The life of road depends on strength of the subgrade soil and traffic density. The subgrade soil is not uniform throughout the alignment of the road. Generally the poor subgrade soil having soaked California Bearing Ratio (CBR) value less than 2% is replaced by good quality subgrade material. This paper deals with the improvement in various properties of subgrade soil by using soil stabilizer and locally available poor materials. The additive like RBI Grade 81is used to improve the properties of subgrade soil. The cost of construction of road increases, if only RBI Grade 81 is used as a stabilizer. The CBR value of subgrade soil can be improved by using moorum with RBI Grade 81 and cost of construction can be reduced to certain extent. From CBR test, it is found that the soaked CBR value of soil is improved by 476.56% i.e. 2.56% to 14.76% by stabilizing soil with 20% moorum and 4% RBI Grade 81. The various mixes of soil: moorum: RBI Grade 81 for the different proportions were tested for maximum dry density (MDD), optimum moisture content (OMC) and soaked CBR value.


A diverse set of stakeholders converge to facilitate reconstruction and recovery in post-disaster settings. Shared decision-making, implementation and evaluation are crucial to ensure reconstructed infrastructure delivers a high level of service that reflects local needs and capacities. Despite attempts by organizations to include local knowledge in post-disaster design and construction to enhance operation and maintenance of infrastructure, participation processes are failing consider local perspectives. In contrast to technocratic solutions, this research focuses on the communication processes that constitute participation to understand how local knowledge might be better incorporated in reconstruction efforts. Building on theory of participation archetypes, we analyzed twenty shelter reconstruction projects in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan, examining how communication practice shaped membership. Findings show that stakeholder groups use different communicative strategies to participate in reconstruction. Non-governmental organization processes created a communication deficit in their favor through a reliance on textual sources and aggregation of local input, government agencies distanced themselves to limit uncertainty of losing infrastructure support and communities withheld knowledge to limit resource contributions. Based upon this analysis, we recommend that aid organizations ensure that communication moves beyond unidirectional approaches by starting design development earlier with communities and that alternatives to textual sources are provided for local partners.


Abstract. We calculate the azimuthal magnetic fields expected to be present in Saturn's magnetosphere associated with two physical effects, and compare them with the fields observed during the flybys of the two Voyager spacecraft. The first effect is associated with the magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling currents which result from the sub-corotation of the magnetospheric plasma. This is calculated from empirical models of the plasma flow and magnetic field based on Voyager data, with the effective Pedersen conductivity of Saturn's ionosphere being treated as an essentially free parameter. This mechanism results in a 'lagging' field configuration at all local times. The second effect is due to the day-night asymmetric confinement of the magnetosphere by the solar wind (i.e. the magnetopause and tail current system), which we have estimated empirically by scaling a model of the Earth's magnetosphere to Saturn. This effect produces 'leading' fields in the dusk magnetosphere, and 'lagging' fields at dawn. Our results show that the azimuthal fields observed in the inner regions can be reasonably well accounted for by plasma sub-corotation, given a value of the effective ionospheric Pedersen conductivity of ~ 1–2 mho. This statement applies to field lines mapping to the equator within ~ 8 RS (1 RS is taken to be 60 330 km) of the planet on the dayside inbound passes, where the plasma distribution is dominated by a thin equatorial heavy-ion plasma sheet, and to field lines mapping to the equator within ~ 15 RS on the dawn side outbound passes. The contributions of the magnetopause-tail currents are estimated to be much smaller than the observed fields in these regions. If, however, we assume that the azimuthal fields observed in these regions are not due to sub-corotation but to some other process, then the above effective conductivities define an upper limit, such that values above ~ 2 mho can definitely be ruled out. Outside of this inner region the spacecraft observed both 'lagging' and 'leading' fields in the post-noon dayside magnetosphere during the inbound passes, with 'leading' fields being observed both adjacent to the magnetopause and in the ring current region, and 'lagging' fields being observed between. The observed 'lagging' fields are consistent in magnitude with the sub-corotation effect with an effective ionospheric conductivity of ~ 1–2 mho, while the 'leading' fields are considerably larger than those estimated for the magnetopause-tail currents, and appear to be indicative of the presence of another dynamical process. No 'leading' fields were observed outside the inner region on the dawn side outbound passes, with the azimuthal fields first falling below those expected for sub-corotation, before increasing, to exceed these values at radial distances beyond ~ 15–20 RS , where the effect of the magnetopause-tail currents becomes significant. As a by-product, our investigation also indicates that modification and scaling of terrestrial magnetic field models may represent a useful approach to modelling the three-dimensional magnetic field at Saturn. Key words. Magnetospheric physics (current systems; magnetosphere-ionosphere interactions; solar wind-magnetosphere interactions)


Biomolecular interactions form the basis of all living organisms and their detailed
investigation on the molecular level is crucial to the understanding of complex biological
systems. With the advent of single-molecule (SM) techniques in response to the
growing interest in the molecular nature of interactions, a whole new layer of knowledge
has emerged. Hence, bulk-derived characteristics of molecular complexes need
to be complemented by more detailed information addressing individual molecules
and not only their statistical representatives. This way also interactions that are
transient, weak or less abundant in the population are considered. This work focuses
on the single-molecule elucidation of different types of biomolecular interactions -
from protein-ligand to protein-DNA, to protein-protein ones.
The focus of the presented research is on force measurements, considered both in an
absolute manner as well as in comparison to other reference interactions. Comparative
analysis is more informative in many cases in which a ranking of interactions
against each other is of interest rather than their absolute strengths. Several SM
techniques are explored and their complementarity in targeting specific aspects of
single-molecule accessibility is discussed.
I present a way to eliminate multiple events' bias in AFM measurements of biotinstreptavidin
bond rupture. Despite numerous studies, available data regarding the
binding force of the complex are not fully consistent and contain a lot of open questions.
Here, the introduced DNA tether provided an intrinsic fingerprint, thus ensuring
SM-accessibility. The same assay allowed to address the MeCP2-DNA binding,
thought to lead to DNA cross-linking and looping. We observed DNA clustering
upon addition of the protein and turned to magnetic tweezers to further analyse the
mechanism of MeCP2 action. This instance demonstrates the challenges in proper
experimental design in both techniques when it is desired to achieve a truly SM resolution
not only in sensing but also in the behavior of the investigated system.
Finally, I characterized the GFP-Nanobody binding as an exemplary protein-antibody
interaction. The energy landscape of the complex was explored by the AFM. Interestingly,
the force measurements revealed several regimes related to various pulling
geometries, as well as force dependence on the type of GFP despite identical epitopes.
Then, multiplexed single-molecule measurements by means of Molecular Force Assay
demonstrated the usefulness of this pair as a reference in comparative studies.
In this thesis I show that even with dedicated techniques achieving SM resolution
may not be a straightforward task. Studying molecular systems often requires a
very individualized approach so that native-like conditions can be mimicked while
the focus is strictly confined to one molecule only. To sum up, we have designed
assays to analyze biomolecular interactions on the SM level and demonstrate how
to ensure SM resolution by making use of intrinsic features of biomolecules. The
presented work contributes to the expansion of the existing SM techniques in the
field of protein research and provides binding force data for the GFP-Nanobody
complex - a promising molecular reference.


A conference was held at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (formerly The National Bureau of Standards) in May 1986 to consider the status of existing evaluation and accreditation programs for constructionmaterials testing laboratories and to determine the need for a coordinated national system. The conference attendees concluded that "there is a need for a coordinated national system for the accreditation of construction materials testing laboratories and its development should be initiated." This paper will discuss activities since the conference, including the work of a planning committee formed to define the goals, scope, format, and procedures of such a system. There will be particular emphasis on activities of CCRL and AMRL, which make up the Construction Materials Reference Laboratories. They are research associate programs at NIST sponsored by ASTM and AASHTO, respectively, and provide laboratory assessment and proficiency sample services, but do not accredit laboratories. However, the AASHTO Executive and Policy Committee approved the AASHTO Accreditation Program utilizing AMRL technical programs for implementation in mid-1988. The Executive Group of the Joint ASTM C1/C9 Subcommittee on the CCRL is changing CCRL programs for concrete and concrete aggregates to comply with new ASTM laboratory evaluation standards.


Transfer of photogenerated holes from the absorber species to the p-type hole conductor is fundamental to the performance of solid-state sensitized solar cells. In this study, we comprehensively investigate hole diffusion in the Sb2S3 absorber and hole transfer across the Sb2S3–CuSCN interface in the TiO2–Sb2S3–CuSCN system using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, carrier diffusion modeling, and photovoltaic performance studies. Transfer of photogenerated holes from Sb2S3 to CuSCN is found to be dependent on Sb2S3 film thickness, a trend attributed to diffusion in the Sb2S3 absorber. However, modeling reveals that this process is not adequately described by diffusion limitations alone as has been assumed in similar systems. Therefore, both diffusion and transfer across the Sb2S3–CuSCN interface are taken into account to describe the hole transfer dynamics. Modeling of diffusion and interfacial hole transfer effects reveal that interfacial hole transfer, not diffusion, is the predominant factor dictating the magnitude of the hole transfer rate, especially in thin (<20 nm) Sb2S3 films. Lastly, the implications of these results are further explored by photovoltaic measurements using planar TiO2–Sb2S3–CuSCN solar cells to elucidate the role of hole transfer in photovoltaic performance.


BACKGROUND
No consensus exists regarding adequacy of margins after mastectomy. To determine if pathological margin proximity is associated with local (LR) or distant recurrence after mastectomy for early invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ.

