Energy intake, digestibility, assimilation rate, the length and weight of digestive tract were compared between Rattus niviventer confucianus and Rattus norvegicus. Ex-periments were carried out in metabolic cages, and peanut and rice were used as diets.The daily energy intake of R. niviventer confucianus (1069. 43 kJ·(kg0.75)-1 ) was higher than that of R. norvegicus (708. 55 kJ· (kg0.75)-1), and digestibility of peanut in R.norvegicus (95.38%) was also higher than that of R. norveg icu8 (91. 74 %). However,digestibility and assimilation rate were similar between two kinds of rodents when they fed on rice. At the same time, we found the length of digestive tract of R. niviventer confucianus was significantly longer than that of R. norveg icus. The result indicated Larger digestive tract and higher digestibility of R. niviventer conjucianus was an adap-tive strategics to the worse food conditions.


Based on the clear understanding of the Internet of Things and ubiquitous learning,the view that rapid development of the Internet of Things have provided a solid technical foundation was put forward. Then a macro ubiquitous learning environment based on the Internet of things was designed,the basic elements of the learning environment were described with smart classroom as an example. Finally three kinds of ubiquitous learning mode supported by the Internet of things, including classroom teaching, extracurricular learning,and distance learning, were summarized.


The Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) has provided a useful dataset for estimating forest height in many areas of the globe. Most of the studies on GLAS waveforms have focused on natural forests and only a few were conducted over forest plantations. The objective of this study was to test the best known models used for estimating canopy height and above ground biomass of intensively managed Eucalyptus plantations in Brazil using full waveform LiDAR data. Studies to estimate forest heights from LiDAR data have highlighted that the fitting coefficients of developed models are strongly dependent on environmental factors such as the region of the study site, terrain topography, and forest type. In this study, we evaluated the main models developed to predict canopy height using a combination of parameters extracted from GLAS waveforms and a digital elevation model, in order to explore which combination of parameters yields the best forest height estimates. In addition, a model to estimate above ground biomass from dominant height was calibrated.


A variety of neural models, especially higher-order networks, are known to be computationally powerful for complex applications. While they have advantages over traditional multilayer perceptrons, the nonuniformity in their network structures and learning algorithms creates practical problems. Thus there is a need for a framework that unifies these various models. This paper presents a novel neuron model, called generalized multi-dendrite product (GMDP) unit. Multilayer feedforward neural networks with GMDP units are shown to be capable of realizing higher-order neural networks. The standard backpropagation learning rule is extended to this neural network. Simulation results show that single layer GMDP networks provide an efficient model for solving general problems on function approximation and pattern classification.<<ETX>>


The 6~(th) International Symposium on Permafrost Engineering was successfully held in China in September 2004. About 150 scientists and engineers from 7 countries attended the symposium in Lanzhou on 5~7 September, and about 35 people from 6 countries participated in the field trip along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway/Railway on 8~13 September and the seminar in Lhasa on 14 September 2004. During the Symposium, the latest progress on permafrost engineering and the surveys, design and construction of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway were exchanged and inspected. Fifty-eight technical papers in English from the Symposium were published in the first volume of the Proceedings of the Symposium, as a supplement of the Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology, before the symposium. About 6 papers from the symposium are published in the second volume in the volume 27(1) of the Journal of the Glaciology and Geocryology, after the symposium.;The Qinghai-Tibet Railway (QTR) under construction will traverse 632 km of permafrost, and the engineers are facing unprecedented engineering and environmental challenges. With the QTR under construction and to be completed in 2007, permafrost engineering has become the research focus of permafrost scientists and engineers in China. Many encouraging and promising achievements in permafrost engineering have been obtained during the past three years. However, there are still numerous engineering and environmental problems needing to be solved or resolved. ;In the discussions, some experts pointed out that methods, such as removal of snow cover on the embankments and toe areas, light-color embankments and side slope surfaces, awnings for shading the solar radiation, hairpin or tilted thermosyphons, could be applied to actively cool the roadbed of the QTR. Some new ideas on utilization of the natural cold reserves were proposed to protect the QTR permafrost roadbed from thawing. Many questions and answers on the survey, design, construction, operations, maintenance and environmental protection were exchanged in situ and in the Lhasa seminar with participation by some major railway designers, regulators and administrators.


Exploration into quantum machine learning has grown
tremendously in recent years due to the ability of quantum
computers to speed up classical programs. However, these ef-
forts have yet to solve unsupervised similarity detection tasks
due to the challenge of porting them to run on quantum com-
puters. To overcome this challenge, we propose SLIQ, the
first open-sourced work for resource-efficient quantum sim-
ilarity detection networks, built with practical and effective
quantum learning and variance-reducing algorithms.


Developing and maintaining a definitive list of scarce and essential skills is crucial for the TVET sector. TVET colleges should swiftly work on 'workplace basics' skills to attract different industries for their students. The purpose of this study was to inspect how TVET colleges prepare Civil Engineering students with occupational skills relevant for modern engineering era. Descriptive research design was used to describe trends of connection with the help of secondary data. This research design assisted to describe how TVET colleges prepare its Civil Engineering students with occupational skills relevant for modern engineering era. This study adapted Carnevale's (1990) workplace basics as a conceptual framework. The collective findings revealed that TVET colleges faced several hurdles in their quest to equip Civil Engineering students with the necessary skills that would make them good candidates for taking up employment in industries against the backdrop of changes being wrought by the modern era. Among the recommendations, a call for professional teacher development with focus to 4th industrial revolutionskills is made and that SETAs should support that initiative. Also such skills should be intensified in such a way that it may be easy to adapt to the 5th industrial revolution upon its arrival.


The Digital European Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) standard is being produced under the auspices of the ETSI organisation by manufacturers, operators and the administrations of Europe. DECT aims to harmonise a multitude of cordless services into a single integrated system. The standard combines both voice telephony and data network teleservices and includes support for both ISDN and X.25. In addition a gateway to the pan European GSM digital cellular system is provided to enable mobile cordless base stations. It is important to note that the DECT standard differs from that of other mobile systems, such as GSM, in that it is an air interface standard only and does not include a full fixed network specification. The author discusses the radio interface requirements of the specification and some of the radio access control procedures.


Complete Active Space SCF/Contracted CI (CASSCF/CCI) calculations, using large Gaussian basis sets, are presented for selected portions of the potential surfaces for the reactions in the Zeldovich mechanism for the conversion of N2 to NO. The N + O2 reaction is exoergic by 32 kcal/mole and is computed to have an early barrier of 10.2 kcal/mole for the (sup 2)A(sup prime) surface and 18.0 kcal/mole for the (sup 4)A(sup prime) surface. The O + N2 reaction is endoergic by 75 kcal/mole. The (sup 3)A(sup double prime) surface is calculated to have a late barrier of 0.5 kcal/mole, while the (sup 3)A(sup prime) surface is calculated to have a late barrier of 14.4 kcal/mole.


This article analyzes the relation between unemployment duration and educational mismatches (overeducation and horizontal mismatches). This study proposes a job matching model to identify the theoretical mechanisms. An econometric analysis using the independent competing-risks duration model on a survey of graduates from Cambodian universities, allows testing the theoretical predictions. The results prove that unemployment duration increases with educational mismatches. The development of higher education sector in Cambodia needs to pay more attention to the unemployment risks and education-job mismatches among university graduates.


EUV lithography has been adopted worldwide for High-Volume Manufacturing (HVM) of sub-10nm node semiconductors. To support HVM, EUV pellicles were introduced by ASML in 2016, and more recently, pellicles made from novel materials were developed to offer higher transmission and support higher source powers. In this paper, we will give an overview of current EUV pellicles. Also, we will report on our continuing research to optimize EUV pellicles to transmissions of above 90%, and supporting EUV source powers of above 400W. Key performance indicators of such novel pellicles will be presented, showing the promise of these materials to support upcoming lithography nodes.


