bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Petrography, classification, oxygen isotopes, noble gases, and cosmogenic records of Kamargaon (L6) meteorite: The latest fall in India
Authors: Ray D. , Mahajan R. R. , Shukla A. D. , Goswami T. K. , Chakraborty S.
Published: July 2017

A single piece of meteorite fell on Kamargaon village in the state of Assam in India on November 13, 2015. Based on mineralogical, chemical, and oxygen isotope data, Kamargaon is classified as an L‐chondrite. Homogeneous olivine (Fa: 25 ± 0.7) and low‐Ca pyroxene (Fs: 21 ± 0.4) compositions with percent mean deviation of <2, further suggest that Kamargaon is a coarsely equilibrated, petrologic type 6 chondrite. Kamargaon is thermally metamorphosed with an estimated peak metamorphic temperature of ~800 °C as determined by two‐pyroxene thermometry. Shock metamorphism studies suggest that this meteorite include portions of different shock stages, e.g., S3 and S4 (Stöffler et al. ); however, local presence of quenched metal‐sulfide melt within shock veins/pockets suggest disequilibrium melting and relatively higher shock stage of up to S5 (Bennett and McSween ). Based on noble gas isotopes, the cosmic‐ray exposure age is estimated as 7.03 ± 1.60 Ma and nitrogen isotope composition (δ15N = 18‰) also correspond well with the L‐chondrite group. The He‐U, Th, and K‐Ar yield younger ages (170 ± 25 Ma 684 ± 93, respectively) and are discordant. A loss of He during the resetting event is implied by the lower He‐U and Th age. Elemental ratios of trapped Ar, Kr, and Xe can be explained through the presence of a normal Q noble gas component. Relatively low activity of 26Al (39 dpm/kg) and the absence of 60Co activity suggest a likely low shielding depth and envisage a small preatmospheric size of the meteoroid (<10 cm in radius). The Kr isotopic ratios (82Kr/84Kr) further argue that the meteorite was derived from a shallow depth.
Decreasing Improper Payments in a Complex Federal Program
Authors: Greer Robert A. , Bullock Justin B.
Published: July 2017

Since the early 2000s, the U.S. federal government has placed increasing focus on combating improper payments. Implementing policies to control improper payments is no easy task. Federal programs are often large, complex, riddled with moral hazard concerns, and jointly implemented. In 2011, the U.S. Department of Labor adopted a national strategy to combat improper payments in the Unemployment Insurance program. This article examines the effect that the Department of Labor's strategic initiative had on lowering states’ improper payments. Findings show that two of its tools—mandatory cross matching of employment records between the National Directory of New Hires and State Directories of New Hires and a communication strategy known as messaging—played a statistically significant role in halting the rise of improperly paid unemployment insurance claims. These results suggest that information technology tools and increased communication among stakeholders can be effective in lowering improper payments and improving government performance.
Fluralaner as a single dose oral treatment for Caparinia tripilis in a pygmy African hedgehog
Authors: Romero Camilo , Sheinberg Waisburd Galia , Pineda Jocelyn , Heredia Rafael , Yarto Enrique , Cordero Alberto M.
Published: July 2017

Background

African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) are popular pets belonging to the Erinaceidae family of spined mammals. Amongst the most common skin diseases occurring in this species is infestation caused by the mite Caparinia spp. Due to their skin anatomy and spiny coat, detection of skin lesions in these hedgehogs can be difficult. This may result in delays in seeking medical care, which may lead to secondary bacterial infection and self‐inflicted trauma. Multiple therapies have been used in the treatment of this skin condition including ivermectin, amitraz, fipronil and selamectin. A drug which could be administered as a single oral dose would be advantageous to these pets and their owners.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of a single oral dose (15 mg/kg) of fluralaner on Caparinia tripilis infestation in the African pygmy hedgehog.

Animals

A 10‐month‐old African pygmy hedgehog weighing 184 g.

Methods

Response to treatment was monitored by dermatological examination and superficial skin scrapings repeated at 7, 14, 21, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days following fluralaner administration.

Results

On Day 7 after treatment, adult mites were observed exhibiting normal movement. On Day 14, only dead mites were observed. No life stages of the mites were found after Day 21.

Conclusion and clinical importance

A single oral dose at 15 mg/kg of fluralaner was effective within 21 days after treatment for capariniasis in this case. Further studies are required to evaluate the drug's safety and toxicology in hedgehogs, and to confirm efficacy.
THE PROGRESSIVE RIFT OF THE EUROZONE: RISKS AND REMEDIES
Authors: DALLAGO BRUNO
Published: July 2017

Due to rigid rules, incomplete institutions and concentration on short-run fiscal discipline, economic and institutional diversity and insufficient reforms caused the progressive segmentation of the Eurozone. Insufficient integration process is due to lack of trust among member countries and the need to keep a hard budget constraint of national budgets to avoid uncontrolled inflationary pressure and moral hazard. Although understandable in the short run, this situation is causing serious economic and social costs and damages to the development of vulnerable countries. The paper enquires possible solutions to this dangerous stalemate, that could also provide useful suggestions for other countries.
Influence of face-down and face-up bonding on the degree of polarization of superluminescent diode
Authors: Zhou Shuai
Published: July 2017

