Introduction In order to increase the spatial specifity of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) based on the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) effect by excluding macrovascular contributions, several approaches have been presented to identify large veins [1-10]. In the present study, some of the techniques mentioned above have been combined into a single set of experiments by the multi-gradient-echo single-shot-sampling of spin-echo refocusing (MESSER) sequence [10, 11] which is a single-shot parallel-imaging variant of gradient-echo sampling of FID and echo (GESFIDE) [12]. MESSER allows fast mapping of several parameters which are supposed to indicate the presence of large veins: From the transverse gradient-echo (GE) and spin-echo (SE) relaxation rates, and , the average venous vessel size, , the change in resonance frequency, , and the BOLD latency can be estimated. To compare the results with a well-established external standard, MESSER was combined with high-resolution venograms based on susceptibility-weighted imaging to obtain a measure for the 'veinness', , of a voxel. The purpose of this approach is twofold: Firstly, it was possible to study different parameters of activated voxels and their interrelationships. Secondly, based on these findings, the effectiveness of these parameters to detect large veins in order to increase specifity of BOLD-based fMRI could be evaluated. Materials and Methods Measurements were performed on a Siemens 3T Trio system with the MESSER sequence and an acceleration factor of three; a limited FOV of 154 154-mm; 64 64 matrix; SE echo time, = 121 ms; repetition time, = 1050 ms; 110-kHz receiver bandwidth; phase encoding direction from left to right; 7 slices (3mm thickness). Eight healthy subjects were examined using visual stimulation with a short block duration of 10 s and a total of 15 blocks. fMRI analysis was performed by a linear correlation of the and time course to emulate an GE and SE experiment, respectively. A Fourier transformation of the time course yielded [13] and was estimated from the combined change in and [10, 14-16]. Finally, was obtained by linear regression of the change in image phase as a function of . To obtain the venograms, a three-dimensional first-order fully flow-compensated spoiled GE sequence ( = 28.8 ms, = 50 ms) with an isotropic resolution of 0.6 mm was used to obtain high-resolution phase images which were high-pass filtered to obtain maps of . Activated voxels were classified by a -means clustering algorithm using , and . In addition, the interrelationship between these parameters among each other and with , and was studied by a rank-correlation analysis (Kendall's ). Results Fig. 1 displays representative maps of and overlaid onto . Most of the venous structures, i.e. regions with a high , correspond well with a high and a late . These qualitative findings could be verified by the cluster analysis which divided the ensemble into a macroand a microvascular voxel population (Table 1). Besides , and , is large for the cluster 'macro'. Both the microvascular and macrovascular have a mean value of almost zero indicating that large veins are not accompanied by detectable non-zero in our experiments. In the SE-activated ensemble, the mean is lower than that of the -activated voxels in the ensemble 'all', but higher than of the microvascular ensemble. However, unexpectedly, is slightly higher than in the GEactivated ensemble and is relatively high. Thus, it is questionable whether the SE ensemble reflects microvascular effects in general which is commonly assumed. The correlation analysis revealed highly significant mutual correlation of 0.17 between and as well as . In contrast, correlation of these three parameters with and revealed much lower correlation coefficient below 0.1. Discussion and Conclusions The relatively good mutual correlation of venous vessel size, latency and venographic intensity suggests that these parameters can be used equally well to discriminate large veins. In contrast, a consistent change in resonance frequency for the macrovascular population was not observed in our experiments. Finally, it is questionable whether SE-BOLD contrast can be exclusively attributed to microvascular effects. References [1] Lai S, et al. Magn Reson Med, 30(1993):387. [2] Lee AT, et al. Magn Reson Med, 33(1995):745. [3] Frahm J, et al. NMR Biomed, 7(1994):45. [4] Segebarth C, et al. NeuroReport, 5(1994):813. [5] Haacke EM, et al. NMR Biomed, 7(1994):54. [6] Hlustík P, et al. NeuroImage, 7(1998):224. [7] Krings T, et al. Am J Neuroradiol, 20(1999):1907. [8] Menon RS, et al. Magn Reson Med, 30(1993):380. [9] Barth M, et al. Proc ISMRM, 14(2006):893. [10] Jochimsen TH, et al. NeuroImage, 40(2008):228. [11] Newbould RD, et al. Proc ISMRM, 15(2007):1451. [12] Ma J, et al. J Magn Reson B, 111(1996):61. [13] Bandettini PA, et al. Magn Reson Med, 30(1993):161. [14] Prinster A, et al. NeuroImage, 6(1997):191. [15] Dennie J, et al. Magn Reson Med, 40(1998):793. [16] Troprès I, et al. Magn Reson Med, 45(2001):397.


Accurate and comprehensive travel information is crucial for any strategies implemented to tackle traffic congestion in the U.S. and other countries, where bottlenecked roads and extraordinary delays often approach crisis conditions. This paper illustrates how a consortium approach to the collection and processing of traffic impact data, which integrates and coordinates existing, independent data systems and delivery platforms, can improve both information and communications to private and commercial drivers as well as to public agencies. This type of approach can yield a range of benefits, including more efficient travel, enhanced road safety, lower pollution and fuel conservation. Through recent advances in technology, data and communications systems, travel times can be modeled more effectively. By integrating traffic congestion trends, trip-planning tools can provide more efficient routing to both commercial and private drivers. The impact of non-recurring events can be predicted more accurately, to better inform drivers of alternatives when accidents and weather events occur. The authors stress that communications technology is increasingly able to deliver such information interactively, and personalized for drivers. The user interface is critical for safe driving, however. The authors conclude that, similar to financial portfolio theory, the most reliable returns result from the leveraging of the characteristics of available inputs, i.e., a consortium approach to integrated traffic data collection and information.


We analytically analyse the motion of a nonrelativistic charged particle in a cylindrical single capillary. The effective potential for interaction of a charged particle with the inner surface of a capillary is derived as a sum of the averaged atomic potential of the capillary wall surface and the induced potential defined by collective surface excitations. We have shown that under certain conditions this potential becomes attractive and may hold a particle in a bound state due to the surface excitations that defines a so-called "surface channeling" regime of motion. For the first time we have evaluated the induced potential revealing two limits to form either a well or a barrier that are delineated by the ratio of the insulator plasmon frequency to the frequency defined by the particle motion in a capillary.


The process of electron multiplication through the bouncing-like accelerated motion of electrons inside nanovoids formed owing to external electric fields in bulk liquid water is investigated using Monte Carlo simulations in Geant4-DNA. Our results show that the initial charge developed at the metal/liquid interface can be multiplied and expanded along the direction of the external electric field on a picosecond timescale, owing to collision-free interiors of the nanoruptures. Characteristic features of two different electron multiplication mechanisms are revealed and characterized. We find that electrons can be accelerated inside cylindrical nanoruptures while bouncing off the void/water interface. Simulations predict geometric conditions leading to charge multiplication along the void, rather than electron capture or thermalization in bulk liquid. Our results are consistent with the recent verification of the causal relation between electrostriction-induced perturbations in bulk liquid, and the subsequent formation of luminous filaments evidencing the presence of energetic electrons.


We recently reported a novel CD8 molecule on rat alveolar macrophages and peritoneal mast cells (PMC). However, little is known about the regulation of CD8 expression and function on these cells. We investigated the regulation of CD8 expression on PMC by NO, because NO can regulate inflammatory responses and also because anti-CD8 Ab stimulates inducible NO synthase and NO production by PMC and alveolar macrophages. Ligation of CD8 (cid:1) on PMC with Ab (OX8) induced CD8 (cid:1) mRNA expression after 3–6 h, and flow cytometry demonstrated that OX8 treatment increased CD8 (cid:1) protein expression compared with PMC treated with isotype control IgG1. To test whether NO mediates the up-regulation of CD8 (cid:1) , we used the NO donor S -nitrosoglutathione (500 (cid:2) M) and NO synthase inhibitors ( N G -monomethyl- L -arginine and N G -nitro- L -arginine methyl ester; 100 (cid:2) M). S -nitrosoglu-tathione up-regulated both mRNA and protein expression of CD8 (cid:1) in PMC compared with that in sham-treated cells, while NO synthase inhibitors down-regulated OX8 Ab-induced CD8 (cid:1) expression. To investigate how NO regulates CD8 expression on PMC, we examined the cGMP-dependent pathway using 8-bromo-cGMP (2 mM) and the guanylate cyclase inhibitor, 1H-oxadiazolo-quinoxalin-1-one (20 (cid:2) M). 8-Bromo-cGMP up-regulated CD8 expression, whereas 1H-oxadiazoloquinoxalin-1-one down-regu-lated CD8 CD8 expression mediator secretion, natural ligation of form of CD8. Immunology, 2001, 167: 5935–5939.


A frequency-shifted feedback laser is used as chirped light source for optical profilometry based on optical frequency-domain reflectometry. Measurement ranges of 1 m and accuracies better than 50 /spl mu/m have been demonstrated.


