There is growing interest in moving away from unidimensional conceptions of stress towards the recognition of the effects of contexts and personality factors on the appraisal of stressors and the resulting stress experience. Therefore, the present study aimed at examining two qualitative different stress responses: eustress, the healthy and constructive stress response, and distress, the more negative stress response. Eustress and distress experiences were compared with regard to their indirect effects on the relationship between an individual's predominant locus of control (LOC) and depressive symptoms. It was assumed that internality (the belief of being in control over one's own life) exerts a negative influence on the onset of depressive symptoms by promoting eustress. Externality (the feeling of being guided by external forces) was expected to be positively correlated with depressive symptoms since it may lead to the more frequent experience of distress. For testing the assumed associations, an exploratory cross-sectional correlational survey design was employed. Contrary to previous assumptions, data analysis shows that the relations between the different aspects of LOC and depressive symptoms are all mediated by distress but not by eustress. Nevertheless, the present study contributes to the reduction and prevention of depressive symptoms by demonstrating the importance of perceived personal control for coping with stressors. It is highly recommended to expand psychoeducation courses to include strategies for enhancing and maintaining a sense of control over one's own life. Furthermore, depressive symptoms interventions are encouraged to shift focus from solely reducing distress experiences to supporting eustress experiences as well.


The literature suggests that the complexity of Autism Spectrum (AS) and the multidimensional care needs of Autistic individuals, often require the involvement of family and caregivers to help with providing support and advocating for an improved quality of life for the person on the spectrum and their family. This involvement in the life of the autistic person can be an enriching and at times challenging and stressful experiences for families and caregivers. To this end, this thesis explores the perception, knowledge and experience of caregivers supporting Autistic individuals or persons that may be Autistic in Grenada. To date, most of the research on autism has been conducted in developed and English speaking countries where there is extensive professional support and services. There is a dearth of research on the prevalence, identification and experiences of people living with autism and their caregivers in non-Western, less affluent and developing countries like Grenada. A sample of 15 caregivers supporting Autistic individuals or persons that may be Autistic participated in this study. A narrative ethnography approach was used, including a semi-structured narrative interview supported by interview observation. This qualitative methodology seemed most appropriate to capture and reflect the indigenous account on the perception, knowledge and experience about autism from Grenadian caregivers. This study makes an original contribution to the field as the primary research exploring the lived realities of caregivers in Grenada supporting Autistic individuals or persons that may be Autistic and also contributes culturally contextual and empirical knowledge to the literature. Four themes that emerged from the synthesis of the research finding include 1 perception of autism; 2 thoughts on the caregiving role/task; 3 supporting the supporter, 4 barriers to assistance and 5 support; and, aspiration, expectations and ideas. Each theme has associated subcategories that are discussed in turn to elucidate the caregiver's understandings and lived realities supporting an autistic person or someone that maybe autistic. This research has implications for practice and policy development directed towards reducing stigma and exclusion of autistic people and their caregiver. This research can also provide education to caregivers and the Grenadian public on the cause of autism spectrum disorder and addressing meaningful supports for the person on the spectrum and their caregiver.


The author reviews the most recently published investigations on malaria immunology. They represent an attempt to understand, either by exposure to natural infection, or by experimental inoculation, how man and animals develop their particular immunization against malaria. At present, immunization of man does not seem achievable before a long delay. Selection of antigens with monoclonal antibodies, and genetic engineering techniques would most likely facilitate such an immunization.


The implementation of the Cadastral Records Agreement, signed on 2 September 2011 by Serbia and Kosovo, requires a legal framework that would regulate the process of comparison of cadastral records. The step in this direction was the adoption by the Government of Kosovo of a Draft Law on Kosovo Property Comparison and Verification Agency, the last version of which is pending before the Assembly of Kosovo. By analysing this draft law, the author investigated in which way the process of consolidation of the cadastral records as laid down in its provisions might affect the enjoyment of the right to property. The paper looked in particular at the extent to which the rules on resolving the mismatch between the cadastre records and on adjudication of conflicting property claims are reflecting the special needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) when it comes to the protection of their property rights. The results of the analysis show that its provisions could lead to the violations of Article 6 para. 1 and Article 1 of the Protocol 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights, in particular in cases involving the property rights of IDPs. The analysis also indicates that many of the identified shortcomings of the Draft Law might spring from the fact that the rules on the comparison of cadastral plans and adjudication of conflicting claims have been modelled after those regulating the work of the Kosovo Property Agency.


Abstract A joint concern with multidimensionality and dynamics is a defining feature of the pervasive use of the terminology of social exclusion in the European Union. The notion of social exclusion focuses attention on economic vulnerability in the sense of exposure to risk and uncertainty. Sociological concern with these issues has been associated with the thesis that risk and uncertainty have become more pervasive and extends substantially beyond the working class. We combine features of recent approaches to explicit statistical modelling of poverty dynamics and multidimensional deprivation in order to develop our understanding of the dynamics of economic vulnerability. An analysis involving nine countries and covering the first five waves of the European Community Household Panel shows that, across nations and time, it is possible to identify an economically vulnerable class. This class is characterised by heightened risk of falling below a critical resource level, exposure to material deprivation and experience of subjective economic stress. The application of dynamic analysis shows that cross-national differentials in persistence of vulnerability are wider than in the case of income poverty and less affected by measurement error. Economic vulnerability profiles vary across welfare regimes in a manner broadly consistent with our expectations. Variation in the impact of social class within and across countries provides no support for the argument that its role in structuring such risk has become much less important.


The article connects the literature on transitology with a comparative analyses of the Arab uprisings (also known as the "Arab Spring"). These uprisings should not only be assessed against the backdrop of institutional changes (elections, the writing of new constitutions, the emergence of party systems, etc.). Rather, we need to consider the revolts as a set of historical events sharing a common aspiration towards a renewed and reactivated sense of citizenship from below, that is, from spontaneous forms of civil society, in conjunction with innervated trade union movements, and the emergence of new coalitions pushing for a more participatory politics. The article concentrates on two features of citizenship: the role of the middle class in fighting for larger political enfranchisement and the attempts by the sovereign people to reappropriate the legitimate means of violence.


One critical area in automation for commercial deboning systems for meat processing, is the inability of existing equipment to adapt to varying sizes and shapes of products. This usually results in less than desirable outcomes when measured in terms of yield of the operations, In poultry processing for example, the initial cut of wing-shoulder joints is the most critical step in the deboning process. Two approaches for determining a trajectory for the cut is presented. The first is a technique using X-ray and visual images to obtain a 2D model that locates the shoulder joint with respect to the surface features of the product. The second approach is obtained by determining a 3D cutting trajectory and the associated forces/torques using a motion analysis system and a force/torque sensor incorporated with a knife. We then discuss the potential application of these results in the design of an automated cutting system that uses the obtained trajectory as a nominal cutting path. The system would make adjustments during the cut using force feedback so as to emulate the manual cutting process.


Abstract Congenital abnormalities account to no more than 3% among live births. Among those, less than 0.003% involve the diaphragm. Congenital diaphragmatic hernias are mostly diagnosed early in life, later diagnosis is rare, especially if the hernia is asymptomatic. Foreign body ingestion is primarily an issue in pediatric medicine, with very rare adults ingesting foreign bodies, these adults are usually mentally impaired. We present a 26-year-old mentally intact patient, presenting to us with foreign body ingestion, that on chest radiographs and computerized tomography, prove to be residing in his intestines. The intestines are herniating into the left chest. To our knowledge, no similar case has been reported and published.


Research was carried out between 2005 and 2006 to determine if there were benefits or disbenefits associated with sealing unsealed roads, and if so, to determine a procedure for calculating the accident savings (or costs). Road data and seal extension site information were obtained from various district councils in New Zealand and combined with the Ministry of Transports accident data to give accident rates before and after sealing. No statistically significant change in the accident rate was found following the sealing of roads. To determine any regression to the mean effects, a background trend analysis was conducted and found no significant overall change in the accident rate during the period 1990-2005. The research concludes that there is no statistical benefit or disbenefit associated with sealing unsealed roads and recommends that site specific before and after studies are conducted into the study outliers and a portion of flat South Island sites. (a)


The impacts of childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences can have devastating consequences on students' learning and wellbeing. Pairing this alongside the negative and vicarious impacts of secondary traumatic stress on teachers and school leaders, efforts towards whole school change are complex endeavours. The extant literature from trauma-informed practice for school leadership provides useful frameworks for leaders to understand their guiding roles within trauma-affected communities. However, trauma-informed practices require further enquiry and better integration with systems-aware perspectives. A systems-aware approach to school leadership positions leaders within the dynamic systems in which their schools are embedded. It helps leaders to navigate the networked patterns of relationships within their communities. Given impacts of intergenerational poverty, racism, childhood trauma and long-standing educational inequity, community devastation from natural events such as droughts and bushfires, plus the world-wide uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many complex factors that now require systems-aware perspectives to address compounding systemic concerns. In order to contribute to the advancement of both trauma-informed leadership and systems-aware leadership, this paper makes the case for integrating these fields within school contexts. Predicated on a systematic literature review and novel theorising, this paper explores how a new practice framework for a trauma-informed integral response to bolster school leaders can be used to benefit whole communities.


