The associated-particle . sealed-tu& neutron generator (APSTNG) interrogates the inspected object with 14-MeV neutrons generated from the deuterium-tritium reaction and detects the alpha-particle associated with each neutron inside a cone encompassing the region of interest. Gamma-ray spectra from resulting neutron reactions inside the inspected volume identify fissionable materials and many nuclides. Flight-times determined From detection times of the gamma-rays and alpha-particles separate the prompt and delayed gamma-ray spectraand can yield coarse tomographic images from a single orientation. The highenergy neutrons and gamma-rays penetrate large objects and dense materials. The gamma-ray detector and neutron generator can be located on the same side of the interrogated object, so walls and other confined areas can be inspected, as well as sealed containers. NO collimators or radiation shielding are needed, the neutron generator is relatively simple and small, and commercial-grade electronics are employed. A complete system could be transported in an automotive van. Laboratory experiments and limited field tests indicate APSTNG technology could be useful in characterizing radioactive waste in drums, walls, soils, and processing systems, particularly for unknown or heterogeneous configurations that may significantly attenuate radiation. Also, toxic chemicals could be identified that would help classify the radwaste as to mixed waste content, and the ability to detect pockets of water may address criticality concerns. INTRODUCTION A recently developed neutron diagnostic probe has potential for a range of van-mobile and !ixed-portal applications for NDA (nondestructive analysis), including detection of explosives and drugs in aviation, customs, and physical security environments,. arms control treaty verification, nonproliferation surveillance of special nuclear material and chemical warfare agents, and characterization of radioactive waste and pollutants. The probe is based on an associated-particle sealed-tube neutron generator. (APSTNG) that interrogates the object of interest with a lowintensity cone of 14-MeV neutrons generated from the deuteriumtritium reaction, detects the alpha-particle associated with each neutron, and records energy and flight-time spectra from gammarays resulting from neutron interactions in the object. Investigations of applications for verification of chemical and nuclear weapons (Rhodes et al., 1992a), detection of explosives and drugs (Rhodes and Peters, 1992b and 1992c), and extension to large interrogation volumes (Rhodes and Peters, 1992c; Rhodes et al., 1993) are covered in previous publications. Most recently, application studies have been conducted for detection of cocaine in propane tanks, monitoring for smuggled plutonium and uranium, and characterization of radioactive and toxic waste. Also, a new fieldable advanced APSTNG system (including neutron generator tube, high voltage supply, and control unit) has been designed and is beiig constructed. . Other MIA systems based on neutron interrogation and detection of gamma-ray spectra from resulting neutron interactions * AK~OMC National Laboratory is owned by the U. S. gwcmmmt and operated by the University of Chicago under the provisions of a contract with the Dcpartmmt of Energy. This work was perfomad partly under sponsorship of theU. S. Dcpartmat of Energy Oftice of Nonproliferation and National Scuuity as part of a research and dcvelopmmt pmgmm and docs not imply anmt or futurc policy dccisiom or technical prcfcmccs of any agmcy of the U. S. govemmmt have also been recently proposed for examination of radioactive waste. Along with the APSTNG, these systems potentidy may be used for a wide range of on-site applications in support of facility D&D (decontamination and decommissioning), including facility characterization prior to D&D; monitoring progress of D&D operations; characterization of the waste as it is collected, treated and/or separated, and packaged; characterization of clean or decontaminated material; and facility characterization at completion of D&D. The data collected by these other systems is similar to that collected by the APSTNG, although the APSTNG has some advantages in data collection and specific applications. Therefore we propose to use the advanced APSTNG as a test bed for facility D&D, using laboratory mockups and limited field tests. .In this paper, operation of the APSTNG system is reviewed, its application to radioactive waste characterization and use as a test bed for facility D&D are discussed, and development of the new advanced APSTNG system is described. APSTNG OPERATION The neutron' diagnostic probe which Argonne has been using was developed primarily by Nuclear Diagnostic Systems @IDS) (Gordon and Peters, 1990). Its operation can be understood from Fig. 1, which sketches a "general purpose" APSTNG system. The object to be interrogated might be baggage or cargo or an item to be inspected under arms control treaty provisions or radioactive waste regulations, that could contain explosives, illicit drugs, chemical warfare or other toxic agents, or fissionable or radioactive material. In the APSTNG, deuterons are accelerated into a tritium target, producing 14-MeV neutrons isotropically. Each neutron is accompanied by an associated alpha-particle travelling in the opposite direction (in center-of-mass coordinates). The gamma-ray and neutron detectors are timkgared by pulses from the alpha detector, forming a cone of flight-timecorrelated neutrons through the object. Detector pulses are timeresolved by CFD's (constant-fraction discriminators). Flight times are determined by a TAC (time-to-amplitude converter). digitized by an ADC. (analog-todigital converter), and recorded. A single specially configured gamma-ray detector is employed in the current ANL APSTNG system. A NaIW) crystal 10.16 cm x 10.16 cm in cross section and 40.64 cm long is coupled to two fast photo-multipliers, one at each end. Improvements in time and energy resolution are obtained by combining the timing and energy data from the two ends, while the large detector provides relatively high efficiency for the high-energy gamma rays. When a reaction occurs in the object along the cone that results in a detected gamma-ray, the timedelay from the alpha pulse yields the position (depth) along the cone where the reaction occurred, since the source neutron and gamma-ray.speeds are known (5 cm/ns and 30 cm/ns, respectively). By using a twodimensional (2D) position-sensitive multipixel alpha detector, transverse and depth coordinates of reaction sites can be mapped, providing three-dimensional (3D) emission imaging of reaction densities from measurements at a single orientation. (The present NDS system uses a PM tube that is not position-sensitive to detect alpha scintillations, but can provide 3D imaging in the laboratory by restricting the alpha window view field and scanning the interrogated object transversely.) Depth resolution along the cone axis is limited by the 1 ns time resolution of the flight-time .electronics and detector signal pick-off to no better than 5 cm. In applications requiring imaging, systems would include a 2D alpha detector, as well as an array of gamma-ray reaction detectors, so as to maximize information obtained from each interacting neutron and sufficiently minimize measurement time. The PC controls the experiment, calculates positions, and displays data and images. Software can be developed for specific applications that will perform intelligent data analysis and interact with the operator to determine which items are sufficiently suspect to require further examination. Detection Modes The use of the timecorrelated gamma-ray spectra is denoted the EGRIS (emissive gamma-ray imaging and spectroscopy) mode, which applies to fast-neutron reactions having subnanosecond response. Nearly all nuclides with atomic number above boron have distinctive gamma-ray spectra for the EGRIS mode, with reaction cross sections of 05 barn for 14-MeV neutrons (predominantly inelasticscattering). By choosing gamma lines of specific nuclides, a coarse 3D image of each identifiable nuclide in the time-correlated spectrum can be mapped. By . choosing approMate. nuclide intensity ratios, 3D images of compounds can be made (molecular bonds are not identified). Fissionable materials can be identified by the characteristic fission gamma-ray spectrum in the EGRIS mode, or neutron detectors may be used to detect emitted fission neutrons in the ENIS (emissive neutron imaging and spectroscopy) mode. For gamma-rays above 1 MeV, background is greatly reduced in the EGRIS mode, since background counts can only be accumulated during the nanosecond-range correlation interval. Because neutrons are emitted isotropically, the source and emission detection systems can be located arbitrarily, and can be on the same side of the interrogated object when access is restricted. Regions behind walls. under floors or roadbeds, or above ceilings could be inspected nonintrusively. The high-energy neutrons and gamma-rays will penetrate large objects agd dense materials. The EGRIS mode is generally the primary detection mode. Neutron capture reactions require slow neutrons, but the source neutrons scatter many times in slowing down, which requires milliseconds. Thus neutron capture events are not timecorrelated with the alpha pulses on. a nanosceond time scale, but provide nonimaging gamma-ray spectra that can aid nuclide identification. Use of noncorrelated gamma-ray spectra with the neutron generator on is termed the CGRS (capture gamma-ray spectroscopy) mode. CGRS data can be collected simultaneously with EGRIS data by using a multichannel analyzer board inside the PC. The thermal neutron capture cross section is small for most nuclidesi but is large for nuclides of interest in some applications. The gamma-ray spectra are generally significantly more co


Objective To investigate the Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease treated with combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine. Method 70 cases with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in control group (n=18) were treated only by hormone and immunosuppressants. Patients in treatment group (n=52) were treated by combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine, hormone and immunosuppressants.Result The curative rate in treatment group (66.3%) was higher than that in control group (30.6%, P0.05).Conclusion Combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine was more effective on the treatment of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease.


A new configuration of a compact self-polarizing Fabry-Perot (FP) cavity antenna is presented. It is excited in single-linear polarization at 45° and radiates in circular polarization. It consists of a polarizing FSS (used to ensure the polarization conversion) and a corrugated ground plane (designed to guarantee the resonance conditions for both incident orthogonal linear polarizations). A compact shielded FP antenna with an aperture of 1.62 λ0 is optimized and fabricated in S -band to validate the concept at 2.5 GHz. A 3-dB axial-ratio bandwidth of about 1.9% is achieved with an antenna height of only 0.8 λ0. The experimental results are in good agreement with the simulations. This antenna configuration is attractive for narrowband applications, like the space ones in C- or S-bands.


Abstract Understanding various biocorrosion mechanisms requires direct measurement of chemical concentrations and profiles within thin biofilms or discrete biodeposits. A gold-based mercury microelectrode was developed for simultaneous measurement of dissolved O2, Mn, Fe, S(-II), and low pH using square wave voltammetry. It was constructed by electroreducing Hg(II) on a gold wire of 25-μm diameter encased in glass. By mounting the electrode on a computerized micromanipulator, vertical microprofiles of the key redox species were measured with 10-μm depth resolution across marine biofilms formed on metal coupons. Various interfering factors and experimental parameters of the voltammetric measurements were reviewed. Results revealed the heterogeneous nature of the biofilm and complex microbially mediated heavy metal (Mn and Fe) cycles within the film system. Data interpretation provided further insight into the mechanism of microbiologically influenced metal corrosion.


