Purpose: To study the short‐term reproducibility of lung density measurements by multi‐slice computed tomography (CT) using three different radiation doses and three reconstruction algorithms. Material and Methods: Twenty‐five patients with smoker's emphysema and 25 patients with α1‐antitrypsin deficiency underwent 3 scans at 2‐week intervals. Low‐dose protocol was applied, and images were reconstructed with bone, detail, and soft algorithms. Total lung volume (TLV), 15th percentile density (PD‐15), and relative area at −910 Hounsfield units (RA‐910) were obtained from the images using Pulmo‐CMS software. Reproducibility of PD‐15 and RA‐910 and the influence of radiation dose, reconstruction algorithm, and type of emphysema were then analysed. Results: The overall coefficient of variation of volume adjusted PD‐15 for all combinations of radiation dose and reconstruction algorithm was 3.7%. The overall standard deviation of volume‐adjusted RA‐910 was 1.7% (corresponding to a coefficient of variation of 6.8%). Radiation dose, reconstruction algorithm, and type of emphysema had no significant influence on the reproducibility of PD‐15 and RA‐910. However, bone algorithm and very low radiation dose result in overestimation of the extent of emphysema. Conclusion: Lung density measurement by CT is a sensitive marker for quantitating both subtypes of emphysema. A CT‐protocol with radiation dose down to 16 mAs and soft or detail reconstruction algorithm is recommended.


The Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum (Fuxi, the first of the three sage kings in Chinesemythology—Fuxi, Suiren and Shennong) lies in Huaiyang, the middle andsouth part of Henan Province. The local temple fairs in each first lunar monthand on each second day of the second lunar month and third day of the thirdlunar month attract such a huge crowd of worshippers from local area andthe neighboring areas, such as Anhui, Jiangsu, Shandong, Hebei and Hubei,as well as foreign visitors, that the incense ash has to be carried away bytrucks. "Clay sculpture dogs" can be found everywhere in the bustling templefairs. The age-old and mysterious clay figure modeling is called a "real totemand living fossil" by experts and scholars both at home and abroad.


As a national node of the INCF, the Neuroinformatics Japan Center (NIJC) was established at RIKEN Brain Science Institute (BSI), April 2005. NIJC organizes Japanese activities in neuroinformatics research and also participates in the international network of INCF National nodes. Together with the Japan Node Committee, the Platform Subcommittees, and BSI labs, NIJC promotes domestic neuroinformatics (NI). Our services are to: - Provide links and smooth integration of the NI Platforms (Portal site for NI Platforms in Japan, http://www.neuroinf.jp/) - Support the NI Platforms - Supply NI technology in cooperation with BSI NI lab - Provide documents and tools which are developed by the INCF The currently operative platforms under the Japan Node are: - Visiome (http://platform.visiome.org/) - Neuron/Glia (http://platform.neuron-glia.neuroinf.jp/) - Brain Machine Interface (http://bmi-pf.neuroinf.jp/) - Invertebrate Brain (http://ivb-pf.neuroinf.jp/) - Cerebellar Development Transcriptome Database (http://www.cdtdb.brain.riken.jp)


This Innovative Practice Work in Progress Paper presents a multi-dimension training scheme to improve the innovation capacity of postgraduate and undergraduate students collaboratively. The current training of postgraduate and undergraduate education schemes cannot form a mutually beneficial relation, not suitable for the training of innovation capacity on postgraduate and undergraduate students collaboratively. There are various problems that need to be addressed. The main strategy of the proposed scheme is utilizing real research programs to establish an integrated team mixed with both postgraduate and undergraduate students, focusing on stimulating their innovation capacity in scientific research. In the scheme, we designed a multi-level joint training mechanism based on the mixed pedagogy, the collaborative resource pool platform, the multi-role and team-based innovation talent incubation mechanism, and the preparatory postgraduate student selection and training goal achievement evaluation mechanism. We applied the scheme to the training process of postgraduate students from the majors of Software Engineering, Computer Software and Theory, Computer Application, Computer Technology and Electronic Information Engineering, and undergraduate students from the majors of Computer Science and Technology, Information Security and Communication Engineering in Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications. The training results approve the feasibility and effectiveness of the scheme.


Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry is a powerful technology for measuring slow terrain movements. The extraction of this information is a complex task, because the phase of the signal is measured only modulo 2pi and is affected by noise and systematic terms. The persistent scatterer (PS) approach brought important advances in the solution of this problem. In this work, we present a new method, named persistent scatterer pairs (PSP) method, for the identification and the analysis of PS in series of full resolution SAR images. The problems coming from orbital and atmosphere phase artifacts are effectively overcome by exploiting their spatial correlation, without using model based interpolations or fits, which can be advantageous when the atmospheric artifacts or the displacement to be retrieved are not very well described by the models used in the standard PS approach. Moreover, the proposed method does not need a preprocessing to calibrate the data and is insensitive to the density of PS candidates, it is able to identify PS in natural terrains and PS characterized by non linear movements, is computationally efficient and highly parallelizable. The results obtained on real ERS SAR data confirm the validity of the proposed approach.


Many small and medium-sized Nordic cities are dealing with challenges related to the role and development of their city centres. They use strategies related to urban planning, governance and busine ...


The "construction" view of preference holds that we sample information from memory in the moment to make judgments and decisions. Building on previous work examining the relationship between memory performance and judgment, we used incentive-compatible methods to investigate both the extent to which memory supports evaluation and the potential trade-off between online and memory-based retrospective evaluation. In a series of pre-registered experiments, we presented people with a sequence of numerical values and asked them to complete either a free recall task, a willingness to-pay (WTP) task, or both. Using Bayesian mixed effects modeling, we predicted WTP (for the values in the remembered sequence) from both recalled items and presented items, and examined how the position of a value in a sequence determined its contribution to overall evaluation. Uniquely, we compared models of overall performance in memory across trials (e.g., primacy and recency) with those that predict evaluation from specific items recalled on individual trials. Previous studies are likely to have underestimated the strength of the relationship by focusing only on general trends in memory performances. Our findings indicated that memory predicts evaluation when examined at the level of individual people and individual sequences. We replicate the findings that when participants anticipate a judgment task, they show less accurate recall from memory and show a preference for online updating. We demonstrated that even under these conditions, relying on memory is an effective strategy for performing evaluation, and discuss implications for understanding how people resolve the trade-off between online and retrospective evaluation.


Recently big data are crucial important for data computing and analytics. Traditional computing paradigm is inefficient for computing by the complexity and computational cost. Cloud computing is a modern trend of computing paradigm in which typically real-time scalable resources such as files, data, programs, hardware, and third party services can be accessible from a web browser via the Internet to users. It is the new trend for big data analytics that provides high reliability, availability, and scalability services. This paper proposed an automated cloud analysis framework and management system based on OpenStack and other open-source projects such as Apache Spark, Sparkler, RESTful API, and JBoss web server. The automated cloud provides a cluster of virtual machines which utilizes the storage and memory in order to support multiple data analysis. In addition, OpenStack also provide services for authenticating and user account management on cloud environment which enhance the cloud security. In addition, REST provides a set of architectural constraints that, when applied as a whole, emphasizes scalability of component interactions, generality of interfaces, independent deployment of components, and intermediary components to reduce interaction latency, enforce security, and encapsulate legacy systems. RESTful API is the essential implementation of REST web architecture for web services. It provide data and services are shared on cloud through uniform interface. Finally, data analysis works effectively by using parallel computing model with realtime data processing in Apache Spark and Sparkler.


The P300 Speller has been proposed in 1988 by Farwell and Donchin [1]. In this Brain Computer Interface (BCI), a matrix of symbols is presented whose rows and columns are sequentially intensified. In this study, we investigated the influence of three stimulation parameters: the enhancement of the symbols while intensified, the inter-stimulus interval (ISI) and the reduction of flash duration. Results indicate that symbol enhancement increase P300 amplitude and the ensuing classification accuracy by a Fisher LDA. P300 amplitude and classification accuracy decrease with faster ISI. Finally, reduction of flash duration do not increase the P300 amplitude but yielded a better classification accuracy.


The atmosphere pollution gas watch and control system based on ARM series MPU(S3C44B0X) and Q2403A GPRS module is reseached.The performance and characteristics of electrochemistry gas sensor,S3C44B0X and Q2403A module are presented.The principle of the system,the design of the main peripheral interface and the frame of software design are introduced.The software configuration method of GPRS module is also given.The system has achieved good effect in test.


The county economy, especially the problem of poor counties, is currently a hot issue in China. At present, the research on the key factors for county economy is scarce, partly because it is difficult to obtain accurate and sufficient data. Because power consumption and industrial level are often highly correlated, and the power consumption is real-time data and hard to falsify, this paper used spatial, electricity consumption and economic data of 66 Chinese counties, which contains 29 poor counties, from 2009 to 2016 to find out the key factors for under-developed counties' economic growth by applying fixed effect regression model and machine learning models. The result shows that for poor counties, though the 1st industry is still the fundamental industry for county-level economy, the development of 3rd industry has significant positive impact on local economy. However, the development of 2nd industry, including recruiting large companies, and the input of electricity resources cannot well drive the local economies, which may suffer great loss due to the elimination policy of overcapacity in recent years. And the machine learning results support the above conclusions and suggest an obvious geographical cluster of poor counties, and the location, development of 1st and 3rd industry and net income of rural residents can explain most difference between the poor and non-poverty counties. These conclusions can be helpful for the government to lead the poor counties to get rid of poverty, and the cluster of poor counties should be focused.


