In order to determine whether the combination of progesterone and estrogen affects the appearance of estrogen-instigated mammary adenocarcinoma in mice a series of experiments were conducted beginning in April 1936 on a strain of mice which was subject to spontaneous mammary adenocarcinoma and 3 others which were not. In some animals the weekly injections alternated between 100 mcg of estrogen and 200 mcg of progesterone while in others a mixture of 50 mcg estrogen and 100 mcg of progesterone was used. 10 of the susceptible mice survived over 120 days; only 2 died without signs of cancer at 173 and 203 days. The other 8 3 males and 5 females developed mammary adenocarcinomas at 123 152 152 162 169 175 185 and 194 days respectively. None of the 9 mice belonging to unsusceptible strains which survived between 173 and 492 days developed adenocarcinoma although 2 males succumbed to lymphoid sarcomas of the thymus. Formal conclusions cannot be drawn from this experiment because of the low doses of progesterone. Testosterone was used in another series of experiments with the same aim. 3 susceptible animals survived over 120 days while receiving 100 mcg of estrogen alternating with first 500 and later 1000 mcg of testosterone acetate. The 2 males developed adenocarcinomas at 108 and 126 days but the female died without signs of cancer at 147 days. Again the testosterone dose appears to have been too weak. Finally 5 susceptible males and 2 susceptible females received weekly injections of 500 and later 1000 mcg of testosterone acetate. The female developed mammary adenocarcinoma at the age when 72% of untreated females typically developed the cancer while the males were unaffected. It is concluded that testosterone did not modify the appearance of estrogen-induced cancer in the male or of spontaneous cancer in the female at least at the dosage levels utilized.


We present a second‐order finite difference scheme for approximating solutions of a mathematical model of erythropoiesis, which consists of two nonlinear partial differential equations and one nonlinear ordinary differential equation. We show that the scheme achieves second‐order accuracy for smooth solutions. We compare this scheme to a previously developed first‐order method and show that the first order method requires significantly more computational time to provide solutions with similar accuracy. We also compare this numerical scheme with other well‐known second‐order methods and show that it has better capability in approximating discontinuous solutions. Finally, we present an application to recovery after blood loss. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2013


This paper on stiffness modeling and parameter tuning uses the methodology of primer regulated and oriented approach to provide a real time treatment for the solution of Robot end point deflection. The joint stiffness model has two components: 1. the normalized Cartesian stiffness depending on the geometry, material and configuration of manipulator links. 2. The active complimentary stiffness developed by the configuration of the manipulator and force applied at the end point. The stiffness model without the consideration of the later component is incomplete and its validity is true in cases where: 1. Dynamic situation governed by D'Alembert's principle is not significant and. 2. The Jacobian matrix does not change in the work volume as in case of a Cartesian Robot. The illustrative system assumed here is a two link articulated manipulator forming a base for stiffness formulation which is solved for joint forces end point deflection and joint rotations using Primer Regulated and Oriented Modeling and Parameter tuning (PROMPT) procedure which is developed on strong foundation of Hegde's primer value theorem. The experimental measurements and illustrative procedure adopted in literature as a solution to non-linearity sighted in the joint stiffness formulation is successfully avoided by this analytical procedure. The parameter tuning of joint stiffness matrix estimates the joint torques/forces leading to a supplement for the compliance and force control. This study provides a supplementary contribution to the previously reported works on an analytical basis leaving a scope to verify experimentally.


In a 4-year 7-month-old boy with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and systemic arthritis a severe haemolytic anaemia occurred after the administration of acetylsalicylic acid. Erythrocyte fragmentation, with haemoglobin condensation zones next to clear zones, was observed on peripheral blood smears. Since viral or bacterial infections were excluded on the basis of the laboratory data, the anaemia was ascribed to aspirin.


Our group has developed useful protocols to (phosphino)borate ligands
featuring synthetic flexibility at both the borate and the phosphine donor
positions. Expanding on these methods, we have also developed routes to
(amino)borates. Representative examples of some ligands that we have prepared
thus far are shown in the figure below. In this talk I plan to highlight interesting
structural, electronic, and reactivity properties of complexes supported by these
types of ligands, each of which is characterized by a borate anion that is
partially insulated from the coordinated metal center. For example, an understanding
of subtle structural and electronic properties of a class of tris(phosphino)
borate cobalt(II) complexes enables us to assign pseudo-tetrahedral
cobalt(II) complexes that are either high or low spin, in addition to examples
that display temperature dependent spin-crossover. From a reactivity standpoint,
we have uncovered unusual group transfer processes that lead to molecular iron
and cobalt imides, each of which undergoes subsequent nitrene release to CO
as an acceptor substrate. In the case of iron in particular, the Fe(I)/Fe(III)
nitrene group transfer cycle to CO (liberating isocyanate) can be made catalytic
and both Fe(I) and Fe(III) species can be identified as intermediates in the cycle.
Our continued efforts to explore these systems, and to expand this chemistry to
other first row metals including nickel and copper, will be discussed.


Recent video codecs with multiple separable transforms can achieve significant coding gains using asymmetric trigonometric transforms (DCTs and DSTs), because they can exploit diverse statistics of residual block signals. However, they add excessive computational and memory complexity on large transforms (32-point and larger), since their practical software and hardware implementations are not as effi-cient as of the DCT-2. This article introduces a novel technique to design low-complexity approximations of trigonometric transforms. The proposed method uses DCT-2 computations, and applies orthogonal "adjustments" to approximate the most important basis vectors of the desired transform. Experimental results on the Versatile Video Coding (VVC) reference software show that the proposed approach significantly reduces the computational complexity, while providing practically identical coding efficiency.


A new empirical model based on the degree of freedom analysis has been proposed to model Penicillin G and Penicillin V. The model has three temperature independent constants. Penicillin G and Penicillin V – Supercritical Carbon dioxide binary system was successfully correlated with the new model.


Important agricultural marketing policies and decisions are constantly before industry and government. Much market research is being supported. There is a need to "bridge" research with policy. The core of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework that spans the needed analysis of marketing efficiency. The basic point is that marketing policy must focus on both competition and physical operations. The analysis of this paper builds upon Clark's concept of workable competition and Sosnick's extension to the concept of effective competition. Market efficiency is separated into operational efficiency and exchange efficiency components; the determinants of each component are diagnosed and analyzed in terms of costs and pricing. While the agricultural marketing process produces increments of product form, space, and time utility, costs are incurred. Cost analysis is central to the notion of operational efficiency; cost levels depend upon market organization and the feasible set of market logistics. Exchange efficiency refers primarily to price; the effectiveness with which price reflects costs depends upon market structures and the applicable competitive strategies. The conceptual framework developed in this paper integrates the preceding relationships and formalizes an approach for decisions. Trade-offs often exist between operational efficiency and exchange efficiency components of market efficiency. When a trade-off relationship exists, market efficiency is maximized by equalizing the gain in one component with the opportunity-cost loss in the other component.

Le gourvernement el I'industrie font continuellemeni face aďimportante decisions dans le domaine des marches el de la politique agricloe. Ces deux groupes subven-tionnenl les recherches dans ce domaine. II y a un besoin de Her la recherche avec la politique. ľessentiel de cet article est de developper un codre qui comprend ľanalyse necessaire pour ľefficacite du marche, le point important est que le politique du marche doit se concentrer sur le concurrence et les operations.

L'analyse de cet article travail sur le theorie de concurrence realisable de Clark et sur celle Sosnick traitant de ľExtension de la concurrence effective. ľefficacite du marche est diverse en deux elements: ľexploitation efftcace el ľechange efficace, les facteurs determinant de chaque element sont soumis a un diagnostic et a une analyse en termes du cout et du prix


This paper considers the road freight crime problem in Europe, include the use of TransGuard and i-Guard for protecting and controlling all types of road freight. The mobile part of the system is named TransGuard and the central user and Key-code management system is named i-Guard. The author presents a short description of a typical supply chain application. In these methods, brake and door locking are fully controlled by key-code, which are administrated on a central computer system. Drivers can be given the access to wheel key-codes without having access to the cargo in order to protect the cargo during transit. Locking and unlocking of the wheels and doors can be handled remotely if TransGuard is connected to a traditional GPS tracking system, thus supporting any necessary inspection or law enforcement activities. All activities can be planned ahead and limited to certain time windows and they can also be related to specific geographic areas if TransGuard is connected to a GPS tracking device. The connection of a tracking device can be used to lock the trailer if it is leaving a pre-planned route. The author concludes that the use of TransGuard will protect road transport, minimize risk of terrorism, increase driver safety and also ensure that it is the right driver who is moving the right trailer.


e18543 Background: Mesothelioma is a rare malignancy primarily attributed to asbestos exposure and has limited life expectancy. This study examined patient characteristics, and treatment patterns i...


Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, postural instability and gait disability. Impaired gait and balance can be severely disabling for the patient making it difficult for them to carry on with their day-to-day activities. The effects of levodopa on gait and balance are quite controversial with some studies even describing levodopa as a double-edged sword; this and the progressive nature of the disease makes exercise therapy of utmost importance for the improvement of symptoms. However, designing an appropriate exercise regime for PD patients is not an easy task given the motor learning difficulties seen in these patients. Even though a variety of exercise interventions like treadmill, balance, resistance, multicomponent training, complementary approaches, aquatic therapy, cueing, virtual reality training are being used in the PD gait and balance rehabilitation, there still exists a lack of clarity about the type, right combination, duration and intensity of exercises to be used in order to help the patient achieve maximum results. This narrative review will evaluate different exercise approaches used in the gait and balance rehabilitation of PD patients and in the end the potential ways to improve upon the current practice will be discussed.

Key words: Parkinson's disease, gait, balance.