Face-down and face-up bonded polarization-insensitive buried heterojunction superluminescent diode has been studied in terms of thermal behavior and degree of polarization. Our studies have shown that the thermal rollover of current–power characteristic for face-down bonding was about 1.16 times higher than face-up configurations, and face-down bonding can offer higher heat transfer than face-up one. However, face-down bonding will cause more physical stress to the device, and the average value of degree of polarization for face-down bonding devices (35.3%) was much higher than face-up ones (−2.1%). After 48 h high temperature storage at 85[Formula: see text]C, the stress of face-down devices obtained a better relaxation due to the more stress accumulation.
Energy gaps, effective masses and ionicity of AlxGa1−xSb ternary semiconductor alloys
Authors: Bouarissa N. , Boucenna M. , Saib S. , Siddiqui S. A.
Published: July 2017

A pseudopotential calculation of the electronic structure of Al[Formula: see text]Ga[Formula: see text]Sb ternary alloys in the zinc-blende structure has been performed. The compositional dependence of energy gaps, electron and heavy hole effective masses and ionicity of the material system of interest have been examined and discussed. Special attention has been given to the effect of the alloy disorder on the direct ([Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text]) bandgap energy. It is found that all features of interest vary monotonically with increasing the Al concentration [Formula: see text]. Besides, bandgap bowing parameters and extent of the direct-to-indirect bandgap transition have been determined. Our findings agree generally well with the data reported in the literature. Trends in ionicity are found to be consistent with the Phillips ionicity scale.
Topological phases characterized by spin Chern number and skyrmion number in triangular Bose–Hubbard model
Authors: Guo Long-Fei , Li Peng
Published: July 2017

Topological phases are important topics in condensed matter physics. Here, we investigate a spin–orbit coupling Bose–Hubbard model in triangular lattice. In the strong coupling limit, we obtained the single particle Green’s function and constructed the phase diagram for ground states. We found two types of nontrivial topological ground phases characterized by spin Chern number and skyrmion number, respectively. The spin Chern numbers characterize the spin Chern insulators. While the skyrmion numbers characterize the skyrmion textures. We show that the phase transitions between different spin Chern insulators take place with gap closing and reopening. While the phase transitions between different skyrmion textures occur without gap closing.
Counting and enumerating unlabeled split–indifference graphs
Authors: Markenzon Lilian , Waga Christina F. E. M.
Published: July 2017

We present in this paper a code for the class of unlabeled split–indifference graphs. This codification allows us to establish the exact number of elements of the class up to isomorphism. In order to obtain this result, structural properties of the class are explored, including a new approach for the characterization theorem.
Augmenting trail theorem for the maximum 1-2 matching problem
Authors: Izumi Hiroki , Watanabe Sennosuke , Watanabe Yoshihide
Published: July 2017

We consider the maximum 1-2 matching problem in bipartite graphs. The notion of the augmenting trail for the 1-2 matching problem, which is the extension of the notion of the augmenting path for the 1-1 matching problem is introduced. The main purpose of the present paper is to prove “the augmenting trail theorem” for the 1-2 matching problem in the bipartite graph, which is an analogue of the augmenting path theorem by Bergé for the usual 1-1 matching problems.
Business-to-Consumer Platform Strategy
Authors: Sun Can , Ji Yonghua , Kolfal Bora , Patterson Ray
Published: July 2017

We build an economic model to study the problem of offering a new, high-certainty channel on an existing business-to-consumer platform such as Taobao and eBay. On this new channel, the platform owner exerts effort to reduce the uncertainty of service quality. Sellers can either sell through the existing low-certainty channel or go through additional screening to sell on this new channel. We model the problem as a Bertrand competition game where sellers compete on price and exert effort to provide better service to consumers. In this game, we consider a reputation spillover effect that refers to the impact of the high-certainty channel on the perceived service quality in the low-certainty channel. Counter-intuitively, we find that low-certainty channel demand will decrease as the reputation spillover effect increases, in the case of low inter-channel competition. Also, low-certainty channel demand increases as the quality uncertainty increases, in the case of intense inter-channel competition. Furthermore, the platform owner should offer a new high-certainty channel when (i) the perceived quality for this channel is sufficiently high, (ii) sellers in this channel are able to efficiently provide quality service, (iii) consumers in this channel are not so sensitive to the quality uncertainty, or (iv) the reputation spillover effect is high. In the one-channel case, the incentives of the platform owner and sellers are aligned for all model parameters. However, this is not the case for the two-channel solution, and our model reveals where tensions will arise between parties.
An Exploratory Case Study to Understand Primary Care Users and Their Data Quality Tradeoffs
Authors: St-Maurice Justin , Burns Catherine
Published: July 2017