The idea that genetic differentiation can proceed despite genetic exchange between divergent lineages is gaining support in evolutionary biology (Nosil 2008). Though theoretically difficult to achieve because interbreeding counteracts population differentiation, divergence with gene flow has shaped the evolutionary histories of diverse organisms including Heliconius butterflies (Martin et al. 2013) and Galapagos finches (de Leon et al. 2010). In some taxa, such as the haplochromine cichlids, hybridization may even have played a creative role, providing the genetic variation necessary to fuel adaptive radiations (Meier et al. 2017).

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved


Abstract : A test was conducted to evaluate the new AEDC High Alpha Roll Dynamics System for large models and obtain scaling parameter information. Data were obtained at Mach numbers 0.22 thru 1.15 for a Reynolds number per ft range of 690,000 through 2,500,000, at angles of attack -5 to 25 deg, and spin rates up to approximately ten thousand RPM. The model configurations (L/D of 10, D = 4.5 in.) included the Basic Finner and the Modified Basic Finner. Instrumentation included a new four-component balance, tachometer, brake pad thermocouple and a microprocessor-based controller for the turbine/clutch/brake sequencing and for interfacing with the PWT computer system.


The invention discloses a power-saving circuit which is connected with an external power source, a battery and a load. The power-saving circuit comprises a voltage converting unit, a detection unit, a switch unit connected between the battery and the load, and an isolation unit connected between the switch unit and the voltage converting unit. The voltage converting unit is used for converting main supply voltages into load supply voltages when the main supply voltages provided by the external power source are received, and the load supply voltages are supplied to the load for power supply. The detection unit is used for generating first level signals when the main supply voltages provided by the external power source are not detected. The switch unit is used for responding to the first level signals so that the battery and the load can be electrically connected, and the battery is made to supply power to the load. The isolation unit is used for stopping the voltages supplied by the battery from being transmitted to the voltage converting unit when the battery and the load are electrically connected through the switch unit. The invention further provides an electronic device.


We develop an optical camera communication system utilizing the under-sampled digital PAM subcarrier modulation using two LEDs. We show that the proposed system can realize 100bps data transmission over a transmission range up to 50m.


The authors used a quasi-experimental design to examine the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral-therapy (CBT) intervention for enhancing psychological well-being (positive and negative affect, vitality, self-esteem), rehabilitation adherence, and clinical rehabilitation outcomes (pain, physical function) in 16 NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Association) Division I athletes experiencing a range of severe injuries. ANCOVAs, with adjusted baseline scores, revealed significant differences between the experimental and control groups for positive affect at rehabilitation midpoint (T2; adjusted mean difference (AMD) = 0.41, p = .04, η2 = .34) and return to play (T3; AMD = 0.67, p < .001, η2 = .70), negative affect at T3 (AMD = −0.81, p = .01, η2 = .47), and vitality at T2 (AMD = 0.99, p = .01, η2 = .48) and T3 (AMD = 1.08, p = .02, η2 = .33). Given decrements in emotional functioning after injury, the data support the use of CBT-based interventions for facilitating the emotional well-being of athletes with severe injuries.


This paper proposes and investigates optimum band allocation scheme and modulation assignment for band-segmented transmission OFDM (BST-OFDM) according to different environment characteristics of each segmented band or subband channel. The proposed system can adaptively optimize the allocation of subbands according to a conditional parameter, that is, the CNR under independently fading subband channels. The optimization criterion is the minimum total BER performance under the constraint conditions that are the total bandwidth, the number of subbands and the constant total information bit rate. The subband condition is updated by the feedback information from the receiver. The proposed adaptive band allocation BST-OFDM system can overperform the conventional BST-OFDM system in which subbands are divided with equal bandwidth.


eschatological decision before the imminent return of Christ ' (p. ). Regarding the repercussions of the war on the theological and religious culture of Lutheranism, Kaufmann points to ' the inner pluralizing' of theological and religious meaning in Lutheranism under the indirect influences of the great war, and a corresponding thrust towards individualisation. Such a MentalitaX tswandel can be documented through study of funeral sermons from before and during the war. Kaufmann follows older scholars in pointing to a change in the relationship of the evangelical clergy to their congregations, as pastors learned under the duress of the war to become helpers, counsellors, encouragers and friends, not just disciplinarians. He notes the central integrating role of the clergy in the formation and stability of Lutheran confessional culture : 'The Lutheran church is a pastors' church, and the Lutheran pastor the backbone of the whole of Lutheran culture ' (p. ). This book can only be described as a great achievement. Readers might wish for a more direct writing style and less extensive discussions in the notes ; many pages are dominated by the footnotes. One is surprised at the author's suggestion that funeral sermons are a neglected source in view of recent work in this field. In the end, however, Kaufman's rich and suggestive interpretations should go a long way toward his goal of encouraging church historians to pursue further work on this important seventeenth-century topic.


Results of torsion tests to failure on nine orthogonally reinforced concrete slab elements are described and compared with various theoretical predictions. The specimens had dimensions of 200 mm × 1700 mm × 1700 mm (8 in. × 67 in. × 67 in.). Geometrical reinforcement ratios ranged from 0.25 – 1.0%. Post-cracking behavior of the specimens was accurately predicted by nonlinear analyses that take the softening of the concrete response in compression due to transverse tensile straining into account. Cracked linear response analyses provided very good approximations. Ultimate resistances were between 5 – 46% below yield-line theory predictions. However, they were closely predicted by a lower-bound limit analysis approach with an assumed effective concrete compressive strength equal to 45% of the measured uniaxial compressive strength. Observed peak moments exceeded ultimate resistance predictions based on the torsion design provisions of the current American building code requirements for reinforced concrete by 8 – 117%. Except for one specimen that failed at a load 9% less than predicted, Canadian code predictions of the ultimate resistances were exceeded by 3 – 41%.


The method disclosed the transaction information to a customer includes receiving a file including the process information by the host computer system. Processing information, including the fee information associated with a plurality of the transaction categories and each transaction category. The method further comprises receiving a message from the POS device requesting charge information associated with at least one trading categories for transactions with customers, and transmitting the electronic message including the price information from a host computer system including. The method further includes displaying the transaction information to an electronic message at POS devices, and providing an opportunity to cancel the transaction to the customer. Transaction may involve the exchange between at least two different types of values.


Air pollution is a sustained problem of public health for the general population in urban areas, especially for those living in areas of intensive traffic or industrial activity. Accumulating evidence has confirmed a significant association between exposure to fine ambient particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters <2.5 μm (PM2.5) and the increase of morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. It has been identified that inflammation and intracellular stress responses play important roles in PM2.5-caused pathogenesis. Unfolded protein response (UPR) is an intracellular stress signaling from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to help cell recovery from the stress caused by the accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins. Exposure to high levels of environmentally relevant PM2.5 may directly or indirectly interrupt the protein folding process in the ER, causing ER stress. A number of studies suggested that ER stress response, or UPR, interacts with mitochondrial stress and inflammatory responses, under PM2.5 exposure, to modulate functions and survival of specialized cell types that are involved in the development of cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we summarize the recent advance in understanding the mechanistic links between PM2.5 and ER stress response.


Objective:To investigate the treatment of liver cirrhosis omeprazole combined with octreotide efficacy of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.Methods:The treatment group:selected from our hospital in 2004 and 2008 45 cases of liver cirrhosis complicated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding were treated with omeprazole combined with octreotide therapy;control group:Select the same period,48 cases of liver cirrhosis complicated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding were treated with octreotide treatment.Bleeding time were compared,hemostasis efficacy,and adverse reactions.Results:Of the treatment group were 40 cases of bleeding effectively,accounting for 88.89%,effective bleeding control group were 33 cases,accounting for 68.75%,effective hemostasis,compared with the significant difference,χ2=15.28,(P0.05) difference was statistically significant.Treatment group,the average bleeding time,48 h rebleeding rate as the control group compared to χ2=14.95,χ2=13.22 both (P0.05) were statistically significant.Conclusions:Omeprazole combined with octreotide treatment of liver cirrhosis complicated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding has to stop bleeding fast,rebleeding rate and bleeding effect is good,worthy of promotion.


Beginning with an annotation of mixed economy, the author believes that it is both a pattern of ownership and a combination type of property rights; and stressfully demonstrates that it is the inevitable choice for our country to develop economy; and finally, advances several suggestions on how to develop mixed economy.


This paper introduces four spatiotemporal interpolation methods that enrich complex, evolving region trajectories that are reported from a variety of ground-based and space-based solar observatories every day. Our interpolation module takes an existing solar event trajectory as its input and generates an enriched trajectory with any number of additional time–geometry pairs created by the most appropriate method. To this end, we designed four different interpolation techniques: MBR-Interpolation (Minimum Bounding Rectangle Interpolation), CP-Interpolation (Complex Polygon Interpolation), FI-Interpolation (Filament Polygon Interpolation), and Areal-Interpolation, which are presented here in detail. These techniques leverage k-means clustering, centroid shape signature representation, dynamic time warping, linear interpolation, and shape buffering to generate the additional polygons of an enriched trajectory. Using ground-truth objects, interpolation effectiveness is evaluated through a variety of measures based on several important characteristics that include spatial distance, area overlap, and shape (boundary) similarity. To our knowledge, this is the first research effort of this kind that attempts to address the broad problem of spatiotemporal interpolation of solar event trajectories. We conclude with a brief outline of future research directions and opportunities for related work in this area.