This study was a sea cucumber experiment does not damaged the skin. It has identified the bioactive efficacy and suitability of sea cucumber extract. Act as sea cucumber extraction solvent was 50% ethanol extraction solvent ratio of 1:10. Safety was a top priority. It selected the optimum extraction conditions. The polyphenol, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, DPPH radical scavenging activity was confirmed. When a concentration-dependent increase in the sea cucumber extract concentration is confirmed result is increased. NO it was suppressing the formation. It inhibits melanin production. It confirmed the higher inhibitory effect than arbutin. MMP-1 expression was confirmed inhibitory effect. Confirmed the inhibitory ability of phosphorylated ERK and JNK. The MMP-1 expression was confirmed an inhibitory action through inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK activity efficacy was changed depending on the solvent conditions. This was confirmed chondroitin sulfate, sea cucumber bioactive phenolic substances. eicosapentaenoic acid of the mountain, chondroitin sulfate (saponin) components. Sea cucumber extract-containing cosmetics (cream) has determined that further study of the skin clinical trial is needed. It was confirmed with anti-melanin and anti-aging, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-cosmetic functional material, natural bioactive substances. It can be used as a cosmetic material. We are looking forward to the development of the cosmetics industry.


If we define history, in the sense of what historians do, as explaining change over time, then history interacts with theories such as Harvey Whitehouse's Modes of Religiosity theory in two important ways. First, history provides data, just as anthropological fieldwork and controlled laboratory experiments do, to test and refine the theory. Second, if a theory is logically coherent and empirically productive across a range of cases then it can be used to add plausibility to hunches where his torical data on particular cases are lacking, can point to fruitful research agendas, and can contribute to explanations of change for which his torians strive.


BACKGROUND: Little attention has been paid to the use of large-sized scrap cast iron for reduction of refractory organic pollutants at neutral pH and in the presence of dissolved oxygen (DO).

RESULTS: Scrap cast iron and copper-modified cast iron with fresh surfaces have a high reactivity towards the reduction of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT). The extent of conversion reached around 80% and 97% respectively, though it gradually decreased with repeated reactions to relatively stable values of 63% and 72%, and recovered once the reacted filings were cleaned by dilute acid. After 50 days reaction, no dissolved copper appeared in the copper-modified cast iron process. The mass loss of copper due to physical detachment reached 1.1% of the total coated copper within the initial 20 reaction days, and only 0.3% appeared in the next 30 days. 2,4-DNT oxidizes scrap cast iron to generate mainly FeFe2O4 with DO, however, it oxidizes scrap copper-modified cast iron to generate mainly γ-FeO(OH) and α-FeO(OH).

CONCLUSION: Both samples of cast iron were successfully applied in the treatment of neutral wastewater containing 2,4-DNT with high reactivity and good repeatable efficiency. Electrode reaction rate was enhanced by the deposited copper, which has strong chemical and physical stability. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry


OBJECTIVE
Increased activity of the enzyme aldose reductase in the polyol pathway, occurring with hyperglucaemia, has been implicated in the development of late diabetic complications. The effect of an aldose reductase inhibitor (Ponalrestat) on renal function in type 1 diabetes with incipient nephropathy (urinary albumin excretion rate > 20 micrograms.min-1) was evaluated.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Thirty Type 1 diabetic patients (age: 34.4 +/- 3.1 yrs; diabetes duration 13.1 +/- 1.3 yrs) were treated with 600 mg of Ponalrestat per day for 3 months using a randomized double blind placebo controlled crossover design. Urinary albumin excretion rate and glomerular filtration rate were measured.

RESULTS
Twenty three patients completed the entire study. Compared to placebo, there was no significant change in urinary albumin excretion rate and glomerular filtration rate during the Ponalrestat treatment period. Blood pressure and HbA1 were also unchanged during the placebo and Ponalrestat periods. Treatment with Ponalrestat appeared to be safe and there were no side effects.

CONCLUSION
We conclude that three months aldose reductase inhibition with Ponalrestat had no effect on urinary albumin excretion rate and glomerular filtration rate in Type 1 diabetic patients with incipient nephropathy.


Using acoustic microscopy at higher frequency, we show the velocity evolutions of surface acoustic waves, in particular Rayleigh waves that depend on porosity for a mesoporous silicon layer. The velocities are obtained from different V (z) curves, which are determined experimentally at a frequency of 600 MHz. The analysis of V (z) data yields attenuation that is directly dependent on porosity. On the other hand, αN attenuation has been modeled and allows us to investigate its influence on the velocity VR of the propagation for Rayleigh waves.


A comprehensive overview of standardized testing system for ESL (English as a Second Language) students in U.S. kindergarten thru grade 12 public school system is reviewed within the context of basis on federal and state laws, as well as instructional basis. Identification process of LEP (Limited English Proficient) students via nomination, testing and testing criteria to be identified as LEP, hence ESL if placed in the program is defined in detail. Standardized testing process of these students based on the federal AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) measures through regular state standardized tests depending on three types of instructional program that LEP student is placed in the schools that are Bilingual Education Program, ESL Program, and Two-Way Immersion Dual Language Programs are described. Standardized testing process of these students based on the federal AYP measures through other means if exempted from regular state standardized tests such as LAT (Linguistically Accommodated Testing) and the conditions to be exempted are discussed in detail. Holistically rated English Language Proficiency Assessments that are implemented to fulfill federal AMAOs (Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives) measures are defined briefly. Physical features of LAT test as well as direct and indirect accommodations for LAT reading, mathematics and science tests are defined via the accommodation needed and the type of assistance provided. Lastly, testing criteria to exit LEP status and other issues concerning exiting LEP status are reviewed.


Indium oxide microrods with rectangular or hexagonal cross-sections have been grown by a catalyst free evaporation deposition method. Their luminescence properties have been investigated as well as whispering gallery resonances with improved Q-factor have been demonstrated for hexagonal and square cross-section rods. Electric field induced mechanical resonance of the microrods has been investigated by in-situ measurements in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Young's moduli of rods with different cross-sectional shapes have been determined from the measured resonance frequencies. Q factors in the range 1180-3780 obtained from the amplitude-frequency curves show that the In2O3 microrods are suitable as micromechanical resonators.


Backgrounds: The degree of microleakage is one of the main criteria in evaluating the restorative materials such as glass ionomer (GI) restoratives, which are available in two forms: loose powder and liquid form to be hand-mixed or pre-proportioned in a capsule to be mixed mechanically. Objectives: This study was conducted to compare the microleakage of encapsulated GI restoratives with their hand-mixed equivalent. Materials and Methods: In this interventional (field trial) study, 40 extracted caries-free deciduous teeth were selected. After preparing class V cavities, teeth were divided into two groups. Cavities in group one were restored with encapsulated self-cured GI restorative (EQUIA, Fuji IX). In the second group, hand-mixed GI restoratives (Fuji IX) were used, which were prepared in accordance with the manufacturers' recommended powder to liquid mixing ratios. After thermo cycling, the samples were immersed in 0.5% methylene blue solution for 12 hours. Then, they were sectioned for examination under light microscope. Micro leakage of each restoration was evaluated by the depth scale of the dye penetration along the tooth-restoration interface. Results: Statistical analysis by Mann-Whitney U test showed no significant difference in micro leakage between encapsulated GI restoratives and their hand-mixed equivalents (P < 0.05). Conclusions: There was no difference between micro leakage of hand-mixed and encapsulated GIs and in case of following the manufacturer's instruction and recommendations, hand-mixed GIs could be as efficient as their encapsulated equivalents.


Herein, we have described, a 'Click Chemistry' protocol for the rapid synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles in water. (DHQD)2PHAL has been found to be an excellent accelerating ligand for the copper(I)-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition reaction under air. The procedure is simple, efficient, environmentally-friendly and the products were isolated in excellent yields with high purity.


For binary response experiments, we consider the use of a confidence interval based on Fieller's theorem as a design criterion (F-optimality). For symmetric distributions and under mild conditions, we show that F-optimal, D-optimal, and A-optimal designs have two or three support points. A complete characterization of these designs is given. The possibility of having 4-point symmetric designs is discussed.


To enhance the vital sign radar ' s detection accuracy of heartbeat rate (HR), which is heavily a ff ected by the harmonics of respiration frequency, this paper proposes a waveform-driven matched fi ltering method based on polynomial fi tting extraction. The merit of this approach lies in that, the quasi-ideal matching impulse approximating the actual heart- beat signal can be readily retrieved by subtracting the polynomial fi tted waveform from a received signal, which provides high adaptability for individual subjects. Essentially, this extraction greatly removes the harmonic interference originated from respiration, thus considerably improv- ing the HR detection accuracy. Simulations are performed to acquire the proper fi tting order and the e ff ective impulse duration. Guided by these two parameters, a 10-GHz non-contact continuous-wave (CW) Doppler radar system with typical microwave laboratory instruments is constructed. Experimental results con fi rmed the e ff ectiveness of the proposed method, showing that the average errors of HR can be reduced from 46.21% to 0.96% under di ff erent subjects and distances, and from 38.05% to 0.90% in continuous measurement for one subject.


In this paper, the influence of mechanical torsion on corrosion of MgCa1 alloy in simulated body fluid (SBF) is presented. The corrosion behavior is examined by microstructural observations, including a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy detector (EDS) and electrochemical studies, mainly impedance spectroscopy measurements (EIS) and polarization curves (PC). The experiments were performed for different time durations (4-8 h) with and without torsion applied (within elastic deformation range in the form of rotary movements) to assign the differences between the corrosion behavior of the samples. It is shown that mechanical torsion (rotations) promotes the leaching of calcium from the grain boundaries in the samples, what decreases the overall alloy corrosion rate. On the other hand, grain boundaries leached out of calcium compounds influence the sample microstructure by enabling for cracks formation and propagation. Therefore, rotated samples corroded at a lower rate but were more susceptible to catastrophic failure. It was then concluded that MgCa1 alloy may be promising biodegradable material for medical implants, however, its durability in SBF with torsion applied is far from being satisfactory.