The role of bone marrow cells in repairing ectodermal tissue, such as skin epidermis, is not clear. To explore this process further, this study examined a particular form of cutaneous repair, skin grafting. Grafting of full thickness wild-type mouse skin onto mice that had received a green fluorescent protein-bone marrow transplant after whole body irradiation led to an abundance of bone marrow-derived epithelial cells in follicular and interfollicular epidermis that persisted for at least 5 mo. The source of the epithelial progenitors was the nonhematopoietic, platelet-derived growth factor receptor α-positive (Lin−/PDGFRα+) bone marrow cell population. Skin grafts release high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in vitro and in vivo, which can mobilize the Lin−/PDGFRα+ cells from bone marrow to target the engrafted skin. These data provide unique insight into how skin grafts facilitate tissue repair and identify strategies germane to regenerative medicine for skin and, perhaps, other ectodermal defects or diseases.


Excessive sedimentation places waters of the Chattooga River network at risk of biological impairment. Monitoring efforts could be improved by including metrics that are responsive to changes in levels of fine sediments. We sampled three habitats (riffle, depositional, bedrock outcrop) for benthic macroinvertebrates at four sites in three low-order, tributary reaches of the Chattooga River in winter and spring, 2001. We determined levels of deposited fine sediments in each sampled reach by visually estimating % surface cover. Benthic macroinvertebrate data were used to calculate five commonly used bioassessment metrics (density, richness, % EPT, NCBI, and EPT richness), which were used to assess Chattooga River waters (USEPA 1999). Of the five metrics, only % EPT was found to be significantly negatively correlated with deposited sediments.


With increasingly tighter regulations on noise exposure during flight, aircraft designers have been compelled to innovate structures that minimise noise transmission into the cabin space. Porous material is widely used as a passive noise control medium because of their light weight, low cost, and broad band sound abatement effectiveness. The present work, inspired by the need to be able to predict noise transmission characteristics for commonly used constructions, incorporates the effect of flow into the calculations. Three types of sandwich configurations {bonded-bonded, bonded-unbonded and unbonded-unbonded{ are considered. Biot's theory is used to simulate the poroelastic material. The sound transmission though a double-walled panel lined with porous material in the presence of external mean flow is considered, first. The transmission loss is found to increase with increasing Mach number of the external mean flow. This is then explained on the basis that external mean flow increases the impedance of the panel. Mismatch in the characteristic acoustic impedances of the exterior and the interior results in the change of transmission loss. Transmission loss increases gradually when the pressure difference between air gap and that in the exterior decreases. A bi-objective optimization study is carried out to simultaneously minimize the sound transmission and the structural weight. The effect of laminated composite face plate in the structure is also brought out. Sound transmission through a system of double shells, lined with poroelastic material in the presence of external mean flow, is studied next. The transmission characteristics of the sandwich construction are presented for different incidence angles and Mach numbers over a wide frequency range. It is noted that the transmission loss exhibits three dips on the frequency axis as opposed to flat panels where there are only two such frequencies. Results are discussed in the light of these observations. Flow is shown to decrease the transmission loss below the ring frequency, but to increase this above the ring frequency due to the reduction of stiffness and the damping effect added by the flow. Finally, sound transmission through double-walled cylindrical shell lined with poroelastic material in the core excited by the exterior pressure fluctuation due to the turbulent boundary layer is investigated. The peaks of power spectral density of the inner shell kinetic energy due to shell resonance, hydrodynamic coincidence and acoustic coincidence are discussed. The results show that if the high frequency is interested, an air gap, even if very thin, between the two face shells provide superior sound insulation.


The aim of this paper is to decipher the essence of the joy of learning and the ways to enhance it at school. In the field of educational psychology, research on feelings is lacking, and the little that does exist has focused more on negative rather than positive feelings. The present paper is based on ethnographic and observational research of a Finnish school class (N = 19) and the data were collected by videotaping and photographing first- and second-grade pupils (aged 7–8) studying in the school and lessons from the autumn of 2003 until spring 2005. Based on the children's expressions of feelings and experiences, a detailed description of their experiences of joy of learning or lack of it in primary education was comprised by the video data by way of photos (N = 754). This method is known as the ethnography of experience. Ten theses of the joy of learning were created from the transcription of pupils' emotional talk and actions that were reflected by previous research. These resulted in 10 conclusions regarding teachers' work, which contained the idea that a teacher could provide circumstances that are favourable to the joy of learning at primary school.


We can learn much from the artifacts produced as the by-products of software development and stored in software repositories. Of all such potential data sources, one of the most important from the perspective of program comprehension is the source code itself. While other data sources give insight into what developers intend a program to do, the source code is the most accurate human-accessible description of what it will do. However, the ability of an individual developer to comprehend a particular source file depends directly on his or her familiarity with the specific features of the programming language being used in the file. This is not unlike the difficulties second-language learners may encounter when attempting to read a text written in a new language. We propose that by applying the techniques used by corpus linguists in the study of natural language texts to a corpus of programming language texts (i.e., source code repositories), we can gain new insights into the communication medium that is programming language. In this paper we lay the foundation for applying corpus linguistic methods to programming language by 1) defining the term "word" for programming language, 2) developing data collection tools and a data storage schema for the Java programming language, and 3) presenting an initial analysis of an example linguistic corpus based on version 1.5 of the Java Developers Kit.


Introduction Breast cancer in young women tends to be more aggressive, but timely treatment may not be always available, particularly to those without health insurance. We aim to examine whether the dependent coverage expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA-DCE) implemented in 2010 was associated with changes in time to treatment among women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. Methods A total of 7,176 patients diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in 2007–2009 (pre-ACA) and 2011–2013 (post-ACA) were identified from the National Cancer Database. A quasi-experimental design difference-in-differences (DD) approach was used, with patients aged 19–25 (targeted by the policy) considered as the intervention group, and patients aged 26–34 years (not affected by the policy) as the control group. Changes in the following treatment outcomes were examined: time from diagnosis to surgery, time from surgery to adjuvant chemotherapy, and time from adjuvant chemotherapy to radiation. Results Compared with the control group of patients aged 26–34, young patients aged 19–25 experienced a statistically nonsignificant decrease of 2.7 percentage points (95% CI [-1.2, 6.5]) in the uninsured rate. This did not translate into more reduction in delays to surgery (DD = 2.7 days, 95% CI [-3.2, 8.3]), chemotherapy (DD = -1.0 days, 95% CI [-7.2, 5.2]) or radiation (DD = 5.3 days, 95% CI [-15.6, 26.3]) in the younger cohort than the older cohort. Conclusions and Relevance No significant changes in time to treatment were found among young women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer after the implementation of the ACA-DCE. Future studies examining impacts of health care policy reform on breast cancer care are warranted to include patients from low-income families and to consider effects from Medicaid expansion.


In our previous work [1] we calculated RKKY interaction between two magnetic impurities in pristine graphene using the Green's functions (GF) in the coordinate-imaginary time representation. Now we show that the calculations of the GF in this representation can be simplified by using the Feynman's trick, which allows to easily calculate RKKY interaction in gapped graphene. We also present calculations of the RKKY interaction in gapped or doped graphene using the coordinate-imaginary frequency representation. Both representations, corresponding to calculation of the bubble diagram in Euclidean space, have an important advantage over those corresponding to calculation in Minkowskii space, which are very briefly reviewed in the Appendix to the present work. The former, in distinction to the latter, operate only with the convergent integrals from the start to the end of the calculation.


Background
Introduction of rotavirus vaccines into national immunization programs (NIPs) could result in strain selection due to vaccine-induced selective pressure. This study describes the distribution and diversity of rotavirus genotypes before and after rotavirus vaccine introduction into the Australian NIP. State-based vaccine selection facilitated a unique comparison of diversity in RotaTeq and Rotarix vaccine states.

Methods
From 1995 to 2015, the Australian Rotavirus Surveillance Program conducted genotypic analysis on 13051 rotavirus-positive samples from children <5 years of age, hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis. Rotavirus G and P genotypes were determined using serological and heminested multiplex reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction assays.

Results
G1P[8] was the dominant genotype nationally in the prevaccine era (1995-2006). Following vaccine introduction (2007-2015), greater genotype diversity was observed with fluctuating genotype dominance. Genotype distribution varied based on the vaccine implemented, with G12P[8] dominant in states using RotaTeq, and equine-like G3P[8] and G2P[4] dominant in states and territories using Rotarix.

Conclusions
The increased diversity and differences in genotype dominance observed in states using RotaTeq (G12P[8]), and in states and territories using Rotarix (equine-like G3P[8] and G2P[4]), suggest that these vaccines exert different immunological pressures that influence the diversity of rotavirus strains circulating in Australia.


The stickiness of prices and reasons for price changes are widely discussed in market analyses and marketing theory. Explanations and reasons of rigidities have shown that prices do not change as often in small retail stores and in markets with high concentration (Powers and Powers 2001, Hannan and Berger 1991). For organic products, until now there have been few clear results about pricing strategies and it can be assumed that consumers pay premium prices for organic products with increasing market shares of the sector. Hence the opportunities regarding pricing behaviour and pricing strategies in the organic milk supply chain up to now have not been discussed. This paper strives to close this research gap by examining rigidities in the organic milk market on the basis of organic retail scanner data. Using these results, pricing strategies in the organic retail sector are discussed.


Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and lethal primary glial neoplasm. GBM can develop both "de novo" or evolve from a previous astrocytoma, being characterized by high proliferation and infiltration into the surrounding tissue. This invasive behavior is the most contributing factor for the poor prognosis of this cancer, despite the multimodal treatment with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Understanding and targeting the molecular mechanisms regulating glioma invasion and progression may help in identifying novel therapeutic targets for GBM treatment. This review will give an overview of some of the signaling pathways that have been shown to positively and negatively regulate GBM invasion, including the Wnt, PI3K/Akt, sonic hedgehog-GLI1 and microRNAs.


From the Publisher:
A probing and incisive analysis of the major world transformation from the Age of Capitalism to the Knowledge Society and how it will affect society, economics, business, and politics now and in the years ahead. In Post-Capitalist Society Peter Drucker describes how every few hundred years a sharp transformation has taken place and greatly affected society - its worldview, its basic values, its business and economics, and its social and political structure. According to Drucker, we are right in the middle of another time of radical change, from the Age of Capitalism and the Nation-State to a Knowledge Society and a Society of Organizations. The primary resource in the post-capitalist society will be knowledge and the leading social groups will be "knowledge workers." Looking backward and forward, Drucker discusses the Industrial Revolution, the Productivity Revolution, the Management Revolution, and the governance of corporations. He explains the new functions of organizations, the economics of knowledge, and productivity as a social and economic priority. He covers the transformation from Nation-State to Megastate, the new pluralism of political systems, and the needed government turnaround. Finally, Drucker details the knowledge issues and the role and use of knowledge in post-capitalist society. Divided into three parts - Society, Polity, and Knowledge - Post-Capitalist Society provides a searching look into the future as well as a vital analysis of the past, focusing on the challenges of the present transition period and how, if we can understand and respond to them, we can create a new future.


An unquestionably important biological question is whether human beings are the product of chance or of purpose in the evolutionary process. Charles Darwin did not accept purpose in biological evolution, a view not shared by his colleague Alfred Russel Wallace. The controversy has remained ever since, and while many experts argue against purpose in biological evolution, many others defend it. This paper reflects on this biological and ethical problem, relating it to the possible existence of a plan that governs and shapes the evolution of living beings and that is ultimately responsible for the development of Homo sapiens.


Summary. Pasture production and steer liveweight gain were compared on native pasture (Bothriochloa decipiens, Heteropogon contortus, Themeda triandra and Chrysopogon fallax) and on native pasture oversown with Indian couch or Indian bluegrass (Bothriochloa pertusa). This grass was not a planned introduction to the area but is spreading in Central and North Queensland and its value as a pasture species is questioned by graziers. There were 3 nominal stocking rates of 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 steers/ha. Each paddock was stocked with 3 steers of stratified ages. The experiment was sown in March 1988 and terminated in June 1993. The experiment, sited 50 km south of Townsville in eucalypt woodland on a solodic-solodised-solonetz soil, was sown in March 1988 and terminated in June 1993. Increases in stocking rate resulted in a linear decline in both pasture yield (by 3–5 t/unit increase in stocking rate) and steer gains (by more than 100 kg/unit increase in stocking rate). Differences between pastures were apparent only at the medium and high stocking rates where, over time, Indian couch gave higher pasture yields and steer gains. Younger steers gained far more weight than older steers. Mean gains over 3 years were weaners 125 kg/year, yearlings 93 kg/year and 2-year-old steers 46 kg/year. Native pasture remained fairly stable botanically at the low stocking rate, but the tufted perennial grass species declined at both the medium and high stocking rates. Sowing Indian couch hastened the botanical changes due to stocking rate, and it became the dominant species at these higher stocking rates. At the low stocking rate, the contribution of Indian couch declined from initial values indicating that this is not an invasive species in the area at a low stocking rate. Contribution of Indian couch to pasture yield was linearly related to stocking rate. Nutritional quality of the Indian couch was similar to the other native perennial grasses though calcium concentration was higher. Increased steer gains were related to higher yield on Indian couch pastures at the higher stocking rates rather than to improved quality. Maximum liveweight gain/ha was achieved at about 0.6 steers/ha. Stocking at 0.9 steers/ha was not sustainable. Even at the low stocking rate, steers would need to spend about 2.8 years on the pastures after weaning to reach 500 kg liveweight. It was concluded that B. pertusa is a useful pasture grass in this environment giving steer gains equal to, or higher than, the gains from the native pasture which it replaced.


By the method of water culture, this paper studied the effects of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (1,2,4-TCB) on the seed germination and seedling growth of rice, with the chlorophyll, protein and proline contents and cytomembrane permeability of seedling leaf measured. The results showed the seed germination rate and vigor index were decreased with increasing concentration of 1,2,4-TCB, showing a definite dose-response relationship, and the seedling growth and root length were inhibited, showing definite time-response and dose-response relationships. The chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and protein contents in seedling leaf decreased with increasing concentration of 1,2,4-TCB, while the free proline content and cytomembrane permeability had a sharp increase when the concentration of 1,2,4-TCB was higher than 15 mg x L(-1). All of these suggested that the damage of rice seedling was a complicated process, which might be related to the structural and functional damage of cellular membrane, protein, and organelles.


The composite axial insulation breaks (IBs) are key components of the superconducting magnet system for the international thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER). In order to ensure the safe operation of the IBs during the 20 year lifespan of ITER devices, tensile and compressive fatigue tests were conducted by simulating actual working conditions and optimizing the test programs. The IBs were evaluated by testing their helium tightness after mechanical fatigue tests. In addition, fatigue analysis was performed using ANSYS software and an experimental S-N curve. The test data showed that the maximum helium leakage rate was less than 1.0×10−9 Pa·m3/s, which met the design requirements of the ITER IBs. ANSYS analysis results are also consistent with the test results from the theoretical viewpoint.


The results of our 2 long-term studies indicate that while it may be best to restore a site with wiregrass (Aristida beyrichinia Trin. & Rupr. [Poaceae]) obtained from a similar site, it does not seem to be essential. In the first study, after 12 y, plants grown on a flatwood site in south-central Florida from seeds collected at a sandhill site (2 locations) in north-central Florida had 83% survival and average aboveground dry mass was 39 g/plant (1.4 oz) with basal diameter of 11.6 cm (4.6 in). In a second study, wiregrass plants from seeds collected at 8 locations (8 entries) across Florida were grown on a flatwood site in central Florida. Four of these entries were also grown on a sandhill site in north Florida. After 4 y on the flatwood site, one entry originating from a nearby flatwood survived better (88%) than the 7 other entries. One entry from a sandhill was notably inferior in survival (3%), but for the remaining 6 entries survival was similar (average 32%). On the sandhill site, the same entry of flatwood origin that had 88% survival on a flatwood had 92% survival, while the other 3 entries averaged 7% survival. Plant dry mass and diameter were not strongly associated with plant origin. Mass averaged 14.8 and 3.1 g/plant (0.52 and 0.11 oz) and diameter averaged 63 and 30 mm/plant (2.5 and 1.8 in) on the flatwood and sandhill sites, respectively.


The creep of single crystals of high-purity aluminum was investigated in the range of temperatures from room temperature to 400 F and at resolved-shear-stress levels of 200, 300, and 400 psi. The tests were designed in an attempt to produce data regarding the relation between the rate of strain and the mechanism of deformation. The creep data are analyzed in terms of shear strain rate and the results are discussed with regard to existing creep theories. Stress-strain curves were determined for the crystals in tinsel and constant-load-rate tests in the same temperature range to supplement the study of plastic deformation by creep with information regarding the part played by crystal orientation, differences in strain markings, and other variables in plastic deformation.


The assignment described in this thesis is given by Ericsson AS and gives an evaluation of simulation and testing tools used in their development projects. Since Ericsson wants to change their testing process the task was to evaluate and suggest a solution to how this could be done. In order to make testing available for all developers it was required to run tests independent of hardware. Thus they wanted to simulate the hardware resources. Originally, the intention was to use the test environment used otherwise in Ericsson. This proved to cause many problems because the project became dependent of other developers work, and the instability of the test environment caused delays. In order to avoid these problems the assignment had to be redefined. This was done in collaboration with the supervisor; and it was decided to develop a new testing environment. Several tools had to be used in order to develop an appropriate testing environment. This meant acquiring knowledge about the tools used otherwise for software development at Ericsson. This included among others, protocol development tool, STREAMS, client – server programming using C-language, and programming real-time applications in the Tornado environment (VxWorks and VxSim). The purpose for the assignment was to compare a real-time operating system, VxWorks, and a software package, VxSim, which simulates VxWorks on a UNIX Workstation. The test results show that VxSim is the fastest alternative of the two. The tests also reveal that VxSim is unstable and unreliable. On the other hand VxWorks is very reliable and stable. The test results vary depending on the processor type used for testing. VxSim is well suited for testing in the early stages of the project, thus it does not support all the features available in VxWorks. VxWorks and VxSim may very well be used jointly in the development and testing processes. Simulated testing in Mobile Datacom Systems (GPRS / UMTS)


Contact lens wear has been associated with a wide spectrum of corneal complications. Disposable contact lenses have not eliminated the problem of corneal ulcers associated with extended-wear contact lenses. Rigid, gas-permeable extended-wear lenses may be considered as an acceptable alternative to extended wear of soft contact lenses. Collagen corneal shields are a clinical indicator of collagenase activity on the ocular surface and serve as a collagenase inhibitor.