Primary care data is an important part of the evolving healthcare ecosystem. Generally, users in primary care are expected to provide excellent patient care and record high-quality data. In practice, users must balance sets of priorities regarding care and data. The goal of this study was to understand data quality tradeoffs between timeliness, validity, completeness, and use among primary care users. As a case study, data quality measures and metrics are developed through a focus group session with managers. After calculating and extracting measurements of data quality from six years of historic data, each measure was modeled with logit binomial regression to show correlations, characterize tradeoffs, and investigate data quality interactions. Measures and correlations for completeness, use, and timeliness were calculated for 196,967 patient encounters. Based on the analysis, there was a positive relationship between validity and completeness, and a negative relationship between timeliness and use. Use of data and reductions in entry delay were positively associated with completeness and validity. Our results suggest that if users are not provided with sufficient time to record data as part of their regular workflow, they will prioritize spending available time with patients. As a measurement of a primary care system's effectiveness, the negative correlation between use and timeliness points to a self-reinforcing relationship that provides users with little external value. In the future, additional data can be generated from comparable organizations to test several new hypotheses about primary care users.
Chaotic Dynamics and Control of Discrete Ratio-Dependent Predator-Prey System
Authors: Rana Sarker Md. Sohel
Published: July 2017

This study examines the complexity of a discrete-time predator-prey system with ratio-dependent functional response. We establish algebraically the conditions for existence of fixed points and their stability. We show that under some parametric conditions the system passes through a bifurcation (flip or Neimark-Sacker). Numerical simulations are presented not only to justify theoretical results but also to exhibit new complex behaviors which include phase portraits, orbits of periods 9, 19, and 26, invariant closed circle, and attracting chaotic sets. Moreover, we measure numerically the Lyapunov exponents and fractal dimension to confirm the chaotic dynamics of the system. Finally, a state feedback control method is applied to control chaos which exists in the system.
New Modified Adomian Decomposition Recursion Schemes for Solving Certain Types of Nonlinear Fractional Two-Point Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Sirisubtawee Sekson , Kaewta Supaporn
Published: July 2017

We apply new modified recursion schemes obtained by the Adomian decomposition method (ADM) to analytically solve specific types of two-point boundary value problems for nonlinear fractional order ordinary and partial differential equations. The new modified recursion schemes, which sometimes utilize the technique of Duan’s convergence parameter, are derived using the Duan-Rach modified ADM. The Duan-Rach modified ADM employs all of the given boundary conditions to compute the remaining unknown constants of integration, which are then embedded in the integral solution form before constructing recursion schemes for the solution components. New modified recursion schemes obtained by the method are generated in order to analytically solve nonlinear fractional order boundary value problems with a variety of two-point boundary conditions such as Robin and separated boundary conditions. Some numerical examples of such problems are demonstrated graphically. In addition, the maximal errors (MEn) or the error remainder functions (ERn(x)) of each problem are calculated.
Do Insulin Replacement and Omega3 Protect the Male Reproductive Function of the Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice?
Authors: Yaghoubi Atefe , Shahedi Abbas , Akbari Hakime , Nematollahi-Mahani Seyed Noureddin
Published: July 2017

Diabetes mellitus (DM), the most common metabolic disease, might affect different organs such as male reproductive system. Experiments have shown that n-3 fatty acids could improve male reproductive function. Present study was performed to examine the effects of omega3 on sperms and testicular parameters in diabetic mice. Adult NMRI male mice were randomly divided into intact and diabetic groups (n=8). Streptozotocin-induced diabetic animals were divided into 4 groups of diabetic-saline (Dia-Sa), diabetic-insulin (Dia-Ins), diabetic-omega3 (Dia-omg3), and diabetic-insulin-omega3 (Dia-Ins-omg3). Following confirmation of diabetes, different treatments including 3 U/100 g insulin subcutaneously and 400 mg/kg omega3 orally were administered, where applicable according to the treatment groups. Thirty-five days later, the sperm number, motility, progression, and normal morphology were determined. Also, testes diameters and structure including germinal epithelium thickness, seminiferous tubule diameters, Leydig cell number, and testosterone level were assessed. Sperm number, viability, fast motility, testes volume, and serum testosterone level decreased insignificantly in the Dia-Sa group compared with the intact animals. Neither insulin replacement nor omega3 administration could significantly improve the outcome. We might conclude that short periods of diabetes could not significantly affect the male reproductive function. In addition, insulin replacement and/or omega-3 supplementation does not have any profound effects on male reproductive system.
Asymptotic Solutions of Time-Space Fractional Coupled Systems by Residual Power Series Method
Authors: Li Wenjin , Pang Yanni
Published: July 2017

This paper focuses on the asymptotic solutions to time-space fractional coupled systems, where the fractional derivative and integral are described in the sense of Caputo derivative and Riemann-Liouville integral. We introduce the Residual Power Series (for short RPS) method to construct the desired asymptotic solutions. Furthermore, we apply this method to some time-space fractional coupled systems. The simplicity and efficiency of RPS method are shown by the application.
Retention of Nanoparticles: From Laboratory Cores to Outcrop Scale
Authors: Singh Harpreet , Javadpour Farzam
Published: July 2017