Through an evolvement of more than 1100 years, the urban space of Ningbo has undergone a development process from dotteddevelopment to radiating development to group development. The size of the city keeps breaking the completed master plan, causing theinvalidation of the planning. It is necessary to strengthen the legal position of planning and make it scientific and systematic in terms of planningpreparation, implementation, management and technology, etc. to ensure that the planning can play the role of guiding in the city development.[


The automotive industry faces great challenges: the market demands shorter development cycles, higher quality and cheaper products, while at the same time the complexity and test effort is increased by current trends like autonomous driving or the digitalization of the vehicle[EF17, Cas17, DTK07, Bro06]. One possibility to achieve higher quality at reduced costs is the systematic reuse of modular units. Software product line engineering predicts a significant cost and time to market reduction through intensive reuse [PBL05]. However, this approach also poses significant dangers: the development of a reusable unit also increases its complexity. If a long-term strategy is misaligned, the increased effort does not pay off, as a reuse is technically possible, but at the same time the demand is missing. In the context of a supplier it is also much harder to define a long-term strategy independent from the customer (OEM). If one compares the mechanisms of variablity representation in the solution space proposed by the research with the practice in the industry, it becomes clear that often a much more pragmatic approach is chosen. Rather than explicitly define variability in development artifacts, similar artifacts from previous projects are copied and evolved, the so-called Clone&Own approach [DRB+13]. This approach is very cheap for the current software project in the first step, but is often executed unsystematically and, despite its short-term added value, adds long-term dangers. The knowledge of a potential reuse of given variants is usually only given in the minds of experts from predecessor projects and will get lost over time or due to personnel changes. Furthermore, the maintenance of several clones that have evolved over time, but still share a common base, is difficult. In this respect, at the first moment the impression arises that through unsystematic Clone&Own efficient reuse can be achieved, but the actual benefits due to a established software product line are not achieved. Within this thesis, the described context is identified at involved industry partners and approaches for a systematic Clone&Own and a step-wise migration to a software product line are formulated. In this thesis procedures for a gradual (extrinsic, interface-based, semantic) and automatic similarity analysis as well as for a database-based establishment and maintenance of a software product line are in focus. Based on approaches of agile software product line engineering a pragmatic approach is proposed, which allows a supplier in the context of heterogeneous project landscapes to establish a software product line step-wise, while considering given norms of the automotive industry, like CMMI [Pau02] or ISO26262 [Hil12]. The approach is supported by several tools, which have been developed and used in cooperation with industrial partners during this thesis.


We present a new case of irreversible hair matting, a rare, but important and alarming, acquired hair disorder. This case was investigated to test the causal hypothesis proposed in 1984. At the same time four other specimens of matted hair from patients and tangles from normal individuals were also examined. Light and electron microscopy showed dramatic permanent twisting and bending of the hairs through 180°. There was marked variation in the fibre width of hairs from matted samples, with some longitudinally split along a considerable length. This bending and entanglement of hairs of varying widths (felting) seemed to be the main reason for the hairs becoming so dramatically knotted together in four of the cases. In only one case was there any evidence of a viscous fluid binding the hair together. This finding suggests that there may be two different mechanisms involved in hair matting.


Calling for genuine and open dialogues between research agendas and theoretical orientations, this article seeks to put "conversations" at the center of the process of discipline-building. Just as Steve Smith declared: "We construct, and reconstruct, our disciplines just as much as we construct, and reconstruct, our world" (2004: 510), we intend to convene researchers in IR to reflect on the way we build and represent our discipline, our object of study and our community's purposes. Applying discursive analysis and Emanuel Alder's communitarian constructivist approach to the discipline of IR, this article will particularly discuss the use of mechanisms of labeling, cognitive structuring, and disciplinary debates to the framing of IR itself. It will propose some answers to questions such as: "What is the content and appropriate label of the discipline?", "Who constitutes the disciplinary community?", and "What is the legitimate purpose of the discipline?" and finally underlie some questions and contradictions in the way we understand such issues.


Processing of large amount of data is an important aspect of Speech Recognition (SR). However, to formulate speech recognition system in small devices is not simple. This paper suggests Digital Signal Processor (DSP) based speech recognition system with improved performance in terms of recognition accuracies and computational cost. The comprehensive survey of various approaches of feature extraction, like Mel Filter Banks with Mel Frequency Cepstrum Coefficients (MFCC) and Cochlear Filter Banks (CFB) with Zero-crossings is given. Amongst various feature classification techniques, the suitability of the Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier for the proposed system is significant.


A filter element comprising (i) a membrane (4), with an integrated permeate channel, which has a flexible structure and comprising upper and lower membrane layers, and a substrate material for supporting said membrane layers, wherein said substrate is a 3D fabric separaci6n having surfaces upper and lower fabric, connected together and separated by monofilament threads at a predefined distance, wherein each of said top and bottom surfaces is provided with at least a membrane layer which forms said layers of upper and lower membrane, and wherein a permeate channel interposed between said upper and lower membrane layers and is connected with an outlet opening for discharging the permeate from the integrated permeate channel, and (ii) a system frame supporting said membrane and sealing said integrated permeate channel by the edge of the membrane, characterized in that said frame system comprises a first frame profile (1 6 5) and a second frame profile (2 6 6), each of which has a shape and dimensions capable of surrounding the membrane, in which each of said first and second frame profiles has interior portions (12, 22, 6 52, 62) and a foreign-is parts (11, 21, 654, 64) in which said membrane (4) is interposed between said first frame profile (1 may 6) and said second frame profile (2 6 6) such that the inner portions are in contact with the surface of the upper and lower membrane layers on the periphery of the membrane, which (as outer portions of the two per-files frame are in contact with each other and the inner parts form a longitudinal channel (3 June 7) in which fits the membrane, in which the edge of the inner parts in contact with the surfaces of the membrane layers area closest to the membrane, being that area of the membrane which is used to filtering liquid, has a curved shape, and wherein an adhesive is used to attach to the inner membrane layers and outer portions each parts.


Based on the model(Wang and Zender(2002)),this paper creatively puts Discriminatory auction,Uniform-price auction and Spanish auction in a single model,and compares their revenues for bidder's different risk preference in different interest rate environment.The results show,((1)when) market interest rate is rising and noncompetitive demand is strong,Spanish auction can provide the maximum revenue;when noncompetitive demand is weak,the number of competitive bidder is small and market interest rate tends to rise strongly,Spanish auction can provide the maximum revenue,otherwise Uniform-price auction can do.(2) When market interest rate is declining,Discriminatory auction can achieve the same goal.(3) When market interest rate is stable,it is still unclear which can provide the maximum revenue.


A comparative study was reported for both the effects of shape‐confined cubic Pd particle size (8, 13, and 21 nm) and surface property of most commonly used supports (SiO2, Al2O3, and silica‐alumina) on catalytic performance in the chemoselective hydrogenation of three model bio‐oil chemicals (benzaldehyde, acetophenone, and butyrophenone). The results showed that the size of Pd particles could be more associated with the hydrogenation reaction than acidities of the supports. Smaller size of Pd particles, regardless of the type of the support, provided the higher catalytic performance. XPS data showed that the electronic properties of Pd particles were similar, therefore, the possible reasons were the higher fraction of Pd atoms on corner in smaller particles, the lower accessibility of hydrogen atom to reactant on bigger particles, and the more low‐coordinated sites in the small‐size particles due to the short‐range ordering. In addition, Pd/SA catalysts (Brønsted acid sites on the support) showed the highest conversion and TOF compared to Pd/Al2O3 and Pd/SiO2 catalysts. This might be due to the enhanced the diffusion rates of the chemicals on the surface of the catalysts although they could not induce the ionic effect from the metal surface. Pd/SiO2 catalysts performed better than Pd/Al2O3 catalysts (Lewis acid sites on the support). The flexible SiOH groups on surface made the easy interaction with the metal particles and promote the reaction.


Using the Floquet formalism we study transport through an AC-driven impurity in a tight binding chain. The results obtained are exact and valid for all frequencies and barrier amplitudes. At frequencies comparable to the bulk bandwidth we observe a breakdown of the transmission T = 0 which is related to the phenomenon of Fano resonances associated to AC-driven bound states in the continuum. We also demonstrate that the location and width of these resonances can be modified by tuning the frequency and amplitude of the driving field. At high frequencies there is a close relation between the resonances and the phenomenon of coherent destruction of tunneling. As the frequency is lowered no more resonances are possible below a critical value and the results approach a simple time average of the static transmission.


Abstract A few tracer experiments were carried out in autumn 1984 and summer 1985 at the Lago Brasimone site, on the Appennini Mountains approximately 50 km south of Bologna with the purpose assessing the atmospheric dispersion of pollutants under drainage flow conditions. The three-dimensional transport and diffusion model MATHEW/ADPIC (M/A) has been applied to selected tracer and meteorological data with the aim of assessing the model performance under complex terrain and meteorological conditions, and its sensitivity to input data available in real-time applications. Boundary layer input parameters were derived through standard algorithms based on tethersonde and pilot balloon measurements. Model simulations of the most significant tracer experiments have been assessed by means of several evaluation criteria, and the sensitivity to some input data has been investigated. The results show that if a limited spatial uncertainty in the computed concentration pattern is taken into account, M/A provides a goo...


