The NRCC standard reference material DORM-2 and the marine brown alga Hijiki fuziforme were extracted with water, methanol/water (9 + 1), and 1.5 M orthophosphoric acid. The extracts from DORM-2 were analyzed by HPLC–ICP-MS for arsenobetaine, arsenocholine, trimethylarsine oxide, and the tetramethylarsonium cation and the extracts from H. fuziforme for arsenous acid, arsenic acid, dimethylarsinic acid, methylarsonic acid, and four arsenoriboses. Almost no differences between the three extractants were observed when DORM-2 was investigated. Only arsenobetaine was slightly better extracted with 1.5 M orthophosphoric acid or methanol/water (9 + 1) than with water. The sum of all extractable compounds (arsenobetaine, the tetramethylarsonium cation, and a formerly unknown compound recently identified as the trimethyl(2-carboxyethyl)arsonium ion) accounted for 94% of the total arsenic when 1.5 M orthophosphoric acid was used, for 92% when methanol/water (9 + 1) was used, and for 87% when water was used. Significant differences in the extraction yields obtained for the alga were observed for arsenic acid and one of the arsenoriboses ('glycerol-ribose'). Orthophosphoric acid removed twice as much of this ribose from the algal material than water and three times more than methanol/water (9 + 1). Arsenic acid was 1.2 times better extracted with orthophosphoric acid than with water and ten times better than with methanol/water (9 + 1). Almost no differences in the extraction yields were found for dimethylarsinic acid and the other three riboses. Orthophosphoric acid extracted 76%, water 65%, and methanol/water 33% of the total arsenic from H. fuziforme. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


This contribution describes the setup and operating procedures of the first operational laser ablation microprobe for stable (sulphur) isotope analysis in Australia as well as some brief geological applications. A significant feature on this laser ablation microprobe is automated gas purification and analysis; operator control is only required to locate and ablate sample targets. As with other laboratories, samples were ablated in an oxygen atmosphere, producing a SO2/O2 gas mixture. SO2 was separated from this mixture by either of two techniques. In the first technique, SO2 was condensed into a liquid N2 trap by cryogenic pumping, and O2 was pumped away. This resulted in the collection of 60–70% of the produced SO2. In the second technique, SO2 was condensed into a liquid N2 trap as the SO2/O2 mixture was slowly bled away. This technique collected 90–95% of the SO2, with a small fractionation of 0.16%. Laser ablation and SO2 collection via the second technique required a mineral dependent, additive corre...


Convergence of particle systems to the Vlasov-Navier-Stokes equations is a difficult topic with only fragmentary results. Under a suitable modification of the classical Stokes drag force interaction, here a partial result in this direction is proven. A particle system is introduced, its interaction with the fluid is modelled and tightness is proved, in a suitable topology, for the family of laws of the pair composed by solution of Navier-Stokes equations and empirical measure of the particles. Moreover, it is proved that every limit law is supported on weak solutions of the Vlasov-Navier-Stokes system. Open problems, like weak-strong uniqueness for this system and its relevance for the convergence of the particle system, are outlined.


A method of increasing the strength of a cold worked part by an ultrasonic shock treatment, characterized by comprising the step of applying the ultrasonic shock treatment to the tensile side surface of the cold bending worked part of a metal, whereby the hardness of the surface can be increased by 10% or higher than the hardness of the surface to which the ultrasonic shock treatment is not applied, and the fracture toughness and the fatigue strength of the metal can be increased by reducing a residual tensile stress.


We study a coupled dark energy scenario in which a massive vector field $A_{\mu}$ with broken $U(1)$ gauge symmetry interacts with the four-velocity $u_c^{\mu}$ of cold dark matter (CDM) through the scalar product $Z=-u_c^{\mu} A_{\mu}$. This new coupling corresponds to the momentum transfer, so that the background vector and CDM continuity equations do not have explicit interacting terms analogous to the energy exchange. Hence the observational preference of uncoupled generalized Proca theories over the $\Lambda$CDM model can be still maintained at the background level. Meanwhile, the same coupling strongly affects the evolution of cosmological perturbations. While the effective sound speed of CDM vanishes, the propagation speed and no-ghost condition of a longitudinal scalar of $A_{\mu}$ and the CDM no-ghost condition are subject to nontrivial modifications by the $Z$ dependence in the Lagrangian. We propose a concrete dark energy model and show that the gravitational interaction on scales relevant to the linear growth of large-scale structures can be smaller than the Newton constant at low redshifts. This leads to the suppression of growth rates of both CDM and total matter density perturbations, so our model allows an interesting possibility for reducing the tension of matter density contrast $\sigma_8$ between high- and low-redshift measurements.


The study proposed by the author discusses a distinct version of the sale-purchase agreement, i.e. the sale subject to term or condition. The scientific approach of the author concentrates on highlighting the main legal aspects specific to the analysed category of sales and their correct interpretation. Moreover, the paper supplements the scientific study of the varieties of the sale-purchase agreement, the range of which is practically infinite, given the principle of contractual freedom governing the civil circuit in our legal system. The author examines the legal norms in the current Civil Code that regulate the modalities that the sale-purchase agreement in question is subject to, the term and condition, as well as the means in which they influence the legal relationship existing based on the conclusion of such agreement, especially with regard to the rights and obligations of the contracting parties. The study also presents certain doctrinary points of view in this regard and is addressed equally to legal sciences theorists, researchers, professors, students, MA students and PhD students, as well as attorneys, who it provides with a few reference points that could arouse their interest for researching the subject and expanding the conclusions with regard to the fair application of the special norms in the examined field.


Nowadays, one of the major goals of the distribution environment is to reduce lead times and inventories. Cross-docking is a logistics technique which removes the storage and picking up the functions of a warehouse. The term cross-docking refers to moving products directly from incoming to outgoing trailers with little or no storage in between. According to the recent related papers, the truck scheduling problem is one of the objectives for cross-docking systems which is divide into smaller parts. The first stage is about the assignment of the trucks to the dock doors while the second stage aims to sequence all inbound and outbound trucks, in an effective way. Therefore, for dealing with the truck scheduling problem in a cross-docking system, this paper develops five heuristics. The obtained results are compared with those from the previous works. We use many test problems in the literature that were created in different sizes to study the performance of the novel heuristics. In small and medium dimensions the minimum value which found is related to one of the methods CDH3 (Cross Dock Heuristic) which has been proposed in this paper beside in all scales the method CDH4 is the best among others. The numerical results show that the developed heuristics are able to find quick good solutions with fast convergence.


Benzo[b]furan natural products isolated from the Styracaceae family such as Styrax japonicum, S. formosanus, S. obassia, S. macranthus and S. officinalis show variety of biological activities including insecticidal, fungicidal, antimicrobial, antisweet, antiproliferative, cytotoxic and antioxidant properties. Egonol, 5-(3-hydroxypropyl)-7-methoxy-2-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)benzofuran, was first isolated in 1915 from the seed oil of Styrax japonicum and first synthesized by Kawai condensing an o-hydroxybenzaldehyde with an α-chlorophenylacetic acid and known to be an effective pyrethrum synergist. A number of total synthesis of egonol have been reported by using Sonogashira coupling, Lewis acid induced dehydrocyclization, dienylacetylene coupling with carbene complex, and palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction. We report herein the most effective total synthesis of egonol (1, Figure 1) in 5 steps with 74% overall yield from vanillin by using Sonogashira coupling reaction. Vanillin (2) reacted with I2/Ag2SO4 in EtOH at room temperature to give iodovanillin 3 in 80% yield (Scheme 1). Sonogashira coupling of 3 with 3,4-methylenedioxyphenylacetylene (4), which was easily prepared from piperonal via Colvin rearrangement, by using Pd(PPh3)4/CuI/Et3N in DMF yielded benzofuran 5 in 95% yield through successive coupling and cyclization in one-step. Sonogashira coupling reactions were very sensitive to the haloaryl substituents as shown in Scheme 2. Bromovanillin 8 was not reactive with acetylene 4 in Sonogashira coupling reaction, and Wittig coupled bromide 9 and iodide 10 were also not reactive with 4 in coupling reaction, which indicated that the reaction sequences were very important in egonol synthesis and Sonogashira coupling should be done before Wittig reaction. Wittig reaction of 5 with (carbethoxymethylene)triphenylphosphorane produced carbethoxyethenylbenzofuran 6 in 99% yield, which was reduced to 7 in 99% yield by H2/PdC. Direct reduction of conjugated ester 6 to egonol 1 was performed by using LiAlH4 or LiBH4 as shown in Scheme 3. Partially reduced alcohol 11 with egonol and some other byproducts were formed in both cases and it was not easy to separate egonol from the alcohol 11 by column chromatography. Finally, reduction of ester 7 with DIBAL-H gave egonol (1) in 99% yield. Khan isolated a new egonol derivative, 5-(3-propanoyloxypropyl)-7-methoxy-2-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)benzofuran (12), from Styrax obassia (Scheme 4). The newly found benzofuran 12 was easily prepared from our synthetic egonol 1 by esterification with propanoic acid using DCC in 99% yield and confirmed by NMR data with literature. In conclusion, the 5 steps reaction procedures including iodination, Sonogashira coupling, Wittig reaction, hydrogenation and metal hydride reduction produced egonol in


My bachelor's work is concerned with the causes of location children into the Children's Home in the Zlin Region. Theoretical section covers family, its functions and types, family pathologies and at risk child. There is also briefly described the system of alternative care in the Czech Republic and the legal framework for Child Protection. Practical section presents findings of research conducted by the help of questionnaires on real causes of putting the children into the Children's Home, what kind of environment most children come and whether they keep in touch with their parents and extended family.


A case of acute myelocytic leukemia with unusual oral manifestation characterized by nodular lesion of the tip of the tongue is reported. The patient was a 31-year-old woman who had been admitted for treatment of recurrent leukemia. Pathologically, the lesion was diagnosed as leukemic cell infiltration. The possible reasons for this localized specific leukemic cell infiltration are discussed.