In an effort to characterize the dynamics typical of school bus operation, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) researchers set out to gather in-use duty cycle data from school bus fleets operating across the country. Employing a combination of Isaac Instruments GPS/CAN data loggers in conjunction with existing onboard telemetric systems resulted in the capture of operating information for more than 200 individual vehicles in three geographically unique domestic locations. In total, over 1,500 individual operational route shifts from Washington, New York, and Colorado were collected. Upon completing the collection of in-use field data using either NREL-installed data acquisition devices or existing onboard telemetry systems, large-scale duty-cycle statistical analyses were performed to examine underlying vehicle dynamics trends within the data and to explore vehicle operation variations between fleet locations. Based on the results of these analyses, high, low, and average vehicle dynamics requirements were determined, resulting in the selection of representative standard chassis dynamometer test cycles for each condition. In this paper, the methodology and accompanying results of the large-scale duty-cycle statistical analysis are presented, including graphical and tabular representations of a number of relationships between key duty-cycle metrics observed within the larger data set. In addition to presenting the results of this analysis, conclusions are drawn and presented regarding potential applications of advanced vehicle technology as it relates specifically to school buses.


ABSTRACT Adjusted expectations play an important role in the post-purchase process. By considering the changes in individual-level expectations in the post-purchase period, this study examines the moderating effects of the level of online shopping habit on the links between adjusted expectations and their antecedents. The study proposes a theoretical model by integrating the expectancy disconfirmation model and customer value dimensions to compare the factors affecting adjusted expectations between the low and high online shopping habit. The results indicate that the effects of expectancy disconfirmation on adjusted expectations are stronger for the high-habit group than for the low-habit group. Further, the level of online shopping habit moderates the links between customer value dimensions and adjusted expectations. Specifically, factors such as confidence benefits and perceived price are associated with adjusted expectations for the low-habit group. In addition, for the high-habit group, perceived equity has a positive influence on adjusted expectations, and perceived sacrifice has a negative impact. These findings provide a better understanding of how customer expectations change, and can assist practitioners in developing more effective online business strategies.


The existence of vestigial structures is one of the main lines of evidence for macroevolution. Here I introduce a phylogenetic bracketing approach to the identification of vestigial structures and apply it to Dinosauria. According to this approach, a structure is considered vestigial if, in comparison with its homolog in at least three successive outgroups, it is reduced to one-third or less its size relative to adjacent structures and if at least distally it has lost the specialized morphology present in the three outgroups. This approach identifies fingers IV and V as vestigial in dinosaurs in general, II–V in sauropods, III in Tyrannosauridae and Caudipteryx, II and III in Shuvuuia and I and III in modern birds. The entire forelimb distal to the elbow is vestigial in Abelisauridae. Vestigial parts of the pelvic girdle and hindlimb include the pubic shaft in Iguanodontia and Ceratopsia, the entire pubis in Ankylosauria, the first metatarsal in derived Iguanodontia, the first metatarsal shaft in Theropoda and the fifth toe in dinosaurs in general. Derived Centrosaurinae and some Chasmosaurus exhibit vestigial supraorbital horns. Some centrosaurines have a vestigial nasal horn. The antorbital cavity is vestigial in Thyreophora, Iguanodontia and Ceratopsidae. I recommend that this information be exploited to increase public awareness of the evidence for macroevolution.


Arias intensity is a measure of earthquake intensity that captures the potential destructiveness of an earthquake. Using the strong ground motion records of the M w 7.6 Chi‐Chi earthquake, Taiwan, we analyze the spatial distribution of the vertical, horizontal, fault‐parallel, and fault‐normal components of the Arias intensity. We investigate the effects of the hanging wall and footwall on ground motions, and develop a relationship between Arias intensity and peak ground acceleration (PGA), incorporating the influence of local site conditions. We also evaluate the applicability of some widely used Arias intensity attenuation relationships by comparing the observed values with empirical estimates. Our results show the vertical Arias intensity is generally lower than the horizontal component, with nearly 90% of the vertical‐to‐horizontal ratios between 0.1 and 0.6. During this typical reverse mechanism earthquake, the fault‐normal component of the Arias intensity is approximately 20% higher than the fault‐parallel component for sites within 40 km of the fault. Arias intensities on the hanging wall are systematically higher than those on the footwall, indicating clear hanging‐wall effects. Site conditions influence the correlation between Arias intensity and PGA. Arias intensity shows a good correlation with PGA and V S 30. Arias intensity increases with increasing PGA and decreasing V S 30. The Arias intensities observed within 40 km of site class C locations, and within 80 km of site class D locations, are generally lower than the mean estimates from empirical predictions. In contrast, at distances of >80  km from site class D locations, the observed Arias intensities are much larger than the empirical predictions as a result of site amplification. Considering the variability of ground motion between earthquakes, the attenuation model of Travasarou et al. (2003), model 4 of Stafford et al. (2009), and the model of Lee et al. (2012) provide a good fit with observations from the Chi‐Chi earthquake.

Online Material: Table of station coordinates, fault distances, footwall/hanging wall indicator, site classes, V S 30, and measured Arias intensities.


: Hemodynamics and myocardial contractility were evaluated in 6 unanesthetized ponies during hypocapnic and isocapnic hypoxia and during hypocapnic hypoxia after beta adrenergic blockade with propranolol. Hypocapnic hypoxia, with a mean arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) of 41.9 mm of Hg, produced a decrease in stroke index and an increase in heart rate, with no change of cardiac index. A moderate increase in left ventricular contractility occurred during hypocapnic hypoxia. Beta adrenergic blockade abolished changes in nearly all indices of left ventricular contractility during hypocapnic hypoxia, suggesting that the antonomic nervous system plays a definite role in the genesis of circulatory changes during acute hypoxia. Isocapnic hypoxia produced a more well-defined increase in left ventricular contractility. Changes in right ventricular contractility were not observed in any of the hypoxia periods when the concurrent effects of a significant increase in afterload was taken into consideration. The tension-time index, measured as a guide to myocardial oxygen consumption, increased during each hypoxia period in both the right and left ventricle, and was not affected by beta adrenergic blockade.


Planetarianism, proposed by Masao Miyoshi for literature and literary studies, calls for a new sense and organization of human totality truly inclusive of all and against neoliberal division, exclusion, repression, and egocentric consumption. Ironically, it is also the global neoliberal economy that lays the only realistic foundation for such a totality, albeit under negative circumstances. This economy has caused a rapid environmental deterioration that involves everyone on the planet, regardless of identity. Human beings are left with just two choices: either collectively forge new relationships among ourselves and with the planet or perish in the environmental devastation wrought by our continuous consumption, exploitation, division, and conflict. Imagining a totalizing environmental disaster and a global unity fighting for the survival of humanity and Earth, the 2019 Chinese sci-fi blockbuster The Wandering Earth is an important case for illustrating what complex forms the idea of planetarianism may take in a concrete ideological and creative context. The author argues that the film's future imagination bears laudable potential to promote a turn from exclusionist individualism, represented by the Hollywood science fiction model, to inclusive planetarianism. However, the film's persuasiveness is significantly limited by the double-layered restraint imposed on it by the state and the market. This article traces the turn and the restraint to their historical sources, closely analyzes where the film succeeds and fails in moving beyond the Hollywood vision of the planet's future, and thereby enriches our understanding of the cinematic imagination of planetarianism.


Background: Health literacy is the ability of patients to obtain, process, and understand information needed to make health decisions. Health literacy is a stronger predictor of a person's health than is age, income, employment status, educational level, or race. The Medtable is a paper-based tool that is designed to support comprehension of medication information by patients. A collaborative tool such as the Medtable might facilitate the comprehension of medication information by low-literacy patients and increase communication regarding medications between healthcare pers and their patients. Before evaluating the efficacy of the Medtable to improve health outcomes, it is important to confirm that patients find the tool easy to use and helpful in relevant clinical settings. Objective: To investigate whether patients think that the Medtable is a helpful and easy-to-use tool for organizing daily medication regimens. Methods: Sixty outpatients participated in this usability study. Patients filled in the Medtable with a healthcare provider. Opinions regarding the usability of the Medtable were elicited with a brief questionnaire afterward. Results: Fifty-five of the 60 (92%) patients thought the Medtable would be very or somewhat helpful when figuring out when to take their medications and would be very or somewhat helpful for assisting them with taking their medications at home. Fifty-nine of the 60 (98%) patients thought the Medtable would be very or somewhat easy to fill in with the assistance of their health care provider. Conclusions: Patients think that the Medtable is a helpful and easy-to-use tool for organizing their daily medication regimens. Future studies should evaluate Medtable's efficacy to improve patient medication knowledge and adherence.


: Cutaneous and oral lesions appearing as verrucous papules are a regular and diagnostic finding in Cowden's disease. The lesion occur predominantly over the central portion of the face, concentrated around orifices, lips, gingiva, and tongue, and over the acral portions of the upper extremities. These skin lesions have been found to be associated with fibrocystic breast disease, carcinoma of the breast, thyroid tumors, ovarian cysts, gastrointestinal polyposis, fibromas, angiomas, and lipomas. It is important to be able to distinguish the skin lesions from simple verruca vulgaris because they serve as a cutaneous marker for existing or potential internal malignancy, especially of the breast and thyroid.


