The research work analyzed the content of agricultural news coverage in the Standard and the Daily Nation Newspapers from September 2011 to August 2012. This was done by categorizing the articles covered during the study period and identifying their page locations (which were either from the cover, middle or last pages), determining their frequency and space allocation to agricultural information. Stratified random and purposive sampling was used to select 15 newspapers in every month of the study period for both papers. Data were collected from the total of 360 sampled newspapers and were analyzed with SPSS version 16 using frequency counts and percentages. That data were collected from the sampled newspaper issues on the new category, size of space allocated and location of news from each of the newspapers. Location refers to where the articles appeared in the newspaper such as cover (front) pages, middle pages and last pages. Space occupied by the articles were measured in centimeters using a ruler. The results show that there were seven different categories of articles published by the two dailies during that study period. They are advertisements, features, editorials, letters to the editor, hard news, opinions and photographs and virtually all of the identified and categorized articles were located in the middle pages (95%). Photographs were the most frequently published categories of agricultural information (35.1 per cent) during the study period in both dailies and opinions were the least (0.9%). Daily Nation devoted only 7 per cent to all its published categories of agricultural information and the Standard allocated only 2 per cent of its total available space during the one year study period. The Standard published more agricultural articles than the Daily Nation in the Features (39.7 against 16.5 per cents), and Letters to the editor (4.4 against 2.8 per cents) categories but the Daily Nation published about 4 more times advertisements (17.7 per cent) compared to the Standard (4.4 per cent). Unlike the Daily Nation, The Standard did not publish any editorials, opinions and black and white agricultural photos. It was recommended that these two Kenyan dailies should publish more agricultural information and on the front pages of their respective publications. It was also recommended that the Standard Group management should engage the services of more agricultural-oriented opinion column writers. Other recommendations were that the total space allocated to agricultural information by the two dailies need to be increased considerably so as to enhance effective communication and that the Standard should endeavor to increase advertisements for commercial purposes without compromising reporting of hard news. Media executives are advised to employ agricultural graduates as the line reporters for agro-based sensitive news. Capacity building workshops should be organized for agricultural columnists in Kenyan newspapers on reporting of agro-information.


In oncogenic therapies, apoptosis seems to be the important mechanism of deciding chemotherapy effect. NF-kappaB transcription factors are implicated in the control of cell proliferation and apoptosis. NF-kappaB is activated by chemotherapy and by irradiation, and this pathway has been shown to protect cells potently from their stimuli-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, inhibition of NF-kappaB leads to enhanced apoptosis in response to various stimuli. However, because the role of NF-kappaB as a modifier of the intrinsic chemosensitivity of cancer cells is less clear, we have studied the impact of IkappaBalpha (an inhibitor of NF-kappaB) on the chemosensitivity of human lung cancer cells. We used adenoviral vectors expressing human IkappaBalpha (AdIkappaBalpha) and investigated the effects of IkappaBalpha gene transfer in combination with 6 anticancer agents on a human pulmonary adenocarcinoma cell line, A549. Solutions containing anticancer agents at various concentrations were added followed by the addition of recombinant adenovirus solutions, and each IC50 was calculated based on the dose-response curves. The gene transfer of AdIkappaBalpha decreased IC50 from 12.0 to 2.2 nM on paclitaxel and increased IC50 from 0.27 to 16.0 microM on SM5887 compared with the transfer of control gene, AdLacZ. The IC50 did not change clearly on the other anticancer drugs. To investigate this molecular mechanism, we measured caspase 3 activity by the transfer of IkappaBalpha gene. On result, paclitaxel increased caspase 3 activity and SM5887 decreased the activity. These results indicate that the cell killing effect of anticancer drug is influenced by the inhibition of NF-kappaB activity and may, at least in part, depend on the regulation of caspase 3 activation. Adenovirus mediated IkappaBalpha gene transfer improve the anti-cancer effect of paclitaxel to lung cancer cells through the regulation of caspase 3 activation.


A survey based on browsing related architectures indicated that browsing level had increased at the Mt. Haggin Wildlife Management Area. We describe a technique for determining the year in which the increase in browsing level occurred. The technique is based on the analysis of stems old enough to have experienced the early period of light browsing; the onset year of intense browsing was determined by using dendrochronology to date the formation of twig clusters produced by intense browsing. Stems from 20 Geyer willow (Salix geyeriana Anderss.) plants were analyzed from each of 6 study sites. Mean onset years at the 6 sites ranged from 1983.1 to 1988.4; the mean onset year for all 6 sites was 1985.4 +/- 0.5 SE (N = 120). The reconstructed history was used to evaluate the relationship between moose (Alces alces) number and browse trend. From 1976 to 2000, the winter trend census of moose increased from 7 to 56. The onset of intense browsing in 1985 occurred when 23 moose were counted. DOI:10.2458/azu_jrm_v56i1_keigley


While large-scale knowledge graphs provide vast amounts of structured facts about entities, a short textual description can often be useful to succinctly characterize an entity and its type. Unfortunately, many knowledge graphs entities lack such textual descriptions. In this paper, we introduce a dynamic memory-based network that generates a short open vocabulary description of an entity by jointly leveraging induced fact embeddings as well as the dynamic context of the generated sequence of words. We demonstrate the ability of our architecture to discern relevant information for more accurate generation of type description by pitting the system against several strong baselines.


PURPOSE : Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are becoming a popular treatment option for patients awaiting heart transplantation. This device is often used in the pre-transplant population to manage heart failure that is unresponsive to conventional medical management. The VAD assumes the pumping action of the right and/or left ventricles. If a patient requires the insertion of a VAD while waiting for a heart transplant, he is likely to experience the effects of deconditioning from bed rest. The purpose of this case study is to describe the physical therapy management of a patient who required a biventricular assist device (BiVAD) prior to transplant. SUBJECT: The subject is a 44 year old man with dilated cardiomyopathy and increasing biventricular failure who required the insertion of a BiVAD for 40 days while awaiting a donor heart. During this period of time the patient required mechanical ventilation for respiratory support. INTERVENTION : Physical therapy was initiated four days after the insertion of the BiVAD. The patient demonstrated overall deconditiong from over two weeks of complete bed rest. His upper extremity strength was grossly 2/ 5 and his lower extremity strength was 2-/5. Initially, treatment consisted of general bedside exercises. After two days of performing the bedside exercises, treatment was progressed to sitting on the edge of bed and performing exercises in sitting. The patient required moderated assistance with bed mobility and needed moderate assistance to maintain sitting. Ambulation was initiated one week after the initiation of physical therapy. He was able to ambulate short distances with the use of a platform walker while being manually assisted with an ambu bag. The patient's vital signs were monitored throughout the treatment. A perfusionist was present during all upright activities to monitor the BiVAD and cannulas, and to regulate the pump flow. This treatment continued for five weeks. OUTCOME: At the end of the pre-transplant phase of care, the patient was able to transfer with stand by assistance, and sit independently at the edge of the bed. He could perform a lower extremity ergometer continuously for 25 minutes with no resistance, and ambulate 250 feet with a platform walker while being manually assisted with an ambu bag. This patient was able to perform all of these activities with appropriate vital signs. CONCLUSION: While a heart transplant candidate may require mechanical circulatory support, physical therapists should be aware of the ability to safely exercise and mobilize this patient population. Early intervention may help to reverse the effects of deconditioning, and thus may reduce the post-op complications related to immobility. POSTER PRESENTATIONS


CONTEXT
Adverse cardiac events have been reported in patients waiting for either coronary surgery or angioplasty. However, data on the risk of adverse events while awaiting coronary angiography are limited, and none are available from a US population.

OBJECTIVE
To quantify cardiac outcomes in patients waiting for elective coronary angiography.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
Observational cohort study of 381 adult outpatients (mean [SD] age, 55 [12] years; 64% male; 61% white) on a waiting list for coronary angiography at a US tertiary care public teaching hospital during 1993-1994.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Rates of cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and hospitalizations for unstable angina or heart failure as a function of amount of time spent on a waiting list.

RESULTS
Sixty-six patients were dropped from the waiting list but were included in the study analysis. During a mean (SD) follow-up of 8.4 (6.5) months, cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and hospitalization occurred in 6 (1.6%), 4 (1.0%), and 26 (6.8%) patients, respectively. The probability of events was minimal in the first 2 weeks and increased steadily between 3 and 13 weeks. By Cox multivariate analysis, 2 variables independently identified an increased risk of adverse events: a strongly positive treadmill exercise electrocardiogram or positive stress imaging result at referral (odds ratio [OR], 2.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22-4.16; P=.01) and the use of 2 to 3 anti-ischemic medications (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.19-3.96; P=.04). Among 311 patients who ultimately underwent angiography, those with adverse events had a higher prevalence of coronary disease (96% vs 60%; P<.001), more frequently required revascularization (93% vs 53%; P<.001), and had longer hospital stays (mean [SD], 6.2 [4.3] vs 1.3 [0.7] days; P=.001).

CONCLUSION
Our data suggest that in a cohort referred for coronary angiography, delaying the procedure places some patients at risk for death, myocardial infarction, unplanned hospitalization, a longer hospital stay, and, potentially, a poorer prognosis. Waits longer than 2 weeks should be avoided, and patients with strongly positive stress test results and those who require 2 to 3 anti-ischemic medications should be prioritized for early intervention.