Oxidative stress has been implicated as a risk factor at several levels in the pathophysiology of glaucoma (Ferreira et al., 2004, 2009, 2010) as well as neurodegenerative diseases (Famulari et al., 1996); growing evidence supports the role of oxidative stress in glaucomatous neurodegeneration (Tezel, 2006). Reactive oxygen species are involved in signalling pathways during retinal ganglion cells death by acting as second messengers and/or modulating protein functions (Neufeld et al., 1999). Evidence of oxidative and nitrative processes was found in glaucoma in terms of activity of antioxidant enzymes, levels of low-molecular weight antioxidants and markers of lipid peroxidation (Aslan et al., 2008). Moreover it has been reported that nitric oxide may be an important mediator in retinal ganglion cells death in glaucoma (Neufeld et al., 1997). In the glaucoma eye, an altered oxidant/antioxidant balance may result in a number of molecular changes that contribute to the development of this ocular disease. Glaucoma is a disease characterized by a specific pattern of optic nerve head and visual field damage in which if it is not controlled may lead to blindness. Although it has been traditionally associated with high intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma is now considered as a multifactorial disease. In this context, IOP is the most important known risk factor for the development of glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Even in normal-pressure glaucoma, reducing IOP can be beneficial in terms of halting visual field damage progression. However, lowering IOP may not be enough in every case, since different mechanisms that may or may not depend on the IOP level could contribute to this damage. Proposed mechanisms include ischemia (Lander, 1982), obstruction of axoplasmic flow (Anderson & Hendrickson 1974) and deprivation of one or more trophic factors (Quigley et al., 1995), excitoxicity (Vorwerk et al., 1997) and oxidative stress damage (Ferreira et al., 2004, 2009, 2010). IOP is not elevated in all the eyes that exhibit characteristics of glaucomatous neurodegeneration but experimental elevation of IOP induces oxidative stress in the retina. Aqueous humor is known to contain several active oxidative agents such as hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion. Low molecular weight antioxidants, such as glutathione (GSH), and ascorbate, together with molecules with free radicals scavenging properties like cysteine and tyrosine, have been identified in the aqueous. Ascorbate is present at high concentrations in it (1-2 mM) (Richer & Rose, 1998) and antioxidant enzymes such as


MEDICINE
It has been estimated that worldwide 150 million people suffer from asthma, and the prevalence is increasing in most countries. Although the condition can be controlled in most cases by treatment with corticosteroids, the side effects of long-term administration have created the impetus for


We propose an artificial neuron topology that can be electronically reconfigured and dynamically tuned to alter its spiking rate ($f_{SPIKE}$). Our design employs two interacting cryogenic oscillators, both comprising a superconducting nanowire (ScNW) and a superconducting memristor (ScM). The two ScMs can be programmed into two resistive states through controlled current flow, collectively leading to four resistive combinations. The proposed neuron exhibits major changes in its $f_{SPIKE}$ depending on the states of the ScM pair. Moreover, the spike rates can be further tuned by invoking gradual changes in the external bias current. To facilitate dynamic and independent programming of the ScMs, we employ a heater cryotron that selectively channels the bias current through the ScMs. We demonstrate (through simulations) minimum and maximum $f_{SPIKE}$ of ∼750 KHz and ∼2.5 MHz, respectively. We observe two distinct spike amplitudes ($\sim 1\ \mu \mathrm{V}$ and $\sim 1.8\ \mu \mathrm{V}$) in the neuronal oscillations. The proposed neuron consumes (estimated) ∼10 atto-Joule per spike (without considering the cooling energy).


Five monoclonal antibodies (A7, B24, I14, L12, and M2) recognizing different epitopes of the human natural IFN-γ were prepared by immunizing BALB/c mice with a highly purified human natural IFN-γ preparation (107 U/mg). All five antibodies had high IFN-γ-binding activity but exhibited differential IFN-γ-neutralizing activities. Furthermore, none of them neutralized the antiviral activity exhibited by either IFN-α or IFN-β preparations, indicating thus their specificity for IFN-γ. The A7, L12, M2, and I14 monoclonal antibodies, but not the B24, blocked the augmentation of natural killer cytotoxicity, mediated by peripheral blood monocyte-depleted lymphocytes, by Escherichia coli-derived IFN-γ or natural IFN-γ but not by IFN-α2. All five monoclonal antibodies precipitated an identical molecular complex containing two major protein components with molecular weights of 20,000 (20 kD) and 25,000 (25 kD) and two minor components with molecular weights of 17,000 (17 kD) and 45,000 (45 kD). Treatment of the immun...


This paper discusses vertical handover of disparate networks with emphasis on handover of Wireless LAN (WLAN) and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). The paper covers the issues involved in vertical handover and discusses a solution being undertaken at UWC. The objective is to provide network services using various types of networks and devices for field workforce automation. The limitations of both WLAN and GPRS are discussed. Methods for reformatting large general-purpose Internet web pages to match small form-factor wireless devices are discussed. Methods for providing access on demand, wherever, whenever and with whatever are provided and explained. Along with the seamless handover is scaling down (minimizing) of web pages to match the display capability of the small screen of a personal digital assistant (PDA). The web pages are reduced in size and complexity and high bandwidth requiring features are held back to speed up web page loading and downloads. Access to the Internet and/or the organisation's Intranet is enhanced through the intervention of proxy servers. It performs scaling down of the web pages, device matching and storing of frequently accessed web pages along with the web pages that have been placed on hold when the web pages are scaled down. Key Words/phrases: Vertical handover, mobility modeling, proxy server, data transformation, Virtual Private Network (VPN), Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), WLAN and GPRS.


Contents: Part I:Introduction. R.S. Lockhart, The Role of Theory in Understanding Implicit Memory. Part II:Characterizing Implicit Memory. J.C. Dunn, K. Kirsner, Implicit Memory: Task or Process? W. Hirst, On Consciousness, Recall, Recognition, and the Architecture of Memory. D.L. Schacter, J. Bowers, J. Booker, Intention, Awareness, and Implicit Memory: The Retrieval Intentionality Criterion. H.L. Roediger, K. Srinivas, M.S. Weldon, Dissociations Between Implicit Measures of Retention. Part III:Theories and Models. E.U. Weber, B.B. Murdock, Priming in a Distributed Memory System: Implications for Models of Implicit Memory. K. Kirsner, J.C. Dunn, P. Standen, Domain-Specific Resources in Word Recognition. M.E.J. Masson, Fluent Preprocessing as an Implicit Expression of Memory for Experience. M.S. Humphreys, J.D. Bain, J.S. Burt, Episodically Unique and Generalized Memories: Applications to Human and Animal Amnesics. Part IV:Processes and Representations. C.M. MacLeod, J.N. Bassili, Are Implicit and Explicit Tests Differentially Sensitive to Item-Specific vs. Associative Information? L-G. Nilsson, L. B ckman, Implicit Memory and the Enactment of Verbal Instructions. S. Lewandowsky, K. Kirsner, V. Bainbridge, Context Effects in Implicit Memory: A Sense Specific Account. M. Carroll, Implicit Memory: Compatibility Between Study-Test Operations. S. Kinoshita, Masked and Unmasked Repetition Effects: Activation of Representation or Procedure? Part V:Development and Learning. A.J. Parkin, The Development and Nature of Implicit Memory. K. Durkin, Implicit Memory and Language Acquisition. J.G. Snodgrass, Sources of Learning in the Picture Fragment Completion Task. Part VI:Comment. M. Coltheart, Implicit Memory and the Functional Architecture of Cognition.


This paper presents an experimental study to evaluate the effects of moving wheel load on cyclic plastic deformation of railroad ballast at ballasted track under train passage. Two types of small scale model tests which differ in loading method were performed with poorly-graded crushed gravel. One is the fixed-place cyclic loading test, in which concentrated cyclic vertical load is applied at a sleeper. The other is the moving constant loading test, in which a wheel with constant vertical load travels cyclically along rails, as actual train loading. As a result, it was revealed that a slight difference in the grain size distribution of ballast noticeably influences the development of residual settlement by cyclic loading. Moreover, it was recognized that the difference in loading methods has a considerable influence on the cyclic plastic deformation of railroad ballast. For the covering abstract see ITRD E122683.


The aim of our study was to characterize the repolarization disorders propensity induced by drug-drug interaction. In this observational retrospective study, we report our experience on all elderly patients with ascertained diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 through nasopharyngeal swab with real time-polymerase chain reaction at our Pugliese-Ciaccio hospital in Catanzaro, who received hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), with or without azithromycin (AZY). 33 hospitalized patients were examined. We calculated QT value, cQT, QT dispersion, and cQT dispersion and examined possible progression on the basal electrocardiogram (T0) and after the insertion of the drug (T1). The QT value is increased by T0 vs T1 (370±40.74 vs 420±36.91 ms; P=0.000), as well as the cQT value (408±25.40 vs 451.54±58.81; P=0.003), the QT dispersion (QTd: 36.36±14.53 vs 50.90±13.12 ms; P=0.000); the dispersion of cQTc (cQTd 46.27±18.72 vs 63.18±21.93 ms; P=0.001). The ∆QT was 37.44±44.09 while the ∆cQT was 32.01±56.47). The main determinant of QTc prolongation is the number of drug at risk of prolongation of the QT that could influence the ventricular repolarization phase. The use of HCQ in combination with AZY, in patients suffering from severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2, can favor the onset of serious side effects, even potentially fatal. Finally, the measures of QTd and cQTd confirmed additional electrocardiographic parameters useful in identifying patients being treated with drugs at risk of potential adverse arrhythmic events following drug interaction. Introduction As of 17 October 2020, the number of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected subjects in the world is 39.5 million, with a mortality of 1.11 million patients (3.09%). As we still do not have an effective therapy for SARS-CoV-2 patients are treated with several non-specific drugs. Preliminary studies had shown a promising effect of high-dose hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in reducing SARS-CoV-2 viral load in hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) patients, with enhanced effects in combination with azithromycin (AZY) or various antiviral drugs.1,2 HCQ is an older antimalarial drug, first approved in 1955 by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), also used in longterm treatment of connective tissue diseases, widely available and economically viable and has been regarded as generally safe and well tolerated in patients treated for chronic inflammation. It is postulated to exert a direct antiviral activity by increasing intracellular pH resulting in decreased phago-lysosome fusion, impairing viral receptor glycosylation. In addition, it has immune-modulating effect by inhibiting toll-like receptor signaling, decreasing production of cytokines especially interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6.3 Prior data also suggests a potential anti-thrombotic effect.4 However, HCQ prolongs the QT interval due to blocking of the potassium internal cell current.5-7 This effect may be particularly enhanced when combined with other drugs which may in themselves prolong the QT interval, with a consequent increased risk of druginduced proarrhythmia, conduction block and ventricular arrhythmias, sometimes fatal. Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic has in vitro antiviral properties such as decreased viral replication, blocking entrance into host cells, and a potential immunomodulating effect.8 An in vitro study demonstrated synergistic activity of the combination of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin against SARS-CoV-2.9 Although widely used, azithromycin has also been increasingly recognized for risks of QT interval prolongation and sudden death. The information relating to the safety of the use of these drugs, alone or in combination in elderly COVID-19 patients, particularly if in polypharmacy, in addition to being contradictory, indicated an uncertain benefit in terms of efficacy with a safety profile burdened by risks. The US FDA as of June 15, 2020 has revoked the prior emergency use authorization to use hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine to treat COVID-19 in certain hospitalized patients when clinical trial data is unavailable or participation is not feasible.10 Currently, in light of the latest results available in literature, the authorization to use the HCQ offlabel, outside of clinical studies, has been


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In this paper solution for low-cost automation of aircraft assembly is presented. The concept of this development is closely related to "Lean Automation", which in this case concerns the use of modern standard equipment such as standard robots, PC-computers and a newly developed spatial sensor system for precision measurements of positions. The robot is used to perform reconfiguration of tooling modules that are possible to be configured/reconfigured in six degrees of freedom. A prototype developed as the result of an EUproject called ADFAST* has been evaluated at Linköping University in Sweden. Technical functionality is reported where the robot manages to configure the flexible tooling modules to a total error bellow 50 μm. This paper presents the results on the portion of the project addressing robot, metrology system and tooling.