It has been recently shown that DNA methyl transferase overexpression is correlated with unfavourable prognosis in human malignancies while methylation deregulation remains a hallmark that defines acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The oncogenic transcription factor EVI1 is involved in methylation deregulation and its overexpression plays a major role for predicting an adverse outcome. Moreover, the identification of DNMT3A mutations in AML patients has recently been described as a poor prognostic indicator. In order to clarify relationship between these key actors in methylation mechanisms and their potential impact on patient outcomes, we analysed 195 de novo AML patients for the expression of DNMT3A, 3B (and its non-catalytic variant 3BNC) and their correlations with the outcome and the expression of other common prognostic genetic biomarkers (EVI1, NPM1, FLT3ITD/TKD and MLL) in adult AML. The overexpression of DNMT3B/3BNC is (i) significantly correlated with a shorter overall survival, and (ii) inversely significantly correlated with event-free survival and DNMT3A expression level. Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that a high expression level of DNMT3B/3BNC is statistically a significant independent poor prognostic indicator. This study represents the first report showing that the overexpression of DNMT3B/3BNC is an independent predictor of poor survival in AML. Its quantification should be implemented to the genetic profile used to stratify patients for therapeutical strategies and should be useful to identify patients who may benefit from therapy based on demethylating agents.


The European Fiscal Framework and the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) have had great significance since the completion of the European Monetary Union (EMU) in 1999. The current enforcement and credibility problems, and discussion about reforming the SGP, as well as the failure to impose sanctions and early warnings against states in breach of the Pact, have introduced a new subject for economic research. One of the most surprising observations in recent years is that the larger countries in the EMU have more problems with the budget thresholds in the SGP than the smaller countries. To explain this 'stylized fact' we solve a model of 'rational' delay in consolidation and relate it to several economic and political variables. The model shows that larger governments tend to prefer slower consolidation because they are not concerned about the risk of breaching the SGP and face less output volatility. Moreover we solve in the theoretical model one unexplored phenomenon in empirical macroeconomics: why does larger government size imply less macroeconomic volatility? We demonstrate this approach and its results with current empirical data on the performance of the EMU and the SGP.


A new test based on the generalized additive model is proposed to investigate density-dependent mortality in the juvenile cohorts of cod. Density dependence implies that the function linking the count of a cohort in one year to the count in the succeeding year is convex. The method estimates (without functional assumptions) the function linking the two counts and provides a level of significance for any convexity. We investigate the power and bias of the new test on the basis of simulated data. The power compares well with a test of unit slope in a log-log plot (although it is usually somewhat lower). However, in contrast to the latter method, the test for convexity is much more resistant to measurement error. We applied the model to long-term survey data from two areas of the Norwegian Skagerrak coast. In both cases, the variance is intermediate between the Gamma (variance proportional to the squared mean) and the Poisson (variance proportional to the mean) distributions. A negative binomial (with k - 3.5) describes the variance well. The variance is interpreted as resulting from sampling errors, spatial heterogeneity, and environmental stochasticity. Incorporating this error structure, the optimal models linking the two main juvenile stages are, for each area, nonlinear and significantly convex (P < 0.05). The full models are highly significant (P < 0.001), and the examination of the residuals does not reveal any remaining structure. We conclude that the survival of juvenile cod along the Norwegian Skagerrak coast is density dependent, probably because of cannibalism, com- petition for habitat, and food limitation. The functional form of density-dependence in the per capita survival rate is estimated to be approximately log-linear.


Therapist-guided internet-based cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) has been tested in numerous controlled trials conducted in research settings. It is now established that this novel treatment format works for a range of clinical conditions. It is less well known if the promising results from efficacy studies can be transferred to routine clinical practice. In this paper we review the evidence from effectiveness studies and highlight challenges when implementing ICBT. Following literature searches we identified 4 controlled trials and 8 open studies, involving a total of 3,888 patients. There is now an increasing number of effectiveness studies on ICBT with studies on panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, tinnitus, and irritable bowel syndrome. All indicate that it is possible to transfer ICBT to clinical practice with sustained effects and moderate to large effect sizes. However, it is not clear which model to use for service delivery, and more work remains to be done on dissemination of ICBT. Moreover, the knowledge about outcome predictors from controlled efficacy trials is probably less relevant, and studies with large clinically representative samples are needed to investigate for which patients ICBT is suitable. In this work existing data could be combined and reanalyzed to study predictors of outcome.


The ability of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) to maintain a fixed orientation and position for an extended period of time is essential for a variety of applications such as acoustic and optical localization and automated launch and recovery of other systems. The need for station-keeping capabilities on USVs requires collaboration between the controller and the propulsion system, both designed to allow the vehicle to perform this challenging maneuver. Small external perturbations, such as wind, waves and current, can have tremendous effects on low weight USVs. These can negatively affect the USV ability to hold its state, resulting in large errors or oscillations. A robust controller capable to account for unmodeled dynamics, which lead to significant deviations between simulated and experimental results, is therefore essential. After an appropriate propulsion system had been designed and installed on a USV, several station-keeping controllers were implemented and tested. Experimental testing of these controllers in environments of uncertain wind, current and wave disturbances show that the vehicle is best controlled by a nonlinear, backstepping, Multi-Input Multioutput (MIMO) PD controller. A Lagrangian multiplier method was used for control allocation. It is shown that a USV equipped with azimuthing electric propellers is capable to reach and maintain a specific configuration of heading and position for a period of ten or more minutes.


The successful production of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells (HSPCs) from human pluripotent sources is conditioned by transgene delivery1-5. We describe here a dedicated and tractable one step, GMP-grade, transgene-free and stroma-free protocol to produce HSPCs from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). This procedure, applied to several sources of hiPSCs with equal efficiency, is based on a directed differentiation with morphogens and cytokines to generate a cell population close to nascent HSPCs or their immediate forerunners i.e., hemogenic endothelial cells6-9. Following engraftment into immunocompromised recipients, this cell population was proved capable of a robust myeloid, lymphoid and definitive red blood cell production in sequential recipients for at least 40 weeks. Further identification of the repopulating cells show that they express the G protein–coupled receptor APELIN (APLNR) and the homing receptor CXCR4. This demonstrates that the generation of bona fide HSPCs from hiPSCs without transgenes is possible and passes through an early endo-hematopoietic intermediate. This work opens the way to the generation of clinical grade HSPCs for the treatment of hematological diseases and holds promise for the analysis of HSPC development in the human species.


Abstract. In this paper the properties of a hydro-meteorological forecasting system for forecasting river flows have been analysed using a probabilistic forecast convergence score (FCS). The focus on fixed event forecasts provides a forecaster's approach to system behaviour and adds an important perspective to the suite of forecast verification tools commonly used in this field. A low FCS indicates a more consistent forecast. It can be demonstrated that the FCS annual maximum decreases over the last 10 years. With lead time, the FCS of the ensemble forecast decreases whereas the control and high resolution forecast increase. The FCS is influenced by the lead time, threshold and catchment size and location. It indicates that one should use seasonality based decision rules to issue flood warnings.


A hypothetical model for predicting hypertension is discussed. Assuming that being in the top quintiles of the blood pressure distribution at adolescence and/or having a family history of hypertension, the estimated risk for developing hypertension as an adult could be 37% in a population with a prevalence of hypertension on 20%. Using the blood pressure level in adolescence and/or positive family history of hypertension as a predictive "test", the sensitivity of this "test" is 65% and the specificity 73%.


This forum piece provides a brief discussion of the mediation of religious and ethnic identity through language in Adjara, an autonomous region of southwestern Georgia. The piece considers the emergence of a consolidated 'Georgian Muslim' identity in the post-Soviet period. It thus sheds light on how language acts as a site for the navigation of religious and historical difference in Adjara.


I re-listened to everything, made some adjustments and then rebooted in OSX to work in Soundhack. After a little while my machine crashed, hard—so hard that all I could do to restart it was to take out the batteries. When I finally rebooted in OSX, the computer did nothing but play this music for 30 minutes— a medley of my Kapotte Muziek material, finished by the computer itself. Kapotte Muziek, ironically enough, translates as "damaged music." The live concert I remixed took place in 1996 in a Berlin club called Im Eimer—that's "in the bucket," a funny way of saying "out of order/damaged".


INTRODUCTION
Parental personality traits are predicted to influence offspring outcomes through parenting behavior and offspring personality traits. This study explored whether mother and father personality traits relate to offspring behavior problems in mid-late adolescence METHOD: In total, 3089 Australian adolescents (1576 boys, 1513 girls; Mage  = 16.46 ± 0.50 years) and their parents completed questionnaires assessing personality, conduct problems, emotional and social functioning, antisocial and criminal behavior, cigarette smoking and drug use, at a single time-point.

RESULTS
After controlling for sociodemographic factors, results showed that problem behaviors in adolescence were most consistently related to mothers' scores on neuroticism and conscientiousness, and fathers' scores on neuroticism. Father personality traits were most important for antisocial and criminal behavior, whereas mother personality traits were most important for social and emotional functioning. Moderation analysis showed that associations between fathers' personality traits and some adolescent outcomes (cigarette smoking and drug use) were stronger for adolescent boys than for adolescent girls. Mediation models further demonstrated that adolescent personality traits mediated associations between parent personality and adolescent outcomes in almost all cases. Indirect effects expressed as a percentage showed that between 1.4% and 33.3% of the variance in the association between parent personality and adolescent outcomes was shared with the corresponding adolescent personality trait.