METHODS
A systematic review of literature published from 1980 to 2019 and meta-analysis was conducted. Unpublished data were sought from authors (PROSPERO (CRD42019127541)). Thirty-four studies comprising 34,833 breast cancer patients were included in the quantitative synthesis. Eligible studies reported on patients undergoing curative mastectomy for cancer allowing estimation of outcomes in relation to margin status/width. The association between pathological margin status and local (LR) and distant recurrence was considered using random effects modelling. PRISMA guidelines were followed.

RESULTS
Positive margins were associated with increased LR on multivariable analyses (HR, 2·64, (95%CI 2·01-3·46)) and LR was higher regardless of the distance of tumour from the margin defined as positive. After skin-sparing mastectomy, positive margins were associated with increased LR (HR 3·40, (95%CI 1·9-6·2)). In the 4 studies reporting distant recurrence, patients with involved margins had a higher risk (HR 1·53, (95%CI 1·03-2·25)).

CONCLUSIONS
Failure to achieve clear margins after mastectomy may increase the risks of local and distant recurrence. Adequate margin clearance should be recommended to minimize recurrence after mastectomy in National and International Guidelines.


A model based on chiral SU(3) symmetry in nonlinear realization is used for the investigation of nuclei, superheavy nuclei, hypernuclei, and metastable, exotic multistrange nuclear objects (so-called MEMOs). The model works very well in the case of nuclei and hypernuclei with one $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ particle and rules out MEMOs. Basic observables that are known for nuclei and hypernuclei are reproduced satisfactorily. The model predicts $Z=120$ and $N=172,$ 184, and 198 as the next shell closures in the region of superheavy nuclei. The calculations have been performed in self-consistent relativistic mean-field approximation assuming spherical symmetry. The parameters were adapted to known nuclei.


Cigarette smoking is the most important known risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Smoking leads to imbalances in metabolic hormones that are conducive to insulin resistance. Cigarette smoke also damages the exocrine pancreas, which can lead to pancreatogenic diabetes, also known as Type 3c diabetes mellitus (T3cDM). In contrast to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is associated with obesity and characterized by high levels of C-peptide, a marker of insulin secretion, T3cDM is characterized by low C-peptide concentrations, reflecting low pancreatic function. High Molecular Weight (HMW) adiponectin, on the other hand, is the most biologically active isoform of the insulin-sensitizing hormone adiponectin, and is inversely associated with obesity and T2DM incidence. We evaluated the association of serum biomarkers [C-peptide, adiponectin, and HMW adiopnectin] and pancreatic cancer by smoking status in a nested case control study of 759 cases and 1069 controls from the Alpha-Tacopherol, Beta Carotene Cancer Prevention Study (ATBC n=888), the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort (CPS II n=180), and the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO n=760). Controls were matched to cases on age, date of blood draw (+ 3 months), sex, and race and were free from pancreatic cancer on the date the matched case was diagnosed. Spline regression models were used to examine the possible non-linear relation between the biomarkers and pancreatic cancer risk and logistic regression stratified on smoking status was used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Smoking status modified the association of pancreatic cancer risk and prediagnostic C-peptide (p interaction=0.009) and HMW adiponectin (p interaction=0.02). Prediagnostic C-peptide concentration was inversely associated with pancreatic cancer in smokers [Odds Ratio = 0.76 (95% Confidence Interval = 0.63-, 0.91) per standard deviation], while no association was found in non-smokers [1.09 (0.96, 1.24)]. Similarly, prediagnostic HMW adiponectin concentration was associated with increased risk in smokers [1.23 (1.02, 1.47)]. As expected, HMW adiponectin tended to be inversely associated with pancreatic cancer risk in non-smokers [0.81 (0.63, 1.05)]. Spline analysis showed that both the association of C-peptide (p=0.01) and HMW (p=0.004) with pancreatic cancer risk were linear. Total adiponectin was not associated with pancreatic cancer risk either in smokers or non-smokers. Our findings with c-peptide and HMW adiponectin may be consistent with Type 3c diabetes which has recently been recognized to play a role in pancreatic carcinogenesis. In smokers, low C-peptide concentration may reflect low pancreatic function from smoke-induced damage to the pancreas, which is concordant with increased pancreatic cancer risk. Given the functional interaction between hormone-secreting pancreatic cells and adipocytes, HMW adiponectin concentration is a marker for peripheral insulin sensitivity and may be elevated to compensate for diminished pancreatic function. Hence, the positive association for both low C-peptide and high HMW adiponectin with pancreatic cancer in smokers supports the notion that cigarette smoking both decreases pancreatic function leading to pancreatogenic diabetes and increases pancreatic cancer risk. These results suggest that the associations of C-Peptide and HMW Adiponectin with pancreatic cancer may be more complex than previously appreciated and differ according to smoking status. A better understanding of the metabolic profile of smokers may be helpful in identifying high-risk individuals who could be targeted for pancreatic cancer prevention interventions. Citation Format: Leticia Nogueira, Christina Newton, Debra Silverman, Demetrius Albanes, Satu Manniston, Eric Jacobs, Rachel Stolzemberg-Solomon. Smoking modifies the association of insulin sensitivity biomarkers and pancreatic cancer risk. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2013 Oct 27-30; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2013;6(11 Suppl): Abstract nr A61.


The obligation to integrate environmental protection into other policy areas stems from 1987 and was refined by the Treaty of Lisbon. The EU is to ensure coherence of trade, environmental protection and sustainable development, inside and outside the EU. This article investigates how the Union operationalised this duty where its trade agreements are concerned, and whether this actually contributes to sustainable development.
It is set out how in 1999, Trade Sustainability Impact Assessments of proposed new trade agreements were introduced, how the system developed over time, and how actual provisions on sustainable development and environment were introduced from 2008 onwards. Furthermore, it is examined what these provisions entail. Given the identified weaknesses, evaluating and where necessary strengthening these parts of trade agreements is called for. An investigation on improvements to the environmental provisions of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) could form a step in the right direction.


The ADCIRC hydrodynamic model has been used extensively to predict the effects of storm surge in coastal regions. In an effort to create a more holistic representation of coastal inundation (i.e., the total water level), some recent applications of ADCIRC have focused on modeling coastal river systems. Initial attempts to model river systems with ADCIRC have encountered complications associated with mass balance (artificial increase in mass in the downstream direction) and model instabilities when flow leaves the main channel, which suggests that complications may be attributed to the current treatment of the wet/dry boundary in CG ADCIRC. A new wetting/drying framework has been developed for, and implemented in, the 1D continuous Galerkin ADCIRC code, which is based on the generalized wave continuity equation (GWCE) formulation of the shallow water equations. The new algorithm allows for the inclusion of partially wet elements within the computational domain of ADCIRC, and the focus of this manuscript is flooding‐type wetting/drying processes (e.g., tidal fluctuations and storm surge inundation). The new framework uses a scaling factor, η, placed on the time derivative term in the primitive continuity equation, prior to formulation of the GWCE. Benefits of the new approach include better mass balance and more accurate tracking of the location of the wet/dry interface, compared with the current wetting and drying algorithm.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Abstract Changes in cellular adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) content induced by monochromatic light of various wavelengths were determined in the cyanobacterium Anabaena cylindrica. Irradiation with monochromatic red light caused a rapid decrease in cAMP content. In contrast, far-red light caused a rapid increase in its content. The effects of red and far-red light were reversible, suggesting the involvement of a prototype phytochrome as the photoreceptor for cAMP-mediated light-responsive signal transduction.


The rising city led to increased activities and land needs, while the land despite being one of the natural resources of the most valuable but has limited both the availability and capacitibility. Housing and facilities requires the most land area than any other designation. The physical condition greatly affects the basis of land suitability as environmental land use hydrology, geomorphology, geology, soil and atmosphere (Catanese ed., 1992:338). Fakfak City which is a region hilly with a slope towards the north or from sea to land, residential land use occupies the slope above 10%, where that is a constraint on housing development and facilities.
Housing development on land with a slope of above 10%, requires a lot of considerations to determine suitability of the land. Was necessary to study land for housing suitability based in the city Fakfak characteristic of basis of slope, soil and rock types, climatic conditions, disaster-prone areas and the provision of infrastructure. With the known land suitability, land use, especially for housing can be done on particular areas that do not suitability of land development and prevention arrangement for the safety and comfort of residents in areas less suitable.
Physical condition of land slope, soil and rock types, climatic conditions, disaster-prone areas and the provision of infrastructure greatly affect the suitability of land for housing. Analysis of the suitability of climatic conditions that are the result of the superposition of maps of temperature, pressure and humidity, wind and solar orientation. Analysis of disaster-prone areas, for earthquake and tsunami descriptively determined position on the map of the city Fakfak epicenter distribution and tsunami-prone coast, while the areas prone to landslides and floods are the result of superposition map of rainfall, slope, soil type and vegetation. Analysis of infrastructure provision is performed to determine the level of ease of manufacturing infrastructure superposition obtained from the slope maps, soil and rock types and rainfall. Next is to determine the land suitability class housing from the superposition of maps suitability to climatic conditions, disaster-prone areas, provision of infrastructure, the slope and the type of soil and rock.
In general, the suitability of land for housing in the city Fakfak is in accordance with the expansion of 76.38% while the rest included in the class is not appropriate, but in this class including the village with a high density relatives such as village Gwerpe and Lusypkeri compared with other regions. Setting the form of technical assistance in housing construction and the arrangement needs to be done especially in the both ward. The form of technical assistance as knowledge of tsunami and landslope wizard.