Laboratory experiments on small scale core plugs have shown controlled nanoparticles (NPs) retention. The length scale of subsurface media where NPs must be transported is an important factor that should be accounted for in a comprehensive manner when translating laboratory results to field scale. This study investigates the fraction of NPs retained inside porous media as a function of length scale of the media. A two-dimensional numerical model was used to simulate the retention of NPs at multiple scales of porous media, starting from laboratory scale cores to heterogeneous outcrop scales. Retention of NPs is modeled based on the concept of reversible and irreversible retention, by using the laboratory scale determined parameters. Our results show that the fraction of retained NPs increases nonlinearly with the length scale of the homogeneous media. The results also show that if the heterogeneity of the medium is consistent across scales, the fraction of retained NPs would behave just like homogeneous medium. In this study, small change in heterogeneity at two outcrop scales affects the retention of NPs, suggesting that heterogeneity may significantly impact the retention behavior of NPs that may not necessarily follow the behavior predicted from homogeneous cores (or periodically heterogeneous medium).
George Papanicolaou's Efforts to Develop Novel Cytologic Methods for the Early Diagnosis of Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Austin R. Marshall
Published: July 2017

Toward the end of his career, Dr. George Papanicolaou became interested in human endometrial explants placed into tissue culture. The initial focus of his studies was on phagocytic cells emanating from endometrial explants and their role in cleansing the uterine cavity after each menstrual cycle and in sterilizing the uterine cavity in the face of infection. Papanicolaou also observed that growth rates of explanted normal and pathologic endometrial tissues differed considerably. Explants of endometrial malignancies exhibited not only increased growth rates but also visible proliferation of cells with readily identifiable cytologic features of malignancy. Acknowledging that cytologic screening for early diagnosis of intrauterine malignancies had up to that point not proven to be reliable as screening for cervical cancer, he hoped that the tissue culture explant technique could prove to be a new adjunctive diagnostic method for the diagnosis of endometrial and other female genital tract malignancies not readily detectible by other diagnostic procedures. Papanicolaou's untimely death in 1962 cut short his progress in this area of study.
Angio-OCT de la zona avascular foveal en ojos con oclusión venosa de la retina
Authors: Wons Juliana , Pfau Maximilian , Wirth Magdalena A. , Freiberg Florentina J. , Becker Matthias D. , Michels Stephan
Published: July 2017

Objetivo: El objetivo del estudio comprendía visualizar y cuantificar las alteraciones patológicas de la zona avascular foveal (ZAF) mediante angio-OCT en ojos con oclusión venosa de la retina (OVR) en comparación con el ojo contralateral sano. Procedimientos: La angio-OCT se llevó a cabo mediante el sistema Avanti® RTVue 100 XR (Optovue Inc., Fremont, Calif., EE. UU.). Los bordes de la capa vascular superficial (CVS) se definieron como 3 μm por debajo de la membrana limitante interna y 15 μm por debajo de la capa plexiforme interna y, para la capa vascular profunda (CVP), como 15 y 70 μm por debajo de la membrana limitante interna y de la capa plexiforme interna, respectivamente. La longitud de la ZAF horizontal, vertical y máxima de la CVS y la CVP en cada ojo se midió de forma manual. Además, se midió el ángulo entre el diámetro máximo de la ZAF y el plano papilomacular. Resultados: La angio-OCT representó los defectos dentro de la vasculatura en el área perifoveal en ojos con oclusión de rama venosa de la retina (ORVR; n = 11) y con oclusión de la vena central de la retina (OVCR; n = 8). Esto resultó en un crecimiento del diámetro máximo de la ZAF en ojos con OVR (n = 19) en comparación con el ojo contralateral (n = 19; 921 ± 213 frente a 724 ± 145 µm; p = 0,008). Además, se observó una correlación significativa entre la mejor agudeza visual corregida (MAVC) y el diámetro máximo de la ZAF en la CVP (ρ de Spearman = -0,423, p < 0,01). Por último, en los ojos con OVR, el ángulo entre el plano papilomacular y el diámetro máximo de la ZAF se dio tan solo en el 21,05% (CVS) y en el 15,79% (CVP) de los casos a 0 ± 15 ó 90 ± 15°, respectivamente. En ojos sanos, estos ángulos (que supuestamente representan una configuración de la ZAF regular) fueron más prevalentes (CVS 68,42 frente a 21,05%, p = 0,003; CVP 73,68 frente a 15,79%, p < 0,001). Conclusiones: La angio-OCT muestra alteraciones morfológicas de la ZAF en ojos con OVCR y ORVR. La correlación del diámetro máximo de la ZAF con la MAVC indica que estas alteraciones resultan funcionalmente relevantes.
The Mutilation of Agamemnon (A. Ch. 439 and S. El. 445)
Authors: Dunn Francis M.
Published: July 2017

At two places in Greek tragedy a rare and obscure word, ἐµασχαλίσθη, is used to describe an obscure practice. Most commentators take the word to denote a ritual in which a victim’s body parts are strung underneath his armpits, hence the term ἐµασχαλίσθη, ‘was arm-pitted’. This paper argues that the term denotes a simpler practice and one more suited to the dramatic context, and closes by considering why the word has been misunderstood.
Weltneria acanthostoma sp. nov., a burrowing barnacle (Cirripedia: Acrothoracica) from the deep-waters of the South China Sea
Authors: KOLBASOV GREGORY A. , CHAN BENNY K.K. , CHENG YU-RONG
Published: July 2017