Differential diagnosis (DD) of subarachnoidal hemorrhage (SH) should be carried out in two directions: (1) syndromic and nosological and (2) etiological. The diagnosis of 739 verified cases of SH of different etiology was analyzed. The data on DD of SH were systematized, with specification of the concrete disease entities which are to undergo DD. The portion of each of the disease entities was defined, the DD criteria for SH of different etiology were distinguished and tabulated.


This PhD thesis is a study of urban transformation in a Libyan city. The case study focuses on the city of Tripoli, the capital of Libya. It is at the same time an old city as well as a modern city, and can be identified as a major world city. Libya has experienced one of the highest rates of urbanisation in the last few decades. Libya's rate of urbanisation is 88%, putting it higher than that of all other African cities and, indeed, some European cities as well. The research explores the urban structure of the city including the cultural and social system. In addition, the research explores crucial urban theories from Iben Khaldun to Louis Wirth and examines modern patterns as a method of feedback of the study of urbanisation. This study shows special characteristics of urban phenomena and adds, in general, to the literature in the field.
During the past number of decades, the pattern of life in Tripoli has been transformed, with particular focus on local culture which has felt the impact of global culture. These changes have brought about new aspects and patterns to life in the city. The study also argues that transformation has occurred in some aspects of life such as food and music. Urban transformation in this study is examined within the context of globalisation. That is, in the context of global urban culture with special emphasis on its impact on local culture. Here, the city is seen as a global site with many advantages. The study is therefore an example of appropriation and implementation of a sort of "global knowledge" in a local, Libyan context. It is concerned with the urban transformation and social change of Tripoli as it undergoes a transition from traditional and modern to a global state.
In focusing upon the urbanisation and special structure of Tripoli, the first five chapters of the study review the historical social transformation of Tripoli through urban life, global culture, urbanisation, urban family and urban women. The research addresses the Libyan social structure and includes a history of Tripoli and observations on Libyan structure between traditional and global phenomena in relation to urbanisation. In chapter six, an attempt is made to discuss the characteristics of Tripoli. Large numbers of immigrants have swelled Tripoli's population resulting in unique aspects of change. Tripoli shares many similarities with other cities of the world, such as a modern lifestyle and a growing prevalence of foreign food, music and dress.


Forest roads are basic precondition for the sustainable management of forest resources. These roads entail a complex engineering effort because they can cause substantial environmental damage to forests and include a highcost construction. Therefore, the design of forest road routes should have taken into account in terms of environmental impacts. In order to do this, the Geographical Information System (GIS) with Spatial Multi Criteria Decision Making (S-MCDM) techniques is a useful tool for creating a model. One such S-MCDM is the Spatialintegrated Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (S-TOPSIS). In this study, S-TOPSIS was applied to integrate environmental impacts into the design of a forest road route. Using the current forest road route (CFOR) and the GIS-based S-TOPSIS method, an environmentally sound forest road route (ESFOR) was determined according to environmental criteria. Five environmental criteria (avalanche, river, soil, geology and slope) were used for analysis to compare with. The results obtained from the analyses, are compared to the current forest road route. The CFOR 15.385 km in length, while the ESFOR found by S-TOPSIS was 14.385 km. If the differences in length between two roads multiplied by the width of the road (1km X 5m), the result would be 0.5 ha. The results showed that this methodology can provide environmentally sound road network also help to design quickly and less costly. These results suggest that spatial multi criteria decision making method can be more accurate in terms of environmentally sensitive forest road designing in mountainous area.


This study aims to determine the α-tocopherol effect on repairing histological damage to the testicles of rats exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. The testicle histological damage and repairs were evaluated based on spermatogenic staging changes, seminiferous tubule diameter and the thickness of the epithelium. A total of 100 rats were divided into five groups. The control group (CG) rats only received a placebo. Meanwhile, in treatment groups, rats were exposed to dioxin 700 ng/kg/BW/day and four hours later they received a 0, 77, 140 and 259 α-tocopherol mg/kg/BW/day in the T0, T1, T2 and T3 groups, respectively. Dioxin exposure and α-tocopherol administration were conducted orally through a stomach tube in 45 days. Dioxin administration resulted in a reduction (p< 0.05) in the spermatogenic staging based on the number of spermatogenic cells and Leydig cells, diameter and thickness of the seminiferous tubule epithelium compared to those of normal rats (CG). The administration of 140 (T2) and 259 (T3) αtocopherol mg/kg/BW/day alleviated the spermatogenesis depletion caused by dioxin, which was indicated by the higher (P<0.05) number of spermatogenic cells and Leydig cells and the diameter and thickness of the seminiferous tubule epithelium compared to the T0 group. A dose of 259 α-tocopherol mg/kg/BW/day (T3) raised the spermatogenic staging closer to that of the normal rats, although it was still lower (p <0.05). It can be concluded that α-tocopherol antagonized the toxicity of dioxin on the testis.


Fatigue fracture of some high-strength steels occurs at small defect in the subsurface zone of a material at low stress amplitude level and in a high-cycle region of more than 106 cycles (gigacycle fatigue life), whereas surface fatigue crack initiation occurs at high-stress amplitude and low cycles. There is a definite stress range where the crack initiation site changes from a surface to a subsurface defect, giving a step-wise S-N curve or a duplex S-N curve. From the experimental results, fatigue fracture mode was classified into three types, such as, surface inclusion induced fracture mode, subsurface inclusion induced fracture mode without granular bright facet (GBF) area and that with the GBF, depending on stress amplitude level and stress ratio. The GBF area was observed in the vicinity of a non-metallic inclusion at the fracture origin inside the fish-eye in gigacycle fatigue regime. It was made clear from the discussion with fracture mechanics that the transition of fracture mode was affected by compressive residual stresses on the specimen surface. Fracture-mode transition diagram was proposed through the experimental and theoretical investigation. Also, from the evaluation of the fatigue life based on the estimated subsurface crack growth rate from the S-N data, effect of inclusion size on the dispersion of fatigue life was explained, and S-N curve for subsurface inclusion-induced fracture depended on the inclusion size was provided.


This paper empirically addresses how inflation rates affect China's private grain stocks.Storable grain is characterized as a capital asset. Farm households would choose either to store grain or to sell grain to get bank deposits. We first build a farm household model in which real interest rates can alter farmer's grain storage behavior. Using household survey data collected in Hebei province, China from 2004-2009, we empirically test the theory. Our estimates show that inflation rates significantly and negatively affect private grain storage. This finding provides an alternative explanation for the decline in private grain stocks since 2004 in China.


INTRODUCTION
We report the contemporary outcomes of radical cystectomy (RC) in patients with bladder cancer using a national, prospective perioperative database specifically developed to assess the quality of surgical care.

METHODS
The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried from 2006 to 2011 for RC. Data on postoperative complications, operative time, length of stay, blood transfusions, readmission, and mortality within 30 days from surgery were abstracted.

RESULTS
Overall, 1094 patients undergoing RC were identified. Rates of overall complications, transfusions, prolonged length of hospitalization, readmission, and perioperative mortality were 31.1%, 34.4%, 25.9%, 20.2%, and 2.7%, respectively. Body mass index represented an independent predictor of overall complications on multivariate analysis (p = 0.04). Baseline comorbidity status was associated with increased odds of postoperative complications, prolonged operative time, transfusion, prolonged hospitalization, and perioperative mortality. In particular, patients with cardiovascular comorbidities were 2.4 times more likely to die within 30 days following cystectomy compared to their healthier counterparts (p = 0.04). Men had lower odds of prolonged operative time and blood transfusions (p ≤ 0.03). Finally, the receipt of a continent urinary diversion was the only predictor of readmission (p = 0.02). Our results are limited by their retrospective nature and by the lack of adjustment for hospital and tumour volume.

CONCLUSIONS
Complications, transfusions, readmission, and perioperative mortality remain relatively common events in patients undergoing RC for bladder cancer. In an era where many advocate the need for prospective multi-institutional data collection as a means of improving quality of care, our study provides data on short-term outcomes after RC from a national quality improvement initiative.


At this moment in history, a staggering 60 million refugees rely on international help - the highest number of displaced persons ever. A large variety of solutions have been developed that cater for primary needs. However, long-term public and community facilities have been neglected.
This project is addressing the necessity of dignifying community facilities in the context of permanent temporariness in refugee camps. Twelve plans for public buildings are developed, each with a different program. During the coming spring, certain parts of these projects will be built in scale 1:1, as part of the building exercises of the battalion of genie troops.
In order to develop these prototypes, a variety of camp types, public building types and techniques have been researched and analysed. All together these studies have been assembled in a catalogue, intended as a toolbox for designing public buildings for refugees.


A single crystal plasticity theory for insertion into finite element simulation is formulated using sequential laminates to model subgrain dislocation structures. It is known that local models do not adequately account for latent hardening, as latent hardening is not only a material property, but a nonlocal property (e.g., grain size and shape). The addition of the nonlocal energy from the formation of subgrain structure dislocation walls and the boundary layer misfits provide both latent and self hardening of crystal slip. Latent hardening occurs as the formation of new dislocation walls limit motion of new mobile dislocations, thus hardening future slip systems. Self hardening is accomplished by evolution of the subgrain structure length scale. No multiple slip hardening terms are included. The substructure length scale is computed by minimizing the nonlocal energy. The minimization of the nonlocal energy is a competition between the dislocation wall and boundary layer energy. The nonlocal terms are also directly minimized within the subgrain model as they impact deformation response. The geometrical relationship between the dislocation walls and slip planes affecting dislocation mean free path is accounted for giving a first-order approximation to shape effects. A coplanar slip model is developed due to requirements when modeling the subgrain structure. This subgrain structure plasticity model is noteworthy as all material parameters are experimentally determined rather than fit. The model also has an inherit path dependency due to the formation of the subgrain structures. Validation is accomplished by comparison to single crystal tension test results.