A common bottleneck in combinatorial materials science occurs at the characterization stage. Here we discuss an instrument for the rapid measurement of mechanical properties of polymer libraries, which allows for 96 simultaneous measurements to be taken under a variety of conditions. For example, plateau moduli and glass transition temperatures can be measured by ramping temperature while applying a deformation at a constant amplitude and frequency, much like a conventional DMTA.


As wide-area measurements and control techniques are being developed and deployed for a more resilient power system; the modern power grid is strongly integrated with its communication network. By combining power systems with communication network simulator, co-simulation technique or platform enables the simulations of electric power systems in which communication network properties can be taken into account. In this study, a real-time hybrid simulation platform is proposed and implemented, which can be used to implement electromechanical transient real-time electric power simulation of a large-scale power system and emulate the measurement, control and communication process of wide-area power grids. Applications to study the phasor measurement unit measurement error and wide-area monitor and control are presented, which further illustrates the important role of this platform in power system simulation and analyses.


&NA; With an increase in the diagnosis of scoliosis and the number of patients requiring posterior spinal fusion, proper management is imperative. High quality management involves planning and preparation for the patient, family, nursing, and related staff. Psychologic implications have a great effect on the rate of recovery and are as important as the physical manifestations. This article contains methods that the authors developed and used in caring for this type of patient for the past five years. Also discussed are preoperative teaching, common complications, psychologic implications, and a multisystem approach.


Using 1320 European mergers and acquisitions (M&As) completed between 2003 and 2012, this paper investigates patterns of earnings management and the implications for non-cash acquisition premia considering both the form of payment and the target firm's listing status. The empirical evidence documented in this study suggests that management teams engage in pre-merger upward earnings management and that it is more evident for private rather than for publicly listed targets in order to compensate for the higher information asymmetry. This earnings management procedure leads to higher takeover premia even after controlling for variables such as the acquirer's internal investment opportunities, profitability or available free cash flow.


The performance of wet spraying materials in laboratory and actual engineering is studied with new wet shotcrete machine. The fly ash and silica fume can improve the cohesiveness of shotcrete,there by reducing its rebound ratio,can improve the compressive strength of shotcrete. Especially it is the most obvious for improving the cohesiveness and compressive strength by adding silica fume. When the dosage of silica fume is above 5% or the content of cementitious materials is below 400 kg / m3,pipe plugging can occur in spraying process. Furthermore,the performance indexes of wet spraying raw materials are discussed. It is shown that the raw materials for wet spraying materials should be elaborately selected in order for its successful design,strength stability and injection effect.


Herein, we report that synthesis of ZnS/Bi2S3 and Bi2S3/ZnS core-shell nanostructure prepared by 'one-pot' chemical method. We have studied the effect of structural, morphological, optical and thermal properties by exchanging the inner and outer layer of core-shell nanoparticles. The samples were studied using various characterization techniques such as XRD, TEM, FTIR, UV–Vis, Photoluminescence and TG-DTA. The XRD and TEM results demonstrated that the synthesized core-shell nanoparticles were in cubic (ZnS)-orthorhombic (Bi2S3) mixed crystal structures with a diameter of 18.6 nm and 16.3 nm with extremely monodispersing. The obtained result provides a new and simple route for synthesis of sulfide-based core-shell nanoparticles with high crystal quality.


Tree transpiration, E t , and understorey evaporation, E u , were measured hourly on 2-3 fine days during 12 periods throughout a year in a Pinus radiata plantation. There were 450 stems ha −1 and 60% of the herbaceous understorey vegetation and forest floor was covered by dead stems, branches and foliage from earlier thinning and pruning operations. Annual rainfall was 1154 mm and the trees and understorey vegetation were supplied adequately with water throughout the year. When stomatal conductance, g s , was normalized to a maximum value, g max , for each shoot, 87% of the variability was attributable to air saturation deficit above the forest canopy, D, and incident quantum flux density, Q


Abstract In light of the debate over inclusive education, this paper evaluates the impact of exposure to special needs (SN) peers. More classroom peers with SN lower performance, the probability of entering postcompulsory education, and income at ages 17 to 25. SN students and students at the lower end of the achievement distribution suffer most from higher inclusion. We analyze the effects of reallocation policies to alleviate negative externalities, and demonstrate that inclusion is preferable to segregation in terms of maximizing average test scores.


Introduction: The birth weight is one of the most useful indicators to evaluate the perspectives of infantile survival and health during its first year of life. Objective: To estimate proportion of low birth weight (LBW) and the perinatal mortality rate (PMR) in a public institution of health of third level of complexity of Bucaramanga. Materials and methods: Retrospective and descriptive study. Data like gestational age, gender, weight, height, cephalic perimeter, childbirth type was taken. In the descriptive analysis, the quantitative variables were calculated the measures of central tendency and dispersion with intervals of trust of 95%; and for the qualitative variables the respective proportions were calculated. Results: Proportion of LBW was of 17.79% (IC 95%: 16.51%-19.13%). The perinatal mortality rate was 16.4 per 1000 live births and a high percentage (83%) of the passed away RN displayed BPN. The 77.8% of newborns with low birth weight, stunted presented asymmetrical and 22.1% growth retardation symmetrical. Conclusion: The high proportion of LBW found in this study is similar to that found in a university hospital in reference to high risk pregnancies (19.5%). Salud UIS 2008; 40: 185- 190


Abstract 4449 BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In our Hospital patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) in chronic phase (CP) were treated with imatinib (Glivec) 400 mg qd from june 2001 to june 2006. Since july 2006, only imatinib copy drugs (brand names: Zeite, Imatec, Imatib, Millatus and Celonib, all of Indian origin) are being used to treat this disease at the Rebagliati Hospital in Lima Peru. We present here the efficacy, security, event-free survival, progression free survival, overall survival of patients treated with imatinib copy drugs. METHODS Retrospective and descriptive analysis of CP-CML patients treated only with imatinib since july 2006. They all initiated the treatment with 400 mg qd. Five year experience is presented here. RESULTS We analyzed data from 51 patients (pts) with CP-CML. Median age at diagnosis was 45.1 years (15–90), 49% female and 51% male, all patients were Chromosome Philadelphia positive. Low, Intermediate and High Hasford Score were 32%, 48% and 20%, respectively. Median time from diagnosis to start of imatinib was 7.6 months (0–123). Five patients (9.8%) began treatment more than six months after diagnosis. All patients had at least a 3 month cytogenetic monitoring. Thirty five (68.6%) and 39 patients (76.4%) achieved Complete Cytogenetic Response (CCyR) and Mayor Cytogenetic Response (MCyR), respectively. Median time to CCyR was 7.6 months and 71.4% of these patients achieved it during the first six months of treatment. CCyR and MCyR were 38% and 67% at 3 months, 57% and 70% at 6 months, 63% and 83% at 12 monhts, 78% and 91% at 18 months, respectively. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed in 22 patients with CCyR and 18 pts (81.8%) had Mayor Molecular Response (MMR) in five years of follow up. Four pts (7.8%) progressed to Blastic Phase and all of them had Low Hasford Risk at diagnosis. Eight pts (15.6%) changed to 2nd line treatment. Two pts (3.9%) abandoned treatment. Only 1 pt (1.9%) had both anemias 3–4. Eighteen pts (35.2%) had neutropenia-3, 8 pts (15.6%) had neutropenia-4, 7 pts (13.7%) had thrombocytopenia-3 and 4 pts (7.8%) had thrombocytopenia-4. Neutropenias 3–4 were managed with filgrastim, as treatment and as prophylaxis. At 5 years, Event Free Survival (EFS), Progression Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS) were 82%, 89% and 91%, respectively (Figure 1, 2 and 3). CONCLUSIONS In our hospital, CP-CML patients treated with imatinib copy drugs obtained important cytogenetic and molecular responses with prolonged EFS, PFS and OS and an acceptable safety profile. Hasford Score was not a good prognosis predictor. Treatment with Imatinib copy drugs has proven to be an acceptable treatment in CML patients in our hospital. Disclosures: Torres: Bristol Myers Squibb: Speakers Bureau.