This article aims to present current research of social representation in the health sector, to reflect the value of this concept in understanding the logic behind the adoption of specific practices. In this context, few investigations on the representations of health and illness, madness, body, cancer, hygiene, AIDS, drugs, will be presented with emphasis on the provision of such research for the humanist and social sciences.


INTRODUCTION 1 PREVIOUS WORK 1 PRESENT STUDY 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 4 PHYSIOGRAPHY 5 TECTONIC SETTING 6 STRATIGRAPHY 9 GLASGO MARBLE 10 KELLY HILL PHYLLITE 10 CHERTY QUARTZITE AND PHYLLITE 13 Cherty quartzite 14 Phrllite 15 Origin and environment of deposition 17 Age and correlation 20 GREENSTONE 22 Origin and environment of deposition 23 Age and correlation 24 CHURCHILL FORMATION 25 Argillite and graywacke 27 Significance of argillite and graywacke ..... 29 Conglomerate 31 Significance of conglomerate 33 ii


Emerging trends in the development of socio-economic systems, characterized by a high level of dynamics of institutional transformations and corresponding macroeconomic generations based on progressive forms of creating added value, require improved approaches to the analysis methods of their development. If earlier the priority development areas were the processes of economy industrialization, the implementation of large-scale decisions, the high localization of economic processes, now the following strategic development guidelines come to the fore: formation and large-scale replication of local low-concentrated growth points; diversification of business activity; development and dissemination of technological, institutional, product changes; development of social parameters of economic growth, based, inter alia, on the principles of environmental friendliness of economic and operational activities, etc. All this creates the basis for improving the traditional approaches to modeling economic growth and development existing in the theory of regional economics. At a methodological level, the solution of issues posed is the subject of this article. The methods of formalized assessment and construction of economic cycles of both macroand mesolevel are proposed through the prism of expectation theory in it. Relying on the proposed toolkit for designing advanced development cycles (3D expectations of economic agents), the study reveals approaches forming the basis for a comparative analysis of economic cycles of various levels and scales.


The present application provides a bit error rate detecting method and a network device. The method comprises: a first network device sending a first notification packet to a second network device, the first notification packet being used for notifying the second network device to detect a bit error rate, the first network device being an ingress node of a first LSP, and the second network device being a downstream node of the first network device on the first LSP; and the first network device receiving a second notification packet sent by the second network device, the second notification packet carrying a second bit error rate, the second bit error rate comprising a first bit error rate of a first interface of the second network device, and the first interface being an interface for receiving an MPLS packet which is sent by the first network device through the first LSP. By means of the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the first network device can sense the bit error rate of the second network device, thereby helping to ensure the reliability of MPLS packet transmission in an IPRAN solution.


Superscripts Related to the interaction of the flow shed from a stalled retreating blade of helicopter rotor with the following blade and its consequence on the rotor performances, the paper presents an enpe- ~~!,~~~i~t~ rimental study in 2-D configurations of the effect produced on lifting airfoils by periodic wakes. The E,R relative to emitting or recepting airperiodic wake is generated by an upstream airfoil foil oscillating in fore and aft motion. The results St obtained show that the aerodynamic behaviour of the E at rest) interacted downstream airfoil could be theoritically approached by the more simple study of a fixed isolated airfoil submitted to simultaneous varia


In recent years, the large-scale promotion of new energy technologies and electric vehicles, the continuous development of energy storage technology, the rapid decline in the cost of energy storage, plus the value of energy storage for increasing the power system's peak and frequency regulation capacity and spatial flexibility in time has a very significant role, the promotion of energy storage in the power system will certainly be the future trend. At the system level in the integrated energy region, the overall control strategy for energy storage assisted frequency regulation can be divided into a control strategy where energy storage is involved in primary frequency regulation alone and a compensating control strategy where the energy storage output is adjusted according to the unit output. At the device level in the integrated energy area, the voltage and current double closed-loop control strategy and the PQ control strategy are used to achieve precise control of the overall input and output power of the energy storage system according to the circuit structure of the bi-directional DC/DC converter and inverter and the physical constraints of the control object.


The debate concerning replicable scientific research has reached geography's shores. This has exposed old fault lines in our discipline, because some forms of geographical inquiry are more amenable to replicability than others. If there is a corner of the discipline that seems especially ill-suited to replicability, it is critical human geography. Almost no work in the subfield exhibits the combination of qualities—explicit and replicable methods; large, numerical data sets; full reporting—that enable reproducibility. Should we care? Although the inability of critical human geographers to reproduce our research results does not constitute a crisis, it is a matter worthy of reflection. Even if it proves difficult to realize, the challenge of designing replicable research promises to generate insights into the relative rigor of our disciplinary practices. Moreover, by clarifying the limits on replicability in social inquiry, we should be better positioned to weigh and mediate between competing values, for instance, the potential conflict between the principle of scientific integrity and the protection of vulnerable research subjects. I contend that producing a rigorous and reproducible geographical research, while also respecting the dignity of subaltern social groups, would require significant changes to standard research practice. To flesh out these claims, I offer concise reflections on the literature from critical human geography research with subaltern social groups.


Objective: Symptomatic supratentorial cysts are complicated lesion often associated with complex brain malformation and hydrocephalus. The traditional treatment was microsurgical technique or shunts. We present our experience of neuroendoscopic treatment of these lesions. Method: Between 1999 and 2007, 28 consecutive patients with symptomatic supratentorial cysts underwent neuroendoscopic treatment in our department. Results: The mean age was 3.1 years (range 1 month to 15 years), 18 were male and 10 female, In 5 patients a prenatal diagnosis was established. Eighteen patients presented increased intracranial pressure, 5 developmental delay, 3 seizures and 3 hemiparesis. According to its localization we have clasificated the cysts in: interhemispheric (8), intraventricular (7), cuadrigerminal (5), paraventricular (5) and suprasellar (3). We have excluded the temporal cysts of this series. All patients underwent neuroendoscopic treatment involving cystoventriculostomy in 24 and cystocisternostomy in 4. The complications were: 1 CFS leak, 3 patients required ventriculo-peritoneal shunt, 1 cystoperitoneal shunt and 1 subdural peritoneal shunt. There were no surgery-related morbidity or death. Conclusion: Endoscopic treatment of symptomatic supratentorial cysts can be considered a useful alternative to traditional treatment.(AU)


Inter-channel crosstalk for a liquid crystal-based dynamic channel blocker/equalizer has been experimentally studied. With the optimal interpixel width, a 32-channel, 100-GHz channel-spacing sample is fabricated and characterized. The maximum insertion loss (IL) of 5 dB and the polarization dependent loss (PDL) of 0.5 dB within the ITU ± 14 GHz are achieved. The 45 dB extinction ratio is obtained. The variations of the IL and PDL within the temperature range from - 5°C to 65°C cross the C-band are less than 1 dB and 0.4 dB respectively.


A new fast ray tracing algorithm based on adaptive space subdivision is presented. Unlike the conventional octree and 3DDDA algorithms, the new algorithm subdivides the object space nonuniformly with the division planes coplanar with the boundary planes of bounding volumes of objects. At each recursive step, the concerned rectangular space is divided into two subcells. The partitioning direction and division plane is dynamically selected so that it has the least possibility to intersect the objects within and the difference of the number of objects enclosed in each subcell is small. An efficient traversal algorithm to search for the next node that the ray will enter is also designed. Theoretical analysis and experimental results show that the new algorithm is potential.


Sintering and dielectric properties of a new perovskite compounds, Pb[(Mg/sub 1/3/V/sub 2/3/)/sub 1-x/Zr/sub x/]O/sub 3/ (x=0, 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75) ceramics, under an oxygen atmosphere sintering condition have been studied. The Pb[(Mg/sub 1/3/V/sub 2/3/)/sub 1-x/Zr/sub x/]O/sub 3/ ceramics system can be fired at lower than 950/spl deg/C. Perovskite phases are not confirmed in the Pb(Mg/sub 1/3/V/sub 2/3/)O/sub 3/ and Pb[(Mg/sub 1/3/V/sub 2/3/)/sub 0.75/Zr/sub 0.25/]O/sub 3/ ceramics. Pure perovskite phase ceramics are obtained with a Pb[(Mg/sub 1/3/V/sub 2/3/)/sub 0.25/Zr/sub 0.75/]O/sub 3/ composition. Dielectric constant and dissipation factors of the Pb[(Mg/sub 1/3/V/sub 2/3/)/sub 0.25/Zr/sub 0.75/]O/sub 3/ sample at 100 KHz are 187 and 2.2% at 25/spl deg/C. Curie temperature (Tc) of the Pb[(Mg/sub 1/3/V/sub 2/3/)/sub 0.25/Zr/sub 0.75/]O/sub 3/ ceramics is 202/spl deg/C which is lower than that of pure PbZrO/sub 3/.


Every year Bangladesh experiences different types of natural hazards and heat wave is one of them. In the present study, an advanced high-resolution Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF-ARW) numerical mesoscale model is used to simulate a severe heat wave event occurred during April over Bangladesh and eastern part of India. The model is integrated for 6 days starting from UTC of 19 April to UTC of 24 April 2016, on a single domain of 10 km horizontal resolution. For validation of the model performance, the model simulated results of temperature at 2 m height, relative humidity (RH), mean sea level pressure (MSLP) at UTC of 6 days are compared with the BMD observed data. And the results indicate that the model is able to simulate the occurrence of the heat wave event with 6 days over Bangladesh.


Background: The presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been identified as a predictor of a suboptimal result in some patients undergoing percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty in the treatment of symptomatic rheumatic mitral stenosis.