A capillary zone electrophoresis(CZE) method was established for the separation and determination of three effective compounds such as caffeine,theobromine and theophylline in alkaloidal samples.The sample was separated on an uncoated silica capillary(75 μm i.d.×60 cm,effective length:50 cm) using pH 9.0 20 mmol·L-1 borate containing 4 mmol·L-1 beta-cyclodextrin(β-CD) as running buffer.The pressure of injection was set at 0.5 psi and the time was set 5 s.The detection wavelength was 273 nm.A voltage of 16 kV was applied at 25 ℃.Under the optimal conditions,good linear relationships were observed between peak areas and alkaloidal concentrations in the range of 0.036-0.288 g·L-1,with correlation coefficients not less than 0.998 4.The RSDs of the peak area were not more than 3.2%.The limits of detection(LODs) were not more than 2.7 mg·L-1.The average recoveries were in the range of 97%-104%.This method is simple,quick and less reagent-consuming,and is suitable for the separation and determination of the three alkaloids in real samples.


A hemophiliac boy was hospitalized due to head injury in the previous sixteen days. On admission the' consciousness decreased and visus of both eyes was 1/on. CT scan showed blood clot in the area of dorsomedial of medial cerebral arteria and sign of hydrocephalus. A surgical procedure could not be taken due to lack of facilities (antihemophilic factor supply and assay of factor VIII activity). The patient was given 6 cryoprecipitate everyday and supportive treatment as indicated. Fortunately the patient recovered, no neurologic complication occurred except the visus of the right eye that was still 1/oo and the hydrocephalus decreased. Key words : hemophilia - laboratory diagnostics - head injury - hydrocephalus and decreased visus - cryoprecipitate


The dairy cow is unique because virtually all cows are infected with bacteria right after calving. A recent study that used metagenomic analysis to characterize the uterine flora in healthy and metritic cows observed that most clone sequences from the metritic cows were from the phylum Fusobacteria. This 4-page fact sheet summarizes what is known about the pathogenic bacteria associated with metritis and endometritis. Written by Klibs N. Galvão and published by the UF Department of Veterinary Medicine-Large Animal Clinical Sciences, January 2012.
VM182/VM182: Uterine Microbiology of Healthy Cows and Cows That Develop Uterine Disease (ufl.edu)


Currently, diesel generators that are still operating must be hybridized with renewable energy in order to save fuel expenditure. In addition, the generator scheduling system is also a solution to save fuel. This study aims to schedule the operation of a hybrid power plant diesel/photovoltaic/microhydro in the village of Rumah Sumbul in serving the load needs in order to obtain the best and economical system combination that is able to serve the needs of a continuous electrical load. Based on the results of the analysis using HOMER, the scheduling in the first scenario of diesel/microhydro is able to produce electrical energy of 35.6 MW/year. For the second scenario, the diesel/photovoltaic operation is capable of producing 12.20 MW of electrical energy/year. The two hybrid power plants have met the target for electricity production of 2 MW/year. Furthermore, the economical side of the diesel/microhydro combination is cheaper with operating costs of 467,545,800 IDR for 25 years with a profit of 601,150,000 IDR during the project, where the return on capital occurs in the 13 th year. operational costs of IDR 2,885,597,000 for 25 years with a profit of 607,009,000 IDR during the project in progress and a return on investment in the 13th year.


Gene variants that influence human biology today reflect thousands of years of evolution. Genetic effects on infant health are a major point of selective pressure, given that childhood survival is essential to evolutionary success. Knowledge of this evolutionary history can have implications for paediatric research.


The recent BaBar measurement has confirmed that helicity conservation of the fast s-quark from weak current is badly violated in the decay B → J/ψK∗. According to the measurement final-state interactions almost flip the relative sign of the spin amplitudes A‖ and A⊥. Therefore factorization does not work in this decay and a naive quark picture fails. In order to have better understanding of final-state interaction dynamics, we propose to test the d-quark helicity conservation in the color-disfavored portion of the decay B− → D∗0ρ− among others.


Recently we developed the technique of using ultrafast laser for shaped-hole fabrication in industrial applications. In particular, inkjet nozzles of funnel shape can be fabricated reproducibly, precisely and in high speed using the ultra-fast laser fabrication technique. A PC-controlled scanning mirror is used to steer laser beam and form an overlapped two-dimensional tool path. Laser beam is repetitively scanned over the target area of the substrate, and the induced ablation removes material layer by layer on the fly. In order to achieve the required precision in geometry, specific tool path algorithm is formulated and applied to the fabrication process. Adverse factors such as hysteresis and differential scanning coefficients are dramatically reduced. The tool path and result will be discussed.Recently we developed the technique of using ultrafast laser for shaped-hole fabrication in industrial applications. In particular, inkjet nozzles of funnel shape can be fabricated reproducibly, precisely and in high speed using the ultra-fast laser fabrication technique. A PC-controlled scanning mirror is used to steer laser beam and form an overlapped two-dimensional tool path. Laser beam is repetitively scanned over the target area of the substrate, and the induced ablation removes material layer by layer on the fly. In order to achieve the required precision in geometry, specific tool path algorithm is formulated and applied to the fabrication process. Adverse factors such as hysteresis and differential scanning coefficients are dramatically reduced. The tool path and result will be discussed.


The study conducted a retrospective analysis of the genesis, formation and development of a general secondary education institutions network in rural areas of Ukraine. Taking into account the broad socio - cultural and political contexts, stages of rural schools network formation related to the emergence of a network (stage 1), its functioning (stage 2), transformation and consolidation of the existing network (stage 3) were revealed, development of the existing network at the expense of active development low -complex schools and schools with low -content classes (stage 4), new enlargement of the school network (stage 5). It is determined that the emergence of a rural schools network is related to democratic trends both by the totalitarian state and by the local initiative from below - by provincial and county zemstvos. And in the stages of formation of a schools network, dynamic and cyclical fluctuations from the democratic principles of formation from below and taking into account the interests of the population in formal administration by a totalitarian state are traced. The dependence of the formation of a schools network and its quality on the state policy on the formation of the system rural population and territorial-administrative reforms is established. The tendency of increasing enlargement of the schools network and cultural and household services in rural areas has been identified, which in turn leads to inequality of access to the services of rural and urban population and accordingly causes the outflow of the population from the villages. The need for more flexible planning of the network, taking into account local features, the need for individualization of approaches to the formation of networks in different territorial communities and regions, which can be facilitated in recent years by domestic scientists network models of integration, cooperation of educational institutions and complex training of various age groups. In order to achieve the goals of sustainable development of the country, it is necessary to form an effective network of pre -school and extracurricular education institutions, general secondary education, creating conditions for the possibility of learning throughout life.
Keywords: school network, general secondary education institution, rural school, school building.


The data from literature on the problem of urolithiasis pathogenesis have been analyzed. A physico-chemical theory (hypothesis) of the possible mechanism of lithogenesis in urinary tracts is suggested on the basis of results from studies of surface tension, light transmission and crystallization of urine depending on the concentration of exogenous calcium chloride in it.


Amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) in optically pumped polymeric films containing the luminescent and hole-transporting organic molecule N,N′-Bis(3-methylphenyl)-N,N′diphenylbenzidine (TPD) is demonstrated. ASE is observed in polymer films of polystyrene and poly(N-vinylcarbazole) doped up to 20% with TPD. From these results, we conclude that TPD-based films are candidates for blue-emitting organic diode lasers.


ABSTRACT The authors of this paper present the initial outcome of using a SPARC Grant to train inter-professionals to implement a curriculum used in the provision of a co-facilitative poetry therapy group. Drawing upon best practices of poetry therapy, this innovative approach involved a professional poet and a therapist and contributes to the field because it is transferable among a variety of client populations. The authors offer an overview of the training used for inter-professionals located in rural communities.


Deep Q-learning Network (DQN) is a successful way which combines reinforcement learning with deep neural networks and leads to a widespread application of reinforcement learning. One challenging problem when applying DQN or other reinforcement learning algorithms to real world problem is data collection. Therefore, how to improve data efficiency is one of the most important problems in the research of reinforcement learning. In this paper, we propose a framework which uses the Max-Mean loss in Deep Q-Network (M2DQN). Instead of sampling one batch of experiences in the training step, we sample several batches from the experience replay and update the parameters such that the maximum TD-error of these batches is minimized. The proposed method can be combined with most of existing techniques of DQN algorithm by replacing the loss function. We verify the effectiveness of this framework with one of the most widely used techniques, Double DQN (DDQN), in several gym games. The results show that our method leads to a substantial improvement in both the learning speed and performance.


Comparative Poetics,written by Am erican scholar EarlM ayna,estab lished a cross-cu ltural comparative poetics theoretical system.Focusing on the originally composed poetics and the construction of the interm ed iary genre,Comparative Poeticsnaturally im-proved the essence of the literature nature,characteristic and the consideration of the functionality,and thus embod ied the author 's d is-tinctive th ink ing.Inheriting the cross-cu ltural vision,h istorical dynam ic poetics concept and the open m ind,M ayna cou ld freely stroll through the eastern and western literary k ingdom.A lthoughM ayna c laim ed that itwas on ly an attempt,it presented m agn ificent scenery of the world poetics,broadened our th ink ing and vision and gave us an unprecedented en lightenm ent.


Based on the sheet-beam EIO structure, this paper studies the cold cavity parameters and particle simulation of the 96 GHz sheet-beam EIO. The result shows average output power of the structure is 223W in TM31 and the electron beam modulation depth is 26.1% with the voltage of 11.4kV and the current of 1.6A.