In this paper the Wigner-Ville transform of a periodic signal is theoretically analyzed, and reduced to a closed-form expression in terms of the Fourier series coefficients and the fundamental frequency. This result indicates that the Wigner-Ville transform of a periodic signal consists of only discrete frequencies that are related to the fundamental frequency. The instantaneous power, however, at these discrete frequencies varies with time. The result may be expressed as the sum of principle terms which are not time-varying, and time-varying terms. With these designations, it is noted that the principle terms, except for a scaling factor, are equal to the conventional power spectral density of the analytic signal. Experimental results illustrate the theory, and suggest insights that the analysis provides when applied to the sinusoidally modulated FM case.<<ETX>>


The path towards zero energy buildings is fraught with many challenges, the onsite renewable energy production to drive consumer appliances that are not low or zero energy is an important challenge. Therefore, developing the energy production such that the production mode is matched to the usage mode is the simplest manner to improve efficiency. As such, energy consumption for lighting could be significantly reduced by optimizing the building`s design to maximize direct daylight usage, similarly cooking using solar stoves, or water heating using solar geysers eliminates the need for PV cells to generate electricity. The most important energy consumption in most buildings is HVAC (accounting for approximately 40% of a building`s energy consumption) which can be addressed with the use of a solar power absorption chiller. This article introduces the design of a novel solar concentrated photovoltaic thermal (CPVT) system that produces electricity and thermal energy simultaneously from the same surface area. The goal of the proposed system is to provide sufficient heat for an absorption cooling system, water heating as well as to produce electricity in a cost effective way. The CPVT system is designed to operate over a wide spectrum (400nm upward contains around 90% of the incident solar radiation spectrum). In the proposed system, solar irradiation is highly concentrated (to the equivalent intensity of approximately 100 suns) onto a single point, using a dual axis sun tracking concentrator with a Fresnel lens. A filter then separates the infrared (IR) from the visible light (VL) components using an imaging lens (viz. a hot mirror which has approximately a 98% filter efficiency). The IR is then utilized for heating while the VL components power the PV cell. The efficiency of the electricity generation in the PV cell improves when the IR component is removed from the incident solar irradiance. High-temperature high pressure water, at approximately 95-120C (203–248F), is generated by the IR and serves as a heat source for the absorption cooling system (lithium bromide water / ammonia-water). The proposed system is expected to deliver electricity at the rate of 0.08 W/cm (0.2032 W/in) of PV cell area, and around 0.04W/cm (0.1.016 W/in) collector area. Given that the ratio of collector area to PV cell area is ±9:1 this allows us to design the relative size to suit the building requirements.


Based on the theoretical method of generalizing the views of scientists on the essence of the "synergy" concept, the authors of the article have examined the content and essence of the concept "synergetic effect" in the article. The concept of "collaborative social responsibility" was defined during the formation of collaborative alliances in the "state-local communities-extracting enterprise" system. The authors have determined the formation of a synergetic effect in the natural resource management in the conditions of collaborative alliances and it was suggested to assess the synergetic effect from the collaborative alliance interaction in the natural resource management through the analysis of "benefits and costs".


Atrazine was the primary tool available for the control of weeds in maize. Being a pre-emergence, it provides effective control of some of the annual grasses and broadleaf weeds, but for complex weed flora, maize crop needs some post-emergence herbicide. The efficacy of tembotrione for post-emergence weed control in maize was evaluated in a field study carried out during summer seasons in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and at farmers' field in 2012. Tembotrione was applied at 100, 110 and 120 g a.i ha-1 along with 1000 ml ha-1 surfactant as post-emergence (20 days after sowing), atrazine 1000 g a.i ha-1 (standard) as PRE, weed free and unsprayed control were kept for comparison. Tembotrione at 110 and 120 g ha-1 applied with surfactant 1000 ml ha-1 at 20 days after sowing, significantly reduced density and biomass of grasses and broadleaf weeds as compared to its lower dose of 100 g ha-1, atrazine, and unsprayed control. Tembotrione showed reduced efficacy on *. POST application of tembotrione 110-120 g ha-1 along with surfactant attained higher grain yields (7.33-7.40 t ha-1) than atrazine 1000 g ha-1, tembotrione 100 g ha-1 and unsprayed control and were at par with a weed-free check


During the improvement of Malay Speech Synthesizer ver2 (MSS ver2), we focused on how the selection of target syllable utterance is to be concatenated. The selection is based on the best match of phonetic context similarity between target utterance and recorded utterance. However, this approach only improves the quality of synthesized speech at the word level. We thus proposed additional attribute to be added in the speech corpus which we believe will provide better information and hence able to enhance the quality of synthesized speech at the sentence level. Additional information that is attached to the speech sound is: the pitch contour of the speech segment, sentence type, position and adjacency of the syllable in the word (phonetic context), position of the word in a sentence and pitch's mean. We also add information of break, pauses and transition of sound in the annotation of the corpus. All these information will provide richer information of the speech corpus and at the same time, this information can be manipulated to construct a template for longer speech synthesis output. We will show what information is used for annotation and how we are going to use this information during selection to produce utterance using Praat as a synthesizer tool.


This paper conducts a statistical analysis on the amount, subjects, cooperative rate, regional distribution,systems of authors, assistance and time lag of the papers in Science of Science and Management of S. T.


We show that the law of linearity for a unit compressibility factor testifying a lot of experimental data for many substances can be provided by appropriate procedure following from the rigorous consequences of statistical mechanics, namely, the virial expansion. An equation of state that includes the terms up to the fourth power of density is obtained by using second and third virial coefficients. The critical point parameters, phase densities, and pressure along the liquid-gas coexistence curve for the Lennard-Jones (6-12) (LJ) and Buckingham (exp6) potentials are defined. The results corresponding to the LJ potentials are in good agreement with the solution of integral equations and simulation results. For the Buckingham potentials, our predictions agree well with the experimental data for the group of real substances, satisfying the law of corresponding states.


Simultaneity of hypertension and hyperlipidemia as added risk factors for renal and cardiovascular disease cannot be approached without considering concomitant effect of some antihypertensive agents causing secondary hypercholesterolemia or hypertriglyceridemia. Hypertension and atherosclerosis are two important and related risk factors associated with the morbidity and mortality of patients with chronic renal failure. Increased prevalence of hypertensive nephropathy as a major cause of end stage renal disease has been reported. Among these patients, the cardiovascular morbidity is estimated around 10 to 20 times that observed in the general population and may be present in half of patients under dyalisis. Hypertension accelerates the development of atherosclerosis. On the other hand, dyslipidemias are associated to a higher dammage of hypertensive renal disease, aswell as to myocardial hypertrophy and to the incidence of cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients. Treatment of hypertension can modify the lipid profile and atherosclerosis induced by hyperlipidemia.


We review approaches for extending the depth of focus of different imaging systems including the human vision system. Approaches involving digital postprocessing as well as different types of all-optical techniques are discussed. C 2010 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation


One of the most striking developments during China's reforms is the emergence of industrial clusters that thousands of specialized small towns become "world factories." On the other hand, inequality in China has worsened rapidly that China becomes one of the most unequal economies in the world. This paper examines the impacts of China's industrial clusters on growth and inequality in a systematic way. We construct a novel index to measure industrial clusters which captures key features of clusters developed under the institutional constraints in China. Based on this measurement, by using a combination of firm-level and county-level panel datasets from 1998 to 2007, we find clustering enhances economic and employment growth. In particular, counties, which have stronger clusters and clusters consisting of a more developed non-state sector, experience higher economic growth and more job creation, Moreover, within counties which have clusters consisting of a more developed nonstate sector, rural-urban income inequality is substantially lower than in other counties, driven by the increased income of rural residents. The results stay robust after addressing the endogeneity issues by two-stage estimations and propensity score matching approach.


Teaching effects of volleyball public course for students of PE Department were studied with the theory of multi-intelligence in the teaching practice.The results showed that the multi-intelligence teaching is useful to develop the student's intelligence than traditional teaching,and very significantly raises bodily-kinesthetic intelligence,linguistic intelligence,intrapersonal intelligence and music-rhythmic intelligence.


We constrain the distributions of projected radial alignment angles of satellite galaxy shapes within the Galaxy And Mass Assembly survey group catalogue. We identify the galaxy groups using spectroscopic redshifts and measure galaxy projected ellipticities from Sloan Digital Sky Survey imaging. With a sample of 3850 groups with 13655 satellite galaxies with high quality shape measurements, we nd a less than 2- signal of radial alignments in the mean projected ellipticity components and the projected position angle when using galaxy shape estimates optimized for weak lensing measurements. Our radial alignment measurement increases to greater than 3signicance relative to the expectation for no alignments if we use 2-D S ersic model


We have previously shown that Toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐activated murine nonparenchymal liver cells [(NPC); Kupffer cells (KC), liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC)] can suppress hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether HBV has the ability to counteract the TLR‐mediated control of its replication. Freshly purified murine hepatocytes and NPCs obtained from C57BL6 mice were stimulated by TLR 1‐9 ligands in the presence or absence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), HBV virions, or supernatants from HBV‐producing HBV‐Met cells, and HBV replication was suppressed by anti‐ hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) small interfering RNA (siRNA) in HBV‐Met cells. Supernatants were collected and tested for antiviral cytokines by viral protection assay. HBV gene expression and replication was analyzed by southern blot. RNA and proteins were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) or western blot and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Pretreatment of hepatocytes and NPCs with HBV‐Met cells supernatants, HBsAg, HBeAg, or HBV virions almost completely abrogated TLR‐induced antiviral activity, which correlated with suppression of interferon beta (IFN‐β) production and subsequent interferon‐stimulated gene induction as well as suppressed activation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF‐3), nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB), and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. In HBV‐infected HBV‐Met cells, TLR stimulation did not induce antiviral cytokines in contrast to primary hepatocytes. TLR‐stimulated expression of proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6)], and activation of IRF‐3 was suppressed after up‐regulation of HBV replication in HBV‐Met cells. Accordingly, suppression of HBV replication by siRNA led to activation or expression of proinflammatory transcription factors and cytokines. Conclusion: Our data indicate that HBV can suppress the TLR‐induced antiviral activity of liver cells. This has major implications for the interaction between HBV and the immune system. (HEPATOLOGY 2009.)