A new deep water acrothoracican species, Weltneria acanthostoma sp. nov., has been discovered from the area of the Blue Ridge Seamount, South China Sea, at a depth of 534 m. A single female was found in a burrow in the scleractinian Madrepora oculata. This specimen is assigned to the genus Weltneria due to the possession of six pairs of cirri and two-joined caudal appendages. Weltneria acanthostoma differs from its congeners in the morphology of the slightly sinusoid opercular bars having hooked posterior processes and four or five curved, conspicuous, simple teeth, and by the absence of a calcareous formation of the attachment disk. The genus Weltneria exhibits a Tethyan relictual pattern in its geographical distribution. The diagnosis of Weltneria is based on symplesiomorphies and the genus may be a non-monophyletic taxon.
A new species of Podocinum (Acari: Podocinidae) from Brazil, and supplementary descriptions of three species of this genus
Authors: SANTOS JANDIR C. , MARTINS JOÃO P.I. , BRITTO ERIKA P.J. , DE MORAES GILBERTO J.
Published: July 2017

Only two species of Podocinidae Berlese, Podocinum pacificum Berlese, 1895 and Podocinum sagax (Berlese, 1882c), have been reported from South America, both from Brazil and Argentina. The objective of this publication is to provide morphological information about specimens from Brazil identified as Podocinum bengalensis Bhattacharyya, 1968, P. pacificum and P. sagax, to describe a new species (Podocinum tupinamba n. sp.), and to present a new characterisation of Podocinum, incorporating characteristics of the mites examined in this study and a reappraisal of the literature.
On Determining Stationary Periods within Time Series
Authors: Pan Ying , Patton Edward G.
Published: July 2017

A novel approach is constructed for determining both the occurrence and the duration of stationary periods within time series. After reviewing four statistical techniques that provide stationarity measures invariant to applying a constant offset to the variable of interest, the reverse arrangement test is selected as the basic statistical operation to construct the approach. The probability distributions of the starting and ending points of stationary intervals are used to determine the nonstationary location at which a period should be split into two subperiods and nonstationary samples that should be discarded from analysis of time-averaged statistics. The approach provides efficient analysis of long-term datasets and is capable of relating data sampled at multiple locations. Applying the approach to data obtained within a walnut orchard canopy during the defoliated phase of the Canopy Horizontal Array Turbulence Study (CHATS) yields periods with stationary within-canopy velocities required by analysis of the bulk drag–wind relationship. The uncertainties in empirical estimates of the bulk drag–wind relationship associated with nonstationarity and finite duration of time series are evaluated. An integral view of various stationarity measures is presented, with a highlight of their links to physical processes.
How Does a Pediatrician Spend His Time?: Notes from the Diary of a Pediatrician in a United States Suburb
Authors: Arnhold Rainer G.
Published: July 2017

Planning—whether planning one's work as a pediatrician, planning a career in pediatrics, or planning for the health care of the population—requires insight into the way pediatricians spend their time. Even in the clinical practice of pediatrics, work patterns vary widely according to the needs and facilities of the community and the goals of the individual practitioner. This outline can be a starting point for comparison with one's own work pattern.
The New Millennium and the Emerging Religious Encounters
Authors: Zago Marcello
Published: July 2017

In this article, Archbishop Zago examines religious encounters in a world that is becoming increasingly globalized and pluralistic and that presents previously unheard of challenges to mission. In this context, religions that cohabit the same region not only meet but sometimes clash. The only constructive way forward for humanity and for the religions themselves is dialogue, which presupposes mutual respect and cooperation. Dialogue may have many forms according to the various situations and needs, but the various forms are complementary to one another. If it is to be made possible, then the masses of the faithful of the various religions must be educated, and this education must be promoted by both religious and civil authorities. It must not be based only on socio-political opportuneness alone, but on the very foundations of the various religious traditions. For Christianity, these motivations are rooted in the heart of the Christian message. Dialogue, however, must not eliminate proclamation. That remains at the heart of mission and is the criterion by which to judge the validity of mission and to promote discernment in elaborating a theology of mission and dialogue.
Calling Young People to Missionary Vocations in a “Yahoo” World
Authors: Harris Paula
Published: July 2017

Despite a possibly fruitful context for missionary recruitment, in the midst of fast-moving cultural change, North American missionary numbers are dropping steadily. The primary factor correlating with the development and implementation of long-term missionary commitments is a previous short-term mission experience. There are many obstacles to missionary recruitment, but high quality short-term mission programs can help young missionaries identify and work through the obstacles to a missionary vocation. The missionary community needs to develop more effective recruitment methods and can helpfully start with young people's cultural expectations as we provide spiritual guidance into missionary vocations.
Revisiting a Provocative Theme: The Attrition of Longer-Term Missionaries
Authors: Taylor William D.
Published: July 2017

