Metadiscourse is an important linguistic resource which establishes the writer-reader relationship and makes a text reader-friendly. There is a scarcity of research which has analyzed the metadiscourse markers in a diachronic way. This study aims to explore the interactive markers such as transitions, frame markers, endophoric markers, evidentials, code glosses employed in Turkish research article abstracts published in Journal of Linguistics and Literature, Journal of Linguistics Research, Language Journal in 2008-2009 and 2017-2018 years and takes Hyland's (2005) Interpersonal Model of Metadiscourse as the theoretical framework. The findings of this study illustrate that 2017-2018 writers guide the readers in their research article abstracts much more than 2008-2009 writers with the use of evidentials by which they refer to the other researchers' ideas. This result reveals the diachronic evolution in the degree of writer-reader relationship from the perspective of social relations so that 2017-2018 writers are more inclined to declare being member of a specific discourse community with the use of evidentials. This research is expected to contribute to the understanding of Turkish academic discourse from a diachronic perspective and to provide useful implications in the fields such as foreign language teaching, corpus linguistics and text analysis.


This book is not to be confused with The Neurological Basis of Behavior, which reports a symposium held by the CIBA Foundation in London in 1957. The fact that two such volumes have been published within a year indicates the present great interest in bringing basic neurology and psychology together. This is all the more interesting because of the current tendency among clinical neurologists and psychiatrists to draw apart. The Central Nervous System and Behavior is not only a report of a Macy Foundation conference, with eleven excellent papers, but it is a conscious effort on the part of the Macy Foundation and the National Science Foundation to show Americans the great importance of the Russian contributions to neurophysiology. Certainly most of us know about Pavlov's work, but few of us are familiar with Sechenov, Wedensky, and others who precede Pavlov. These are described in three good historical sketches by Magoun, Brazier, and Leake. Pavlov (1849-1936) is described, in a warm personal chapter by Horsley Gantt, as a dynamic and dedicated physiologist. Bechterev (1857-1927), the broad-gauge and distinguished neuropsychiatrist, is clearly depicted by Paul Yakovlev.


Summary 1. Whole body x-irradiation of 650 to 725r results in depression of the normal bactericidal activity of rabbit serum. 2. With the x-irradiation doses employed, the bactericidal action of serum from rabbits is normal on the first post-irradiation day, is depressed by the fifth day following whole body x-irradiation and returns in surviving animals by the twentieth post-irradiation day. 3. Following a second dose of 650r, serum bactericidal activity is depressed earlier and remains depressed for a longer time than after the first 650r x-irradiation exposure.


Summary (1) In dogs prepared under thiopental and then immobilized with C10, the injection of d-amphetamine causes a progressive increase in the frequency of the EEG, with a corresponding decrease in amplitude. These effects are maximal within the first hour. (2) When unanesthetized dogs are gently roused from sleep and then fully alerted, there is a rise in the frequency of the EEG, accompanied by a decrease in amplitude. (3) When d-amphetamine is injected into unanesthetized dogs, there is an increase in motor activity, the peak effect being reached within the first hour. There is some evidence for an increase in the frequency of the EEG. (4) These findings suggest that the effects of d-amphetamine on the EEG of the dog are parallel to its effect on behavior.


This unit presents the analysis of negative charge on labeled N‐ or O‐linked oligosaccharides. These protocols may be used in the initial screening of oligosaccharides to detect negative charge, for analytical or preparative separation of oligosaccharides based on their negative charge, or to analyze the type of negative charge found on the oligos accharides. The describes the use of anion‐exchange (QAE‐Sephadex) chromatography with stepwise elution for estimating the number of negative charges on an oligosaccharide sample derived from glycosidase treatment of a glycoprotein. In an , gradient elution is used for the preparative separation of oligosaccharides based on negative charge. A describes a method for measuring loss of or change in negative charge after treatment of the oligosaccharide sample with mild acid and/or phosphatases.


With the development of the electronic technology and single-chip microcontroller technology, the tendency that the traditional hand megohm-meter is replaced by the intelligent megohm-meter becomes more and more obvious. The theory, structure, function and realization of the intelligent instrument based on 51 series single-chip microcontroller are described.


The main objective of the ENOVHEAT project is to develop, build and test the prototype of an innovative and efficient heat pump system based on the active magnetic regenerator technology and to demonstrate that it can be used for building space heating applications. The numerical investigation presented in this article tested different configurations of single magnetocaloric heating systems and cascaded magnetocaloric heating networks. It has been shown that the magnetocaloric heat pump can provide for the heating need of a single family house under Danish winter weather condition and presents appreciable coefficient of performance. At optimum fluid flow rate, certain magnetocaloric heat pump configurations could generate fluid temperature outlet of up to 35.3 °C and COPs of up to 4.45. When integrated and operating in a multi-zone dwelling, magnetocaloric heat pump presented average seasonal COPs of up to 1.84 and 2.63 for single unit systems and cascaded magnetocaloric heating networks, respectively. These results are encouraging to continue investigating further the magnetocaloric heat pump technology.


Let M be a real hypersurface of a complex space form with almost contact metric structure . In this paper, we study real hypersurfaces in a complex space form whose structure Jacobi operator is -parallel. In particular, we prove that the condition characterize the homogeneous real hypersurfaces of type A in a complex: projective space or a complex hyperbolic space when is constant and not equal to -c/24 on M, where c is a constant holomorphic sectional curvature of a complex space form.


The severely atrophy of jaws often complicates ideally oral reconstruction of esthetics and functionality, and necessitates different preprosthetic surgeries including bone grafting, ortho‐surgery, and implant insertion. The mentioned procedures could be done within different approaches. This report describes the management of an edentulous case by implant insertion before orthognathic correction.


Product differentiation has been an important field in industrial organization economics and has inspired theoretical and empirical research on competition in strategic management and marketing, among other disciplines. To better understand this important field, we review the literature in a critical manner. Here we have two purposes. First, we update some recent developments in the last decade or two. One interesting aspect of recent developments is an active incorporation of consumer heterogeneity, elastic demand in the model, two-side markets with network externalities, among others. Second, we assess the sensitivity of equilibrium outcomes on their assumptions. A critical review of the literature allows us to argue that the assumptions of quadratic transportation costs, elastic demand, and concave consumer distribution are influential in determining the level of differentiation. These assumptions, individually or together, increase product differentiation, possibly to the maximum level, by making consumers quite sensitive to (even small) price changes. And we also argue that when we assume multiple products and asymmetric cost positions, we have results similar to those suggested by resource endowments argument in strategic management. Based on the review, we offer several suggestions for future research. First, given the influential effect of the assumption of quadratic transportation costs, we suggest that researchers should make it clear why they choose to assume quadratic transportation costs over linear transportation costs. We believe this issue could be solved rather easily if researchers are more explicit about the applications of derived results rather than the derivation itself. Second, the impact of elastic demand on the degree of differentiation suggests that researchers should be particularly cautious in empirical research. Any condition that triggers price rigidity should be explicitly represented in the equation. Otherwise the degree of differentiation would not be properly estimated due to the endogeneity caused by the absence of this condition on the right side of the equation. Third, regarding unknown distribution of consumer density, researchers should be advised to include income distribution in their empirical model. Unlike unknown distribution of consumer heterogeneity, income distribution could be available if the target of the application of derived results is known. Lastly, it may prove to be quite fruitful if researchers build upon some of recent developments. Researchers may want to extend vertical differentiation in two-side markets with network externalities that may have interesting implications on on-demand economy or researchers may want to take up the notion of variable elasticity of substitution that could open up new possibilities of expanding research streams on supply-side (e.g., production costs) of product differentiation.


Pith autolysis, in the past studied only in herbaceous cultivated dicotyledonous plants, commonly occurs in wild plants. A survey of pith autolysis in wild plants was conducted in several different biomes in both North Carolina, USA and in Belgium. An objective method and a subjective method were developed and used to estimate the amount of pith autolysis in the internodes of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and the wild plant jewelweed (Impatiens capensis Meerb.) under experimental conditions. A ranking system also was used to quantify pith autolysis in other wild plants. In the field, a positive correlation was found between the rate of internode elongation and pith autolysis.

Injections of sucrose solution were found to reduce the amount of pith autolysis developed in the upper internodes of jewelweed when compared to injections of control solution. Extracts from the nodal tissues of jewelweed increased the amount of pith autolysis developed by both jewelweed in the field and bean in the greenhouse. This increase in pith autolysis may be due to a principle present in the jewelweed nodes that signals or causes the supertending internodes to become hollow.


OBJECTIVE
This study retrospectively characterized the immune infiltrating profile in non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PanNETs).

METHODS
Tumor tissues from the 109-patient Fudan cohort and 73-patient external validation set were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for nine immune cell types: tumor-infiltrating neutrophils (TINs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), CD11c+ dendritic cells, anti-NCR1+ NK cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, CD45RO+ memory T cells, FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), and CD20+ B cells.

RESULTS
TINs were primarily distributed in intratumoral area, dendritic cells and NK cells were scattered evenly in intratumoral and stromal areas, and Tregs were rarely detected. The remaining five cell types were primarily present in peritumoral stroma. Total TINs (P<0.001) and TAMs (P=0.002) increased as NF-PanNET-grade rose. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that high intratumoral TINs, total TAMs, and stromal CD4+ T cell infiltration correlated with shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS, P=0.010, P=0.027, and P=0.035, respectively) and overall survival (OS, P=0.017, P=0.029, and P=0.045, respectively). Additionally, high intratumoral CD8+ T cell infiltration correlated with prolonged RFS (P=0.039). Multivariate Cox regression demonstrated that intratumoral TINs, WHO classification and AJCC8th TNM were independent factors for RFS (P=0.043, P=0.023, and P=0.029, respectively), whereas intratumoral TINs and WHO classification were independent factors for OS (P=0.010 and P=0.007, respectively). Furthermore, combination of TINs, WHO classification and AJCC8th TNM remarkably improved prognostic accuracy for RFS. Above results have been verified in the external validation set.