BACKGROUND
Plasmodium knowlesi is increasingly recognized as a cause of human malaria in Southeast Asia but there are no detailed prospective clinical studies of naturally acquired infections.

METHODS
In a systematic study of the presentation and course of patients with acute P. knowlesi infection, clinical and laboratory data were collected from previously untreated, nonpregnant adults admitted to the hospital with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed acute malaria at Kapit Hospital (Sarawak, Malaysia) from July 2006 through February 2008.

RESULTS
Of 152 patients recruited, 107 (70%) had P. knowlesi infection, 24 (16%) had Plasmodium falciparum infection, and 21 (14%) had Plasmodium vivax. Patients with P. knowlesi infection presented with a nonspecific febrile illness, had a baseline median parasitemia value at hospital admission of 1387 parasites/microL (interquartile range, 6-222,570 parasites/microL), and all were thrombocytopenic at hospital admission or on the following day. Most (93.5%) of the patients with P. knowlesi infection had uncomplicated malaria that responded to chloroquine and primaquine treatment. Based on World Health Organization criteria for falciparum malaria, 7 patients with P. knowlesi infection (6.5%) had severe infections at hospital admission. The most frequent complication was respiratory distress, which was present at hospital admission in 4 patients and developed after admission in an additional 3 patients. P. knowlesi parasitemia at hospital admission was an independent determinant of respiratory distress, as were serum creatinine level, serum bilirubin, and platelet count at admission (p < .002 for each). Two patients with knowlesi malaria died, representing a case fatality rate of 1.8% (95% confidence interval, 0.2%-6.6%).

CONCLUSIONS
Knowlesi malaria causes a wide spectrum of disease. Most cases are uncomplicated and respond promptly to treatment, but approximately 1 in 10 patients develop potentially fatal complications.


Background The use of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) has risen steadily, yet the rate of cardiac device infections (CDI) has disproportionately increased. Amongst all cardiac device infections, the pocket infection is the most challenging diagnosis. Therefore, we aimed to improve diagnosis of such pocket infection by identifying relevant biomarkers. Methods We enrolled 25 consecutive patients with invasively and microbiologically confirmed pocket infection. None of the patients had any confounding conditions. Pre-operative levels of 14 biomarkers were compared in infected and control (n = 50) patients. Our selected biomarkers included white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), lipopolysaccharide binding protein, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HS-CRP), polymorphonuclear-elastase, presepsin, various interleukins, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Results Of the 25 patients with isolated pocket infection (70±13years, 76% male, 40% ICDs), none presented with leukocytosis. In contrast, they had higher serum levels of HS-CRP (p = 0.019) and PCT (p = 0.010) than control patients. Median PCT-level was 0.06 ng/mL (IQR 0.03–0.07 ng/mL) in the study group versus 0.03 ng/mL (IQR 0.02–0.04 ng/mL) in controls. An optimized PCT cut-off value of 0.05 ng/mL suggests pocket infection with a sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 82%. In addition TNF-α- and GM-CSF-levels were lower in the study group. Other biomarkers did not differ between groups. Conclusion Diagnosis of isolated pocket infections requires clinical awareness, physical examination, evaluation of blood cultures and echocardiography assessment. Nevertheless, measurement of PCT- and HS-CRP-levels can aid diagnosis. However, no conclusion can be drawn from normal WBC-values. Clinical trial registration clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01619267


We present data from a Chandra observation of the nearby cluster of galaxies A576. The core of the cluster shows a significant departure from dynamical equilibrium. We show that this core gas is most likely the remnant of a merging subcluster, which has been stripped of much of its gas, depositing a stream of gas behind it in the main cluster. The unstripped remnant of the subcluster is characterized by a different temperature, density, and metallicity than that of the surrounding main cluster, suggesting its distinct origin. Continual dissipation of the kinetic energy of this minor merger may be sufficient to counteract most cooling in the main cluster over the lifetime of the merger event.


The signal transducers and activators of transcription STAT3 and STAT1 share common structure and targets, but they play opposing roles in tumorigenesis. While STAT3 is considered an oncogene that promotes cell survival, proliferation, motility, and immune tolerance, STAT1 enhances inflammation, favors cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in most tumor cells. STAT3 has been found to be constitutively active in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) where it promotes the cell cycle and prevents apoptosis, resulting in the proliferation and survival of HNSCC cells. We hypothesize that a small molecule inhibitor of STAT3 that is selective over STAT1 in HNSCC would serve as a powerful cancer therapeutic. The lead compound 669 that was identified through high content screening (HCS) displayed a pSTAT3 inhibition with 10-fold greater selectivity over pSTAT1 in HNSCC cells (pSTAT3 IC50 5.50 ± 1.50 μM (n = 7) vs. pSTAT1 > 50 μM). The mechanism of 669's effect on the STAT3 pathway remains unknown, however, it does not proceed by a kinase inhibition pathway. This thesis describes the development of a structure activity relationship (SAR) for pSTAT3 inhibitors related to 669. The key reaction to synthesize these analogs is performed in a microwave reactor, which saves time, and is convenient for parallel synthesis.


Nonuse and Easements: Creating a Pliability Regime of Private Eminent Domain analyzes nonused easements based on the entitlement-protections of property standards and liability rules created by Guido Calabresi and Douglas Melamed in their landmark work, Property Rules, Liability Rules, and Inalienability: One View of the Cathedral. The article takes a comparative approach in its evaluation by studying both the common law and civil law rules pertaining to nonused easements. The common law applies a classic property standard that protects the holder of the easement from the nonconsensual termination of his easement regardless of whether the easement is ever used; the civil law utilizes a quasi-property standard that automatically extinguishes an easement after a statutorily-prescribed period of nonuse. This article argues that while such property standards may be appropriate for easements in use, the application of property rules to nonused easements if inefficient and leads to the wasteful use of real property. The article then develops a system whereby the nonuse of an easement acts as a triggering event that allows liability rules - as opposed to property standards - to govern easements. This system is referred to in the article as private eminent domain based on nonuse. The article details the system of private eminent domain based on nonuse, the benefits and shortfalls of such a system, and how the system could be implemented.


The aim of this study is to compare the modernist novels Astarte (1931) by the Swedish writer Karin Boye with Estacion, Ida y vuelta (1930) by the Spanish author Rosa Chacel and the reception of these literary works in contemporary academic research. The theoretical ground of the study consists of feminist and critical theory, with traits of discourse analysis.Astarte and Estacion were in large part forgotten and ignored by the Western Canon of literature during most of the 20th century, but have lately gained more attention as important modernist novels by researchers (from the feminist, poststructuralist or hermeneutic theoretical fields) who primarily examine the experimental forms figured by the texts in relation to the deconstruction and shattering of human homogenous "essence".The results found in the study show that the literary forms of both novels can be associated with a kind of illusion rapture, which relate to the modernist inclination to what Frederic Jameson calls artificial narrative; a form technique that points back at itself to emphasize its own characteristic of being a constructed and subjective illustration of reality. The contemporary interest in these artificial literary forms expressed by Astarte and Estacion is therefore probably a consequence of the vibrant academic debates carried out during later decades concerning the conception of human gender and identity as construction and performance.


A growing number of researchers and organizations have started considering spirituality to be a critical component of effective
 management to reduce stress. Spiritual people have reduced stress. Health care managers suffer from work-related or occupational
 stress. Health care people need to be more spiritual, so that their stress level is less and they can easily provide care to the others who
 are ill and need a treatment. They believe that spirituality is essential for effective operations of an organization. Organizations
 are looking for the better-educated, new generation of managers who are not only intelligent, but also spiritual by nature. The
 purpose of the current research is to assess the preparedness of management students from spiritual perspective. Furthermore, it
 also explores the relationship between management students' perception of their own spirituality and stress. Perceived spirituality
 and perceived stress is measured in health care managers. Perceived spirituality scale contains 28 items and Perceived stress scale
 contains 14 items asked from 195 students of IIHMR of post graduate of health care. Females are more than males in this course
 and most students are Hindus. Spirituality scores of the overall samples the results can be generalized since the significance value
 (p) was found to be less than 0.05. Independent sample T test on spirituality based on gender and was found not to be significant
 but batch wise sample is significant as the value was found to be less than 0.05. Stress scores of the overall samples the results can
 be generalized as the significance value (p) was found to be less than 0.05. Independent T test on stress based on gender and batch
 wise and were found not to be significant as the value was not found to be less than 0.05.
There is negative relation between perceived spirituality and perceived stress means that as the level of spirituality increases,
 stress level goes down. However, it is also to be noticed that the strength of relationship is very weak (r=-0.029). The results were
 also found to be insignificant (p>0.05), which means that the results cannot be generalized. With the changing work demand, it
 has become essential to have a high level of spiritualism in individuals to perform their best. Therefore, it has become important
 to focus on the spiritual growth and competence of the management students. It can be inferred from this that an individual who
 is spiritual can cope up with stress better than the individual who is not spiritual.


This study provides a historical analysis of the (postsocialist) transition of the East German press system from November 1989 until German unification in October 1990 and thereafter. Based on extensive archival research, it shows how West German political and economic groups shaped its transition and how they, by building market structures to their interest, hampered a profound democratic press reform. Looking at sales, ownership, and distribution infrastructures, this study reveals how West German newspaper publishers, backed by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, expanded into East Germany in all three sectors at the cost of a blossoming local press. The study, thus, fills a gap in research and literature, and helps us understand the conditions within which media systems develop in transitioning countries. It also gives insights into how economic groups might still aim to influence policy-making in modern Western democracies.