The aim of this thesis was monitoring the influence of filler and intercalation reagent (dimethylsulfoxid)on composite materials features of PVC/clay type. Suspension and microsuspension types of PVC were used as matrixes. Commercially-made kaolin OT 76M, which was intercalated under various conditions-particularly temperature, was applied as the filler. Further on suspension PVC and prepared fillers were processed in melt by intercalation and microsuspension PVC was mixed up in a mortar. From such prepared mixtures the samples of PVC paste were made by pressing and PVC foils by calender. The disposed composite materials were put to the tests of thermal degradation, tension tests, hardness measuring - in Shore A and Shore D degrees, then to the test of Congo Red, TGA and plasticizer migration as well.


Line widths and shifts of the S1(0), S1(1), S1(2), and the O1(2) Raman lines in pure D2 at 100.7 K are reported. These measurements, made with a high-resolution cw Raman gain spectrometer, can be used to test future theoretical calculations.PACS Nos.: 33.70-w 33.20Fb


We study theoretically the 2D HgTe/CdTe quantum well topological insulator illuminated by circularly polarized light with frequencies higher than the difference between the equilibrium Fermi level and the bottom of the conduction band (THz range). We show that electron-hole asymmetry results in spin-dependent electric dipole transitions between edge and bulk states, and we predict an occurrence of a circular photocurrent. If the edge state is tunnel-coupled to a conductor, then the photocurrent can be detected by measuring an electromotive force in the conductor, which is proportional to the photocurrent.


ly, we have the same pattern in both Greek and English. Both languages disallow a particular verbal form to co-occur with negation, switching to another verbal form in the negative context. Miyoshi (2002) (see also Bošković 2004a) provides a uniform account of the ban on negative imperatives in Greek and the ban on negative indicatives in English (see Miyoshi 2002 for references to alternative accounts of the ban on negative imperatives, which however cannot be extended to the ban on negative indicatives). More precisely, he extends the PF merger account of the ban on negative indicatives in English (see Chomsky 1957, Hale and Marantz 1993, Bobaljik 1995, and Lasnik 1999) to the ban on negative imperatives in Greek. Focusing for the moment on the ban on negative indicatives, consider the structures of (30a-c) given in (31) before PF merger and Do-Support apply. (31) a. [IP Johni I (ed) [vP ti laugh]] b. [IP Johni I (ed) [NegP not [VP ti laugh]]] Assuming that English I is a verbal PF affix, it must merge with a verbal element in PF under adjacency. The adjacency requirement is not met in (31b) due to the intervening negative head, which blocks PF merger. Do-Support, a last resort operation, then takes place to save the stranded affix, deriving (30c). In (31a), the merger is not blocked since no phonologically realized element intervenes between I and the verb. I then merges with the verb, deriving (30a). The crux of the analysis is that indicatives cannot co-occur with negation in English because the co-occurrence results in a violation of the Stranded Affix Filter. Miyoshi (2002) puts forward the same explanation for the ban on negative imperatives. He proposes that imperatives in languages like Greek contain a functional head, the precise identity of which is not important for our current purposes (for Miyoshi, it is an imperative C), which is a PF affix that must merge with a verb under adjacency. PF merger can proceed without any problems in (28a), where the verb and the functional head in question, which we will refer to as F, are adjacent. However, the negation in (28b) disrupts the necessary adjacency relation between F and the verb, as illustrated in (32) below. PF merger is then blocked and the construction is ruled out due to the presence of a stranded affix, just like (30b)/(31b). (32) F[+affix] den/mi diavase Greek does not have the language specific rule of Do-Support, which English employs in (30c) to save the stranded affix. Instead, Greek uses a different verbal form, namely subjunctive. We 11 See Miyoshi (2002) and Bošković (2004a) for further discussion as well as discussion of languages that do not have the ban on negative imperatives.


Background; It is important from a public health perspective to gain a greater understanding of young people's daily lives, their living conditions and lifestyles to promote for a healthy future. ...


Abstract "Like being caught in a time-warp" is the way some visitors describe their visit to the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park and Dinosaur Gardens in Vernal. The Field House collects, preserves, exhibits, and interprets fossils and other objects of natural history interest from the Uinta Mountains and Uinta Basin region. Established in 1948, the Museum has provided a glimpse of the unique Uinta region to visitors from all over the world. The Field House, part of the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation, continues today to provide education, scientific interest, and the answers to many questions from thousands of visitors each year.


The interviews and observation of the September 2005 elections for the lower house of parliament and provincial councils in Afghanistan disclose that despite shortcomings, the elections were relatively free. The elections, conducted in the absence of party politics, created a divided legislature struggling to unite. Women members, equally divided by region and ethnicity, may exert a moderating influence on the legislature, which is dominated by the "Islamist right."


Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, China's economic development has entered the new normal of the growth rate shift period, withstanding the double pressure at home and abroad, facing the problems of economic downturn, serious shortage of domestic demand, blocked development power and so on. In order to better cope with the doubling of uncertainty and uncontrollability, China's macroeconomic regulation and control firmly the correct leadership of the Party Central Committee, to high-quality development as the goal of guidance, comprehensively implement the new development concept, build a new development pattern, in the steady thinking of progress, a deep grasp of the new development stage, We have always made important efforts to promote social equity and justice, achieve common prosperity, and build a modern socialist country in an all-round way. This paper first analyzes the characteristics of China's macroeconomic operation since the 18th National Congress. Secondly, analyze the new ideas of macroeconomic regulation since the 18th National Congress of China. Finally, the analysis of China's macro policy orientation under the new situation.


Calculation of pile quay gantry type as a frame with rigid crossbarand a rigid beam, is a special case of the decision method, presented by N. Gersevanov. This method was widely used in the technical literature and regulatory documents. Translation of manual calculation on the computer almost retained the existing design scheme. Practical implementation of the engineering universal method offered early to calculation of mooring embankments in relation to a thin wall, is given by anchored inclined piles. In the calculation scheme bottom sealing is not used, and entered stiffness characteristics of the soil, clarifying the nature of the work structure. The obtained simplified solution determines the lateral pressure in the silo variable width. Engineering calculations showed that pressure is redistributed on the sheet pilling wall and  the inclined piles  from external soil pressure. Comparative calculations, taking into account the deformation characteristics of the soil showed a significant impact on efforts in the elements of the embankment compared to method N. Gersevanov.


We present some transversality results for a category of Frechet manifolds, the so-called MCk - Frechet manifolds. In this context, we apply the obtained transversality results to construct the degree of nonlinear Fredholm mappings by virtue of which we prove a rank theorem, an invariance of domain theorem and a Bursuk-Ulam type theorem.


The Ganges river dolphin (Platanista gangetica) belongs to small toothed whale (dolphin) family and inhabits mainly the Ganges river system in India. Like other dolphin species, it uses bio-sonar clicks for echolocation. For understanding the Ganges river dolphin's acoustic behavior over a long-time span, the annual long-term real-time monitoring for 4–6 months in the dry season using 6-hydrophone array system has been conducted for 3 consecutive seasons, i.e. three monitoring phases, since November 2008. 10–14 Ganges river dolphins (adults and calves) that inhabit the 10 km stretch from Karnavas (upstream) to Narora (downstream) in Ganges river system were subjected to the study. In the monitoring, based on the dolphin's high frequency echolocation clicks received on each hydrophone of the array, the system calculates each dolphin's real-time underwater 3-D location around the observation area. It can as well transmit the real-time 3-D location data to the host server by CDMA modem. Any PC with an appropriate viewer program can access the host and monitor the dolphins' real-time movements during the entire monitoring period. Following offline data analysis of each monitoring phase, the underwater behavior of the Ganges river dolphins passing through the observation area is revealed. In addition, based on the off-line data analysis using the three parameters of the click number, average X (longitudinal position along with river) position of the dolphins and its standard deviation (SDX), annual behavioral changes of the Ganges river dolphins for the three monitoring phases is analyzed with consideration of the river configuration changes from season to season.


Maintain uniformity of the etching, and the reliability is to provide a manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus of a display device to be capable of performing a high etching. And generating an electric field between a pair of electrodes, a method of manufacturing a display device for forming a contact hole in the insulating film formed on the surface of the insulating substrate (3) on the lower electrode (2) containing aluminum on at least a surface, wherein the lower electrode ( is above 2), the outer peripheral part surrounding the areas sewn up to the insulating substrate (3), in the covered state by the insulating material, characterized in that it comprises a step of forming a contact hole in the insulating film. Display device, a lower electrode, an insulating substrate, a contact hole


The interaction between quercetin(Qct) and bovine serum albumin(BSA) was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopic method.The experiment results showed that the fluorescence intensity of BSA was decreased by Qct owing to a static quenching.The fluorescence quenching constant was measured by fluorescence quenching method.The binding parameters were obtained.The results indicated the reaction was spontaneous and the interaction force was mostly hydrogen bond and Van der Waals force.Site marker competition experiment indicated that the binding of Qct to BSA primarily took place in SiteⅠ.Then the effect of Qct on the conformational change of BSA was investigated by circular dichroism.


Objective To develop a rapid detection method for nesseria meningitidis species and group.Methods PCR method was used to amplify the standard strains of neisseria meningitidis bacteria in the samples and a group of specific DNA fragments by electrophoresis after an analysis of the product.Results 4 of 11 specimens were detected neisseria meningitidis CrgA gene fragments,which were amplified containing 2 NmA group Orf-2 gene fragments,2 NmC group siaD(C) fragments.Conclusion The PCR technique can be applied to clinical specimens in the neisseria meningitidis bacteria and specific detection of DNA.


A split-ring or split-cylinder transducer in which a full or partial boot covering a shell is caused to be looped into the gap of the shell so that outward radial movement and circumferential expansion of the shell causes the boot to also move outwardly thus reinforcing the sound wave generated exterior to the shell of the transducer.