Keywords: rising city, land suitability, housing, basic physical characteristics


In every society around the world, shelter is one of the most basic needs for every human being. Unfortunately, it is not one of the free gifts of nature. This means financing for housing is unavoidable. However, majority of the individuals are unable to achieve this without financial assistance. The recent 2007 financial crisis intervened in the pattern of housing finance which brought some changes in the market for the demand and supply of mortgage loans. This study therefore aims at investigating the extent of these changes and the resulting implications. It further explores households' choice of mortgage provider and homeownership status.
Using a longitudinal study, data was collected for periods before, during and after the financial crisis, with data ranging from 2003 to 2013. Primary and secondary method of data collection was employed in achieving the aims and objectives of the study. Primary data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. The questionnaire involved 320 bank customers while the interviews was done on 43 participants. Out of these 43 participamts, 31 were from the demand side of the study while 12 were mortage advisors.
The findings revealed that the three distinct periods had significant differences in their patterns of housing finance. It was also found that households preferred their mortgages to be provided by the high street banks for security reasons with 88.2% of them satisfied with their mortgage providers. Also, initial deposit and increasing house prices were the most important impediment to obtaining a mortgage. Moreover, the claim by the households that the banks were not willing to grant mortgage loan to them was true to an extent as 54.4% of them agreed to the validity of the statement. Finally, the implications of the financial crisis on households as well as homeownership status implications on tenants were generally negative.


Background: Anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD) is congenital anomaly caused by malformation of the eyeball during early pregnancy. Intrauterine ASD leads to disorder in maturation of anterior segment of the eye and its complications could interfere the normal visual development. There are several types of ASD and variability of its management. In this report, we described characteristic of ASD including its management in Cicendo Eye Hospital, Bandung. Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study from medical records of patients with ASD in Cicendo Eye Hospital, Bandung since January 2012 until December 2014. Data were collected based on total sampling with inclusion criteria. All data were analyzed by statistical software. Results: There were 99 patients with range of age 1-day-old until 18-years-old who met the inclusion criteria of this study. Patient of ASD was commonly brought to the hospital at infant age (55.5%), boys in 51.5% patients and mostly came from out of town (70.7%). Thirty-seven percent of their mothers had history of drug consumptions during pregnancy and 30% born prematurity. Seventy percent cases of ASD were bilateral, 80.8% without systemic disease, and congenital glaucoma was the most common type of ASD (30.7%). The most common management was observation in 45.5% cases, followed by combination of surgical and medicamentosa in 30.3% cases. Conclusion: ASD is a congenital condition which has variability in types and management. Early recognition of this condition is necessary to decide the appropriate treatment to assist visual development and rehabilitation. Keywords: anterior segment dysgenesis, characteristics, management


The 40% of wall criterion, which is generally used for the plugging of steam generator tubes, may be
applied only to a single crack. In the previous study, a total of 9 failure models were introduced to estimate the
local failure of the ligament between cracks and the optimum coalescence model of multiple collinear cracks
was determined among these models. It is, however, known that parallel axial cracks are more frequently
detected during an in-service inspection than collinear axial cracks. The objective of this study is to determine
the plastic collapse model which can be applied to the steam generator tube containing two parallel axial
through-wall cracks. Nine previously proposed local failure models were selected as the candidates.
Subsequently interaction effects between two adjacent cracks were evaluated to screen them. Plastic collapse
tests for the plate with two parallel through-wall cracks and finite element analyses were performed for the
determination of the optimum plastic collapse model. By comparing the test results with the prediction results
obtained from the candidate models, a plastic zone contact model was selected as an optimum model.


A new internal fault protection scheme for synchronous generators, based on the fuzzy inference system, is proposed. The proposed method is developed and tested by using an oscillogram dataset gathered from fault simulations and experiments conducted on real-life synchronous generators. Data mining is used to support the choice of the most relevant variables to identify synchronous generator internal faults. The selected variables are used as inputs to a fuzzy-logic system designed to identify and detect faults. A part of the oscillogram dataset is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed protection. The results show that the proposed protection scheme is more sensitive in detecting ground faults in synchronous generators with high-impedance grounding compared to conventional devices. It is also shown that the proposed scheme is able to identify interturns and interpath faults. The proposed method was embedded in a PC104 processor and tested in a real-time environment to show its practical feasibility.


An effective protocol for cauliflower micropropagation was optimised and developed which enabled the production of tens of thousands of cauliflower microshoots from one cauliflower curd. The large number of microshoots that can be produced per culture unit facilitates the use of this protocol to analyse both the physiological and molecular components of abiotic stress tolerance. The protocol was used for cauliflower cold tolerance analysis and it was demonstrated that low temperature acclimation increased the cold tolerance of explants. The effect of two additives used with the cauliflower culture media on cold tolerance were evaluated. ABA significantly decreased both cold tolerance in acclimated and non-acclimated cauliflower microshoots whilst molybdenum had a highly positive effect on cold tolerance of cauliflower microshoots. Moreover, molybdenum had the capacity to increase the cold tolerance of cauliflower microshoots without low temperature treatment. This is the first study that confirmed this feature of molybdenum and it is believed that this finding could have an application in the field.


In the human-robot collaborative manufacturing environment where humans and robots coexist, safety protection of human operators in real time is of paramount importance. This paper presents an approach for real-time active collision avoidance in augmented environment, where virtual 3D models of robots and real camera images of operators are used for monitoring and collision detection. A cost-effective depth camera is chosen for surveillance of any mobile foreign objects, including operators, which are not presented in the virtual 3D models. Two redundant Kinect sensors using structured light are used as the depth cameras for better area coverage and for eliminating possible blind spots in the surveillance area. Collision detection is performed by minumum distance. Processing applied on depth images includes background removal, filtering, labeling and points cloud generation. A prototype system is developed and linked to robot controllers for real-time robot control, with zero robot programming. According to the result of collision detection, it can alert an operator, stop a robot, or even move a robot away from an approaching operator. The results of a case study show that this approach can be applied to real-world applications such as human-robot collaborative assembly to safeguard human operators.


In this study, for EPDM rubber conventionally used as a radiator hose material the aging behaviors of the skin part under the electro-chemical stresses were nondestructively evaluated. On account of the penetration of coolant liquid into the skin part the weight of rubber specimens degraded by ECD test increased, whereas their failure strain and IRHD hardness decreased largely. The penetration of coolant liquid seemed to induce some changes in inner structure and micro hardness distribution of the rubbers. Consequently, EPDM rubbers degraded by ECD could be characterized nondestructively by micro-hardness and chemical structure analysis methods.


With increased market competition, organizations have devoted much effort to retaining talented employees. As a consequence, a considerable amount of research attention has been paid to investigating an employee's willingness to remain within a particular working environment through the lens of the three-dimensional organizational commitment framework (i.e. affective, continuance, and normative commitment). Unfortunately, little is known about factors contributing to the formation of employee normative commitment. Thus, we seek to develop a theoretical model describing how employees' normative commitment may be affected by receipt of helping behavior, the norm of reciprocity, team-member exchange, and individualism/collectivism. In particular, we propose that the degree of helping behavior received by an employee increases the employee's normative commitment through the norm of reciprocity. Additionally, we posit that team-member exchange and individual/collectivism moderate the relationship between the degree of helping behavior that an employee receives and normative commitment formed by the employee. By exploring these relationships, our theoretical model provides important insights into effective management of normative commitment.


Close family members of individuals suffering alcohol use disorder (AUD) have reported elevated levels of negative emotions and poor psychological wellbeing. They are at a greater risk for psychosocial distress characterized by depression, stress and anxiety. This study examined the impact of the burden of living with an individual suffering alcohol use disorder. The Family Systems Theory informed the present study in helping conceptualize the associations among variables under investigation and their interrelationships within the family context. A descriptive cross-sectional study was used to determine the burden of AUD on the close relatives and to identify the level of psychosocial distress they experienced while living with the patient. Non-probability purposive sampling was done to identify n=138 close relatives of individuals suffering AUD admitted in residential rehabilitation centers in Kiambu County, Kenya. Perceptions of AUD severity, psychological distress, psychological burden, and general health were assessed. The study revealed that more than half of relatives of individuals suffering AUDs experienced reduced general health and severe to moderate level of psychosocial and burden. There was statistical significance between the level of psychosocial burden (p=0.03<0.05) and distress (p=0.048<0.05) among close relatives and living with a patient with AUD. Some of socio-demographic characteristics of the relatives such as gender, level of education, marital status and economic status yielded a statistical significance with psychosocial distress (p=0.000<0.01) and burden (p=0.001<0.05). The study recommends provision of psychosocial family support for families with individuals suffering alcohol use disorders and development of outreach programs to psycho-educate communities. Keywords : Psychosocial distress; Psychosocial burden; Close family members; Alcohol use disorder


Effects of acute or chronic ethanol administration have been studied on protein, RNA and DNA synthesis in the developing brain in the absence or presence of hypothermia. Acute ethanol was given intraperitoneally (4 g/kg) and for chronic ethanol treatment the pups were allowed to suckle on the ethanol-fed dams. Dams were pair-fed on nutritionally adequate liquid-sustacal diet. Ethanol administration, both acutely and chronically, inhibited the in vivo and in vitro protein synthesis in the absence or presence of hypothermia. This data suggests that ethanol per se is capable of producing the inhibition of protein synthesis in brain without its hypothermic effect. However, the inhibitory effect of ethanol is more pronounced in the presence of ethanol-mediated hypothermia. Hypothermia in itself also causes a decrease in the synthesis of proteins. Maternal ethanol consumption results in a significant decrease in the synthesis of both RNA and DNA in the developing brain of suckling newborn either in the absence or presence of hypothermia. RNA and DNA synthesis was measured by following the incorporation of (5-(3)H) uridine and (14C)thymidine respectively. Decrease in body temperature alone also resulted in decreased RNA and DNA synthesis in the developing brain. Ethanol reaching the suckling newborn from maternal milk resulted in decreased brain weights, total protein, ribosomal protein, total RNA, ribosomal RNA, and total DNA of the brain. Neonatal brain proteolytic and DNA-polymerase activities were inhibited in the ethanol-fed group. An inhibition of proteolytic activity reflects a compensatory mechanism of the developing brain to decrease the breakdown of proteins in response to the inhibitory effect of ethanol on protein synthesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


A class of data-reusing learning algorithms for real-time recurrent neural networks (RNNs) is analyzed. The analysis is undertaken for a general sigmoid nonlinear activation function of a neuron for the real time recurrent learning training algorithm. Error bounds and convergence conditions for such data-reusing algorithms are provided for both contractive and expansive activation functions. The analysis is undertaken for various configurations that are generalizations of a linear structure infinite impulse response adaptive filter.