A lot of research has been focusing on incorporating online data into models of various phenomena. The chapter focuses on one specific problem coming from the domain of capital markets where the information contained in online environments is quite topical. The presented experiments were designed to reveal the association between online texts (from Yahoo! Finance, Facebook, and Twitter) and changes in stock prices of the corresponding companies. As the method for quantifying the association, machine learning-based classification was chosen. The experiments showed that the data preparation procedure had a substantial impact on the results. Thus, different stock price smoothing, the lags between the release of documents and related stock price changes, levels of a minimal stock price change, different weighting schemes for structured document representation, and classifiers were studied. The chapter also shows how to use currently available open source technologies to implement a system for accomplishing the task.


Mobility in wireless networks has paved way for a new paradigm of communication in this era. Exploiting the optimal routing technique for hybrid wireless networks which brings in a balance of the overheads in infrastructure based and infrastructure less network is essential. Routing protocol design for hybrid wireless network is critical in order to improve the performance and reliability of the network. Opportunistic Routing (OR) technique attempts to deal with unreliable transmissions by utilizing the broadcast nature of the wireless medium. Due to multi-hop nature of ad hoc networks, Opportunistic Routing provides lesser throughput than expected when minimum hop count metric is used. To combat the above limitations, an Extremely Opportunistic Routing(ExOR) scheme with Expected Transmission count(ETX) metric is proposed and implemented in a hybrid scenario. The simulation study reveals that this routing technique efficiently utilizes resources and improves the end-to-end throughput and packet delivery ratio in hybrid wireless networks.


Aluminum is violently dissolved in the various liquid organic halides after induction period. In the present experiment, the amount of dissolution according to reaction period per unit surface area of aluminum plate was first observed, and it was found that the order of dissolution reaction was zero when carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethane etc. were emploied. In various halogenated hydrocarbons, aluminum was most violently dissolved, generating hydrogen halide gas. It seemed that catalytic action of aluminum halide is accompanied by that of hydrogen halide. By using carbon tetrachloride at higher temperature than 50°C dissolution velocity was very fast because of catalytic action of aluminum chloride. No obvious dissolution took place at lower temperature than 45°C even after 500 minutes of reaction period. The apparent activation energy of dissolution was also calculated and dissolution mechanism discussed.


Reconstruction of the along‐fault slip distribution provides an insight into the long‐term rupture patterns of a fault, thereby enabling more accurate assessment of its future behavior. The increasing wealth of high‐resolution topographic data, such as Light Detection and Ranging and photogrammetric digital elevation models, allows us to better constrain the slip distribution, thus greatly improving our understanding of fault behavior. The South Heli Shan Fault is a major active fault on the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. In this study, we built a 2 m resolution digital elevation model of the South Heli Shan Fault based on high‐resolution GeoEye‐1 stereo satellite imagery and then measured 302 vertical displacements along the fault, which increased the measurement density of previous field surveys by a factor of nearly 5. The cumulative displacements show an asymmetric distribution along the fault, comprising three major segments. An increasing trend from west to east indicates that the fault has likely propagated westward over its lifetime. The topographic relief of Heli Shan shows an asymmetry similar to the measured cumulative slip distribution, suggesting that the uplift of Heli Shan may result mainly from the long‐term activity of the South Heli Shan Fault. Furthermore, the cumulative displacements divide into discrete clusters along the fault, indicating that the fault has ruptured in several large earthquakes. By constraining the slip‐length distribution of each rupture, we found that the events do not support a characteristic recurrence model for the fault.


C/EBP (cid:1) is required for pulmonary cytoprotection during hyperoxia. Am Physiol Cell Mol Physiol 297: L286–L298, 2009. number of transcriptional pathways regulating fetal lung development are active during repair of the injured lung. We hypothesized that C/EBP (cid:1) , a transcription factor critical for lung maturation, plays a role in protection of the alveolar epithelium following hyperoxic injury of the mature lung. Transgenic Cebp (cid:1) (cid:2) / (cid:2) mice, in which Cebp (cid:1) was conditionally deleted from Clara cells and type II cells after birth, were developed. While no pulmonary abnormalities were observed in the Cebp (cid:1) (cid:2) / (cid:2) mice (7–8 wk old) under normal conditions, the mice were highly susceptible to hyperoxia. Cebp (cid:1) (cid:2) / (cid:2) mice died within 4 days of exposure to 95% oxygen in association with severe lung inflammation, altered maturation of surfactant protein B and C, decreased surfactant lipid secretion, and abnormal lung mechanics at a time when all control mice survived. mRNA microarray analysis of isolated type II cells at 0, 2, and 24 h of hyperoxia demonstrated the reduced expression of number of genes regulating surfactant lipid and protein homeostasis, including Srebf , Scap , Lpcat1 , Abca3 , Sftpb , and Napsa . Genes influencing cell signaling or immune responses were induced in the lungs of Cebp (cid:1) (cid:2) / (cid:2) mice. C/EBP (cid:1) was required for the regulation of genes associated with surfactant lipid homeostasis, surfactant protein biosynthesis, processing and transport, defense response to stress, and cell redox homeostasis during exposure to hyperoxia. While C/EBP (cid:1) did not play a critical role in postnatal pulmonary function under normal conditions, C/EBP (cid:1) mediated protection of the lung during acute lung injury induced by hyperoxia. papers. Genetic networks preferentially enriched of input genes were gener- ated based on their connectivity. Statistical scores were calculated to rank the resulting networks and pathways using Fisher's right-tailed exact test. Customized gene networks were constructed by merging and expending the top ranked networks focusing on elucidating the cytoprotection role and transcriptional mechanism of C/EBP (cid:1) in mature lung under hyperoxia stress. to control phospholipid and cholesterol biosynthesis and with IL6 to regulate genes in acute/defense response and influences cell redox states.


The Third and Fourth Members of Denglouku Formation(K1d3 and K1d4) are the important gas productive reservoirs in Changde gas field,Songliao Basin.However,the interfaces of K1d3 and K1d4 have been confused in definition before,which impeded the oil and gas exploration.The authors studied the characteristics of K1d3,K1d4 and key interface by lithological,logging and seismic analyses,and adjusted the defination of the interfaces based on their characteristics.Lithologically,the K1d3 and K1d4 mainly are composed of mudstone,developing lacustrine and meandering river facies.In the K1d3,the resistivity curve presents high frequency,medium-high amplitude,and finger or box shape.The base surface of K1d3 is the bottom boundary of sandstone and top boundary of mudstone,and the gamma ray curve shows negative step shaped,while the elective resistance shows positive step shaped with onlap and toplap characteristics in seismic profile.In the K1d4,the resistivity curve presents medium-high frequency,medium amplitude,finger and box interbed shape.The base surface of K1d4 is the bottom boundary of mudstone and top boundary of sandstone,and the gamma ray curve shows positive step shaped,while the elective resistance shows negative step shaped with concordance characteristics in seismic profile.Thus,the definitions on the imferfaces of 12 wells in the bottom of K1d3 and 8 wells in the bottom of K1d4 were adjusted.


Although there have been so many studies on schizophrenia under the framework of predictive coding, works focusing on treatment are very preliminary. A model-oriented, operationalist, and comprehensive understanding of schizophrenia would promote the therapy turn of further research. We summarize predictive coding models of embodiment, co-occurrence of over- and under-weighting priors, subjective time processing, language production or comprehension, self-or-other inference, and social interaction. Corresponding impairments and clinical manifestations of schizophrenia are reviewed under these models at the same time. Finally, we discuss why and how to inaugurate a therapy turn of further research under the framework of predictive coding.


Objective To investigate the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of A.baumannii in lower respiratory infections for the rational use of antimicrobial agents.MethodsA total of 356 A.baumannii isolates were collected from January 2005 to December 2007.The antimicrobial susceptibility was analyzed by disk diffusion method.All the data were analyzed by WHONET 5.0 and SPSS 13.0 software.ResultsA.baumannii were mainly from lower respiratory tract.The prevalence of A.baumannii appeared to increase year by year.About 77.2% of the isolates were multiple resistant.These strains were mainly isolated from ICUs(70.8%,252/356).The antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that imipenem(76.7% susceptible)and meropenem(74.2% susceptible)were the most active agents against A.baumannii,followed by cefoperazone-sulbactam(67.1% susceptible).The susceptibility to other antimicrobial agents was lower than 30%.ConclusionsA.baumannii strains are highly resistant to multiple antibiotics.These strains are mainly isolated from ICU.Carbapenems are still the most active agent against A.baumannii,followed by cefoperazone-sulbactam.A.baumannii is highly resistant to other antimicrobial agents.Therapy should be decided according to the results of susceptibility testing.


This paper provides a general framework for a unifying treatment of stochastic dominance of any degree and of any type (direct or inverse for each nal or intermediary level). It gives the conditions for the congruence between stochastic dominance and classes of utility functions in this general framework and shows, as particular cases, the properties of some varieties of stochastic dominance usually neglected in standard literature.


Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) are a type of measurement system used to assess the maturity level of a particular technology.


From 1979 to 1987, 30 Patients with cacer of the gallbladder were operated. The average age was 66 with a range from 50 to 83 years. The ratio of men-to-women was 1:33. Chief complaints included abdominal pain and jaundice. CT and US were the most effective diagnostic tools for gallbladder cancer, and 19 cancers could be diagnosed preoperatively. Of the 19 patients, 17 were successfully operated, and only 6 of which revealed cures. The averaged survival period was 15.6 months with a range from one to 72 months in resectable cases, while 3.9 months with a range from 8 days to 14 months in unresectable cases. Four long survival patients of 3 years or over have curatively resected papillary adenocarcinomas.