The angular spectrum of an acoustic lens of large aperture angle is calculated by integration of the field directly on the surface of the lens cavity. In contrast to the customary method, where the distribution of the acoustic field on the flat aperture of the lens is assumed to be known, the new method makes no such assumptions. The calculated V(z) based on this angular spectrum shows good agreement with published experimental data. Also, the distribution of the reflected field on the surface of a spherical lens throughout a typical z scan is calculated. This gives new insight into ray models of an acoustic lens. Implications for the case of high attenuation, low speed coupling fluids for use in micro-mechanical characterization of polymers are explored.


Presenting to you today is a highlight of my life, but it's also pretty intimidating, because I know how hard it can be to interest an audience as diverse as you are. I am not like other presidents for whom this office was merely a stepping stone to more exalted honors. I'm stuck as a burn doctor; and this—probably fortunately—will be my only chance to speak my mind. I will begin by saying that I was initially drawn to surgery by the remarkable and unforgettable people I encountered and the amazing things they said. One quote has been especially important in my subsequent career, and so I've entitled my talk today "N.P.D.G.B., and Other Surgical Sayings." I also want to use this presentation to recognize some friends who have helped me and some people who are important to this association. I know this is risky, because I'm sure I'll forget someone. So I will ask for your understanding if I leave you out. My list is not a complete one. First is my only living relative—that I will admit to, anyway—my brother, Michael. He was my first and continues to be my most enduring role model. Growing up was far easier with him breaking trail; growing old is a lot less unpleasant knowing he'll be with me, and he means more to me with every passing year. People say we look alike—which I have never understood—but I do have one request. If you encounter at this meeting a short, chubby, bearded, middleaged man who looks at you without recognition and answers you unintelligibly, that will be me. If you should encounter Michael, please be nice to him. Mike is a stranger in our very strange land. A Russian proverb says that "to marry well is half of life." I believe I married superbly. My beloved Susan is my friend and companion on every adventure and a totally loyal—sometimes my only—supporter. On more occasions than I can count, I have arrived home at the end of the day disappointed, stressed out, and ready to quit, and by the next morning, through her magic, she has restored me. Whereupon she sends me back out into the world, filled with fresh, hot air, shirt newly stuffed, for another day of jousting with windmills. There are lots of memorable sayings about surgery. I like to remind my residents that "surgery is no profession for a gentleman," which is attributed to William Osler. Or that "a good set of bowels is worth more to a man than any quantity of brains." With advancing age, I realize the truth of that statement. As a surgical resident, I was advised that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," and frequently told that "all bleeding stops." And it does. Surgeons, of course, believe that "a chance to cut is a chance to cure," but you should also remember another Osler-ism: "When all else fails, examine the patient." There are lots of other popular sayings, and many of them—most of them, actually—are too vulgar to quote in this dignified assembly. But if you're interested, talk to me later. I met Dr. Glenn Warden in 1976, when I was a green intern. I thought that he was the best surgeon I ever saw, and my career decision derived from a pathetic ambition to be just like him which, fortunately for both of us, failed. Glenn told me that "you can learn 90% of burn care in six months, and it takes the rest of your life to learn the other 10%." I believe that's true. At present, I think I'm up to about 91%. Another favorite person has been Dr. Alan Dimick, who—along with Dr. Jordan—has been my guardian angel and have subjected me to many unwarranted acts of kindness. Like Alan himself, his favorite quotation is unpretentious and homespun and devastatingly accurate: "The problem with young turks is that From the Department of Surgery, University of Utah Health Center, 50 North Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. Presented at the meeting of the American Burn Association, Chicago, Illinois, April 24 to 27, 2002. Address correspondence to Jeffrey R. Saffle, MD, Department of Surgery, 3B-306, University of Utah Health Center, 50 North Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132. Copyright © 2002 by the American Burn Association. 0273-8481/2002


The use of substance by university academics in recent times is a cause for concern especially due to the negative implications of its misuse. The social climate in the university is gradually changing in spite of its setting which is meant for educating and reforming individuals, as new forms of social organizations have evolved wherein academics get involved in indiscriminate substance use as a result. This research was undertaken to investigate the reasons why academics engaged in substance use and to find out the difference in its use, based on gender and socio-economic status of the respondents. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. The population of the study comprised 833 academic staff. A total of 113 academics who were randomly selected from six out of twelve faculties in the university participated in the study. Three Research questions and two research hypotheses were generated to guide the study. A researcher designed instrument named 'University Academics' Substance Use Questionnaire' was used to generate data, and analyzed using mean scores, standard deviations and the t-test. Results indicated that a higher number of male than female academics engaged in substance use due to emotional and psychological reasons; and that alcohol, tobacco and caffeine were the most frequently used substances. The predisposing factors to substance use were amongst others, early parental and cultural initiation. The t-test also showed statistically significant differences in substance use based on gender and socio-economic status of the respondents. Based on the findings, recommendations were made.


This report discusses airway obstruction in newborn infants with micrognathia and glossop tosis, and describes three patients who required surgical relief of obstruction from glossoptosis. In two, glossoptosis was controlled by construction of lingual-labial flaps under local anesthesia. The third required tracheostomy because of absence of the mandibular symphysis; to be effective, a lingual-labial flap requires a complete mandibular arch for support. The lingual-labial flap is the best surgical procedure for glossoptosis of the newborn. It can be constructed under local anesthesia in the nursery or in the operating room. It holds the tongue forward, yet it allows adequate tongue mobility for feeding. Composed of the patient's own tissues, it can remain for an indefinite time.


A GaSb crystal incorporated with Mn has been grown by the Bridgman method on the Polizon facility onboard the FOTON-M3 spacecraft. Structural defects and growth striations have been successfully revealed by the chemical etching method. By calculating various parameters of the convection, the striati...


Some historians and demographers rediscovered during the 1960s Frederic Le Play's ideas and methods concerning the relation between the structure of the household and the dominant values and ideology of a society. Yet they left out the pessimistic evolutionism of the founder of the sociology of the family. These historians could trace a less linear history and a more contrasted geography of family forms with three different family patterns coexisting and dividing the European territory until the 20th century: the nuclear one, more open to the surrounding society never ceased to expend with the urbanizing process.; the stem family pattern and the polynuclear family tend, on the contrary, to consider kinship ties as more valuable and more important than any other social relations.


The invention discloses a super-hydrophobic surface of a metal copper micron array and a preparation method thereof. The method comprises the steps of firstly, building a coarse structure of micro-size copper on a metal substrate by chemical deposition; then carrying out hydrophobic treatment on the surface of a self-assembled low-surface energy matter to cover a layer of hydrophobic film on the coarse structure, so as to obtain the super-hydrophobic metal copper surface. The metal copper surface prepared by the method disclosed by the invention has an excellent super-hydrophobic property; the contact angle with water drops can achieve 156 degrees; the rolling angle is smaller than 1 degree; meanwhile, the copper hydrophobic surface has a good surface structure stability, has excellent performances such as acid resistance, alkali resistance, organic solvent resistance, low temperature resistance, and high temperature resistance, and can meet the requirements of the industrial field on the metal copper super-hydrophobic surface. The technique has the advantages that any template is not needed; complicated equipment is not needed; and the super-hydrophobic surface has no special requirements on the shape of a substrate and is suitable for industrial mass production.


The growth of thiamine nitrate, in supersaturated aqueous solutions in the absence and presence of sodium alkyl sulfates CH3(CH2)nSO4Na and sodium alkyl sulfonates CH3(CH2)nSO3Na was studied by a single seed crystal growth experiment. It was surprisingly found that the growth of the a-axis of thiamine nitrate is significantly inhibited by CH3(CH2)nSO4Na, thus reducing the aspect ratio of thiamine nitrate, while the aspect ratio of thiamine nitrate in the presence of CH3(CH2)nSO3Na remains almost constant. Furthermore, the mechanism of additives to modify the crystal morphology is proposed: both additives can inhibit the growth of thiamine nitrate by hindering the solute diffusion. However, their unusual behavior is due to the selective adsorption, which was caused by electrostatic and hydrogen bond interactions between solute and additive molecules. In particular, the anionic groups exposed at the end of the additives demonstrate an interesting case in which a small variation in the charge density and hyd...