The rate dependence of unsaturated hydraulic characteristics was analyzed using both steady state and transient flow analysis. One-step and multistep outflow experiments, as well as quasi-static experiments were performed on identical, disturbed samples of a sandy and a loamy soil to evaluate the influence of flow rate on the calculated retention and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity curves. For the sandy soil, a significant influence of the flow rate on both the retention and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity characteristic was observed. At a given matric potential, more water was retained with greater applied pneumatic pressures. Matric potential differences of 10 to 15 cm (for given saturation) and water content differences of up to 7% (for given potential) could be observed between the slowest and the fastest outflow experiments, predominantly at the beginning of drainage. The hydraulic conductivity also increased with increasing flow rate for higher saturations, while a lower hydraulic conductivity was observed near residual saturation for the higher flow rates. We observed a continuously increasing total water potential gradient in the sandy soil as it drained, especially for high-pressure transient one-step experiments. This indicates a significant deviation from static equilibrium, as obtained under static or steady-state conditions. For the finer textured soil, these flow-rate dependent regimes were not apparent. A number of physical processes can explain the observed phenomena. Water entrapment and pore blockage play a significant role for the high flow rates, as well as lack of air continuity in the sample during the wettest stages of the experiment.


Abnormal production and function of surfactants are associated with pulmonary diseases. Also, pulmonary infections alter surfactant metabolism. Due to lack of information on the levels of surfactants A (SP-A) and D (SP-D) in Nigerian tuberculosis (TB) patients, this study assessed these surfactants in both sputum and serum of drug sensitive- and multidrug resistant- TB patients using ELISA. The aim is to explore the diagnostic or therapeutic potential of SP-A and SP-D in TB patients. Also, to find out appropriate sample for the analyses of SP-A and SP-D in TB patients. The mean serum levels of SP-A and SP-D were not significantly reduced in MDR-TB (n=30) and DS-TB patients (n=30) compared with non-TB apparently healthy controls (n=30) (p > 0.05). Mean sputum levels of SP-A and SP-D were significantly reduced in DS-TB patients compared with the levels in MDR-TB patients (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the sputum SP-D and SP-A levels but not serum SP-D and SP-A levels are useful indicators of the disease activity in pulmonary TB patients. Keywords: Tuberculosis, Surfactants, Diagnosis, Nigeria


The present study was to evaluate the anti-oxidant activity of Enalapril maleate in hypercholesterolemic rabbits,which developed atherosclerosis. Enalapril maleate is a class of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors.Normal healthy rabbits of either sex were divided in three groups. Each group contained twenty–five animals, all of which received commercial diet and water ad-libitum throughout the experimental period. The experiment was carried for a period of sixteen weeks.Group I animals received normal saline (5 ml/kg P.O) for a period of sixteen weeks. Group II received 500 mg cholesterol in 5 ml starch mucilage P.O daily for 16 weeks- hypercholesterolemic group. Group III received 500 mg cholesterol suspended in 5 ml starch mucilage and Enalapril maleate (10 mg/kg b.w PO daily) for 16 weeks. Various biochemical estimations like total serum cholesterol, serum HDL cholesterol levels, TBARS (Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), glutathione, catalase were estimated. Results showed that decrease in total serum cholesterol levels, TBARS levels and increase in HDL cholesterol levels can play a part in anti-atherosclerotic action of Enalapril maleate..Catalase and glutathione which detoxify free radicals are not involved in the anti-atherosclerotic effect of the drug.


The self-assembly of supramolecular hydrogels has attracted the attention of many researchers, and it also has a broad application prospect in biomedical fields. However, there are few studies on the intrinsic mechanism of molecular self-assembly of hydrogels. In this paper, the self-assembly process of glycolipid-based hydrogels is studied by combining quantum chemistry calculation and molecular dynamics simulation. Using quantum chemistry calculation, the stable stacking mode of gelator dimers was explored. Then, by varying the water content in the gelation system, three different morphologies of hydrogels after self-assembly were observed on the nanoscale. When the water content is low, the molecular chains were entangled with each other to form a three-dimensional network structure. When the water content is moderate, the system had obvious stratification, forming the typical structure of "gel–water–gel". The gelators can only form small micelle-like agglomerations when the water content is too high. According to the analysis of the interaction between gelators and that between gelators and water molecules, combined with the study of the radial distribution function and hydrogen bonding, it is determined that the hydrogen bonds formed between gel molecules are the main driving force of the gelation process. Our work is of guiding significance for further exploration of the formation mechanism of a hydrogel and developing its application in other fields.


The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor is a major target for anti-angiogenesis-based cancer treatment. Here we report the treatment effect of ionizing radiation in combination with the novel orally bioavailable VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor PTK787/ZK222584 on endothelial cell proliferation in vitro and with tumour xenografts in vivo. Combined treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with increasing doses of PTK787/ZK222584 and ionizing radiation abrogated VEGF-dependent proliferation in a dose-dependent way, but inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation was not due to apoptosis induction. In vivo, a combined treatment regimen of PTK787/ZK222584 (4 × 100 mg/kg) during 4 consecutive days in combination with ionizing radiation (4 × 3 Gy) exerted a substantial tumour growth delay for radiation-resistant p53-disfunctional tumour xenografts derived from SW480 colon adenocarcinoma cells while each treatment modality alone had only a minimal effect on tumour size and neovascularization. SW480 tumours from animals that received a combined treatment regimen, displayed not only an extended tumour growth delay but also a significant decrease in the number of microvessels in the tumour xenograft. These results support the model of a cooperative antitumoural effect of angiogenesis inhibitor and irradiation and show that the orally bioavailable VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor PTK787/ZK222584 is suitable for combination therapy with irradiation. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign http://www.bjcancer.com


Drilling into Chicxulub's formation The Chicxulub impact crater, known for its link to the demise of the dinosaurs, also provides an opportunity to study rocks from a large impact structure. Large impact craters have "peak rings" that define a complex crater morphology. Morgan et al. looked at rocks from a drilling expedition through the peak rings of the Chicxulub impact crater (see the Perspective by Barton). The drill cores have features consistent with a model that postulates that a single over-heightened central peak collapsed into the multiple-peak-ring structure. The validity of this model has implications for far-ranging subjects, from how giant impacts alter the climate on Earth to the morphology of crater-dominated planetary surfaces. Science, this issue p. 878; see also p. 836 Rock samples from IODP/ICDP Expedition 364 support the dynamic collapse model for the formation of the Chicxulub crater. Large impacts provide a mechanism for resurfacing planets through mixing near-surface rocks with deeper material. Central peaks are formed from the dynamic uplift of rocks during crater formation. As crater size increases, central peaks transition to peak rings. Without samples, debate surrounds the mechanics of peak-ring formation and their depth of origin. Chicxulub is the only known impact structure on Earth with an unequivocal peak ring, but it is buried and only accessible through drilling. Expedition 364 sampled the Chicxulub peak ring, which we found was formed from uplifted, fractured, shocked, felsic basement rocks. The peak-ring rocks are cross-cut by dikes and shear zones and have an unusually low density and seismic velocity. Large impacts therefore generate vertical fluxes and increase porosity in planetary crust.


Monitoring Mexican Spotted Owls (Strix occidentalis lucida) in and near breeding territories during winter has practical value but has not been previously studied by passive techniques, including acoustic recorders. Such information could inform breeding survey strategies as well as identify new breeding pairs. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's standard survey protocol, entailing four nighttime visits to a site and listening for a response to broadcast calls, has limitations in winter, when nonbreeding owls are less likely to respond and multiple visits may not be possible. Instead, I tested the feasibility of using passive sound-recording equipment to detect the owl in winter, deploying audio recorders at two known nesting sites in northern Arizona over 6 months through winter 2014–2015. As a result, I recorded spontaneous calls during each month of the survey. Paired males and females called to each other in winter, and the variation in frequency of calling through the night paralleled the pattern found in previous studies. My data suggest that automated audio detection provides a reliable tool for continuous, high-resolution, long-term, and cost-effective monitoring of the Mexican Spotted Owl, in both winter and summer.