Thank you for reading the future of industrial man a conservative approach. Maybe you have knowledge that, people have search hundreds times for their favorite readings like this the future of industrial man a conservative approach, but end up in harmful downloads. Rather than enjoying a good book with a cup of coffee in the afternoon, instead they cope with some malicious virus inside their laptop.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the protective effects of a jellyfish sting inhibitor formulated in sunscreen lotion vs conventional sunscreen against Chrysaora fuscescens and Chiropsalmus quadrumanus jellyfish.

METHODS
Twenty-four healthy subjects at 2 research sites were randomly assigned to receive the jellyfish sting inhibitor (Nidaria Technology Ltd, Jordan Valley, Israel) to one forearm and conventional sunscreen to the other arm in a blinded fashion. Subjects were stung with jellyfish tentacles on each forearm for up to 60 seconds. Erythema and pain were assessed at 15-minute intervals over a 2-hour period.

RESULTS
In the C. fuscescens group, all 12 arms pretreated with conventional sunscreen demonstrated erythema, and all subjects noted subjective discomfort. In contrast, no arm pretreated with the jellyfish sting inhibitor had objective skin changes (P < .01). Two subjects noted minimal discomfort in the arm treated with the sting inhibitor (P < .01). In the C. quadrumanus group, discomfort was reported in 3 of the 12 inhibitor-treated arms compared with 10 of the 12 placebo-treated arms (P < .05). Erythema was noted on 1 arm treated with the inhibitor and 9 arms treated with the placebo (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS
The jellyfish sting inhibitor prevented sting symptoms of C. fuscescens jellyfish in 10 of 12 subjects and diminished the pain of the jellyfish sting in the remaining 2 subjects. The jellyfish sting inhibitor also inhibited the more severe sting of the C. quadrumanus jellyfish in the majority of subjects. The jellyfish sting inhibitor does not eliminate the sting from C. fuscescens or C. quadrumanus jellyfish but significantly reduces the frequency and severity of stings.


Sequential pattern is an important research topic in data mining and knowledge discovery. Sequential pattern is traditionally formed as (A, B) where A and B are frequent sequence in a transaction database. We extend this definition to include sequential patterns of forms (A, notB), (notA, B) and (notA, notB), which present negative sequential patterns among sequences. We call patterns of the form (A, B) positive sequential patterns, and patterns of the other forms negative patterns. Negative sequential patterns can also provide very useful insight view into the data set although they are different from positive ones. We put forward a discovery algorithm for mining negative sequential patterns from large transaction database in this paper.


Academic Misconduct Literature Check(AMLC) has provided editors a sharp weapon against misconduct articles since its development and extension.However AMLC can only check a few academic misconducts,such as multiple contribution of same manuscript,pleonasm or plagiarizing,unwarrantable signature,and so on.We checked 178 medical manuscripts and 55 articles published in 2 issues,and found that almost 40% of them repeated other articles' sentences or passages to some extent,among which those repeating ratio with more than 30% reached 16.7%.Analysis found that methods and discussion sections of articles got higher repeating ratio,and AMLC was non-sensitive to numbers and signs.Kinds of articles and items prone to repetition are also described.Improving measures for AMLC are suggested,and applications of AMLC in journal editor offices are also noticed


A precision instrument for the measurement of extremely small torques is shown in this
article. This apparatus works without loading the measured system, based on the principles of
the electrodynamics.


PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTEIS OF MAGNESIUMINCORPORATED BONE SUBSTITUTE MATERIALS Sarah Fleck, MS Department of Mechanical Engineering Northern Illinois University, 2021 Sahar Vahabzadeh, Director Calcium phosphate (CaP) ceramics have become popular as bone substitutes due to their biocompatibility and similarity to natural bone. Although they are widely used, the mechanical and biological properties of these CaP ceramics can be improved by various methods such as combining them with polymers or ionic substitution in their crystal structure. In current research, we have used carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and magnesium (Mg) to modify the physical and mechanical properties of CaP. CMC is a derivative of cellulose that is hydrophilic, biodegradable, and biocompatible. Presence of Mg, a trace element naturally found in the body, is linked to bone mass density, bone metabolism, and improved bone formation. Results showed that Mg presence and its concentration alters the ratio of the two main phases in BrC samples. The initial and final setting time of Mg-BrC increased in a dose-dependent manner with increase in Mg content and reached final setting times of >4 hrs in concentrations beyond 1wt% Mg. On the other hand, compressive strength decreased in a dose-dependent manner, reducing from 8.04 ± 2.04 MPa for pure to 0.45 ± 0.09 MPa for 2.50wt% Mg. For CMC-HA, centrifugation was successfully utilized to optimize the synthesis and neutralization of the samples. CMC-HA composites with Mg showed less intense and broader peaks in X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, suggesting decrease in crystallinity and crystallite size due to the presence of Mg. Compositions without Mg also showed some slight broadening indicating the effect of CMC on HA crystallization. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results showed a crosslinking effect between CMC and HA molecules, demonstrating the HA particles are not only embedded in the CMC matrix but also formed bonds between the CMC and HA molecules. To summarize, we have produced BrC with Mg of varying concentrations and characterized by XRD, setting time, and compressive testing. CMC-HA nanocomposites of varying CMC concentrations were made and the effects of Mg incorporation were observed by XRD and FTIR. NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY DE KALB, ILLINOIS


The progress in research of metal complexes used as efficient photosensitizer and catalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution is introduced according to photoinduced intra-and intermolecular electron transfer.Furthermore,photochemical energy conversion of Pt(Ⅱ) function complexes involving effective charge-separation and light-driven hydrogen production systems containing photosensitizer,electron relay and catalyst,is detailedly discussed.


Industrial, electric railway, and automotive applications of inverters and converters use case-type semiconductor packages called power modules. Power modules have multiple joint points, and among them, from the viewpoint of reliability and bonding strength, many studies on metal-ceramic substrate bonding have been reported. Alumina Al203 or aluminum nitride AIN are mainly used for ceramics, and copper or aluminum are mainly used for metals, although alumina and aluminum have a price advantage. The joining methods are generally brazing and AMB (Active Metal Brazing), but there is a need to improve the joint strength, heat dissipation characteristics, and productivity, i.e., a joining method that does not use brazing material. The purpose of this study is to achieve direct joining of alumina A1203 and aluminum alloy A7075, and semi-solid forging [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] was used as the method. The A7075 used in this study is considered to be suitable for this application because of its high strength and thermal conductivity among aluminum alloys. In this study, solid phase ratio 30 % semi-solid forging was actually performed using a servo press and a die, and the results were evaluated by observing the cross section of the fabricated specimens. The punches and dies were circular in shape to ensure uniform spreading of the molten material, and carbon steel S50C with high thermal conductivity was used to quickly dissipate the heat of the semi-solid slurry during the pressing process. The thickness of 99.6 % Al2O3 alumina plate was 2.5 mm. The semi-automatic stirring device was modified to stir the molten metal by attaching a 1000 mm round bar to the rotating part of a tabletop drilling machine and attaching a stirring blade to the tip of the bar. Debonding between aluminum alloy and alumina plate was not confirmed. There was no gap between the aluminum alloy and the ceramic plate.


INTRODUCTION: The use of intracorporeal morcellation at the time of gynecologic surgery is under scrutiny as a result of concerns over the dissemination of occult uterine malignancies. We sought to determine the frequency of unsuspected sarcoma identified postoperatively in women undergoing surgery for benign gynecologic conditions at our institution. METHODS: Patients undergoing hysterectomy for benign gynecologic indications from 2001 to 2012 at our institution were identified. Patients who did not have a preoperative suspicion for malignancy and were found to have uterine sarcoma on pathology postoperatively were considered to have an occult uterine sarcoma. Relevant clinical and pathologic data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 10,130 hysterectomies for benign gynecologic indications were performed between 2000 and 2014. Among these, nine patients were found to have uterine sarcoma with an overall rate of 9 occult sarcomas per 10,000 hysterectomies. These malignancies included five leiomyosarcomas, two endometrial stromal sarcomas, and two uterine adenosarcomas. Median age was 39 years (range 25–64 years). The most common surgical indications were abnormal bleeding (78%) and leiomyoma (56%). Cases included five total abdominal hysterectomies, three total vaginal hysterectomies, and one supracervical hysterectomy. One case required manual morcellation during abdominal hysterectomy. Power morcellation was not used in any of the cases. CONCLUSION: In summary, occult uterine sarcoma occurs in less than 0.1% of hysterectomies. The frequency is lower than the rate derived by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in their pooled analysis. Institutional practices and regional referral patterns may affect local rates of occult sarcoma and should be considered during patient counseling and when developing clinical recommendations.


Nanocellulose was prepared from wood pulp by hydrolysis method using H2SO4 60% wt at 45oC for 60 minutes with ratio solid/solution of 1/10. Suspension was cleaned into neutral by centrifuge followed by ultrasonication treatment at room temperature for 2 hours. Nanocellulose was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scan electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR). Obtained nanocellulose is cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) with dimensions of 20-30 nm x 100-300 nm and crystallinity index of 90%.


A bromoalkane precursor was synthesized in six steps, and its copper catalysed coupling with methylmagnesium chloride to provide unlabelled abnormal-cannabidiol (1a) was optimized. The methodology was used for an analogous coupling using [3H3]-methylmagnesium iodide to provide [pentane-2H3]-abnormal-cannabidiol (1b). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Digital platforms—extensible codebases serving as building block upon which third-party actors can add complementary resources—afford contemporary organizations to mutually integrate resources in networked business ecosystems. Considering business ecosystems' specificities, digital platforms require a delicate balance of two conflicting ends. While the platform owner's control aims for stabilization to exploit the given ecosystem of third-party actors (control), third-party actors' autonomy aims for dynamism to explore novel ave-nues of resource integration (generativity). Extant literature opts for either pure control or pure generativity. However, pure control makes adaptation difficult, and pure generativity suffers the costs of experimentation without gaining associated benefits. Conversely, considering the complementary benefits of simultaneous control and generativity, we suggest balancing these activities—anything but trivial, given inherent trade-offs and contradictions. Relying on an organizational ambidexterity perspective in reviewing digital plat-form literature, we extract a set of four modes of balancing control and generativity in dig-ital platforms—contextual, structural, temporal, and domainal balance. These modes serve as theoretical foundation for subsequent steps of an overall empirical study.