As this is my first editorial for Advances in School Mental Health Promotion (ASMHP) in my new role as Deputy Editor, I first want to acknowledge what an honour it is to assume this new role amid a team of highly regarded and knowledgeable colleagues, all committed to advancing high-quality mental health for students internationally. Thanks, in particular, to Mark Weist (Editor in Chief) and Michael Murray (Consulting Editor), who have guided the journal to where it stands today – namely a valuable mechanism for understanding and helping to advance the global school mental health (SMH) effort. In my view, the contribution of articles from so many different countries allows for much-needed cross-cultural dialogue in the international endeavour to promote students' social and emotional well-being. In 2010, with the departure of Dr Weist from Maryland, I was honoured to assume the position of Co-director of the Center for School Mental Health (CSMH) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (http://csmh.umaryland.edu), along with my colleague, Dr Nancy Lever. In 2011, we were fortunate to receive continued funding to serve as the only federally funded programme and policy analysis centre to advance SMH in the USA. As such, we have worked to advance two overarching goals, with several specific objectives:


The induction of cellobiase in washed suspensions of Stachybotrys atra mycelium harvested during the active phase of growth follows the classical pattern for induced protein synthesis, except that it does not appear to be dependent on continued growth of the organism. At 28°C under aerobic conditions there is no detectable lag period. Inducers are ,B.glucosides of polyhydroxylic aglycones, which may be another sugar residue or a chain of such residues. Such inducers are metabolizable by the mould; after their breakdown the enzyme rapidly disappears from the mycelium. Interference with RNA metabolism and information transfer depresses the induced synthesis of the enzyme; two amino acid analogues, ,B-chloroalanine and p-fiuorophenylalanine, also inhibit this induction. Inhibition is also observed when respirable substances are present, and the inhibitor appears to arise from the metabolism of pyruvate.


Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multiorgan autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, vascular modification, and progressive fibrosis of the skin and several visceral organs. Innate and adaptive immune cells, including myeloid, B and T cells, are believed to be central to the pathogenesis of SSc. However, the role and functional state of neutrophil granulocytes (neutrophils) are ill‐defined in SSc.


Paper presents an analysis of 3D images of the composite with a polyamide (PA) matrix reinforced by short glass fibres. The aim of the study was the assessment of the orientation of the fibres. The algorithm used for analysis is based on describing ellipsoids on the detected objects for its orientation assessment. Three subsamples of 3D images were cropped from three different part of the original sample. Each subsample shows the visible difference in the fibre orientation. The detection of the fibres and the analysis of the direction were performed using open source software ImageJ . Analysis of obtained results shown that the ellipsoid method is sensitive to the differences in the fibre orientation and may deliver valuable information for structure description.


The manner in which Mānī presented to the Sāsānian court his new doctrine seems to demonstrate that the mazdayasnian theology of that period conceived time, zrvan-, as the highest principle. Zarathuštra's own doctrine had been distinctively monotheistic and spiritual. But it had fallen into oblivion and had been superseded by a polytheistic system such as was the official creed of the Achaemenian empire and such as it is recorded in the later Avesta. At a certain moment religious reaction appears to have made itself felt against the alteration of the true spirit of Zarathuštra's teaching. In trying to reconstruct this doctrine the mazdaïst theologians had hit upon speculations considering time as the supreme essence. The question, when this system may have been first evolved, will be treated later on. For the present, it may suffice to state that the Zervanite theology was officially recognized during the beginning of the Sāsānian epoch, but without leaving traces in the Avesta or in the bulk of the Pahlavī literature.


The purpose of this paper is to describe the Activity- Based Costing (ABC) and Activity-Based Management (ABM) system and techniques to sustain them as a permanent and repeatable production reporting system, not just for one-off analysis. A comparison is made between ABC/ABM modeling software that extracts source data and business systems that include ABC/ABM modeling features. There are presented the stages of updating, running and rerunning the ABC/ABM system. The resulting information calculated and provided by the ABC/ABM system are analyzed and interpreted in terms of a multidimensional data analysis. The article ends with the authors' conclusions about the benefits of continued operation of sustaining the ABC/ABM system.


We use Swift BAT Earth occultation data at different geomagnetic latitudes to derive a sensitive measurement of the cosmic X-ray background (CXB) and of the Earth albedo emission in the 15-200 keV band. We compare our CXB spectrum with recent (INTEGRAL, BeppoSAX) and past results (HEAO-1) and find good agreement. Using an independent measurement of the CXB spectrum we are able to confirm our results. This study shows that the BAT CXB spectrum has a normalization ~8% ± 3% larger than the HEAO-1 measurement. The BAT accurate Earth albedo spectrum can be used to predict the level of photon background for satellites in low Earth and mid inclination orbits.


AbstractBackground: Obstructed Defecation Syndrome (ODS) is characterized by the urge to defecate but an impaired ability to expel the fecal bolus. Symptoms include unsuccessful fecal evacuation attempts, excessive straining, pain, bleeding after defecation, and a sense of incomplete fecal evacuation. ODS has been linked to anatomic abnormalities of rectocele, rec-toanal or recto-rectal intussusception, paradoxical puborectalis contraction, pelvic organ prolapse, descending perineum syndrome, solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, sigmoidocele, and enterocele. A functional abnormality such as pelvic floor dyssynergia, decreased rectal compliance and decreased rectal sensation has also been shown to contribute to symptoms of ODS.Objective: To assess the role of MR defecography in finding functional abnormalities in patients with obstructed defecation syndrome.Patients and Methods: A prospective study was carried out on 30 patients (20 females and 10 males) with clinical symptoms of obstructed defecation syndrome for a period longer than 6 months. Patients were assessed statically using T2 weighted images and dynamically by MR defecography using fast imaging via steady-state acquisition sequences. All patients had symptoms of obstructed defecation syndrome as unsuccessful fecal evacuation attempts, excessive straining, pain during defecation, a sense of incomplete fecal evacuation and digital rectal evacuation.Results: A total of 30 patients with a mean age of 40.2 with 20 (66.7%) females and 10 (33.3%) males. MR defecog-raphy revealed rectocele in 19 (63.3%) of all patients and cystocele in 17 (56.7%) patients. Four patients (13.3%) had rectal intussusception. Spastic pelvic floor syndrome was found in 2 patients (6.75%). Multicompartmental dysfunction was observed in 18 (60%) of the female patients.Conclusion: MR defecography was proven to be highly valuable in assessing patients with obstructed defecation syndrome, particularly females as it depicts multicompart-mental dysfunction in females with a seemingly single com-partment symptom ultimately changing the treatment approach.


Paul Kennedy has (Monday 2 September 2013) taken up his new role as Assistant Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police. Mr Kennedy arrives from ...


A turbine-mounted lidar can measure wind speed ahead of a wind turbine, and this preview measurement can be used to improve turbine control performance by reducing structural loads and/or increasing power capture. Effective lidar-based control requires not only an accurate wind speed measurement, but also knowledge of the expected arrival time of the measured wind. Arrival time is the time it takes for the wind to travel from the measurement focus location to the turbine rotor. Typically, arrival time is assumed to be equal to the distance traveled divided by the average wind speed. Field test data show that this assumption can be improved on average through an induction zone correction. In addition, arrival time can temporarily deviate significantly above or below this average value. If we can anticipate how arrival time will change, we can improve control performance. In this study, we post-process turbine and lidar data to show how arrival time varies and to determine an upper limit on possible improvement as a result of accurately predicting arrival time. Results show that this upper limit is a 26% average increase in coherence bandwidth between the measured wind and the wind that arrives at the rotor. In above-rated wind speeds, for example, this corresponds to a 21% improvement in the performance cost reduction due to incorporating lidar into a blade pitch controller, where the performance cost is a combined measure of generator speed error and blade pitch actuation.


Kinetic instabilities, such as electron cyclotron drift instability (ECDI) and ion-ion two stream instability (IITSI), occur in partially magnetized, low-temperature plasmas. These instabilities have been shown to enhance cross-field electron transport in cross-field plasma devices, such as Hall-effect thrusters. Previous work using particle-in-cell simulations by Hara and Tsikata [1] showed the enhancement of cross-field electron transport due to the multidimensional plasma waves initiated by the coupling of the ECDI and IITSI in a two-dimensional configuration, in the absence of dynamics parallel to the magnetic field. However, the theoretical description of the nonlinear, three-dimensional coupling of these instabilities is not well understood. If dynamics parallel to the magnetic field are considered, ECDI becomes more broadband, which is similar to the instabilities seen in various Hall-effect thruster experiments. In this talk, we will present the development of a general three-dimensional kinetic dispersion solver to obtain the angular frequency and growth rates of the 3D instabilities using complex root finding. The effects of plasma parameters, such as the ExB drift velocity and doubly-charged ion fraction, on the coupling of different kinetic instabilities are investigated.


In this paper we describe the application of Kalman filter preprocessing of selected input parameters for the METRo road forecast model. The Kalm an filter corrections to atmospheric and dew point temperatures improve surface temperature as it is shown in selected case studies. The improvement is significant mainly in cases when the turb ulent heat exchange is not negligible. We present the statistical analyses of the studied parameters as well. This new method will be implemented as independent module within the statistical ME TRoSTAT package. The new approach in surface temperature predictions is presented as well.