ABSTRACT Latinx populations experience health disparities and are underrepresented among health professionals. One strategy to address these health disparities includes increasing the proportion of Latinx health professionals. The purpose of this study was to examine barriers and facilitators for Latinxs in pursuing health professions careers in a Midwestern state experiencing dramatic increases in Latinx populations, especially in rural areas. We conducted focus groups with Latinx high school, undergraduate, and graduate health professions students in rural and urban settings to examine barriers and opportunities for promoting health professions careers. Although many of our results confirm findings from other studies, novel future directions for this work should include comprehensive interventions that span the health professions education pipeline, including interventions that engage Latinx parents. A need also exists for increased representation of Latinx science teachers, counselors, staff, faculty, and particularly senior administrators in academic settings, from high school to graduate health professions schools to serve as role models, mentors, and advocates for Latinx health professions students. Educational programming of this magnitude requires institutional commitment to diversity, driven by leadership, with an explicit commitment to workforce and student diversity.


Private companies must be involved in finding and carrying out solutions to global environmental problems. Otherwise, the technologies and approaches piloted by GEF (Global Environment Facility) projects will not be widely applied or sustained. Private capital flows to developing countries are not five times greater than official development assistance. Private enterprises produce goods and provide services needed to address global environmental and development challenges. At the same time, private businesses are often the source of significant greenhouse gas emissions and ozone depleting substances, pollution of international waters, and threats to conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. Effectively engaging them in finding lasting solutions to these problems is essential. The Overall Performance Study recommended that GEF take actions to expand private investment and the participation of the private sector in GEF projects. The first generation of GEF projects provides lessons that offer some insights on opportunities and things to watch out for in this area.


A long standing effort aims at creating and operating an automatic procedure for the assessment of the uncer-tainty in solar radiation data and the delivery of this information to users. This communication presents the early achievements. The overall objective can be seen as composed of three specific objectives: 1) assessing the uncertainty of the satellite-derived irradiation compared to a reference; 2) as the uncertainty depends on atmospheric conditions, devising a model that can predict uncertainty at any location and any time; 3) delivering information to users. As irradiation data are already delivered through the SoDa Service and the IEA SHC#36 / MESOR portal, it is natural to use these dissemination media and to embed the uncertainty quantities in the data flow. The strategy is to implement the overall procedure by the means of interoperable Web services. Two ensembles of Web services are being developed: one for the assessment protocol, the other for the model of uncertainty.


Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are in common use worldwide. These drugs may sometimes be used in high or toxic doses by mistake. In this study we investigated the effects of different doses of diclofenac sodium on liver and renal tissues. Forty albino adult male Wistar rats weighing 200 to 220 g were divided equally into four groups. The rats in the control group (n = 10) were each intramuscularly injected with 1 cc of physiologic saline. The other three groups were given diclofenac sodium doses. The rats in the first (n = 10), second (n = 10) and third (n = 10) groups were intramuscularly injected with diclofenac sodium at a low, medium and high dose of 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg live weight/day, respectively, every day for 5 days. At the end of the experimental period (5 days), after the animals were sacrificed, they were autopsied and liver and kidney tissue samples were prepared for histopathologic assessment. No significant (P > 0.05) changes were observed in the histopathology of the liver or kidney tissues of the control rats. The diclofenac sodium treatment significantly (P < 0.001) affected the histopathology of both the liver and kidney. Histopathologic changes in the liver sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin in all diclofenac groups included claudy swelling and hydropic degeneration of the liver cells, focal sinusoidal and vena centralis dilatation, proliferation of the bile duct in portal areas, enlargement of the periportal area with mononuclear cell infiltration, hyperemia and dose-dependent fibrous tissues proliferation and focal necrosis. Cloudy swelling and hydropic degeneration were seen in the tubular epithelial cells of the kidney tissue of all diclofenac sodium treated groups. Necrosis, peritubular lymphocyte infiltration, stromal fibrous tissue proliferation and hyperemia were observed in the second and third groups. In the liver and kidney tissue of the third group, which was given a high dose of diclofenac sodium, necrosis, cloudy swelling and hydropic degeneration and inflammation were rather widespread and intensive, as compared to the group given a low dose. The increase in fibrous tissue in the kidney and liver that caused irregularities in the periportal areas was only seen in the group given a high dose. These results suggest that a high dose of diclofenac sodium causes meaningful changes in liver and kidney tissue.


The use of the elixir of Altai ("Vitavis") in combination with ion-activated water by means of optimizing the early postoperative period, reduces hospitalizations, promotes rapid healing of surgical wounds. The problem of postoperative complications, until now, is not solved. In oncologic patients, and those more in by III- it and As iV-oy stages occurs it immunnodefitsit, which is caused not only by basic disease, but also by consequences of khimio- beam therapy. In connection with this appears the difficulty in the surgical treatment, caused by postoperative complications. As a result surgical treatment appears surgical injury, oxidiz- ing stress, disturbance of homeostasis and oppression of immunity, which leads to an even larger disturbance of immunity in oncologic patients, which decreases the unspecific resistibility of organism. The application of adaptogena of the elixir of Altai ("Vitavis") in combination with the ionic- activated aqueous means makes it possible to level and to reduce on no oxidizing stress, to increase the unspecific resistibility of the organism of oncologic patient and to increase immunity. Moreover, powerful antioxidant - the ionic- activated aqueous means strengthens the action of adaptogena of the elixer of Altai ("Vitavis"), which leads to the decrease of postoperative infectious complications, reduces postoperative period, improves the quality of life and enlarges indications to the surgical treatment in oncologic patients with III it and IV- oh by the stages of diseases.


For the better application of the solid carburized processing with simple technology, easy operation, safety and reliability, economic mode, this paper studied the carburized layer of Fe-1.57W binary alloy after solid carburized treatment by OM, SEM, EDS, XRD. Its microstructure was observed and analyzed, and its surface hardness and hardness gradient in the section were measured. At the same time, the formation mechanism and morphology causes of WC were researched and conjectured from the thermodynamics, the crystallography and the valence electron. The results show that: After 930 °C × 8h solid carburized processing and water quenching, the surface hardness of the carburized layer of Fe-1.57W binary alloy is up to HRc59, and its microstructure is composed by M, γ, Fe3C and WC. Fe3C lies in the surface carburized layer. In adjacent layer, there is a layer with large size WC. At 930 °C, WC nucleates on {100} crystal planes in the austenite, and grows along the c-axis direction, under the mutual restriction among the crystal faces of (11 0), ( 2 0) and (2 0) or in the parallel crystal faces of (11 0) and ( 20), and then shows as thin strip, triangle, square, bow-shaped morphology, etc.


OBJECTIVES: To provide an example of a successful, novel statewide effort to increase early identification of young children at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using a 2-tiered screening process with enhanced quality assessment, interagency policy collaboration and coordination. METHODS: The South Carolina Act Early Team (SCAET) provided focused collaboration among leaders representing state agencies, universities, health care systems, private organizations, and families to improve quality of life for children with ASD. Specific focus was on implementing policy changes and training to result in earlier identification and home-based behavioral intervention for young children at risk for ASD. RESULTS: Policy changes, training, and modified state agency practices were accomplished. Presumptive eligibility, on the basis of a 2-tiered screening process was implemented by BabyNet (South Carolina's Early Intervention Program) in collaboration with the lead agency for developmental disability services. There was a fivefold increase in children eligible for early intensive behavioral intervention without waiting for a diagnosis of ASD, avoiding long waits for diagnostic evaluations. Only 16 children (2.5%) were later found not to have ASD from a comprehensive evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in early identification and intervention are feasible through collaborative policy change. The South Carolina Act Early Team and its key stakeholders committed to improving outcomes for this population used existing tools and methods in new ways to improve early identification of children with ASD and to make available evidence-based intervention services. This example should be replicable in other states with key stakeholders working collaboratively for the benefit of young children with ASD.


Purpose

Various theoretical studies were carried out which attempted to identify impacting factors of cultural changes; however, these studies ignored the correlation among other affecting factors all together. In this paper, the authors aim not only to discuss the hidden layers that trigger the cultural changes but also to answer the questions of how to identify the main factors in each layer based on casual layered analysis (CLA), which could have a strong impact in shaping other layers' factors? What are the dominant metaphors and worldviews that human beings are telling themselves about our universe that influences the future cultural changes?

Design/methodology/approach

To answer the questions of "how to identify the main factors in each layer," the CLA methodology was used to investigate the underlying reasons. CLA takes into account four layers (litany, social systems, dominant discourse and worldviews and metaphors), which could be a tremendous help in identifying the mentioned factors.

Findings

The analysis shows that there are some contributing factors such as economy, technology, politics, society, environment, mass media, globalization and migration at the second layer – "social systems layer" – which may trigger cultural changes in first layer "litany"; in addition, in the third and deeper layer two dominant worldviews – materialist/secular and religious affecting the contributing factors in the second layer – were identified. Such worldviews are, in turn, supported by metaphors or perfect stories/myths of the deepest layer.

Originality/value

It can be concluded that because the cultural changes as a reality is composed of different layers, it is important to dig into different layers of reality to comprehend the significant shaping factors of that reality to visualize and make the better future.