This paper proposes to examine the information consumption habits emerging in journalism students in Colombia, Peru and Venezuela, in particular the trend of infoxication and information overload in their communication ecosystem and also to analyze the media-literacy skills acquired over their training. The methodolog y focused on a digital self-administered quantitative questionnaire, applied to 1,603 third-year students of journalism at universities in Medellin, Lima and Caracas. Key findings are intensive use of Internet and social media that exceeds 5 hours a day, with especial attention to the fact that most of the content received through these networks is pseudo-information and stressing that media literacy training for informative consumption is preeminently self-taught.


Whole-rock and mineral analyses of Dalradian pelites from W Connemara show that kyanite pelites are not unusually Mg-rich as previously supposed. Their chemistry is transitional, especially in Ca content, between overlying Fe-rich staurolite pelites and underlying Ca-rich rocks. The flysch basin in which they were deposited was established relatively early in the west, its sediment fill including carbonate-rich influxes derived from an adjacent swell to the east which later subsided to form an enlarged basin. Kyanite has a very restricted spatial distribution because its development was controlled by Fe deficiency associated with the carbonate-rich influxes, which in turn led to relatively high XMg during metamorphism. P–T estimates for the metamorphic peak are 650° ± 25 °C and ~8kbar, about 50 °C and 3kbar greater than for similar rocks in the east. The difference can be related to structural level with respect to regional-scale folds, which may have developed as a huge backfolded complex during the emplacement of the Connemara allochthon.


Three recent cases of "mycotic aneurysm" or aneurysmal abscess of the carotid artery are described. Two cases involved the common carotid artery and occurred in heroin addicts, while the third patient had involvement of the internal carotid artery following a gunshot wound. Fortunately, no neurological sequel occurred in these patients following proximal ligation of the innominate, left common carotid, and left internal carotid arteries. Aneurysmal abscess of the carotid vessel should be suspected in any patient with an infected neck mass following heroin injection or penetrating trauma, and should be confirmed by arteriography. An early aggressive approach to treatment is recommended, including proximal arterial ligation without entering the infected hematoma.


Starch production of sago palm based on physical and chemical properties were observed in a large variation in the previous study. The important gene markers used forthe assessment of the genetic variation and relationships which is related to the starch production is wx gene markers. The generating data based on the Wx gene markers were described in 8 alleles and 14 genotypes on sago palm in Indonesia. The sizes of alleles range from 100 to 700 bp. Many vernacular names were given by local people where the population is located. However it has different names, but it is genetically the same. The vernacular names do not accurately describe the types of the sago palm. The genetic relationships of sago palm were observed in a higher variation in the level of individual sampling stages, then followed by the populations sampling and the islands sampling stages. Sago palm samples were clustered into four groups in the level of individuals, three groups in the level of populations, and two groups in the level of islands. The existence of the specific genotypes in both population, Serui in the Papua islands and Palopo in the Sulawesi islands are considered to be germplasm resources. The Papua islands have the largest genotype; therefore, it is proposed to be the center of genetic diversity of sago palm in Indonesia.

 Key words: Sago palm, wx gene, population, genetic variation, genetic relationship.


The objective of this paper is to examine how the likely growth in the ethanol industry over the next decade will impact U.S. labor markets, especially migrant crop labor, which is largely immigrant labor. To build the background for making projections for 2008-2010 and beyond, the paper reviews and critiques: (i) the size and composition of the U.S. farm labor market, (ii) the demographics and wage of hired farm workers, (iii) the supply of farm workers, and (iv) the factors affecting the demand for farm labor, including new technologies. The final section provides some projections for agricultural labor markets, taking account not only of likely trends in energy prices but also new technologies that will affect labor demand in the future.


Cationic CPPs (cell-penetrating peptides) have been used largely for intracellular delivery of low-molecular-mass drugs, biomolecules and particles. Most cationic CPPs bind to cell-associated glycosaminoglycans and are internalized by endocytosis, although the detailed mechanisms involved remain controversial. Sequestration and degradation in endocytic vesicles severely limits the efficiency of cytoplasmic and/or nuclear delivery of CPP-conjugated material. Re-routing the splicing machinery by using steric-block ON (oligonucleotide) analogues, such as PNAs (peptide nucleic acids) or PMOs (phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers), has consequently been inefficient when ONs are conjugated with standard CPPs such as Tat (transactivator of transcription), R(9) (nona-arginine), K(8) (octalysine) or penetratin in the absence of endosomolytic agents. New arginine-rich CPPs such as (R-Ahx-R)(4) (6-aminohexanoic acid-spaced oligo-arginine) or R(6) (hexa-arginine)-penetratin conjugated to PMO or PNA resulted in efficient splicing correction at non-cytotoxic doses in the absence of chloroquine. SAR (structure-activity relationship) analyses are underway to optimize these peptide delivery vectors and to understand their mechanisms of cellular internalization.


This paper is a status report on recent scientific CMOS imager developments since when previous publications were written. Focus today is being given on CMOS design and process optimization because fundamental problems affecting performance are now reasonably well understood. Topics found in this paper include discussions on a low cost custom scientific CMOS fabrication approach, substrate bias for deep depletion imagers, near IR and x-ray point-spread performance, custom fabricated high resisitivity epitaxial and SOI silicon wafers for backside illuminated imagers, buried channel MOSFETs for ultra low noise performance, 1 echarge transfer imagers, high speed transfer pixels, RTS/ flicker noise versus MOSFET geometry, pixel offset and gain non uniformity measurements, high S/N dCDS/aCDS signal processors, pixel thermal dark current sources, radiation damage topics, CCDs fabricated in CMOS and future large CMOS imagers planned at Sarnoff.


BACKGROUND
Treatment with vitamin K antagonists is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Reversal therapy with prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) is used increasingly and is recommended in the treatment of patients with bleeding complications undertaking surgical interventions, as well as patients at high risk of bleeding. Evidence is lacking regarding indication, dosing, efficacy and safety.

OBJECTIVES
We assessed the benefits and harms of PCC compared with fresh frozen plasma in the acute medical and surgical setting involving vitamin K antagonist-treated bleeding and non-bleeding patients. We investigated various outcomes and predefined subgroups and performed sensitivity analysis. We examined risks of bias and applied trial sequential analyses (TSA) to examine the level of evidence, and we prepared a 'Risk of bias' table to test the quality of the evidence.

SEARCH METHODS
We searched the following databases from inception to 1 May 2013: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); MEDLINE (Ovid SP); EMBASE (Ovid SP); International Web of Science; Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) (via BIREME); the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database; advanced Google and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). We applied a systematic and sensitive search strategy to identify relevant randomized clinical trials and imposed no language or date restrictions. We adapted our MEDLINE search strategy for searches in all other databases. We reran the search in October 2014 and found one potential new study of interest. We added this study to a list of 'Studies awaiting classification', and we will incorporate this study into the formal review findings at the time of the review update.

SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), irrespective of publication status, date of publication, blinding status, outcomes published or language. We contacted investigators and study authors to request relevant data.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Three review authors independently abstracted data and resolved disagreements by discussion. Our primary outcome measures were 'overall mortality longest follow-up' and 'overall 28-day mortality'. We performed subgroup analyses to assess the effects of PCC in adults in terms of various clinical and physiological outcomes. We presented pooled estimates of the effects of interventions on dichotomous outcomes as risk ratios (RRs), and on continuous outcomes as mean differences (MDs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed risk of bias by assessing trial methodological components and risk of random error through TSA.

MAIN RESULTS
We included four RCTs with a total of 453 participants and determined that none of these trials had overall low risk of bias. We found six ongoing trials from which we were unable to retrieve further data. Three trials provided data on mortality. Meta-analysis showed no statistical effect on overall mortality (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.37 to 2.33; very low quality of evidence). We were unable to associate use of PCC with the number of complications probably related to the intervention (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.09; very low quality of evidence). Lack of transfusion data and apparent differences in study design prevented review authors from finding a beneficial effect of PCC in reducing the volume of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfused to reverse the effect of vitamin K antagonist treatment. The number of new occurrences of transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) did not seem to be associated with the use of PCC (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.43; very low quality of evidence). Still, the included studies demonstrate the possibility of equally reversing vitamin K-induced coagulopathy using PCC without the need for transfusion of FFP. No effect on other predefined outcomes was observed.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
In the four included RCTs, use of prothrombin complex concentrate does not appear to reduce mortality or transfusion requirements but demonstrates the possibility of reversing vitamin K-induced coagulopathy without the need for transfusion of fresh frozen plasma. All included trials have high risk of bias and are underpowered to detect mortality, benefit or harm. Clinical and statistical heterogeneity is high, and definitions of clinically important outcomes such as adverse events are highly dissimilar between trials. Only weak observational evidence currently supports the use of PCC in vitamin K antagonist-treated bleeding and non-bleeding patients, and the current systematic review of RCTs does not support the routine use of PCC over FFP. Additional high-quality research is urgently needed.


The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of supports on the actual stress distribution of the single-lap adhesive joints under tension using the three-dimensional finite element methods. Five layers of elements were used across the adhesive thickness in order to obtain an accurate indication of the variation of stresses. All the numerical results obtained from the finite element analysis show that the spatial distribution of all components of stress are similar for different interfaces though the stress values are obviously different. The results also show that most of the maximum stresses occur at the interface 1. It can be seen from the results that the stresses are concentrated near the left free ends of the adhesive layer while the centre region of the adhesive layer is mostly stress-free.


Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films were deposited on quartz, silicon, and polymer substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique at different oxygen partial pressures (0.007 mbar to 0.003 mbar). Polycrystalline ZnO films were obtained at room temperature when the oxygen pressure was between 0.003 mbar and .007 mbar, above and below this pressure the films were amorphous as indicated by the X-ray diffraction (XRD). ZnO films were deposited on Al2O3 (0001) at different substrate temperatures varying from 400°C to 600°C and full width half maximum (FWHM) of XRD peak is observed to decrease as substrate temperature increases. The optical band gaps of these films were nearly 3.3 eV. A cylindrical Langmuir probe is used for the investigation of plasma plume arising from the ZnO target. The spatial and temporal variations in electron density and electron temperature are studied. Optical emission spectroscopy is used to identify the different ionic species in the plume. Strong emission lines of neutral Zn, Zn+ and neutral oxygen are observed. No electronically excited O+ cations are identified, which is in agreement with previous studies of ZnO plasma plume.


This study extends previous research on the measurement of a 3D printed foam's quasi-static cushion properties, to include cushion and damping properties due to impact loading. In order to develop analytical packaging models of 3D printed materials, it is essential to know how energy induced by shipping and handling is dissipated through damping. Compared to the cushion curve, investigating how damping influences packaging design is relatively unfamiliar to the packaging practitioner. This study uses experimentally derived hysteresis loops, from platen impact and quasi-static compression tests, to estimate specific damping capacities for 3D printed photopolymer foams. This study found that the "sticky" rubber like 3D printed photopolymers, based on a repeating pattern of Kelvin cells, were able to dissipate close to 100% of the input energy in platen impact tests and still return to their original dimensions after impact. In addition, this study shows that the specific damping capacity of the 3D printed foams increases significantly with strain rate.


The Barotropic Cavitation Model describes the behavior of a homogeneous mixture of liquid and gas bubbles (gaseous cavitation) as it traverses a converging-diverging (CD) nozzle. Its normal shock formulation makes reliable and accurate predictions of streamwise static pressure distribution from the nozzle inlet to just downstream of the throat and in the diverging section as the flow approaches the nozzle outlet. It fails in the intermediate portion of the divergence with maximum pressure prediction errors (as a fraction of nozzle inlet pressure) roughly equivalent to the back pressure ratio (as high as 0.46). A correction to the streamwise static pressure distributions predicted by the normal shock solution of the Barotropic Cavitation Model is proposed, applied and compared to experiments with aerated and non-aerated cavitation in several fluids. When used to simulate aerated cavitation of dodecane in a CD nozzle it predicts the location of first disagreement between the normal shock solution and experimental static pressure measurements within 4% of nozzle length. A polynomial curve fit between this predicted point (xcorr) and the normal shock location (xshock) then reduces maximum prediction error for static pressure in the correction region to no more than 0.11 (as a fraction of inlet pressure) for the aerated dodecane cases examined. For non-aerated gaseous cavitation in dodecane, water or JP8 jet fuel this error ratio does not exceed 0.13 and typical values are less than 0.07.


In this study we investigate whether person-organization fit mediates the relationship between affect-based work antecedents—specifically, transformational leadership and role clarity—and public employee job satisfaction. We hypothesize that transformational leadership and role clarity, as joint affect-based work antecedents, will trigger the effect of value congruence on job satisfaction in public organizations. Using a viewpoint survey of South Korean government officials, we estimate structural equation models to test this hypothesis. Our findings indicate that person-organization fit does mediate the relationship between transformational leadership and job satisfaction. However, we also find that the mediating effect of person-organization fit on the relationship between role clarity and job satisfaction is not significant. This study contributes to our understanding of how affect-based work experiences can influence the person-organization fit and job satisfaction relationship. Implications are discussed accordingly.


To foster a circular economy in line with compost quality assessment, a deep understanding of the fates of nutrients and carbon in the composting process is essential to achieve the co-benefits of value-added and environmentally friendly objectives. This paper is a review aiming to fill in the knowledge gap about the composting process. Firstly, a systematic screening search and a descriptive analysis were conducted on composting models involving the fates of Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) over the past decade, followed by the development of a checklist to define the gap between the existing models and target models. A review of 22 models in total led to the results that the mainstream models involved the fates of C and N, while only a few models involved P and K as target variables. Most of the models described the laboratory-scale composting process. Mechanism-derived models were relatively complex; however, the application of the fractionation of substrates could contribute to reducing the complexity. Alternatively, data-driven models can help us obtain more accurate predictions and involve the fates of more nutrients, depending on the data volume. Finally, the perspective of developing composting models for the fates of C, N, P, and K was proposed.


Nb base in-situ composites with the base composition of Nb-5Mo-2W-18Si were prepared by conventional arc-melting and induction heating floating zone melting followed by directional solidification. To investigate the effect of HfC addition, Nb was replaced with 0, 1 and 2 mol% HfC. The in-situ composites predominantly have an eutectic microstructure consisting of Nb solid solution (NbSS) and (Nb,Mo,W))5Si3 (5-3 silicide). The strength at 1470 K and 1670 K increases without fracture toughness decreasing, with increasing the HfC content. Directional solidification also improves the strength at the high temperature. The slip band under the shearing stress occurs in the NbSS during plastic deformation, which contributes to suppress microcrack propagation. It seems that HfC addition reinforces the bonding strength at grain boundary or NbSS/5-3 silicide interface.


Guinea pigs sensitized via the footpad with inactivated trachoma organisms in complete Freund's adjuvant developed delayed hypersensitivity to trachoma at the 9th day as demonstrated by skin tests and in vitro blastogenic transformation of lymphocytes obtained from the regional lymph nodes. The supernatant of lymph node lymphocytes cultured in the presence of trachoma antigen for 24 hr and concentrated 10-fold induced erythema in the normal guinea pig skin. Similar supernatant cultured for 5 days was shown to inhibit the growth of the mouse L cell at a 1:4 dilution.


Absorption spectra of β-carotene in 31 solvents are measured in ambient conditions. Solvent effects on the 0–0 band energy, the bandwidth, and the transition moment of the S0 → S2 transition are analysed. The discrepancies between published results of the solvent effects on the 0–0 band energy are explained by taking into account microscopic solute-solvent interactions. The contributions of polarity and polarizability of solvents to 0–0 band energy and bandwidth are quantitatively distinguished. The 0–0 transition energy of the S2 state at the gas phase is predicted to locate between 23000 and 23600 cm−1.


SUMMARY: Caulobacter strains which contain plasmid RP1 are resistant to carbenicillin, kanamycin and tetracycline and can serve as donors of the plasmid, but such R+ strains are not susceptible to the RP1-specific phage PRR1. Since both conjugation and phage PRR1 infection are mediated by the plasmid-specified pilus, the lack of phage binding suggests some functional alteration of the pilus. In this report we demonstrate that RP1 pili are produced by Caulobacter R+ cells, but unlike the RP1 pili produced by PRR1-susceptible strains, the Caulobacter R+ pili do not inactivate phage PRR1. Antibody produced against Caulobacter R+ pili prevents phage PRR1 binding to RP1 pili from PRR1-susceptible strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, and also inhibits plasmid transfer by those strains. Antibody produced against RP1 pili from P. aeruginosa and E. coli inhibits plasmid transfer both by those strains and by Caulobacter R+ donors. Phage PRR1 rendered non-infectious by RNAase treatment prevents plasmid transfer by P. aeruginosa and E. coli but not by Caulobacter.


Cataract, a leading cause of blindness, has been successfully treated by surgery since ancient times. Surgical methods have evolved from couching, to extraction, to phacoemulsification. Cataract surgery is now an outpatient procedure that can be performed with topical anesthesia. Intraocular lens implants restore natural vision without thick glasses and contact lenses. Current procedures are highly successful in restoring vision.


The process of anaerobic digestion has been and still remains the most efficient, cost effective and environmentally benign treatment process for poultry slaughterhouse wastewater (PSW). The PSW is characterized by a high concentration in chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD) and fats, oil including grease (FOG). The reactor configuration influences the performance of such anaerobic systems in the treatment of such oily wastewater. The up-flow reactor configuration provided by the Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) Bioreactor or the Expanded Granular Sludge Bioreactor (EGSB) are highly dependent on up-flow velocity, which often contributes to periodical sludge washout during the treatment of PSW with high FOG and total suspended solids (TSS) concentration, resulting in poor reactor performance in comparison with downflow reactors such as the Static Granular Bed Reactor (SGBR), which achieves high organic load removal efficiency particularly when treating PSW due to its ability to retain sludge granules and solidified residue within the reactor. The washout of the sludge results from sludge flotation, which is induced by the inhibition of the anaerobic granular biomass by the accumulation of long chain fatty acids (LCFAs) from poor hydrolysis. The aim of this review is to highlight reactor configuration deficiencies, and to elaborate on the advantages of using anaerobic digestion for the treatment of FOG-laden PSW, with a focus on reactor performance. Additionally, a comparative analysis between up-flow reactors, such as the UASB including EGSB, and downflow reactors, such as SGBR, was performed.