CONCLUSION
Intratumoral TINs are an independent and unfavorable predictor of postoperative NF-PanNETs. A combination of TINs, WHO classification, and AJCC8th TNM could improve prognostic accuracy for RFS.


A novolac-based neopentyl glycol cyclic phosphate (NDMPP) flame retardant was synthesized based on novolac resin terminated with neopentyl glycol chlorophosphate by phosphorylation and it was used for flame retarding polyamide (PA) 6. The chemical structure of NDMPP was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ~1H and ~(31)P nuclear magnetic resonance (~1H NMR and ~(31)P NMR). The thermal stability of NDMPP was studied by thermo gravimetric (TG) analysis. NDMPP flame retardant PA6 was evaluated by limiting oxygen index (LOI) and vertical burning test (UL 94), the mechanical properties of the flame retardant PA6 were tested by universal material testing machine and impact testing machine. The results of ~1H NMR,~(31)P NMR and FTIR shows that about 82% of the novolac' s hydroxy1 groups are successfully phosphorylated, and the phosphorus content of NDMPP achieves 11.9%. TG analysis results show that starting decomposition temperature of NMDPP increases to over 250 °C under nitrogen atmosphere, and char residue at 600°C achieves to 43.5%, which reveal outstanding thermal stability. When the mass fraction of NDMPP is 25%, PA6 flame-retardanted by NDMPP reaches UL 94 V-0 rating and LOI value is 33.4%, the tensile strength,notched impact strength, flexural strength and flexural modulus of the flame retardant PA6 is 76%, 41%, 72% and 71% of the corresponding value of pure PA6, respectively.


A field—portable sonic digitizer has been developed for use in conducting rapid censuses of large numbers of small plants through time. The x, y coordinates of all plants (to the nearest 1 mm) within a 6.5 x 6.5 dm quadrant can be rapidly recorded onto a paper tape. Additional information for each plant may be recorded simultaneously onto the paper tape with a numeric keyboard. The unit also may be used to measure plant canopy coverage and map soil surface features. See full-text article at JSTOR


Background: It has been known that the increase of reticulated platelets indicates the increase of thrombopoiesis in platelet consumptive diseases or the impending platelet recovery in patients with thrombocytopenic conditions. A new rapid automated method to assess reticulated platelets, the immature platelet fraction (IPF), was recently introduced. We evaluated the usefulness of the IPF for the prediction of platelet recovery in patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and cytotoxic chemotherapy. Methods: Thirty one healthy volunteers and 59 patients formed 3 groups: the allogenic HSCT group (n=23, an ABO major-mismatch 6 of 23), the autologous HSCT group (n=8) and the cytotoxic chemotherapy group (n=28). The platelet count, % of IPF and the % of reticulocytes were checked every day by using a Sysmex XE-2100. Results: The IPF in the healthy volunteers was a mean of 2.2±1.6% (range: 0.3∼6.7%), and the maximum level of the IPF in the patient group was 6.1±1.7% (range: 3.3∼13.5%). The ideal cut-off value of the IPF increase to discriminate the platelet recovery group was 5.1%. When this cut-off value is used, the positive predictive value is 90.9% in the HSCT groups and 87.5% for the total patients. The 4 patients who showed an IPF higher than 5.1% without platelet recovery were in platelet consumptive conditions. It took 8.0±8.3 days to show platelet recovery after elevation of the IPF over 5.1% and an ABO major mismatch HSCT doesnt affect platelet recovery. Conclusion: The IPF is thought to be a useful parameter for the prediction of platelet recovery after HSCT and cytotoxic chemotherapy, but the problem of the patient' conditions affects the accuracy of the IPF, and the variable intervals between the increase of the IPF and platelet recovery is thought to be improved. (Korean J Blood Transfus 2007;18:89-96)


Close relationship exists between the optimum design of electric vehicle's power train parameters and its energy consumption characteristics. A method of analysis for the vehicle's energy consumption is adopted where the driving range, energy consumption per kilometer, and the specific energy consumption are selected as the evaluation parameters. Equivalent number of passengers and equivalent load are used to evaluate the driving load. Based on experimental results on urban route, the energy consumption of BJD6100-EV has been analyzed. The method put forward could be helpful to understand in more depth the energy consumption characteristics of the electric bus and serve as a guide to the matching of parameters for electric bus.


– Organophosphorus (OP) and carbamate (CB) pesticides are commonly used agrochemicals throughout the Western Hemisphere. These pesticides have caused mortalities in migratory birds and adverse physiological effects in trials with captive birds. Migratory shorebirds use a variety of habitats during the austral summer in temperate South America and during migration through the Great Plains of the United States. Habitats where risk of exposure is high include rice fields and turf grass farms where agrochemicals are used. Cholinesterase (ChE) is a specific biomarker for monitoring OP and CB exposure and can be measured using standard laboratory procedures. Plasma ChE activity is useful as a non-lethal means of monitoring avian exposure to OP and CB pesticides. Many variables can affect enzyme activity and reactivation assays are not always possible, thus reference ChE values are a necessary component of monitoring exposure. During northbound migration in 2006, we sampled four upland and five wetland shorebird species at four pesticide-free sites in North America, characterizing and measuring plasma ChEs in all shorebird species. Small-bodied species had higher levels of ChE activity in plasma than large-bodied species. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the enzyme whose inhibition leads to poisoning symptoms, showed less inter-specific variation than butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Plasma ChE activities varied with date of capture in three of five species. Sex differences were significant in one of two species tested. Our baseline ChE values for migratory shorebirds provide a framework for future ecotoxicological studies of NearcticNeotropical migrant shorebirds. Accepted 20 December 2007.


The optimal filtering problem for continuous-time linear systems with time-varying delay is considered. The purpose is to find a Riccati equation-based solution to the linear minimum mean square error filter. The time-varying delayed observation is firstly rewritten as an equivalent observation with multiple constant delays by defining a binary variable to model the arrival process of the observation. Then, by constructing certain multiple channel observations sequence that contains the same amount of information as the original one and applying the re-organised innovation analysis approach, the proposed problem is transformed to performing standard time-varying Kalman filtering.


This paper made an exposition of the conception about the operational effectiveness evaluation and command informa tion system,and analyzed the significance of command information system,and established its index system hierarchical structure.Combined with fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and analytic hierarchy process,it put forward a command information system's operational effectiveness model base on FAHP and made up of index normalization model,the model determined by the weights of index system,and multilevel fuzzy evaluation model.With examples,in connection with complicated and fuzzy features of evaluation of command information system's operational effectiveness,the model obtained objective evaluation in adapting means of both qualitative and quantitative.


The rich history of prime numbers includes great names such as Euclid, who first analytically studied the prime numbers and proved that there is an infinite number of them, Euler, who introduced the function ζ(s)≡∑n=1∞n−s=∏pprime11−p−s, Gauss, who estimated the rate at which prime numbers increase, and Riemann, who extended ζ(s) to the complex plane z and conjectured that all nontrivial zeros are in the R(z)=1/2 axis. The nonadditive entropy Sq=k∑ipilnq(1/pi)(q∈R;S1=SBG≡−k∑ipilnpi, where BG stands for Boltzmann-Gibbs) on which nonextensive statistical mechanics is based, involves the function lnqz≡z1−q−11−q(ln1z=lnz). It is already known that this function paves the way for the emergence of a q-generalized algebra, using q-numbers defined as 〈x〉q≡elnqx, which recover the number x for q=1. The q-prime numbers are then defined as the q-natural numbers 〈n〉q≡elnqn(n=1,2,3,⋯), where n is a prime number p=2,3,5,7,⋯ We show that, for any value of q, infinitely many q-prime numbers exist; for q≤1 they diverge for increasing prime number, whereas they converge for q>1; the standard prime numbers are recovered for q=1. For q≤1, we generalize the ζ(s) function as follows: ζq(s)≡〈ζ(s)〉q (s∈R). We show that this function appears to diverge at s=1+0, ∀q. Also, we alternatively define, for q≤1, ζq∑(s)≡∑n=1∞1〈n〉qs=1+1〈2〉qs+⋯ and ζq∏(s)≡∏pprime11−〈p〉q−s=11−〈2〉q−s11−〈3〉q−s11−〈5〉q−s⋯, which, for q<1, generically satisfy ζq∑(s)


The overhead operator announced, "Code Blue, cardiac arrest, MICU." I still remember that day from the end of my intern year some 40 years ago. My pager went off at about the same time as the announcement directing me to the Code Blue. I ran quickly, knowing that even a few seconds could make a critical difference, but I was also hoping that I would not be the first to arrive and have to take charge. I wanted someone more senior and experienced to be there ahead of me. When I reached the patient's bed, I was not expecting to see a wheelchair tilted at the head of the bed, from which one of the other residents, who I recognized to be paraplegic, was attempting to intubate the patient and run the code. I watched as this resident hoisted himself up on his elbows at the head of the patient, balancing himself precariously in the air. His biceps bulged against the weight of his body. He was holding a laryngoscope in one hand and an endotracheal tube in the other. A crowd of nurses, students, and other residents gathered around the bed, gazing at the heart monitor and at the patient, who was a thin elderly woman with a wrinkled face, thin blue lips, and pale gray lifeless eyes—but mostly, they were staring at this resident.