We discuss the possibility of exploiting polariton-exciton physics as an analogue experimental tool to study challenging ideas and existing problems arising in the context of gravity theory and theoretical cosmology. We search for cosmology analogues with specific focus on simulating non-equilibrium dynamics across cosmological phase transitions in laboratory as well as employing optical analogue horizons in BoseEinstein condensates (BECs) and signatures of white hole radiation to study gravitational and cosmological processes. Our analysis aims to uncover conceptual similarities between condensed matter systems and various phenomena in the Early Universe such as the symmetry breaking of the vacuum energy, spontaneous production of particles, false vacuum and cosmic inflation together with a number of unsolved cosmological


This paper studies (trans)national social capital gained through an international study experience in Belgium. Drawing upon a multi-method alumni study, we explore different types of (inter)national networks of male and female graduates, the extent to which different networks remained after graduation as well as effects on personal and professional development and organizational performance. Findings show that graduates have particularly gained networks with non-co-nationals which evolve from bridging relations at the outset to bonding relations while particularly networks with the host population remain limited. After returning home, bonding social interaction relations remain most important, irrespective of the nationality of the graduates, whereas information sharing and collaboration networks survive better among co-nationals, particularly when these are triggered through national alumni chapters. Our study finds network effects on individual's intercultural skills, knowledge and attitudes, their professional career and organizational performance, with intercultural gains being particularly high for networks with non-co-nationals from other continents.


The temperature range from RF heating has been extended. {sup 1}H CRAMPS and NMR are being used to study structural changes that occur in coal at high temperatures. CRAMPS experiments under RF heating conditions proved to be difficult; other ways to solve this problem are being explored.


Recently, a new global open Ethernet (GOE) architecture was proposed as a cost-effective scalable solution for the next generation of VPNs over an optical network infrastructure. In this paper, we present a traffic engineering design for networks that support the GOE architecture. The current extensions of the spanning tree protocol (STP), such as rapid spanning tree (RST) and multiple spanning tree (MST), use a link cost metric which is inversely proportional to the link capacity. In order to achieve a better load balancing in the network, we propose to use the link cost metric which is a function of the current link load. The traffic engineering algorithms presented in this paper use two different link cost functions. We comment on the performance of those heuristic algorithms for various network topologies and under several traffic scenarios. Our results demonstrate a significant improvement in the network utilization when the link cost metric is a function of the link load compared to the case when it is inversely proportional to the link capacity.


Stochastic-resonance is experimentally demonstrated in optical bistability from an optical ring cavity containing three-level (A-type) rubidium atoms. The results obtained match well qualitatively with the theoretical predictions of the generic model for the SR phenomenon.


Aiming at the algorithm of the enemy missile incoming area in surface warship air defense operations, this paper sets up the algorithm coordinate system, and distinguishes the position situation of both parties. Based on these, the paper defines the regional shape of the missile attack area, and establishes the calculation method. At last, it develops a demonstration verification program and supplies the application examples in various cases. The missile attack area can be calculated accurately with this algorithm, so it is able to effectively assist the commander to form scientific air defense plans.


This study examines the process of urbanization and industrialization in Bangladesh between 1991 and 2011 in the six major regions which make up Bangladesh. In particular, we analyze whether industrial factors are more strongly associated with urban development in the main urban centers of Bangladesh. This study uses data from all 64 districts in Bangladesh to look at the factors that drive urbanization of the six major cities in Bangladesh. We examine the weight of industrial location in this study using the Location Quotient (LQ) as a measure. However, this study finds that the textile industry, service industry and small vendors contribute mostly to urbanization in the capital city Dhaka and the second largest city, Chittagong, while the agricultural sector, construction, transportation and communication are the main drivers of urbanization in the other main cities. Moreover, manufacturing industry is also a rising force driving urbanization in Bangladesh.


Combining the use of predators as biological samplers together with measurements of the stable isotopic ratios (d13CBulk and d15NBulk) of their sclerotized beaks help investigate foraging ecology of poorly known oceanic cephalopods. However, high chitin content (an amino-sugar macromolecule) lowers beak d15NBulk values, thus precluding direct isotopic comparison with other tissues and organisms. To overcome the chitin effect, compound-specific isotopic analysis of amino acids (CSIA-AA) was performed on squid beaks. The method was applied on beaks and muscle, and the resulting d13CAA and d15NAA values compared between tissues. The usefulness of CSIA was tested by defining the habitat and trophic position (TPCSIA) of squids using their d13CAA and d15NAA values. Beak d13CAA values were reliably measured on 12 AA that included 5 essential and 7 non-essential AA, and d15NAA values were quantified on at least 7 AA that included 2 source and 4 trophic AA. Importantly, d13CAA and d15NAA varied little between muscle and lower and upper beaks, and TPCSIA estimates were identical regardless of the tissue considered. Tissue d13CAA values of both essential and non-essential AA reflected the latitudinal baseline d13C gradient that occurs in the Southern Indian Ocean, while beak d15NAA from source and trophic AA allowed the disentangling of the baseline effect from the trophic effect, and thus better calculations of squid TP estimates than from d15NBulk values. Beak d13CAA and d15NAA defined isotopic niches of colossal and giant squids, the 2 largest living invertebrates. In subantarctic waters, they segregate by having species-specific foraging habitats (using d13CGly or d15NPhe) and TPCSIA (using d15NGlx and d15NPhe). TPCSIA is higher in colossal (4.7) than giant (4.3) squids, and both values compare well with those of myctophid-eaters, suggesting very large squids prey primarily upon small zoo planktivorous fishes. As expected, CSIA-AA overcomes the chitin effect on beaks and it is a powerful tool to investigate trophic interactions of cephalopods. The method has a great potential with arthropods, because chitin is a main component of their exoskeleton but the deleterious effect of chitin is overlooked in isotopic studies focusing on crustaceans and insects.


It is now well-established in fiscal policy studies that the actual ex post budget balance is an inadequate and misleading indicator of fiscal stance since it is subject to: the well-known difficulty that it does not distinguish changes in the budget balance caused by variations in tax rates and expenditure programmes from changes caused by movements in income and expenditure associated, for example, with autonomous variations in investment or exports.2 The resulting inadequacy of movements in actual budget balances as a measure of changes in fiscal stance was particularly acute in the I 930s, when there were marked cyclical variations in unemployment rates. As soon as the dependence of tax receipts and endogenous expenditures on the level of aggregate income is acknowledged, it follows that variations in economic activity, unless the authorities take countervailing action, will automatically act on the budget balance. A fall in income, therefore, will cause the budget balance to deteriorate even when fiscal policy is contractionary, and vice versa.3 Thus the inadequacy of the expost budget balance as a measure of fiscal stance stems from its failure to separate the effects of discretionary action from those of autonomous changes in economic activity; to distinguish the budget's influence on the economy from the economy's influence on the budget. To remedy this central defect, the concept of the full (or constant) employment budget balance was developed.4 This is defined as the budget balance that would result (with the


Objective: To optimize the extraction technology of geniposide.Methods:The water-extracting processes were used and the extraction conditions were optimized by orthogonal tests.Results:Of various factors on the extraction yield of geniposide,the order was extraction times,extraction time,amount of solvent.Conclusion:The optimized technology has good reproducibility and stability possible.


Abstract The biogeography and phylogeny of Cardamine L. were inferred based on sequences of the nuclear ribosomal ITS regions and the plastid trnL intron and trnL-F spacer regions. This genus is one of the largest and polyploid-rich genera of the Brassicaceae and has its center of diversity in Eurasia. Species were included from all populated continents, representing all sections except two monotypic ones. The results support a hypothesis of recent and rapid speciation in the genus. The traditional sectional classification was not supported. We found evidence for several extremely long-distance dispersal events. Colonization of the Southern Hemisphere and the Arctic has occurred repeatedly; we identified at least three phylogenetically distinct Arctic lineages, two distinct Oceanian lineages, and four distinct South American lineages. Polyploidization has occurred independently many times during the evolution of Cardamine. Recent divergence combined with widespread polyploidization offer an explanation for the complex taxonomy of the genus.


This paper presents a detailed study on the effect of power system voltage unbalance on the harmonics injected by a ac-dc rectifier load. This study gives an insight about the role of sequence voltage components in voltage unbalance analysis. The simulations are carried out in time domain and the frequency spectra of the distorted waveform (input and output) are obtained using fast Fourier transform (FFT). The variation of different characteristic and non-characteristic harmonics with the degree of unbalance is also investigated. A full understanding of sensitivity of the current harmonic components to different unbalance voltage operating conditions is also obtained. A new terminology named as phase total harmonic distortion unbalance factor (PTHDUF) is introduced.


An innovative spectroscopic diagnostic method has been developed of investigation of different regions of normal human skin tissue. This new method is a combination of Fourier transform infrared fiberoptic evanescent wave (FTIR-FEW) spectroscopy and fiber optic technique for the middle infrared (MIR) wavelength range (3 to 20 micrometer). The fiberoptical sensors we have used are characterized by low optical losses and high flexibility for remote analysis. Our new fiber optical accessory can be utilized with a diversity of standard commercial Fourier transform spectrometers. FTIR-FEW, using nontoxic unclad fibers in the attenuated total reflection (ATR) regime, is suitable for noninvasive, fast, sensitive investigations of normal skin in vivo for various medical diagnostics applications including studies of acupuncture points. Our method allows for direct interaction of the skin tissue with the fiber. Here we present the first data on infrared spectra of skin tissue in vivo for several acupuncture points in the range of 1300 to 1800 cm-1 and 2600 to 4000 cm-1.


Understanding the law in new testament concept has a diverse interpretation, especially its relation with doctrine of soteriology in church. It should be known due to differences in understanding the essence of the law itself and its position and relation to God's grace. Also when some views see that the Grace of God in the new testament abolish the Law, then the question is will Christianity live a lawless life (antinominanism). This writing discussing the viewa of Grace theology view and comparison with the mainstream theology that was accepted in pentecostalism-charismatic branch.