An electrical resistivity image beneath Azumayama Volcano, NE Japan is modeled using magnetotellurics to probe the magma/hydrothermal fluid distribution. The 3-D inversion modeling images the conductive magma reservoir beneath Oana crater at depths of 3–15 km. The resolution scale for the conductor is 5 km by checkerboard resolution tests and the 67 % and 90 % confidential intervals of resistivity are 0.2–5 Ωm and 0.02–70 Ωm, respectively, for the region of less than 3 Ωm resistivity. The shallower part of the conductor is not explained by a water-saturated (5.5 wt %) dacitic melt, and the more probable interpretation is that it consists of a water-saturated, dacitic melt-silicic rock-hydrothermal fluid complex. The deeper part of the conductor is interpreted as a water-saturated (8 wt %) andesitic melt-mafic rock complex. The Mogi inflation source determined from GNSS and tilt data is located near the top boundary of the conductor at a depth of 2.7–3.7 km, which suggests that the ascent of hydrothermal fluids exsolved from the dacitic melt is interrupted by the impermeable wall and conduit. Assuming two phases of hydrothermal fluid and silicic rock, the resistivity at the inflation source, regarded as the upper bound resistivity of the conductor, is realized by the hydrothermal fluid fraction below the percolation threshold porosity in an effusive eruption. This indicates that the percolation threshold porosity in an effusive eruption characterizes the impermeable wall and conduit associated with the Mogi inflation source.


The performance of a polling system is modeled by stochastic Petri nets and its analysis is done by numerically solving the underlying Markov chain. One key problem in using stochastic Petri nets for real applications is that the size of underlying Markov chain tends to be large, and thus to be computationally intractable. In order to carry out the performance analysis of a large complex system in practice, the authors develop approximation methods at the Petri net level for the finite population, asymmetric polling systems and analyze the error due to the approximation. The mean cycle time and the mean response time of the system are approximated by the folding method and by the fixed-point iteration method. The effect of an increasing number of customers on the polling systems is studied using these approximations. The approximation methods are shown to save more than 95% of computation cost without a concomitant loss in accuracy. The methods perform very well at low offered loads.<<ETX>>


Vandalism of traffic signs on the nation's highways is on the increase. Recent Federal Highway Administration estimates of the total annual direct costs to the states, counties, and cities show an overall cost of fifty million dollars. Estimated indirect costs for injuries and tort liability claims are in the same range. Results of recent surveys to determine the extent and severity of the sign vandalism problem, as well as costs to taxpayers, are discussed and possible countermeasures and techniques to deter vandalism are given. The countermeasures include physical means of preventing vandalism, (vandal-resistant materials and hardware), legal means (anti-sign-vandalism laws), educational programs, and public information campaigns.


The differential evolution (DE) and harmony search (HS) are two well-known nature-inspired computing techniques. Both of them can be applied to effectively cope with nonlinear optimization problems. In this paper, we propose and study a new DE method, DE–HS, by utilizing the fresh individual generation mechanism of the HS. The HS-based approach can enhance the local search capability of the original DE. Optimization of some unconstrained and constrained benchmark problems and a real-world wind generator demonstrate that our DE–HS has an improved convergence property.


Biological control of citrus insects has been an important economic consideration in the Lower Rio Grande Valley citrus area during the past 20 years. Many growers who applied chemicals to control scale insects on an extensive basis found that their neighbors who used no chemical sprays profited as well and did not upset a predator-pest relationship in nature. Yearly spray operations seemed necessary once the grower started spraying. Other pests, for which the man did not spray, often developed to damaging numbers. Growers, thus, directed chemical control efforts against the two most important pests: the citrus rust mite, Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashm.) and Texas citrus spider mite, Eutetranychus banksi McG. At the present time, sprays are not commonly used in the area and dusts are the common means of applying chemicals for the control of these pests.


The human parasite Toxoplasma gondii has 22 regularly spaced microtubules associated with the cortex. This work defines the differential localization of associated proteins, explores the biophysical constraints on specific targeting along the cortical microtubules, and investigates the function of these proteins in stabilizing the polymers.


The effects of the lunar tide-producing force, so clearly recognizable day by day in the oceanic tides, are veiled in the lower atmosphere by much larger non-tidal movements. Nevertheless, long series of barometric readings have yielded accurate information about the lunar atmospheric tides. Lunar variations have also been found in the geomagnetic force components; they may be called "geomagnetic tides" since these lunar daily magnetic variations ∟ have been linked by the dynamo-theory with tidal motions in the ionosphere. They are the result of a comparatively simple large-scale experiment which is performed daily by the Moon on the Earth and which, involving only gravitational forces, is more easily interpreted than the solar daily variations S, in which magnetic effects of the tidal forces are rather inextricably mixed with those produced by simultaneous daily changes in solar-heat radiation and ionizing power. The study of ∟ yields information about the lunar tidal motions as well as about the changes of total ionization in the ionosphere.


This paper deals with the study of propagation of G type waves along the plane surface at the interface of two different types of media. The upper medium is taken as monoclinic magnetoelastic layer whereas the lower half-space is inhomogeneous isotropic. Dispersion equation and condition for maximum energy flow near the surface are obtained in compact form. The dispersion equation is in assertion with the classical Love-type wave equation for the isotropic case. Effect of magnetic field and inhomogeneity on phase velocity and variation of group velocity with scaled wave number has been depicted by means of graphs. It is observed that inhomogenetity decreases phase velocity and the magnetic field has the favouring effect. A comparative study for the case of isotropic layer and monoclinic layer over the same isotropic inhomogeneous half space has been made through graphs.


This paper discusses the approaches taken to deter fraud committed against four documents: the machine-readable passport; the machine-readable visa; the Consular Report of Birth Abroad; and the Border Crossing Card. General approaches are discussed first, with an emphasis on the reasons for the document, the conditions of its use and the information systems required for it to function. A cost model of counterfeit deterrence is introduced. Specific approaches to each of the four documents are then discussed, in light of the issuance circumstances and criteria, the intent of the issuing authority, the applicable international standards and the level of protection and fraud resistance appropriate for the document.


Projected Growth in Work Load A forecast 14% five year increase in peripheral vascular surgical procedures is anticipated. The drivers are the ageing population, increased screening efforts for vascular disease, broadening indications for endovascular therapy, technological advances in device design and multidisciplinary involvement. In the US, the Advisory Board project that this will have the greatest impact on future vascular in-patient volumes, with a 57% ongoing increase to 2027, greater than for any other surgical specialty. The increasing incidence of peripheral vascular disease, exponentially related to age is compounded by increasing obesity and Type II diabetes in the Australian population.


In this paper, we will explain a successfully proven lecturing method based entirely on system design. Wireless communications will be used as an example to explain this new teaching philosophy.


We construct projections from the space of differential k-forms which belong to L2 and whose exterior derivative also belongs to L2, to finite dimensional subspaces of piecewise polynomial differential forms defined on a simplicial mesh. These projections have the properties that they commute with the exterior derivative and are bounded independent of the mesh size. Unlike some other recent work in this direction, the projections are also locally defined in the sense that they are defined by local operators on overlapping macroelements, in the spirit of the Clement interpolant.


Patients on hemodialysis present complications due chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis treatment that compromise postural balance. Posturography is the gold standard device for measuring postural balance; however, its cost limits the use of this method for routine patient evaluation. Alternatively, the Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) have been used to evaluate postural balance, as it is inexpensive and has high test-retest reliability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the Mini-BESTest and posturography in patients on hemodialysis.

 A cross-sectional study was conducted with patients aged ≥18 years who were undergoing hemodialysis treatment for at least three months. Patients were excluded if presented physical or cognitive incapable to perform the proposed tests, assisted gait, uncorrected visual impairments, severe and unstable comorbidities, and hospitalization in the past three months. Postural balance was evaluated by the Mini-BESTest and posturography [a force plate recorded the center of pressure (COP) path length in a static position with eyes opened (EO) and eyes closed (EC) on a firm surface]. The normality of the data was analyzed using the Shapiro‒Wilk test. The associations between Mini-BESTest score and COP path length in the EO and EC were tested using Spearman´s correlation coefficients. Then, two multiple linear regression models were constructed with COP path length in the EO and EC as the dependent variable and Mini-BESTest score and potential confounders (age, gender, diabetes mellitus, body index mass, hemodialysis efficiency index, and hemoglobin) as independent variables. A p value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

 This study included 109 patients (58.4 ± 12.9 years, 57.8% male). The Mini-BESTest was correlated with COP path length in the EO (ρ = -0.365, p < 0.001) and EC (ρ = -0.279, p = 0.003). The multiple linear regression models showed an association of the Mini-BESTest with COP path length in the EO (R2 = 0.28; adjusted R2 = 0.23; p < 0.001) and EC (R2 = 0.26; adjusted R2 = 0.20; p < 0.001).

 The Mini-BESTest was associated with posturography in patients on hemodialysis. Therefore, the Mini-BESTest is a feasible test to evaluate postural balance in clinical routine practice during the physical function evaluation of these patients.


A new realization method for synthesis of the optimal cyclic loss nonlinear filter using a third generation digital computer is proposed. This method consists of carrying a finite set of Fourier coefficients of the conditional density of signal given the observations, and updating these coefficients to determine the Fourier coefficients of the a posteriori density when new observations are obtained. The filtering problem considered is that of phase demodulation. Monte Carlo evaluation of performance of this Fourier filter is given and compared with previous methods. Further, the accuracy and estimate computation time of this method are determined and compared with other methods.


Based on the characteristics of clean energy integration in the Energy Internet, this paper proposes an optimal AC/DC power flow algorithm of multi-terminal flexible dc transmission system considering wind power connection. Combined with the analysis and research on the reliability evaluation system of comprehensive energy system, a simulation model of VSC-MTDC system is established to calculate the power flow distribution. By analyzing and comparing the calculation results before and after the OPF of the VSC-MTDC system, the effectiveness of the optimization method proposed in this paper is verified, which provides theoretical basis and data foundation for the further development of energy Internet.