The issue of attrition of longer-term cross-cultural workers is a critical and multifaceted one. We define attrition in its broadest sense as departure from field service by missionaries, regardless of cause. However, our prime concerns related to attrition themes speak to the causes of premature or painful departure from field service. We discovered major attrition variants between newer sending countries (NSC) and older sending countries (OSC). Lessons must be learned from both categories as mission stakeholder groups grapple with their own roles in addressing the causes of attrition as well as reducing it.
Wood Polymer Composites Using Thermal and Radiation Techniques
Authors: El-Awady Nagwa Ibrahim
Published: July 2017

Polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer impregnated into four local wood species (Casuarina cunninghamiana, Casuarina glauca, Mango and Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and one imported white pine species, using heat/catalyst and gammairradiation techniques, has been studied. Physical and mechanical tests performed on the wood-polymer combinations (WPC) showed that water absorption was greatly reduced and dimensional stability increased, compression strength and hardness substantially improved. There was evidence that gamma irradiation produced graft copolymer in the wood that was effective in improving dimensional stability.
Polymorphisms in Xenobiotic Metabolism Genes and Autism
Authors: Serajee Fatema J. , Nabi Rafiqun , Hailang Zhong  , Mahbubul Huq A.H.M.
Published: July 2017

Autism is a neurodevelopmental syndrome defined by deficits in social reciprocity and communication and by unusual repetitive behaviors. Although there is an underlying genetic predisposition, the etiology of autism is currently unknown. A recent increase in prevalence suggests that genetically determined vulnerability to environmental exposure might contribute to the causation of autism. We performed family-based association studies of polymorphisms in metal-regulatory transcription factor 1( MTF1 ), a multispecific organic anion transporter ( ABCC1), proton-coupled divalent metal ion transporters ( SLCI IA3 and SLC11A2), paraoxonase 1 ( PON1), and glutathione S-transferase ( GSTP1) genes in 196 autistic disorder families. There was deviation from the expected pattern of transmission for polymorphisms in MTF1 (Single nucleotide polymorphism database reference identification number, dbSNP rs3790625, P = .02) and divalent metal ion transporter SLCI IA3 (dbSNP rs2304704, P = .07) genes. Although these results might represent chance finding, further investigations of genetic variations of metal metabolism in autism are warranted. ( J Child Neurol 2004;19:413-417).
The Profile of Mood States as a Screening Test for Major Depression in HIV+ Patients
Authors: Wilkins Jean W. , Hamby Sherry L. , Robertson Kevin R. , Knorr Karen L. , Barry Neil S. , Hall Colin D.
Published: July 2017

Major Depression is a common, potentially treatable disorder among people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). An accurate screening test would allow primary care professionals to identify patients who need psychiatric evaluation and possible treatment. Subjects were 100 HIV+ volunteers evaluated at entry into a longitudinal neurologic study. Subjects were not selected for the presence or absence of psychiatric or neurologic symptoms. The Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) was the “gold standard” for the diagnosis of current Major Depression. Our screening test was the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Logistic regression, followed by calculations of sensitivities and specificities, was used to determine the best use of the screening test. One third of the subjects met criteria for current Major Depression. The POMS Depression-Dejection Scale was a useful screening test with a cutoff score of ≥7. This cutoff correctly classified 92% of subjects with and 67% of subjects without current Major Depression.
Subcutaneously Administered Efalizumab (Anti-CD 11a) Improves Signs and Symptoms of Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis
Authors: Gottlieb Alice B. , Miller Bruce , Lowe Nicholas , Shapiro William , Hudson Charles , Bright Ross , Ling Mark , Magee Anna , McCall Calvin O. , Rist Toivo , Dummer Wolfgang , Walicke Patricia , Bauer Robert J. , White Mark , Garovoy Marvin
Published: July 2017

Background:

Phase I and Phase II studies in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis demonstrated that intravenous (TV) efalizumab improved clinical signs and symptoms and was well tolerated.

Objective:

To determine if subcutaneous (SC) delivery of efalizumab improves chronic plaque psoriasis and demonstrates an acceptable safety profile.

Methods:

This was a Phase I, open-label, single- and multiple-dose, escalating-dose study. Subjects received a single dose of efalizumab (0.3 mg/kg/wk SC) or escalating multiple doses of efalizumab (0.50–2.0 mg/kg/wk SC). Effectiveness was assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), target lesion assessment, and Physician's Global Assessment (PGA). Safety was assessed by evaluating adverse events, clinical laboratory test results, physical examination results, immunologic responses, and vital signs.

Results:

PASI score, target lesion assessment, and PGA showed improvement of approximately 40%–60% in signs and symptoms of plaque psoriasis by day 56. Mean PASI scores were still declining at the end of the eight-week dosing period, suggesting that longer duration of treatment would be more effective. By day 91, mean PASI scores were 16.2 vs. 14.6 at day 56 in the 0.5–1.0-mg/kg/wk group and 11.7 vs. 10.1 in the 1.0–2.0-mg/kg/wk group. This demonstrates that, on average, patients maintained their treatment benefit during the 42-day followup period. Overall, there were considerably fewer adverse events than in previous IV studies. These consisted principally of mild to moderate headache, pain, and rhinitis. No allergic reactions were observed. Antibodies to efalizumab were observed in only one subject (2%) and did not have any clinical relevance.