In this work, a novel algorithm based on machine learning to tackle the navigation problem of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in satellite-less surroundings is presented. The proposed network is trained by exploiting the outputs of a Generalized Trust Region Sub-problem (GTRS) method, after which a deep Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model is applied to predict the drone's position. We present here our preliminary findings which indicate high potential and utility of machine learning tools for the problem of interest. More precisely, the results reveal improved accuracy, while matching the execution time of the GTRS method. Moreover, the proposed method also reveals lower susceptibility to noise; in practice, these two factors combined can be the difference between the UAV colliding with an obstacle or not.


IN the epilogue to Speaking into the Air: A History of the Idea of Communication, John Durham Peters sketches a picture of human interactions at once reassuring and ethically exacting.While a number of the once habitual media practices that he describes are swiftly becoming anachronistic (such as 'twist[ing] a radio dial or rustl[ing] a newspaper'), his overarching argument continues to hold significance.1 Peters's 1999 volume examines shifting understandings of communication at the intersection of social thought, philosophy, science, religion and psychoanalysis in the so-called West, particularly during the modern age. In the final chapter, he argues that the central problem with the process of communication, both face to face and over long distances, lies not somuch in the interferences thatmediamight cause tomessage delivery. Rather, the infinite gaps and malfunctions and short circuits in human interactions should be blamed on our inability to acknowledge our irreducible alterity. 'The problem of communication is not language's slipperiness, it is the unfixable difference between the self and the other,' as Peters puts it.2 In other words, successful exchange requires constant coordination, the subtle readjustment of one's strategy and position to the necessities of the other. One needs to give up fidelity to his or her 'truth' for co-creation of 'a dance in which we sometimes touch'.3 To approach communication from this angle is to downplay its modern, transmission-orientated understanding – the idea of media as 'message-bearing institutions' – and to return to an older understanding of the term: communication as what begets belonging, what enables community and communion.4


Groundwater quality of Sahebgunj and Rajmahal blocks
in Sahebgunj district has been mapped with reference to arsenic, fluoride, iron and nitrate. Attempt has been
made to cover both private and government hand pumps and dugwell. About more than 9000 water samples were collected and analysed for arsenic, fluoride, iron and nitrate. A number of hot spots with regards to arsenic and fluoride have been identified in both Sahebgunj and rajmahal blocks.


Three‐dimensional crystal and bubble sizes and distributions in experimentally produced vesicular crystal‐bearing Stromboli basalts and natural scoria were studied with X‐ray microtomography (μCT) at high (1.85 μm) and low (5.46–9.0 μm) resolution. The permeabilities from lattice Boltzmann (LB) simulations and experimental measurements are about 1–2 orders of magnitude higher than in aphyric Stromboli basalts at porosity 31.6–55.3%. We propose that the higher permeability in crystal‐bearing samples results in highly efficient degassing in shallow, highly porphyritc (HP) magma as opposed to the deeper, aphyric (LP) magma. In paroxysmal explosions, the LP magma flows up in a cylindrical conduit due to the density and viscosity difference between the two magmas. This type of convection can cause the LP magma with exsolved gas to be efficiently transferred through the overlying HP magma, potentially resulting in the more‐violent paroxysmal explosions.


1. A system for providing services in a wireless local area network, soderzhaschayai. one or a plurality of wireless access points (WAP), adapted to processing a subset of complete functionality defined for the wireless local area network; ii. one or a plurality of control nodes (CN), configured to provide a subset or complete functionalities defined for the wireless local area network; and iii. means for adjusting the interaction of wireless access points to dynamically negotiate interaction with the control unit to provide reliable communication and configuration of separation of functions, whereby, in use the control portion performs the coordination of interaction with the WAP, using means for adjusting the interaction, and provides it, or other complementary features for each of WAP, to form the complete functionality specific to wireless local area is calculated itelnoy network, in accordance with the decision means matching vzaimodeystviya.2. The system of claim 1, wherein said wireless access point and control nodes further comprise logically independent functional components of the functionalities defined for the wireless local area network to specify the interface used between each functional komponentov.3. The system of claim 2, wherein interfaces between said functional components can be used over remote connections between said wireless access point and


This paper views seeking the optimal balance between state strengths and the scope of state functions for 'good governance' as the formation of a homogenization–heterogenization matrix of policy initiatives in different social settings. Homogenization refers to a global tendency for institutional changes and governance framework to change state capacity, while heterogenization refers to the local adaptation of these global transformations. The paper attempts to take educational decentralization as an example of policy initiatives to assess and analyse the significance of the two opposite poses in four East Asian newly industrialized economies (NIEs) (Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, and Taiwan). The paper's position is that it may be useful to see these four NIEs as making up two clusters. It sees political democratic transitions in Korea and Taiwan as important local factors affecting the developments of educational decentralization in the two societies, while reforms in Hong Kong and Singapore seem to be more consequences of managerial and market values. However, the NIEs face the question of how to maintain sufficient 'stateness' in the decentralization process. To conclude, the paper considers that achieving the balance of 'stateness' is the key to success in state‐building.


Electricity deficit in Croatia requires significant investments into new production capacities in order to satisfy future rising needs. Due to, the lack of investments and more than thirty years old production power plants, investments in new production capacities are the most important prerequisite for future economic growth and development in Croatia. In order to estimate investment profitability of a new gas power plant, spark spread analysis based on historical spot prices has been done. Profitability of the independent power producer and feasibility of such market oriented investment has been analyzed. Taking into account all relevant costs the investment effectiveness of a CCGT power plant operation on a fully liberalized Croatian energy market has been estimated.


This article presents a survey of post‐war development and present states and trends in the role of applications and modelling in mathematics curricula at all levels. Characteristic phases in the development of elementary and post‐elementary curricula respectively are identified. The present situation is described as a period of movement, investigation and experimentation, with the following predominant features. (a) Applications and modelling are being secured a footing in more and more curricula, but considerable variety exists. There are differences between countries with central and countries with local curriculum authorities; (b) the distance between 'the front' and 'the main‐stream' of applications and modelling in mathematics curricula is great. The article finishes by addressing a few key problems. There is a need for a more balanced view of applications and modelling than is usually seen. What are the barriers to applications and modelling obtaining a reasonable position in curricula, and how may...


A pattern-fitting procedure was described to determine the strength of preferred orientation of crystallite in tablets using X-ray powder diffraction data. This method is based on the pattern-fitting crystal structure refinement method which also uses powder diffraction data. Observed X-ray scattering intensities were fitted to analytic expression including some fitting parameters, namely peak positions, peak widths, background intensities and preferred orientation. All fitting parameters were optimized by non-linear least-squares procedure. Then the strength of preferred orientation of crystallites was evaluated from the magnitude of preferred orientation parameter.Aspirin was used for the sample, and though aspirin crystallites showed little preferred orientation in powders, they showed marked preference in tablets. The magnitude of preferred orientation parameter increased with increasing compression pressure of tablet. This indicated that aspirin crystallites showed stronger preferred orientation in tablets prepared under higher compression pressure.


The characteristics of a low-loss vertical interconnection between two strip lines are analyzed and a set of design curves is deduced. The strip lines are capacitively coupled through a quarter-wave longitudinal slit. A perturbation approach is applied to calculate the power loss associated with the slot radiation into the parallel-plate mode. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 21: 168–170, 1999.


In this issue, Tonelli and colleagues compared a new classification for patients with CKD that incorporates eGFR and proteinuria with the current system that considers only eGFR. The editorialists ...


Builders workloads increase due to home improvements, Nature is 'vital' to the economy, Spending review should be used to build resilient communities. And more stories...


This paper creates models of various components of CBETA and conducts simulations of electron beam irradiation to calculate dose rates on NdFeB permanent magnets. Using Geant4 simulation software, two models were created which fired 42MeV beams and measured the resulting dosage of radiation on nearby permanent magnets. In the first model, the beam was incident on a viewscreen, and the maximum dose rate obtained on a nearby magnet was .97±.0007 Gy/μC which corresponds to 1910±3 hrs of continuous operation at a beam current of 150 pA, if the maximum allowed dose is 1 kGy. The second model is of a splitter section, and the results indicate that radiation dose rate increases as a function of the incident angle as the beam enters the 42MeV chamber line. In Model II, a half-quadrupole magnet experienced the highest dose rate at 0.0909±.0005 Gy/μC, corresponding to 20,400±140 hrs of operation at 150 pA until the magnet reaches a dose of 1 kGy. For this second model, it was also observed that vertical momenta proportionally decrease radiation dosage on the magnets.