The invention belongs to the technical field of medicines, and discloses a sirolimus nanoparticle suspension agent and a preparation method thereof. The sirolimus is poor in stability, small in solubility, and low in oral bioavailability, so that promotion and use of the sirolimus are restricted. The sirolimus nanoparticle suspension agent disclosed by the invention is characterized by containing sirolimus, copovidone PVPS630 and povidone PVPK-90; and the mass ratio of the sirolimus to the copovidone PVPS630 to the povidone PVPK-90 is (4-10) to (1-2) to (1-2). The sirolimus nanoparticle suspension agent disclosed by the invention is mild in preparation method, simple and controllable; and the sirolimus achieves high oral bioavailability.


The author considers the correlation between real and fantastic in the poly-genre "unpopular" work of Ch. Dickens and W. Collins, and pays particular attention to the representation of man and society in the artistic space of the work that combines the givens of a detective story, travel notes (close to the genre of sketches cycle) and melodrama.


Ninety-five first lactation cows of the Romanian spotted breed were used, to study the production traits of the breed and its potential for genetic improvement, in the Buzias farm, Timis County. The data were statistically subjected to analyses of variance, for phenotypic parameters: milk, fat and protein yield, fat and protein percentage. Average milk yield per lactation over a standard 305-day lactation length was 3920.63 ± 571.99 kg (ranging from 2598.1 to 5298.7 kg), while fat and protein yields averaged 153.45 ± 22.68 kg (ranging from 98.44 to 208.11 kg) and 126.46 ± 21.08 kg (ranging from 76.51 to 177.35 kg), respectively. A good fat percentage of milk (3.81% ± 0.35) and protein (3.19% ± 0.31) was registered. Milk and fat yield were strong and positive correlated (r = 0.9511). A stronger correlation was registered between milk and protein yield (r = 0.9748). For fat and protein percentage, correlations with milk yield were very low positive, ranging from 0.0648 to 0.0812. Results obtained show that in the studied heifers herd there is a nucleus of positive variants for milk, fat and protein yield, which can be selected to form a valuable dairy cows herd.


This work reports the experimental demonstration of supercontinuum (SC) generation with broad spectral output of 950 nm maximum or a 3.7 dB variation within the range from 1300 to 1600 nm and demonstrate how some fiber properties enhance nonlinearities and shows different SC output spectrum. Broad spectrum was achieved throughout a subnanosecond microchip pulsed laser operating at 1064 nm. Three different conventional fibers were employed: highnumerical aperture fiber (HNAF), dispersion shifted fiber (DSF) and single mode fiber (SMF). SMF was wrapped in different diameters to induce fiber losses. Several combinations of these three fibers and diameters resulted in high spectral width as well as high flatness in the telecom band.


an immensely thought-provoking work, as much of autobiographical literature as of scholarship. In it he has offered many words of pithy advice that a man of lesser experience would not be emboldened to commit to the printed page; for example, that ''repairing and reconstructing a broken pot . . . is a slow job that provides an opportunity to study it and the way it was made with greater and more prolonged attention than would most curators or collectors'' (p. 40), or that ''no dealer, no matter how impressive his address, should be considered above suspicion'' (p. 41). He has proved through his and Audrey's collecting credo that any evidentiary object is worth acquiring no matter what its date or message or aesthetics. Equally, he has disproved the statement of one of the Victoria and Albert Museum's former keepers of ceramics who in 1913 advised that masterpieces alone ''are the source of inspiration—and by the number of its masterpieces a collection is finally judged'' (p. 9). The Noël Hume Collection is clear proof that there is no single standard by which all collections can be judged and that it is the purview and the responsibility of the collector alone to interpret and adjudicate his or her own achievements. In the Preface, Noël Hume comments, ''Now with the book written, I remain too close to the collection and the memories it evokes to judge whether or not I have succeeded . . . . But even if you gain nothing more from these pages than vicariously sharing in the joy of the hunt and the stimulus of looking past the pots to the people who made and lived with them, I shall be contentmore than content. I shall be happy as the proverbial clam!'' (p. xv). Spoken as a true ''mudlark'' who indeed has succeeded, through his two-thousand-year pilgrimage Noël Hume has given pottery a new voice. Not only have his pots talked, he has even coaxed them to sing.


In this paper, a fast algorithm for radar detection based on line Hough transform is presented. Unlike the traditional method, the idea of our proposed is that the point of data space should be mapped into the Hough parameter space of slope and intercept, where the relative position of the points in the data space is preserved. Then, only one time transformation of coordinate is employed to get the position of a batch points in parameter space. Therefore, the computation burden is significantly reduced. In addition, the detector performance is investigated. Finally, we illuminate the reduction of computation in details.


Derek and Iris lived in a small flat which was packed with old furniture and new electronic equipment. Wires, panels, screens, tubes and dials. One night he lay on the bed with his newspapers and she walked about and punched the furniture. monologuing as she did so...


The phytopathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis exhibits a dimorphic transition in which non‐pathogenic, yeast‐like cells mate to form a pathogenic, filamentous dikaryon. Northern analysis indicated that two chitin synthase genes, chs1 and chs2, from U. maydis are expressed at similar levels in yeast‐like cells and in cells undergoing the mating reaction leading to the filamentous cell type. A mutation was constructed in each of the chitin synthase genes by targeted gene disruption. Each mutant showed a reduction in the level of trypsin‐activated enzyme activity, compared with a wild‐type strain, but retained the wild‐type morphology, the ability to mate and the ability to form the filamentous pathogenic cell type.


Simple Summary We developed a juvenile mouse cardiotoxicity model and demonstrated that doxorubicin treatment led to cardiac vascular damage involving a decrease in vascular endothelial cells and pericytes. By contrast, cardiac vessels in mice treated with exercise (Ex) during Dox treatment had no change in vascular endothelial cells or pericyte coverage. Here we show that exercise during Dox induced the migration of bone marrow (BM) stem cells into the heart with their differentiation into vascular endothelial cells and pericytes. These data define a new mechanism of Dox-induced cardiotoxicity and suggest that Ex inhibits vascular damage by promoting bone marrow (BM) stem cell-mediated cardiac vessel repair. We also show that Ex inhibits Hippo-YAP signaling-mediated apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. Ex may be an effective intervention strategy. Targeting Hippo-YAP signaling may also offer another novel therapeutic option to protect the heart. Abstract Dose-related cardiomyopathy is a major side effect following doxorubicin (Dox). To investigate whether exercise (Ex)-induced vasculogenesis plays a role in reducing Dox-induced cardiotoxicity, GFP+ bone marrow (BM) cells from GFP transgenic mice were transplanted into wild-type mice. Transplanted mice were treated with Dox, Ex, Dox+Ex, or control. We found Dox therapy resulted in decreased systolic and diastolic blood flow, decreased ejection fraction and fractional shortening, and decreased vascular endothelial cells and pericytes. These abnormalities were not seen in Dox+Ex hearts. Heart tissues from control-, Ex-, or Dox-treated mice showed a small number of GFP+ cells. By contrast, the Dox+Ex-treated hearts had a significant increase in GFP+ cells. Further analyses demonstrated these GFP+ BM cells had differentiated into vascular endothelial cells (GFP+CD31+) and pericytes (GFP+NG2+). Decreased cardiomyocytes were also seen in Dox-treated but not Dox+Ex-treated hearts. Ex induced an increase in GFP+c-Kit+ cells. However, these c-Kit+ BM stem cells had not differentiated into cardiomyocytes. Dox therapy induced phosphorylation of MST1/2, LATS1, and YAP; a decrease in total YAP; and cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP in the heart tissues. Dox+Ex prevented these effects. Our data demonstrated Dox-induced cardiotoxicity is mediated by vascular damage resulting in decreased cardiac blood flow and through activation of Hippo-YAP signaling resulting in cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, Ex inhibited these effects by promoting migration of BM stem cells into the heart to repair the cardiac vessels damaged by Dox and through inhibiting Dox-induced Hippo-YAP signaling-mediated apoptosis. These data support the concept of using exercise as an intervention to decrease Dox-induced cardiotoxicity.


Introduction: Hypervelocity launchers are used to accelerate projectiles that simulate impacting meteorids or asteroids. These hypervelocity launchers are light gas guns (LGGs) which are able to achieve velocities above 3000m/s. Using hydrogen as a propellant projectiles can be accelerated up to velocities far more than 5 km/s. The XLLGG (eXtra Large Light Gas Gun) at the EMI (Ernst-Mach-Institute) [1] (Fig. 1) is actually the most powerfull light gas gun placed in Europe, so that it was used within the MEMIN (Multidisciplinary Experimental and Modeling Impact Crater Research Network) program [2].


Recently the topic of akrasia has become a favourite subject of discussion among the scholars and has contributed to reintroduce ancient philosophy into contemporary philosophical debate. Akrasia has been a persistent concern of philosophers throughout the history of philosophy since the time of Socrates. The Socratic insight into the way human action should be grasped is always puzzling in its details, and Aristotle, and probably the mature Plato, disagreed with it at some important points. In spite of this fact, our claim in this article is to show that Plato in the Protagoras does not represent Socrates as explicitly denying the possibility of something called akrasia. It is probably best to suppose that what is at stake in Socrates' words is only denying that anyone can act as a result of his feelings, knowing that what he is doing is base. This argument does not seem presuppose the denying of akrasia, once we have become clear that with this word we intend a manifest phenomenon of our lived lives, like acting against what we know to be the best. To support our claim we will try to show the presence in Plato's Protagoras of another cognitive element, which is involved when the particular object of desire appears. This is the element that in the cases of akrasia will determine what happens, although the moral knowledge is present and persisting.


The development of new catastrophe theory methods, coupled with probability theory is opening new possibilities to estimate the reliability measures. A brief review of the cusp catastrophe is presented in the introduction. The second part is devoted to probability approach. Manage variables are viewed as stationary random processes (functions) and a problem of overshoot of random function is formulated. Mean number of zero crossings by Gaussian random stationary process is evaluated; analytical equations to estimate the reliability function are obtained.