A 57-year-old man was pointed out to have occult bleeding in the stool. Colon endoscopy revealed 4 lesions suggesting carcinoma. However, barium enema showed only 3 lesions. A right hemicoloctomy was performed. Five early cancers, 1) IIa, 1.2×0.7cm, m, well differentiated adenocarcinoma 2) Isp, 1.1×0.8cm, m, well differentiated adenocarcinoma 3) IIa+IIc, 1.3×0.7cm, sm2, moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma 4) IIa, 1.5×1.0cm, sm1, well differentiated adenocarcinoma and 5) Isp, 1.5×1.2cm, m, well differentiated adenocarcinoma, were seen in the resected colon. Immunohistochemical stainings for Ki-67, p53, p21 and bc1-2 were performed to investigate the embryology. The Ki-67 in labeling index of the No. 3 cancer was 81.5% and that of the other tumors 20-30%. p53 and bc1-2 were positive in all cancers. The p21 was positive in the No. 2 and 3 cancers. We report the rare case of 5 early cancers in the colon with a review of the literatures.


Two winter resistant varieties (Mironovskaja 808 and Jia 690) were used in Changchun to study the effect of sowing stages and densities of winter wheat on its growth period and yield. The results showeed that Jia 690 was earlier than Mironovskaja 808 in growth period, but the plot yields of two varieties were nearly same. When sowing stage was postponed, all growth stages were delayed but the days of growth decreased. l000-gnin weight was significantly reduced because of late-sowing, which induced plot yield reduction. The effect of density on growth period of winter wheat differed with varieties. The influence of density on plot yield was not significant.


In order to develop a method to design a high performance rapid thermal processing system, particularly for designing the details of its reflector geometry, a practical method is studied by linking quick experiments with calculations using a direct approach model using ray trace simulation (DARTS). The typical procedure is as follows: (i) The heating temperatures of silicon wafers under the newly designed reflectors are predicted by calculations using the DARTS model, when the reflectors are made of high-reflectivity and low-reflectivity materials. (ii) The silicon wafer temperature is experimentally measured under quickly fabricated reflectors made of low-reflectivity materials, such as mirror-polished stainless steel. (iii) The desirable design of the reflector made of high-reflectivity materials, such as electroplated gold, is determined based on the relationship obtained at step (i) between the silicon wafer temperatures of heating under the high- and low-reflectivity reflectors.


Background Type 1 deiodinase (D1) plays an important role in the metabolism of thyroid hormone and has close relationship with thyroid function. In this study we explore the effects of iodine intake on D1 activity and its mRNA expression and its possible mechanism. Methods Forty‐eight Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups with 8 in each: low iodine (LI), normal iodine (NI), five‐fold iodine (HI5), ten‐fold iodine (HI10), fifty‐fold iodine (HI50), one hundred‐fold iodine (HI100) group. Three months, six months and twelve months after admistration of potassium iodate, they were sacrificed and thyroids were excised. The expression of D1 mRNA in the thyroid tissue was determined by RT‐PCR and D1 activity was analyzed by 125I‐rT3 as substrate. The thyroid hormone was measured with radioimmunoassay method. Results Compared with NI group, D1 mRNA expression in LI groups slightly decreased, and D1 activity greatly increased. Both T3 and T4 in thyroid tissue significantly decreased, but the T3/T4 ratio increased. D1 mRNA expression decreased in all HI groups, and D1 activity was significantly lower in HI groups. There was a tendency of decrease in D1 activity with increased doses of iodine intakes. There was no significant difference in T4 in thyroid tissue between HI groups and NI group, but a tendency of decrease in T3 level was found in all HI groups. Conclusions In the case of iodine deficiency, D1 activity increased greatly in order to convert more T4 to T3. Excess iodine can inhibit both D1 mRNA expression and its activity to protect organism from being injured by excessive T3. Chin Med J2006;119(22):1899–1903


In this note, we will present some new developments on stochastic differential equations. AMS subject Classification: 60H10, 60J60 Let σ : Rd →Md,m(R) be a continuous function, taking values in the space of (d,m)-matrices and b : Rd → Rd a continuous function. Consider the following Itô stochastic differential equation (abbreviated as SDE) on Rd: dXt(ω) = σ(Xt(ω))dWt(ω) + b(Xt(ω))dt, X0(ω) = x ∈ R, (0.1) where t → Wt(ω) is a Rm-valued standard Brownian motion. Since the Brownian motion is not unique (in the sense of paths), and the probability space (Ω,Ft,P) on which is defined (Wt) is not unique. How to understand (0.1)? Definition 0.1 (Strong Solution) If for any given Brownian motion (Wt)t≥0 defined on a probability space (Ω,P), there exists a (FW t )t≥0-adapted process (Xt(ω))0≤t<τx such that a.s., Xt(ω) = x + ∫ t


In the string holographic dual of large-Nc QCD with Nf ∞avours of (1), the · 0 meson is massless at inflnite Nc and dual to a collective ∞uctuation of Nf D6-brane probes in a supergravity background. Here we identify the string diagrams responsible for the gen- eration of a mass of order Nf=Nc, consistent with the Witten-Veneziano formula, and show that the supergravity limit of these diagrams corresponds to mixings with pseudoscalar glueballs. We argue that the dependence on the µ-angle in the supergravity description occurs only through the combination µ + 2 p Nf· 0 =f…, as dictated by the U(1)A anomaly. We provide a quantitative test by computing the linear term in the · 0 potential in two independent ways, with perfect agreement.


Laser-interferometer gravitational-wave detectors with kg-scale test masses are approaching the Standard Quantum Limit. Not only will they allow us to probe tiny ripples in spacetime created by gravitational waves, but also to explore quantum behaviors of macroscopic objects. We demonstrate feasibilities of (i) preparing macroscopic test masses into nearly pure quantum states and probing their dynamics, e.g., the breathing of position or momentum squeezed states, (ii) demonstrating quantum entanglement between the test masses and the optical field by steering the test-mass quantum states, (iii) creating entanglement among test masses and testing the gravity decoherence conjecture, and (iv) teleporting test-mass quantum states between two coherently operating interferometers via classical feedback control. Friday, February 17, 2012 Speaker: David Pekker, Condensed Matter Theory group Title: The amplitude mode at the superfluid-Mott insulator transition We study a two dimensional gas of repulsively interacting bosons in the presence of both an optical lattice and a trap using optical lattice modulation spectroscopy. The strongly interacting superfluid supports two types of low energy modes associated with the symmetry breaking at the phase transition: gapless phase (Goldstone) modes and gapped amplitude (Anderson-Higgs) modes. Both experimentally and in theoretical simulations lattice modulation spectroscopy shows an onset of absorption at a frequency associated with the amplitude mode gap, followed by a broad absorption peak at higher frequencies. From the simulations, we learn that energy is being absorbed by amplitude modes, which inside a trap resemble the modes of a (gapped) drum. Our main results are: (1) despite coupling to the phase modes, modulation spectroscopy shows a sharp absorption onset at the frequency associated with the amplitude mode gap; (2) as we approach the Mott transition the gap softens and finally disappears at the transition point. Friday, February 24, 2012 Speaker: Chen-Lung Hung, Kimble Group Title: Observation of quantum criticality in two-dimensional quantum gases Quantum criticality emerges when a many-body system is in the proximity of a continuous phase transition driven by quantum fluctuations. In the quantum critical regime, exotic, yet universal properties are anticipated; ultracold atoms provide a clean system to test these predictions. In this talk, I will discuss the experimental observation of quantum criticality with two-dimensional (2D) Bose gases in optical lattices. Based on in situ density measurements, we observe scaling behavior of the equation of state at low temperatures, locate the quantum critical point, and constrain the critical exponents. We observe a finite critical entropy per particle ~2k_B carrying a weak dependence on the atomic interaction strength. I will further discuss possible extensions to the study of quantum critical dynamics, for example, by extracting structure factors of 2D gases from density-density correlation measurements. I will discuss an example of measuring dynamics of static structure factor after quenching the atomic interaction strength near a Feshbach resonance. (This work was carried out in Chin group at the University of Chicago) Friday, March 2, 2012 Speaker: Anika Pflanzer, MPQ Title: Quantum superpositions with levitating optomechanical systems We provide a general quantum theory to describe the coupling of light to the motion of a nanodielectric inside a high-finesse optical cavity. Based on this, different designs for light-mechanics interfaces to prepare non-Gaussian states of the mechanical motion, such as quantum superpositions of Fock states, are proposed. While these protocols are described for the specific setup of levitating dielectrics, we demonstrate that they are applicable to any optomechanical system. Furthermore, a method to prepare and verify spatial quantum superpositions of levitating nanospheres separated by distances of the order of their size is proposed. Finally, we extend the theory to objects larger than the optical wavelength taking into account all orders of rescattering events in the light-matter interaction. Friday, March 9, 2012 Speaker: Marcus Teague, Yeh Group Title: Scanning tunneling spectroscopic (STS) studies of strain induced pseudo-magnetic fields and charging effects in single layer graphene. Atomically resolved imaging and spectroscopic properties of graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on copper are investigated by means of scanning tunneling spectroscopy. Mechanically exfoliated graphene on silicon dioxide demonstrates strain induced local conductance modulations. Similarly in comparison, CVD-grown graphene on a copper substrate exhibits ripples and appears strongly strained, with different regions exhibiting different lattice structures and electronic density of states (DOS). In particular, non trivial strain along ridgeline imperfections, results strain-induced giant pseudo-magnetic fields B= 35~50 T, where quantized Landau levels are manifested by peaks of DOS at quantized energies. Additionally, both integer and fractional quantum Hall states due to strain-induced B are observed and may be attributed to significant short-range Coulomb interactions of Dirac fermions in graphene mediated by the underlying Cu substrate, which yields an onsite Coulomb interaction of U ~ 3.2 eV larger than the nearest-neighbor hopping energy t ~ 2.8 eV. In contrast CVD grown graphene transferred to SiO2 show reduced strain effects and opens the possibility of strain engineering of the local electronic properties for device applications. Friday, March 16, 2012 Speaker: Alexey Gorshkov, IQI Title: Quantum Magnetism with Polar Molecules: Tunable Generalized t-J Model We show that dipolar interactions between ultracold polar molecules in optical lattices can be used to realize a highly tunable generalization of the t-J model. The "spin" is encoded in the rotational degree of freedom of the molecules, while the interactions are controlled by applied static electric and continuous-wave microwave fields. We show that the tunability and the longrange nature of the interactions in our generalized t-J model enable enhanced superfluidity in one dimension and controllable preparation of robust d-wave superfluids in two dimensions. The latter may provide fundamental insights into high-temperature superconductivity. [References: Phys. Rev. Lett. 107, 115301 (2011); Phys. Rev. A 84, 033619 (2011); Phys. Rev. A 84, 063639 (2011)] Friday, April 6, 2012 Speaker: Glen Evenbly, IQI Title: The Scale-Invariant MERA and Quantum Criticality The multi-scale entanglement renormalization ansatz (MERA) is a class of tensor network state for quantum lattice systems, which is based upon a coarse-graining transformation known as entanglement renormalization. MERA has been demonstrated to accurately represent the ground states of a variety of strongly correlated systems lattice systems in one and two spatial dimensions and, in particular, have been seen to offer a very natural description of quantum critical systems. In this talk I will discuss the theoretical foundations of the MERA and also describe the application of MERA for the study of scale-invariant critical systems, including a prescription for extracting the conformal data (including the scaling dimensions, OPE coefficients, central charge etc) of a scale-invariant theory. Friday, April 13, 2012 Speaker: Debaleena Nandi, Eisenstein Group Title: "Perfect" Coulomb Drag of Interlayer Excitons in Bilayer Quantum Hall Systems An exciton is a negatively charged electron bound to a positively charged hole because of coulomb attraction. Even though electrons and holes are each fermions, the excitons are charge neutral bosons. This gives rise to the possibility of Bose-Einstein Condensation of excitons and exotic phenomenons like excitonic superfluidity. I will briefly review previous experiments that suggested a superfluid like excitonic condensate state can be achieved in bilayer Quantum Hall systems. In this realization of exciton condensation, the electrons in one layer are tightly bound to holes are in the other layer. We demonstrate that injecting an electron current in one layer simultaneously generates a hole current of equal magnitude in the other layer which is part of a closed loop. Thus, a dc current flows in a closed loop without a drive voltage (battery). References: 1) J.P. Eisenstein and A.H. MacDonald, Nature 432, 691 (2004). 2) D. Nandi, A.D.K. Finck, J.P. Eisenstein, L.N. Pfeiffer and K.W. West, arXiv 1203.3208v1 (2012) Friday, April 20, 2012 Speaker: Mark Rudner, IQIM/Ohio State University Title: Spin-nanomechanical coupling in carbon nanotube quantum dots Nanostructures made out of atomically-thin carbon-based materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) feature low masses and high stiffnesses. These properties naturally lead to high mechanical oscillation frequencies and open many avenues for exploring both fundamental phenomena and potential applications based on the coupling of nanomechanical and electronic degrees of freedom. The recently discovered strong spin-orbit coupling in CNTs provides an intrinsic coupling between electron spins and mechanical deflections of the nanotube. For a long nanotube with a quasi-continuous phonon spectrum, we show that this coupling gives rise to a dramatic enhancement of the electron spin relaxation rate near a level crossing in the Zeeman spectrum of a few-electron nanotube quantum dot, as observed in recent experiments. For a short suspended nanotube with well-separated discrete phonon modes, this system can provide a natural solid state realization of the Jaynes-Cummings model of quantum optics. Our estimates indicate that, with currently achievable experimental parameters, the strong coupling regime of coherent spin-phonon exchange may be within reach. Detection schemes and potential applications w