One hundred and sixty-eight patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 87 patients with degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis, OA) were questioned regarding appendicectomy and tonsillectomy surgery. Thirty point four % of patients with RA and 33.3% of those with OA had had a tonsillectomy preceding the onset of their arthritis. Preceding appendicectomy had been performed in 18.5% of RA and 32.2% of OA patients. These results do not support the hypothesis either of inherent or acquired susceptibility to infection in patients with RA.


Pungency or heat in Capsicum spp. is due to the accumulation of unique secondary compounds known as capsaicinoids in their placental tissues. Detecting presence or absence of pungency at the nursery stage is a challenging task in CMS based hybrid pepper breeding programs. In this study a DNA sequence possibly related to pungency trait with high similarity to Pun1 or At3 gene was investigated. Nucleotide alignment of the obtained sequences and corresponding fragment from the data base has revealed a 16bp deletion in C.annuum 'Maor'. A multiplex agarose based co-dominant marker was designed to detect the identified polymorphism and named it as Cen1. This Cen1 marker is validated in a panel of 27 pepper genotypes belonging to C.annuum, C.chinensis, C.frutescens and C.baccatum for its wide utility. All these Capsicum accessions were correctly discriminated with phenotype. In addition, the ability of Cen1 marker to discriminate homozygous and heterozygous plants was demonstrated in F1 hybrids crossed from a non pungent 'Maor' and a pungent 'Habanero'. The Cen1 marker was also associated with phenotypic character in the tested genotypes. Moreover the linkage association of Cen1 with At3 or Pun1 gene has also been discussed. Therefore the developed functional marker in this study will be highly useful in marker assisted selection (MAS) programmes, germplasam characterization and seed purity testing of chilli.


Background In May 2010 National Health Service (NHS) Scotland published Europe's first fully integrated national policy for Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decision making and communication in adults. The Scottish Government led the development of this policy, based on previous work from NHS Lothian, in response to a specific recommendation by the Public Audit Committee following the Audit Scotland publication 'Review of Palliative Care Services in Scotland. Living and Dying Well' the national action plan for palliative care in Scotland also requested an integrated approach to DNACPR. All Scottish Health Boards committed to implementation of the policy by October 2010. Shortly after this the Children/Young People Acute Deterioration Management (CYPADM) Policy was also published and implemented across Scotland. Aims These integrated DNACPR policies aim to prevent inappropriate, futile and/or unwanted attempts at CPR. They are intended as a positive step to help a person's wishes to be followed at the end of life irrespective of whether they are being cared for in hospital, hospice, care home or in their own homes. This specific work aimed to develop measures to assess the impact of these policies on patient care across Scotland. Method Health Improvement Scotland undertook the ongoing review and evaluation of the DNACPR and CYPDM policies in consultation with a core multidisciplinary group including representatives from all Health Boards, the Scottish Ambulance Service, the Care Commission and NHS 24. Measures have been developed and agreed which will establish the extent to which these policies are impacting on patient care with regard to inappropriate CPR attempts, expected death and anticipatory care planning. Conclusions Policies which facilitate an integrated approach to DNACPR decision-making and communication in adults and children have been implemented across Scotland. Quality measures have been developed to assist Health Boards in establishing the impact of these policies on patient care.


Abstract This paper reports a complete set of TG, DTG, and DTA data, coupled with emitted gas analysis, for well-constrained, almost pure serpentine samples. Serpentine dehydroxylation takes place between 550 and 800 °C, with DTG and DTA peak temperatures progressively decreasing from antigorite (720 and 715 °C, respectively) to lizardite (708 and 714 °C), polygonal serpentine (685 and 691 °C), and chrysotile (650 and 654 °C). Antigorite has an additional diagnostic signal at ~740-760 °C, always absent in the other serpentines, and dependent on antigorite superperiodicity (T shift of ~20 °C from 36 to 49 Å modulation wavelength). A sharp exothermic peak occurs at extremely constant temperatures (~820 °C), independently from the starting serpentine structure. The high-T mineral assemblage is always represented by forsterite and enstatite. Based on the observed relationships between serpentine structures and DTG/DTA dehydroxylation temperatures, thermal analysis may represent a useful tool for serpentine identification, particularly in the case of natural massive samples where different varieties are mutually intermixed. The accurate definition of serpentine mineralogy would have obvious implications in both geological-petrological and health-related issues.


To the Editor . —I read the article by Hilton et al 1 with great interest. Our group has been interested in the subject of malaria prophylaxis in high-risk travelers since 1977. 2-4 The data that we gathered in 1977 and 1981 differ from those of Hilton and coworkers' group. We did direct interviews of 89 subjects during foreign travel in Central and South America. Their average age was 42 years; they were backpackers or tour group members who were traveling for periods of 2 weeks to 2 months. Only 55% to 67% received any information on malaria prophylaxis, and over all, only 15% were taking chloroquine in 1977 and only 30% were taking chloroquine in 1981. The increase was not statistically significant. If one only considered those obtaining proper information prior to travel, 70% complied with malaria prophylaxis during travel in 1981. We do not know how many continued to


In the present investigation, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs)-loaded in situ gel with voriconazole drug was formulated. Further, the formulation was characterized for pH, gelling capacity, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, drug content, and viscosity. Voriconazole is an antifungal drug used to treat various infections caused by yeast or other types of fungi. Film hydration technique was used to prepared SLNs from lecithin and cholesterol. Based on the entrapment efficiency 67.2-97.3% and drug release, the optimized formulation NF1 of SLNs was incorporated into in situ gels. The in situ gels were prepared using viscosity-enhancing polymers such as Carbopol and (hydroxypropyl)methyl cellulose (HPMC). Formulated SLN in situ gel formulations were characterized, which showed pH 4.9-7.1, drug content 65.69-96.3%, and viscosity (100 rpm) 120-620 cps. From the characterizations given above, F6 was optimized and evaluated for microbial assay and ocular irritation studies. Microbial assay was conducted by the cup-plate method using Candida albicans as the test organism. An ocular irritation study was conducted on albino rabbits. The results revealed that there was no ocular damage to the cornea, conjunctiva, or iris. Stability studies were carried out on the F6 formulation for 3 months, which showed that the formulation had good stability. These results indicate that the studied SLNs-loaded in situ gel is a promising vehicle for ocular delivery.


Unsupervised Domain Adaptation (UDA) aims to leverage a label-rich source domain to solve tasks on a related unlabeled target domain. It is a challenging problem especially when a large domain gap lies between the source and target domains. In this paper we propose a novel solution named SSRT (Safe Self-Refinement for Transformer-based domain adaptation), which brings improvement from two aspects. First, encouraged by the success of vision transformers in various vision tasks, we arm SSRT with a transformer backbone. We find that the combination of vision transformer with simple adversarial adaptation surpasses best reported Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)-based results on the challenging DomainNet benchmark, showing its strong transferable feature representation. Second, to reduce the risk of model collapse and improve the effectiveness of knowledge transfer between domains with large gaps, we propose a Safe Self-Refinement strategy. Specifically, SSRT utilizes predictions of perturbed target domain data to refine the model. Since the model capacity of vision transformer is large and predictions in such challenging tasks can be noisy, a safe training mechanism is designed to adaptively adjust learning configuration. Extensive evaluations are conducted on several widely tested UDA benchmarks and SSRT achieves consistently the best performances, including 85.43% on Office-Home, 88.76% on VisDA-2017 and 45.2% on DomainNet.


Background As global environmental change accelerates, biodiversity losses can disrupt interspecific interactions. Extinctions of mutualist partners can create "widow" species, which may face reduced ecological fitness. Hypothetically, such mutualism disruptions could have cascading effects on biodiversity by causing additional species coextinctions. However, the scope of this problem – the magnitude of biodiversity that may lose mutualist partners and the consequences of these losses – remains unknown. Methodology/Principal Findings We conducted a systematic review and synthesis of data from a broad range of sources to estimate the threat posed by vertebrate extinctions to the global biodiversity of vertebrate-dispersed and -pollinated plants. Though enormous research gaps persist, our analysis identified Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and global oceanic islands as geographic regions at particular risk of disruption of these mutualisms; within these regions, percentages of plant species likely affected range from 2.1–4.5%. Widowed plants are likely to experience reproductive declines of 40–58%, potentially threatening their persistence in the context of other global change stresses. Conclusions Our systematic approach demonstrates that thousands of species may be impacted by disruption in one class of mutualisms, but extinctions will likely disrupt other mutualisms, as well. Although uncertainty is high, there is evidence that mutualism disruption directly threatens significant biodiversity in some geographic regions. Conservation measures with explicit focus on mutualistic functions could be necessary to bolster populations of widowed species and maintain ecosystem functions.