The critical velocity of copper powder for particle deposition in cold spraying was estimated both experimentally and theoretically. The dependency of the critical velocity on particle temperature was examined. The theoretical relationship between deposition efficiency and critical velocity at different spray angles was utilized to estimate the critical velocity experimentally. The numerical simulation of particle impact deformation was utilized to estimate the critical velocity theoretically. The estimation was performed for Cu particle under different particle temperatures. The experimental deposition was conducted using Cu particles of different temperatures under different spray angles to reveal the evidence of the dependency of the critical velocity on particle temperature. The theoretical estimation was based on the critical velocity corresponds to the particle velocity at which the impact begins to cause the adiabatic shear instability. It is found that the critical velocity is significantly influenced by particle temperature besides the type of material. The critical velocity of particle decreased with the increase in particle temperature, which is attributed to the thermal softening effect at elevated temperatures.


The paper firstly introduced the cause of the floated chain occurred in the double side circle chain scraper conveyor.In order to solve the floated chain problem,a new scraper with two slot ends was designed for the scraper conveyor.The circle chains could be installed in the two end slots of the scraper in order to clean out the corner coal between the circle chain and the pan side as well as the pan floor.The top and low two sides of the scraper would have the rear corner coal left and when the scraper conveyor was in operation,the scraper could clean out the coal on the pan floor,under the chain and the two sides of the scraper.Also the coal on the chain moving way could be cleaned out.Thus the floated chain phenomenon could be eliminated and the completed scraper conveyor could be ensured to have a long and reliable operation.


Objective To study the changes of plasma endothelial microparticles (EMP) in children with Kawasaki disease (KD) and its relation to coronary artery lesions (CAL).Methods The participants in this study were 30 children with KD (24 children with typical KD and 6 cases with incomplete KD).All KD patients met the diagnostic criteria established by the Japanese Kawasaki Disease Research Committee.According to the course of KD,3 phases were divided:the acute phase,the subacute phase and the convalescent phase.We evaluated the presence of CAL using two-dimensional echocardiographic examination,and then the KD children were divided into two groups,including 24 children without CAL and 6 children with CAL.Ten children with fever and rash and 10 healthy children were studied as control.The levels of CD31+/CD42b- EMP were measured by flow cytometry.Results The level of EMP was significantly higher in the acute phase [ (8.18 ± 2.29) % ] than those either in the convalescent phase [ (2.77 ± 0.85 ) % ] of KD or the healthy children [ ( 1.34 ± 0.38 ) % ] (P < 0.01 ).The level of EMP was also significantly higher in the subacute phase [ (5.93 ± 1.05 )% ] than those either in the convalescent phase of KD or the healthy children (P <0.01 ).The level of EMP was higher in the children with fever [ (3.66 ± 1.16) % ] than that in the healthy children ( P < 0.05 ).Furthermore,the level of EMP during the acute phase was also higher in KD patients with CAL than in those without CAL(P <0.01 ).Conclusion The measurement of EMP may be useful for the early diagnosis of KD and the identification of CAL.

Key words:
Kawasaki disease;  Endothelial microparticle;  Flow cytometry;  Coronary artery lesions


The purpose of this Computer Software Document (CSWD) is to provide configuration control of the Honeywell Modular Automation System (MAS) in use at the Plutonium Finishing Plant (PFP). This CSWD describes hardware and PFP developed software for control of stabilization furnaces. The Honeywell software can generate configuration reports for the developed control software. These reports are described in the following section and are attached as addendum's. This plan applies to PFP Engineering Manager, Thermal Stabilization Cognizant Engineers, and the Shift Technical Advisors responsible for the Honeywell MAS software/hardware and administration of the Honeywell System.


I was interested to read the article by Pretzl et al. published in Acta Odontol Scand 2017 May [1]. The purpose of the authors was to evaluate the intra-test agreement of pooled samples from the deepest periodontal pocket of each quadrant with a commercially available test kit based on hybridization of 16S rRNA [1]. Plaque samples of 50 patients with generalized severe chronic periodontitis before therapy were pooled in two separate vials in order to detect and compare counts of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola. Cohen's j and inter-class correlation coefficients were calculated to judge intra-test agreement [1]. Based on their results, Cohen's j for detection and counts of Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola showed a perfect agreement. Porphyromonas gingivalis was identified in both tests with a substantial agreement, whereas detection of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans varied in eight patients resulting in a good agreement. They concluded that the commercial 16S rRNA test is perfectly reproducible regarding detection of red complex pathogens. Reliability (precision, repeatability or reproducibility) is being assessed by different statistical tests, such as inter-class correlation coefficients (Pearson r), which is one of the common mistake in reliability analysis [2–8]. Inter-class correlation just assess the linearity and we can have a linear correlation with no reliability at all! Any shift in location and scale of the regression line which indicates no reliability cannot be detected by inter-class correlation. In such situation, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICCC) should be applied [2]. Moreover, using Cohen's j is another methodological mistakes in reliability analysis for qualitative outcomes. Two important weaknesses of k statistics to assess agreement are as follow: It depends upon the prevalence in each category which means it can be possible to have different kappa value having the same percentage for both concordant and discordant cells! Table 1 shows that in both (a) and (b) situations the prevalence of concordant cells are 90% and discordant cells are 10%, however, we get different kappa value (.41 and .82), respectively. Kappa value also depends upon the number of categories. Therefore, using weighted kappa in such situations can be suggested as a statistical test [3–8].


The issue of energy absorption during impact is present in various aspects of life. The possibility of dissipating unwanted energy gives huge opportunities for a variety applications such as helmets, car bumpers, smart body armours and protective pads. Nevertheless, there are numerous technical problems with achieving a compromise between good energy absorption efficiency and other important properties such as flexibility, weight and thickness. The article describes a study of composite structures based on shear thickening fluids (STF) and auxetic foams. The composites are developed as a potential component of products with high energy absorbing efficiency. The study reports on the rheological behavior of STF and force absorbing properties of the manufactured composites. In the experiment, two types of STF and eleven types of auxetic foams were used. Force absorbing tests for the produced samples were performed by dropping an impactor with the energy of 5 J. It was proved that the addition of STF to the auxetic foams increases the force absorbing efficiency.


This thesis explores the cultural discourse of two programs relating Sustainable Development (SD) to professionals within the Global Financial Sector. Through cultural discourse analysis, it has set out to explore and compare discussions surrounding Corporate Social Responsibility and Socially Responsible Investing in regard to the meaning of these programs for individuals implementing them. It has found that professionals working within and in partnership with global financial companies interpret the meaning of SD differently according to their cultural discourse. Beyond this, professionals have the opportunity to reshape current discourses through introducing new understandings and that greater collaboration is essential for generating better solutions to SD related problems. This research fits into a growing field of study contributing to the communicative view of Corporate Social Responsibility and institutional change as well as arguments calling for greater consideration of culture within sustainable development debates. In light of the 2015 Sustainable Development Manifesto and 'Positive Impact Finance Initiative' set out by the UN Environment Program 2017, along with increasing interest in CSR, SRI and institutional engagement in sustainable development principles, this is a topic of growing importance policy makers and company managers alike.


In Agenda-setting and Framing literature there is a variety of research dedicated to examine the effects of communicative messages on the audience and its characteristics. In this context, there are theoretical approaches that alternate, coexist and complement each other. This article aims to make a historical review of them, analyzing and differentiating the attribute agenda setting and Framing, often seen as synonymous.


the good immigrants of the past and the bad ones of today. On closer examination, it appears that the two cohorts are not so different, notwithstanding their different historical contexts. In the end, writes Garland, "illegal immigration points to the impossibility of defining citizens and borders, insiders and outsiders, as cleanly as states would like, even as it also highlights the extent to which such definitions remain central to the building and maintenance of state power" (216).


Recordings of blood velocity profiles and their behavior in the time domain in some peripheral human vessels (carotid arteries and limb vessels) are reported. Measurements have been obtained with a pulsed ultrasonic instrument based on the analysis of the cross-correlation function of blood-diffused echoes. The alterations of blood velocity profiles and of the velocity in the time domain, induced by known stenosis, have been studied in vitro as a function of the distance between stenosis and measuring point, and the position of the sample volume along the diameter. These studies may be useful for a better comprehension of blood velocity measurements made with ultrasound equipment for clinical noninvasive diagnostic purposes.


Korea has developed very rapidly since 1980s highlighted with Seoul olympic, and urbanization necessarily incurred. Population grew with increasing housing demands, but old towns could not provide enough land. The old town was already congested, and living conditions fell off. Therefore, new towns outside the old town were planned and built through three sequential phases. This suburbanization brought about heavy load on commuter transportation and air pollution. At the same time, improper infrastructure and amenities turned new towns into bedtowns. To escape from bedtowns, people returned to the old town, and urban remodeling was needed to accommodate adequate living conditions. In doing so, local characteristics were lost. Urban regeneration aroused as a countermeasure to this mishap. In this study, urban regeneration reinforced with smart technologies is suggested to revive lost placeness, communal connectivity, and urban orientation. Gentrification is another important issue to be resolved for the sustainable urbanization. This study focused on symmetrical aspects of the successful urban regeneration.


Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the laxative activity of Raphanus sativus L. leaf. Methods: Aqueous extract (AqRS) and fresh juice (FreRS) of Raphanus sativus L. were prepared and evaluated by preliminary phytochemical test. Laxative action of the extract at a dose of 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg (p.o) was evaluated using wistar albino rats, weighing 200-300 g, in different experimental model such as loperamide induced constipation, laxative activity test, gastrointestinal motility test, water and electrolyte secretion test. Results: Preliminary phytochemical studies carried for AqRS extract and FreRS juice of R.sativus leaves revealed the presence of carbohydrates, tannins, phytosterols, flavonoids and saponins. The FreRS juice & AqRS extract at 750mg/kg showed significant increased in fecal output in loperamide induced constipation (p<0.05) and laxative activity test (p<0.01). Both extract and the juice increased the distance covered in charcoal meal test (p<0.001) and increased the water-ion secretion in electrolyte secretion test (p<0.001) indicating laxative activity of Raphanus sativus leaf. Conclusion: The present study revealed that the aqueous extract (AqRS) and fresh juice (FreRS) of Raphanus sativus L . at a higher dose of 750 mg/kg exhibit significant laxative activity. KEY WORDS : Laxative, Raphanus sativus , Loperamide, Constipation


The effect of contact annealing on Hall data obtained from thick layer structured samples of MoS2 (i.e. β > 2) is presented. A more meaningful determination of the carrier concentration is obtained from these samples if either the contact is annealed at 800 K for 10 min or the concept of an effective sample thickness is used. The carrier concentration in an n-type natural crystal obtained from Korea is 2.6 ± 0.5 × 1016 cm−3 at room temperature and remains relatively constant down to 100 K.