The report summarizes the tasks performed under the GRI Commercial Building Systems Analysis program from October 1990 through April 1993. The program has provided the following benefits: (1) the DOE 2.1E simulation software has been enhanced to include new models for gas cooling equipment and the capability to accurately model complex utility rates; (2) the program has contributed toward successful commercialization of high-efficiency gas-fired heating and cooling equipment; (3) GRI's intalled cost data for light commercial packaged cooling systems was updated; (4) the GRI data base of commercial appliance energy use was updated.


The development of toll road infrastructure in Indonesia is still slow down, if we compare the growth of toll road before crisis from 1978 until 1998 was 13.66% and after the crisis from 1999 to 2010 was 2.14%. Otherwise, the length of toll road in Indonesia until now has 742 km, operated by State Owned Enterprise (Jasa Marga) is 78% and private is 28%.The fact of that data above that toll road investment in Indonesia is not interesting to private investor because investment in toll road development riskier than other infrastructure investment. At this paper, we try to explain the development and toll road infrastructure risks in Indonesia.


We investigate the dynamics of a spatial discrete soliton and the radiation families emitted by it inside a parity-time ($\mathcal{PT}$)-symmetric waveguide array with alternate gain-loss channels. A strong spatial soliton that evolves inside the waveguide array due to the balance between discrete diffraction and Kerr nonlinearity excites linear waves in the form of diffractive radiation when launched with an angle. $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric nature of the waveguide leads to additional radiations in Fourier space that were never explored before. In our work, we mainly focus on the origin of these radiations and try to understand how to control them. Under strong $\mathcal{PT}$ symmetry, a discrete soliton launched normally to the waveguide array produces strong side-lobes which can lead to a population of field at $\pm \pi/2$ in momentum space. In addition, a strong soliton with initial phase gradient radiates unique $\mathcal{PT}$ symmetry assisted linear wave. We establish a phase matching condition to locate such radiation in momentum space. The periodic arrangement of the gain-loss channel also leads to radiations due to reflection and back-scattering, which is prominent for a weak soliton. A linear Hamiltonian analysis for such a waveguide array is provided to identify the $\mathcal{PT}$-phase transition regime and to optimize the parameter for stable discrete soliton dynamics. We thoroughly investigate the origin of all the radiations that emerged in the $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric waveguide array and put forward the background theory which is in good agreement with the full numerical results.


By controlling the content ratio of Ag and Au during the metal co-sputtering process, we demonstrate that the surface dispersion properties of alloy metal films can be manipulated with no need to tune the geometric parameters for surface patterns. This inexpensive technology provides a different way to engineer the surface dispersion properties of plasmonic metamaterial components on a chip.


From GuI to TuI Humans have evolved a heightened ability to sense and manipulate the physical world, yet the digital world takes little advantage of our capacity for hand-eye coordination. A tangible user interface (TUI) builds upon our dexterity by embodying digital information in physical space. Tangible design expands the affordances of physical objects so they can Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) let users see digital information only through a screen, as if looking into a pool of water, as depicted in Figure 1 on page 40. We interact with the forms below through remote controls, such as a mouse, a keyboard, or a touchscreen (Figure 1a). Now imagine an iceberg, a mass of ice that penetrates the surface of the water and provides a handle for the mass beneath. This metaphor describes tangible user interfaces: They act as physical manifestations of computation, allowing us to interact directly with the portion that is made tangible—the "tip of the iceberg" (Figure 1b). Radical Atoms takes a leap beyond tangible interfaces by assuming a hypothetical generation of materials that can change form and CoVer STorY


While a hydropower station is in its transition process,the unsteady flow in the tailrace surge tank has been simulated by using the method of CFD.In this paper,the surge wave and the bottom plate pressure difference are the focus of concern in the 3-D numerical simulation.Three turbulence models have been used to simulate the unsteady flow.We can illustrate the differences between the three turbulence models while they are used to simulate the transition process.Based on the advantage that the 3-D numerical simulation can capture the information of internal flow field,we are also able to explore the situation of free surface and flow regime in the surge tank through the entire wave process.


The present invention is primarily hydrocarbon backbone having a carboxylic acid group and polyalkoxylated chain, as well as polymers containing backbone antioxidant groups grafted to the weight of the final polymer up to 4 percent by weight based. The present invention relates to a method for preparing such polymers, and the polymer, also relates to useful admixtures as plasticizers suspension of inorganic particles. Finally, the present invention relates to the use of such polymers to reduce the required amount of water suspension fluidized allowed hydraulic composition of the inorganic particles.


Many localities in China are faced with an outdated, segmented infrastructure system and a shrinking budget. However, the state‐led promotion of Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) in China is providing an innovative solution. This paper looks at financing innovations in China such as industrial funds and asset‐backed securitisation for PPP projects. Particularly, this paper empirically studies the characteristics of project revenue bonds and PPP asset‐backed securities (PPP–ABS) in China. The study finds that the majority of social investors remain state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) and returns on whole business securitisation (WBS) of projects could vary with the volume issued and the credit of the company. Securitisation not only solves the problem of limited source of financing, but also improves the efficiency of management. While securitisation of PPP projects can succeed in tapping social capital to invest infrastructures, the banking system should handle with caution the credit risk and default risk caused by rising leverage of PPP special purpose vehicles (SPVs).


CARBONATE REMOVAL FROM SOILS BY A MODIFICATION OF THE ACETATE BUFFER METHOD THE LINCOLN SOIL SURVEY LABOHATORY is engaged in the characterization of highly calcareous soils as part of a study of the genesis of soils in a Desert Region. Removal of the carbonate prior to analyses is mandatory for many of the soils because of strong carbonate accumulation. The characterization measurements on the samples treated to remove carbonate include particle-size distribution, cation-exchange capacity, organic carbon, nitrogen, and free iron. The procedure adopted for carbonate removal uses pH 5 NaOAc buffer. Samples are held in dialysis membranes during the buffer treatment and are desalted by dialysis against tap water. Jackson describes a procedure for the removal of carbonate from soils with pH 5 NaOAc buffer. In Jackson's procedure, the samples are treated in beakers, and the excess salts are removed by centrifugation and decantation. We believe the procedure described below is more practicable for treatment of the large samples necessary for soil characterization.