To explore basis for selecting statistical methods with preliminary calculation. Methods: Statisticalmethods were applied for data, to analyse spatial clustering of birth defects, indicatrix to judge medical statistics which is very goodor bad can be found with comparision among results of preliminary calculation. Results: After analysing the data, total contributory rate of multivariate scale for four eigenvectors was 84. 93%, one of pricipal. component analysis for two eigenvectors was73.22%. Conclusion: In involving statistical methods of eigenvalue, statistical method that total contributory rate is large, thatis relative to eigenvalue, is selected.


figures came together to found a college where students from different countries would have the opportunity to build ties of comradeship and develop a better understanding of cultures different from their own. At about the same time others, who were forced to work with a patchwork of university admissions requirements bolted on to separate national school systems, asked themselves whether it might be possible to create a single, genuinely international curriculum and certification. These two initiatives were, of course, closely interconnected in the educational ideals they shared. They also reflected the irenic ideals and cooperative projects in other areas of public life at the time – notably the movement toward a united Europe and the widespread hope that the optimistic symbolism of the UN could guarantee international security. But it was never going to be easy to get them under way, and it took time. By 1962, however, a landmark had been reached on both fronts: that year saw the foundation of the Atlantic College in Wales and also marked the first reference to an 'International Baccalaureate'. A decade later, national committees to found other United World Colleges had been set up in more than a dozen countries. In the case of the IB, there still lay ahead countless meetings and conferences, notably those in the Hague (1976) and London (1978). For both initiatives, Alec Peterson could rightly claim to have been 'present at the creation'. It is worth mentioning, not least to the added credit of those involved, that both projects were realized through individual efforts and private funding (notably from the Ford Foundation and Twentieth Century Fund), with little from national governments – and almost none, despite its name, from UNESCO. Atlantic College drew inspiration from the ideas of Kurt Hahn, a charismatic educator and refugee from Hitler's Germany, whose school at Gordonstoun was chosen for the education of the future Prince of Wales (who contributes a foreword to this volume). Hahn stressed the formation of character – emphasizing the pedagogical value of token physical hardship (the famous cold baths) and social service, more in the tradition of the muscular Christian Thomas Arnold, than his reflective, more justly celebrated son, Matthew. Hahn was not the first (nor likely to be the last) to


Mixtures of sucrose and sodium cyclamate were studied to evaluate possible interactive effects between these sweeteners and orange aroma compounds. Equisweet mixtures (10% sucrose equivalent value) of the sweeteners were prepared by taking into account the observed synergistic effects between sucrose and sodium cyclamate. The release of volatile compounds from the solutions containing these mixtures and a water soluble orange aroma was studied. The volatile compounds were quantified and identified by gas chromatography combined with flame ionization detection (GC/FID) and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The presence of sucrose significantly changes the release of 15 selected volatile compounds from a solution containing the aroma compared to the aqueous control. Increasing sucrose concentrations in the solutions (0−60 w/v %) caused an increased release of the volatile compounds with short GC/FID retention times and a decreased release of the compounds with longer retention times. Increasing sodium cyclamate co...


The aim was to study photosynthetic characteristics of three new Camellia oleifera(oil tea) cultivars('Huashuo','Huajin',and 'Huaxin') and provide reference for the cultivation of Camellia oleifera(oil tea).The index of eco-photosynthetic characteristics and the chlorophyll content for three new Camellia oleifera(oil tea) cultivars were investigated and their correlation was analyzed.Randomized design was applied in this study,three replications were designed and each treatment was sixty plants.Results for all three cultivars showed that net photosynthetic(Pn) diurnal change curves were single peaked,the 'midday depression' phenomenon for photosynthesis did not occur,and the peak was at 9:00.The light compensation and saturation points(LCP and LSP) for 'Huashuo' were 43.81 and 693.2 μmol·m-2·s-1,for 'Huaxin',respectively,were 58.49 and 638.8 μmol·m-2·s-1,and for 'Huajin' were 54.24 and 684.85 μmol·m-2·s-1.The order for adaptation range of light intensity was:'Huashuo' 'Huaxin' 'Huajin'.Chlorophyll content for 'Huashuo' was 1.35 mg·g-1,for 'Huaxin' was 0.97 mg·g-1,and for 'Huajin' was 0.90 mg·g-1.Also,photosynthetic rates were negatively correlated with chlorophyll a(r =-0.947,P0.01),but were not correlated to chlorophyll b or chlorophyll a/chlorophyll b.Thus,Pn,LCP,LSP and chlorophyll content,showed that 'Huashuo' and'Huaxin' had a better in photosynthetic capability.


Critical Political Economy analysts have addressed the similarities between the US–China hegemonic confrontation as contemporary parallels to previous global rivalries which led to open conflict. Noticing the distinctive patterns through which the capitalist crisis presented itself, István Mészáros proposed a theoretical elaboration linking the overproduction characteristic of the crisis to the material conditions presented by capitalist reproduction within a limited biosphere and with concrete, existing human beings. Capitalism, thus, could not be reformed away from its own physical limits. This paper's objective is to offer a partial re-interpretation of Mészáros' 1980s thesis on the Structural Limits to Capital. This paper looks at the developments of nuclear warfare, addressing the contradiction between the necessity of war as a means for the disposal of exceeding capital and the existence of nuclear weapons as a structural limit itself. This is done in a way to propose an addition to Mészáros' list of four limits stressed out as core contradictions to capital reproduction, which enacted in the 1970s the structural capitalist crisis that continues to this day.


Analysis is done to the cause of the tension loss of the involved equipments in process of twisting.Suggestion is put forth that the friction points of the thread rider and the thread guider be integrated as one,the location of the thread guider be raised,ballooning be modified,trial selection of the balloon be made,the bobbin margin be polished with the cloth roller.Only by using the measures listed above and by the modificatioon and the comparison of the heavy loss of the raw yarn and the doubled yarn,the modification of the equipment can reduce tension loss of the cord.


In order to assure transparency of the process of formation of a new International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS), the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) follows a strict due process. Part of this process is the analysis of comment letters sent to the IASB on the specific accounting problem under consideration. This analysis is prepared by IASB's staff and informs the board of the IASB as well as the public on issues raised by the various interest groups. In the course of their analysis the staff uses verbal quantifiers in order to evaluate the amount of comment letters raising a certain issue or the frequency by which an issue has been raised. Unfortunately, these quantifiers are not officially defined. Against this background an analysis on the (numerical) meaning of these quantifiers is performed for the IASB's Joint Venture project. It turns out that there is a certain ranking among the quantifiers, at least on an average basis. Besides this ranking, no further conclusions can be drawn from the quantifiers to the actual numbers underlying. In order to really be transparent in the due process, the paper therefore proposes to use actual numbers instead of verbal quantifiers within the analysis of comment letters or at least to explicitly define a numerical meaning of the quantifiers used.


This paper presents a 10-bit 200-Msample/s switched-current (SI) pipelined analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for analog front-end (AFE) of XDSL. In the proposed switched-current sample-and-hold circuit (SH), the current mirror is designed with active feedback and dummy switch to improve the accuracy of pipelined ADC by decreasing the transmission error and channel charge injection. The post-simulation results show that the signal-to-noise and distortion ratio (SNDR) is 61.07 dB whose effective number of bit (ENOB) is about 9.85 bits at the input frequency of 5 MHz, the sampling rate of 200 MHz, the power consumption of 56 mW, and the supply voltage of 1.8 V. Note that the figure of merit (FoM) is roughly 0.3 pJ/conversion at the operational current ranging from −20 μA to +20μA. The proposed ADC is fabricated in TSMC 1P6M 0.18μm CMOS process and its chip area is 1.2×1.2 mm2 (with I/O pad).


This paper presents experimental and analytical investigations examining the influence of the interfacial forces between a rotating disc and a friction element on the generation of chatter and squeal. Due to inevitable misalignment between the element and disc surface, a kinematic constraint instability known as sprag-slip is created. The experimental measurements include time history records of normal and friction forces, time variation of the friction coefficient, and acceleration of the friction element. The time history records of interfacial forces revealed short periods of high frequency component. It is found that the friction force is non-Gaussian and that its power spectral density covers a wide frequency band. The dependence of the root mean square of the friction coefficient on the relative velocity is found to have a negative slope at lower disc speeds. Depending on the direction of disc rotation, it is found that the friction velocity curve for clockwise disc speed is completely different from counter-clockwise rotation. The associated noise is also different in pitch and frequency content. The analytical modelling emulates the dynamics of the friction element. The transverse motion of the friction element is described by a homogeneous partial differential equation with non-homogeneous boundary conditions. The analysis shows that the normal force appears as a coefficient of the stiffness term, while the friction force appears as a non-homogeneous term. Since the normal force varies randomly as observed experimentally, it acts as a parametric noise to the friction element, and results in parametric instability in the form of squeal or vibration.


Abstract "Oprys" are public musicking events found in Appalachia and beyond. They facilitate regular embodied sociality between strangers and friends in a region often characterized by the social fallout of neoliberal economic trends. Drawing on ethnographic research in Tennessee and elsewhere, I show that oprys constitute rural working-class public space where participants negotiate a precarious cultural order through the affordances of live country music performance. But political discourse in these spaces is articulated primarily through embodied, performative, and aesthetic realms which are not captured in a delimited and classed notion of discourse as primarily text or talk. As such, oprys offer a corrective to our understanding of what counts as discursive contestation. I foreground two particular cultural imperatives that structure oprys: participation and accommodation. These imperatives produce a socio-cultural event that characteristically refuses the monetization of space and privileges dialogic sociality over the production of artistic sound. Approaching oprys through the frame of "counterpublic" reveals a different way of imagining public space, public music making and sociality, and the terrain of political discourse.