The e-learning platforms combining both digital contents and knowledge management, are taking an important role in education at the same being used by many enterprises on employee's training to promote competitiveness. Their characteristics of learning anytime and anywhere, making use of the mobile technology and cloud applications, give them superiority compared to traditional teaching methods in the classroom. Since the students and teachers are on different time and space in an e-learning environment, the learning status of a student is difficult to be controlled by teachers. Also the majority of the existing formation platforms are generally conceived as contents distribution systems, with few concerns about the interests and the immediate reaction ofsingular learners in the virtual classroom. In order to achieve efficiency and trying to avoid the above mentioned disadvantages, there is a need for gathering information regarding each learner's profile, and building a personalized path of learning for each student or students with similar profile progress in the learning process. In order to get information about the students' profile, meaning the way he wants and is able to gather knowledge, questionnaires to evaluate his/her psychological profile can be of great help. In this paper we address the issue of e-learning personalization through implementing Intelligent Algorithms based on Intelligent Agentsin an e-learning environment. The IAELS Algorithm and the Agent System Based Algorithm are compared in a qualitative and quantitative way. Results are presented based on students' opini¬ons and their performance achieved in the Microsoft Office Suite 2010 e-learning course. Further developing this kind of intelligent evaluating system we propose development of a questionnaire, so that based on different learners' profiles, we could incorporatea starting point in building e-learning ennvironment for gathering virtual knowledge by the e-student. Keywords:  E-learning platform, Intelligent algorithms, Agent based algorithm, IAELS Algorithm, e-learning path.


The analysis of the conference activity of Ukraine in IEEE during 2003–2012 is carried out. The most active regions, the Crimea and Lvov, are marked out.


Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and security of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide(IVTA)in the treatment of macular edema secondary to maeular branch retinal vein occlusion(MBRVO).Methods IVTA was per- formed in 51 eyes of 51 patients with macular edema secondary to MBRVO determined by fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA)and optic coherence tomography(OCT).The best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),FFA,the macular thickness under OCT and the possible complications were recorded and analyzed.Results After IVTA treatment,the BCVA in all causes was either improved or kept stable with the average retinal thickness significantly decreased eompared with that pre- treatment(P0.01).Fluorescein leakage reduced significantly 6 months after treatmeut in 44 eyes(86.3%),with other 7 eyes(13.3%)remained unehanged.Eight eyes(16.4%)of all 51 eyes had high i ntraoeular pressure(IOP)tempo- rarily.Three eyes(5.9%)developed dense cataracts.There were no other complications.Conclusions IVTA might he a safe and effective method for the treatment of macular edema secondary to MBRVO.(Chin J Ophthalmol and Otorhino- laryngol,2007,7:311-312)


The effect on aquatic animals of exposure to pollutants has been tested using a novel ultrasonic standing wave generating apparatus. In this procedure, two transducers are placed in a test system and a standing wave at 50 KHz is generated. The receiving transducers are then tuned, so that they are exactly one-half wavelength apart. This creates a three dimensional grid in the system with "nulls" or points of least energy return approximately l" apart. As an organism moves through a "null", the energy return at the receiving transducer mementarily changes and a count is recorded. The printout of the device indicates motor activity in terms of counts per unit time. The effects of chemicals, drugs, and other parameters on activity of aquatic animals has been measured quantitatively.


The research is aimed to describe the students' learning outcomes in the Civics Subjects by using the Mind Mapping Model at 5th grade of SDN 19 Sungaitanang. The classroom-action research is conducted in the research by using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The subjects of the research were the teacher and 22 students of the school. This research was conducted in two cycles where each cycle consists of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting. The result of the research shows that: a) the lesson plan increased from 73.21% (adequate) in cycle I to 92.85% (very good) in cycle II, b) in term of the teacher's teaching aspect increased from 74.99% (adequate) in cycle I to 94.44% (very good) in cycle II; meanwhile, in the students' learning aspect increased from 73.60% (adequate) in cycle I to 91.66% (very good) in cycle II, c) the students' learning outcomes increased from 75.28 (adequate) in cycle I to 88.38 (very good) in cycle II. Thus, the use of Mind Mapping model has improved the students' learning outcomes in learning the Civics Subjects at 5th Grade of SDN 19 Sungaitanang.


X-ray powder data have been obtained for the three title compounds, fundamental members of a group of psychotropic drugs. For the first two compounds, the crystal structures of which have previously been solved [Reboul, Cristau, Soyfer & Estienne (1980). Acta Cryst. B36, 2683–2688; Reboul, Cristau, Estienne & Astier, (1980). Acta Cryst. B36, 2108–2112], the powder patterns were indexed on the basis of an orthorhombic unit cell with the lattice constants a = 8.22 (1), b = 20.40 (1), c = 6.03 (1) A, space group Pnma for C14H11N; C14H13N is monoclinic, space group P21/c with a = 11.60 (1), b = 11.27 (1), c = 20.05 (1) A, and β = 126.5 (1)°. C14H12ClN is also monoclinic, P21 or P21/m, with Z = 2, a = 11.68 (1), b = 8.08 (1), c = 12.13 (1) A and β = 95.6 (1)°. The JCPDS Diffraction File Nos. for these compounds are: C14H11N 34-1995; C14H13N 34-1996, C14H12ClN 34-1994.


"Semi-formal administration," which has been practiced as a viable alternative in grassroots-level governance for its low cost and high effectiveness in communicating with local residents, has undergone a process of "alienation" since it is used by local governments to reduce the political risks involved. This essay analyzes the triangular relationship among "formal administration," "semi-formal administration," and the "community (or village)." It argues that the effectiveness of "semi-formal administration" depends on the supervision by the formal administration and the functionality of the everyday and political mechanisms sustaining the community. Paradoxically, however, the strict, quantitative requirements enforced by the central government in supervising the local authorities through the system of "formal administration" have driven local government officials to abuse the mechanisms of "semi-formal administrative," which in turn curtails and eliminates the space for the proper functioning of the "community." "Semi-formal administration" can be improved by fixing the procedural and technical issues or rebuilding the mechanisms of the "community." (This article is in Chinese.) 摘要当前"半正式行政"有异化的倾向。很多时候,其不再是基层治理中低成本高效率沟通民众的正面技术,反而成为地方政府规避政治风险的负面技术。"半正式行政"应放在"正式行政"-"半正式行政"-"社区(村庄)"三者关系中分析。发挥正面效用的"半正式行政",需要"正式行政"的监督,更扎根于运行良好的"社区(村庄)"生活场和政治场。当前的吊诡之处在于,中央政府在"正式行政"体系中对地方政府设置了严格量化的监督指标,结果地方政府却进一步权宜性地滥用"半正式行政",并抑制和封闭"社区(村庄)"的政治运行空间。"半正式行政"的改进,由"事"而起的可以走科层和技术路线,由"人"而起的则需要"社区(村庄)"生活场和政治场的重塑。


Abstract The need for a comparative measure of information technology absorption in business is discussed. Studies of various forms of technological change are reviewed in terms of three issues; the level of measurement used, the research techniques/methods used and the approaches to the measurement of technology absorption. The requisite properties for an assessment of information technology absorption within business are outlined. A framework for a structured interview schedule is proposed which could assess approaches to information handling at several levels of analysis (e.g. departments, sites, organizations, industries). A pilot factor analysis of the IT items within the schedule across a sample of businesses reveals a sensible three-factor structure of IT influence within information handling. This form of measure is shown to offer sufficient sensitivity to assess technological changes within organizations and be relatable to behavioural outcomes. The extent of changes in management roles is shown ...


1 Dual effects of aspirin were demonstrated in guinea‐pig lungs: (a) aspirin (3.3 mg/kg i.v.) antagonized bronchoconstriction induced by slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS‐A); (b) aspirin produced bronchoconstriction when injected in the presence of propranolol into guinea‐pigs in vivo at 330 mg/kg, or into guinea‐pig isolated lungs in vitro as a 4% solution (40 mg/ml). 2 The severity of bronchoconstriction following administration of aspirin was directly related to the degree of β‐adrenoceptor blockade and to the age of the guinea‐pigs. Aspirin‐induced bronchoconstriction was prevented in vivo and in vitro by atropine and it could be reversed in vivo by atropine. Aspirin‐induced bronchoconstriction was not inhibited by vagotomy or phenoxybenzamine. 3 These data suggest that the mechanism involved in aspirin‐induced bronchoconstriction may be local cholinergic stimulation and that reduced β‐adrenergic drive may be a predisposing factor.


Cassava peel (Manihot utilissima) is waste of agricultural result that is much potential as raw material of bioplastic making. This research focuses on bioplastic making from cassava peel. It aims to characterize the resulted bioplastic (mechanical and physical properties, SEM analysis, FTIR analysis and time test of bioplastic degradation). The bioplastic preparation takes place by mixing starch of cassava peel and chitosan (20, 30, 40 and 50% w/w), glycerol 30% w/w as plasticizer, and liquid smoke (0, 1 and 2 mL) as antimicrobial agent. The research result shows the highest value of tensile strength is 96.04 MPa, the highest elongation at break is 52.27%, and the value of water-resistant test is 22.68%. Morphology analysis by using SEM shows uneven surface and there is fracture in its cross-section. The analysis of functional group by FTIR shows the presence of functional groups of O–H (hydroxyl), N–H (amine), dan CH3–O (ether). The fastest complete degradation of bioplastic occurs in 45 days, and the longest occurs in 57 days.