The European Union adopted a 20-20-20 Renewable Energy Directive setting climate change reduction goals for the next decade.The targets call for a 10% mandate for renewable content in transportation fuels. In this context the project aims to develop a European chain model of bioethanol production from sweet sorghum, which is promising from different points of view: -Ethanol yields similar to those of cereals grain -Low inputs requirements of the agricultural phase -Technological maturity and simplicity, suitable for decentralised plants -Decentralised plant as biorefinery -Positive energy ratio -High Greenhouse gases saving -High CO2 adsorption -Economic viability At the moment the main gap is due to the absence of know-how about the potentialities of sweet sorghum as ethanol crop. In order to overcome this gas, the project has acquired know-how on the chain through visit to existing realities and engagement of all actors in the supply chain; this know-how is now being spread through specific trainings for each chain and market player, as well as through a network where chain actors can meet to exchange information and find contacts to help them start new initiatives.


To fully utilize the spectral and spatial information rich in hyperspectral remote sensing images,this paper proposes a hyperspectral images classification method based on multiple kernel support vector machine( MKSVM) and Markov random field( MRF). Firstly,the MKSVM classifier is used to classify hyperspectral images,then the MRF is used to regularize the initial classification results in the spatial structure,and the final classification results are obtained in the end. The experiment on AVIRIS hyperspectral image shows that the proposed method not only effectively eliminates the "noise"in the homogeneous regions within the classification results but also improves the classification accuracy by about 3%.


Background: Synchronous multiple ground-glass nodules (SMGGNs) in synchronous multiple lung cancers (SMLCs) are associated with specific imaging findings. It is difficult to distinguish whether multiple nodules are primary tumors or metastatic lesions in the lungs. The need for positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and contrast-enhanced brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for these patients remains unclear. This study investigated the necessity of these two imaging examinations for SMGGN patients by means of retrospective analysis. Methods: SMGGN patients who were diagnosed and treated in the Department of Thoracic Surgery in our hospital from October 2017 to May 2020 and underwent whole-body PET/CT and/or contrast-enhanced brain MRI examinations were enrolled in this study. We analyzed the imaging and clinical characteristics of these patients to evaluate SMGGN patients' need to undergo whole-body PET/CT and brain MRI examination. Results: A total of 87 SMGGN patients (26 men and 61 women, with a median age of 58 years at onset) were enrolled. Fifty-one patients underwent whole-body PET/CT examinations and did not show signs of primary tumors in other organs, metastatic foci in other organs, or metastasis to surrounding lymph nodes. Eighty-seven patients underwent whole-brain MRI, which did not reveal brain metastases but did detect an old cerebral infarction in 23 patients and a new cerebral infarction in one patient. Eighty-seven patients underwent surgical treatment in which 219 nodules were removed. All nodules were diagnosed as adenocarcinoma or atypical adenomatous hyperplasia. No lymph node metastasis was noted. Conclusion: For SMGGN patients, it is not necessary to perform a whole-body PET/CT examination before surgery. Contrast-enhanced brain MRI can assess the patient's cerebrovascular function before surgery and reduce the risk of perioperative cerebrovascular accidents. Thus, it is a necessary examination.


In computational phylogenetics, the problem of constructing a consensus tree for a given set of rooted input trees has frequently been addressed. In this article we study the Minimum-Flip Problem: the input trees are transformed into a binary matrix, and we want to find a perfect phylogeny for this matrix using a minimum number of flips, that is, corrections of single entries in the matrix. The graph-theoretical formulation of the problem is as follows: Given a bipartite graph G = (Vt ∪ Vc, E), the task is to find a minimum set of edge modifications such that the resulting graph has no induced path with four edges that starts and ends in Vt, where Vt corresponds to the taxa set and Vc corresponds to the character set. We present two fixed-parameter algorithms for the Minimum-Flip Problem, one with running time O(4.83k + poly(m, n)) and another one with running time O(4.42k + poly(m, n)) for n taxa, m characters, k flips, and poly(m, n) denotes a polynomial function in m and n. Additionally, we discuss several heuristic improvements. We also report computational results on phylogenetic data.


The paper presents a 2.2 GS/s (1.1 GHz Nyquist bandwidth), 188 mW 512-channel spectrometer processor developed to support of future science observations on NASA planetary missions, where payload size, weight, and power consumption are extremely limited. The presented spectrometer processor chip contains a pair of 7 bit ADC IQ converters coupled with a 512 point PSD processor, and averaging accumulator, allowing it to be sensitive enough to detect trace gases like NH3, HCN, and CO2 when coupled to the appropriate band RF front-end receiver. The bandwidth and resolution of the presented processor make it suitable for exploring the composition of planets, moons and their atmospheres throughout our solar system.


A method for controlling a three-phase inverter with voltage intermediate circuit by means of pulse width modulation to supply a three-phase system, in particular a polyphase machine, wherein the inverter is operated with at least two different modulation method is switched between them depending on the operating state of the three-phase system, characterized in that the modulation method is selected from the group of modulation schemes that includes a single-phase clock, a two-phase clock and a three-phase clocking, and that the converter in an operation of the three-phase system output voltages above a minimum voltage value between 60% and 70% of the possible voltage control range of the inverter is operated with the modulation method of the single-phase clocking, in which during a period of each clocked only a half-bridge, wherein in a control means of the space vector modulation of the voltage at the output R and the hexagon is raised.


Rural life pollution is that sewage, living garbage, human and animals excrement and farmland litter pollution in rural residents daily life for the activities of daily life, which is a type of non-point source pollution. At present, poultry and animal feces pollution has become an important sources of rural pollution in Nantong area. Through the statistical analysis from 2008 to 2012, the largest yielding of poultry and animal feces pollution sources of emissions was TN, 15 788.98 t, accounting for 37.37%, followed by CODcr and TP, total accounting for 34.89% and 27.74%. It indicated that poultry and animal feces water environment pollution is very serious.


Retinoids. In a landmark study (Nat Med 1997;3:675–677), Massaro and Massaro showed that elastase-induced emphysema in rats was abrogated by administration of all-trans retinoic acid, atRA. Subsequent work has shown that retinoic acid and the biologically active metabolites of retinol play several key roles in alveolar development and regeneration post-injury. Most of that work has been done in mice and rats and its translation into humans is complicated by the fact, amongst other facts, that lung growth in humans, unlike in rodents, does not continue throughout life. Nevertheless, the possibility of regeneration of alveoli in the emphysematous human lung has lead to preliminary studies in humans. On the basis of some feasibility studies (Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2002;165:718–723; J Clin Pharmacol 2008;48:96–107), all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) and 13-cis retinoic acid were chosen for a 6-month NIH sponsored study called FORTE (NCT00000621). Although not designed or powered for clinically beneficial outcomes, small improvements in diffusion capacity and CT density were seen with the higher dose of atRA, warranting further study (Roth MD et al. CHEST 2006;130:1334–1345). In order to address problems that were seen with the bioavailability of retinoids in humans, synthetic retinoic acid receptor (RAR) agonists have also been developed. Of the several isoforms of RAR, RARγ appears to be the most promising target and a small molecule agonist developed by Hoffmann-La Roche, palovarotene, has recently completed a Phase II study in patients with moderate or severe emphysema (TESRA, NCT00413205). The outcomes included "measurements of exercise, gas transfer and lung densitometry" (Hind M, et al. Curr Opin Investig Drugs 2009; 10:1243–1250). Results are not available at the time of writing but may have become available by the time this column is published. A search for patents relating to retinoids or RAR agonists for emphysema revealed several held by Roche in addition to palovarotene. There are several other patents for inhaled formulations of atRA and off-patent retinoids, but no other new retinoid molecular entities. Clinicaltrials.gov lists only the studies mentioned above. Personalized Smoking Cessation. An interesting report in Molecular Medicine, [E-pub ahead of print] asks the question whether "genetic analysis can predict the success of a nico-


Supercritical water (over 374 centigrade and 22 MPa) has so high solubility for oraganic and oxgen that they are consist in homogeneous phase, So it is very easy to oxidize oragnic compounds. Furthermore, in supercritical water both hydrolysis and pyrolysis are occurred, so SCWO (super critical water oxidation) process has high decomposition ability for organic compounds.We have already operated the SCWO pilot-scale plant which has the capacity of up to 2 ton/day since 1995. Using this plant, we have demonstrated to decompose various chemicals safely and completely. In this report, it is also demonstrated that papermaking wastes were completely decomposed by SCWO.


In recent years, policy makers and regulators have increasingly focused their attention on reforms that would enhance the legal and institutional framework within which corporations operate. Central to these efforts is the question of corporate governance, that is, the adoption of value-maximizing norms and strategies regulating the decision-making process within a corporation.The review of corporate governance structures in this chapter describes four modes of decision making that display the positive responsibility models of corporate decision-making. The first model involves internal enterprise decision-making processes designed to more fully engage both labour and management in the overall definition and implementation of best practices and new business opportunities. The second model involves enterprises in joint decision making in the best interest of the sector; often the focus is on the human resource. The third model, the value chain, involves a series of businesses working together in order to respond more strategically to changes in the market. The fourth model is a regional decision-making process where a number of value chains operate in concert based on the global competitive advantage to be gained through inter-sectoral and intra-sectoral collaboration. An enterprise can operate following all four models or engage in any model independently of the others. Our contention is that a company that engages in these types of decision-making processes can meet the goal of corporate social responsibility without jeopardizing the decision-making authority or interests of the shareholder.


Kinetics of L-type pyruvate kinase (EC 22.214.171.124) catalysed reaction between phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) and ADP was analysed under steady-state conditions and the interac- tion of both substrates with the enzyme was characterized proceeding from bi-substrate kinetic mechanism of this process. Cooperative regulation of the rate of this process by one of the substrates, PEP, was taken into consideration by using a sequential ligand binding model. It was found that two PEP molecules may bind with similar affinity with the tetrameric enzyme (3 0 mM), K = while the effectiveness of the binding of the next two substrate molecules is enhanced through cooperative interaction between the enzyme subunits, which decreases the dissociation constant of the enzyme-substrate complex approximately 10 times.