Seattle Genetics, Inc. recently announced patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) at high risk of relapse or progression now have a new treatment option.


The policy and the conduct of hegemony engendered a long time ago. Now hegemonism presents some new characteristics in the process of economic globalization. These new characteristics are the comprehensive content of hegemonism, the theorization of hegemonism's basis, the diverse means of hegemonism, the whole interests of hegemonism, the cheating forms of hegemonism and the harmful result of hegemonism. At the same time the process of globalization has powerfully restrained the pursuing of hegemonism. [


We consider the direction of the static and dynamic balance among students of the middle classes. The experiment involved 40 students of 7-8 classes. It is designed the technique development and improvement of the ability to maintain balance in children. The method includes the most basic elements of gymnastics, under which you must have skill preservation of stability (balance, turns and jumps). It is noted the desirability of combining similar in their biomechanical characteristics curves and equilibria. We recommend the use of hops as a means of developing the ability to maintain balance.


We report on the physical properties of the disk-like structure of B8 IIIp star 36 Lyncis from line syntheses of phase-resolved, high resolution spectra obtained from the International Ultraviolet Explorer archives and from newly obtained ground-based spectra of the H α absorption profile. This disk is highly inclined to the rotational axis and betrays its existence every half rotation cycle as one of two opposing sectors pass in front of the star. Although the disk absorption spectrum is at least ten times too weak to be visible in optical iron lines during these occultations, its properties can be readily examined in a large number of UV "iron curtain" lines because of their higher opacities. The UV Fe II and Fe III lines in particular permit a determination of the disk temperature: $7500\pm500$ K and a column density of $3_{-1.5}^{+3}\times10^{20}$ cm -2 . The analysis of the variations of the UV resonance lines brings out some interesting details about the radiative properties of the disks: (1) they are optically thick in the C IV and Si IV doublets, (2) the range of excitation of the UV resonance lines is larger at the primary occultation ($\phi = 0.00$) than at the secondary one, and (3) the relative strengths of the absorption peaks for the two occultations varies substantially from line to line. We have modeled the absorptions of the UV C IV resonance and H α absorptions by means of a simulated disk with opaque and translucent components. Our simulations suggest that a gap separates the star and the inner edge of the disk. The disk extends radially out to ≥ 10 $R_{*}$. The disk scale height perpendicular to the plane is ≈ 1 $R_{*}$. However, the sector causing the primary occultation is about four times thicker than the opposite sector. The C IV scattering region extends to a larger height than the H α region does, probably because it results from shock heating far from the cooler disk plane.


This study was to evaluate the effects of several light curing units on the microleakage of composite resin restorations in primary teeth. The types of curing units were traditional low intensity halogen light(Optilux 360), plasma arc light(Filpo) low heat plasma arc light(Aurys) and high intensity LED(Freelight 2). After preparing cavities on sound primary teeth, cavities were filled with composite resin(Z100) using the same resin bond agent(Scotchbond Multi-Purpose) and were cured with each curing light system. After storing each specimen in sterile water for 24 hours, thermal circulation was done 1,000 times followed by pigmentation using 2% methylene blue solution. Each specimen was sliced and the degree of pigmentation was graded. When microleakage is graded, the average of Aurys was 0.95 which was the lowest and Freelight 2(1.05), Filpo(1.25), Optilux 360(1.30) followed. But values were not shown statistically significant difference (P>0.05). The results suggest that the newly developed curing units which has advantage in children by decreasing discomfort and procedure time can increase the microleakage of the composite resin.


Information included in this important new addition to the series include the following areas: * Flavonoid chemistry of the leguminosae * Chemistry and biological activity of ellagitannins * Chemistry and function of anthocyanins in plants * An update of chemical pathways leading to new phenolic pigments during wine ageing * Metabolic engineering of the flavonoid pathway * The translation of chemical properties of polyphenols into biological activity with impacts in human health * Plant phenolic compounds controlling leaf movement * Biological activity of phenolics in plants


Purpose:Intensity modulated radiation therapytreatments using helical tomotherapy involve detector arrays which collect data and stores it in the form of sinograms. This detector data can be used to verify that treatments are being correctly delivered to the patient. The purpose of this work was to examine the dosimetric effect due to dose rate variations. Method and Materials: During a helical tomotherapy treatment, the intensity of a rotating fan beam is modulated using a 64 leaf binary multi‐leaf collimator (MLC). The beam passes through the patient and is incident on the detector array, where detector counts are stored as sinogram data. For this study, a total of 53 fractions were evaluated for two different patients (1 Prostate and 1 Head & Neck). MLC controller files, which run the delivery sequence for each fraction, were extracted from the data archive system, along with the treatmentdeliverysinograms from all fractions. Because machine output has a cyclical pattern, errors were first simulated as sine curves with magnitudes varying from 2 to 10%. Then machine output sequences were extracted from the treatment fractions and modified by using the actual variation. Results: After visual inspection, it was observed that machine output can vary anywhere from 0−3%. When error simulations were inserted, dose differences ranged from 0.6−3%. The results from inserting actual treatment error back into the delivery sequence show that, with even a 1% variation in output, the dose difference is almost 0.5%. Conclusion: The results show that dose differences for actual error insertions, while not very large, could still cause a discrepancy when routine QA is performed. Changes in machine output vary from patient to patient as well as from day to day, which can cause a difference in the planned and delivereddose.


This paper hypothesizes that there is value in combining soil, climate and plant tissue data to give more reliable advice on nitrogen top-ups in-season when compared with models that are currently available. The benefit of soil and climate data is to factor in N mineralisation and potential yield while plant test data is a more direct approach of yield estimates when considering firstly plant N uptake from the whole soil profile and secondly biomass (important yield component). Plant test data are closer to yield in time and space than soil test data, shortening the time period for any yield prognosis by about 2-3 months, depending when plant testing occurred. A positive side-effect of plant testing is to check whether any other nutrients, apart from nitrogen, are limiting yield or an N response. Secondly, this paper explores an AI method as a comparison to the traditional modelling technique to further improve the accuracy and to turn the model into a self-calibrating model. Unlike a statistical autoregression technique, the tested AI method has dynamic functions that can be used not only on time series data but also on data such as used here.


Self efficacy self esteem and sexual risk taking are examined among 1788 post secondary school students in victoria Australia in the classroom and a mail in questionnaire on knowledge attitudes and behavior related to AIDs. The mean age was 18.3 years; 73% were female. Volunteers came from rural urban vocational and liberal arts schools. 98% were heterosexual and only nonvirgins were selected. Self efficacy was based on a 20 item scale by Libman et al. Self esteem was adapted from scales by Offer and Marsh and tested in a pilot study for consistency. Sexual behavior and risk questions were developed by the project. The results indicated that respondents felt confident in their ability to engage in a range of sex behaviors and to obtain condoms discuss their use and delay sex until contraception was available. However there were low levels of reported condom use. There is a disparity between what respondents say they do and what they believe they can do. Discussing pregnancy prevention may be easier that discussing safe sex. The self efficacy scale wasnt very discriminatory. Care must be taken in linking self efficacy with behavior. Mastery of contraception may not imply the same regard for safe sex precautions. Sexual risktaking was accounted for very little by the set of sexual self perceptions. There were differences in the sense of mastery and in sexual self esteem between men and women however the patterns of relationships which predicted risktaking were similiar. Also factors predicting risk with a casual partner were different from those with a regular partner. Saying No to sex reduces the incidence of unsafe sex among casual partners but in a long term relationship trust of ones partner and communication skills are more salient. AIDs is not perceived to be a risk factor. Assertive skills and feelings of self worth lead to sexual satisfaction but not necessarily protection from AIDs. The reality is that many youth engage in regular relationships that are short term and not monogamous and this is perceived as sexually safe. Spontaneity of sexual behavior may be a critical factor in ones taking precautions. Control of immediate encounters is what requires mastery. Self reports of sexual behavior studies are all limited by accuracy honesty of recall and willingness to report socially disapproved behavior but there is no alternative. The decision to engage in safe sex is governed by multiple factors only 1 of which is confidence in ones ability.


Summary The development of an Index of Parenthood Motivation is described and the results of two studies employing the Index are reported. It is concluded that the Index is useful as a measure of intensity of parenthood motivation as well as an assessment of important categories of motivation. Scores on the Index were significantly related to memories of early parental nurturance, to happiness of early family life, and to present identification with an organized religion for both late adolescent and young adult subjects, and with traditional feminine sex-role identification for late adolescent female subjects.


In this study, in order to develop compositions of ceramics suitable for piezoelectric actuator and ultrasonic vibrator applications using low temperature sintering, multilayer, PMN-PNN-PZT ceramics were fabricated using and as sintering aids. Their structural, piezoelectric and dielectric characteristics were investigated according to the Zr/Ti ratio. As the Zr/Ti ratio increased, the electromechanical coupling factor , and piezoelectric constant and the mechanical quality factor all increased with Zr/Ti ratio and then decreased after the ratio exceeded 50/50. At the ratio of Zr/Ti


The original of Jiang zhe-min′s representative of advanced culture is party building from culture.In this paper,the study and consideration is given to the guiding meannig,forming progress and theoretic programme of Jiang zhe-min′s thought about Party building from culture and how to put it into effect.


Owing to the history task shouldered by the civilian-run colleges and universities of our country at present,the men of ability they cultivate mainly are the compound,open and innovation types.Therefore,it is necessary for them to set up the new idea of men of ability,pay attention to training the students with the ability for innovation,adaptation,re-organization,social contact,starting work and anti-frustration.


