on evidential or procedural matters. Second, the arbitral procedure may be influenced by any provisions relating to hearings adopted as part of the arbitration clause or submission to arbitration. Lastly, a tribunal will take note of the provisions relating to hearings that are contained in the applicable arbitration rules.


Background Egg allergy is one of the most common food allergies of childhood. There is a lack of information on the immunologic basis of egg allergy beyond the role of IgE. Objective To use transcriptional profiling as a novel approach to uncover immunologic processes associated with different phenotypes of egg allergy. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from egg-allergic children who were defined as reactive (BER) or tolerant (BET) to baked egg, and from food allergic controls (AC) who were egg non-allergic. PBMCs were stimulated with egg white protein. Gene transcription was measured by microarray after 24 h, and cytokine secretion by multiplex assay after 5 days. Results The transcriptional response of PBMCs to egg protein differed between BER and BET versus AC subjects. Compared to the AC group, the BER group displayed increased expression of genes associated with allergic inflammation as well as corresponding increased secretion of IL-5, IL-9 and TNF-α. A similar pattern was observed for the BET group. Further similarities in gene expression patterns between BER and BET groups, as well as some important differences, were revealed using a novel Immune Annotation resource developed for this project. This approach identified several novel processes not previously associated with egg allergy, including positive associations with TLR4-stimulated myeloid cells and activated NK cells, and negative associations with an induced Treg signature. Further pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes comparing BER to BET subjects showed significant enrichment of IFN-α and IFN-γ response genes, as well as genes associated with virally-infected DCs. Conclusions Transcriptional profiling identified several novel pathways and processes that differed when comparing the response to egg allergen in BET, BER, and AC groups. We conclude that this approach is a useful hypothesis-generating mechanism to identify novel immune processes associated with allergy and tolerance to forms of egg.


We reported a rare case of cervical glioblastoma with intracranial dissemination at an early stage of clinical course and reviewed the literature. An 8-year-old girl presented with failure of vision 3 months prior to admission to our hospital. Neurological examination on admission disclosed no definitive abnormalities except for bilateral visual disturbance and optic atrophy. Cranial MR images revealed a homogeneously enhancing tumor in the left sylvian fissure. Multiple spotty T2-hyperintensity lesions without contrast enhancement were also disclosed in bilateral cerebellum. Spinal MR images showed an enhancing tumor at C7 and tiny enhancing lesions on the surface of T11. The patient underwent an uneventful excision of the exophytic tumor at C7. The histological diagnosis was glioblastoma. The enhancing tumor in the left sylvian fissure treated by Linac stereotactic radiotherapy with a marginal dose of 38.4Gy in 12 fractions has diminished, whereas the residual tumor at C7 remained unchanged after radiation of 44Gy. In contrast, the multiple spotty lesions without contrast enhancement dispersedly spread in the cerebellum and infiltrated into brain stem despite 4 courses of chemotherapy using ifosfamide, cisplatin, and etoposide. Stereotactic biopsy of the multiple spotty lesions in the cerebellum was performed. Histological examination revealed anaplastic astrocytoma. The patient died 2 weeks after the biopsy despite additional chemotherapy and focal irradiation to the cerebellum. Early detection and selection of optimal therapeutic strategies are important in management of spinal glioblastoma with subarachnoid dissemination, since neuroradiological findings and therapeutic sensitivity are varied according to differentiation of disseminated tumors.