Background The recent years has shown an increase in global health innovations in health related software built and developed in donor countries for application in Low or Middle Income Countries. This is evidenced by the growing number of events, literature, and research on eHealth in developed countries for developing countries (Lewis et al. 2012) The challenges in applying the eHealth innovations created in donor countries to developing countries are many. They are similar in nature to North-South Collaborative Industrial Research and Development. (Wolfe and Inbal 2012) The challenges will be discussed in more detail in the next section of this paper. Objectives The purpose of this paper is to show how the author addressed the various challenges in facilitating the transfer of technology from the donor country to the Philippines, and how the beginnings of an eco-system were formed that could provide the base of technical manpower to help push forward the national eHealth plan of the Philippine government. Methods This paper will use as its framework, the major challenges that impede the development of North-South Collaborative Industrial Research and Development (CIRD) (Wolfe and Inbal 2012). The major challenges that were identified are the following: (1) Lack of familiarity with needs and opportunities, (2) Difficulty finding appropriate partners, (3) Issues of trust, (4) Communication and coordination challenges and (5) Financing-related issues. Result A. North-South collaboration between the Sana project at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology [MIT] and Asia Pacific College[APC] in the Philippines. The issues stated in the previous section were addressed in the following ways: (1) Lack of familiarity with needs and opportunities: MIT sent a student intern to the Philippines in 2009 to do a study of the delivery of eHealth and Telemedicine services to the Philippines from a sustainability perspective (Kuan 2009) from this study, the needs and opportunities were identified on how to apply eHealth technology to the local Philippine setting. (2) Difficulty finding appropriate partners: The North-South partnership was formed when the MIT Team presented their work at a Philippine MIT alumni meeting in 2009. From there, the MIT Team was able to get connected with the author, who was, and is still currently a professor at Asia Pacific College, a local college committed to bridging the academe and industry in the Philippines. (APC 2014) Conclusion The author proposes that the organizational work that was started in 2009, and is already in place be strengthened through support and funding from both local and international organizations dedicated to making eHealth become a reality in developing countries like the Philippines. It will be a quicker path to expand the existing work that has already been accomplished rather than trying to establish a new network and path to collaboration across the different local and international organizations.


Visible light emitting diodes of three different colors have been used to detect an absorbing compound (potassium permanganate) in trace quantities in aqueous solution. Photothermal absorption in a closed cell caused deflection of a water meniscus held at a small pinhole. The displacement was monitored using optical fiber interferometry. The technique was limited by LED emission intensities and environmental acoustic noise, giving minimum detectable absorption coefficients of 210 cm at 478 nm and 658 nm, and 310 cm at 524 nm. The magnitude and form of meniscus deflection signals were shown to be in good agreement with theory.


Considering the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in underdeveloped countries as well as the simplicity of identifying individuals at high risk for such disease, implementation of intervention measures for its prevention is of great interest. Several studies have confirmed the benefits of lifestyle changes in preventing or postponig the progression from impaired glucose tolerance to DM. The review of these studies showed a 50% to 60% reduction in the incidence of DM by means of lifestyle modifications. Such results are better than those reported in studies in which pharmacological interventions were used with the same purpose. Despite the efficacy of lifestyle changes for the prevention of DM, compliance may represent a limitation to be implemented in communities. In our country, studies are necessary to assess the barriers for the implementation of a population-based program for the prevention of DM and other lifestyle related diseases in high-risk Brazilian subjects.


[1] On the basis of thousands of surface mass balance (SMB) field measurements over the entire Antarctic ice sheet it is currently estimated that more than 2 Gt of ice accumulate each year at the surface of Antarctica. However, these estimates suffer from large uncertainties. Various problems affect Antarctic SMB measurements, in particular, limited or unwarranted spatial and temporal representativeness, measurement inaccuracy, and lack of quality control. We define quality criteria on the basis of (1) an up-to-date review and quality rating of the various SMB measurement methods and (2) essential information (location, dates of measurements, time period covered by the SMB values, and primary data sources) related to each SMB data. We apply these criteria to available SMB values from Queen Mary to Victoria lands (90°–180°E Antarctic sector) from the early 1950s to present. This results in a new set of observed SMB values for the 1950–2005 time period with strong reduction in density and coverage but also expectedly reduced inaccuracies and uncertainties compared to other compilations. The quality-controlled SMB data set also contains new results from recent field campaigns (International Trans-Antarctic Scientific Expedition (ITASE), Russian Antarctic Expedition (RAE), and Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions (ANARE) projects) which comply with the defined quality criteria. A comparative evaluation of climate model results against the quality-controlled updated SMB data set and other widely used ones illustrates that such Antarctic SMB studies are significantly affected by the quality of field SMB values used as reference.


Endothelium-dependent vasodilation is reduced after acute exercise or after high intraluminal pressure in isolated arterioles from sedentary adults but not in arterioles from regular exercisers. The preserved vasodilation in arterioles from exercisers is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) dependent, whereas resting dilation is nitric oxide (NO) dependent. We hypothesize chronic exercise elicits adaptations allowing for maintained vasodilation when NO bioavailability is reduced.


As quantum chemistry plays a more and more central role in many complicated chemical problems, it has become necessary to obtain accurate results for large molecular systems. Conventional quantum chemistry methods are either too expensive to apply to large systems or too approximate for the results to be reliable, and they fail to satisfy this requirement. A variety of different approaches is being developed with the aim of achieving this goal: local correlation methods; divide–and–conquer methods; linear–scaling density functional methods based on the fast multipole and other approximations; effective potential methods; and hybrid methods. ONIOM (our N–layered integrated molecular orbital plus molecular mechanics method), developed by the authors, is a hybrid method in which a large molecular system is divided into onion–skin–like layers, and different quantum chemistry/molecular mechanics methods are used for different parts of the system; the results are combined to extrapolatively estimate the results of high–level calculation for the real system. Several applications of ONIOM will be discussed.


For over a century, admissions officers and enrollment managers have relied on external validation of merit in selective admission of undergraduates. A main criterion used for selection is standardized testing, i.e., the SAT and ACT. Since these tests have been long-suspected and then shown to contain class and race biases while not accurately predicting retention (Banerji), the Schedler Honors College at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) shifted to a holistic, multi-criterion selection process, de-emphasizing standardized tests, and then analyzed the outcomes. The statistical analysis served two goals. The first was to test whether variables in the admissions model, developed in 2007, predicted retention; the results led to changes in the weighting of variables for a revised rubric that we have used since 2010. The second goal was to improve enrollment of a more racially diverse population of students. Our findings demonstrated that most variables used in typical higher education admissions protocols did not accurately predict retention in the Schedler Honors College at UCA. Only one variable correlated to retention in honors, namely, high school grade point average (hsGPA). By increasing the value of hsGPA in the revamped selection rubric, UCA was able to increase rates of retention as well as diversity of incoming students. Although the ACT and the SAT are widely accepted as indicators of college success by enrollment managers, the College Board states that standardized tests predict only 42% of academic success within the first year of college (Chenowith). Colleges nevertheless continue to base admissions and scholarship decisions on a test with this poor level of reliability. Gilroy claims that the ACT and SAT tests are one of the only ways that colleges can compare students from all over the world on a predetermined scale in a cost-effective manner. A key fallacy in this logic, however, is that the SAT and ACT were not meant to be used interchangeably (Syverson). The two tests measure different characteristics in students. The ACT measures mastery of basic high school material while the SAT tests abstract and critical thinking skills (Syverson). Because of these inconsistencies, as well as concerns about bias in standardized tests, more than 800 institutions (including Texas Tech University, Central Bible College, Cambridge College, Texas Women's College, University of Arizona, and University of Memphis) have chosen to be test-free institutions, meaning that these colleges do not use the SAT or ACT in their admissions decisions (FairTest). Preliminary research conducted on institutions not using standardized testing has demonstrated that their selection methods have been just as effective (Banerji). Using grade point average and class rank for selective admissions has its own problems: methodologies used to calculate hsGPA vary from school to school; neither grade point average nor class rank is standardized (Sadler, et. al.); and the scale for reporting hsGPA varies, with some high schools refusing to report class rank altogether. If high schools do not rank students, then the university bears the burden to understand hsGPA in context (Sadler et al.). Honors programs and colleges with selective admissions typically rely on criteria used more generally in higher education, including standardized tests, despite the fact that honors education in the United States started as a reaction to excessive standardization. Frank Aydelotte, while serving as President at Swarthmore College, noticed that the education system was not challenging top students. Having been a Rhodes Scholar, he was familiar with the Oxford methodology, and used it to begin the first American honors program at Swarthmore College in 1922 (Rinn). Honors programs have broadened teaching and learning practices since then, largely because of shared information among participants in the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC). …


CONTEXT
Sporadic infections following ear piercing are well documented, but common-source outbreaks are rarely recognized.

OBJECTIVE
To investigate reports of auricular chondritis subsequent to commercial ear piercing.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND SUBJECTS
Outbreak investigation by Oregon public health agencies, including cohort study of persons pierced at a jewelry kiosk in August-September 2000, environmental sampling, and molecular subtyping of isolates. Confirmed cases had Pseudomonas aeruginosa cultured from ear wounds. Suspected cases had signs and symptoms of external ear infection, including drainage of pus or blood for at least 14 days.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Risk factors for infection and comparison of bacterial isolates by molecular subtyping.

RESULTS
From 186 piercings in 118 individuals, we identified 7 confirmed P aeruginosa infections and 18 suspected infections. Confirmed cases were 10 to 19 years old. Most were initially treated with antibiotics ineffective against Pseudomonas. Four were hospitalized, 4 underwent incision and drainage surgeries (1 as an outpatient), and several were cosmetically deformed. Upper ear cartilage piercing was more likely to result in either confirmed or suspected infection than was lobe piercing (confirmed: RR undefined, P<.001; suspected: RR, 3.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-8.5). All persons with confirmed infections had their ear cartilage pierced with an open, spring-loaded piercing gun. Patient isolates were indistinguishable by molecular subtyping, and matching isolates were recovered from a disinfectant bottle and nearby sink. At least 1 worker admitted sometimes spraying the disinfectant on the ear studs before piercing.

CONCLUSIONS
Ear cartilage piercing is inherently more risky than lobe piercing. Clinicians should respond aggressively to potential auricular chondritis and consider Pseudomonas a possible cause pending culture results.