Measurements of the electromagnetic bias have shown that bias increases with wind speed until about 11 m/s and then begins to decrease. Two possible causes are investigated. First, it could be due to a shift in the backscatter power modulation to the forward or rear face of the wave crests. Second, it could be due to the backscatter power becoming more homogenous throughout the wave profile. These two possibilities are tested using data collected from an oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico during a six-month period in 1990. This study is novel because it uses knowledge of the spatial distribution of both the backscatter and wave displacement for the study of the electromagnetic bias. Both causes outlined above contribute to the bias decrease, but the second cause seems to be the dominant effect. This study is in support of the upcoming mission of the NASA/CNES Jason-1 altimeter.


During the past two decades, the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic (AF SR) have participated in more than thirty operations under major international organizations and coalitions. Despite the political interest to sustain active engagement of the AF SR in international crisis management operations, the declining level of capabilities coupled with the urgent need to modernize most of the military equipment compels the Slovak Ministry of Defense to commence a complex optimization process. Even though the evolving security environment continues to widen the spectrum of military capabilities, AF SR will need to prioritize and optimize their capabilities selectively. The defense planners must make sure that the AF SR will develop and maintain the necessary spectrum of capabilities required for the most likely deployment scenario. The optimization process should be conducted within a long-term conceptual plan that clearly defines the future course of the AF SR development within a limited financial frame. At the same time, the optimization endeavor must include a certain degree of flexibility that will allow for necessary adjustments based on specific operational requirements. In the end, the AF SR may become a modern and flexible instrument of power that could be engaged in crisis management operations abroad, upholding national and international interests effectively.


Karl Marx,Max Weber and Emile Durkheim are most important and influential sociologists.The common characteristic of their philosophy of law is sociality.Marx's thought of philosophy of law is law is class;Weber's theory of law is rational,while Durkheim's theory of law is contract.They have elucidated an idea that law is a philosophy concept.We can understand law in essence by them.


Abstract
Background: Studies on the long-term behavior of malaria are scarce in Colombia and, in general, are aimed at explaining this behavior from a perspective that adjusts to the function of the apparatuses responsible for the control of the disease, without applying a critical vision.
Objective: To present epidemiological data on malaria in Colombia and to try to explain its long-term behavior from a point of view that questions the functionalist vision.
Methodology: The data presented in this paper was collected in a non-systematic review.
The authors sought to find data and arguments that sustain the criticism of the issues addressed.
Results: The tendency of malarial morbidity, as expressed with the annual parasitic index adjusted for the exposed population, increased in the period 1935-2018. None of the ideological or administrative changes used in control or eradication programs has managed to affect this trend.
Resistance: The supposed influence of the "resistance of parasites to medicines" and of anophelines to insecticides has been scarce and unimportant.
Conclusions: the why of malarial morbidity behavior in Colombia should be studied thoroughly, systematically, and critically, giving priority to the study of the processes of social determination of the disease. Key words: Malaria, Plasmodium, epidemiologia, Colombia.


Innovation that takes place in global and national economy has specific reginal manifestations. Therefore, when evaluating the efficiency of utilizing investment resources, it's necessary to consider the specifics of territorial development, which is what this research is about. The methodology is based on correlation and regression analysis. The effectiveness of the current resourcing for all the processes, including innovation, could seemingly be assessed by comparting spending and outcomes. This study uses the domestic R&D costs as the resourcing indicator. The resulting indicators are gross regional products and the monetary value of innovative goods, products, and services. The research further applies correlation and regression analysis to identify a strong correlation between the values above, which enables modeling the development of the national economy. That allows grouping the CFD regions in terms of their potential response to domestic R&D spending, which manifests itself as a change in GRP and in the value of innovative goods.


Date of this Version 2012 Comments © 2012 by Dan Daly http://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/product/National-Forgotten-League,675254.aspx Abstract The first fifty years of America's most popular spectator sport have been strangely neglected by historians claiming to tell the "complete story" of pro football. Well, here are the early stories that "complete story" has left out. What about the awful secret carried around by Sid Luckman, the Bears' Hall of Fame quarterback whose father was a mobster and a murderer? Or Steve Hamas, who briefly played in the NFL then turned to boxing and beat Max Schmeling, conqueror of Joe Louis? Or the two one-armed players who suited up for NFL teams in 1945? Or Steelers owner Art Rooney postponing a game in 1938 because of injuries? These are just a few of the little-known facts Dan Daly unearths in recounting the untold history of pro football in its first half century. These decades were also full of ideas and experimentation, such as the invention of the modern T formation that revolutionized offense, unlimited player substitution, and Search


Abstract Based on the experimental data of regulated deficit irrigation at different growth stages on field pear‐jujube tree (Zizyphus jujube Mill.) during 2005–2007 in Northwest China, the regulated deficit irrigation integrated benefits (RDIIB) with different water deficit treatments at different growth stages were evaluated and classified using a model. The results in 2005–2006 showed that the RDIIB under single‐stage water deficit at fruit maturity stage were better than the other treatments, and the best RDIIB were gained under moderate (IVSD) or severe deficit (IVMD) at fruit maturity stage. The results in 2006–2007 also indicated that the four double‐stage water deficit schemes have the better RDIIB, and the best scheme was severe water deficit at bud burst to leafing stage plus moderate water deficit at fruit maturity stage. The RDIIB evaluation model based on information entropy method provided the reliable technical guidance for the optimal RDI scheme of pear‐jujube tree.


Peter Leonidovich Kapitza 1980 Dordrecht: D Reidel xx + 429 pp price $47.35 ($14.75 paperback) In my experience this book is unique in one respect – it cites itself in its appended booklist. That made me feel as if I was reading a Mobius strip! This hefty collection of 44 shortish Kapitza creations appears in the series 'Boston Studies in the Philosophy of Science'.


Malnutrition in the various sectors of our national territory, especially those who are in conditions of poverty and extreme poverty, has been one of the main factors for the creation of food programs. The first program created in 1984 was the program of the milk glass in arder to cater to the vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant and nursing mothers, elderly and tuberculosis patients. With the passing of time the program of the glass of milk he remains in effect and it has become the largest program and collecting revenue from the State, as eating disorders and the high rates of malnutrition especially in children remain firm the operation of this program. Since the consequences of malnutrition range from a decrease in tQ, tearning, retention and memory problems, diseases prevalent in childhood to chronic diseases in adulthood. That's makes emphasis on the importance of the program me in the rural Area of the District of Laredo and its organizations base as main axes of the execution and functioning, by constant work on the procedures and activities that lead to efficient service that they can receive the beneficiarias.


The five-phase coupled-inductor inverter is a newly proposed option for three-level five-phase inverter drives. This paper comprehensively analyzes the inverter including the coupled-inductor current, current stress on the dc-link capacitors, and a comparison of these performance aspects using three pulse width modulation (PWM) strategies. Mathematical derivations of the inverter currents and the associated current stress reveal that the current stress is not only influenced by the choice of modulation strategy, as in the neutral-point-clamped topology, but also by the value of coupled inductance; furthermore, the choice of the modulation strategy impacts the core loss of the coupled inductors. Three carrier-based PWM methods are considered: sinusoidal PWM (SPWM), and two methods with the common-mode voltage reduction (referred to as CMVR1 and CMVR2) for the five-phase coupled-inductor inverter. CMVR2 is shown to be the best solution if common-mode voltage reduction is required. The analysis demonstrates that SPWM performs better with respect to current stress and inverter losses, therefore is the preferable modulating strategy for the five-phase coupled-inductor inverter if common-mode voltage reduction is not required. The analysis is verified by simulations and experiments.


The hydraulic pumps are gear pumps,vane pumps,piston pumps,screw pumps and other types of construction machinery hydraulic systems,gear pumps used more often.The working principle of gear pumps,gear pump performance parameters are described,analysis of the structural factors affecting their performance and use of factors of corresponding measures in order to better play gear pump performance.


Clinical observation would seem to justify a separation between the auricular and nodal paroxysmal tachycardias. While cardiovascular abnormalities are usually not encountered in cases where the rate of acceleration of the ectopic focus is rather high (as in supraventricular paroxysmal tachycardia), patients who show the "nodal" type (with a rate of 140-160) may have manifest or subclinical cardiac disease. Attention is focused on the fact that in these cases a paroxysmal attack may even be considered an early symptom and indication of further deterioration of the underlying myocardial disease, not apparent in our usual clinical observation. In view of the fact that prevention of a paroxysm is of paramount importance and well-balanced digitalis therapy will prevent recurrence, such a distinction should be kept in mind as an aid in early recognition of subclinical myocardial disease.


ABSTRACT Objectives: This article presents a 3-year budget impact simulation on the effects of a chronic Hepatitis C (HCV) eradication plan in real-life costs incurred by the Regional Health Service. Methods: The Liguria Region network performed a prospective 3-year (2017–2019) timeframe horizon trends simulation analysis focusing on management interventions and costs. It involved all the eight prescribing centers in the region, starting from retrospective historical performance data and assuming the impact of sustained viral response rates for patients treated for HCV. Data on hospital admissions, medical visits, number of patients, and deaths were collected through the healthcare database. Results: At the beginning of 2017, 2,940 patients were eligible for HCV treatment with direct-acting antivirals. Assuming to treat this entire population with a success rate of 90%, the events related to liver complications in the horizon would decrease to 5,538 cumulatively (−35%), with a 27% reduction of direct costs, showing a global savings of 24,779.024 Euros. Conclusion: Treating the entire eligible HCV population would lead to significant benefits and savings in managing liver-related diseases and their direct costs, opening opportunities to re-think new settings for the future organization of liver disease management in the regional health system.