Conclusion:

The SC administration of eight weekly doses of efalizumab improves signs and symptoms of psoriasis. The treatment was safe and very well tolerated. In comparison to previously published results with IV efalizumab, SC administration of efalizumab improves overall safety and tolerability, with the additional advantage of greater convenience.
The Utility of Digital Clinical Photographs in Dermatopathology
Authors: Fogelberg Anneli , Ioffreda Michael , Helm Klaus F.
Published: July 2017

Background and Objective:

Technological improvements have helped digital cameras become widely available and inexpensive. Dermatopathologic diagnosis is often aided by clinical information. The purpose of this study was to determine whether submitting a digital image along with a skin biopsy provides additional helpful information to the dermatopathologist.

Methods:

Digital pictures were taken of the lesion being biopsied and were submitted along with routine paper work to the dermatopathologists. The dermatopathologists interpreted the skin biopsy as usual without viewing the digital image, and then later viewed the submitted picture. The dermatopathologists evaluated the help provided by the image.

Results:

A clinical digital image was helpful in confirming the initial diagnosis and narrowing down the differential diagnosis ( p < 0.001). Including pictures did not change the diagnosis, result in an increase in the differential diagnosis, or result in fewer or additional step sections being performed. Digital imaging of inflammatory disorders was felt to be good help in 43 % of the biopsies and narrowed down the differential diagnosis in 31%.

Conclusion:

In certain cases the inclusion of a digital image may help a dermatopathologist. Digital imaging was found to be most helpful in evaluation of inflammatory disorders.
Systemic Steroids Suppress Antimelanocyte Antibodies in Vitiligo
Authors: Hann Seung-Kyung , Chen Dunlu , Bystryn Jean-Claude
Published: July 2017

Background:

Vitiligo is associated with autoantibodies to melanocytes. The role of these antibodies in the pathogenesis of the disease is still unknown.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of vitiligo antibodies in the pathogenesis of the disease by studying whether or not there is a correlation between changes in their level and response to therapy with systemic steroid.

Methods:

Antibodies to the 40 to 45 kD, 75 kD, and 90 kD vitiligo antigens were measured prior to and following systemic steroid therapy in 10 patients with active vitiligo.

Results:

Four months following initiation of therapy, seven (78%) of nine patients with good clinical response to steroid treatment had a significant decrease in the level of vitiligo antibodies. By contrast, one patient who had no response to treatment had a slight increase in antibody levels.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that one mechanism by which corticosteroids can cause repigmentation in vitiligo is by decreasing the level of vitiligo antibodies, and support the notion that vitiligo antibodies are involved in the pathogenesis of this disease.
Recreation Travel Time Conditional on Labour Supply, Work Travel Time and Income
Authors: Sjögren Tomas , Brännäs Kurt
Published: July 2017

An economic model is proposed in which individuals are assumed to choose recreation travel time conditional on work travel time, hours of work and income. Using Swedish data and a grouped regression model, work travel time is found to have a significant and negative effect on recreation travel time for both spouses in a household. Income has a negative and significant effect for males but the effect is insignificant for females. Labour supply is not found to have any significant effect.
Do More Tourists Lead to Higher Levels of Consumption?
Authors: Tse Raymond Y.C.
Published: July 2017

It is argued that attracting more tourists will stimulate domestic consumption. This paper, using Granger causality tests fitted to data from Hong Kong, shows that a long-term causal relationship between the number of tourists and subsequent private domestic consumption is not supported. Thus, tourist flows may have very little effect on domestic consumption.
Social network and social support predict improvement of physical working capacity in rehabilitation of patients with first myocardial infarction
Authors: Östergren Per-Olof , Freitag Michael , Hanson Bertil s , Hedin Eva , Isacsson Sven-Olof , Odeberg Håkan , Svensson Sven-Eric
Published: July 2017

A cohort of 50 patients under 70 years of age who had suffered their first myocardial infarction (MI) entered an exercise-based rehabilitation programme. An extensive personal interview concerning psychosocial factors, including social network and social support, as well as an assessment of an array of clinical and laboratory variables was made before the patients were discharged from the hospital. A follow-up 6 months later of the 40 patients that completed the programme showed that material social support and social anchorage at baseline predicted improvement in physical working capacity, independently from age, gender and important clinical variables. The authors conclude that psychosocial factors could be predictors of equal importance as many of the standard risk factors and clinical assessments in the rehabilitation of a majority of post-MI patients. It is suggested that training programmes should provide opportunities for involvement of the patients' social network, in order to benefit from optimal social support during the rehabilitation process.
WNT ligands contribute to the immune response during septic shock and amplify endotoxemia-driven inflammation in mice
Authors: Gatica-Andrades Marcela , Vagenas Dimitrios , Kling Jessica , Nguyen Tam T. K. , Benham Helen , Thomas Ranjeny , Körner Heinrich , Venkatesh Bala , Cohen Jeremy , Blumenthal Antje
Published: July 2017