CONCLUSIONS
Overall, the findings of this study provide evidence that traits inherited (directly or indirectly) from parents might have an important role in shaping problem behavior in adolescence.


Abstract Recent decades of improvements to routine health information systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have increased the volume of health data collected. However, countries continue to face several challenges with quality production and use of information for decision-making at sub-national levels, limiting the value of health information for policy, planning and research. Improving the quality of data production and information use is thus a priority in many LMICs to improve decision-making and health outcomes. This qualitative study identified the challenges of producing and using routine health information in Western Province, Zambia. We analysed the interview responses from 37 health and social sector professionals at the national, provincial, district and facility levels to understand the barriers to using data from the Zambian health management information system (HMIS). Respondents raised several challenges that we categorized into four themes: governance and health system organization, geographic barriers, technical and procedural barriers, and challenges with human resource capacity and staff training. Staff at the facility and district levels were arguably the most impacted by these barriers as they are responsible for much of the labour to collect and report routine data. However, facility and district staff had the least authority and ability to mitigate the barriers to data production and information use. Expectations for information use should therefore be clearly outlined for each level of the health system. Further research is needed to understand to what extent the available HMIS data address the needs and purposes of the staff at facilities and districts.


A new map of the sky representing the degree of randomness in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature has been obtained. The map based on estimation of the Kolmogorov stochasticity parameter clearly distinguishes the contribution of the Galactic disk from the CMB and reveals regions of various degrees of randomness that can reflect the properties of inhomogeneities in the Universe. For example, among the high randomness regions is the southern non-Gaussian anomaly, the Cold Spot, with a stratification expected for the voids. Existence of its counterpart, a Northern Cold Spot with almost identical randomness properties among other low-temperature regions is revealed. By its informative power, Kolmogorov's map can be complementary to the CMB temperature and polarization sky maps.


. We consider Complex Ginzburg-Landau equations with a polynomial nonlinearity in the real line. We use splitting-methods to prove well-posedness for a subset of almost periodic spaces. Specifically, we prove that if the initial condition has multiples of an irrational phase, then the solution of the equation maintains those same phases.


The metaphor of balancing and the use of "balancing tests" are dominant features in legal discourse. Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, that metaphor has been invoked regularly to explain the need for a trade-off between liberty and security. This Article focuses on challenges to balancing that are either unique or somehow exacerbated in the context of responding to violent crises. Drawing on cognitive theory of decision-making under conditions of uncertainty it suggests that balancing processes, in general, and those seeking to balance such interests as liberty and security, in particular, are likely to suffer from identifiable biases. This indicates that the outcomes of such delicate and complex balancing acts are likely to be distorted and thus sub-optimal. While the theory does not, necessarily, make claims as to what the equilibrium between the competing interests ought to be at any given context - for example, it does not seek to determine what an acceptable level of risk from terrorist attacks ought to be - it does suggest that once such a decision is made, the analysis that decision-makers perform in particular cases and in adopting specific counter-measures is likely to be significantly flawed. Perhaps even more importantly, it suggests that such flaws are systematic and that they are going to be tilted in one direction - i.e., towards more security - than the other, i.e., more liberty. The systematic nature of the biases that are identified suggests that failure to address them may turn the mistakes and errors that are discussed in the paper into cognitive pathologies, i.e., decision methods that are not only mistaken but irrational.


Predictive data technology designed to contain the COVID-19 pandemic was not as successful as promised. Data-centric solutions to providing testing and tracing did little to limit the virus's spread in part because they served only the most visible parts of society. This Article argues for more robust solutions to protect individuals' privacy—whether those individuals are currently visible or invisible to pandemic technology—if pandemic technology is to provide the universal coverage necessary for a public health emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. First, we contend that current pandemic data technology operates under rigid technical and social assumptions that thwart participation from all population groups. Second, we demonstrate that the organizations associated with pandemic data technology have financial incentives that could be in opposition to protecting anyone susceptible to the virus. Third, we consider how the need for someone to protect data to allow for medically necessary access to data could be an onramp for a pilot implementation of legal theory on information fiduciaries. Finally, we offer two tangible policy suggestions: conflict-of-interest notices released as open data and a public health fiduciary that has legal responsibility to protect data relevant to epidemiological outbreaks. A public health fiduciary working in the public interest would be more likely to gather sufficiently accurate data than would a fiduciary working within the organizations collecting data themselves. Technology has a vital role to play in managing the pandemic, but in the hands of some organizations, it may encourage behavior that counters public health goals. Trusted data technology solutions in conjunction with predictive epidemiology models could contribute to reducing the spread of the virus more holistically and with fewer privacy-related consequences.


Myrmecophiles (i.e. organisms that associate with ants) use a variety of ecological niches and employ different strategies to survive encounters with ants. Because ants are typically excellent defenders, myrmecophiles may choose moments of weakness to take advantage of their ant associates. This hypothesis was studied in the rove beetle, Myrmedonota xipe , which associates with Azteca sericeasur ants in the presence of parasitoid flies. A combination of laboratory and field experiments show that M. xipe beetles selectively locate and prey upon parasitized ants. These parasitized ants are less aggressive towards beetles than healthy ants, allowing beetles to eat the parasitized ants alive without interruption. Moreover, behavioural assays and chemical analysis reveal that M. xipe are attracted to the ant's alarm pheromone, the same secretion used by the phorid fly parasitoids in host location. This strategy allows beetles access to an abundant but otherwise inaccessible resource, as A. sericeasur ants are typically highly aggressive. These results are the first, to our knowledge, to demonstrate a predator sharing cues with a parasitoid to gain access to an otherwise unavailable prey item. Furthermore, this work highlights the importance of studying ant–myrmecophile interactions beyond just their pairwise context.


Introduction: Albumin is widely used to evaluate nutritional status. However, its usage on patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains controversial. This study was conducted to determine whether serum albumin levels can be used indicator of nutritional status in endstage CKD patients undergoing routine hemodialysis. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 535 subjects who underwent hemodialysis twice per week in 2017 from three hospitals in Jakarta, Indonesia. Data were collected from the medical records of the subjects and analysed using descriptive statistics and mean comparisons of independent samples. Results: Based on body mass index as a marker of nutritional status, the majority (85.9%) of subjects were not underweight. Almost an equal proportion of underweight subjects had normal serum albumin (15.1%) compared with hypoalbuminemia (14.4%). Hypoalbuminemia was found in 29.7% and 28.6% of non-underweight and underweight subjects, respectively. Moreover, there was no significant difference in serum albumin levels between underweight and non-underweight patients (p = 0.886, Mann-Whitney test). Conclusions: Our data do not support a role for serum albumin level as a marker for nutritional status in CKD patients.


The western coast of Ireland possesses one of the highest wave energy resources in the world and consequently is a promising location for the future deployment of Wave Energy Converters (WECs). Most wave climate studies for this region have focused primarily on the offshore area since it enjoys higher energy densities. However, recent studies have shown that nearshore locations offer a similar potential for the exploitation of wave energy as offshore sites [13]. Furthermore, the proximity of WEC devices to the shore will likely reduce losses in power transport, and facilitate access for maintenance activities.In this context, we analyse the wave climate over a ten year period for several nearshore sites off the Irish West Coast. The wave climate is estimated using a spectral wave model, WaveWatch III, forced with wind and spectral wave data from the ECMWF (European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast) operational archive. The wave model is validated with wave buoy data from intermediate to shallow depths (< 60 m).Our focus is on two aspects of the wave climate resource assessment. Firstly, we characterise the directionality of the wave energy resource (mean direction, directional spread) which affects the site selection, design and performance of nearshore WECs. Secondly, we discuss the climate data from the perspective of accessibility for maintenance. When selecting sites for the deployment of WECs, a balance needs to be found between two opposing criteria: the existence of sufficiently long, continuous time intervals of calm sea states (weather windows) which are necessary for maintenance activities to take place, and a high, consistent level of wave energy density, essential for economically viable wave energy extraction.Copyright © 2013 by ASME


Introduction Since there is steady increase in cell phone addiction, the act of reaching for a phone between tasks, or even mid-task, is becoming more commonplace, without a true understanding about the potential cognitive costs of taking a break in this way as opposed to taking a break through another medium. Methods This experimental study included 414 participants who completed a cognitively demanding task (solving anagrams) either on paper or on a computer screen. Participants in three of four randomly assigned conditions engaged in a break task (selecting items for a hypothetical shopping list) either on a cell phone, a larger computer screen, or on a paper in the middle of the task. The fourth condition had participants engaging in both halves of the cognitive task with no break. Results The results show that using cell phone for a break did not allow brain to recharge as effectively as the other types of breaks, both in terms of being able to perform quickly and efficiently in the second half of the task (how long it took to complete), and in terms of performance (how many anagrams were successfully solved in the second half). Discussion and conclusions As people are increasingly addicted to their cell phones, it is important to know the unintended costs associated with reaching for this device every spare minute. Although people may assume that it is not different from any other kind of interaction or break, this study shows that the phone might be more cognitively taxing than expected.