When in 1979 the first elections to the European parliament took place, green candidates were fielded in France, Belgium, the UK and West Germany. None of them was elected, only the French ecologists came close with 4.4% of the vote. Five years later, the second European elections brought 11 green Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to Strasburg with other green parties in Ireland, the UK, Luxemburg, and France putting up more or less respectable performances. Though these elections did not bring the European breakthrough which some ecologists might have hoped for, the results demonstrate that green political parties are establishing themselves internationally and are consolidating their position.


Abstract-The IP multimedia core network subsystem (IMS) provides multimedia services for Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). In IMS, any incoming call will first arrive at the interrogating call session control function (I-CSCF). The I-CSCF queries the home subscriber server (HSS) to identify the serving CSCF (S-CSCF) of the called mobile user. The S-CSCF then sets up the call to the called mobile user. This paper investigates the performance of the IMS incoming call setup. We also propose cache schemes with fault tolerance to speed up the incoming-call-setup process. Our study indicates that the I-CSCF cache can significantly reduce the incoming-call-setup delay, and checkpointing can effectively enhance the availability of I-CSCF.


Rural areas have a growing need for public transportation, but service is declining due to high costs and diminishing subsidies. The U.S. Postal Service faces similar problems with its rural service. A number of European countries faced similar problems and have solved them, to some extent, by combining public transportation with mail deliveries. Several studies have shown that this approach may be successful in this country. The possibility of reducing the cost of providing both services by combining them demands experimentation. (Author)


Introduction: We studied the levels and severity of anxiety caused by COVID-19 amongst frontline health-care workers (HCWs) in a tertiary care neurological hospital in Nepal, not assigned to manage COVID-19 cases. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 frontline Health Care Workers (HCWs) using a 10-point subjective assessment tool, the Anxiety Level Index (ALI), and the Zung Self Rating Anxiety Score (SAS), to assess the level of anxiety regarding COVID-19. Results: On ALI 55% of HCWs were found to have marked severe anxiety (6-9), however, on SAS 44% of HCWs reported anxiety. The majority HCWs were female (n=78) with nurses forming 62% of the sample size. The mean age was 26.8 years (SD 8.17). Factors associated with significantly higher levels of anxiety regarding COVID-19 on ALI were age (p=0.002), sex (p=0.001), receiving regular COVID-19 updates via social media (p=0.011) and a high frequency of checking for COVID-19 information authenticity (p=0.039). Work experience (p=0.026) and frequency of checking for information authenticity (p=0.029) were factors found to increase SAS measured anxiety and were found to be associated with significantly higher levels of anxiety. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that respondents with work experience of less than or equal to 2 years were 0.380 (95% CI 0.158 to 0.910) times less likely to have anxiety than those with work experience of more than 2 years. Similarly, the odds of having anxiety among those who checked information authenticity less frequently was 0.377 (95% CI 0.153 to 0.931) times less than those who often did. Conclusion: The COVID-19 outbreak has caused a substantial impact on the mental health of frontline HCWs in a hospital not assigned to manage COVID-19 patients. Length of time of worked in healthcare and the frequency of checking for COVID-19-related information were significant predictors of anxiety.


HTc SQUID magnetometer is characterized by low noise,high sensitivity,wide dynamic and frequency ranges and can be used as a B field sensor.Theoretically,the HTc RF SQUID magnetometer has superiority over conventional inductive coil in TEM application.Since 1989,Bejing University and IGGE have been developing HTc SQUID magnetometers for geophysical exploration.We have manufactured the HTc SQUID magnetometer adapted to several commercial TEM system,and realized measuring magnetic field directly in TEM.IGGE also have studied the data processing and interpretation technology and have developed resistivity imaging software for the data acquired with HTc SQUID magnetometer.The results of the field tests show that larger detection depth could be expected in TEM survey by using HTS RF SQUID magnetometer.


Mitotic cell proliferation undergoes precisely controlled functional phases and results in two daughter cells divided from one parental cell. Some drugs interact with cell proliferation progression and lead to mitosis arrest at a certain phase, or cell death eventually. Combination of machine learning with impedance flow cytometry (IFC), an efficient tool for high-speed and label-free single cell analysis, allows linking of the cell physiology states post drug treatment with impedance data in a more accurate and convenient fashion. This work presents the use of different models of machine learning for classifying cell states, i.e. mitotic arrest at G1/S or G2/M phases and apoptosis, from the impedance data measured for drug-treated cells using microfluidic IFC chip.


A fully NTSC-compatible, two-channel, wide aspect-ratio HDTV (high-definition television) system with equal vertical and horizontal resolutions is described. The wideband, Y, I and Q components are spectrally split into low-frequency and high-frequency bands. However, only the low-frequency components are spatially split into center and edge segments. The low-frequency edge signals are NTSC encoded and decoded using the existing hardware for the compatible center signals. The system uses augmented vertical filters and produces minimal cross-luminance and cross-chrominance, while providing equal edge and center resolutions.<<ETX>>


Drought stress, a major abiotic stress adversely effects crop growth and yield. Tepary bean was identified as one of the drought adapted legumes for arid and semi-arid regions. Drought responsive functional genes in tepary bean were identified through current investigation. The complementary DNAs (cDNAs) prepared from leaf messenger RNA (mRNA) of three genotypes ( #10, #15 and #20) were sequenced using 454, and 54,165 Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) were generated and functionally annotated.


Preparation of the tundish coverture fluxes by the blast furnace slag can recycle utilization of solid wastes discharged from iron and steel industry. Calcium fluoride and magnesia can play an important role for the basic performance of tundish coverture fluxes. The impact on the melting temperature, viscosities and surface tension of the tundish coverture fluxes from the content of calcium fluoride and magnesia were studied. The results showed that: When the content of CaF2 increased from 10% to 25%, the melting temperature, the viscosity and the surface tension were decreased by 50°C, 0.3 Pa·S and 0.039 N/m respectively. The viscosity was brought down of 0.02 Pa·S, the surface tension was increased by 0.03 N/m, and the difference between the lowest and highest melting temperature was about 3°C when the content of MgO changed from 5% to 11%.


An expression for the R-matrix associated to $U_q(\widehat{e_8})$ in its 249-dimensional representation is given using the diagrammatic calculus of $U_q(e_8)$ invariants.


It is phenomenologically explained that rutting involves material damage as same as the fatigue cracking in asphalt pavements. Rut depth is known to develop rapidly, once the damage starts to progress. In this case, a new rutting equation is required and suggested first time here by adding the expression of the damage deformation to the existing empirical one. The data of the laboratory wheel tracking experiment as a function of wheel speed prove that the suggested equation is reasonable, and the material damage turns out to be a function of wheel speed. Through this equation, the new analytical method to analyse the damage behavior due to rutting is also developed. It is explained that the Hamburg wheel tracking test accelerates the damage initiation, and the data obtained by this test disclose the damage behaviors affected by temperature and viscosity of pavement materials.


Our research project aims to create interaction media, called "Ubiquitous Experience Media," that will allow anybody to observe and share human experiences anytime, anywhere and in any way. As an introduction to this workshop, this paper presents the concept of an intelligent environment with ubiquitous experience media. Next, research issues for building the intelligent environment and the basic operations of these media are described. Based on these operations, the workshop falls into five kinds of sessions: the sensing and display, the communication robots, the learning environments, the experience corpora and the human communication.


Abstract Fresh weed weights and yields were compared between Florunner peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) grown in twin 18 cm rows and conventional 91 cm rows when subjected to a series of weed control systems ranging from none to intense. Reductions in grasses in the twin row spacing were evident in 2 out of 3 years in the untreated check, where grass infestations were at a maximum. Comparable reductions in broadleaves, and increases in yield were sporatic. While the twin row spacing affected weeds and yield in a favorable manner, the consistency was insufficient to premit any reduction in herbicide inputs.


The compounds Ce.Fe,- ,Mn, (r:0-3) were synthesized and theil structure and magnetic properties were studied. The compor,rnds crystallize in the rhombohedlal Th.Zn,--type structure. Neutron diffraction study of Ce.Fe,, ,Mn, solid solutions shows that Mn prefers the 6c site and avoids completely the 9d site. whereas the l8l and 18ft sites are occupied almost randomly. The compositional dependences of the unit cell parameters at 293 K are non-monotonous. The binary compound Ce.Fe,. shows fet'romagnetic beharior below O:9;l K and helicoidal antifenomagnetic structure with f.:206 K. The N6el temperature of the compounds Ce.Fe,- ,Mn. decreases almost monotonously r.vith increasing Mn content. wheleas O(.r) dependence is non-monotonous. Fenomagnetic order disappears in the range.r:0.5-1. Plobably. the compounds with 1<-r<2 at lorl'tempelatures inhomogenous f-erromagnets consisting of microscopical regions with ferromagnetic orderin-e. Simultaneously. a short-range helicoidal irntif'enomagnetic state exists in the latter compounds. A magnetic phase (-r-f) dia-uram is presented. The magnetization curves of the compounds with x:0.5-l show a metamagnetic transition at -(,1-7) kOe. O 2000 Elsevier Science B:I All ights reserved.


The design of effective optimization algorithms is always a hot research topic. An optimizer ensemble where any population-based optimization algorithm can be integrated is proposed in this study. First, the optimizer ensemble framework based on ensemble learning is presented. The learning table consisting of the population members of all optimizers is constructed to share information. The maximum number of iterations is divided into several exchange iterations. Each optimizer exchanges individuals with the learning table in exchange iterations and runs independently in the other iterations. Exchange individuals are generated by a bootstrap sample from the learning table. To maintain a balance between exchange individuals and preserved individuals, the exchange number of each optimizer is adaptively assigned according to its fitness. The output is obtained by the voting approach that selects the highest ranked solution. Second, an optimizer ensemble algorithm (OEA) which combines multiple population-based optimization algorithms is proposed. The computational complexity, convergence, and diversity of OEA are analyzed. Finally, extensive experiments on benchmark functions demonstrate that OEA outperforms several state-ofthe-art algorithms. OEA is used to search the maximum mutual information in image registration. The high performance of OEA is further verified by a large number of registration results on real remote sensing images.