Two examples are provided of the use of these detectors together with the soyabean/USDA16 symThe details of two systems for measuring O 2 uptake biosis in a flow-through system furnished with and H 2 production in flow-through gas systems used an infrared gas analyser (IRGA) to measure CO 2 to study nodule physiology and biochemistry are pre- production. sented here. Both are constructed from commercially available fuel cells. Oxygen uptake measurements are Key words: Root nodules, nitrogen fixation, hydrogen based upon the differential signal from paired production, oxygen uptake, respiratory quotient. detectors exposed to sample and blank gas streams. Because of the very small signal5background ratio needed to detect O 2 uptake against atmospheric O 2 Introduction concentration, these detectors were mounted in ther- The measurement of gaseous inputs and outputs from mally controlled aluminium blocks designed to avoid nodulated legume roots represents a valuable non-invasive changes in back pressure. Also to avoid apparent con- tool for studying nodule physiology and biochemistry. To centration differences arising because of pressure dif- facilitate such studies open-ended flow-through systems ferences at the detectors it is important that sample, have been developed in which gas streams of defined control and calibration gas flow rates are the same. composition can be passed over the nodulated roots of Hydrogen detectors were mounted in an aluminium intact undisturbed plants sealed into appropriate conblock similar to that used for O 2 , although the require- tainers (Minchin et al., 1983; Layzell et al., 1989). The ments for temperature and back pressure control are eZuent gas from these containers can be analysed for much less stringent for this application. respiratory CO 2 production, H 2 evolution and O 2 uptake. The limit for differential detection of O 2 uptake in A brief overview of the significance of these measureair was about 25 ppm (1 mmol l'1) and for H 2 production ments, of previous analytical problems and of the design, 1 ppm (0.04 mmol l'1). Linearity checks for the two construction and function of two detector systems for detectors over the range 4‐90% O 2 and 15‐750 ppm measuring H 2 production and O 2 uptake is presented here.


Analyzed and studied the operation principle of a kind of Asymmetrical Half Bridge(AHB) DC/DC converter.Achieved Zero Voltage Switching(ZVS) by using the reflected current of the load,and its efficiency can be improved by adopting synchronous rectifying.A 200W prototype was manufactured,and experiment and test results show that the converter features low profile,high efficiency and high power density.


Introduced the high elevation region,in which has been long drought in winter and spring and moist in summer since 2001.Lies in Weining county of Guizhou province.In this region,adopt the seedlings in bag of nourishment breed and forestation technique on 100 days for Pinus armandii Franch.After several years' practice,the living rate of planting trees has been raised and insured the forestation quality.Analyze the reasons that the seedlings in bag of nourishment breed and forestation,improve the living rate and the conservancy rate and fimally lower the cost of the forestation so that provide,a reference for making nature and climate conditions adapt to ecosystem environment building in region.


The operator new/delete of memory allocation in c++ is designed for the general purpose,but it can not satisfy our needs under special circumstance.The article offers the soluble plan to avoid the exhaustion of heap memory or appearance of many pieces of memory under dynamic allocating large amounts and very small objects or operating of the procedure for so long time under the limiting resources.


A series of twelve platinum(II) complexes of the form (N^N^N)PtX have been synthesized and characterized where N^N^N is 1,3-bis(2-pyridylimino)isoindolate ligands (BPI) or BPI ligands whose aryl moieties are substituted with tert-butyl, nitro, alkoxy, iodo or chloro groups, and X is a chloride, fluoride, cyano, acetate, phenyl or 4-(dimethylamino)phenyl ligand. All complexes display at least one irreversible oxidation and two reversible reduction waves at potentials dependent on the position and the electron donating or withdrawing nature of both X and the substituted N^N^N ligand. Broad room temperature phosphorescence ranging in energy from 594 to 680 nm was observed from the complexes, with quantum efficiencies ranging from 0.01 to 0.05. The efficiency of emission is dictated largely by nonradiative processes since the rate constants for nonradiative deactivation [(1.1-100) × 10(5) s(-1)] show greater variation than those for radiative decay [(0.57-4.0) × 0(4) s(-1)]. Nonradiative deactivation for compounds with X = Cl follow the energy gap law, i.e. the nonradiative rate constants increase exponentially with decreasing emission energy. Deactivation of the excited state appears to be strongly influenced by a non-planar distortion of the BPI ligand.


Finite element mesh generation is one of key techniques in finite element analysis.This paper was aimed to develop a basic geometry library to get better triangle meshes automatically based on the STL geometry model exported from CAD softwares,through geometry information extracting and mesh optimizing.Finally,the pre-process file was exported for the commercial finite element analysis software.An useful rapid modeling tool for finite element analysis was provided.


This work deals with the problem of joint direction-of-arrival (DoA) estimation in a network of forward-facing automotive radars with partially overlapping fields of view (FOVs). Assuming monostatic operation, we show performance improvements achieved by using block-sparse reconstruction and array optimization compared to individual estimation with ad-hoc array designs. For a preexisting network consisting of two symmetric corner-mounted radars, we investigate the benefits of adding a third central sparse array optimized for joint operation with the corner-mounted sensors. Simulations show that adding a very-sparse central sensor explicitly designed to achieve sidelobe-cancellation with the supporting corner-mounted sensors significantly improves angular resolution without increasing the number of false alarms in the network.


Future Network based Operations (NbO) will necessitate new approach to deal with assymetric context, urban area and tactical mob ility. These operations will have to cope with multiple collaborative actions in a co mplex and changing environment. In NbO, collaborative actions stresses coord ination and synchronisation requirements, both in terms of complexity and tempo. Consequently, NbO deeply impacts plan elaboration and task scheduling proces ses performed by the different units. This paper presents a constraint-based me thod for automating mission planning and scheduling in the context of Network based Operations. Relying on graphs, flow and timing formulations, constraints are easily formulated, comprising logical predicates which model coordinations a d synchronisations. Search techniques, which combine variable ordering and con current solving, are also presented and evaluated on real world scenarii. Result s how that mission planning and scheduling tools can be used to develop, experi ment and evaluate the NbO concept.


Planar building block B2TCl with C2V symmetry configuration is designed to prepare polymer donors (PB2TCl‐o and PB2TCl‐i) with good solubility in non‐halogenated solvents. When blended with BTP‐ec9‐4F, PB2TCl‐o‐based devices processed by 1,2‐dimethylbenzene (o‐DMB) give a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.10% with a Voc of 0.89 V, a Jsc of 24.37 mA cm–2, and an fill factor of 69.69%. Semitransparent OSCs based on PB2TCl‐o:BTP‐ec9‐4 can afford a PCE of 9.09% with an average visible transmittance (AVT) of 23.9% and an AT of 24.2%. B2TCl‐o is also used as a third component to prepare random terpolymers PW1 and PW2. Using o‐DMB as the processing solvent, PW1 and PW2‐based devices give improved PCEs of 16.26% and 17.19%, respectively, which are much higher than the parent polymers (PM6 and D18). This work provides a versatile building block B2TCl‐o for the preparation of non‐halogen solvent processable high‐performance polymer donor materials.


This invention relates to the preparation of new chemical compounds and compositions from alicyclic hydrocarbons and their derivatives. More particularly it relates to the preparation of 5 saturated allicyclic sulphonyl chlorides and de rivatives thereof. In a more limited sense, it relates to the preparation of surface active prod lucts and compositions from liquid or easily lique fiable saturated alicyclic hydrocarbons and mix tures thereof by reacting them with sulphur dioxide and chlorine gases and hydrolyzing the reaction product. This invention has for an object. the prepara tion of new compounds and compositions. A fur ther object is the preparation of Surface active compounds and compositions from saturated ali cyclic hydrocarbons. A still further object is the preparation of allicyclic sulphonylchlorides by a simple reaction. A still further object is the preparation of alicyclic hydrocarbon Sulphonyl chlorides involving cheap reactants and simple apparatus. Still other objects will appear here inafter. The above and other objects of this invention are accomplished by treating liquid alicyclic compounds with a gaseous mixture of Sulphur dioxide and chlorine. The reaction zone is pref erably under the catalyzing influence of light and maintained at moderate temperatures. It has been found that when saturated liquid or easily liquefiable alicyclic compounds, par ticularly hydrocarbons such as terpanes (i. e., fully hydrogenated terpenes), cyclohexane, deca hydro-naphthalene, naphthenes, etc., are treated with a mixture of sulphur dioxide and chlorine, there is introduced into these molecules a sul phonyl chloride group. There may be also introduced varying quanti ties of halogen, which enters because of a side 40 reaction to form chlor hydrocarbon Sulphonyl chlorides and chlor-hydrocarbons. Di and poly sulphonyl chlorides and other products are also formed. It has been further found according to this 45 invention that depending on the ratio of the sul phur dioxide to chlorine and also dependent somewhat on the raw material being used, that the concurrent chlorination reaction may be sub stantially reduced, so that one may obtain essen 50 tially pure sulphonyl chlorides. In certain cases, such as cyclohexane, there is only one structural mono isomer produced, but in the case of other alicyclic compounds such as the naphthenes or deca-naphthalene, there are formed numerous 55 hydrocarbon sulphonyl chloride and chlorhydro s


We
carried out a prospective trial of nasal high fre-quency ventilation(NHFV) in 5 patients with acute
lunginjury(ALI)due to severe trauma or sepsis to investigatethe role of NHFV. After NHFV there
was a significantrise in PaO_2 and pH(P0.01 )and a gradual recovery ofrespiratory and pulse
rates. All five patients survived andwas discharged. We conclude that NHFV may be used asan
effective non-invasive ventilatorv methdfor treat-ing patients with ALI. NHFV can be used to
correct hy-poxemia , improve ventilation and relieve dyspnea. Henceit may be considered as a
regular ventilatory therapy forthe early treatment of ALI in order to lessen or avoid en-dotracheal
intubation and tracheotomy. If the therapeuticeffectiveness is not significant with the use of
NHFV,endotracheal intubation or tracheotomy, or other medesof ventilation can be employed.