Previous climate information studies have used static models to estimate the benefits of using seasonal forecasts. Technology adoption studies, on the other hand, have used dynamic models but have examined the benefits of adoption ex post. The objective of this study is to examine ex ante the effects of climate forecast adoption on the international wheat market over time. Two general sets of scenarios are analyzed. The first set assumes all wheat-producers within a country or set of countries adopt the forecasts, while producers in the remaining country (ies) do not. Next, producers adopt sequentially over time based on S-shaped adoption curves, whose rates vary by country. Welfare implications are examined and compared in the different scenarios. The model simulates wheat production and trade for the three major exporting countries: United States, Canada, and Australia over 20 years using Monte Carlo techniques. Climate forecasts are based on the five phases of the Southern Oscillation Index. Results for each scenario are based on 1000 simulations. This paper illustrates that when producers in one area of the world adopt a new technology, it has worldwide ramifications. In the case of wheat, producers are better off, on average, if everybody adopts climate forecasts. The gains are not distributed evenly, however, and the variability can be quite large. Adoption can, in some years, lead to substantial losses. Results indicate a great advantage to those who adopt first, though this advantage declines rapidly as more producers adopt. Understanding ex ante the likely consequences of using ENSO-based forecasts allows decision-makers to make better choices.


ABSTRACT Terminal sialic acid in the lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) of mucosal pathogens is an important virulence factor. Here we report the characterization of a Helicobacter sialyltransferase involved in the biosynthesis of sialylated LPS in Helicobacter bizzozeronii, the only non-pylori gastric Helicobacter species isolated from humans thus far. Starting from the genome sequences of canine and human strains, we identified potential sialyltransferases downstream of three genes involved in the biosynthesis of N-acetylneuraminic acid. One of these candidates showed monofunctional α,2,3-sialyltransferase activity with a preference for N-acetyllactosamine as a substrate. The LPSs from different strains were shown by SDS-PAGE and high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD) to contain sialic acid after neuraminidase treatment. The expression of this sialyltransferase and sialyl-LPS appeared to be a phase-variable characteristic common to both human and canine H. bizzozeronii strains. The sialylation site of the LPSs of two H. bizzozeronii strains was determined to be NeuAc-Hex-HexNAc, suggesting terminal 3′-sialyl-LacNAc. Moreover, serological typing revealed the possible presence of sialyl-Lewis X in two additional strains, indicating that H. bizzozeronii could also mimic the surface glycans of mammalian cells. The expression of sialyl-glycans may influence the adaptation process of H. bizzozeronii during the host jump from dogs to humans.


Background Interprofessional team training is needed to improve nurse-physician communication skills that are lacking in clinical practice. Using simulations has proven to be an effective learning approach for team training. Yet, it has logistical constraints that call for the exploration of virtual environments in delivering team training. Objective This study aimed to evaluate a team training program using virtual reality vs conventional live simulations on medical and nursing students' communication skill performances and teamwork attitudes. Methods In June 2018, the authors implemented nurse-physician communication team training using communication tools. A randomized controlled trial study was conducted with 120 undergraduate medical and nursing students who were randomly assigned to undertake team training using virtual reality or live simulations. The participants from both groups were tested on their communication performances through team-based simulation assessments. Their teamwork attitudes were evaluated using interprofessional attitude surveys that were administered before, immediately after, and 2 months after the study interventions. Results The team-based simulation assessment revealed no significant differences in the communication performance posttest scores (P=.29) between the virtual and simulation groups. Both groups reported significant increases in the interprofessional attitudes posttest scores from the baseline scores, with no significant differences found between the groups over the 3 time points. Conclusions Our study outcomes did not show an inferiority of team training using virtual reality when compared with live simulations, which supports the potential use of virtual reality to substitute conventional simulations for communication team training. Future studies can leverage the use of artificial intelligence technology in virtual reality to replace costly human-controlled facilitators to achieve better scalability and sustainability of team-based training in interprofessional education. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04330924; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04330924


Background: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (DM) in children is disturbingly increasing in parallel with the increasing childhood obesity. Better knowledge regarding the pathophysiology of type 2 DM in children is paramount to devise an effective management plan. Objective: Discuss the pathophysiology of type 2 DM in children and adolescents. Methods and Results: This is a comprehensive review of the literature on this topic. Type 2 DM in childhood is viewed as a continuum of insulin resistance (IR) which is determined by an underlying genetic predisposition, intrauterine environment, excessive food consumption, continued rapid weight gain, and poor lifestyle. Besides IR, this is compounded by multiple metabolic defects including β-cell dysfunction and inadequate insulin secretion, α-cell dysfunction, hyperglucagonemia and increased hepatic glucose production, lipotoxicity, inflammation, deficiencies in incretin production and action, and increased renal glucose reabsorption. The confluence of genetic and environmental factors underscores the complexity in disease progression. Conclusion: A consistent single risk factor for type 2 DM is obesity and related IR and therefore it is essential to curtail the progression of obesity. It is important to investigate the role of stringent dietary and nutritional approaches, medications that enhance β-cell function and insulin sensitivity.


Workplace studies in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a research field that has expanded in an explosive way during the recent years. Today there is a wide range of theoretical approaches and methods to choose from, which makes it problematic to make methodological choices both in research and system design. While there have been several studies that assess the different approaches to workplace studies, there seems to be a lack of studies that explore the theoretical and methodological differences between more structured methods within the research field. In this thesis, a comparative theoretical and empirical analysis of three methods for workplace studies is being conducted to deal with the following research problem: What level of theoretical depth and methodological structure is appropriate when conducting methods for workplace studies to inform design of complex socio-technical systems? When using the two criterions descriptive power and application power, to assess Contextual Design (CD), Determining Information Flow Breakdown (DIB), and Capturing Semi-Automated Decision-Making (CASADEMA), important lessons are learned about which methods are acceptable and useful when the purpose is to inform system design.


Owing to the progressive abandoning of the fossil fuels and the increase of atmospheric CO2 concentration, the use of renewable energies is strongly encouraged. The hydrogen economy provides a very interesting scenario. In fact, hydrogen is a valuable energy carrier and can act as a storage medium as well to balance the discontinuity of the renewable sources. In order to exploit the potential of hydrogen it must be made available in adequate quantities and at an affordable price. Both goals can be potentially achieved through the electrochemical water splitting, which is an environmentally friendly process as well as the electrons and water are the only reagents. However, these devices still require a lot of research to reduce costs and increase efficiency. An approach to improve their performance is based on nanostructured electrodes characterized by high electrocatalytic activity. In this work, we show that by using template electrosynthesis it is possible to fabricate Ni nanowires featuring a very high surface area. In particular, we found that water-alkaline electrolyzers with Ni nanowires electrodes covered by different electrocatalyst have good and stable performance at room temperature as well. Besides, the results concern nickel-cobalt nanowires electrodes for both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reaction will be presented and discussed. Finally, preliminary tests concerning the use of Ni foam differently functionalized will be shown. For each electrode, electrochemical and electrocatalytic tests aimed to establishing the performance of the electrolyzers were carried out. Long term amperostatic test carried out in aqueous solution of KOH will be reported as well.


ABSTRACT Background: Health and ill-health are multifaceted concepts. Previous research has shown that physical activity and the level of cardio respiratory are important parts of leading a healthy lifestyle. Possibly, it's so important that the Occupational Health Service should focus even more on this.Aim: The aim was to investigate if there was a relationship between the level of cardio respiratory fitness and self-rated health, and between the level of cardio respiratory fitness and physical and mental ill-health.Method: The study was conducted using a quantitative method in the form of a cross sectional study. Data was collected from an Occupational Health Service, containing answers to a questionnaire on work environment and health and test values from completed cycle fitness tests. The study population consisted of 1191 individuals, n = 1191. Only male officials in the construction sector were included in the study. A total of 16 questions from the survey were selected, one question was about self-rated health and 15 questions were about perceived ill health during the past year. The 15 questions were divided into groups of physical and mental ill-health. Data were analyzed in SPSS using the chi square test to examine whether a relationship existed between variables. Results: Data analysis shows strong evidence of a relationship between self-rated health and the level of cardio respiratory fitness, p= 0.000. Three of the questions regarding physical and mental ill-health were also shown to be associated with the level of cardio respiratory fitness: headache, p= 0.005, snoring p=0.000, and fatigue p=0.009. This indicates that individuals with higher levels of cardio respiratory fitness experience fewer symptoms of headaches, fatigue, snoring and better self-perceived health.Conclusion: The level of cardio respiratory fitness seems to be important when it comes to being healthy and preventing illness. People should therefore be encouraged to be cardio respiratory fit. Although there is evidence that these relationships exist, more research is needed to see if there is a relationship of causality and how strong the relationships are. Keywords: cardiorespiratory fitness, cardiorespiratory fitness-test, health, ill-health, self-rated health.


Compared to regulating their own emotions, people have to take into account self-other dissimilarities when regulating others' emotions. We investigate whether self-other dissimilarity decreases confidence in extrinsic anger regulation and how trait emotional intelligence moderates this difference in anger regulation confidence, regardless of context (none, confrontational, and collaborative). Participants indicated how they would respond to provocation-related vignettes. They rated their confidence in successfully regulating their own anger, a similar other's anger, and a dissimilar other's anger. Results showed that individuals had lowest confidence in regulating anger for the dissimilar other, followed by the similar other and self. Moreover, individuals high in interpersonal emotional intelligence had higher confidence in regulating anger of a dissimilar other; confidence was nearly as high as for regulating their own anger. These results generalized to all contexts. They offer novel insights into extrinsic emotion regulation and social functions of trait emotional intelligence.