This article proposes a noninverting bidirectional buck–boost chopper accompanied by an auxiliary converter for battery storage that is installed in a light rail vehicle. The proposed chopper is composed of two half-bridge cells called the main converter, an auxiliary converter consisting of many full-bridge converters connected in cascade, and a small-sized inductor. It is controlled such that the capacitors of the auxiliary converter store and release most of the chopper energy instead of relying solely on a bulky and heavy inductor. As a result, it is lighter and smaller than the four-switch noninverting buck–boost chopper. The operation, as well as the control of the proposed chopper, are experimentally tested using a down-scaled prototype. Furthermore, a comparison with the four-switch noninverting buck–boost chopper with respect to mass, volume, and efficiency is made to verify the efficacy of the proposed chopper.


The effect of orographic fluctuation(including height and slope) on the calculation of surface long-wave radiation in numerical modelsis elementarily explored in this paper.The results show that the effect of subgrid terrain height change on computed long-wave radiation is not obvious,with a relative error commonly less than 2%.Digital elevation modelwith different resolutions may lead to different slope calculation errors.Slope distributions calculated by using low resolution terrain data have only a little deviationcomparing with that in the high resolution data,but the slope calculation has larger difference in magnitude.The higher the terrain resolution is,the less the error of the real calculation is.While case calculation using high resolution terrain data shows that the regional relative radiation error caused by terrain slope can reach up to above 10%.Thus,in the surface long-wave radiation calculation of numerical model,the more attention should be paid to the effect of orographic fluctuation on the subgrid scale.


Only attomole quantities of polypeptide are consumed during analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, despite the need to load picomole quantities of these analytes onto the target. By using radioimmunoassay we have demonstrated that the balance of the material (i.e., effectively all that was loaded onto the slide) can be recovered from the target and remains in an immunoreactive form. The bulk of the material, once recovered from the target, can be examined by other analytical techniques including sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.


Frames of subspaces for Banach spaces have been introduced and studied. Examples and counter-examples to distinguish various types of frames of subspaces have been given. It has been proved that if a Banach space has a Banach frame, then it also has a frame of subspaces. Also, a necessary and sufficient condition for a sequence of projections, associated with a frame of subspaces, to be unique has been given. Finally, we consider complete frame of subspaces and prove that every weakly compactly generated Banach space has a complete frame of subspaces.


The response of Sitoph~lus qranarius , S. oruzae and S zeanuus , at 1, 5, 7, and 14 days post adult eclosion, to 4S, 5R~sltophilure and volatiles from kibbled carob, separately and m combmation, has been mvestigated using pitfall bioassays. The results show that a combmation of 4S, 5R-sltophl1ure and carob volatiles IS an effective attractant for S. qranarius and S zeomuus at all ages, except Day 14, and for Day 1 and Day 7 S oruzae . The age of the insects affected the response to both the pheromone and the food odour. However, the different species were affected m different ways. The response of S. qramarius to 4S, 5Rsitophilure was consistent for all ages tested but the response to carob volatiles was significantly reduced, to control levels, for Day 14 adults. S zeanuus showed no significant response to 4S, 5R-sltophl1ure by adults of Day 5 and older. The response to the carob volatiles was significantly greater for Day 1 adults than for any other age tested and decreased with increasing age S. oruzae also showed no significant response to 4S, 5R-sitophilure by adults of Day 5 and older and no sigmficant response to carob was observed except by Day 14 adults.


Civil aviation, which only 35 years ago was still timidly trying its wings, today possesses a dense network of air links that provide regular service to almost every large city in the world and the aeroplane has become an indispensable part of our political, social and economic life.


Prompt, accurate diagnosis and treatment of knee injuries will prevent most of the "trick knees" of middle age. Examination must be thorough, orderly, and complete. Rupture of a ligament should be differentiated from sprain within a few minutes of injury, when diagnostic manipulation can be carried out without pain. Roentgenography is essential, not only to determine fracture or epiphysial injury but also to rule out unsuspected preexisting abnormality of bone. The most frequent injuries encountered are, in descending order of incidence, contusion, ligament sprain, meniscus injury, ligament rupture, and fracture or epiphysial displacement. Most meniscus injuries are accompanied by sprain, which should be allowed to heal before meniscectomy is advised. Immobilization produces muscle atrophy and should be kept to a minimum. Ligament rupture should be repaired promptly. Progressive resistance exercise is essential in convalescence. Protective taping to support the collateral and cruciate ligaments should be worn at each practice session and game for at least a year after any sprain.


Recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) technology is one of the important measures for the development of green concrete, which can realize the sustainable development of architecture, resources and environment. Steel corrosion has great influence on the safety and durability of reinforced concrete structure, the research problem of bonding between corroded steel bars and RAC has important significance and engineering value. The effect of carbonized recycled fine aggregate (C-RFA) on bond behaviour between corroded rebars and RAC was studied through 28 sets of pull-out tests, were performed on RAC with recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) replacement percentage of 70%. Four carbonized recycled fine aggregate replacement percentages (0%, 20%, 30% and 40%) and four corrosion rates (0%, 1%, 2% and 4%) were considered in this study. The results show that carbonized RFA improved the peak pull-out strength of the specimens. The peak pull-out strength of the specimens with 20% C-RFA replacement percentage had only 1.02% decrease compared with those of unincorporated of RFA. When rebar corrosion rates was less than 4%, the corrosion of rebar improved peak pull-out strength of the specimen. It was found that 2% corrosion rate had the most significant effect.


The utility model relates to a super-capacitor discharge device for a hybrid electric vehicle. The discharge device comprises a super-capacitor, a storage battery, a boosting converter, a controller, and a braking resistor, wherein the super-capacitor is used for supplying power to the hybrid electric vehicle; the storage battery is connected with the super-capacitor and is also used for supplying power to the hybrid electric vehicle; the boosting converter is arranged between the super-capacitor and the storage battery and is used for boosting the output voltage of the super-capacitor; the controller is used for monitoring the super-capacitor and control the on/off of the boosting converter; and the braking resistor is connected with the super-capacitor and is used for dissipating the electric quantity in the super-capacitor. The super-capacitor discharge device for the hybrid electric vehicle can sufficiently discharge the super-capacitor with high discharge efficiency, on the premise of keeping the discharge circuit stable.


In the hospital environment, authentication is required to allow patients to access constrained areas such as dedicated patient rooms. Identification is necessary for any authentication design, as the purpose of the authentication is to verify the identity of the user. This paper proposes a novel patient identification approach based on sensory data collected by activity sensors placed on the patients' wrist. It uses a support vector machine based classifier to identify different patients based on statistical and biophysical features extracted from the data. The evaluation results show that the proposed approach can achieve a high identification accuracy of 94.21%.


Metadata registries comprising sets of categories to be used in data collections exist in many fields. The purpose of a metadata registry is to facilitate data exchange and interoperability within a domain, and registries often contain definitions and examples. In this paper we will argue that in order to ensure completeness, consistency, user-friendliness and extensibility, metadata registries should be structured as taxonomies. Furthermore we will illustrate the usefulness of using terminological ontologies as the basis for developing metadata taxonomies. In this connection we will discuss the principles of developing ontologies and the differences between taxonomies and ontologies. The paper includes examples of initiatives for developing metadata standards within the field of language resources, more specifically lexical data categories, elaborated at international and national level. However, the principles that we introduce for the development of data category registries are relevant not only for metadata registries for lexical resources, but for all kinds of metadata registries.


The objective of this chapter is to highlight the religious tourism perspective of Pakistan. This chapter sheds light on five different aspects of religious tourism in Pakistan: first, the background of tourism; second, the history of tourism; third, destinations of religious tourism in Pakistan; fourth, development of religious tourism in Pakistan; and fifth, the role of religious tourism in the socio-economic and political development of Pakistan. This chapter presents a brief history of religious tourism, famous religious places, especially religious places of Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists in Pakistan. In addition, this chapter highlights different historical and religious places that are sacred to Muslims such as mosques and shrines of seers and Sufi saints. The initiatives of the Pakistan government to promote religious tourism and its role in the socio-economic and political development of is also discussed in this chapter.


To investigate whether an association exists between deceleration and acceleration areas on continuous fetal cardiotocography (CTG) and neonatal encephalopathy (NE).


A growing number of scientific or technical applications requires very high frequency stability oscillators. Thus a frequency stability of the order of 1×10-14 at short term is now required for metrology, future space programs and some tests of fundamental physics. Besides any reduction in oscillators phase noise will improve radar systems and phase noise measurement sensitivity. These new requirements impose to surpass the performances of the state-of-the-art quartz crystal oscillators. Such a breakthough can today be effectively achieved by the Sapphire Whispering Gallery Mode Resonator technology. In this paper the new advances achieved in our laboratory, related to this technology, are presented.


The relationship between the dielectric properties of the complex perovskite (Pb_1− x Ca_ x )(Mg_0.33Ta_0.67)O_3 ceramics, where 0.45 ≤ × ≤ 0.60, and the dielectric polarizability, related to bond valences of A-site ions, was investigated at microwave frequencies. As the Ca content ( x ) increased, the deviation of the observed dielectric polarizabilities, calculated by the Clausius–Mosotti equation from the theoretical values calculated by the additivity rule of dielectric polarizability, decreased from −3% to −0.69%. It was found that this deviation was related to the bond valence of the A-site. Smaller negative deviation corresponded to the cations with lower bond valence, and larger negative deviation corresponded to the cations with higher bond valence. Also, the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (TCF) was affected by the bond valence of the A-site, and then TCF decreased with decreasing bond valence of the A-site in ABO_3 perovskite compounds.