Nine new species of the water scavenger beetle genus Oocyclus Sharp, 1882 are described from the Brazilian Shield: O. ecolab sp. n., O. espinhacu sp. n., O. giganteus sp. n., O. humboldti sp. n., O. lacia sp. n., O. ovalis sp. n., O. sulcatus sp. n., O. thrixdiastematus sp. n., and O. thysanus sp. n. New locality records are provided for four species previously known from Brazil: O. rotundus Clarkson Short, 2012, O. pilosus Jordo, Clarkon Ferreira-Jr, 2018, O. xanthus Clarkson Short, 2012 and O. yubai Clarkson Short, 2012. All species are associated with rock-face seepages such as wet rocks, waterfalls, and seepages. An updated key to the Brazilian species of Oocyclus is provided.


This dissertation examines how patients and carers can make a meaningful contribution to the assessment of student nurses' practice competencies on placement, as mandated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, (NMC) (2010). An integrative literature review was undertaken. Findings to support the rationale are minimal but thematic analysis grouped findings into 3 main themes: challenges, power relations and terminology and ethical considerations. The assignment reviews change models and proposes a strategy for change implementation, considering the evidence around the identified concerns. Integral to this change process, it then proceeds to examine evaluation of the project. The author concludes that even though the evidence base is weak, by collaboratively engaging with stakeholders and utilising the PDSA cycle and a process of learning evaluation, an opportunity can be created to engage patients in the process of student feedback. The model will allow continuous evaluation within a framework, which enables flexibility and adaptability, benefitting patients, mentors and student nurses.


The paper proposes a model in which the cosmic ray spectrum is formed by propagation processes in magnetic and photon fields of Galaxy, for energy range from JACEE to Fly's Eye experiments. The turbulence effect of Galactic magnetic field on the propagation of cosmic ray nuclei has been investigated. We have found that the way of propagation of the protons (and nuclei respectively) is changed at the same energies where JACEE and Fly's Eye experiments observe alteration in the spectrum of protons. The diffusion equations for the nuclei in field of soft photons and turbulent magnetic field have been solved. We argue that the anisotropy of secondary protons should follow the heavy nuclei one. A good agreement with the whole features in total cosmic ray energy spectrum was obtained for parameters widely accepted for the cosmic environment.


Background: In several countries, fibrinolytic therapy represents the current reperfusion therapy for most patients with STEMI due to decrease of PCI-capable centers. Current guidelines recommended routine early revascularization (within 2-24 h) after successful thrombolysis but, it cannot be performed in timely fashion due to limitation of PCI-capable centers Aim of the work: To assess the utility of the GRACE risk score as prognostic factor in patients receiving delayed coronary intervention after successful thrombolysis in non-PCI-capable hospitals. Methods: This was a prospective observation study that was done from March 2017 to February 2018 and included 120 patients presented to the coronary care unit at Al-Azhar University Hospital and Al Mataryia Teaching Hospital with acute STEMI and treated successfully with thrombolytic therapy. All patients were subjected to full clinical examination, ECGs, Echocardiography, full labs. The patients who had successfully thrombolysis and received delayed PCI (during 48 h to 14 days) were included. Follow up was done on outpatient basis monthly after delayed PCI for three months. Results: There were 70 patients (58.3%) with low GRACE score and 50 patients (41.7%) with high GRACE score. This study showed that more than three quarters of the studied cases had no follow up complications and the most frequent complication was ACS. The percentage of cases which had ACS was 13.3% (number of patients 16), the percentage of cases with HF was 9.2% (number of patients 11), the percentage of cases with stroke was 1.7% (2 patients) and only one case died. During 3 months, the cardiovascular complications occurred in 8 patients in low GRACE group and 20 patients in high GRACE group (P<0.001). Cases with cardiovascular complications had significantly higher time from successful fibrinolysis to PCI (P<0.001). Conclusion: The delayed pharmacoinvasive strategy in patients with intermediate to high GRACE score after successful thrombolysis in non PCI-capable centers was associated with bad cardiovascular outcomes (death, rehospitalization with ACS, rehospitalization with heart failure and cerebrovascular stroke) than the patients with low GRACE score within three months


Purification of impure copper tellurium precipitate formed in the electrolytic purification of copper, comprises totally purifying copper tellurium precipitate on a sulfuric acid base; further leaching of the leaching residue to dissolve final copper and tellurium; removing dissolved impurities and cementing tellurium from solution in non-oxidizing conditions. Purification of impure copper tellurium precipitate formed in the electrolytic purification of copper, comprises totally purifying copper tellurium precipitate on a sulfuric acid base, where part of the copper is firstly removed from the precipitate by leaching in dilute sulfuric acid solution; further leaching of the leaching residue in sulfuric acid solution to dissolve the final copper and tellurium; removing impurities, e.g. chlorine and selenium, which have dissolved in the solution and cementing tellurium from solution in non-oxidizing conditions, where the final product is a copper tellurium alloy, of which tellurium content is 80-100% and the standard of purity is sufficient for an initial alloy manufacture used for the manufacture of tellurium copper.


Though there have been many efforts to identify the mechanism of /ㄹ/ deletion, there are something unclear and undefined in them. The problem is...


Introduction: Disasters, regardless of their nature, translate into processes of rupture and social chaos that show whether or not society is ready to deal with natural and technological risks. lthough nurses are an integral part of every effort to treat disaster victims, the need for better readiness for inevitable catastrophes through education and training is essential. Objectives: This Integrative review of literature aims at understanding the role of Nursing Schools in the preparation of students in order for there to be competent action in disaster scenarios. Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted with searches undertaken in several electronic databases restricted to the period from 2005 to 2017. Results: Based on a reflective analysis of the collected materials, evidence has been found which supports the conclusion that nursing education processes, in this specific context, have been lacking, which may lead to inefficient response and lack of coordinated care. Taken together, these studies suggest that, although nursing schools have incorporated disaster nursing content in the intervening years, there is still absence of consistency in curricular design and methodology in this field. Conclusions: Nursing Schools need to continuously provide the necessary resources (education and practice needs) for nursing students to acquire and develop competences in this field.


The object of the thesis is to create a business plan required for an establishment of a new economical subject. The theoretical part is focused on definitions of the basic forms of entrepreneurship and their legal adjustment in the Czech Republic, as well as the general structure of a business plan. The practical part concerns a business plan of a newly estab-lished company which provides gardening service.


Ego-motion estimation with a head-mounted camera requires accurate tracking of a small number of features at a very high frame rate. We propose to solve this task with a hybrid feature tracking approach. First, the frame-to-frame feature translation is estimated with an efficient block matching method. Then, an iterative gradient descent estimation of affine motion between the first frame and the current frame is used to refine the translation estimate, prevent feature drift, and detect outliers. We evaluated the individual algorithms with respect to performance criteria like basin of convergence, robustness, and accuracy. We also conducted experiments on image sequences of real scenes in order to compare the proposed approach with our existing feature tracking system, which is based on the well known Kanade-Lucas-Tomasi tracker.


Hazardous waste and hazardous components contained in the used devices are considered to be the most troublesome waste. Wrong way of waste management causes harmful substances they contain can contaminate the environment and cause health problems in humans and animals. This article is the next part of the study "Ways of hazardous waste management in the province of Silesia". It is a continuation of previous discussions and addresses certain types of waste, in particular, end of life vehicles, electrical and electronic equipment waste, oils waste, used batteries and accumulators.


Magnetization measurements, reported for ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ti}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ in the compositional range 0\ensuremath{\le}x0.04, were used to determine magnetocrystalline anisotropy constants as a function of x and temperature. Magnetic measurements were performed along the principal crystallographic directions on single-crystalline specimens that had been annealed so as to preserve ideal oxygen stoichiometry. In contrast with the differences in the anisotropy of magnetite with Ti substitution, and those in nonstoichiometric magnetite above ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{V}}$, a remarkable similarity is observed in the anisotropy constants of ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ti}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ and ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3(1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}})}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ in their dependence on x and 3\ensuremath{\delta} at T=4.2 K. At this temperature, all anisotropy constants approach zero at the Ti concentration x\ensuremath{\simeq}0.037, which coincides with the simultaneous disappearance of the Verwey transition. Analysis of the results indicates that for magnetite both ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{2+}$ and ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{3+}$ ions contribute to the total anisotropy energy. The unusual anisotropy constant variation in the temperature range below ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{V}}$, observed in the second-order samples, leads to the conclusion, that either some kind of incomplete long-range order is present or that long-range order is entirely missing for xg0.012.


The first description of zooplankton in shallow bays at Primorye coast between 133 and 1340 E. Annual cycle of zooplankton succession is considered and features of different bays and their parts are revealed. Predominance of two small-size Copepod species as Pseudocalanus newmani and Oithona similis was noted. The ratio of these species changes seasonally with growth of O. similis abundance and P. newmani number decreasing in summer. Among secondary species, Oncea borealis, Metridia pacifica, Calanus glacialis, Neocalanus plumchrus s.l., Scolecithricella minor are abundant in winter-spring, but Acartia aff. clausi, Paracalanus parvus, Oikopleura sp. in summer. Seasonal changes in Sokolovskaya Bay are weaker than in other bays. Difference of zooplankton species composition between certain parts of the bays with peculiar oceanographic conditions are insignificant, as well as the difference between the bays. Somewhat peculiarities were found for pre-estuarine areas with more abundant Oikopleura and brackish-water Copepods but sparse O. borealis and C. glacialis. Sokolovskaya Bay is peculiar by heightened share of P. newmani.


The appearance of Internet provides a strong method that can break through astrict of traditional education,and provides a convenient way and environment.The traditional learning testing and tutoring can be used to students through Internet.This paper presents an adaptive testing and tutoring system based on Item Response Theory(IRT).The architecture of this system,the working flow and the function of main modules are specified.Finally,the effectiveness of the system is proved.