In a manufacturing field, a large number of manual tasks are performed by using a thumb pressing force requiring sometimes up to 17kg. Moreover, due to these tasks have many repetitions, many workers are complaining of thumb pain and constantly demanding better working conditions. However, there is no guideline for risk evaluation of the thumb-pressing task. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop the guideline for the thumb-pressing task based on the thumb-pressing force level and the number of repetitions. The guideline for the 'appropriate thumb-pressing force level' was developed based on the concept of endurance time; and for the 'appropriate number of repetitions' the subjective discomfort rating (Borg's CR-10 Scale) was applied. As a result, it is possible to easily quantify the risk level of the thumb-pressing task by evaluating the thumb-pressing forces and repetitions, and also possible to clearly categorize risk level into 6 levels.


SUMMARY:

Applicability of a coagulation test was evaluated for the determination of the previous heat condition of heated blue marlin meat. Meat blocks were heated at different temperatures between 50 and 70°C. Proteins were extracted with different concentrations of NaCl, then subsequently subjected to the coagulation test. The coagulation method was able to determine the end-point temperature (EPT) of heated blue marlin meat within a range of 1–2°C, up to 67°C. The best correspondence between the actual EPT and coagulation temperature of the filtrates was found when proteins were extracted with 0.9% saline solution. Within the range of 50–67°C, sample preparation methods and holding times had no significant effect on the coagulation temperature of the filtrates. Protein bands of the filtrates on sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) gel gradually disappeared with increasing temperature. One band with a molecular weight of about 31 kDa was detected in 67°C-, but not in 70°C-heated meat. This protein component was responsible for coagulation at 67°C and was found to be lactate dehydrogenase from the analyses by gel filtration, SDS-PAGE, and enzyme activity.


A new formulation is presented of the thermodynamical theory of heterogeneous ice crystal nucleation in clouds by freezing. This theory unifies and explains the empirical ice nuclei dependence on temperature and supersaturation, predicts crystal formation via condensation‐freezing at a subsaturation over water. The theory also explains observations of high nucleation rates and crystal concentrations at warm (−5 > −12°C) temperatures when the splintering mechanism may be not effective. This theory can be applied to parameterizations for use in cloud and climate models.


This paper presents a new approach for the task of feedforward type neural network training process based on a multi-criterion efficiency measurement. Here we propose a novel hybrid neuro-genetic algorithm that tries to optimize a three dimension criterion vector composed by speed, accuracy, and percentage of convergence, which measures the overall stability of the training algorithm to converge to good minimal. The proposed approach takes the speed advantage of the conventional algorithms as well as the accuracy and percentage of convergence advantages of the genetic algorithms. The empirical results obtained up to now shows the strength and potentiality of the method.


Objective To explore the effect of Azelnidipine on cardiomyocyte apoptosis of spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR) . Methods Twenty SHRs were randomly divided into 2 groups(treatment group and SHR group,with 10 rats in each) and treated with Azelnidipine for 10 weeks and control group(10 WKY rats) was treated with 0.9% sodium chloride solution.The rat blood pressure was measured every week. The rats were sacrificed after 10 weeks,the left ventricular hypertrophy index was measured,the number of cell apoptosis was counted,and the expression of myocardial cell TNF-αwas detected by ELISA. Results Compared with the control group,Azelnidipine could significantly reduce the 1eft ventricular hypertrophic index,cardiomyocyte apoptosis and TNF-α(P0.01) . Conclusion Azelnidipine can effectively control blood pressure,which will inhibit hypertension-induced left ventricular hypertrophy,apoptosis,and myocardial expression of TNF-α.


This study explores the role of rubber toughening on the dynamic fracture behavior of additively manufactured (AM) high-performance thermosetting polymers formed through digital light processing (DLP). Using DLP to create these polymers allows for rapid, agile manufacturing of prototypes meeting the lightweight and building speed requirements of relevance to military mission applications. This method also provides flexibility in part complexity while maintaining relatively high isotropy compared to traditional AM techniques. Previous work has demonstrated a dependence of these DLP specimens on print layer orientation and loading rate, prompting further investigation into other manufacturing parameters to improve toughness [1]. This study examines the role of rubber toughening on the quasi-static and dynamic fracture behavior of bis-GMA thermosets. Current literature largely reports on quasi-static behavior of DLP specimens, although dynamic conditions are more applicable to many realistic loading scenarios and extreme environments often seen in defense applications. Dynamic experiments leverage a unique long bar striker device that impacts a specimen opposite a pre-crack, sending a stress-wave driven load to initiate a dynamic Mode-I (opening) fracture event. Full-field displacement data ahead of the propagating crack is obtained using ultra high-speed imaging combined with 2D digital image correlation (DIC). An elastodynamic solution following the principles of dynamic fracture mechanics extracts the stress intensity factor (SIF) using a least squares fit at crack initiation and a Newton-Raphson scheme for crack propagation. The rubber toughened thermosets in this study exhibited a rate dependence in fracture toughness with the quasi-static SIF being 1.20 MPa and the dynamic SIF being 0.41 MPa .


Simple Summary Residues of herbicidal active substances such as glyphosate in ruminant feed lead to oral exposure in animals. Consequently, the possible toxic influences of glyphosate on the health of ruminants are of concern. While some studies have analyzed the effects of glyphosate residues on dairy cows, studies with fattening bulls are scarce. Therefore, the present feeding study on German Holstein bulls was conducted within a real-life in vivo scenario that could occur in Germany before restrictions on glyphosate usage are enacted and might still be realistic in other countries. As well as feeding diets with or without glyphosate residues for several weeks, different concentrate proportions were employed to analyze the putative influences of varying energy and nutrient supplies and consequently different ruminal milieus on potential glyphosate effects. Glyphosate exposure did not adversely affect animals' performances or other health-related characteristics upon the tested conditions. The observed putative effects of glyphosate on selected blood parameters were rather weak and not consistent. In contrast, concentrate feed and time markedly influenced most of the experimental parameters. In summary, upon the formerly realistic exposure conditions in Germany, all animals remained clinically inconspicuous throughout the trial. Abstract Glyphosate (GLY), the active substance in non-selective herbicides, is often found in ruminant feed. The present feeding study aimed to investigate the effects of GLY-contaminated rations and different concentrate feed proportions (CFP) on the health of fattening German Holstein bulls. Bulls were grouped by low (LC) or high (HC) CFP with (GLYLC, GLYHC) or without GLY-contaminations (CONLC, CONHC) in their rations. Intakes (dry matter, water) and body weight were documented continuously lasting over an average range from 392.2 ± 60.4 kg to 541.2 ± 67.4 kg (mean ± SD). Blood samples collected at the trial's beginning, and after 7 and 15 weeks, were analyzed for hematological and clinical-chemical traits, functional properties of leukocytes, redox parameters and DNA damage. The average GLY exposures of 128.6 (GLYHC), 213.7 (GLYLC), 1.3 (CONHC) and 2.0 µg/kg body weight/d (CONLC) did not lead to GLY effects for most of the assessed parameters relating to animal health and performance. CFP and time displayed marked influences on most of the experimental parameters such as higher dry matter intake and average daily gain in HC compared with the LC groups. GLY effects were rather weak. However, the observed interactive effects between GLY and CFP and/or time occurring in an inconsistent manner are likely not reproducible. Finally, all animals remained clinically inconspicuous, which brings into question the physiological relevance of putative GLY effects.


This study aimed to explore preservice teachers' (PTs) argumentation quality during socioscientific issues (SSI) based classroom discussions.  The participants of the study were 20 PTs from the Department of Elementary Education at a large, research oriented public university in Turkey. Qualitative case study  method was used in this study. The study covered four socioscientific issues (food additives, alternative energy sources, climate change, and the industrial revolution).  Each issue was  discussed in the classroom and each discussion was video recorded.  Video recordings were transcribed verbatim and used as data source.  Classroom discussions verbatim transcribes were analyzed by using a  modified version of Toulmin's argumentation pattern (TAP) model. The modified approach was found to be more conducive to informal argumentation patterns, in order to analyze preservice teachers' use of claims, grounds, warrants, backings, and rebuttals that support their debate positions, as well as their ability to use evidence-based reasoning, form coherent lines of reasoning, and use of correct (appropriate) evidence. Results of the study revealed that preservice teachers' use of evidence to support conflicting ideas tended to increase as their use of incorrect or insufficient use of evidence decreased through the present study.


Placental insufficiency caused by maternal stress during gestation is known to decrease birth weight and increase the risk of offspring developing metabolic deficiencies such as insulin resistance and obesity. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be understood. Our objective was to determine if chronic maternal stress impairs subsequent glucose metabolism rates in fetal sheep near term. Pregnant ewes were treated with saline (controls) or bacterial endotoxin (LPS) every 3 day from day 100-115 of gestation (term = 150 days) to induce systemic inflammation. On gestational day 125, ewes were euthanized and fetal soleus muscle was isolated tendon-to-tendon and split longitudinally. To determine glucose uptake and glucose oxidation rates, soleus strips were incubated in KHB (Krebs Henseleit Buffer) that was un-spiked (basal) or spiked with either insulin or TNFα. In addition, Akt phosphorylation in extensor digitorum longus muscle samples was determined by western immunoblot analysis and Myosin heavy chain (MyHC) content was determined using electrophoresis. Furthermore, fiber type numbers and sizes were determined from fetal semitendinosus sections by immunohistochemistry. In primary fetal soleus muscle, glucose uptake was not different between control and maternal inflammation fetuses under basal, insulin-stimulated, or TNFα-stimulated conditions. However, insulin-stimulated glucose oxidation and TNFα-stimulated glucose oxidation were both greatly decreased (P < 0.05) in chronically stressed fetal muscle compared to controls. In addition, Akt phosphorylation was decreased (P < 0.05) after maternal inflammation when compared to controls. However, there were not differences


One of England's most senior urgent and emergency care consultants has warned against indiscriminate closures of emergency departments driven by chronic staff shortages.