Key Points

Differential expression of WNT ligands in patients with septic shock and a mouse model of endotoxemia correlates with inflammatory cytokines. WNT ligands and WNT/β-catenin signaling positively regulate lipopolysaccharide-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines without impairing IL-10.
A Rare Case of Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) of the Bladder in a Non-Endemic Area
Authors: Thummar Haresh G. , Vithlani Hemen I. , Suthar Pokhraj P. , John Deepa Regina , Thummar Nisha , Chauhan Harendra
Published: July 2017

Background: Schistosomiasis or snail fever is an endemic parasitic infection caused by various trematodes of the genus Schistosoma. People acquire the disease through contact with water containing infected snails. It is one of the most widespread human parasitic infections in tropical and subtropical regions of the world such as Africa, South America, the Middle East, Asia and the Caribbean. In 1996, the World Health Organisation estimated that more than 200 million people living in rural areas are affected by this disease. However, the diagnosis is difficult in low prevalence areas because of a low index of suspicion.

Case Report: Herein, we present a case of a 14-year old boy who had intermittent passage of blood in urine for the past 3 years. Clinical examination and initial investigations did not reveal any abnormality. Bladder schistosomiasis was suspected after contrast-enhanced computed tomography and later confirmed by cystoscopic biopsy.

Conclusions: Bladder schistosomiasis is a prevalent disease in the developing countries, but in non-endemic areas diagnosis may be often missed. The diagnosis should be considered in patients presenting with sporadic episodes of haematuria who have immigrated from or travelled to areas where this disease is endemic.
Media image of sport volunteering during the UEFA Euro 2012™ and the motives for social work and its style of volunteers working in Poznan and in Poland
Authors: Brdak Marek
Published: July 2017

Background:Volunteering in sport is the most popular and media form of pro-social work in Europe. In Poland, to such activity the conditions are still creating by the largest growth of numbers of institutions active in the public sector in the field of sport, recreation, tourism and hobbies. Interest in volunteering at sport events is increasing, especially among young people. The media image of sport volunteering is adopted by the organizer with chosen promotional strategy. The associated expectations of the participants, their motivation and style of behaving during participation in volunteer project as a consequence are also factors determining the media image of sport volunteering. Aim:The aim of the study is to compare the style of engaging in social work of their participants and motives of taking that kind of work by volunteers working in Poznan.Material and Method:The analysis included data available on the Internet regarding to organization of volunteer work during the UEFA Euro 2012™ in Poland and Ukraine as well as literature review regarding to the motivation to unpaid work in Poland. The motives of engaging in to volunteering as well as style of that work was compared between groups of participants of volunteering at UEFA Euro 2012™ in Poznan and Poland. Results:Volunteering at UEFA Euro 2012™ was separated on two areas, sports and urban and was coordinated by different organizers. The convergence between the motivational climate created by organizers of two independent volunteer projects at UEFA Euro 2012™ and motives for social work of its participants is visible. Encouraging volunteers to unpaid work in sport area of tournament by presenting it as a possibility to feel the sports atmosphere was similar to motives and significant more often reported by its volunteers than volunteers working in urban zone. Altruistic motives underlying in social activities significantly more often were reported by volunteers working in urban area of tournament where motivational climate was introduced as a possibility to feel the social dimension of tournament. Material profits of volunteering in both areas of tournament were significantly more often higher rated by volunteers working in the urban zone of tournament.Analysis of style of engaging in pro – social activity showed that volunteers working in sport zone of tournament significantly higher were involved in this type of work and significantly higher presents a regularity in this type of work. However experience in sport volunteering was the domain of volunteers working in urban zone. Conclusions:The implementation of the adopted strategy for creating the media image of the Official Volunteer Program at UEFA Euro 2012™ is related with motives for undertaking voluntary work of its participants. Motives for undertaking voluntary during UEFA Euro 2012™ as well as style of engaging in such work are different between volunteer working in different zones of tournament.
Doping and supplementation applied in Bydgoszcz gyms
Authors: Szark-Eckardt Mirosława , Kowalczyk Łukasz , Żukowska Hanna , Łubkowska Wioletta
Published: July 2017

The aim of the study is to determine what kind of doping and what kind of supplements are in use by those exercising in gyms in Bydgoszcz.The study was conducted among people practicing in gyms in Bydgoszcz. Method that was used was a diagnostic survey.Based on research it can be concluded that the anabolic androgenic steroids are the most commonly used doping. It can be also conclude that a significant proportion of respondents is using creatine to improve the appearance of the figure, which affects the quality of training. Almost all respondents claim that supplementation is a phenomenon commonly occured.
Studies and sport at the University - problems and benefits of sport at University Club
Authors: Suchecki Kajetan
Published: July 2017

University Sports Association is one of the most active student organizations in Poland. Most members of the AZS are students who, between the duties of studying, do sports and represent their universities on academic competitions. Sport during the studies required to mobilize the time between the obligations related to learning which is not always easy.                This paper is based on the analysis of an available literature and a research conducted through a questionnaire survey among active members of the  AZS University Club at the University of Economics in Katowice. The aim of this article is to answer the question as sports in the Club and activities in AZS effect on school results and developing skills of students.                In the conclusions we presented different effects of sport on academic results, referring both to the amount of time devoted to learning, as well as its quality.