ABSTRACT: The subjects of this longitudinal study were 83 mothers, who responded to questionnaires during the following five phases of their child's life: the fetal, neonatal, and one-, two-, and three-year-old phases. Using the Prenatal and Maternal Attachment Inventory, this study highlights items related to groups of mothers with high and low attachment to their children. Attachment is related both to maternal attitudes toward the child and to her own anxiety level. Attachment difficulties are first revealed in the prenatal period. The strength of a mother's attachment to her child strongly affects present and future relationships with that child. INTRODUCTION The inherent behavior of neonatal children should be allowed to develop under conditions that provide both security and support for the children (Bowlby, 1969). Such conditions of secure familiarity lead to secure and satisfied children who, themselves, develop an internal blueprint for subsequent attachment relationships. Mothers act in response to the attachment behavior of their children. When this mutual behavior is prolonged, it will develop into a complex relationship of attachment and this attachment, in turn, will facilitate interaction between mothers and children. Since the mother-child relationship is the foundation for all childhood development, maternal behavior is an important factor in the establishment of a good mother-child relationship. Bowlby (1969) noted that maternal sensitivity could be an issue in the development of the mother-child relationship. Mothers to whom children show the most stable attachment respond to their children's messages quickly and adequately; it is important that mothers share the joy of social contact with their children. Mothers who have a strong attachment to their children are sensitive to, and cognizant of, signals from their children. This study assumes that the development of a child's personality is greatly affected by the way in which the mother raises that child. Children are interconnected with their mother's emotional state in a dependent fashion, and form their own internal state according to their mother's internal state. Children are normally extraordinarily sensitive to emotional messages, and this causes the emotional state of the child to be affected by the mother's emotional state (Cramer, 1989). Therefore, the attachment between mothers and children after birth is influenced by the personality characteristics of the mother. Attachment is important in childhood, as it is in adolescence and adulthood, and the attachment experience that occurs early in a child's life plays an important role in later life (Feeney and Noller, 1996). In order for the attachment of a child to develop smoothly, the mother's behavior towards the child must be appropriate (Bates and Bayles, 1988). Klaus and Kennell (1982) have pointed to how the mother's experience during pregnancy plays a role with respect to her relationship with the child. They found that women's adaptation to pregnancy is an important concept in this respect, and that attachment to the unborn fetus leads to a successful adaptation to maternity. They also found that this attachment continues after delivery. The emotional relationship between mother and child starts during gestation, which constitutes the first step in the development of the internal process of motherhood. A mother's experiences during gestation become the foundation for the mother-child relationship, a relationship that continues after the delivery. Muller (1993) proposed a longitudinal model, which starts with the early attachment experience of the mother and lasts until the woman becomes attached to her unborn fetus after she becomes pregnant. The process of the attachment model is linked to the early attachment experience of the mother, which begins with her attachment to her family, then extends to her attachment to friends, and finally to her partner. …


If academic accounting research is not of interest to practicing accountants and regulators, public interest wanes, the academy becomes an echo chamber of its own ideas, and researchers risk relevancy and financial support. To provide insight about the obstacles perceived to reduce the likelihood that accounting academics will publish practice-relevant research in academic journals, we sent a survey to more than 5,600 US accounting faculty members. Based on 567 survey responses, we identify eight obstacles that the survey respondents believe reduce the likelihood they will publish practice-relevant research. The most frequently reported obstacle is that academic journal editors are not interested in publishing practice-related research (77 percent of survey respondents). We also provide evidence that the more academics interact with practitioners, the more likely they are to conduct and publish practice-relevant academic research. Recommendations and observations are included to help address the identified obstacles.


Poxviruses are unique among viruses in encoding members of the serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) superfamily. Orthopoxviruses contain three serpins, designated SPI-1, SPI-2, and SPI-3. SPI-1 encodes a 40-kDa protein that is required for the replication of rabbitpox virus (RPV) in PK-15 or A549 cells in culture (A. N. Ali, P. C. Turner, M. A. Brooks, and R. W. Moyer, Virology 202:305-314, 1994). Examination of nonpermissive human A549 cells infected with an RPV mutant disrupted in the SPI-1 gene (RPV delta SPI-1) suggests there are no gross defects in protein or DNA synthesis. The proteolytic processing of late viral structural proteins, a feature of orthopoxvirus infections associated with the maturation of virus particles, also appears relatively normal. However, very few mature virus particles of any kind are produced compared with the level found in infections with wild-type RPV. Morphological examination of RPV delta SPI-1-infected A549 cells, together with an observed fragmentation of cellular DNA, suggests that the host range defect is associated with the onset of apoptosis. Apoptosis is seen only in RPV delta SPI-1 infection of nonpermissive (A549 or PK-15) cells and is absent in all wild-type RPV infections and RPV delta SPI-2 mutant infections examined to date. Although the SPI-1 gene is expressed early, before DNA replication, the triggering apoptotic event occurs late in the infection, as RPV delta SPI-1-infected A549 cells do not undergo apoptosis when infections are carried out in the presence of cytosine arabinoside. While the SPI-2 (crmA) gene, when transfected into cells, has been shown to inhibit apoptosis, our experiments provide the first indication that a poxvirus serpin protein can inhibit apoptosis during a poxvirus infection.


This paper proposes a novel behavioral treatment approach using a harm-reduction, moderated play strategy to treat computer/video gaming addiction. This method involves the gradual reduction in game playtime as a treatment intervention. Activities that complement gaming should be reduced or eliminated and time spent on reinforcing activities competing with gaming time should be increased. In addition to the behavioral interventions, it has been suggested that individual, family, and parent counseling can be helpful in supporting these behavioral methods and treating co-morbid mental illness and relational issues. The proposed treatment method has not been evaluated and future research will be needed to determine if this method is effective in treating computer/video game addiction.


The chondroitin sulphate chains of proteoglycans are not uniformly sulphated. Commonly, regions of under- and over-sulphation are found. It is probable that variability in chondroitin sulphation has physiological significance, although such structure-function relationships largely remain unexplored. Chondroitin sulphate from rat chondrosarcoma proteoglycan has been found to possess no oversulphated residues. It is primarily chondroitin 4-sulphate, although a significant proportion of unsulphated disaccharides (14%) are also present. It appears that some unsulphated disaccharides are concentrated only at the point of attachment to the linkage region (i.e. it is the major unsaturated disaccharide remaining attached to chondrosarcoma proteoglycan core produced by chondroitinase ABC digestion). This proteoglycan core binds monoclonal antibody (MAb) 3B3. Although 3B3 principally binds to 6-sulphated 'stubs' of proteoglycan cores [Couchman, Caterson, Christner & Baker (1984) Nature (London) 307, 650-652], given a high concentration of unsulphated 'stubs', it can alternatively bind to these residues. It is also evident that caution must be exercised in using MAb 3B3 to identify chondroitin 6-sulphated proteoglycans.


The concept of social exclusion has been proposed as an important social determinant of health. However, use of the concept in health and health promotion research is in its infancy. In nursing discourse, in particular, exploration and application of the concept of social exclusion is minimal. The purpose of this article is to explore the relevance of the concept of social exclusion in the development of nursing knowledge. Current knowledge regarding social exclusion is examined and its use in health-related research is explored. To conclude, a conceptualization of social exclusion for the development of nursing knowledge is proposed.


This chapter provides an overview of the evolution of international business (IB) over time as well as the predominant strategies used by multinational enterprises (MNEs). It highlights how international strategizing becomes more complex over time with MNEs moving from being coordinators of resources and managers of geographical distance to orchestrators of global value creating centers, a role that is changing again as value chains are restricted in response to the growth of political nationalism. The chapter highlights the recent dialog between IB history and IB strategy, and the opportunities for further interdisciplinary collaboration between the two disciplines in the production of research that is of both academic and practical relevance. The chapter challenges the idea that many unexpected IB challenges require strategies by MNEs that are labeled as "new." Overall, it demonstrates how history can refine theory and provide learning opportunities for IB strategy researchers, practitioners, and policy makers.


This research aims to estimate the proportion of Thai people infected with COVID-19 and to compare the efficiency of estimates between the Jackknifing method and the Bootstrapping method. Data sample sizes of 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1,609 were obtained from the Department of Disease Control in March 2020, then repeatedly resampled by each method for 1,000 times. The proportion estimated of Thai people infected with COVID-19 by the Jackknifing method was 91.05034% with the width of the confidence interval at 0.06219% percent and the coefficient of variation of 0.0195%. The estimate of the proportion infected using the Bootstrapping method was 91.04842% with the width of the confidence interval 2.86047% and the coefficient of variation at 0.78527%. It was found that the estimations of proportion by the Jackknifing Method had a lower coefficient of variation and a smaller width of the confidence interval than did the Bootstrapping Method and increasing sample sizes led to a decrease in the coefficient of variation and the width of the confidence interval. The results found that the estimate of proportion infected was more efficient with the Jackknifing Method than with the Bootstrapping Method. © 2021 the author(s).


Objectives Mining workers in Canada may be exposed to several potential carcinogens including crystalline silica, various metals, and diesel exhaust. This study aimed to assess the risk of cancer among male mining workers employed in various Canadian mining sectors. Method The Cohort was created by Statistics Canada through the linkage of the 1991 Canadian Census (long form) to the Canadian Mortality Database, Canadian Cancer Registry, and annual Tax Summary Files (1991–2006). This linkage resulted in a cohort of 1.1 million working males aged 25–74, including over 14 000 workers employed in the mining industry. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for age and region. Results There were 700 cancers among 660 mining industry workers. There was an increased risk for rectal cancer (HR: 1.37, 1.01–1.88), particularly in gold mining (HR: 3.11, 1.47–6.56). Increased risks of kidney and prostate cancer were observed for coal mining (HR: 2.71, 1.12–6.57 and HR: 1.80, 1.10–2.94, respectively), and esophageal cancer in metal mining other than gold or iron (HR: 2.78, 1.13–6.80). There were also elevated risks for stomach and laryngeal cancer among mining workers. Conclusions This study identified increased risks of rectal, kidney, prostate, and esophageal cancers among male mining industry workers employed in specific sectors. There are also a number of limitations and challenges that accompany the investigation. Our findings may have important implications for our understanding of occupational cancer risk factors and potential policy interventions in the mining industry.