The present invention relates to a method for extracting circulating nucleic acids from a biological fluid. The method comprising the successive steps of providing the biological fluid supposed to contain the circulating nucleic acids. Then the biological fluid is contacted with a lysis solution comprising at least a chaotropic agent, a binding solution comprising at least a PEG derivative designed for cooperating with at least part of the circulating nucleic acids, wherein the binding solution is free of ethanol and isopropanol, and a solid support capable of capturing at least part of the circulating nucleic acid. Finally, the solid support is separated from the lysis solution, from the binding solution and from the biological fluid.


The tea industry, from the 1840s onwards the earliest commercial enterprise established by private British capital in the Assam Valley, had been the major employer of wage labour there during colonial rule. It grew spectacularly during the last quarter of the nineteenth century, when tea production increased from 6,000,000 lb in 1872 to 75,000,000 lb in 1900 and the area under tea cultivation expanded from 27,000 acres to 204,000 acres. Employment of labour in the Assam Valley tea plantations increased from 107,847 in 1885 to 247,760 in 1900, and the industry continued to grow during the first half of the twentieth century. At the end of colonial rule the Assam Valley tea plantations employed nearly half a million labourers out of a labour population of more than three-quarters of a million, and more than 300,000 acres were under tea cultivation out of a total area of a million acres controlled by the tea companies.


Objective To evaluate the ethical management status quo of Capital Medical Research Fund in 2007.Methods Cross-sectional study was applied to analyze the ethics management and ethics self-evaluation in applications.Results There were 652 applications,covering with 14 districts and 2 counties in Beijing,from 128 Hospitals.Applicants have some knowledge of the ethical issues in clinical research accounted for 88.7% ; informed consent of subjects considered in 72.5% ;the potential risk and protection involved in application accounted for 62.0%; personal privacy protection of subject accounted for 49.4%.Unfortunately,the benefit vs risk assessment was only involved in 28.7% applications.Applicants from general hospitals had more ethical issue knowledge (90.2%) than those from community hospitals (84.6%).Applicants from university hospitals had more ethical issue knowledge (93.9%) than those from military hospitals (80.2%).Applicants aged 55 0r over had less ethical issue knowledge (70.0%) than other applicants (89.2%).The applicants to study on descriptive research and etiological research had less ethical issue knowledge than others.578 applications filled out the approval from ethics committee or research management department.62.6% of the written were acceptable.Conclusion The applicants for clinical research had preliminary understanding for ethical issues in Beijing in 2007.Hospital ethics committees or research management departments had conducted clinical research ethical review applications for funds management.It has taken place the external conditions to carry out the ethical management in clinical research fund management.

Key words:
Applicant;  Clinical research fund;  Ethical management;  Ethics self-assessment


To assist with the development of intelligent mixing systems,
it would be useful to be able to extract the loudness
balance of sources in an existing musical mixture. The
relative-to-mix loudness level of four instrument groups was
predicted using the sources extracted by 12 audio source
separation algorithms. The predictions were compared with
the ground truth loudness data of the original unmixed stems
obtained from a recent dataset involving 100 mixed songs.
It was found that the best source separation system could
predict the relative loudness of each instrument group with
an average root-mean-square error of 1.2 LU, with superior
performance obtained on vocals.


In order to study the characteristics of electrothermal plasma interaction with energetic materials, especially the ignition ability, a novel model considering polyethylene and copper ablation is developed, and an ignition experiment system is set up. The parameters of the plasma and the surface conditions of the energetic materials are measured in the testing. The results show the measured first peak pressure to be ~2.2 MPa, the second peak pressure to be ~3.9 MPa, and the visible flame velocity to be ~2000 m s−1. Circular pits of the order of microns and nanometers in size are observed on the surface of the energetic materials. Further, the parameters of the plasma, including static pressure, total pressure, density, temperature, velocity, copper concentration and PE concentration, are calculated and analyzed by the established model, under discharge currents of 9 kA. The simulation is similar to those of experimental results. A shock wave is observed in the experiment and is presented in the calculations; it plays an important role in the performance of the plasma in the nozzle region, where the parameters of the plasma variation trends are very complex. With the aim of obtaining the overall performance of the plasma, the coupling characteristics of multiple parameters must be taken into account, in accordance with the developed electrothermal plasma model.


Examines factors that predict the successful sale of financial services to affluent investors. Reports on a study in which data were collected using a new set of scales that measure traits, selling strategies, and compliance‐gaining tactics. Results suggest that these tactics, called "infotainment", are used by effective relationship managers to sell the services of financial service institutions to various, geographically diverse, affluent investors – a population that has received little attention in the selling, sales management, and bank marketing literature. Suggests that the study makes a contribution, because of the size and representativeness of this unique sample, and its recognition and assessment of some of the critical factors that affect the selling process. It also determines several significant and meaningful relationships. Discusses practical applications and future opportunities for research.


After cited several types of violence in part I, they do not have the same significance, neither the same meaning nor the same geopolitical scale. Maybe, specificity of political violence consists of its occurrence when relations are no longer conceivable or negotiable not even institutionalized or instituted, in other words, when symbolization fails and public spaces where violence could be debated don't exist or are fragmentary or unbalanced.


Thirty six years old woman, who was suffering from convulsions, decided to follow indigenous treatments. After beating with a coconut flower, when a lime was cut over the mouth, indigenous practitioner asked the patient to swallow the cut lime, put the cut pieces into the mouth and pushed them deep using the cutting instrument. She struggled and found dead. Multiple injuries were found. Larynx was obstructed with half of a lime. This case shows that a conscious adult also may die due to choking if a food particle is forcefully pushed deep into the mouth. It is an example for homicidal chocking. Health education and regulations are necessary on indigenous treatments.


According to Gibbs, the free mixing energy is decisive for the thermodynamic compatibility of two substances, e. g. polymers. If the free mixing energy is positive, the two mixing partners are separated. For such molecularly immiscible polymers, a finely distributed disperse phase within the matrix can only occur if drop breakage happens during processing. This depends on the strain and shear rates and the capillary number, which must exceed a critical value. If all preconditions are met, coupling agents can be used to improve the phase adhesion of two given polymers and to stabilize the morphology. This is due the reduction of the interfacial tension, thus facilitating drop breakage and simultaneously increasing interfacial tension, which suppresses coalescence. In this work, the effect of three different coupling agents is investigated to evaluate their influences on the property changes in polyamide 6/ethylene-octene-copolymers-blends. It can be shown that the rheological behavior as well as the blend morphology strongly depends to the type and the amount of the used coupling agent. A direct correlation between the rheological behavior and the blend morphology can be assumed but not fully confirmed. For this purpose, the particle size of the soft phase within the matrix is analyzed optically by a scanning electron microscope. Fracture mechanical investigations are carried out to evaluate the blend modifications to the mechanical properties. The results obtained using the method of essential work of fracture shows a significant influence due to the type of coupling agent, but less due to morphology. Therefore, in order to better understand the structural property relationships, the selection of coupling agent is as important as the blend morphology.According to Gibbs, the free mixing energy is decisive for the thermodynamic compatibility of two substances, e. g. polymers. If the free mixing energy is positive, the two mixing partners are separated. For such molecularly immiscible polymers, a finely distributed disperse phase within the matrix can only occur if drop breakage happens during processing. This depends on the strain and shear rates and the capillary number, which must exceed a critical value. If all preconditions are met, coupling agents can be used to improve the phase adhesion of two given polymers and to stabilize the morphology. This is due the reduction of the interfacial tension, thus facilitating drop breakage and simultaneously increasing interfacial tension, which suppresses coalescence. In this work, the effect of three different coupling agents is investigated to evaluate their influences on the property changes in polyamide 6/ethylene-octene-copolymers-blends. It can be shown that the rheological behavior as well as the blend ...


Understanding how ecological differences and
anthropogenic disturbances synergistically drive population dynamics decline is
critical for optimal management strategy definition. Main anthropogenic
disturbances such as habitat size reduction,
fire and non-timber forest harvest affect
demographic processes but our understanding of their interaction effects
in contrasted ecological conditions is
limited. We investigated the interaction effects of fruit harvest, fire, gallery forest size and distance to streambed
on density, recruitment, survival and
growth of Pentadesma butyracea offspring in dry and moist
ecological conditions. We randomly selected in each ecological region six P. butyracea populations. We then
established in each population, 10 subplots of 100 m2 within 1 ha to
assess offspring demographic performance from 2015 to 2017. Results showed that
fire suppressed the positive effect of large habitat size and amplified the
negative effect of increasing local aridity on offspring growth. Fire and
harvest synergistically reduced growth whereas offspring growth was resilient
to fire in moist ecological region. Moist
ecological conditions mitigated the negative effect of harvest on growth.
Harvest mitigated the surprise negative effect of large habitat size on
survival. However, in large gallery size, high harvest limited clonal
recruitment and growth. There was a positive interaction effect between harvest
and distance to streambed on survival (High harvest, Z = 2.045, p = 0.041,
Medium, Z = 2.060, p = 0.039) but a negative interaction effect on growth (High,
t = -2.357, p 0.05). Clonal offspring
grew faster than sexual offspring in high harvest populations. In moist region, offspring survived better in
large gallery forest size. In 2017, survival and growth were lower in large gallery forest. In 2017, offspring growth
was higher near the riverbed where the survival rate low. This study suggests
that management strategies should consider the interaction effects of
anthropogenic disturbances and climatic conditions.