The method to determine the reliability index of an offshore jacket platform by using fuzzy optimum decision is presented in this paper,By using this method,the fuzzy optimum reliability index can be obtained under the constrain of construction cost,dimensions and weight of the offshore platform.


The aim of research this is for knowing influence disclosure Sustainability Reporting and size company to Policy dividend and firm value with profitability as an intervening variable. The population from research company sector banking registered on the IDX. Research this use method purposive sampling and obtained sample as many as 50 companies. Research data are taken from secondary data that report finance company. Data analysis techniques used are the analysis path (path analysis). Analysis results knew that SR does not take to effect to profitability, firm size takes to effect positive on profitability. For profitability takes to effect positive and significant on policy dividends and firm value. So, Policy dividend influence firm value. However, SR did not takes to effect on Policy dividend and size company takes effect significant to firm value.


Social networks have a significant influence in a patient's environment. An efficient social network framework that addresses the socio cultural communication needs of hospitalized patients' caregivers can play an important role to improve a patient's treatment. We proposed e-Ziarah Caregiver Social Network (CSN) system, a working model that reflects the design and application within the cultural context in the healthcare environment. Our framework encompasses multi-directional communication relationships that exist among indicative roles for CSN's players which are further illustrated and can be adapted depending on the cultural needs. In the proposed model, we introduce several unique embedded application functions to meet the socio-communication requirements of a typical caregiver within a healthcare facility.


The invention relates to a raphanin derivative of which the structural formula is disclosed in the specification, wherein R represents C1-C20 alkyl group, C1-C20 cycloalkyl group, C6-C20 aryl group, C1-C20 heteraryl group and C1-C20 heterocyclic alkyl group; and n represents different lengths of carbon chains. Compared with the raphanin, the derivative has the characteristics of high efficiency and low toxicity for cancer cells.


Results: Results indicated that the level of awareness and implementation of value management varies from region to region and country to country. Some implementation barriers include lack of knowledge and awareness, no standard method of problem-solving, lack of value management practices by contractors, the concept is new in many regions, contractors not willing to implement VM fully during projects, and lack of qualified personnel to adopt VM. From this review, some of the benefits of adopting VM include maximizing productivity, better sustainability, and expected targets achieved within a reasonable time.


In the wake of the Canadian government's pledge for a renewed role at the United Nations (UN) notably by reengaging in peacekeeping activities, this special issue focuses on Canada's added value to peace operations. Our aim is to identify the goals, challenges, and stakes for Canada's reengagement in peace operations as a central component of foreign and defence policy. One of the first questions to ask is how can Canada contribute to peace operations which are now characterized by more complex security environments, in a way that is consistent with its interests, resources, and capacity? The second question relates to Canada's engagement in peace missions in the context of a continuously evolving technological landscape. Finally, we address defence planning, equipping the Canadian Armed Forces, and managing personnel, as they relate to UN operations. The time is ripe to revitalize the debate on peace operations and analyze Canada's capacity in this area.


A Pade approximant is used to extrapolate to high charge strength the series expansion in charge strength of the internal and free energies of a system of charged spheres. The numerical results for the internal‐energy approximant are in excellent agreement with the Monte Carlo results of Larsen, especially at higher densities. The study indicates that the Pade approach is a promising method of treating the thermodynamics of more realistic fused‐salt models.


This research proposes a point forecasting method into Markov switching autoregressive model. In case of two regimes,
we proved the probability that h periods later process will be in regime 1 or 2 is given by steady-state probabilities.
Then, using the value of h-step-ahead forecast data at time t in each regime and using steady-state probabilities, we
present an h-step-ahead point forecast of data. An empirical application of this forecasting technique for U.S. Dollar/
Euro exchange rate showed that Markov switching autoregressive model achieved superior forecasts relative to the
random walk with drift. The results of out-of-sample forecast indicate that the fluctuations of U.S. Dollar/ Euro exchange
rate from May 2011 to May 2013 will be rising.


In disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programmes, return to home communities is a normative given, around which reinsertion and reintegration support is planned. Yet such an approach is oblivious of pre-war social dynamics of rebel recruitment and civilian experiences of rebel abuse and coercion. These manifest as important sources of social tension between communities and combatants in the post-war period and complicate reintegration. This research shows that the 'recruitment–reintegration' nexus offers a key variable for explaining tensions between civilian communities and ex-combatants in post-conflict Liberia, and could be leveraged in future efforts to improve DDR programmes.


Three δ, δ'-thiodivalerates of the general type S[(CH_2)_4CO_2R]_2 (R=s-C_4H_(9-), s-C_6H_(13-) and s-C_8H_(17-)), not previously reported in the literature, have been prepared by esterification of δ,δ' -thiodivaleric acid with the corresponding secondary alcohols. The yields were between 70% and 80%.


Studying the abrupt temperature change in winter over the Mongolian Plateau (MP) is of great significance for understanding the spatiotemporal distribution of temperature and the mechanism of global climate change. Monthly temperature data of MP were collected during 1961–2017, the abrupt-change point was determined by the Mann–Kendall test and sliding t-test to analyze the characteristics and causes of abrupt temperature change in winter. The results showed that (a) The increase rate of winter temperature was 0.41 ℃/10a, with a contribution rate of 30.7 % to annual temperature change, which was significantly higher than that of mainland China, indicating that climate change in the MP was more sensitive to global warming. (b) The abrupt-change point occurred in 1988, with temperatures of -15.5 ℃ and − 14.1°C before and after 1988, respectively, the increasing range was 9%. The abrupt temperature change in high latitudes was 1–3 years later than that in low latitudes. (c) The isotherms of different temperatures in winter moved northward by 10–200 km, especially − 16°C isotherm moved approximately 200 km northward after 1988, thereby the MP warmed significantly. (d) there was a good coupling relationship between the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and winter temperature. AO affects temperature change by influencing the Mongolia–Siberian High, therefore, it may be an important factor to drive the abrupt temperature change in winter.


AVISENA ROOSYIDA ASHARI, D0213017. FACTORS AFFECTING AUDIENCE'S BEST BRAND PERCEPTION (A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis on The Effect of Branded Web Series Elements, E-WOM, Brand Recommendation, and Brand Satisfaction Factors towards Audience's Best Brand Perception of Axe and Gatsby Body Spray among Universitas Sebelas Maret Students) The advertising world have a big chance to maximize the use of digital media, considering that modern society today are doing a lot of digital activities every day, including fulfilling the needs of entertainment. One of daily entertainment that our society enjoy is watching web series videos on Youtube. This trend's now have been used by many brands as attractions for Youtube viewers. For the last couple years, many brands in Indonesia doing a promotion using short movie formats and released it in several episodes, called branded web series. The researcher wants to know how branded web series contribute in audience's best brand perception, considering many brands using this similar creative strategy. The researcher's using the model of advertising communication effects as theory reference, which in this research the model explains about the relationship of branded web series elements (endorser, storyline and setting), electronic word of mouth, brand recommendation and brand satisfaction factors in affecting audience's best brand perception simultaneously. The variables relationship then portrays through a conceptual model that explained using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis. From the conceptual model, the contribution from independent variables to dependent variables can be known. This research involved 92 respondents that gained using multistage sampling method and the data are collected using survey method with questionnaire. All of the respondents involved are Universitas Sebelas Maret students from year class 2013 – 2016, in the age between 18 – 25 years old which is in line with the audience and customer target from the brands under study. According to the SEM analysis, the overall assessment of the conceptual model tested scored 1,000 on P Value and 0,000 on RMSEA, this means the conceptual model is in line with the phenomenon under the study and it can be applied to similar research with a good match opportunity. From this research analysis, all variables has been proven to have an influence on audience's best brand perception of man's body spray simultaneously, with the highest value contributed by setting variable (0,91), storyline variable (0,85), and endorser variable (0,78). This research shows that the most influential factors in shaping best brand perception to branded web series audiences are the advertising elements itself which are setting, storyline and endorser. Keywords : branded web series, best brand perception, structural equation modeling