Palladium complexes of sulfonyl hydrazone based ligands have been prepared by refluxing with the corresponding ligands and Pd(II) salt in 2:1 ratio. The compounds have been characterized by FT-IR and UV-Vis spectroscopic methods. The crystal structure of the prepared palladium complexes has been determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallographic technique. Crystal data for C40H50N4O6PdS2 (PMHT-Pd(II) complex): triclinic, space group P-1 (no. 2), a = 7.1561(6) Å, b = 12.1300(11) Å, c = 12.6117(17) Å, α = 63.498(11)°, β = 86.694(9)°, γ = 81.451(7)° and Z = 1. The final R1 was 0.0699 (I > 2σ(I)) and wR2 was 0.1834 (all data). Crystal data for C36H42N4O6PdS2 (PTHC-Pd(II) complex): monoclinic, space group P21/n (no. 14), a = 8.6726(2) Å, b = 20.8824(4) Å, c = 10.3351(2) Å, β = 104.429(2)° and Z = 2. The final R1 was 0.0344 (I > 2σ(I)) and wR2 was 0.0840 (all data). Crystal data for C36H42N4O6PdS2 (PTHT-Pd(II) complex): monoclinic, space group P21/n (no. 14), a = 9.7658(2) Å, b = 10.0488(3) Å, c = 18.7714(4) Å, β = 99.602(2)° and Z = 2. The final R1 was 0.0334 (I > 2σ(I)) and wR2 was 0.0832 (all data). Crystal data for C40H50N4O6PdS2 (PMHC-Pd(II) complex): triclinic, space group P-1 (no. 2), a = 10.2070(9) Å, b = 12.1841(13) Å, c = 16.8879(19) Å, α = 109.005(6)°, β = 90.061(5)°, γ = 99.032(5)° and Z = 2. The final R1 was 0.0822 (I > 2σ(I)) and wR2 was 0.2293 (all data). The single-crystal structure data showed a good agreement with the experimental results. The synthesized complexes were screened for their in vitro antibacterial activity against one Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and two Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) bacterial strains and for in vitro antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus. The PTHC-Pd(II) complex possesses the nearby significant antifungal activity analogous to the standard drug fluconazole against selected fungal strains Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus Flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus as well as the same complex showed the antibacterial activity for Staphylococcus aureus as comparable to standard ofloxacin drug.


tinctively bourgeois form of social regulation.' Positing the roots of the juridical form in the social relations of commodity exchange, Pashukanis saw law reaching its zenith in capitalism, where exchange was fully generalized. As an architect of the Bolshevik legal programme after 1917, he believed that law would wither away along with the disappearance of market relations and that the concept of &dquo;proletarian law&dquo; was erroneous. I shall argue that although Pashukanis's thesis is of considerable intrinsic interest theoretically and politically, it is ridden with difficulties and did in practice serve to pave the way for Stalin's &dquo;jurisprudence of terror.&dquo; As such, it stands as an important warning to radical criminologists that the Marxist critique of bourgeois law must be carefully understood. Anarchistic or nihilist revisions of that critique could have equally damaging conse-


JOURNAL OF SOUTHWEST PETROLEUM INSTITUTE,VOL.24,NO.1,37-39,2002(ISSN1000-2634,IN CHINESE) Qianmiqiao buried hill gas condensate reservoir has been recently discovered, it is one of complicated and promising reservoirs in Dagang oil field. In this paper, a three?dimensional compositional simulator has been used match phase behavior and history. Many geology parameters of the simulation data is ambiguous, according to their affection on the simulation results, the range of these parameters are limited. The cooperation among geology?engineering play an important role in avoiding ambiguous solutions. According to well pearmete, many field development schemes are designed and by economic optimization, several most economic ones are be recommended.


Standard model of electropration (EP) has long emphasized a single pore lifetime to explain post-pulse transport across cell membranes. However, pore lifetimes estimated from molecular dynamics (MD) models and and those measured from experimental data differ by several orders of magnitude. We hypothesize that a broad distribution of lifetimes may describe the post-pulse behavior. Here, we show that pore distribution, number and size of pores, show interesting behavior in different ranges of pore lifetimes. Interestingly, for large electric fields (greater than 1 kV/cm) and short pore lifetimes (approximately 100 ns), an significant loss in pore number occurs during the pulse. Given the large number of EP applications that apply such fields, this phenomenon may be crucial to post-pulse response of cell membrane to such fields.


The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate physiotherapeutic perspectives on balance after stroke, in terms of exercises, experiences and measurements. Study I was a pilot randomized control ...


Abstract The usefulness of block designs in many natural and social sciences has been long established. In recent years, a considerable effort has been performed toward the construction of block designs. It would be of interest to construct designs using the geometric structure of a finite projective plane. In this paper by a well-known construction of Hanani connected with the idea of a Group Divisible Design we give some triplications of Steiner Triple Systems obtained from some simple GDD embedded in a finite projective plane.


Received: September, 2004. Accepted: December, 2004. Source of Support: Nil. Figure 3: Photomicrograph (Masson Trichrome stain, x40) Figure 1: Hyperpigmented patch on the trunk Figure 2: Photomicrograph (H/E, x4) A one-day-old, full-term, normally delivered, female neonate was being routinely examined. A brownish irregular patch of 2 cm × 1.5 cm, with fine long hairs was observed on her right loin [Figure 1]. On gentle stroking, the lesion became more prominent along with the appearance of goose bumps. A punch biopsy was taken from the edge of the lesion. Histopathological preparation on H/E stain showed mild hyperkeratosis of the epidermis and basal cell hyperpigmentation. In the reticular dermis, well-defined smooth muscle fiber bundles were seen, interspersed among hair follicles [Figure 2]. Masson Trichrome stain [Figure 3] confirmed the presence of smooth muscle fibers (stained red).


The object of the present invention is to offer a high strength hydrogel and a process for producing the same. Another object of the present invention is to offer a process for producing hydrogels with different rates of dissolution. The basis of the present invention is the discovery that by adjusting the pH of the solution, the ionic strength in the solution and the buffer concentration in the solution, it is possible to produce a high strength hydrogel. The basis of the present invention is also the discovery that by homogeneously dispersing two tetrabranched compounds and then polymerizing the two tetrabranched compounds, it is possible to produce a high strength hydrogel which has a uniform macromolecular network structure.


There are many factors which put emphasize on the importance of  developing pharmaceutical industry such as human health, reduced rate of using medicines, improve healthcare to global level, influence of pharmaceutical industry on  exchange market, creating job and etc. Growing improvements in production systems, appearance of mechanized systems and dynamic commercial markets have highlighted the requirements of planning. This study aims to provide a model for defining the optimal composition of production in Sobhan Darou Pharmaceutical Company to obtain maximum profits and reduce overhead costs by linear programming. Lingo application is applied to reach mentioned goals. The results showed that a mathematical planning model can be used to determine minimum of total costs and inventory control strategy. Using linear programming we can take into account all perceptible and imperceptible factors to have a choice, while output models only consider quantitative values. Another advantage of leaner programming is that it can calculate production weight and rate with a systematic method which increases the efficiency and helps to have a proper choice.


Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of Resina Draconis Capsule(RDC) combined with nerve block for scapulohumeral periarthritis.Methods Thirty-eight scapulohumeral periarthritis patients(involving 41 shoulders)took 4 capsules of RDC orally per day,three times a day,and 30 days constituted one treatment course.Nerve block with the mixture of lidocaine and triamcinolone acetonide was performed at lateral 1.5cm of suprascapular nerve stem to block the shoulder joint branch.Each shoulder was given one or two treatment courses.Results The results of the follow-up covering 6-24 months(averaged 11 months) showed that the pain of the affected shoulder was relieved,daily activities were improved,and movement range was increased,the difference being significant compared with those before treatment(P0.01).The angles of anterior flexion,superduct,abduction and inward turning in patients after treatment arrived to the normal level(P0.05).No complications occurred during the treatment.Conclusion RDC combined with nerve block on the shoulder joint branch of suprascapular nerve is effective and safe for treatment of scapulohumeral periarthritis.


QRS prolongation has been shown to be a predictor of mortality in patients with certain forms of congenital heart disease. QRS changes have not been well described in patients with single ventricle physiology, particularly in those undergoing the hybrid procedure.


We provide an overview of iterated function systems (IFS), where randomly chosen state-to-state maps are iteratively applied to a state. We aim to summarize the state of art and, where possible, identify fundamental challenges and opportunities for further research.


[1] We are presenting a study of interplanetary shock shapes as observed by multiple spacecraft in the solar wind. The analysis of the 1 May 1998 shock observed by six spacecraft is presented in detail as an example to demonstrate possible complex shock shapes with small- and large-scale curvatures of the shock surface. To systematically estimate the shock front deviation from planarity on different scales, we are presenting an analysis of 62 shocks observed by Wind and at least one other spacecraft. Our results show the presence of local (on scales up to ∼30 RE) shock curvatures with radii of less than ∼50 to ∼200 RE for the majority of analyzed shocks. On larger scales, the shock curvature decreases and reaches the limit of the strongest possible curvature with radius of ∼400 RE on scales greater than ∼100 RE for all analyzed shocks.


In this paper,the concept of cone metric space with Banach algebra is introduced,then a class of common fixed point theorems are given. Moreover,an example is used to support the applications.


The innovative technology Augmented Reality (AR) provides enormous potentials for companies. But due to the high technological complexity and the lack of expertise and experience in companies, the potentials are only rarely exploited. One major challenge for companies is the demand-oriented configuration of the AR system for a specific application scenario. This includes the selection of a suitable AR device and the specification of the AR application software. Relevant knowledge is only implicitly available in a variety of individual distributed sources. Companies therefore heavily rely on technology providers or experts when using AR. This work presents a novel knowledge-based approach to support companies in the individual AR system configuration. Based on a digital knowledge base an interactive configuration tool is developed. The tool enables the targeted selection of a suitable AR device and required AR software functionalities for a custom application scenario considering individual circumstantial conditions and requirements. It thereby empowers companies to configure AR systems independently and without prior expertise, facilitating the exploitation of the potentials of AR.