The free amino acid levels in the peripheral nerve of the crab, Carcinus maenas, have been measured using various extraction procedures. A comparison of the amino acid levels of the peripheral and central nervous system of the crab has revealed marked differences in the levels of certain amino acids. Aspartate and glutamate were much lower in central nervous tissue than peripheral whilst glycine was much higher. The results are discussed in relation to the extreme steepness of the concentration gradient for amino acids across the neuronal membranes of crustaceans and a comparison is made with other groups. The significance of the differences in amino acid concentration in specific areas of nervous tissue is discussed in relation to the functions of the amino acids and to possible transmitter activity.


Oct. 21, 1970. 8 pgs.
War Measures Act.
Managing Editor: Claire Ellard
Business Manager: Barry SMith
Advertising Manager: Val Brent
Sports Editor: Nick Martin
Entertainment Editor: Elizabeth Cowan
Photo Editor: Nigel Ottley
Circulation Manager: Sarah Francis
Production Manager: Rob Carson
Production: Ann Crutchley, Marhsall Leslie, Deborah Wolfe, Elaine Freeman
Massicote withdraws, backs McNee for senate by Michael Jones
Citiforum is official forum
Two streams for Glendon next year? by Deborah Wolfe
War Measures Act passed
The terminal illness of Glendon College
The Miller's Tale by Jim Miller
Candidates for student council
'Joe' gives freaks a heap o' trouble by Captain Bourgeois
'performance' disappoints
Guitarist needs polish by Ken Hull
Wanderers in two societies
Phoenix is ash-coated
Gridders crush F by Jimmy Olsen
Allstar time again by Armpit
Gophers tie opener by Cap'n Scurvy
Guards blank Winters by Clark Kent
C house leads GWVL by Lois Laine
The smile of death by Count Yorga
Beavers still unbeaten in GFL by Nick MArtin


Introduction: Omega-6 fats are essential fatty acids that play vital roles in many physiological functions. However, evidence on the effect of omega-6 fats on coronary heart disease (CHD) risk rema...


Theodor Mommsen based his theory, that already in classical Greece the "forgetting of past evil" was officially called amnestia, on Cicero's (Phil. 1,1,1) statement, that for this expression the Romans had to take a verbum Graecum. Analyzing the sources of Athenian amnesties in the 5th century B.C., we can see that either their legal consequences or the negative infinitive ou/me mnesikakein ("not remembering the evil") were used to denominate amnestia, and not the term as such, which, for the first time, appeared in Plutarch's work (mor. 814b; Cic. 42,3).


versa" (p. 102). Two things characterize Paul: total conviction and total commitment. The total conviction is based on Christ's resurrection; the total commitment is founded on the reality of God's love in Christ as seen on Calvary. It was the Cross especially that taught Paul a deep communion with the suffering of Christ and the supreme power of God in the face of human helplessness. Part V is "Questions of Today." Fr. Smyth sees Paul as presenting an effective new morality: "The crucial question is: does this or that line of conduct enrich people or diminish them" (136). In regard to social morality, Paul, like the modern Christian, was faced with the same dilemma: should one take an immediate all-out stand against social injustice or should one "sow" for the future by helping people develop a better sense of values and a deeper sensitivity to the needs of others through preaching and teaching. There is no fixed answer to this question. Paul's attempt to create a healthy balance seems to be a good norm. A beautiful concluding chapter on "that lover Paul" goes to the core of his success as a missionary: a deep human feeling and love for the people he met all over the world. The modern apostle like Paul must love the world as it is if his work is to bear any lasting fruit. The author makes no claims to be a scripture scholar, but his book contains many fresh and valuable insights. It is recommended for libraries and background reading for teachers. It will be a source of fruitful reflection for any modern day apostle.


Abstract : Outcomes: Over 700 children were engaged. Over 7 schools were reached. 100% or all 10 responses from 7 schools indicated they were content with the STEMShips educational content. 90% of the responses stated they felt the educational content extremely well exceeded expectations, where as 10% stated it met the expectations moderately well. 80% of the participating educators enjoyed the science center learning extremely well and 20% stated they enjoyed the science centers quite well. 90% of the participants felt extremely satisfied about the science inspiration presented within the STEMShip. 10% felt quite satisfied and inspired. 70% of the educators felt the curriculum was extremely useful to use within the classroom where as 30% that it was quite useful. 70% of the educators thought the science centers made a great deal of impact (highest ranking) in STEM inspiration; 20% felt is made a lot of impact (second highest ranking) and 10% stated is made a moderate amount of impact in science inspiration. 100% of the past schools have asked for us to come back next year and make this an annual event.


Organ transplantation is predicted to increase as life expectancy and the incidence of chronic diseases rises. Regenerative medicine‐inspired technologies challenge the efficacy of the current allograft transplantation model.


Fe2O3/SnO2 nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by microwave heating and spray drying process. Spherical secondary particles (less than 5 µm) of the Fe2O3/SnO2 nanocomposites consisted of primary particles (about 5 nm), and the atomic ratio of Sn:Fe was Sn:Fe = 63:37. The Fe2O3/SnO2 nanocomposites preheated at 300 °C worked as a rechargeable electrode material. The initial lithium insertion capacity of 1344 mA h g−1 (cutoff voltage: 10 mV) was achieved, and the rechargeable capacity at the 2nd cycle was 927 mA h g−1.


6101 Background: Current approaches to quality assessment require retrospective data collection that limits opportunities for quality improvement. The goal of the ASCO Breast Cancer Registry (BCR) Pilot was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of prospective data collection to support quality assessment in community oncology practices. In addition, data were used in real time to create treatment plans and summaries to be shared with patients.

METHODS
Twenty diverse outpatient oncology practices were selected to participate and entered clinical data into the BCR through a web-based tool on each new patient with stage 0-3 breast cancer between 9/09 and 11/10. Using the tool, individual treatment plans and summaries were then created and shared with patients. Practices received practice-specific and aggregate BCR data on 9 quality measures. Practices were surveyed twice, soon after starting the pilot and at the end. Practices received a stipend to offset participation costs.

RESULTS
Practices entered 2,014 patients in the BCR (range across practices = 9-276). Detailed information on patient demographic/clinical characteristics and treatment was collected. 52% of practice participants replied to the end-of-pilot survey (52 physicians, 49 staff): 73% were satisfied with the overall BCR and its web-based application; 90% of those who had been involved with creating or communicating the treatment plans/summaries found them useful to improve communication between the medical oncologist and the patient; and 93% had a favorable view of using BCR data for practice quality improvement. 31% expressed concern regarding the time required to accomplish at least one aspect of the pilot and 52% indicated the practice incurred additional costs to meet the requirements of the BCR.

CONCLUSIONS
Prospective data collection for quality assessment is feasible and enables creation of treatment plans/summaries to enhance communication with patients at the point of care. However, practice burden may limit uptake. Future efforts should focus on broadening practice participation and assessing the cost and impact on patient outcomes. This research was funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure.


This paper focuses on strategies and progress toward establishing the Idaho National Laboratory's (INL's) Human Systems Simulator Laboratory at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES), a consortium of Idaho State Universities. The INL is one of the National Laboratories of the US Department of Energy. One of the first planned applications for the Human Systems Simulator Laboratory is implementation of a dynamic nuclear power plant simulation (NPP) where studies of operator workload, situation awareness, performance and preference will be carried out in simulated control rooms including nuclear power plant control rooms. Simulation offers a means by which to review operational concepts, improve design practices and provide a technical basis for licensing decisions. In preparation for the next generation power plant and current government and industry efforts in support of light water reactor sustainability, human operators will be attached to a suite of physiological measurement instruments and, in combination with traditional Human Factors Measurement techniques, carry out control room tasks in simulated advanced digital and hybrid analog/digital control rooms. The current focus of the Human Systems Simulator Laboratory is building core competence in quantitative and qualitative measurements of situation awareness and workload. Of particular interest is whether introduction of digitalmore » systems including automated procedures has the potential to reduce workload and enhance safety while improving situation awareness or whether workload is merely shifted and situation awareness is modified in yet to be determined ways. Data analysis is carried out by engineers and scientists and includes measures of the physical and neurological correlates of human performance. The current approach supports a user-centered design philosophy (see ISO 13407 "Human Centered Design Process for Interactive Systems, 1999) wherein the context for task performance along with the requirements of the end-user are taken into account during the design process and the validity of design is determined through testing of real end users« less


This paper revisits the relative importance of global versus country-specific factors underlying stock returns. It constructs a new firm level data set covering emerging and developed markets and estimates a simple factor model, which breaks down stock returns into a global business cycle factor, global industry factors, country-specific factors and firm-level effects. The results indicate that the share of variation in stock returns explained by global industry factors has grown sharply since the mid-1990s, at the expense of country-specific factors. Foremost among the global factors is a new economy factor, which has become a key determinant of global stock returns.


This article explores the legal structure of small-scale entrepreneurial digital commons. It links digital commons with the organizational innovations of digital economy and the findings of network theory, since networking forms the backbone of digital commons. The organizational structure of digital commons, founded on three pillars, the Productive Community, the Commons Oriented Entrepreneurial Coalition and the For Benefit Association, is associated with the network structure adopted by such projects, broken down to a decisionmaking and a value network.
digital economy, digital commons, small-scale networks, network-enterprise, franchise


In this course we will visit recent research that – given a theory of symbolic meaning – aims at developing functions for generating natural language text from meaning representations ('Generation') and generating meaning representations from from natural language text ('Parsing '). 1 Content of this course "What's the meaning of text, signs, and symbols?" This question has troubled philosophers for ages. In this course, we aren't likely to find an answer to this question (because we aren't even trying!). Instead, we will pleasantly circumnavigate this question and sail in calmer waters, where we are already given a theory of meaning, and therefore we are absolved from all potential blame for the inevitable loopholes in our theories of meaning (because we will not develop them!). We will also not create data for this task, so that, here too, we are absolved from blame of everything that can go wrong in complex data annotation. Instead, the task we consider is just to learn a mapping between (compositions of) symbols in one domain (that is phrases composed of words or characters of natural language text) and (compositions of) symbols from another domain, the domain of (abstract) meaning (representations). To learn our 'meaning mappings', we won't design any rules based on our intuitions of how the world works, leaving all this dirty work to neural networks. More precisely, we visit recent research on neural approaches that provide high performance on meaning representation benchmark data sets. Thereby, we will improve upon our technical knowledge about complex, high-performance machine learning systems. Moreover, by doing this, perhaps, we may, or may not, hope to extend our knowledge about the meaning of signs and symbols, obtaining not only a gain of technical knowledge but possibly also a gain in knowledge about the meaning of signs and symbols. Does all this excite you (or slightly raises your attention)? Then please join this course, we will have a good time.