Objectives: To compare the accuracy and repeatability of the volume perfusion index (VPI), -a mathematical model for calculation of flow developed by our team-, with the current available indexes for threedimensional power Doppler quantification (VI,FI and VFI) in an experimental in-vitro study. Methods: A phantom of flow was designed by using a mechanical pump generating a pulsatile flow with known values and by using elastic artificial vessels and blood mimicking fluid. A set of three and four-dimensional power Doppler volumes was obtained at different flow settings. Three dimensional volumes were quantified by using the VOCAL software included in the machine's software. Fourdimensional flow measurement was evaluated by using a previously validated algorithm. Repeatability was evaluated through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)for single unpaired tests and the Bland-Altmann (B-A) plot. Accuracy was tested by comparing the actual values against the obtained indexes with a polynomial regression model. Results: Phantom design was successful in generating a pulsatilelike flow and volumes could be taken in 92% of cases. ICC (95% CI) was 0.34 (0.23–0.51) for VI; 0.41 (0.3–0.51) for FI and 0.56 (0.43–0.69) for VFI. For VPI, it was 0.69 (0.48–0.79). B-A plot showed an inter-observer variability (%) (95% CI) of 48 (23–76) for VI; 62 (33–68) for FI; 29 (21–48) for VFI and 22 (15–29) for VPI. r-value (95% CI) was 0.45 (0.33–0.49) for VI; 0.53 (0.38–0.6) for FI; 0.62 (0.51–0.79) and 0.83 (0.65–0.9) for VPI (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Volume Perfusion Index exhibits a more robust internal validity than the traditional three-dimensional power Doppler indexes and might reflect more accurately actual changes in flow.


Middle Miocene (11.18–10.65 Ma) low sulfidation‐type epithermal gold mineralization occurred in the Cibaliung area, southwestern part of Java Island, Indonesia. It is hosted by andesitic to basaltic andesitic lavas of the Middle Miocene Honje Formation (11.4 Ma) and is covered by Pliocene Cibaliung tuff (4.9 Ma). The exploration estimates mineral resource of approximately 1.3 million tonnes at 10.42 g/t gold and 60.7 g/t silver at a 3 g/t Au cut‐off. This equates to approximately 435,000 ounces of gold and 2.54 million ounces of silver. That resource resulted from two ore shoots: Cibitung and Cikoneng. Studies on ore mineralogy, hydrothermal alteration, geology, fluid inclusion, stable isotopes and age dating were conducted in order to characterize the deposit and to understand a possible mechanism of preservation of the deposit. The ore mineral assemblage of the deposit consists of electrum, naumannite, Ag‐Se‐Te sulfide minerals, chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite and galena. Those ore minerals occur in quartz veins showing colloform–crustiform texture. They are enveloped by mixed layer clay illite/smectite zone, which grades into smectite zone outward. The temperature of mineralization revealed by fluid inclusion study on quartz in the veins ranges from 170 and 220°C at shallow and deep level, respectively. The temperature range is in agreement with the temperature deduced from the hydrothermal alteration mineral assemblage including mixed layered illite/smectite and laumontite. The mineralizing fluid is dilute, with a salinity <1 wt% NaCl equivalent and has stable isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen composition indicating a meteoric water origin. Although the deposit is old enough that it would have been eroded in a tropical island arc setting, the coverage by younger volcanic deposits such as the Citeluk tuff and the Cibaliung tuff most probably prevented this erosion.


Abstract Background and Objective The carotid canal (CC) is a bent passage in the petrous temporal bone from where the internal carotid artery (ICA) goes inside the skull. The shape, location and measurements of the CC are clinically very important in cases of skull base surgery, since the ICA has to be identified and isolated throughout its petrous course. Therefore, the present study was performed to measure and locate the CC from various important anatomical landmarks. Materials and Method The present study was conducted on 68 dry skulls of unknown gender. Various measurements and distances of the CC from various important landmarks were taken. The shape of the CC was also noted. Measurements were taken with the help of a screw-adjusted compass and of digital Vernier calipers. From the above measurements, mean and standard deviation (mean ± SD), median, range, and mode were calculated. Data analysis was done with IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 19.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA). Results The mean length of the CC on the right and left sides was 7.76 and 7.89 mm, respectively. The mean breadth of the CC on the right and left sides was 5.81 and 6.32 mm, respectively. The most common shape of the CC was round both on the right and left sides in 49.20% and in 53.12% of the cases. Conclusion The results of the present study will be useful in the performance of neurosurgical procedures, thereby preventing unpleasant complications.


"Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is 6-10% of all pregnancy related deaths. The incidence of EP is 1-2% in the developed countries. In the present study we evaluated the serum BhCG, progesterone and CA-125 level in the efficacy of methotrexate for treatment of ectopic tubal pregnancy. Over a period of two years, 61 patients with the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy included in study. 30 cases were in methotrexate (MTX) treatment group and 31 cases in surgical treatment group. Sera of samples were assayed for BhCG, progesterone and CA-125. Analyses were performed using SPSS version 16 computer software. T-test and chi square, Roc analysis was used for Sensitivity and specifity. Mean of baseline BhCG level at initial presentation was 439±363 in MTX group and 1027±722 in surgical treatment group; These levels in two groups were significantly different (p=0.001). Mean of initial serum progesterone level was significantly higher in surgical treatment group than medical treatment group (p<0.006). In addition, no statistically difference was observed in CA-125 between two groups (p<0.671). Finding of this study showed that pretreatment serum BhCG and progesterone level had meaningful relation with the efficacy of medical treatment of ectopic pregnancy; Also in this study CA-125 was not a predictor of MTX treatment."


The economic well-being of economic agents is assumed to be interpersonally dependent. The extent of this interpersonal dependency varies according to the strength of relationships, values, and social bonds and is measured using social capital coefficients in a neoclassical model in which agents with stable preferences maximize utility. The model's predictions are tested empirically by asking agents how their willingness to bear a risk is altered when their refusal to accept the risk increases the risk faced by others.


Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine structural and psychological factors that may affect disaster evacuees' usage of different media channels in a multichannel media environment.

Design/methodology/approach
The present study uses the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake in Japan as the case study. It adopts a quantitative approach using structural equation modelling with data collected from an original questionnaire survey (n=744).

Findings
The results show that the evacuees' usage of almost all media channels is positively related to the number of different types of media terminals they had. That said, those who were evacuated mandatorily tend to utilise internet-enabled media channels more. It is also found that traditional broadcast and internet-enabled media channels complement each other instead of displacing. Thus, multichannel appears to be an effective means for disseminating disaster information. However, it is also found that having access to a particular media channel does not necessarily mean that people will utilise it.

Practical implications
To fully utilise the multichannel media environment for disaster information dissemination, governments and media organisations also need to focus on the quality of the information being disseminated over both traditional broadcast and internet-enabled media channels.

Originality/value
Few studies have empirically examined factors that affect disaster evacuees' usage of different media channels in a multichannel media environment. This study fills this gap and the findings may help governments and media organisations in utilising multiple media channels to disseminate disaster information.


The tumor suppressor p53 is regulated by numerous post-translational modifications. Lysine methylation has recently emerged as a key post-translational modification that alters the activity of p53. Here, we describe a novel lysine methylation site in p53 that is carried out by two homologous histone methyltransferases, G9a and Glp. G9a and Glp specifically methylate p53 at Lys373, resulting mainly in dimethylation. During DNA damage, the overall level of p53 modified at Lys373me2 does not increase, despite the dramatic increase in total p53, indicating that Lys373me2 correlates with inactive p53. Further, reduction of G9a and/or Glp levels leads to a larger population of apoptotic cells. Examination of the Oncomine data base shows that G9a and Glp are overexpressed in various cancers compared with corresponding normal tissues, suggesting that they are putative oncogenes. These data reveal a new methylation site within p53 mediated by the methylases G9a and Glp and indicate that G9a is a potential inhibitory target for cancer treatment.


Batesian mimicry is a fundamental example of adaptive phenotypic evolution driven by strong natural selection. Given the potentially dramatic impacts of selection on individual fitness, it is important to understand the conditions under which mimicry is maintained versus lost. Although much empirical and theoretical work has been devoted to the maintenance of Batesian mimicry, there are no conclusive examples of its loss in natural populations. Recently, it has been proposed that non-mimetic populations of the polytypic Limenitis arthemis species complex represent an evolutionary loss of Batesian mimicry, and a reversion to the ancestral phenotype. Here, we evaluate this conclusion using segregating amplified fragment length polymorphism markers to investigate the history and fate of mimicry among forms of the L. arthemis complex and closely related Nearctic Limenitis species. In contrast to the previous finding, our results support a single origin of mimicry within the L. arthemis complex and the retention of the ancestral white-banded form in non-mimetic populations. Our finding is based on a genome-wide sampling approach to phylogeny reconstruction that highlights the challenges associated with inferring the evolutionary relationships among recently diverged species or populations (i.e. incomplete lineage sorting, introgressive hybridization and/or selection).


The ongoing TIWO project is investigating the synthesis of language technologies, like information extraction and corpus-based text analysis, video data modeling and knowledge representation. The aim is to develop a computational account of how video and text can be integrated by representations of narrative in multimedia systems. The multimedia domain is that of film and audio description ‐ an emerging text type that is produced specifically to be informative about the events and objects depicted in film. We suggest that narrative is an important concept for intelligent multimedia knowledge management. We then give an overview of audio description for film and discuss the integration of video and text data in this context.