According to the rheo- and photoplethysmography data, ethyl-3,5,6-tri-O-benzyl-D-glucofuranoside (glivenol, tribenol; 25,250 and 4000 mg/kg i.p.) markedly increases the blood content in hind limbs of rabbits, displaying a tendency towards a decrease in systemic arterial pressure and negligibly raises the body temperature when given in maximal doses, without affecting cardiac activity and respiration. The mechanism of the drug hemodynamic effect revealed is determined by activation of the blood flow in precapillary vessels. This plays an essential role in pathogenetic therapy of microcirculatory and trophic disorders in chronic venous failure.


With advances in mechanical circulation, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has become an established technique to provide cardiopulmonary support for patients with cardiovascular collapse. This article reviews the physiological principles of such extracorporeal technique and its interaction with the native heart. Practical aspects including equipment, patient selection, and common complications with their prevention and specific management are summarised. The strategy for weaning from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is also discussed. Clinical use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation


AbstractA dataset of 88 recurving western North Pacific tropical cyclones from 2004 to 2015 is investigated for rainfall characteristics during their period of recurvature. The TCs are categorized into two groups based on different large-scale patterns from empirical orthogonal function analysis. Group 1 is characterized by an intense midlatitude baroclinic zone and close distance between the zone and TC, while Group 2 is characterized by a weaker midlatitude baroclinic zone and more remote distance between the zone and TC at the time of recurvature. The results show the large-scale environment has substantial impact on TC rainfall patterns. In Group 1, as the TC approaches and is embedded into the baroclinic zone, a relatively strong interaction between the TC and midlatitudes occurs, which is reflected by a rapid increase of environmental vertical wind shear and TC translation speed, the alignment of the shear vector and motion vector, and a sharp contrast of temperature and moisture. Higher rainfall an...


Phylloxera has been an important pest in California since its discovery in 1880 within Sonoma and Napa counties. Phylloxera-resistant rootstocks and germplasm were selected from American grape species native to the eastern United States. Breeding programs to develop improved phylloxera-resistant rootstocks were started in the late nineteenth century. Resistance to phylloxera has been reported to be controlled by several genes. To focus on one aspect of resistance to phylloxera, a greenhouse screening method was used to observe absence/presence of root nodosities produced by phylloxera. Only one source of phylloxera biotype A from Fresno County was used to reduce the complication of various biotypes. Grape rootstocks with known field reaction to phylloxera were evaluated to test the reliability of the greenhouse test. A design II mating factorial cross was made between male and female rootstocks with a range of resistance to susceptibility. The reaction of their progeny to phylloxera was observed in the greenhouse. All populations segregated for resistance/susceptibility with a few exceptions. Dog Ridge crossed with two susceptible genotypes gave all susceptible offspring. Kober 5BB crossed with susceptible or resistant genotypes gave all resistant offspring. The segregation of resistance to nodosity development could be explained by two complementary dominant genes in most families.


The influence of common inorganic anions on photocatalytic CO2 reduction has been investigated in a semiconductor/complex (CdS/Co(bpy)3Cl2) system. There were significant differences in photocatalytic performance when the reactions occurred in media with various inorganic anions. These results demonstrated that inorganic anions affect the photoreduction of CO2 through their redox performance, capacity to coordinate with metal cations, and so on. Some inorganic anions, such as NO3−, H2PO4−, CO32−, CH3COO−, and SO42− showed different degrees of inhibition on the photocatalytic reduction of CO2, particularly at high concentrations. No significant effect on the catalytic performance was observed at the same concentration of Cl−. On the contrary, F− and a low concentration of CO32− exhibited a promotion effect on CO evolution. In this paper, the photochemical observations reveal the relationship between inorganic anions and photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance. Electrochemical/spectrographic measurements suggest possible influencing mechanisms by these anions for CO2 reduction, which may provide useful information for experimental design and new considerations for addressing highly efficient artificial synthesis.


Much of what goes on in organisational life happens at the edge of language, in the form of vague stirrings, fleeting feelings or small gestures. In the midst of relating to others, we may sense a potential new opening or an ill-defined disquiet. Usually, it is only later that we can make reference to a some-thing that has since emerged. I offer two reflective narratives of moments of action occurring with colleagues and students. I propose that as organisational and action research practitioners we need to learn a particular kind of artistry, one that pays attention to minor shifts and variations as they are occurring, often at the periphery of our awareness. I draw on Manning's work on 'minor gestures' and Shotter's notions of 'joint action' and 'withness thinking'. I turn to novelist Clarice Lispector to explore how we might approach crafting after-the-fact, reflexive accounts that remain in touch with the precarious potentiality of where things might go next.


In this paper we developed a new mathematical model for the flow inside cascade impactors and via this simplified model, we determined the particle size distribution by a fast and low cost computational method. Using cascade impactors for determining the particle size distribution, one can use comprehensive CFD methods to fully simulate the particle traces. Although the results from those CFD analyses can be very accurate, usually that is not a time and cost efficient routine. In contrast, we showed that by using our proposed calculation we can estimate the particle size distribution very fast and yet with the slight error — comparing to the results from CFD method.Cascade impactors are being used to measure the range of substances moving through an opening and determine the particle size of distributed substances. Air flow containing aerosol entering in each stage, after colliding vertically with a plate will deviate 90 degrees from its original direction. Larger (massive) particles cannot follow the flow because of their larger linear momentum. Hence, they will deviate from the flow and deposit on the plate instead. The mass difference before and after the experiment represents the deposited mass in each stage. By integrating multiple uniquely designed stages into one impactor, we can determine size of particles in the flow. Typical cascade impactors consist of up to ten stages in which different size of aerosols are being separated.This paper presents a simple model for the flow in one single stage of a cascade impactor. Flow inside cascade impactor is approximated by stagnation point potential flow with the stream function of Psi = Axy, and particles are tracked by velocity verlet algorithm. Absorbed particles are associated with unit value; otherwise they are associated with zero. It is assumed that particles in entrance have random size distribution and location. Drag, Saffman and Brownian forces are taken into account in this model for different particle sizes. The results are discussed in detail and compared with data driven from different approaches in the literature.Copyright © 2013 by ASME


Background The transcription factor Snail1 induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process responsible for the acquisition of invasiveness during tumorigenesis. Several transcriptomic studies have reported Snail1-regulated genes in different cell types, many of them involved in cell adhesion. However, only a few studies have used proteomics as a tool for the characterization of proteins mediating EMT. Methodology/Principal Findings We identified by proteomic analysis using 2D-DIGE electrophoresis combined with MALDI-TOF-TOF and ESI-linear ion trap mass spectrometry a number of proteins with variable functions whose expression is modulated by Snail1 in SW480-ADH human colon cancer cells. Validation was performed by Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses. Snail1 repressed several members of the 14-3-3 family of phosphoserine/phosphothreonine binding proteins and also the expression of the Proliferation-associated protein 2G4 (PA2G4) that was mainly localized at the nuclear Cajal bodies. In contrast, the expression of two proteins involved in RNA processing, the Cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor subunit 6 (CPSF6) and the Splicing factor proline/glutamine-rich (SFPQ), was higher in Snail1-expressing cells than in controls. The regulation of 14-3-3ε, 14-3-3τ, 14-3-3ζ and PA2G4 by Snail1 was reproduced in HT29 colon cancer cells. In addition, we found an inverse correlation between 14-3-3σ and Snail1 expression in human colorectal tumors. Conclusions/Significance We have identified a set of novel Snail1 target proteins in colon cancer that expand the cellular processes affected by Snail1 and thus its relevance for cell function and phenotype.


In 1999, the Los Angeles electorate approved an ambitious new charter for the city. One of the most important and controversial parts of the charter was the creation of a system of Neighborhood Councils. The Councils were designed to foster local ownership over municipal issues and to increase civic participation. Unlike systems of neighborhood governance in other cities, where a central board appointed representatives, these Councils were to be created from within the neighborhoods themselves.'This Essay discusses the objectives of the Councils, assesses their performance, and offers recommendations for their improvement. In so doing, the Essay builds on the work of one author, Erwin Chemerinsky, who was one of the central backers of the Council system.'This Essay proceeds in four sections. In Part I, the Essay offers Dean Chemerinsky's recollections of the development of the Councils and discusses the rationale for this system. In Part II, the Essay offers an overview of the history of minority representation in Los Angeles. This Part also documents the need for a decentralized system that would empower minorities to exert greater political influence.In Part III, the authors analyze the impact of the Neighborhood Councils on minority representation in Los Angeles. While noting that the Councils have lagged in Hispanic representation, the Essay argues that the Councils have provided a unique forum for minorities to meaningfully engage in the political life of the city. In particular, the Councils have been a source of strong political participation for Asian-Americans. In Part IV, the Essay offers suggestions to improve the Neighborhood Councils. Part IV also recommends that this model be expanded to other cities.


This study compared pain relief, the occurrence of side-effects, the regular and supplementary consumption of analgesics, and the costs to treat pain in patients submitted to postoperative analgesia. 400 records were analyzed concerning patients who were submitted to five methods of postoperative analgesia through intravenous and epidural routes, whether or not utilizing infusion pump for Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA). Statistically significant differences between the methods were observed as to pain intensity and occurrence of side-effects. However, possibly such differences had low clinical expression. Significant differences were observed as to the cost of the methods, which might be an important factor on choosing an analgesic method.