A change in feeding behavior on the 15th and 16th day of the maternal cycle was observed in experimental bitches whose own litter was partly replaced, on the onset of the 15th day, by foster puppies 12-13 days younger. The number of feeding acts and the overall feeding time increased, as compared with the indices for 2 days preceding the exchange of puppies (the 13th and 14th day of the maternal cycle). In the control group, where puppies were not exchanged, no increase in the above behavioral indices was observed on the 15th and 16th day, and they remained at the level recorded on the 13th and 14th day of the cycle.


The coexistence of nature and anthropogenic development requires continuous monitoring and research to address and respond to unforeseen threatening processes that occur with time. This is particularly relevant to the groundwater flow regime in the coastal aquifer adjacent to the Dead Sea, the level of which is dropping, and the industrial evaporation ponds, whose levels are rising. The increasing hydraulic gradient between the two water bodies has produced severe leakage through the pond embankments. To prevent this leakage, a vertical deep sealing wall was built along the embankment. In this study, the overall leakage is calculated by mass balance, and the subsurface leakage component is numerically simulated, based on the mass balance and hydrological observations. Some of the leakage discharges into surface canals and some at the Dead Sea. The leakage volume increased from 20 mcm/year in the 1980s to 100 mcm/year before the sealing wall was built (in 2012), and from 60 mcm/year once the wall was established to 80 mcm/year today. Using the calibrated model, the leakage volume is predicted to increase in the next few decades, mainly through the Ye'elim alluvial fan. Further research effort is needed to come up with new preventive measures.


The great technical development witnessed in the information and communication technology sector over the last two decades, especially amid the widespread of the Internet, new facts came to light, as it made people communicate in a virtual world. This development resulted in what is known as the social networking, and these networks are considered one of the fastest growing sectors of e-learning in the last few years. The policies and plans of global education were shifted from focusing on the educational content to finding the best ways that enable students to learn. Thus, students can build new relationships and share their intellectual and cognitive interests with others, in addition to publishing on the multimedia. Accordingly, this study is based on a series of previous studies and scientific research related to the subject of the current study: the role of social networking in the effectiveness and support of education for the university students.


New constraints based on practical hardware are introduced in compressive sensing (CS) based rectangular antenna array thinning technique. In a standard CS array sparsity enforcement, antenna elements are considered as ideal point sources which do not comply with the practical hardware. It also does not consider the impact of mutual coupling of neighbouring antenna elements on the impedance mismatch. In this work, we propose a combination of constraints based on physical antenna array specifications, mutual coupling and practical antenna element radiation performance in the CS based array thinning enforcement. Analytical modelling along with a design example is presented and discussed. Array performance based on full-wave electromagnetic simulations shows the reliability of the proposed approach.


Current guidelines recommend cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT-D) in appropriate patients undergoing ICD implantation. However, not all physicians who implant ICDs are trained to perform CRT-D...


End-to-end connections experience a high level of diversity in network characteristics. At one extreme, an application may receive highly degraded service, leaving the application unusable. At another extreme, the costs to guarantee some level of service may be undesirably high to the user or overall system. Open architecture networks help applications push adaptation technology into the network and reduce the effects of poor network characteristics. Automated planning is important for the services that are supported by the open architecture. The remedies that modify an application's data stream to adjust it to unfavorable network conditions should be located and ordered to provide good data transfer and network resources use. The search for good plans is a hard AI problem and requires additional research.


I. INTRODUCTION Picture a tax-free world. Visualize the undefiled income stream resulting from such a world. Most Americans would jump at the opportunity to secure such treasure. Most members of Congress would, with similar enthusiasm, jump at the opportunity to portray such a picture to voters-especially in an election year. Since the implementation of the Internal Revenue Code (hereinafter the "Code"), the United States government has never endorsed the tax-free world approach; however, many skilled legislatures have refined the art of creating tax perks allegedly destined to propel society forward with the same force as Ford's Model T.1 Consistent with this tradition, the 225,000-word Taxpayer Relief Act of 19972 is loaded with tax benefits aimed at "the American people."3 Among the 1997 Act's new treasures is the Roth IRA.4 The Roth IRA is basically an inverted version of the traditional IRA historically available to taxpayers in section 219 of the Code.5 Instead of the customary front-end deduction allowed under section 219,6 the Roth IRA is created from a taxpayer's aftertax dollars.7 In contrast to the old IRAs, once the Roth IRA is established, Uncle Sam keeps his hands off-and leaves it to flourish with no additional tax burdens.8 Although the Roth IRA sounds great at first glance, the provision is not free of blemishes.9 Due to the complexity of the new Roth IRA,10 and Congress' past history of inconsistency in the realm of IRA tax law, 1 the millions of taxpayers who would apparently benefit from the Roth IRA ought to pause before diving into the tax-free windfall.l2 This Comment is designed to caution and inform taxpayers about the Roth IRA's complexity and long-term uncertainty in hopes that taxpayers will raise their expectations in the realm of federal tax law. Until taxpayers expect clear and consistent tax legislation, Congress will continue to sponsor its annual convention entitled "Taxidermy of the American Taxpayer." Part II of this Comment reviews the general aspects of the traditional tax-deferred IRA. Next, the basic elements of the Roth IRA are outlined, explained, and critiqued in Part III. Ultimately, Part IV of this Comment critiques and attempts to predict the impact of the new IRA. Specifically, Part IV highlights the complexity and durational uncertainty of the Roth IRA;13 explains various questionable assumptions which may influence a taxpayer's ability to actually cash in on the IRA's tax-free compounding;l4 considers the conversion dilemma;l5 and lastly, explores available alternatives and resources which taxpayers prone to opening a Roth IRA should consider.l6 Finally, Part V contains some brief concluding thoughts regarding the Roth IRA. II. THE TRADITIONAL TAX-DEDUCTiBLE IRA Tax-deferred IRAs pre-date their section 408A counterparts.l7 These traditional front-loaded IRAs-still available under section 219 of the Tax Code18-generally enable a taxpayer to annually contribute and deduct as much as $2000 ($4000 if married).19 In essence, section 219 offers an individual taxpayer a bird in hand.20 Perhaps one of the traditional IRA's strongest appeals is the fact that it is selfcontributing.21 For example, suppose a taxpayer in a 30-percent tax bracket invests $2000 in a front-loaded IRA. Had she chosen not to invest in the IRA, she would have been taxed $600 and left with $1400 after tax.22 Thus, in essence, by taking that same $1400 and investing it in the section 219 IRA, she is simultaneously able to contribute the otherwise-taxed $600 to her IRA account. This self-contributing quality of the traditional front-loaded IRA presents a particularly attractive opportunity for taxpayers who are short on cash, but forward thinking.23 Notwithstanding the tax windfall provided upon initial investment, dollars invested in traditional IRAs do not escape taxation completely. On the contrary, once the taxpayer becomes eligible to withdraw IRA funds, and does so, the entire distribution is taxed at the taxpayer's current tax rate. …


Problem Statement and Purpose. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). about 1 billion international tourists were recorded in the world at the turn of the millennium. At the same time, the countries of the world were differently involved in the formation of such flows, so half of them belonged to the European region. The purpose of the study is the classification of countries of origin of tourists by the number of outbound departures: gross and per 100 residents, including taking into account cost indicators, in particular, the tourist expenditures per departure. Data «£ Methods. The study is based on the World Bank's statistical base and the methodology of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). In particular, the international (outbound) tourism is estimated in natural (departures) and value (expenditures) indicators proposed by the UNWTO. For consideration of these indicators by countries, a method statistics was used on the statistical base of the World Bank. Results. As a result of the comparison of gross and specific (per 100 residents) the number of outbound tourist departures for 87 countries of the world in 2008, the classification of countries of origin of tourists was carried out. The criteria for classification were the average arithmetic gross departures, which for the sample amounted to about 10 million, and for specific indicators - the proportion of tourists in the country's population, with that tourism is considered mass, that is. when traveling more than 50%. Thus, by the total number of departures, the country of origin of tourists was divided into small and large, and by the specific - intensive and extensive outbound tourism, and taking into account the tourist expenditures per one departure, they are still divided into countries of inexpensive and expensive outbound tourism.


There exists a critical transition before dramatic deterioration of a complex dynamical system. Recently, a method to predict such shifts based on High‐Dimension Low‐Sample‐Size (HDLSS) data has been developed. Thus based on the prediction, it is important to make the system more stable by feedback control just before such critical transitions, which we call re‐stabilization. However, the re‐stabilization cannot be achieved by traditional stabilization methods such as pole placement method because the available HDLSS data is not enough to get a mathematical system model by system identification. In this article, a model‐free pole placement method for re‐stabilization is proposed to design the optimal input assignment and feedback gain for undirected network systems only with HDLSS data. The proposed method is validated by numerical simulations.