This paper deals with the problem of aligning data and computations when mapping uniform or affine loop nests onto SPMD distributed memory parallel computers. For affine loop nests we formulate the problem by introducing the communication graph, which can be viewed as the counterpart for the mapping problem of the dependence graph for scheduling. We illustrate the approach with several examples to show the difficulty of the problem. In the simplest case, that of perfect loop nests with uniform dependences, we show that minimizing the number of communications is NP-complete, although we are able to derive a good alignment heuristic in most practical cases.


Machine learning models have been widely deployed to tackle the problem of radio propagation. In addition to helping in the estimation of path loss, they can also be used to better understand the details of various propagation scenarios. Our current work exploits the inherent ranking of feature importances provided by XGBoost and Random Forest as a means of indicating the contribution of the underlying propagation mechanisms. A comparison between two different transmitter antenna heights, revealing the associated propagation profiles, is made. Feature selection is then implemented, leading to models with reduced complexity, and consequently reduced training and response times, based on the previously calculated importances.


This paper reviews the set of existing sustainability indices which are related to energy efficiency a critical factor in the actual moment, unveiling the main differences between indices, focusing the attention on those indices more adequate to policy making, finding the most adequate sources for indicators to compose the indices from a European perspective, showing the inconsistencies and limitations of most indices and the need of a simple index based on several complementary indices.


A graph-theoretic approach forthepowersystem topological observability ispresented. Thenew proposed method directly searches foran observable spanning treeinthemeas¬ urementgraph, anddoesnotgive conservative results. Thesearch fora spanning treeisbasedon a special algorithm formatroid intersections (1), (2). Thepaperfirst presents a review ofsome required concepts anddefinitions concerning topological obser¬ vability andmeasurementgraphs. Thenitdescribes theproposed algorithm. Illustrative examples arepresented, including areal-size system with121buses.


To ensure an optimal application of fuel behavior codes, international standard problems (ISPs) are performed by the Nuclear Energy Agency of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Calculations performed with complex fuel analysis codes consume considerable implementation and running times. To avoid the application of these codes, a fast-running deformation code was extended to a fuel behavior code called BALO-2A. With this code, two standard problems were performed: ISP-14, which is based on the bundle experiment REBEKA-6, and ISP-19, performed, at the Phebus facility. In each standard problem, different methods have to be applied to obtain boundary conditions and input values. The results indicate that BALO-2A simulate fuel behavior under loss-of-coolant accident conditions quite well.


Almond (Amygadalus communis Spock.) selection program was started in 1990 when we choose 13 clones in the area of Dalmatia. The research were carried out according to validly descriptors for the almonds. Biological, morphological, phenological and pomological characteristics, and especially drought resistance of particular clone were examined. Among 13 clones under investigation at the begining of the experiment, seven clones, which exhibited better characteristics then standard cultivars in this area were chosen in 1996. The results of researchs done on these 7clones in the 1996-1999 period are presented in this work. One of chosen clones was weak vigorous, vhile the others were medium or strong vigorous. Leaf size of chosen clones were in the rang betwen 8, 1 cm2 and 18, 3 cm2. All clones had very late blooming time, what is wery important for avoiding of frost damages. Fruit weight of examined clones was betwen 2, 3 g and 3, 8 gr. and kernel percentag was betven 13, 6 % and 47, 5 %. All clones had auto fertility percentage betwen 18, 5 andd 26 %, and pollen grain germination was betwen 61 % and 73 %. These promising clones were propagated by grafting on bitter almond rootstock and planted in collection orchard, where the researches will be continued.


The materials science and engineering (MS&E) community identified its collective need for data infrastructure as early as the 1980s [1]. While interest around this topic has grown markedly in recent years, there is still much work to do in order to meet the field's needs and unlock the potential benefits of advanced data infrastructure. Data infrastructure plays an important role for fundamental materials researchers as well as materials producers and materials-enabled product companies (MEPCs or manufacturers whose products rely on advanced materials) as data generated through laboratory investigations, the manufacturing environment, and customer specifications need to be stored in an easily searchable, updateable, and accessible infrastructure [3]. Currently, there is a drive to develop materials databases built around highly structured processing and property relationships, as these will enable materials informatics techniques and could assist with materials discovery, development, and deployment [4–9]. The Materials Genome Initiative (MGI) [6] and the 2013 open access memo from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy [10] are two examples of US-based efforts that are encouraging the community to work toward solutions to meet the current infrastructure need. In addition to US efforts, there are other international projects, such as the European Commission Joint Research Centre's MatDB [11] and the European Union's NoMaD repository


No one was white before he/she came to America. James Baldwin, "On Being 'White' and Other Lies" I'm tired of being overlooked and then categorized as colorless, as though I've never had a good spaghetti fight in my life. I'm tired of being told to shut up and assimilate. Rose Romano, "Vendetta"


Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer associated death among women worldwide. Current cancer treatments include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. However, since these conventional methods often have undesirable side effects,new focus towards the use of plant extract to treating cancer with eliminating the side effects. The objective of present study is to asses the anticancer effect of leaves of Alstonia scholaris, using the cytosolic marker enzymes like Aspartate transaminase (AST),Acid phosphatase(ACP) , Alkaline phosphatase(ALP), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Gamma - glutamyl transferase(γ– GT), and 5'-nuclcotidase(5'-NT) in vitro over breast cancer tissue. These are key enzymes in the metabolic pathways and these are the target for the drugs used in chemotherapy. An elevated level of enzyme concentration signals the presence of malignancy .The effect of leaves of Alstonia scholaris is also assessed by studying the effect of non-enzymatic antioxidants like vitamin A, E, C in vitro over breast cancer tissue. The present study revealed the leaves of methanolic extracts of Alstonia scholaris on cancer cells/tumor cells in vitro has been justified by its cytotoxic effect and anti proliferative effect.


The effects of the resistivity of p-silicon in the range from 1 to 3 × 104 ohm-cm and the thickness of the base on the characteristics of photoconverters operating under the conditions of space radiation are considered. It is show that by reducing the thickness and increasing the resistivity of the photoconverter base the specific weight characteristics and the stability of the cells working in a field of penetrating radiation can be improved


(57) Abstract: together with submicron oil-in-water emulsion, the composition comprising the biodegradable microparticles with entrapped or adsorbed antigen is provided. Further, a vertebrate subject, comprising administering: (a) a submicron oil-in-water emulsion, and (b) entrapped into microparticles, the therapeutically effective amount of a selected antigen, immune method is provided.


There are approximately one million residents with disabilities in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi societal view of individuals with disability is of people who are helpless, dependent, home-bound and lack productivity. There are reports of patients with disabilities who present management difficulties, are in need of increased oral hygiene and who have caries ratios comparable to the general population. However, there is little or no preparation of dental students to provide services for their special needs. Examples of dental education accreditation standards in other countries are used as models for needed educational programmes.


Assembly Sequence Planning (ASP) is an essential question for aircraft assembly process design. Modern aircraft assembly contains plenty of complex shape components, which have so many assembly features to ensure, this leads to a large number of feasible assembly sequences using traditional sequence planning algorithms; and it is hard to evaluate the contribution to assembly quality for every sequence. A methodology called Key Characteristics Based ASP is proposed in this paper, which can significantly reduce unavailable sequences and ensure key features for quality in assembly process designing compared with previous methods. The methodology focuses on the final assembly quality and considers it as Assembly Key Characteristics (AKCs) in the beginning of assembly process design. With tools such as AKCs decomposition, Datum Flow Chain, precedence constraint matrix, the methodology describes the main process for ASP. To verify the technologys effectiveness, this paper presents an application of the algorithm in an aircraft component assembly by an 863 program.


Recently, lateral jet has been adopted as an effective control device for high maneuverable tactical missiles in supersonic regime. Aerodynamic interference caused by the lateral jet can be categorized into two phenomena; local interaction redistributing surface pressure near the jet exit region and downstream interaction affecting tail control effectiveness. As part of on-going research, this paper deals with the aerodynamic modeling to predict the variation of force and moment when lateral jet of is activated on the missile body. For this purpose, a series of numerical simulation has been performed and the results are presented. Using the information obtained by CFD, aerodynamic model of preliminary level has been constructed and is reviewed. Some relevant comparison with wind tunnel tests are presented.


The development of Richtmyer-Meshkov instability on interfaces with different shapes is numerically investigated.The numerical method employs an adaptive unstructured quadrilateral mesh,which can capture the interface evolution very well.Simulations are carried out under the condition of a Mach number of 1.2 and light/heavy(air/SF6) interfaces.Three shapes are considered in the simulations,i.e.,rectangle,ellipse and triangle.The differences in the wave system,generation and distribute of the vorticity and evolution of interfaces are presented and discussed for these three different shapes.The results show that the initial shape of the interface will affect the development of the instability,which will cause the differences in wave patterns,vorticity generation and distribution,and eventually will lead to the different evolution modes.These findings indicate that it may be different to the dominant mechanism of Richtmyer-Meshkov instability on different interface shapes.


In the light of the academic development of the study of Taiwan literature in Japan since 1960,there are two academic ways for the study.One is by introspecting Japanese colonial history since 1980,considering Taiwan literature a clique of new literature of May 4~(th) in the mainland and developing in the colonial context of oppression and resistance.The other is by introducing theories of western cultural study,linguistic nationalism and national country,etc.since 1990,emphasizing the popularizing of Japanese during Japanese occupation so as to "form nationalism with the core of Taiwan literature of imperial kinsmen".By sorting out this academic history,we can know the narrative method of colonial history and cultural politics,which are often the topics of debates between Japanese scholars and Taiwan writers in recent years.