................................................................................................................................. 4 Objective ............................................................................................................................ 4 Methods ............................................................................................................................. 4 Results............................................................................................................................... 4 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................... 5 Zusammenfassung ................................................................................................................. 6 Ziel und Hintergrund .......................................................................................................... 6 Methoden ........................................................................................................................... 6 Ergebnisse ......................................................................................................................... 6 Schlussfolgerungen ........................................................................................................... 7 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 8 Background ....................................................................................................................... 8 Historical note .................................................................................................................... 8 Pathophysiology of metastases ......................................................................................... 9 Diagnosis of pulmonary metastases .................................................................................10 General management of pulmonary metastases ...............................................................11 Nd:YAG LPM ....................................................................................................................14 Local recurrence at the resection margin following PM .....................................................15 Objective and purpose ......................................................................................................17 Patients and methods ........................................................................................................... 18 Patients .............................................................................................................................18 Study design, inclusion and exclusion criteria ...................................................................18 Data collection and variables definitions ...........................................................................20 Surgical technique ............................................................................................................20 Statistical analysis ............................................................................................................21 Results ................................................................................................................................. 22 Patient characteristics .......................................................................................................22


The method of imaginary constructions is indispensable for praxeology; it is the only method of praxeological and economic inquiry. It is, to be sure, a method difficult to handle because it can easily result in fallacious syllogisms. It leads along a sharp edge; on both sides yawns the chasm of absurdity and nonsense. Only merciless self-criticism can prevent a man from falling headlong into these abysmal depths. (Mises, 1966, p. 237)


Mathematical models for particle adsorbing polymer chains from polyelelctrolyte solution and the interaction between two particles adsorbing polymer were derived by adopting predecessor-determined random walk model (PDRWM) on the basis of self-consistent field and statistical thermodynamics. The interactions among particle, polymer segment and solvent molecule, as well as the effect of charged groups in polymer chains were taken into account in these models. The profile of segment density distribution was derived. The change of free energy of the interaction between two particles adsorbing polymer was also derived according to the change in particle surface free energy.


Dehalogenases are important for the bioremediation of increased
pollutions by halogen-containing compounds in the environment.
2-Haloacid dehalogenase catalyzes the dehalogenation
of 2-haloalkanoic acids to produce the corresponding 2-
hydroxyalkanoic acids, with potential production of optically active
2-hydroxyalkanoic acids and 2-haloalkanoic acids (Swanson, 1999;
Fetzner and Lingens, 1994). Micro-organisms capable of producing
2-haloacid dehalogenase have been frequently isolated from
the soil, but rarely from the sea (Ricarda et al., 1997; Marchesi
and Weightman, 2003). Given the high concentrations of halogen
ions in the seawater, it is rational to investigate the dehalogenaseproducing
bacteria from marine environment. One of the first
challenges encountered is the interference of high chlorine concentration
of CL in sea water with earlier reported analytical
method (Marchesi andWeightman, 2003). In this study, an efficient
HPLC-based method was developed for reliable assay of dehalogenase
activity and a pH indicator bromothymol blue was employed
to guide the bacteria enrichment and isolation from a marine
sponge Hymeniacidon perlevis. A total of 139 strains capable of
producing the 2-haloacid dehalogenase have been enriched and
isolated on agar with 2-chloropropionic acid as only substrate. The
strain DEH138 showed a high dehalogenation activity. The strains
DEH66, DEH84, DEH90, and DEH138 can also degrade a range of
organohalogen compounds. Some strains such as DEH99, DEH130,
and DEH138 are found to be halophilic bacteria. Phylogenetic analysis
of the 16S rDNA sequences demonstrated a distinctive diversity
from earlier reported strains isolated from the soil (Marchesi and
Weightman, 2003; p. 5). The strains DEH116, DEH90, DEH99, and
DEH66were belonged to the members of Rhodobacteraceae family
and up to our knowledge these strains were the first report on the
isolation of dehalogenating bacteria.


A relative curve of jet penetration depth vs the space between target plates and the ultimate adverse effect of disconnected target on the depth were determined by this experimental study. At every layer of disconnected target, the penetration depth of jet would be reduced about 5.5% when the space between target plates was the ultimate adverse value for jet penetrating. The phenomenon of experiments showed that the splash of jet between target plates is an important adverse factor for jet penetrating into disconnected target.


SYNOPSIS Two provenance trials of P. maximinoi H.E. Moore growing in the eastern Transvaal, South Africa, were assessed for growth, pulp and paper-making traits at approximately 11 years of age. Provenances were significantly (p<0,05) different for breaking length, burst index and stretch (%) at one site and for pulp yield (%) at the second site. Volume per tree was not significantly correlated with any pulp and paper-making trait except for kilogram fibre per tree which is the product of volume, gravimetric density and pulp yield. Gravimetric density was significantly (p<0,05) and negatively correlated with breaking length and burst index through the correlation with tear index was positive.


This work puts together two technologies that are in the interest of the scientific community, on the one hand, access methods for fifth generation systems of mobile communications, in this case Sparse Code Multiple Access (SCMA), and on the other hand supervised learning based on neural networks. SCMA is one of the proposed access techniques for fifth generation mobile communication systems. Until now, the detection algorithm in the receiver is based on Message Passing Algorithm (MPA) or minimum Euclidean distance. In this work, a new approach is proposed, which is based on supervised learning using neural networks to decode SCMA codewords. The simulation results show that the receiver based on neural networks learns quickly and obtains 100% accuracy in predictions on channels with high noise. In addition to being simpler in its implementation than its predecessors (MPA and minimum Euclidean distance).


The compelling ideal of the modern university associated with the famous educationist Ernest Boyer is a scholarly organism underpinned by a symbiotic relationship between teaching and research. This complementarity is not necessarily there in practice (Freestone et al., 2003). The cleavage is frequently institutionalised and experienced in unsettling ways at an individual level. Introducing a stimulating collection of reflective stories, Andre and Frost sardonically capture the unwritten instruction issued to new academics: Your job includes two primary tasks. Task One will earn you an increased salary, will secure your professional mobility, will enhance the reputation of your employer, will result in invitations to attend interesting conferences nationally and internationally, and can be done on a flexitime basis and at home. Task Two is unlikely to enhance your salary, save your tenure decision, or increase your professional mobility significantly and may, if pursued with too much enthusiasm, undermine these. (Andre and Frost, 1997, ix-xii) There remains an obvious nexus between research and teaching, however indirect. The rationales of research-led, -oriented, or -informed teaching are widely recognised, if only implicitly. But the research-teaching relationship can be complex, contested and 'troubled' (ACSP, 2003). Links should not be bludgeoned through insensitivity to disciplinary, cultural, institutional, experiential, temporal and other differences. Nevertheless, benefits of greater synergies between research and teaching have emerged as a vector of some significance for tertiary educators, institutions, and funding and review bodies. Marsh and Hattie distil the case for research-rich teaching strategies: Research forms the basis of the content of teaching. Teachers who are active researchers are more likely to be on the cutting edge of their discipline and aware of international perspectives in their field Results from one's research can be used to clarify, update, and amend the teaching of a topic. Research enhances teaching through the introduction of new topics and methodologies. Teachers discussing their own research provide a sense of excitement about the results and how they fit into a larger picture. Active researchers are more effective at instilling an actively critical approach to understanding complex research findings rather [than] a passive acceptance of facts. Students appreciate teachers who present research that the teachers have actually conducted. (Marsh and Hattie, 2002, 604) Teaching-informed research can also stimulate better communication of research findings, new insights, and research proposals. Marsh and Hattie also capture this bidirectionality: The process of teaching the subject matter of a discipline forces academics to clarify the big picture into which their specific research specialisation fits. Preparation of teaching materials can elucidate gaps in the academic's knowledge. Sharing the results of one's research with students in a teaching context helps researchers clarify their research. Students' suggestions, comments, questions, and criticisms can elucidate new research directions. (Marsh and Hattie, 2002, 604) The relevance of this nexus to planning education is apparent (Webster, 2002) and has been secured by the highly productive LINK project funded for three years by the Fund for the Development of Teaching and Learning and run by Roger Zetter, Alan Jenkins and Bridget Durning of Oxford Brookes University in collaboration with colleagues in three other British universities. The LINK website has evolved into a valuable resource of case studies, best-practice guidelines, and change strategies. The project capstone was an international conference held in Oxford in late 2003 (Oxford Brookes University, 2003). What became evident through the conference was the distinctive milieu in which planners are educated with its net of linkages, albeit of varied strength, to the community, the profession and the broader planning industry. …


In this paper a combination of conventional tools for machinery failure analysis, Anticipatory Failure Determination (AFD) and Classical TRIZ has been suggested. The use of these tools in combination proved to be highly effective. The effectiveness of this combination has been illustrated with two case studies - one on revealing design flaws at early stages of the rack and pinion mechanism development and the other one on revealing the flaw in bolster design that remained hidden for many years while the bolster assemblies worked under normal operation conditions, but caused significant financial losses when flood happened.


To the Editor.— This is, indeed, an interesting case. On two occasions their patient had normal conduction in the presence of hyperkalemia and abnormal or slowed conduction through the left anterior-superior division of the left bundle branch resulting in left axis deviation, with normal potassium levels. Later, this same patient showed left axis deviation with hyperkalemia that became normal following dialysis. There is a physiologic basis for decrease conduction with hyperkalemia,1and yet on occasion their patient had abnormal conduction through the left anterior superior division of the left bundle (LAH) with normal potassium levels. They conclude that there might be metabolic factors other than hyperkalemia that may account for the conduction delay. The ECGs with left axis deviation occurred when the heart rates were faster. Rate-related bundle branch block is well known,2and rate-related LAH is known to occur (Rosenbaum et al, 1969). A possible explanation for


The article introduces the treatment of acne in TCM. The idea of TCM is that the human body has a whole and complete structure and that the skin is interconnected with the internal organs. And based upon the basic skin lesions and some accompanying symptoms of the patients, TCM uses inductive methods to analyze and treat each different type so as to resolve both main and accompanying symptoms. TCM treatment is divided into oral intake external use and acupuncture. Oral intake falls into three types: Damp heat upward evaporation, heat toxin forcing stasis and phlegm accumulating with stagnation.