Small cell carcinoma (SCC) or microcytic carcinoma of the urinary bladder is a rare entity comprising approximately 0.5% of all bladder tumors. Due to its rarity, no prospective studies evaluating the most effective treatment have been published in the medical literature. Several cases of bladder SCC have been presented so far. We describe our case report and we revise the recent literature. Our patient was diagnosed with pure bladder SCC and prostatic adenocarcinoma. After the initial and complete transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TUR-BT), he underwent a thorax and mediastinum computer tomography (CT) examination to exclude primary pulmonary small cell carcinoma and a bone scan scintigraphy for staging purposes. He received a three 14-day cycles of Cisplatin-containing chemotherapeutic schema and a single dose of Luteinizing-Hormone Releasing hormone (LHRH) analogue injection after 14 days of bicalutamide administration. The patient is followed for 24 months without any signs of bladder SCC recurrence or biochemical or local relapse from prostatic adenocarcinoma.


We investigate the mechanism that occurs during aluminum thin film growth on Ni(100) substrate by molecular dynamics simulation and Embedded Atom Method interaction potential. The simulation is performed at 300K using an incident energy of 1eV. The growth of rectangular structure in first layer favoured flattening mechanism for the impact of deposited atoms, and influences the same structure at the beginning of the second and third layers growth by allowing several exchange mechanisms in order to have 2D growth. Beyond fourth layer, rectangular structure becomes absent at the expense on triangular structure formation, favouring the mechanism of simple jumps in presence of high energy barrier of interlayer and disadvantages exchange mechanism, to transform the growth mode into island mode.


ABSTRACT Kudryavtseva, N.; Räämet, A., and Soomere, T., 2020. Coastal flooding: Joint probability of extreme water levels and waves along the Baltic Sea coast. In: Malvárez, G. and Navas, F. (eds.), Global Coastal Issues of 2020. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 95, pp. 1146–1151. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. An accurate assessment of the joint probability of water levels and waves is crucial to establish appropriate mitigation and adaptation strategies for possible flooding and coastal erosion in countries with extensive low-lying nearshore areas. The simultaneous occurrence of large waves and high still water levels can significantly increase the risk of flooding and damage of coastal constructions. In this study, the water level extremes were retrieved from simulated high-resolution 3D NEMO-Nordic water level data along the Baltic Sea coast with a spatial resolution of 2 nautical miles (∼3.7 km) and time resolution of 1 hour. The wave height data were obtained from the numerical simulations using the WAM wave model with adjusted geostrophic wind forcing with 3 nautical miles spatial resolution and the time resolution of 1 hour. Using the Archimedean copula approach, the likelihood of joint occurrence of high water levels and wave heights was evaluated along the whole Baltic Sea coast for 1979–2007. Four distinctive regions in the Baltic Sea were identified following differences in the dependence between the sea level and wave height extremes in terms of their correlation. The Arkona basin and eastern part of the Baltic proper have low dependence (correlation coefficient <0.2), the Gulf of Riga, the Gulf of Finland and north-western part of the Baltic Proper exhibit moderate dependence (0.2–0.5), the Sea of Bothnia has the strongest dependence (0.5–0.7), and the Bay of Bothnia has a dependence in the range of 0.2–0.4, similar to the central Baltic Sea region. The joint probability analysis showed that the highest risk of simultaneous appearance of water level and wave height extremes is observed in the Sea of Bothnia. The study demonstrates that it is crucial to consider the combination of both water levels and wave heights in all regions of the Baltic Sea except for the southern areas.


Abstract This paper revisits the controversies surrounding commemoration of the Second World War in the Baltic states and explores the difficulties of translating the complexities and ambivalences of history, personal experience, and memory into monolithic statues and acts of commemoration. In particular, the Baltic states are faced with the difficult challenge of commemorating the atrocities of two dictatorships and are failing to meet that challenge. A fundamental impediment to such collective remembrance and commemoration is the breadth and depth of historical displacement and suffering of different ethnic communities. The lack of commemoration of two marginalized groups, namely, the Roma and psychiatric patients is also examined.


The human protein kinase Plk1, a member of the polo-like kinase family, is known to function at mitosis. Here we show that the relative specific activity of Plk1 increases in mitosis, that Plk1 is specifically phosphorylated during mitosis, and that phosphatase treatment reduces mitotic Plk1 activity to interphase levels. To identify domains involved in the regulation of Plk1 activity, deletion mutants of Plk1 were constructed and their activities examined. Deletion of the extreme C-terminus of Plk1 substantially increased kinase activity, indicating that the C-terminus harbors an inhibitory domain. Finally, the consequences of over-production of wild-type and mutant Plk1 protein were analyzed, using transient transfection assays. Cells overexpressing Plk1 protein were able to enter mitosis and establish an apparently normal bipolar spindle. In contrast, progression through mitosis was transiently delayed, and cytokinesis appeared to be disturbed, as reflected by a significant increase in large cells with multiple, often fragmented nuclei. These results are relevant to recently proposed roles for Plks during both entry into and exit from mitosis.


To transmit an image over narrow bandwidth channels is an important issue in networks. We proposed a new progressive image transmission (PIT) method. We call it the fast reconstruction method (FRM). There are three techniques in this method. First, we use vector quantization (VQ) to compress the image. Then, we design the central sampling technique, and employ it to select the indices of the compressed image. These indices will be transmitted to the receiver phase by phase. Finally, the receiver applies the pixels copy technique and the received indices to reconstruct the image. From the experimental results, we see that FRM just needs 3.6% reconstruction time of the selective progressive image transmission method (SPITM) to reconstruct the image. Besides, the PSNR of our method is better than that of SPITM at the beginning phases. FRM is therefore effective and efficient in PIT.


The T2K Collaboration has recently reported a remarkable indication of the νμ → νe oscillation which is consistent with a relatively large value of θ13 in the three-flavor neutrino mixing scheme. We show that it is possible to account for such a result of θ13 by introducing a natural perturbation to the democratic neutrino mixing pattern, without or with CP violation. A testable correlation between θ13 and θ23 is predicted in this ansatz. We also discuss the Wolfenstein-like parametrization of neutrino mixing, and comment on other possibilities of generating sufficiently large θ13 at the electroweak scale.


The aim of this study is to investigate the misanalogical construction of undergraduate students in their cognitive conflict in doing a non-routine mathematical task. Qualitative methods were used in this research. Data were collected from 68 seventh semester undergraduate students of Mathematics Education Study Program, Universitas Negeri Malang by assigning them to accomplish the cognitive conflict identification task and interviewing them. It is found that five students have experience the autocognitive conflict. So that we made an indepth interview to these five students to trace the misanalogical construction in their cognitive conflict and found that one of them made the misanalogical construction, and she was Elsa. The investigation result from Elsa shows that she made several misanalogical construstions in her cognitive conflict in solving the task. They are misanalogical construction in set theory, misanalogical construction in fraction, and misanalogical construction in sequence.


This paper evaluates the development of new cultural theories utilizing video-based analysis. For this purpose, a multi-methods research design, combining videographies, group discussions and surveys, was applied. A video sequence showing a clip of a 10th grade class at Ramja Public School in Pusa Road in Delhi1 provides the basis for a discussion regarding what imaging material really visualizes, and pointing out the invisible pedagogic concepts that are entwined with interpretation. Furthermore, this paper investigates the concept of culture(s) in the analysis of class situations, taking a special interest in the culture of (moving) images. Therefore the research question is: How do videographies as moving images generate meaning that is distinct from language? The paper will hint at the phenomenon of invisible inner concepts, which to date, have been neglected, in the analysis of videographies.


We propose extended Chaplygin gas equation of state for which it recovers barotropic fluid with quadratic equation of state. We use numerical method to investigate the behavior of some cosmological parameters such as scale factor, Hubble expansion parameter, energy density, and deceleration parameter. We also discuss the resulting effective equation of state parameter. Using density perturbations we investigate the stability of the theory.


This study evaluates the swimming behaviour of pre-settled fish larvae of the triplefin Helcogrammoides chilensis (Tripterygiidae) in relation to local environmental conditions. Larval aggregations were recorded on rocky reefs off central Chile during the austral summer of 2014 and 2016 to describe their swimming behaviour (i.e. solitary, shoaling, schooling) and relate it to in situ water temperature, wind stress, wind speed and turbulence. Shoaling and solitary behaviour were influenced only by wind-induced turbulence in 2014 and by seawater temperature and wind stress in 2016. Schooling behaviour was not influenced by any of the environmental variables. In situ swimming behaviour of fish larvae has been little investigated, and this work proposes a non-invasive in situ methodology for studying fish larval behaviour.


This paper estimates a money demand function using Japanese data from 1985 to 2017, which includes the period of near-zero interest rates over the last two decades. We compare a log-log specification and a semi-log specification by employing the methodology proposed by Kejriwal and Perron (2010) on cointegrating relationships with structural breaks. Our main finding is that there exists a cointegrating relationship with a single break between the money-income ratio and the interest rate in the case of the log-log form but not in the case of the semi-log form. More specifically, we show that the substantial increase in the money-income ratio during the period of near-zero interest rates is well captured by the log-log form but not by the semi-log form. We also show that the demand for money did not decline in 2006 when the Bank of Japan terminated quantitative easing and started to raise the policy rate, suggesting that there was an upward shift in the money demand schedule. Finally, we find that the welfare gain from moving from 2 percent inflation to price stability is 0.10 percent of nominal GDP, which is more than six times as large as the corresponding estimate for the United States. JEL Classification Numbers: C22; C52; E31; E41; E43; E52