In this short piece, I discuss the necessity of employing more-than-textual methods to understand more-than-textual phenomena. My case study is the feminized world of wellness, where stylish young entrepreneurs sell strategies of health-enhancement. While existing commentary typically frames wellness as the exclusive and somewhat risible preserve of wealthy white women—a framing enabled by the prominence of figures such as Gwyneth Paltrow—this narrative risks obscuring a more complicated story about the desire for health and well-being in an era of heightened precarity. Against this backdrop, I argue that the rise of wellness as a novel cultural formation and new commercial development must be situated within the broader social, economic, and political terrain of contemporary Britain. Methodologically, this means grappling with the glamorous trappings of wellness media and excavating the psychic investments and embodied experiences that animate this movement-market.


The aim of this study is to from a gender perspective to examine whether spa is a place for both genders or it is focused on female spa visitors only. Also to study the organisation`s point of view ...


The major portion power loss in power system occurs in the components of low voltage (LV) networks. Low voltage distribution system (LVDS) configuration has been observed to contribute significantly to power loss and unacceptable voltage drop in the system due to its structure and higher current flow in the network. The adoption of small capacity transformers as high voltage distribution system (HVDS) configuration is increasingly applied to the network for power loss reduction and the improvement of voltage profile. This study aims to evaluate the technical and economic implication of the use of HVDS configuration on Ado-Ekiti 11/0.415 kV power distribution networks and provide necessary recommendations. The network data was obtained and modeled on NEPLAN software for simulation and technical evaluation of the networks. The existing LV lines were upgraded to high voltage (HV) and remodeled with small capacity transformers and comparative analysis of the technical and economic effects of the networks were carried out. The results obtained showed that there could be feeder capacity increase of 92.03 kW and power loss reduction of 347.17 kW and 459.72 kVar following reconfiguration from LVDS to HVDS. The losses in the transformers and lines were significantly reduced by 37.8% for HVDS configuration when compared with the LVDS configuration. The voltage profile was significantly improved with voltage deviations in the range of ± 0.01 to ± 0.03 of bus voltage for the HVDS network when compared to the existing network. The cost of implementation of the HVDS network substation was calculated to be ₦807,238,715.50 and with the combination of annual savings and an increment in tariff of ₦5/kWh in the billing charge of unit energy consumption resulted in a payback period of 2 to 3 years for the estimated capital investment. This study showed that technical performance of HVDS implementation on the Ado-Ekiti network feeder was better than that of the existing network.


common knowledge that is ripe for revision is the idea that, of all natives, Brahmans dominated government in Madras Presidency. There is certainly evidence for this notion. Brahmans held most of the very highest government positions in the Madras districts in 1855,' and Brahman conspiracies wrapped at least one district in a web of intrigued Yes, seven of every ten B.A. graduates from the University of Madras between 1870 and 1918 were Brahmans,' who consequently held most of the high-paying civil service jobs.' But look again. The picture of Brahman domination has been drawn by comparing their vastly disproportionate representation in government with the underrepresentation of &dquo;Non-Brahmans&dquo; in general. Upon further investigation, however, we might well find that the 55 per cent of all public service posts and the 37 per cent of posts paying more than Rs 10 in 1886 were held, not by &dquo;Non-Brahmans&dquo; in general,' but by a tiny elite group within this completely artificial aggregation of castes. Abandoning the Brahman vs. &dquo;Non-Brahman&dquo; dichotomy will produce a more realistic picture of the social distribution of power. Data from nineteenth century Tinnevelly District strongly suggest that the traditional landed elite, rather than a corps of Brahmans, dominated district administration. Brahmans dominated the very highest oflices in Tinnevelly, as they did elsewhere. Eight of eleven Deputy Collectors appointed between 1863 and 1890 were Brahmans.6 But looking at the full array of influential government positions in the district, we find that 60 per cent of the men in the top twelve o~ces-those above the rank of peon, in the order of salary'---were landholders, and, as a group, very rich landholders indeed. They were not mostly


Considerable progress has been achieved in recent decades in understanding the phenomena related to the onset of condensation in steam flows, both experimentally and especially numerically. Nevertheless, there is still a certain disagreement between the different numerical models used. Unfortunately, the available experimental validation data are not sufficiently detailed to allow for proper validation of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Therefore, this paper presents new experimental data for condensing steam flows, acquired in a supersonic nozzle according to Barschdorff, at the Institute of Thermal Turbomachinery Laboratory (ITSM) at the University of Stuttgart. A steady inlet pressure of approximately 784 mbar was set for three inlet temperatures down to 100.2 ∘C. Condensation onset is accurately captured across the nozzle, using down to 1 mm spatial resolution for both pneumatic and light spectra measurements. CFD simulations were performed using the commercial solver ANSYS CFX. The droplet diameters are numerically overestimated by approximately a factor of 1.5. Disagreement has been found between original Barschdorff's experiments and measurements at ITSM. However, there is a good agreement in terms of the pressure distribution along the nozzle axis between experimental and numerical results. The reproducibility of the results is excellent.


Causes of accidents in Malaysia are discussed and adverse weather conditions are singled out as an important cause. Rainfall affects the performance of the road surface and reduces visibility. Aquaplaning occurs when the frictional force is reduced between tyre and road surface and is influenced by the skidding resistance of the surfacing and by the tyre tread depth. There is also a situation whereby drizzle can produce a thin film of liquid on the road surface which combines with oil and dust on the road surface to reduce road friction, which is known as viscous hydroplaning. Visibility can be reduced to approximately 50metres during heavy rain. The problems associated with wind, flooding, temperature, glare and fog are described and linked to the climate and topography of Malaysia. Two monsoon periods are experienced each year and being in a tropical area, there is also a lot of convective rain. Consequently rain may be expected on half the days of the year. Winds in Malaysia are considered relatively weak, except where they are amplified by mountainous terrain. Annual seasonal temperature variation is less than 3degreesC but altitude and the action of the sun affect diurnal temperatures. Glare may accompany high temperatures and create hazardous driving conditions. Fog usually occurs at night on mountains or at the coast. The particular risks to motorcyclists are considered. Weather related accident data are considered. Engineering and enforcement measures for combating adverse weather are described, along with driver training and improvement.


Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is common in sickle cell disease and is known to be a risk factor for death. To improve the care of patients with sickle cell disease, the American Thoracic Society has developed a clinical practice guideline on the treatment of PH in sickle cell disease for pulmonologists, hematologists, cardiologists, pediatricians, and internists. The guideline was created by assembling a panel of experts, reviewing the literature, synthesizing the evidence, and then generating recommendations. This summary for practicing clinicians is prepared from the official guideline document (1).


A study has been made of the solubility of uranyl nitrate hexahydrate and thorium nitrate tetrahydrate in various organic solvents at 20 °C. In all the solvents investigated no case was found where the thorium nitrate tetrahydrate was more soluble than the uranyl nitrate hexahydrate. Hydrocarbons do not dissolve either compound to an appreciable extent. Addition of a ketone, aldehyde, or alcohol group enhances the solubility considerably. The simpler the compound the greater the solubility of the nitrate in any given family.


Silicon carbide is emerging as a novel material for a range of energy and environmental technologies. Previously, silicon carbide was considered as a material mainly for transistor applications. We have initiated the use of silicon carbide material towards optoelectronics in general lighting and solar cells, and further pursue concepts in materials for thermoelectrics, biofuel cells and supercapacitor research proposals. In fact, there are a number of energy applications which can be based on the SiC materials. Further on, we have the following concepts that could be explored Common to these SiC applications is the knowhow in growth technology on SiC processes using the sublimation based method. We will give an overview of this new research field and outline the energy applications that could be adressed in a near future.


To solve the time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation in spatially inhomogeneous pulses of electromagnetic radiation, we propose an iterative semi-classical complex trajectory approach. In numerical applications, we validate this method against ab initio numerical solutions by scrutinizing (a) electronic states in combined Coulomb and spatially homogeneous laser fields and (b) streaked photoemission from hydrogen atoms and plasmonic gold nanospheres. In comparison with streaked photoemission calculations performed in strong-field approximation, we demonstrate the improved reconstruction of the spatially inhomogeneous induced plasmonic infrared field near a nanoparticle surface from streaked photoemission spectra.


In this study, modification of glassy carbon electrode with electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) and acid treated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (A-MWCNT) was investigated for the voltammetric determination of LEV in body fluids and pharmaceutical products. Different combinations of GO, ERGO, MWCNT and A-MWCNT were searched and the best results obtained with GC/ERGO/A-MWCNT electrode. The prepared modified electrode showed electrocatalytic acitivity towards LEV oxidation by increasing oxidation peak currents 293 times. Characterizations of the modified electrode was performed with cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and raman measurements. The highest oxidation peak current was observed at pH value of 2.0. The oxidation peak currents of LEV increased linearly with the concentration of LEV in the range of 0.01 m M and 10 m M. The detection limit of the prepared sensor was determined as 0.0063 m M. After three weeks' storage, the prepared electrode showed high stability by preserving 93% of its original activity towards 1.0 m M LEV. The prepared electrode successfully discriminates the voltammetric response of LEV from that of other fluoroquinolone antibiotics (enoxacin, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin). Finally, the performance of the prepared electrode was tested in the determination of LEV in human blood serum, urine and pharmaceutical samples.


As an effective tracing method,stable nitrogen isotope is significant for studying the nitrogen cycling and contributions of exogenous organic matters to the sediments,especially for identifying source of nitrogen pollution.This paper has briefly summarized the nitrogen isotope application and fractionation effect,reviewed and discussed its applications for tracing and identifying nitrogen sources in the eutrophication lake,and proposed the prospective of the research on the nitrogen isotope for tracing environmental pollution sources.


A double‐blind randomised study was performed to investigate whether aminophylline reversed the sedative effect of diazepam. Thirty‐two patients undergoing genito‐urinary surgery with spinal or topical anasthesia were given diazepam to maintain a state of deep sedation. Postoperatively patients received either aminophylline (60–120 mg) or physiological saline intravenously. The aminophylline group showed a rapid reversal of sedation. which persisted throughout the observation period of 2 hours. No such effect was seen in the patients who received saline and the difference was still obvious after 2 hours. It is concluded that aminophylline is a potent antagonist to the sedative effect of diazepam.