A minimum system based on ATmega2560 microcontroller has been created that functioned as a safety system in the analogy of the cupboard for storage of the safes. Making the minimum system is done through a number of phases, namely integrating the system, programming against the microcontroller system, and validation test in the form of system performance measurement through giving the forced state. System integration is in the form of installing a device on two lines in the input port and two lines in the output port of the microcontroller. Programming is based on algorithms and the syntax of Arduino IDE-based through 6 (six) stages, namely pins configuration, variable and constants declaration, initialization, main program, retrieved and send data, and output. The validation test is carried out in the form of 4 (four) conditions, namely a) when the RFID module is not detected, b) when the card is detected by the RFID module, c) when the door is opened, and the buzzer is "on", the card is not detected when tagged on the antenna, and d) when the door is forcibly opened, and the buzzer is "on", while the card is detected when tagged on the antenna. Maximizing the security against the door of analogy the cupboard for storage of the safes is detected by the limit switch condition when the door is opened forcefully and the buzzer sounds. For neutralizing conditions for buzzer conditions, it is done through tagging an RFID card through the antenna. The buzzer still sounds, if the blank data is unreadable by the RFID module, while the buzzer can be neutralized if the card was tagged, the data card stored is read by the RFID module.


The Bakken/Three Forks Petroleum System hosts variable source/reservoir r elationships throughout different portions of the Williston Basin. While some of these relationships are easily discernible from production and wireline log data, others become evident by comparing production results to geochemical data of the Upper and Lower Bakken shales. In order to better identify and characterize these relationships a series of "Hydrocarbon Yield" maps were created for the Upper and Lower Bakken shales using a method recently described by Ruble and Lewan (2013). The method computes a volume of hydrocarbon yield (MBOE/640 acres) by multiplying the thickness of the shales by the amount of S2 that has been converted into hydrocarbons. The generated yields are then compared to production data for both the Middle Bakken and Three Forks f ormations. Distinct trends have been identified that appear to be related to reservoir and seal quality, generation poten tial and thickness of the shales, and presence of fractures and other structural features. While this approach d oes provide a new understanding of the Bakken/Three Forks source/reservoir relationships, it can also prove ben eficial when used in the evaluation of other basins and formations.


This study aimed to examine the effects of circuit exercise on physical fitness, metabolic syndrome and GH, IGF-1 in order to achieve this purpose, this study conducted a 12-week circuit exercise in 20 obese middle-aged women with a body far of over 30%. Finally the following results were obtained. First, after application of circuit exercise to obese middle-aged women, their physical fitness showed significant decreases in weight, body fat, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance(p Second, after application of circuit exercise to obese middle-aged women, showed significant decreases or increases in metabolic syndrome factors[waist, blood pressure, HDL-C, TG(p Third, after application of circuit exercise program to obese middle-aged women, showed significant increases in GH(p<.01), IGF-1(p<.05) suggesting positive results.


Lesbian Detective Fiction: the outsider within is a creative writing thesis in two parts: a draft lesbian detective novel, titled Fatal Development (75%) and an exegesis containing a critical appraisal of the sub-genre of lesbian detective fiction, and of my own writing process (25%). Creative work: Fatal Development -- It wasn't the first time I'd seen a dead body, but it didn't seem to get any easier. -- When Dirk and Stacey discover a body in the courtyard of their Brisbane woolstore apartment, it is close friend and neighbour, Kersten Heller, they turn to for support. The police assume Stuart's death was an accident, but when it emerges that he was about to take legal action against the woolstore's developers, Bovine, Kersten decides there must be more to it. Her own apartment has flooded twice in a month and the builders are still in and out repairing defects. She discovers Stuart was not alone on the roof when he fell to his death and the evidence he had collected for his case against Bovine has gone missing. Armed with this knowledge, and fed up with the developer's ongoing resistance to addressing the building's structural issues, Kersten organises a class action against Bovine. Kersten draws on her past training as a spy to investigate Stuart's death, hiding her activities, and details of her past, from her partner, Toni. Her actions bring her under increasing threat as her apartment is defaced, searched and bugged, and she is involved in a car chase across New Farm. Forced to fall back on old skills, old habits and memories return to the surface. When Toni discovers that Kersten has broken her promise to leave the investigation to the police, she walks out. The neighbouring – and heritage-listed – Riverside Coal development site burns to the ground, and Kersten and Dirk uncover evidence of a network of corruption involving developers and local government officials. After she is kidnapped in broad daylight, narrowly escaping from the boot of a moving car, Kersten is confident she is right, but with Toni not returning her calls, and many of the other residents selling up, including Dirk and Stacey, Kersten begins to question her judgment. In a desperate attempt to turn things around, Kersten calls on an old Agency contact to help prove Bovine was involved in Stuart's death, her kidnapping, and ongoing corruption. To get the evidence she needs, Kersten plays a dangerous game: letting Bovine know she has uncovered their illegal operations in order to draw them into revealing themselves on tape. Hiding alone in a hotel room, Kersten is finally forced to confront her past: When Mirin didn't come home that night, I was ready to go out and find her myself, disappear, and start a new life together somewhere far away. Instead they pulled me in before I could finish making arrangements, questioned me for hours, turned everything around. It was golden child to problem child in the space of a day. This time, she's determined, things will turn out differently. Exegesis: The exegesis traces the development of lesbian detective fiction, including its dual origins in detective and lesbian fiction, to compare the current state of the sub-genre with the early texts and to establish the dominant themes and tropes. I focus particularly on Australian examples of the sub-genre, examining in detail Claire McNab's Denise Cleever series and Jan McKemmish's A Gap in the Records, in order to position my own lesbian detective novel between these two works. In drafting Fatal Development, I have attempted to include some of the political content and complexity of McKemmish's work, but with a plot-driven narrative. I examine the dominant tropes and conventions of the sub-genre, such as: lesbian politics; the nature of the crime; method of investigation; sex and romance; and setting. In the final section, I explain the ways in which I have worked within and against the subgenre's conventions in drafting a contemporary lesbian detective novel: drawing on tradition and subverting reader expectations. Throughout the thesis, I explore in detail the tradition of the fictional lesbian detective as an outsider on the margins of society, disrupting notions of power and gender. While the lesbian detective's outsider status grants her moral agency and the capacity to achieve justice and generate change, she is never fully accepted. The lesbian detective remains an outsider within. For the lesbian detective, working within a system that ultimately discriminates against her involves conflict and compromise, and a sense of double-play in being part of two worlds but belonging to neither. I explore how this double-consciousness can be applied to the lesbian writer in choosing whether to write for a mainstream or lesbian audience.


An indoor unit of an air-conditioner is provided to easily repair and maintain an indoor unit by opening and shutting a front panel and by easily changing a color of the front panel. A rear cabinet(60) is arranged at an upper part of a rear part of a base(50). A front cabinet(70) is arranged at an upper part of a front part of the base, is placed in front of the rear and has air suction ports(70b) and air discharge ports(72a,72c) except a front part. The front cabinet forms a ventilation passage with the rear cabinet. A front panel(80) opens and shuts the front of the front cabinet. An opening and shutting element connects the front panel with the front cabinet rotatively.


The present invention relates to a lithium anode and a lithium metal battery. Disclosed are: a lithium anode having a protective film coated by a polyvinylene carbonate-based polymer or a protective film composition, including the polymer and inorganic substance; and a lithium metal battery including the lithium anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte.


Looking into the prevalence of high level of macro and micronutrients malnutrition especially amongst the vulnerable sections in the country even at this time of dwindling economy and increasing prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases globally, the need for exploration of underutilized food parts is significant to overcome the nutritional disorders. Many seeds which we considered as waste and simply discard after taking the juicy part of the fruit may however be reservoir of many nutrients. The seeds of Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) and Annona muricata (Soursop) were collected, dried and dehulled. They were thereafter pulverized and subjected to analysis to assess their nutritional qualities by identifying their essential amino acids and fatty acids. Results of the proximate analysis revealed that the seeds are rich sources of protein and fat. They also contain all the essential amino acids with leucine being predominant in watermelon and lysine in soursop. The seeds also contain essential fatty acids such as linoleic acids and linolenic acids. Overall, the results indicated that the seeds of watermelon and soursop are of high nutritional qualities as identified by the essential nutrients, hence, could be harnessed and incorporated in the diets (man and animal nutrition) to combat malnutrition.


Recent health care reforms, the start of accreditation processes of health institutions, and the introduction also in the health system of risk management concepts and instruments, borrowed from the enterprise culture and the emphasis put on the protection of privacy, render evident the need and the urgency to define and to implement improvement processes of the organization and management of the medical documentation in the hospital with the aim of facilitation in fulfilment of regional and local health authorities policies about protection of the safety and improvement of quality of care. Currently the normative context that disciplines the management of medical records inside the hospital appears somewhat fragmentary, incomplete and however not able to clearly orientate health operators with the aim of a correct application of the enforced norms in the respect of the interests of the user and of local health authority. In this job we individuate the critical steps in the various phases of management process of the clinical folder and propose a new model of regulations, with the purpose to improve and to simplify the management processes and the modalities of compilation, conservation and release to entitled people of all clinical documentation.