Summary Different selective agar media were compared for the recovery and isolation of five species of Listeria from raw milk and cheese. The selective media examined were Beerens medium, MacBride medium and that described by Dominguez et al. (1984) with 6 mg/1 acriflavine, listeria selective agar medium (LSAM), and LSAM with 12 mg/1 acriflavine (LSAM × 2A); a non-selective yeast glucose Lemco agar was included for comparison. When the difference between listeria and the natural microflora of raw milk and cheese was 102 cfu/ml, listeria could be isolated by direct plating on all media tested. When it was lower than 103–104 cfu/ml, listeria were isolated by direct plating only on LSAM and LSAM × 2A. When the difference was greater than 104 cfu/ml, a previous enrichment was necessary to isolate them. LSAM and LSAM × 2A media performed better than the other media tested for isolating listeria by direct plating and improved their isolation from dairy products. This superior performance was evaluated by the ability of these media to support colony formation of different species of Listeria tested, the easy recognition of these colonies from those formed by other microorganisms and by their capacity to inhibit the natural microflora of these foods.


In this paper we consider a problem of a fluid flow with free surface in variable turbulent mode in a long inclined open channel, taking into account the Chezy drag. We have obtained a family of exact solutions for the governing equations, i.e. a family of velocity and height fields of water above the channel bed. Moreover, we have estimated the extremum of the water height. These results can be used as essential tools for the planning and management for sustainable use of water resources( the drainage of surface waters or irrigation water of the soil in agriculture and so on).


Abstract It is commonly believed that wedge disclinations of large rotation are of little more than academic interest. The negative wedge disclination of rotation 2π rad, however, has some intriguing properties that suggest it might play important roles in the change in topology of systems of biological membranes such as occurs in cell division. It can move conservatively. Normally it does so in straight lines but it can change direction and where it does it leaves a pair of wedge disclinations. Perhaps surprisingly two negative wedge disclinations of rotation 2π rad can annihilate one another and, in reverse, be formed at a point near which there were no other singularities.


A new approach of Fuzzy C-mean ,it unitizes a number of cluster to Fuzzy Kohonen neural network for image segmentation alagorthim.This technique converts FCM algorithm from unsupervised to supervise algorithm by focus on searching for a set of optimal clusters that finalized to apply for FKCN (cohune neural network and fuzzy c-mean (FCM)) for image segmentation; or by detecting the regions, we apply our clustering for image segmentation The main step in the pre clustering searches adjacent area with similar density of data and spared from others. That making very valuable in the data mining. This work presents a new clustering method which based on spatial information and density. The function of algorithm is grid-based to reduce the number of searches, and redefines the cluster cohesion merging, giving it high data clustering efficiency. This algorithm works effectively after noise removable from image. Keywords—Clustering, Fuzzy Coonan Neural Clustering, FCM, Segmentation, Spatial Neighborhood.


AbstractSulfate contamination has become a global problem, which attracts wide concern of researchers in this field. In this study, a bibliometric analysis was employed to analyze the scientific outputs on sulfate removal, in terms of source countries, institutes, distribution of words in titles, author keywords, KeyWords Plus. Three categories including removal field, removal methods, and products have further contributed to revealing the research trends in the past 20 years, based on the online version of Science Citation Index Expanded, Web of Science from 1991 to 2010. It is concluded that researchers have paid most attention to desulfuration in water. This would probably continue as the main developing research trend, thus helping researchers establish future research directions in this area.


Fiber batteries are easily integrated with textiles to power wearable electronics because of their one-dimensional shape. Fiber batteries should meet the requirements of excellent mechanical strength, flexibility, durability, and superior electrochemical performance. Herein, high-strength cellulose yarns, lightweight, low-cost, and sustainable, are adopted as robust and flexible substrates of both cathode (polyaniline) and anode (metal Zn) of an aqueous Zn-ion fiber battery. The fiber battery delivers an energy density of 153.2 and 61.1 Wh/kg at a power density of 0.16 and 6.5 kW/kg, respectively (based on the total active mass of the cathode and anode). Meanwhile, superior cyclic stability and high flexibility are exhibited by the fiber battery. The capacity retention is 91.9% and 97.5% after 1000 charge/discharge and bending cycles, respectively. Impressively, the fiber battery works well under a mechanical load of 100 g to power an LED indicator.


Reaction of AgNO3 with 1 molar equivalent of [15]aneS5(1,4,7,10,13-pentathiacyclopentadecane) in refluxing MeOH–water gives a colourless solution. Addition of excess of counter ion [PF6–, BPh4– or B(C6F5)4–] affords the colourless complexes [Agn([15]aneS5)n][PF6]n′[Ag2([15]aneS5)2][BPh4]2 and [Ag([15]aneS5)][B(C6F5)4] respectively in high yield. Single-crystal X-ray structural studies on these systems have revealed different cation stereochemistries as the counter ion is altered. Thus, [Agn([15]aneS5)n][PF6]n crystallises in the orthorhombic space group lba2 with a= 25.713(3), b= 25.749(3), c= 11.6989(19)A and Z= 16. The two independent infinite chains of cations in the structure are antiparallel. The stereochemistry at Ag1 is severely distorted octahedral through an [S4+ S2] donor set, Ag(1)⋯ S(1) 3.219(5), Ag(1)–S(4) 2.659(5), Ag(1)–S(7) 2.651(6), Ag(1)⋯ S(10) 3.075(7), Ag(1)–S(13) 2.564(6)A, with one thioether donor from an adjacent [Ag([15]aneS5)]+ fragment asymmetrically bridging two metal centres, Ag(1)–S(1B) 2.742(5)A. A similar geometry is observed at the second Ag ion, Ag(2)⋯ S(1′) 3.263(5), Ag(2)–S(4′) 2.605(5), Ag(2)⋯ S(7′) 2.964(8), Ag(2)–S(10′) 2.713(7), Ag(2)–S(13′) 2.637(6), Ag(2)–S(1D) 2.714(5)A. The complex [Ag2([15]aneS5)2][BPh4]2 crystallises in the triclinic space group P with a= 11.462(3), b= 11.895(3), c= 27.019(10)A, α= 78.503(18), β= 84.729(13), γ= 67.118(18)°, and Z= 2. The structure of the [Ag2([15]aneS5)2]2+ cation shows an unusual binuclear stereochemistry with [4 + 1] thioether donation to one silver(I) centre, Ag(2)–S(7′) 2.558(4), Ag(2)–S(10′) 2.623(5), Ag(2)–S(13′) 2.716(5), Ag(2)–S(1) 2.486(3), Ag(2)⋯ S(1′) 3.131(3)A, and [3 + 1] thioether donation to the other, Ag(1)–S(7) 2.529(3), Ag(1)–S(10) 2.608(4), Ag(1)–S(1′) 2.537(3), Ag(1)⋯ S(1) 2.907(3)A. Thus, one S-donor [S(1) and S(1′)] of each macrocycle bridges asymmetrically between the two metal centres. The complex [Ag([15]aneS5)][B(C6F5)4] crystallises in the triclinic space group P with a= 12.476(5), b= 13.658(7), c= 15.608(6)A, α= 108.300(22), β= 108.467(17), γ= 100.518(21)° and Z= 2. The structure contains discrete mononuclear [Ag([15]aneS5)]+ cations and [B(C6F5)4]– anions. The geometry at Ag1 is asymmetric with all five thioether donors of the macrocycle interacting with the metal centre: Ag–S(1) 2.4712(19), Ag ⋯ S(4) 2.7262(20), Ag–S(7) 2.6847(21), Ag–S(10) 2.5621(19), Ag ⋯ S(13) 2.8813(19)A. In MeCN solution [Ag([15]aneS5)]+ shows a chemically reversible AgI–AgII redox couple at E½= 0.76 V and a quasi-reversible AgI–Ago couple at –0.37 V vs. ferrocene–ferrocenium. The intensely coloured d9 silver(II) oxidation product has been observed by X- and Q-band ESR spectroscopy and the oxidation of AgI to AgII monitored spectroelectrochemically.


Abstract : The purpose of this project/thesis is to define the preliminary study of a hospital information system for the Peruvian Air Force Hospital. It is written with the intention of giving to the Peruvian Air Force staff, and also to the hospital manager, an idea of the meaning of a Hospital Information System. In addition, the project/thesis describes how it would work and which would be the best system to be implemented. The last part of this project/thesis describes some of the positive and negative effects and reaction for the personnel that will be involved in this system. (Author)


Episodic memories are not static but can be modified on the basis of new experiences, potentially 19 allowing us to make valid predictions in the face of an ever-changing environment. Recent research 20 has identified prediction errors during retrieval as a possible trigger for such changes. In the present 21 study, we used modified episodic cues to investigate whether different types of mnemonic prediction 22 errors modulate brain activity and subsequent memory performance. Participants encoded different 23 episodes which consisted of short toy stories. During a subsequent functional magnetic resonance 24 imaging (fMRI) session, participants were then presented videos showing the original episodes, or 25 modified versions thereof. In modified videos, either the order of two subsequent action steps was 26 changed or an object was exchanged for another. Content modifications recruited inferior frontal, 27 parietal, and temporo-occipital areas reflecting the processing of the new object information, while 28 brain responses to structure modifications in right dorsal premotor and inferior frontal areas remained 29 subthreshold. In a post-fMRI memory test, the participants' tendency to accept modified episodes as 30 originally encoded increased significantly when they had been presented modified versions already 31 during the fMRI session. Our study provides valuable initial insights into the neural processing of 32 different types of episodic


In order to meet the need of three-dimensional radiation field monitoring, a new technique of three-dimensional radiation field monitoring has been proposed and the system model has been built based on mesh network after investigating into wireless monitoring system characteristics of radiation feild in nuclear power plant. The model uses detecting nodes to collect the timely data in radiation field and accomplishes data preprocessing, and finally present results in monitoring platform in the form of three-dimensional radiation field. The essay will also demonstrate the study of the layout of detecting nodes. The application of this system reduces accidents probability and workers' pressure by gathering environment parameters and transmitting real time monitoring data stably. It could also present the radiation intensity and other parameters distribution visually in the monitoring hall, with mesh topology technology in the region where exists security threats toward staff.Copyright © 2013 by ASME


Transient simulation of three-dimensional distribution of particles in fluid flow is one of the hardest challenge in Computational Fluid Dynamics field. This three-dimensional spatial solver plus temporal transient dimension that makes the whole four-dimensional analysis is more complex when it is formulated on non-geometric boundaries. This solver development work combines all these elements with aim of achieving a complete solver for constrained fluid-particle flows such as in pipelines, fluid passages, buildings or even more complex biomechanics geometries. The fluid solver is based on Splitting method while the particles are modeled with Lagrangian Particle Equation of Motion. The finite difference discretization is solved with semi-implicit technique. Simplified respiratory airway is used as case study to represent complex bounded fluid-particle flow. Temporal dimension plus spatial three-dimensional air and aerosol particles distributions are presented in 5 time frames. The simulation shows how the air flow evolved and particles deposited through the passage. Apart from fluid and particle flow pattern analyses, this work has also significant effect on mechanical analysis for instance particle-boundary collision momentum and collision density, hazardous consequences such as blockage, corrosion, abrasion and reduction in fluid passage efficiency


The number of drug shortages soared in 2011, and the organization that tracks shortages is concerned about similar shortages in 2012.