Several NHS trusts1 2 3 have taken the decision to close or downgrade emergency departments this year owing to a shortage of staff, as the NHS's performance against key targets, such as percentage of patients seen within four hours in hospital emergency departments, continues to fall amid steadily rising demand.4

Clifford Mann, the former president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine who was recently appointed as the clinical lead for NHS England's Accident and Emergency …


Background Management of recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome is considered a challenge for hand surgeons. We treated this clinical entity using a novel technique involving pedicled tissue transfer using a perforator-based radial-sided fascial forearm flap. Patients and methods The procedure was performed in six patients, all of whom had undergone previous failed surgery to release the median nerve and a period of initial relief not less than 3 months. Results At an average of 24 months following the procedure, all patients reported symptomatic improvement with complete resolution of night-time symptoms. No patient reported worsening of symptoms postoperatively; however, subjective paresthesias persisted in three of the six patients. Objective assessment revealed complete resolution of Tinel′s sign in half of the patients and significant improvement in the other half. The average two-point discrimination improved from 10 mm preoperatively to 6 mm postoperatively, and the average postoperative grip strength improved from 11 to 20 kg. Conclusion The radial perforator-based fascial forearm flap is a useful option in the management of selected patients with recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome.


Die Optimisation. Flexible die walls that can be adjusted to requirements are already to be found in some applications. Flow-channel walls that can be adjusted particularly during production can lead to potential savings and offer new process-engineering possibilities.


Superior humeral escape, typically seen in patients with cuff tear arthropathy who have loss of the coracoacromial arch, has presented a significant problem for shoulder surgeons. No surgical technique has adequately addressed this problem until the design of the Grammont reverse prosthesis. Although previous constrained and reverse designs have failed, the unique aspect of this device is that it minimizes the forces acting on the glenoid component fixation. Although it should still be considered a salvage device in older, less active patients, it has provided an excellent alternative for this previously hopeless problem.


Covering letter and review of US political events during 1939. Congress passed little legislation and was concerned that the President exploit the international conflict for domestic political purposes, including a third term in office. The inability of the President to pass legislation relating to arms sales to belligerents and having to shelve labour-related legislation indicated his loss of Congress. Presidential appointments to New Deal positions were secured and futrure legislation on expanding military spending likely to pass. The war in Europe was discussed as well as the minimal impact the President could play in halting it. It also discusses the British decaration of war and its seriousness to thwarting Gernam ambitions along with the trip of the King and Queen to the US, details of US engagement with Latin America and the reticence to abandon China to teh Japanese in the Far East.


Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between CEO narcissism and corporate risk taking.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors provide a novel and unobtrusive measure of CEO narcissism based on LinkedIn profiling. The authors investigate the relationship between CEO narcissism and corporate risk taking (stock return volatility) for a sample of 475 US manufacturing firms in the period 2010-2014.

Findings
The authors find an inverse U-shape relationship between CEO narcissism and stock return volatility. The inverse U-shape relationship (the "humpback") is caused by the paradoxical nature of the narcissistic personality in which the self-esteem is high but at the same time fragile with a combination of self-admiration and a constant need of having this positive self-view confirmed. The results are robust to alternative specifications of CEO narcissism and corporate risk taking. The results are economically meaningful. Thus, a moderate degree of CEO narcissism – as compared to a very low or a very high level of CEO narcissism – is associated with an increase in corporate risk taking of approximately 12 percent.

Originality/value
Previous literature provides multiple analyses on the association between managerial overconfidence and corporate decisions. As opposed to overconfidence, narcissism is a personality trait having both cognitive and behavioral dimensions. This paper provides a novel contribution to the growing literature on the association between managerial biases/traits and corporate decision-making.


Marital satisfaction is not a static and stable concept and during mutual living most of the spouses experience slight changes in their amount of satisfaction. Several factors affect the life satisfaction of spouses. One of these factors indicated in some researches is having the communicational skills in spouses. The main aim of this research is studying the effect of communicational skills training on the marital satisfaction. The research methodology is applied and experimental method. The current study sampling method is available and among the people visiting the health centers 40 married women ranging from 25 to 35 were chosen and randomly put into two groups. The current research results showed that a significant difference was observed in the amount of marital satisfaction in the experimental group before and after communicational skills training, and the amount of marital satisfaction has increased after the communicational skills training. Thus it could be concluded that communicational skills training has a significant effect on the increase of marital satisfaction in spouses. Of course due to the low dispersion in each of the sub-scales in aspects of marital satisfaction this significance was not meaningful. At the end a few applicable and research suggestions are provided.


This note proposes rational implementations for distributed delay in linear control laws. The main benefit of doing so is the easy implementation of rational transfer functions. The proposed approach was inspired from the /spl delta/-operator. The resulting rational implementation has an elegant structure of chained low-pass filters. The stability of each node can be guaranteed by the choice of the number N of the nodes. The stability of the closed-loop system can also be guaranteed since the H/sup /spl infin//-norm of the implementation error approaches 0 when N goes to /spl infin/. Moreover, the steady-state performance of the system is retained without the need to change the control structure.


The aim. To conduct a comprehensive study of the legal regulation peculiarities of natural therapeutic resources and factors of sanatorium and resort treatment for the population, to identify problems of legal regulation of these relations and to outline the ways to resolve them. Materials and methods.  The research material is a modern regulatory framework. The methods of information retrieval, analysis, systematization and generalization were carried out. Results. It has been established that natural therapeutic resources include mineral and thermal water, medical mud and ozokerite, sea and lake brine, sea water, natural objects and complexes with favorable climatic conditions. It has been substantiated that sanatorium and spa treatment is an important part that provides continuity and complexity of medical rehabilitation measures. The main resorts, located on theterritory ofUkraine, have been described. It has been determined that regulation of social relations in the sphere of organization and development of resorts and sanatorium-resort treatment, detection and accounting of natural medical resources, ensuring their rational extraction, use and protection in order to create favorable conditions for treatment, medical rehabilitation, prevention of diseases and vacation for people is provided by environmental, land, health care and resort legislation. Conclusions. Legal regulation of the natural therapeutic resources usage is ensured by environmental, land, health care and resort legislation. The purpose of this legislation is to regulate social relations in the sphere of organization and development of resorts and sanatorium and spa treatment, to detect and account natural medical resources, to ensure their rational extraction, use and protection in order to create favorable conditions for treatment, medical rehabilitation, prevention of diseases and population health improvement. Efficient exploitation of natural therapeutic resources in resort treatment is currently affected by a number of economic, political, environmental problems, which have to be solved by organizational and legal means of the state impact on such legal relations.


The design and development of compact, slow-wave MMW amplifiers driven by low-voltage sheet beams will be discussed. A high-perveance sheet-beam gun has been designed to produce a 3.5-A, 19.5-kV beam having a cross section of 0.32 mm times 4 mm, suitable for driving a W-band amplifier at ~10 kW. A relatively simple sheet-beam circuit, an extended interaction klystron (EIK), is also being developed for integration with the gun and its permanent magnet solenoid. Both the basic gun design and the EIK circuit can be scaled to significantly higher frequencies.


AS-987; bovine somatotropin (BST) is a protein hormone used to improve efficiency of milk production. The guide provides information on the hormone.


from? And what is it being freed to become? The sampler contributes the sounds of a breakbeat, a slurping drink, a train announcement, video-game gunfire, and a game of ping-pong. These are coupled with a simple piano accompaniment referencing – seemingly – the melody of I Got Rhythm. Shlomowitz thus alludes to popular song, both in the utilisation of a slice of Tin Pan Alley and, in more general terms, by using breakbeats and samples. He further references other aspects of the culture industry: Coca-Cola, sport, the triadic bells of a tannoy announcement. An assemblage of greater Adornian character one could not want. While Adorno in all likelihood would have hated this music, 'Popular Contexts' would be an excellent name for a course of (music) sociology lectures. Shlomowitz's point, it would seem, is that sound is born of context and destined for further context. There is no free sound, in other words. The rhetorical centre of the piece, it seems to me, is the fifth movement, 'Weird Twin', where the opening material returns, this time accompanied by recordings of phone sex, culminating in a faked orgasm – the ultimate in culture-industry contrivance, perhaps – and concluding with further snippets of music reminiscent of some culture or other (mariachi trumpets, tabla drums, electric guitars). If Shlomowitz's samples are dislocated (or relocated) bits of familiar sound, retaining the vestige or 'voice' of their socio-cultural origins, Ablinger's voices are even more so. In Ablinger the voice is culture. These pieces dramatise the recorded voice as cultural artefact, or cultural capital, even. The figures Ablinger's piano meets are not 'just anybody', and neither are they celebrity voices encountered with much regularity in the mass media. In past pieces, appearances have been made by Apollinaire, Brecht, Borges and Heidegger, Heimito von Doderer, Humberto Maturana and Forough Farrokhzad. Ablinger has called his voices 'celebrities', but if they are, they are a markedly recherché crowd: their inclusion indicates a certain distinction on Ablinger's part, not to mention his imagined audience. The present disc includes some 'folk' voices, Gjendine Slålien, and Amáunalik (both beautiful pieces, incidentally). But even these are culturally enfolded: the former was inspiration for Grieg, her song becoming part of Gjendine's Lullaby, and the latter was an important source for Danish anthropologist Erik Holtved, the first ethnographer to study the Greenlandic Inuit. Ablinger has said that in these pieces, 'music analyses reality', but he might have just as accurately said 'music analyses culture'. The voice in this context is something alien to the body – the voice emanates from but disavows the body to become something public, to enjoin the cultural sphere. Where, in the archetypical German Lied, the singer dramatises and, indeed, becomes the wandering protagonist, in Ablinger's virtual 'Lieder' the voice is itself wandering – a disembodied object, reinterpreted through the chopping and sometimes lyrical musical pixellations of the piano. (The piano is perhaps a new protagonist.) Both these composers do not merely 'present', they comment: their commentaries' depth is proportional to its surface flatness. The ironising tendency of experimental music might well have journeyed all the way round the hermeneutic circle, to sit again at the initial point of innocence – and maybe this is what Harper detects – but its innocence is an innocence 'performed', with occasional glances over the shoulder. There is nothing 'properly' innocent about the music on this disc and, indeed, this is why it is so abidingly fascinating.