This paper focuses on the factors that enhance the effectiveness of internal auditors' in government treasuries within the Rift Valley region, Kenya. Variables of the study include internal auditors' independence, remuneration, reputation, training and how these factors impact on the effectiveness of internal auditors'. The need for public finances oversight cannot be wished away as Kenya has experienced widespread misappropriation of these resources. Through Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) the Kenyan government intends to build a strong Public Financial Management (PFM) system which ensures that the government and its departments are able to raise, manage, and spend public resources in an efficient and transparent manner. Despite these measures, management of public resources has not been very effective and in fact, what has been observed is that amounts being misappropriated have reached astronomical levels. Relevant literature was reviewed, theoretical bases expounded, gaps in literature highlighted, data collected and analyzed. The researchers found that positive correlation ranging from medium to strong existed between all the independent and the dependent variables. Using multiple regression analysis, the researchers sought to establish the relationship between remuneration, independence, training and reputation and the effectiveness of auditors' in the audit of financial statements. The results indicated R was 0.758 implying that there was a positive relationship between all the four independent variables. R2 was 0.575 implying that 57.5% of the dependent variable could be explained by the independent variables and hence recommended that for an effective audit function in government treasuries, adequate resources have to be allocated to remunerate internal auditors', treasuries should ensure the internal auditors' are free from management influence, internal auditors' engaged in treasuries audit have high competency in auditing and the internal auditors' reputation is critical and every effort should be made to enhance it. Key words; Auditors' Effectiveness, Independence, Remuneration, Reputation, Training


Abstract Black shales deposited in epeiric seas preserve dynamic, bottom-water oxygen conditions as inferred from high-resolution trace- and body-fossil data. Nearly all paleoproxies are imperfect; however, this study utilizes the strength of paleobiological proxies to capture variability in bottom-water oxygen levels through aerobic and anaerobic, as well as dysaerobic (reduced but non-zero oxygen) conditions. Trace- and body-fossil data were collected at high resolution from twelve localities through central and western New York State, United States, exposing Devonian black shales. The combination of relative amount of bioturbation, estimated as ichnofabric index (ii), maximum burrow diameter measurements, and body-fossil species diversity allows relative bottom-water oxygen levels to be interpreted on a millimeter scale. Overall, trace-fossil size and diversity through the dysaerobic zone are much reduced compared with those described from younger strata. The decreased depth of bioturbation compared with younger strata, and resulting reduced overprinting of the sedimentological record by deep burrowing infauna, provide the opportunity for records of high frequency fluctuations in relative oxygen levels to be preserved. The biological signal preserved in these units reveals that bottom-water oxygen levels fluctuated considerably within a narrow stratigraphic range (on a centimeter scale) and that the dysaerobic zone is not temporally stable.


The first part of this paper is a review of basic notions and results connected with Kolmogorov complexity theory. A few original results are presented in Sections 3 and 4; they are not of a statistical nature. Emphasis is given to the so called universal prior. Though the prior itself is not a calculable measure, it has highly interesting properties from the Bayesian viewpoint. In the second part of the paper we discuss the principles that emerge from algorithmic complexity theory in the context of statistical prediction and estimation. It is argued that, as a rule, the principles are Bayesian in


Carbon materials with ordered mesoporous structures were synthesized using soft template methods and then activated by CO2 treatment. Sulfur was incorporated in these carbons via a simple chemical deposition method in aqueous solutions and the resulting composites were tested as electrodes in Li-S cells. The electrochemical results showed that well-ordered mesoporous carbons perform better than those with a random mesopore arrangement (wormhole-like mesoporous structure). The mesopore ordering yields a framework of well-connected empty sites that results in an enhancement of both the charge carrier mobility and the reversibility of the electrochemical reaction. Although the activation with CO2 partially destroys the mesopore arrangement, which adversely affects the electrode performance, it notably increases the surface area and the micropore content which improves the connectivity between the mesopores. The final observation was an irrelevant effect of the activation process at low current densities. However, at higher rates the activated carbon composite delivered higher capacities. The hierarchical pore structure formed by micro- and mesopores should guarantee the required fast mobility of the Li(+).


ABSTRACT As much as the importance of designing sustainable environmental policies, consideration of their probable effects is also crucial to foresee whether or not they may create desired changes. To this end, following more robust and current methodologies, Lagrange multiplier (LM) and residual augmented least-square LM (RALS-LM) approaches, this study investigates whether policy shocks to ecological footprints of Mediterranean countries have a permanent and temporary effect on the pathway of a sustainable environment. Results point out that a stricter policy stance should be required to generate permanent desired changes in the environment and achieve environmental sustainability.


There have been almost 40 years after the restoration of democracy in Greece and a peculiar prosperity, which was consciously cultivated by the leaders of political and economic elites, was promoted before the onset of the financial crisis. However, from the beginning of the financial recession, the temporal illusions have been revealed and the need of a complete transformation of the financial policies has been expressed, while a significant transformation of the entire political culture has started. Parties such as SYRIZA, Independent Greeks(ANEL) and Golden Dawn took advantage of the growing social discontent by propagating their selves as exponents of ordinary people and of their concerns or their fears, as the expression of resistance against an avoidable sellout of public values. However, crisis has exposed a number of successive truths which were elaborately hiding in the underbelly of the detaining political and socioeconomic system. These truths were exteriorized once it became clear that the foundations on which the Greek society was based after the restoration of democracy, were weak and insufficient to guide the country's way towards a modern future.


Primary product logistics shares the challenges of other logistical problems, but also possesses many unique features which preclude the application of usual methods of the logistics of primary products. In particular, it is not possible to accurately forecast demand. To overcome the limitations of single logistics demand forecasting techniques and the difficulties in primary products logistics that exist currently, this paper reports the use of neural network theory to establish a predictive model of the demand in primary products logistics based on a back-propagation (BP) neural network. The BP Algorithm used in the learning process includes two processes: forward computing of data stream and backward propagation of error signals, which make the output vector closer to the expected output vectors by continuous adjusting of weights, thus improving the accuracy of the logistics forecasting. Primary products demand and example Analysis verify the accuracy of this BP neural network based prediction model for primary product demand. Keywords-Demand forecasting; Artificial neural networks; The demand of primary product logistics


The antihepatoma activity and related active components in the fermentation products of Agaricus blazei (AB) cultured in the medium containing soybean (S) or black soybean (BS) were investigated. AB(BS)-pE and AB(S)-pE were the ethanolic extracts from the fermentation products of AB(BS) and AB(S), respectively. According to the IC 50 values, AB(BS)-pE (161.1 and 24.0 microg/mL for Hep 3B and Hep G2 cells, respectively) exhibited stronger cytotoxicities against hepatoma cells than AB(S)-pE (>200 and 99.9 microg/mL for Hep 3B and Hep G2 cells, respectively). AB(BS)-pE was separated by silica gel column chromatography and eluted with n-hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol gradient solvent system into 21 fractions. Fraction 3 [AB(BS)-pE-F3], eluted with n-hexane/ethyl acetate (97:3 and 19:1, v/v), was the most active fraction having inhibitory activity on the proliferation of Hep 3B and Hep G2 cells (IC 50 of 3.6 and 1.9 microg/mL, respectively). Three major compounds, compounds 1- 3, were further isolated from the AB(BS)-pE-F3 fraction by reversed-phase semipreparative high-performance liquid chromatography. Compounds 2 and 3 gave better antihepatoma activity than that of compound 1. The IC 50 values of compounds 2 and 3 were 2.8 and 4.5 microg/mL for Hep 3B cells and 1.4 and 2.0 microg/mL for Hep G2 cells, respectively. The structures of compounds 2 and 3 were identified by UV, IR, electron impact mass spectrometry, and (1)H and (13)C NMR to be blazeispirols A and C, respectively. Blazeispirols A and C existed in the mycelia but not in the broth and were more in AB(BS)-pE (49.9 +/- 8.9 and 14.2 +/- 2.4 mg/g, respectively) than AB(S)-pE (15.9 +/- 1.7 and 3.9 +/- 0.6 mg/g, respectively). Additionally, the result shows that the production of blazeispirols A and C was increased after cultivation in the medium containing black soybean on day 6 and reached the maximum on day 12, and the contents of blazeispirols A and C were negatively correlated with Hep 3B and Hep G2 cell viabilities ( r = -0.84 to -0.93, P < 0.01). It suggests that blazeispirols A and C could be used as biomarkers to produce the fermentation product of A. blazei with antihepatoma activity.


Positive exchange bias is shown to occur in (ferromagnetic (FeSn)/ferrimagnetic (FeGd)) bilayers. As the net magnetisation in the ferrimagnetic layer is not zero, in contrast to "regular" exchange bias observed in ferro/antiferromagnetic systems, we could detect the magnetic configuration of both layers by magnetisation, ac-susceptibility and resistivity measurements. The results allow us to conclude that the exchange bias effect is due to an antiferromagnetic coupling at the interface between the magnetisation of the layers through a domain wall located at the interface. The influence of this magnetic domain wall on transport and ac-susceptibility is presented.


Not all countries have already created an official TSA, but many of them are still in need for a model to establish the impact of tourism. This paper shows the relevant details of an econometric model for the small island tourism economy of Curacao called 'Turistika', and discusses drawbacks and advantages of our particular approach. Turistika is based on behavioural relations estimated on micro data, expenditure surveys among tourists. It identifies 49 different tourist groups with different demand patterns affecting 11 different sectors of the economy. The model is used to calculate the impact of implementing the Tourism Development Masterplan for Curacao. JEL codes: C51, C53, D12, J49, O21.