Design and implement a multi‐disciplinary primary dietary intervention following the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015 for young adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS).


Changes in the structure of 20th century international industrial organisation that have incited research interest among economists have also driven a significant body of work in the business literature. Indeed, many of the factors driving the changing industrial structure are derived from business. Examples include the innovation and implementation of assembly lines, scientific management, modularisation, lean manufacturing, and just-intime production. While the economics literature has produced terminology such as "task trade", "vertical specialisation", and "production sharing", the business literature tends to emphasise "supply chains". This is in conjunction with terms from political economists and development theorists that include "value chains", "global commodity chains", and "global production networks". Of these, the supply chain provides the most relevant perspective for the business practitioner. Networks of firms are viewed from a focal firm perspective, and the supply chain ontology adopts various dimensions to orient a firm with its network surroundings (for example, direct-extended-ultimate supply chains, horizontal tiers or degrees of separation, and vertical structures within each tier). Further functionalising the supply chain concept is the field of supply chain management (SCM). Born from multidisciplinary roots that include logistics, marketing, management, and sociology, SCM has developed into a distinct field of study over the past fifty years. SCM theory has only recently reached a state of maturation where it produces operationalisable concepts and tools, but progress is being made in advancing both the overarching field of SCM and the specific issues that fall under the SCM umbrella. This chapter will review the overarching field, while Part II and its chapters will address the specific issues. 2.1 Defining supply chains 2.1.1 The blind men and the elephant The realities addressed by supply chains reflect phenomena arising from the changing nature of the international economy during the latter half of the 20th century. As such, the same phenomenon is documented and researched from multiple fields, resulting in a Supply chains in the business literature 42 Supply Chain Perspectives and Issues plethora of terms fundamentally pointing to the same reality. However, these terms embody perspectives from their respective fields to characterise this new reality. We review a sample of the most common terms encountered when discussing this phenomenon. The list is by no means exhaustive, but should provide cursory overviews for the majority of terms encountered in the literature. They include supply chains, value chains, filière, global commodity chains, and global production networks.


This is the first review of the paper submitted to AMTD by R. Zuber et al. The paper is titled "TOC intercomparison of Brewer, Dobson and BTS Solar at Hohenpeißenberg and Davos 2019/2020" and is focused on discussion of the BTS instrumental performance with different optical system setups at two established ground-based stations in Europe. The authors address the benefits and limitations of the new instrument and two algorithms used to process the data. Comparisons against one Dobson and several Brewer coincident observations are discussed in the paper. The authors discuss stray light interference and temperature sensitivity in the BTS-derived total column ozone. Results of comparisons are of interest to the ozone community to understand biases and seasonal dependencies in the established and new ozone observing systems. With the advancement of the geostationary satellite observing systems and the societal focus on understanding air quality impacts on human health and the environment, the high temporal resolution in ozone observations that can provide high accuracy and stability offer support for monitoring ozone changes in the range of minute to seasonal scales and with a hands-off approach. The authors acknowledge the need for future improvements in the data processing and improved modeling of observations instead of lookup tables.


The Luxi,Xiazhuang and Maofeng-Fen Shui'ao plutons,located in the Xiazhuang ore-field,are the main parts of Guidong complex granitic pluton lying in Nanling area.The pluton here is characterized with high content of silicon,alkaline and especially enrichment of aluminum,w(K2O)/w(Na2O)1,the alumina saturation index(ASI) is about 1.02—1.30,while the w(CaO)/ w(Na2O) ratio varies from 0.07 to 0.74,all of which indicate that the rocks belong to peraluminous-strongly peraluminous granite,the ratios of w(CaO)/w(Na2O) range from-0.3 to-0.74,standing for the anatexis products of pelite-derived and psammite-derived rocks.According to the analysis of tectonic discrimination diagrams of major and trace elements,the post-collisional tectonic environment and post-collisional granite in Xiazhuang ore-field has been established.In addition,in lg[CaO/(Na2O+K2O)]-SiO2diagram all the samples fall in the extensional area,indicating that the continental crust in North Guangdong area was under a post-collisional geodynamic background of a loose and extensional tectonic environment when the granitic rocks in Xiazhuang ore-field was emplaced.


The project endeavours to derive a conceptual design of a Sustainable Energy-Waste Solution for the residential sector, based on innovations and lessons learned from the
green building sector, specifically the 'Smart & Sustainable Homes Program' (SSHP) in
QLD, as well as those employed in the city of Melbourne's 'council House 2' (CH2).

Various techniques will then be used to compare the design with CH2, which has been recognised as a world leader in sustainability through receiving a 6 Star rating under the
Green star rating system.

In order to assess the requirements of the system, the conceptual design of an hypothetical house was undertaken and analysed in order to determine both the load
required and the potential sustainability of the system.

As these are conceptual designs, they focus mainly on the aspects of each design task which have the greatest impact on the system as a whole. Thus, things such as in depth
wiring, plumbing and fit out information is not included, unless it specifically informs some important aspect of the system.


Two aspects of this definition may be particularly difficult to determine in practice. The first is the "objectively ascertained minimally acceptable level of competence." The second is the significance of the "circumstances of the particular case." Because the knowledge and skills required for the practice of medicine lie outside of the realm of common knowledge, expert witnesses are routinely employed in medical malpractice litigation to address the important questions in all medical malpractice cases, such as the required standard of care and whether the physician's failure to meet that standard caused the patient's injury. Medical experts may testify based on clinical literature (including scientific journal articles and textbooks) but also may testify as to their own opinion based on their experience in medical practice and their interpretation of the records of an individual case. Professional medical societies recognize


Objective: Hypoglycemia after bariatric surgery is an increasingly recognized metabolic complication. We sought to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a prior hypo-sx survey in detecting post-bariatric surgery hypoglycemia (PBSH) using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Methods: Among the patients who underwent bariatric surgery at our institution and completed the hypo-sx survey, we enrolled 13 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB, 7 with and 6 without hypo-sx) and 19 sleeve gastrectomy (SG, 9 with and 10 without hypo-sx) patients. Patients wore the CGM (Dexcom, San Diego, CA) for 72-120 hours at home. Hypoglycemia was defined as postprandial interstitial glucose (IG) Results: A total of 19 patients (59%) had hypoglycemia (Table 1), with a mean low glucose of 46.8 mg/dl. Two patients reported hypo-sx. The prevalence of hypoglycemia did not differ by the type of surgery (69% vs. 53%) or the presence of hypo-sx by survey (63% vs. 56%). The survey had a specificity of 53.8% and sensitivity of 52.6% for measured PBSH. Conclusions: Asymptomatic postprandial hypoglycemia was common in post-bariatric patients regardless of surgery type. Assessments that focus on hypoglycemic symptoms may not adequately capture PBSH. Future studies should consider CGM to assess the true prevalence and impact of PBSH. Disclosure C. Lee: None. T. Brown: Advisory Panel; Self; Merck & Co., Inc. M. Schweitzer: Consultant; Self; Ethicon US, LLC.. T. Magnuson: None. J. Clark: None.


Background: Poor health among immigrants has been associated with longer duration of residence in the host country, poor host language proficiency and low education. However, the interplay among these factors is under-studied. Objective: To assess health among immigrants in Norway by combinations of duration of residence, Norwegian language proficiency and education. Methods: In 2015/2016 Statistics Norway carried out two cross-sectional Living Conditions Surveys in the general adult population (N=5703, response rate 59%) and among immigrants from 12 countries, with ⩾2 years of residence (N=3993, response rate 54%). Health outcomes (poor self-reported health, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity, mental health problems, back/neck pain) were assessed with logistic regressions according to combinations of duration of residence, Norwegian language proficiency and education. Results: Negative health conditions were more common among immigrants than in the general population, and varied by duration of residence, proficiency in the Norwegian language and education. In age- and sex-adjusted regressions, immigrants had higher odds of all negative health conditions, except hypertension, regardless of their duration of residence, proficiency of the Norwegian language and educational level. Immigrants with a long duration of residence and poor proficiency in the Norwegian language had the highest odds of negative health conditions. Conclusions: Special attention is warranted towards health among immigrants who have lived in Norway the longest without acquiring good Norwegian language proficiency.


In this talk, I introduce our research on optical control of power transistors: from early attempts of monolithic integration to a coupled design with CMOS ICs, several solutions are described. Optical interconnect is also discussed in the context of power electronics, in the view of improving integration and allowing faster switching speed of power semiconductor devices.