It has been estimated that the soaring demand for power will necessitate a tripling of the installed generation capacity from 100,000 MW to 300,000 MW over the next two decades. Besides increasing investment in conventional power generation routes like hydro and thermal, greater emphasis needs to be laced on generation of power using nuclear energy and renewable energy.—A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Hon'ble President of India. This paper attempts to examine the issues relating to equitable and sustainable hydropower growth paradigm. The aspect of people centered hydropower development paradigm envisaging participatory approach is emphasized as vital tool for equitable development. The emerging scenario makes it imperative that developmental options must encompass a strategy, which is in harmony with equitable growth aimed at sustainable development. Too much emphasis on other energy options has led to a skewed and distorted energy mix leading to environmental concerns. In such context Hydropower development thus is not an option but priority. This has been examined in light of human development index paradigm. A analysis of hydropower potential of Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Arunachal Pradesh and its linkages to sustainable development is also incorporated to reflect the role of hydropower in economic development.


After analyzing the dynamic behavior of main steam pressure of the boiler in a fire power plant, this paper presents a generalized predictive control algorithm with stair like control scheme based on modification of the regular cascade control scheme. The implementation and performance of the control scheme are given too.


Background/Aims: Liver transplant is the ultimate and exclusive treatment of liver failure. Since the transfer of hepatic lobe takes place along with its own hepatic artery, the anastomosis process requires the utilization of microsurgical techniques and equipment in the living donor liver transplantations (LDLT). The success of the anastomosis directly affects the result of the surgery and thereby effects patient survival. Otherwise, in the case of failure, it can lead to mortality of the patient. The aim of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the hepatic artery anastomosis in terms of vascular characteristics, arterial diameters, operation time, complications, and thrombosis rates and also to achieve more successful results with lower complication rates. Furthermore, the study aims to share the accumulated knowledge and the experience to develop the technique further and to learn how to make the transfer more easily in the future. Materials and Methods: From 2010 to 2017, 85 LDLTs were performed in Ataturk University Organ Transplantation and Research Center. The hepatic artery anastomosis was performed by the same microsurgeon. Results: We have not encountered any hepatic arterial thrombosis. The success of 100% anastomosis in our series is compatible with the literature, and it was found to have a higher success rate. However, the fact that our current series is small should not be overlooked. Conclusion: The collaboration between microsurgeons and transplant surgeons to reduce technical complications can play an important role in obtaining long-term and permanent transplantation outcomes.


TiAg nanoscale particles (NP) and unmelted carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were observed in Ti-Al-Ag-CNTs-Y2O3 laser alloying composite coating on TA7 titanium alloy, such coating greatly improved wear resistance of substrate surface. This coating was researched by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and high-resolution transmission electron microscope. Such coating mainly consists of Ti-Al, TiAg, TiC, and amorphous phases. CNTs were covered by lots of NP. Being hindered by NP, CNTs were not free to grow. Nucleation and growth of amorphous phases were retarded by nanocrystals in a certain extent during the crystallization of amorphous.


The propagation of a sinusoidal wave of small amplitude in an initially isotropic viscoelastic solid, which is subjected to a static pure homogeneous deformation, is discussed. The secular equation for a plane wave propagating an arbitrary direction with respect to the principal directions of the static deformation is derived. The complex slownesses corresponding to propagation along the principal axes of the static strain are found. Relations are obtained between these and the principal stresses associated with the static deformation, which generalize earlier formulas obtained by Ericksen for elastic materials.


A simulation study on solar assisted district heating systems with solar fractions of 35 % was carried out taking into consideration different types (supply pipe / return pipe temperatures 68/41 °C and 60/30 °C) and various sizes of heat loads from 500 up to 10 000 MWh/a. The meteorological conditions were varied considering three different German locations with relatively low (Hannover), average (Frankfurt/Main) and high irradiation (Würzburg) to make the results applicable for most regions of Germany. Results have shown that specific solar heat costs are between those of systems with a solar fraction (fsol) of 10 and 50 % and amount to 13.6 26.0 €Ct./kWh for Frankfurt climatic conditions depending on plant size. Compared to systems with fsol of 50 %, especially small-scale district heating systems (up to 1 000 MWh/a) with fsol of 35 % feature moderate investment costs, recommending them for this field of application. Specific solar heat costs are between 4 7 % higher for heat load types 68/41 °C compared to 60/30 °C. Based on the specific solar heat costs for Frankfurt conditions, Würzburg costs are between 7 13 % lower and Hannover costs up to 8 % higher, depending on plant size.


The quality of the parent–child relationship is one of the most important factors in shaping a child's cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. Early psychosocial adversities, such as child maltreatment, abuse, and neglect have long been recognized as major risk factors for psychiatric and physical health problems throughout life. Adequate parenting, on the other hand, may ameliorate the effects of psychosocial adversity. Intimate relations to peers become increas-ingly important as the child grows older. This Issue fo-cuses on different facets of the developmental interplay between the quality of family and peer relations, and the individual's emotional and social skills and problems. In the Practitioner Review, Leve and colleagues 1 summarize the vulnerabilities of children living in foster care and review eight evidence-based intervention pro-grams for supporting foster families that have been evaluated using randomized trial designs. Children in foster care due to family breakdown or maltreatment show a high prevalence of both disruptive behavioral and emotional problems and are at elevated risk for negative outcomes concerning their emotional, behavioral, neurobiological, and social development. The authors highlight that the children's externalizing behaviors are closely associated with placement disruptions and that these associations are likely to be bidirectional. Placement disruptions have negative consequences for children's emotional and behavioral development, with each change in foster home involving repeated discontinuity in social relations further com-promising the child's capacity to develop adaptive social relationships with caregivers and peers. Thus, placement disruptions are at the same time an important risk factor for, and a possible consequence of, elevated levels of behavioral problems among foster children. The stability of a foster placement as well as the development of positive relationships with caregivers and peers are, on the other hand, can make important contributions towards better outcomes. Caregiver support and training designed to improve behavior man-agement skills has been identified as a key strategy. The


In recent years, most researches regarding home automation technologies were focusing on "High-Performance" or "Human-Centered" automation systems. However, even though the "Human-Centered" systems have been developed for years, it is still far from being accepted by consumers. One of the major problems is that the technology development actually ignored the most important portion: the human nature. In this paper, the crux that why the automation systems could not satisfy the human nature is pointed out; furthermore, a possible solution to the problem is proposed. There is an attempt to improve the humanization of the automation system by combining the concept – Dynamic Function Allocation (DFA) –, which is one of the most important parts in human-machine technology, with the Message Oriented Middleware (MOM) system that is going to be presented in this paper for the pervasive platforms. The questionnaire analysis reveals that the DFA based home automation system could actually improve the humanization level more than the original automation systems that are mentioned could do. In addition, the experiment result shows that the performance of the DFA based system is still as high as the non-DFA MOM system.


We present an online Item Intelligent Publishing System used in large scale Consumer to Consumer (C2C) transaction platform, named as I2PS, it is designed for personal seller to publish their items in an automatic way with the uploaded images. Our I2PS is deployed in Xianyu mobile App, the largest second-hand item shopping platform in China. The proposed system not only can guide seller how to photograph the publishing items with more details based on category recognition module, but also can intelligently tell the seller exactly what this product is and which attributes it has based on various recognition methods. The seller does not need to input extra product information, so that the item's publish process in Xianyu can be performed without any difficulty. In this paper, we introduce several techniques we used to develop the I2PS for product understanding, including product's category recognition, Standard Product Unit (SPU) recognition, multi-label attribute recognition and their corresponding pre-processing technologies. Our system deployed in Xianyu can help tens of millions personal sellers to publish their items, and improves publishing success rate by more than 15% and reduces publishing duration by more than 20%. The demo video is available at https://youtu.be/3NRx2hECIHc.


This paper presents the implementation of moment invariants with respect to centroid point (obtained from registered image database) for thermal physiological-based face identification system. Seeded region growing method was applied for background filtering. Sequentially, anisotropic diffusion was employed prior to image decomposition to reduce the effect of noise. The system decomposes a background filtered thermal image into several thermal regions via multi-valued threshold method. The lowest valued thermal region is omitted from further processes to assure no background scenery was taken into account. In our previous work, we only considered frontal mugshot images as registered images, therefore, in this paper we include mid-profiles and left and right profile in the registered database. This is to overcome for images with angular pose that exceeds 45 degrees to the left and right. Since our registered database now comprehends several pose, the formerly calculated moment invariants (with respect to centroid points obtain from frontal mugshot images) is now calculated with respect to centroid points obtained from every profile in the registered database. Due to multiple angular pose available in the registered database, customized and simple pose estimation is introduced in this paper. The pose estimation utilizes information previously obtained during the pre-processes, thus avoiding additional steps that is required if current available pose estimation methods were to be employed. This system employs minimum distance measurement method for classification purposes. The encouraging performance of this system is represented by a cumulative match characteristic curve (also known as the CMC curve) at the end of this paper.