In large AC motors, such as synchronous motors and wound rotor asynchronous motors for industrial applications, brush / collector ring current collection systems are applied. For these motors, bronze had been applied to the collector ring originally. However, in recent years, steel ring has been applied to the collector ring, due to mechanical strength for high speed collector rings. For the steel collector ring, structure steel is applied generally to turbine generators, for which maintenance labors can be expected and stainless steel is applied generally to large industrial motors, for which less maintenance are required and for which maintenance labors to prevent ring surface "rust", which will cause operation failure, can not be expected. In case of structure steel ring, more than 60 years of long time operation experience exists for turbine generators, while in case of stainless steel ring, only 30 years of operation experience exists for industrial motors. Brush sliding contact characteristics for the stainless steel ring, have not yet been enough studied or disclosed in technical papers. In this paper, following results have been obtained 1) V-I sliding contact characteristics for stainless steel are almost same as those for structured steel 2) Same behaviors have been confirmed at stainless steel / structure steel comparison test, in which voltage drop and electric resistance across small strip and maximum temperature at center of the small strip, are measured with same electric current and same strip size, as far as the maximum temperature exceeds "curie point" temperature. 3) Stainless steel ring contact characteristics and structure steel ring contact characteristics are considered to be same, as to reliabilities which are required to actual machine service operation, because a-spot temperature is always exceeding the "curie point" temperature, except for very low brush current density conditions, for both stainless steel ring and structure steel ring.


: Argumentation activities can be used to analyze historical text. The argumentation activities in principle require students to look for appropriate evidence to support the claim. Students sorting, selecting and classifying or in other words the students do the analysis. The problem proposed for this research is how the argument strategy is implemented in learning Basic Competence 3.11 in Curriculum 2013 "Analyzing the struggle of the Indonesian Nation in the effort to defend the independence from Allied and Dutch threats" This research uses lesson study design. This lesson study cycle includes plan, do and See. Open class for lesson study was conducted in class XI-IPA2 in SMA Negeri 1 Sumberpucung, Malang. Students are invited to argue as a representation of historical text analysis. Teaching on the first cycle was conducted on April 9, 2015 and cycle II on April 16, 2015. In cycle I strategy lesson argumentation implemented with less maximum. The student's work should be an argument that contains the claim and supporting evidence. In this second cycle, after the improvement, the argumentation learning strategy can be implemented maximally. Improvements related to the writing of klam on the board. Teacher himself writes a claim on the board.


SummaryPlacental biopsy was carried out in a total of 283 pregnant women between 1989 and 1994, the main indication being abnormal ultrasound signs (68.6 per cent) detected in the second and third trimesters. Successful sampling was achieved in 98.6 per cent of the cases. Excluding the first year, karyotypic results were obtained in 98.2 per cent of received samples. Out of these, 6.5 per cent were abnormal, and confirmed by the culture method, amniocentesis, or cordocentesis. In addition, one case of mosaic trisomy 8 was confirmed to be confined to the placenta (0.4 per cent). A spontaneous abortion rate of 2.1 per cent was observed, but not necessarily procedure-related. We had one false-negative report. In conclusion, we found placental sampling to be a useful method allowing a rapid decision to be taken regarding further management of at risk pregnancies.


This study discusses code switching used by the English Language Education students in their daily communication. This study also tries to find out the factor of applying code switching. The data was collected from around forty participants by using two methods such as observation and interview. The participants were the English Language Education students at Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha. From all of the participants, there were twenty expressions of code switching were revealed. The result shows that the students uses three types of linguistics level in code swicthing such as word level, phrase level and clause or sentence level. It is also found that there are two factors that made the students switch the one language into another language.


Enuresis as an independent pathology in children over 5 years old occurs quite often, and amounts to 5–17% depending on the age. For a long time, the focus of research into this pathology has been on monosymptomatic enuresis, which is both a symptom and the main manifestation of the disease (nighttime urination incontinence). In-depth study into the problem of enuresis was initiated more than 20 years ago by prof. E.L. Vishnevsky in the Moscow City Center of Pathology of urination at the Speransky Children's City Clinical Hospital № 9. As a result of the work carried out jointly at several Russian centres in Moscow, Petrozavodsk, Sevastopol and Anadyr by children's urologists, neurologists, nephrologists and paediatricians, a conclusion was reached on encuresis as a manifestation of comorbid conditions. The article presents the results of of the clinical studies in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), overactive bladder (OAB), metabolic nephropathies, and other somatic pathologies in which enuresis was a manifested clinical syndrome. Differential diagnosis and effective treatment tactics in such cases require more thorough research using clinical, neurophysiological and instrumental methods, which makes it possible to establish a diagnosis in a timely manner and administer an adequate therapy.


This thesis presents three Old Testament narratives as paradigmatic illustrations of Old Testament laws that address Israel's treatment of its socially marginalized population. With a specific focus on the laws of the foreigner, widow, and fatherless, the respective narratives of Jethro and Moses (Exod 2:11-22), Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 1-4), and David and Mephibosheth (2 Sam 9) are examined through a literary analysis. As a result, the characters Jethro, Boaz, and David are observed, not fulfilling the letter of the laws of the foreigner, widow, and fatherless, but nevertheless satisfying the concerns of those laws through their abundant and generous protection, provision, and inclusion, of the foreigner, widow, and fatherless. Just as the story of the good Samaritan was told by Jesus to illustrate a point of Torah law, so too these narratives function illustratively of Torah laws, demonstrating how the Christian may "go and do likewise" (Luke 10:37).


Single crystals of pure and doped lead (II) chloride and lead (II) bromide were grown by gel technique employing a modified two-stage chemical reaction. Methods to minimise the predomination of needle morphology during the growth of these crystals have been investigated and the results are discussed. The grown crystals were characterised by optical transmission spectrum. Undoped and monovalent cation (K + , Na + , Cu + , Ag + and Hg + ) doped crystals of PbCl 2 and PbBr 2 were subjected to d.c. electrical conductivity studies. Using the log σT versus T −1 plot, the activation energies for the migration of anion vacancies in lead (II) halides are calculated. They are found to be less for the doped crystals than those of undoped ones


Climate change is a major concern of humanity. One
of the consequences of climate change is global warming causing melting
glaciers, rising sea levels and shoreline regression. In Togo, the regression
of shoreline leads to coastal erosion with significant damage on socio-economic
infrastructures and human habitats. This
research, basing on geospatial techniques, focuses on coastal erosion
monitoring from 1988 to 2018 in Togo. It is interested in the extraction of shoreline and in the analysis of change.
Various satellite images indexes have
been developed for shoreline extraction but the major scientific problem
concerns the precision of the different classification algorithms methods used
for the extraction of the shoreline from these water index. This study used
NDWI index from multisource satellite images. It assesses the performance of Otsu threshold segmentation, Iso Cluster
Unsupervised Classification and Support
Vector Machine (SVM) Supervised Classification methods for the extraction of the shoreline on NDWI index. The topographic morphology such as linear and non-linear coastal surfaces have
been considered. The estimation of the rates of change of the shoreline
was performed using the statistical linear regression method (LRR). The results
revealed that the SVM Supervised Classification
method showed good performance on linear and non-linear coastal surface
than the other methods. For the kinematics of the shoreline, the southwest of
the Togolese coast has an average erosion rate ranging from 2.49 to 5.07 m per
year. The results obtained will serve as decision-making support tools for the
design and implementation of appropriate adaptations plans to avoid the
immersion of the asphalt road by sea, displacement of population and
disturbance of human habitats.


In Quantum FFF Theory, Fermions are supposed to be small rigid transformer strings with a propeller shape, able to become compound particles to form Quarks. Different elementary particles have different qualities by their different complex stringy shape. Leptons and Quarks have a propeller shape with left or right handed pitch creating charge difference. Gluons, Photons and Neutrino particles have no comparable pitch.


The introduction of genetically modified, herbicide-tolerant, oilseed rape into the agricultural environment will have ramifications beyond weed control of the crop. Herbicide-tolerant rape will undoubtedly become part of established volunteer weed populations that occur in many cereal rotations, but its longevity in these populations and its impact as a weed and contaminant of future oilseed rape crops is uncertain. A life cycle model of volunteer oilseed rape was therefore constructed, incorporating existing information on physiological processes such as emergence pattern, longevity of buried seed, death rates of various structures and flowering and seeding as functions of density. The model was designed to allow interaction with control factors such as harvesting efficiency, herbicide treatment, ploughing and the sequence of crops in the rotation. Many of the physiological parameters (including seed decay rates, fecundity at high density) are uncertain, simply through lack of information in the appropriate context. Other parameters such as harvesting efficiency and herbicide kill rates, are inherently variable in farming. Accordingly, a Monte-Carlo approach, in which the model was run many times with different random realisations of parameter sets, was used to expose factors to which the seedbank was sensitive. Sets of 1250 realisations were compared for each of two extreme conditions: where herbicide could be used according to current intensive farming practice and where it was not an option (representing total herbicide tolerance). Modelled seedbank numbers after 5 yr ranged from 10 -3 to 10 4 m -2 , realistic values found in arable soils. The use of herbicide, together with efficient harvesting of seed, clearly has an important suppressive effect on the oilseed rape seedbank, keeping it lower than 10 2 m -2 (a typical sowing rate) after 5 yr in more than 80% of realisations. In the absence of herbicide, seedbanks were invariably greater, but their absolute value depended strongly on harvesting efficiency and the extent to which high density of plants suppressed fecundity. Analysis of the time series from the simulations showed that the seedbank levels fluctuated by orders in magnitude from year to year in the absence of herbicide use. The sensitivity analysis of the life-cycle model led to the development of a simplified model for the seedbank dynamics. The model shows that the essential features of the dynamics result from an interaction between density-dependent fecundity and the perturbations due to management. Therefore predictions of the effect of herbicide tolerance on seedbank dynamics are highly uncertain without knowledge of the density dependence of fecundity. Furthermore, the sensitivity to management practices suggests that seedbank levels will be substantially more difficult to control if the efficacy of herbicide is compromised. It is concluded that the model and Monte-Carlo approach have many potential uses in exploring the effects of management, cultivar physiology and the nature of the transgenes.