This paper presents a comparative analysis of two Model Direct Predictive Controllers (MDPC), which are applied to the inner loop current control of a field-oriented control scheme for an ac drive. A model of the controlled system which includes the dynamics of the inverter (boolean and discrete) and also of the machine (continuous) is employed to predict the future stator currents for a pre-defined finite horizon. Using such information, a cost function is optimized to determine the value for the actuating variable. Such procedure is realized using an off-line as well as a on-line optimization methods. In this case, the predict control belongs to the group of direct control, therefore the actuating variables are the switching states [Sa Sb Sc] for the inverter. (6 pages)


The RT3S training application is designed to enable tutors (expert surgeons) prepare educational content for their students, and the students (future surgeons) to be trained on the assessment of real patient cases on peripheral vascular stenting. It incorporates state-of-art technologies (i.e., LAMS) for system design and adopts the latest e-learning standards (i.e., IMS Learning Design) for the implementation of training scenarios. In this work, we focus on the structure of the clinical scenarios that constitute the core of the RT3S training application. In RT3S, creating or accessing learning scenarios does not require that the author (tutor) or the learner (student) be familiar with any programming environment. The learning scenario allows the learners to follow an educational scenario and interact with their tutor.


In recent decades the expansion of the Chilean economy has been closely related to the Copper Industry, currently representing over fifty percent of Chilean exports. For the economy to grow sustainably in the long term, knowledge needs to be accumulated in the production process, export needs to be diversified and market competitiveness must be promoted. This work offers an analysis of the Chilean economy focusing on some opportunities and challenges that need to be considered to achieve growth for the following decades. It then contributes to our understanding of the innovative process in the Chilean economy with studies of the relation of knowledge flows and RD product diversification with total output and productivity; and labor productivity with the competitiveness of markets.


We propose here three expansions of real numbers in [0,1). By using these expan- sions, we define three functions of Cantor type. We then determine the non-differentiability set of these functions and then we show that the dimension of these sets is all 0.


PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a semiconductor memory device and memory system capable of improving processing capacity.SOLUTION: A memory system of an embodiment includes a semiconductor memory device and a controller. The semiconductor memory device includes a first memory array in which first and second pages corresponding to first and second bits can be stored and first to third caches, and writes the first and second pages according to a first command. The controller can transmit a second address signal corresponding to the second page before transmitting a first address signal corresponding to the first page. The semiconductor memory device holds the first page in the second cache according to the first address signal, and stores the second page in the third cache according to the second address signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6


To enhance the friction and wear behavior of the Ti6Al4V alloy, titanium matrix composites (TMCs) were prepared by the single TiC, single TiB, and (TiC + TiB) hybrid reinforced with the volume fraction of 2, 6, and 10%, respectively. To investigate the effect of reinforcements on compressive and wear properties, the x-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Electron Probe Micro-analyzer (EPMA), compression test, and pin-on-disk friction tests were applied. The results indicated that compressive strength increased with the addition of the reinforcement, and wear properties were improved due to the uniform distribution of reinforcements, which enhanced the resistance against tangential forces associated with the sliding wear. The wear mechanism appeared to be mainly based on the severe adhesive and oxidative wear, gradually transitioned to slight adhesion, abrasive, and oxidative wear.


The rules of the game of education have changed. No longer can educators afford to be naive about the forces vying for advantage in a battle where the stakes are high. Roles are being redefined, and the principal must be alert to what's happening.


3 Jan 2015 | Volume 5 | Issue 1 | Blastocystis is one of at least two stramenopiles organisms parasitic to humans. A strict anaerobe, it is a parasite of the colon, transmitted by feces, and colonizing humans and a large variety of nonhuman hosts, ranging from nonhuman primates, over birds, to insects, including cockroaches.[1] Colonizing probably more than 1 billion people globally, its clinical and public health significance remains obscure, primarily because it is common in both healthy individuals and patients suffering from intestinal symptoms, including common manifestations such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome;[2,3] hence, it is currently not possible to distinguish between colonization and infection. Drugs or drug combinations reported to enable the eradication of Blastocystis fail to do so consistently, impeding studies aiming to explore the effect of treatment.[4,5] Blastocystis exhibits extreme genetic diversity, currently comprising seventeen subtypes (ST1–ST17), nine of which have been identified in humans, and one of the current working hypotheses is that differences in clinical outcome may rely on differences in subtypes.


The CO2 laser surgery was performed on 19 cases of the head and neck cancers and 25 cases of benign diseases which included adenoma, granuloma and leukoplakia during the period from May to September, 1979.Either the linear or fixed vaporization techniques was used depending on condition of the tumors. Operations were performed either under general or local anesthesia.One of the advantages of the laser surgery was a reduction of blood loss during surgery. For example, the average blood loss was 400ml in the maxillary sinus operation using the laser, while it was 700ml in conventional surgery.The followings were other advantages: Tumors could be severed without touching themselves. Rapid healing process after surgery was obtained. Laser surgery could be performed under local anesthesia. This enabled us to shorten the period of hospitalization.In conclusion, we have found that the laser surgery can be incorporated as one of the multi-disciplinary treatment of the head and neck tumors. We should adequately coordinate reduction operation, radiation, local chemotherapy, immunotherapy, mental and nutritional therapy.


For introducing the advantages of feature learning and multilayer network in the interpretation of Polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) image, a classification algorithm based on deep convolutional neural network is proposed, and is used for PolSAR image classification. Firstly, a special convolutional neural network (CNN) for PolSAR image is constructed, secondly, a large number of PolSAR training data is introduced into the multilayer network, and the CNN network is trained adequately, thirdly, the test data is imported into the multilayer network, and the classification of polarimetric SAR images is realized. Experimental results on the first batch of PolSAR data show that the proposed algorithm can achieve higher classification accuracy rate.


The debates around Chinese investment and the detrimental effects that it might have on States on the receiving end of it have led the European Union (eu) to pursue initiatives intended to protect the national interests of its countries. The emergence of populism in Italy, together with a growing Euroscepticism and political instability, decisively influenced Italy's foreign policy on Chinese investmentrelated matters, which led its communication strategies to affect the EU at some points. Alternatively, Portugal's internal stability and favorable opinion of the eu enabled this country to manage its relations with China while generally taking into account the preservation of the European vector's stability.


Activities and services that improve student engagement and retention in the higher education sector are important not only to individual students' success but also to university planning and funding. This paper reports on a study carried out to explore whether use of the library by new university students is associated with continued enrolment. Limited to commencing students in March 2010 at Curtin University, the study drew on demographic data from the university's enrolment system and instances of library use from the library's management system. Results of the statistical analyses indicate that library use is associated with retention, and, importantly, that library use in the early weeks of a student's first semester is associated with retention. Findings from this study suggest that academic libraries can contribute to the retention of students by offering carefully targeted programs and services.


The atom-field interaction is treated in semiclassical radiation theory, starting from the transformation from the minimal coupling Hamiltonian to the electric dipole form used extensively in quantum optics. The Heisenberg and density matrix approaches are developed and applied to two-state atoms, Bloch equations, Rabi oscillations, Maxwell-Bloch equations, and transition rates for absorption and emission. Einstein's theory of blackbody radiation based on momentum fluctuations and dissipation is reviewed. The Einstein fluctuation formula is derived and used to introduce wave-particle duality, Hanbury Brown-Twiss correlations, and photon bunching.


SummaryBeta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs may be classified according to their different pharmacological properties, but all appear to be effective in the treatment of hypertension. Several mechanisms have been postulated to account for their antihypertensive effects, but the mode of action is still unclear. Their side-effects can be reduced by careful patient selection. Beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs have the advantage over other antihypertensive agents in that they do not cause postural or exercise hypotension, and also have possible long-term benefits in reducing or delaying the manifestations of ischaemic heart disease. This paper reviews the use of these drugs in hypertension since their antihypertensive action was first reported in 1964.


Micro-cantilevers are one of the most fundamental building blocks of many applications in the field of MEMS sensors and actuators. They are extensively explored micro-structures and yet, the most interesting ones in terms of their analytical elegance and probable applications in various domains. In this work, a detailed account, starting from the theory of micro-cantilever beams to their applications, has been investigated. The dynamic/modal response of the cantilevers under different damping mechanisms and the effects of their dimensions and the surrounding atmosphere have been analytically and experimentally investigated for arrays of cantilevers of wide range of dimensions [1]. Static response of the cantilevers under electrostatic actuation mechanism has been analyzed based on the Euler- Bernoulli beam theory. An integro-differential semi-numerical technique to solve the Euler-Bernoulli equation to find the static deflection of micro-cantilevers under electrostatic actuation has been presented [2]. An analytical technique to account for the effects of stiction forces on the static response of the beams has also been developed based on the above formulation [3]. For transient response analysis of the cantilevers, a distributed R-C ladder network model of the cantilever has been developed in which, by numerically co-solving Kirchhoff's current and voltage laws and the Euler-Bernoulli equation, the switching response of the cantilever has been thoroughly analyzed [4].


The Roux-en-Y anastomosis was performed by dividing the afferent loop at the level of the stoma and closing the gastric end. The proximal end was then anastomosed end-to-side to the jejunum 20 cm distal to the original stoma. Both patients had a truncal vagotomy.


We discuss several examples of how the transverse spatial distribution of partons in the nucleon, as well as multiparton correlations, can be probed by observing hard processes (dijets) in high‐energy pp (pp) and pA (dA) collisions. Such studies can complement the information gained from measurements of hard exclusive processes in ep scattering. The transverse spatial distribution of partons determines the distribution over pp impact parameters of events with hard dijet production. Correlations in the transverse positions of partons can be studied in multiple dijet production. We find that the correlation cross section measured by the CDF Collaboration, σeff = 14.5 ± 1.7−2.3+1.7 mb, can be explained by "constituent quark" type quark‐gluon correlations with r q ≈ rN/3, as suggested by the instanton liquid model of the QCD vacuum. Longitudinal and transverse multiparton correlations can be separated in a model‐independent way by comparing multiple dijet production in pp and pA collisions.


Community and specialized enforcement are recognized as important components of deterring antisocial behavior. To provide insights on the interplay between deterrence methods, we examine the empirical evolution of fighting and scoring in the National Hockey League using time series data. We identify structural changes that correlate with changes in player behavior and rules. In particular, we find that player behavior related to fighting changed 4 or 5 years prior to most rule changes aimed at reducing fighting. We conclude that the decline in fighting in hockey was more closely associated with a change in community rather than specialized deterrence methods. (JEL Z22, D71, L83)