The basic steps in building up language involve binding words of different categories into a hierarchical structure. To what extent these steps are universal or differ across languages is an open issue. Here we examine the neural dynamics of phrase structure building in Chinese—a language that in contrast to other languages heavily depends on contextual semantic information. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic causal modeling to identify the relevant brain regions and their dynamic relations. Language stimuli consisted of syntax‐driving determiners, semantics‐embedded classifiers, and nonverbal symbols making up for two‐component sequences manipulated by the factors structure (phrase/list) and number of words (2‐word/1‐word). Processing phrases compared with word lists elicited greater activation in the anterior part of Broca's area, Brodmann area (BA) 45, and the left posterior superior/middle temporal gyri (pSTG/pMTG), while processing two words against one word led to stronger involvement of the left BA 45, BA 44, and insula. Differential network modulations emerging from subparts of Broca's area revealed that phrasal construction in particular highly modulated the direct connection from BA 44 to left pMTG, suggesting BA 44's primary role in phrase structure building. Conversely, the involvement of BA 45 rather appears sensitive to the reliance on lexico‐semantic information in Chinese. Against the background of previous findings from other languages, the present results indicate that phrase structure building has a universal neural basis within the left fronto‐temporal network. Most importantly, they provide the first evidence demonstrating that the structure‐building network may be modulated by language‐specific characteristics.


Objective: To provide a simple and easy evaluating method for clinics by studying the relationship between the timed "up and go" test(TUGT) and activity of daily living(ADL).Methods: Forty-six hemiparetic stroke patients who had walking ability were enrolled in this study.The ability of ADL was measured by Barthel Index(BI),and variables of TUGT and BI were statistically analyzed respectively.The critical value of TUGT was determined by ROC curve.Results: There was a negative relationship between TUGT and BI(r=-0.534,P0.002).The area of ROC in which stroke patients can stand on their own legs thoroughly was 0.827(P=0.0026,95 % Ci,0.654-1.05).The optimal cut-off values of TUGT to estimate the independent walking of patients were 14.9 s,and in stroke group sensitivity and specificity of TUGT were 88.4 % and 90.5 % respectively.Conclusion: TUGT,as a selective and evaluating instrument,combined with BI,may depict more thoroughly the mobility of stroke patients and to provide objective basis for clinical evaluation.


Sarcoidosis is a systemic disorder of uncertain etiology, characterized by accumulation of mononuclear inflammatory cells followed by the formation of noncaseating epithelioid granulomas at the site of involvement. The disease has a female preponderance, and is more common in the AfricanAmerican population. Virtually all organs of the body have been reported to be affected, but the most common site of involvement is the lung and mediastinal lymph nodes. Involvement of the skin, eyes, and lymphatic tissues is also common. Other organ involvement includes the heart (with infiltrative cardiomyopathy and conduction abnormalities), nervous system (with unilateral facial nerve palsy), and reticuloendothelial system (liver and spleen). Gastrointestinal manifestations excluding liver involvement (which occur in 40–70% of cases) are not commonly reported. It is estimated that up to 10% of patients with pulmonary or cutaneous sarcoidosis have alimentary tract involvement, most of which is asymptomatic. An autopsy study of patients with sarcoidosis, however, reported gastroduodenal involvement in 4–10% of the cases. Only 1% of cases of systemic disease have symptomatic gastric involvement. In this issue of the Southern Medical Journal, Friedman et al report a case of gastric sarcoidosis in a young woman who presented with weight loss and early satiety. This patient had been diagnosed with sarcoidosis of the lungs 6 months prior with mediastinal lymph node biopsy when she presented with chest pain. The authors report swift response to corticosteroid therapy and recurrence of symptoms upon its withdrawal. As in this case, the stomach is the most frequently affected alimentary organ with sarcoidosis; involvement of the esophagus, small bowel, and colon is rarely reported. Case reports of gastric sarcoidosis are scattered but date back more than 60 years. Patients with sarcoidosis typically display symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Gastrointestinal sarcoid, however, has been reported in the pediatric age group as well. The differential diagnosis of granulomas in the GI tract includes mycobacterium, syphilis, histoplasma infection, gastric cancer and lymphoma, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, as well as Crohn and Whipple diseases. Clinical manifestations include epigastric fullness or pain, early satiety, nausea/vomiting, hematemesis and weight loss. Gastric involvement particularly affects the antrum. Endoscopic findings vary from diffuse mucosal hyperemia (thickening of gastric folds leading to narrowing of the lumen) to nodular or polypoid lesions. GI hemorrhage has been reported due to ulcers that look very similar to peptic ulcer disease. Thus, gastric biopsies are essential in making the diagnosis. The submucosa of the stomach can have granulomas with mucosal sparing in early and asymptomatic cases. Reports of gastric sarcoidosis with no other sarcoid foci are rare. Those cases often have a previous history of asymptomatic hilar adenopathy or subclinical pulmonary involvement. Even though there is no radiological evidence of lung disease, bronchoscopy and transbronchial biopsies can make the diagnosis in such cases. Symptomatic small intestinal involvement is extremely rare. Duodenal obstruction by cicatrizing constriction of the granulomatous inflammation has been reported in a few cases. It is important to consider Crohn disease in the differential diagnosis especially in the younger age group. Both are granulomatous inflammatory diseases that present with weight loss and abdominal pain. Histologically, sarcoid granulomas are rather superficial compared with Crohn. Lack of perianal involvement or fistula formation and terminal ileal sparing suggest sarcoidosis. It has been suggested that there might be an overlap between sarcoidosis and Crohn disease, both being an autoimmune disorder of unknown etiology with indications of common pathogenesis and genetic basis. An expansion of T-cell subsets similar to sarcoidosis has been shown in Crohn disease with CD4 lymphocyte activation in intestinal mucosa. This suggests cell-mediated mechanisms in the gut similar to that displayed in pulmonary sarcoidosis. Just as sarcoid rarely involves the gut, Crohn disease also rarely involves the lungs and is mostly linked to treatment with sulfasalazine and mesalamine, manifesting as either eosinophilic pneumonia or alveolar fibrosis. The pathologic similarities may suggest a common inciting antigen triggering distinct immune responses. The most common etiology behind bowel obstruction in sarFrom State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY.


This paper presents a probabilistic audio-to-audio alignment method that focuses on the relationship among the note durations of different performances of a piece of music. A key issue in probabilistic audio alignment methods is in expressing how interrelated are the durations of notes in the underlying piece of music. Existing studies focus either on the duration of adjacent notes within a recording (intra-recording duration model), or the duration of a given note across different recordings (inter-recording duration model). This paper unifies these approaches through a simple modification to them. Furthermore, the paper extends the unified model, allowing the dynamics of the note duration to change sporadically. Experimental evaluation demonstrated that the proposed models decrease the alignment error.


Thermodynamics of intermetallic phases in Fe-rich Fe-Cr-Ni-Mo alloys is critical knowledge to understand thermal aging effect on the phase stability of Mo-containing austenitic steels, which subsequently facilitates alloy design/improvement and degradation mitigation of these materials for reactor applications. Among the intermetallic phases, Chi (χ), Laves, and Sigma (σ) are often of concern because of their tendency to cause embrittlement of the materials. The focus of this study is thermal stability of the Chi and Laves phases as they were less studied compared to the Sigma phase. Coupled with thermodynamic modeling, thermal stability of intermetallic phases in Mo containing Fe-Cr-Ni alloys was investigated at 1000, 850 and 700 C for different annealing times. The morphologies, compositions and crystal structures of the precipitates of the intermetallic phases were carefully examined by scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. Three key findings resulted from this study. First, the Chi phase is stable at high temperature, and with decreasing temperature it transforms into the Laves phase that is stable at low temperature. Secondly, Cr, Mo, Ni are soluble in both the Chi and Laves phases, with the solubility of Mo playing a major role in the relative stability ofmore » the intermetallic phases. Thirdly, in situ transformation from Chi phase to Laves phase was directly observed, which increased the local strain field, generated dislocations in the intermetallic phases, and altered the precipitate phase orientation relationship with the austenitic matrix. The thermodynamic models that were developed and validated were then applied to evaluating the effect of Mo on the thermal stability of intermetallic phases in type 316 and NF709 stainless steels.« less


Abstract In this interview, the late Claes Oldenburg looks back on both the motivations and the modalities of his distinctive practice. Among the topics discussed are his signature "guises," such as the Ray Guns and the Flags, the performative basis of his early objects, and his sustained commitment to an aesthetic of shape-shifting.


A new type of temporary bridge--one consisting of surplus railroad flatcars--was constructed at Arroyo Pasajero, site of a disaster when twin bridges collapsed and killed seven people. The flatcar concept came to light after the Northridge Earthquake, but was never implemented. This article reports that a temporary flat car bridge structure took drivers over the Arroyo Pasajero only 8 days after the collapse. While a prototype had been constructed, the modular structure had some unanticipated problems for which field solutions were devised. The costs of these bridges are minimal compared to the cost of rerouting. Costs associated specifically with flatcar bridges include flatcar delivery to site, crane use to place flatcars, field welding, and dismantling and removal.


The invention discloses a privacy mode for always-on voice-activated information assistant. According to the invention, a user device and a method discriminately provides audible responses to a voice command received by a user device that supports voice activation. The method includes detecting a first pre-established, audible activation command that activates the user device. In response to detecting the first pre-established, audible activation command, the method includes producing a first audible acknowledgement within loudspeaker proximity of the user device and then monitoring for detection of at least one second, audible acknowledgement produced by another user device within a pre-set time interval, which detection would indicate that the other user device is also responding. The method includes processing and responding to a received audible command in response to not detecting. However, in response to detecting, the method includes triggering entry into a privacy mode of audible command input and producing a privacy mode announcement via at least one of a display and a sound producing component.


Disclosed is a device for feeding a plurality of loads (14) from a supply of electric power system (25) comprising a plurality of converters (16) electrically powered by the network ( 25) for converting and supplying electrical energy to at least one load (14). The device comprises a control member (17) for associating a number of converters (16) in parallel for supplying at least one load (14), in response to a power requirement of at least one filler (14). Each of the converters (16) includes distribution means (33) for limiting recirculation of currents generated by the parallel association of several inverters (16).