The nuclear structure parts of the 2..nu.. model ..beta beta.. decay of /sup 82/Se and /sup 130/Te are calculated by quasiparticle Tamm-Dancoff approximation treating the Gamow-Teller transitions to the intermediate odd-odd nucleus and the single-particle configurations generated from Skyrme force (III) Hartree-Fock procedure. With the relevant pairing effect, and correctly dealing with both initial and final state, the nuclear matrix element observed experimentally can be reproduced satisfactorily.


International law in general — Relation to municipal law — Treaties — Whether treaty requires implementation by legislation in order to have effects in municipal law — The law of Canada 389Treaties — Conclusion and operation of treaties — Operation and enforcement of treaties — Necessity for municipal legislation — Whether treaty part of the domestic law and enforceable as such in the absence of legislation — The law of Canada


All successful business groups are building strong relationships with their Customers. Customer experience is the summing up of all experiences, the customer trials with the business, based on all touch points and opinion about the business concern. Those experiences are enhancing with development of new products and services of the company. Customer experience allows a company to tap into a unique set of reducing unwanted cost and increasing revenue that can deliver more profitability in all aspects of strategic and tactical level.


Digital filters where unit delays are replaced with frequency dependent delays, such as first order allpass sections, are often called warped filters since they implement filter specifications on a warped non-uniform frequency scale. Warped IIR (WIIR) filters cannot be realized directly due to delay free loops. Specific solutions have been known that make WIIR filters realizable but no general approach has been available so far. In this paper we will explore the generation of such filters, including new filter structures. The robustness and computational efficiency of WIIR filters are studied and most potential applications are discussed.


A slotted waveguide providing a two dimensional near-field focused beam is presented in this paper. This antenna focuses the beam in the E-plane and provides a wide beam in the H-plane in order to illuminate a linear array, as reflect-or transmit-array antenna with a small width (100mm) and a very large length (1530mm) located in the near-field region. The simulated field distribution on the array is found to be in very good agreement with the measurement of a prototype at 9.41GHz.


A collection of photographs of mine sites, mining operations, and tailings taken prior to 1980 at a variety of sites throughout Colorado and Utah. A database of photograph metadata is provided to contain the subject and location of each photograph.


The major noise sources are considered together with the noise generation mechanisms involved and approaches for reducing or suppressing the generated noise. Important basic advances in engine noise reduction technology were made in connection with the NASA Quiet Engine program. The prospect for reducing the noise levels of future aircraft below that of the new wide-body jets is good. However, a significant penalty in the form of increased cost to the traveler is also to be expected as the aircraft noise levels are gradually decreased.


Modern cancer treatment, while often producing lifelong cures, can also result in permanent damage to many organ systems. Although more than 70% of children and young adults can be cured of their cancers, infertility, which frequently accompanies curative therapies for many common types of cancer, is one of the most devastating long-term complications. In this paper we discuss the medical, legal, and ethical ramifications of attempting to prevent this side effect and present some of the challenges that remain.


This study describes the science literacy of elementary school students who are taught using the science practical work method. The research was conducted on grade 4 and grade 5 students at six public and private elementary schools in South Tangerang City, Banten. Data collection was carried out using tests, observation sheets, student activity sheets, and questionnaires. The results showed that students had good understandings, good performance, high interest, and high self-confidence.  Moreover, students indicated good scientific attitudes and positive attitudes towards science.  The conclusion is that learning science using the science practical work method can provide elementary school students fourth grades and fifth grades showed science literacy characteristics.


Electrical power quality (PQ) disturbance has become an important issue in India. On a distribution network, it is mainly caused by various nonlinear loads. Due to the varying power produced, it is affected by penetration of solar PV system as well. Therefore it is necessary detect and classify PQ events in account of evaluating a PQ problem. In other side due to increase of smart meters in smart grid, need to analyze huge collected data for small period, requires compression technique to reduce the data storage and transmit as well. This paper presents Dual Tree Complex Wavelet Transform (DTCWT) based PQ classification based on sub bands energy levels. Two stages FFNN architecture is designed to classify different PQ events to improve classification process. This also presents DTCWT based data compression algorithm to reduce the PQ data and develop algorithm, which is suitable for real time applications in smart grids.


Neutron stars are extremely strong cosmic magnets which fields are expected to decay with time. Here we report on the simple test of this process. Adopting a novel approach, we have estimated surface magnetic fields B for 76 radiopulsars (the most numerous subclass of the known isolated neutron stars) which ages t are known independently. Focusing on the accurate evaluation of the precision of both quantities, we determined a significant power-law trend B(t) ∝ t−β with index β = 0.19 − 0.06 + 0.05 at 95% C.L. The effects of the observational selection turn this value into the upper limit for the intrinsic field decay rate. If so, then neutron star crusts are close to the "impurity-free crystals", which results in a relatively slow magnetic fields decay.


Four cultivars of okra ( Abelmoschus esculentus [L.] Moench. cv. 'Boyiatiou', 'Veloudo', 'Pylaias' and 'Clemson') were sown on 1 st of May (Experiment 1) and 20 th of May, 2011 (Experiment 2) and fertilized with three nitrogen levels (150, 300 and 450 mg N l -1 ). The pods were harvested from three plant parts (upper, middle and lower part) and the seeds were extracted from the pods either immediately after harvest or after storage for 15 days at room temperature. The present study provides new information on the seed quality of four cultivars of okra in relation to N level and the region (upper, lower and middle) of the plant from which harvest took place. N application generally increased flowering, but pod set increased only in 'Boyiatiou'. Pod dimensions (length and diameter) were largely unaffected by N level, irrespective of the position of the pods on the plant, as was the 100-seed weight and seed germination. The slight (insignificant) increase in seed germination of 'Boyiatiou' in response to N is worthy of further study in view of the susceptibility of this cultivar to seed hardness. There was no benefit of pod after-ripening, but seed storage for 18 months at room temperature proved to be a positive way to improve seed quality, especially in 'Boyiatiou'.


Aim: The purpose of this study was determine the efficacy of ultrasound guided transverse abdominis plane (TAP) block in patients after cesarean operation under spinal anesthesia. Material and Method: In this retrospective study, we reviewed the patient files which was elective cesarean operation under spinal anesthesia between 2016 may and october. Patients were divided into two groups as non-TAP block (Group 1) and TAP block group (Group 2). Demographic data, visual analogue scale (VAS) values, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and opioid consumption were examined at postoperative 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12 and 24 hours. Also the first analgesic and opioid agent administration times were recorded. Results: Postoperative 1st and 4th hour VAS values of group 1 patients (n=27) were significantly higher than Group 2 (n=31). Opioids were used in 18 patients (66.6%) in Group 1 and 9 patients (29%) in Group 2. The first opioid administration time was 200.27 minutes in Group 1 and 263.33 minutes in Group 2 (p <0.05). In Group 2, the mean time of first opioid application was 263.33 min and in Group 1 200.27 min. Conclusions: We found that the TAP block decreased the postoperative VAS values and the opioid consumption after cesarean operation under spinal anesthesia.


The purpose of this study is to diagnose mesoscale factors responsible for the formation and development of an extreme rainstorm that occurred on 20 July 2021 in Zhengzhou, China. The rainstorm produced 201.9 mm rainfall in one hour, breaking the record of mainland China for 1-h rainfall accumulation in the past 73 years. Using 2-km continuously cycled analyses with 6-min updates that were produced by assimilating observations from radar and dense surface networks with a four-dimensional variational (4DVar) data assimilation system, we illustrate that the modification of environmental easterlies by three mesoscale disturbances played a critical role in the development of the rainstorm. Among the three systems, a meso-beta-scale low pressure system (mesolow) that developed from an inverted trough southwest of Zhengzhou was key to the formation and intensification of the rainstorm. We show that the rainstorm formed via sequential merging of three convective cells, which initiated along the convergence bands in the mesolow. Further, we present evidence to suggest that the mesolow and two terrain-influenced flows near the Taihang mountains north of Zhengzhou, including a barrier jet and a downslope flow, contributed to the local intensification of the rainstorm and the intense 1-h rainfall. The three mesoscale features co-existed near Zhengzhou in the several hours before the extreme one-hour rainfall and enhanced local wind convergence and moisture transport synergistically. Our analysis also indicated that the strong midlevel south/southwesterly winds from the mesolow along with the gravity-current-modified low-level northeasterly barrier jet enhanced the vertical wind shear, which provided favorable local environment supporting the severe rainstorm.