Purpose: Childhood cancer survivors who were treated with craniospinal irradiation (CSI) have a high risk of radiogenic late effects, for example second malignant neoplasms (SMNs). These effects can occur inside or outside of the therapeutic fields. Proton therapy, which is unavailable in developing countries, may offer the possibility to reduce the radiation dose in normal tissues and thereby reducing the risk of late effects. We quantified the equivalent dose in organs at risk for SMNs for 9 children ages 2 to 14 years who received proton CSI in a developed country and the doses they would have received from photon CSI in a developing country. Methods: For each child, 23.4‐Gy treatment plans were created according the standards of care of leading cancer centers in a developed country (proton CSI) and in a developing country (photon CSI). For each patient and clinic, equivalent dose was determined throughout the patients' bodies. In‐field dose was calculated using treatment planning systems of our clinics. Out‐of‐field dose was calculated using Monte Carlo simulations for proton CSI and applying a measurement‐based model for photon CSI. Mean equivalent dose was determined in organs at risk of SMNs‐‐red bone marrow, bladder, breasts, liver, lungs, ovaries, prostate, stomach, uterus, colon, skin, and remainder tissues. Results: Mean organ equivalent doses averaged over 9 all patients were less in proton CSI than in photon CSI in all organs and tissues except skin. We observed minor ( 85%) reductions in all other organs. Conclusion: Equivalent dose was reduced for children receiving CSI with proton beams rather than photon beams. It may be possible to reduce the risk of radiogenic SMNs for children in developing countries needing CSI if proton therapy is made available to them. Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, K01‐TW008409; National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, R01‐CA131463‐01A1; Northern Illinois University through a subcontract of Department of Defense W81XWH‐08‐1‐0205; We do not have any conflicts of interest


Multiple-diglycolamide-functionalized ligands(MDGA) in room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) were studied for extraction of actinides and lanthanides from aqueous acidic solutions. The extraction kinetics, separation behavior, associated thermodynamics of extraction, nature of the extracted species formed were studied. Luminescence spectroscopy was used to understand the nature of bonding between metal and ligands, formation of inner sphere/ outer sphere complex etc. The radiolytic stability of solvent systems was studied and attempt was made to understand the degradation products. Finally, all the systems were evaluated for 'actinide partitioning' from synthetic high level liquid waste solution (HLLW).


A newly developed chemically amplified (CA) i-line positive resist is designed to reflow the resist structures at relatively low temperatures while eliminating thermal crosslinking mechanisms. The resist can reflow to form clear spherical lenses having greater than 90° contact angles. This is demonstrated by thermally reflowing squared resist posts, 50μm and 80μm in size printed in 48μm resist thickness and 10μm posts in 15μm thickness at 120°C. The resulting lenses have smooth surfaces, free of any wrinkling or residual resist corners.


We study the stiff spectral Neumann problem for the Laplace operator in a smooth bounded domain Ω ⊂ R d which is divided into two subdomains: an annulus Ω 1 and a core Ω 0 . The density and the stiffness constants are of order ε − 2 m and ε − 1 in Ω 0 , while they are of order 1 in Ω 1 . Here m ∈ R is fixed and ε > 0 is small. We provide asymptotics for the eigenvalues and the corresponding eigenfunctions as ε → 0 for any m. In dimension 2 the case when Ω 0 touches the exterior boundary ∂ Ω and Ω 1 gets two cusps at a point O is included into consideration. The possibility to apply the same asymptotic procedure as in the "smooth" case is based on the structure of eigenfunctions in the vicinity of the irregular part. The full asymptotic series as x → O for solutions of the mixed boundary value problem for the Laplace operator in the cuspidal domain is given.


Micro-flow characteristics of jet impacting the wall processing emulsion under ultra-high pressure was researched in the paper.A new method was proposed which organically combines ultra-high pressure technology,micro-channel flow technology and impact streaming technology for the refinement of liquid particles.Aim at the problem of the lack of basic data,three turbulence models of standard model,RNG model and Realizable model were respectively used to calculate three planes,.The advantages and disadvantages of the three models and the their suitable extents of fluid flow field impacting the wall were analyzed and compared,.The result proves that jet can obtain highest energy,and high speed of the jet can has a huge impact crushing effect.Through analysis of the velocity and dynamic pressure results,the best distance can maximize the impacting energy,and effectively solve the optimization of the distance between nozzle exit and the wall.


Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grown by the surface decomposition of SiC were studied by angular-dependent C K-edge near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS) with a linearly polarized X-ray beam. The NEXAFS spectra measured in total electron yield mode showed a distinct angular dependence on π* and σ* resonances and the orientation parameter was tentatively estimated to be 0.38, which is fairly larger than those reported for other vertically aligned CNTs grown by chemical vapor deposition. The high order of the vertical alignment of CNTs grown by the surface decomposition of SiC was demonstrated by NEXAFS measurements for the first time.


Although the matching rules of terrain-aided navigation (TAN) have always been focused on since TAN was put forward, the application adaptability of matching algorithms are also paid attention to with the application of TAN now because the relationship of application conditions with matching precision is so important for matching algorithms that it will decide TAN's efficiency or feasibility directly. In this paper, underwater TAN is studied and terrain contour matching (TERCOM) is applied as the matching algorithm. The effect of terrain characteristics, map resolution, initial INS error, INS precision, vehicle speed, path length, and sonar precision on matching precision is studied respectively by simulation. Some results, which are helpful for the promotion and application of TERCOM, are concluded finally.


Sensing microstructural characteristics of human brain tissue with clinical scanners has been an area of heated debate in the diffusion MRI (dMRI) community. In this work, we propose that diffusion ...


The heat transfer performance of inhomogeneous parallel plate heat exchangers in transient operation is investigated using an established model. A performance parameter, denoted the Nusselt-scaling factor, is used as benchmark and calculated using a well-established single blow technique. A sample of 50 random stacks having equal average channel thicknesses with 20 channels each are used to provide a statistical base. The standard deviation of the stacks is varied as are the flow rate (Reynolds number) and the thermal conductivity of the solid heat exchanger material. It is found that the heat transfer performance of inhomogeneous stacks of parallel plates may be reduced significantly due to the maldistribution of the fluid flow compared to the ideal homogeneous case. The individual channels experience different flow velocities and this further induces an inter-channel thermal cross talk.


The engineering assessment of fire damage to a concrete slab provided the opportunity to compare the results of in situ, nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques and laboratory testing of specimens taken from cores extracted from the fire damaged slab. This paper discusses and compares results of in situ pulse velocity and impact-echo testing with dynamic elastic modulus and air permeability index test results of 25 mm (1 in.) thick disks sawed from concrete cores removed from selected areas of the damaged slab. Both the NDE techniques and the laboratory testing of thin disks identified the presence of damage as a result of the fire. Analysis of the relatively thin concrete specimens permitted assessment of the presence and degree of damage in thin layers, and provided important and useful data on concrete properties for engineering assessment which was not available from NDE alone. Compressive strength results were consistent with the results of other tests but largely inconclusive by themselves. Impact-echo testing was able to identify the presence of a severely deteriorated concrete layer but could not identify the extent or depth of damage or clearly identify less damaged areas. A distressed layer of concrete was found by subsequent laboratory testing to be limited to a near-surface zone in some areas as suggested by the pulse velocity evaluation, but pulse velocity based analysis resulted in an overestimate of the depth of the damage. The findings highlighted a shortcoming of using conventional strength testing alone on investigations involving relatively thin layers of damage and pointed out several key limitations in the use and interpretation of nondestructive evaluation and associated analysis in a field assessment project.


This paper originally proposes a hierarchical development of photovoltaic (PV) simulator for PV system design with different commercial PV modules by directly calling one of the built-in PV models that have well-verified accuracy and sufficient confidence. First, the modular models of some commercial PV modules are built as referenced models only using the available information in the manufacturers' datasheets. Theses PV models are then verified to accurately simulate the electrical characteristics at the standard test condition (STC). Then PV system designers can simply call the referenced model of a commercial PV module to design and assess the output electricity of a PV array with sufficient degree of accuracy and confidence. This paper is aimed to develop the modular PV simulator with user-friendliness, verified accuracy, and reliable confidence for PV system engineers. Introduction Renewable energy is one of the most promising alternatives in face of the issues of environmental change and rising energy demand inducing convention fossil fuel depletion. The features of ubiquity, abundance, and sustainability of solar energy have made photovoltaic (PV) energy conversion being currently considered as the most alternative of choice for clean energy market penetration. With social awareness of PV power systems' potential and value, the worldwide cumulative installed PV power capacity vitally grows with a nearly exponential increase during two decades the global PV market development has been promisingly progressing as much as 30% in more than twenty years and the cumulative installed capacity has reached up to GW 303 at the end of 2016 [1]. These results thanked to the dramatic decline in prices of PV modules and systems, the awareness of environmental protection, and the continuous energy demand in the last years. The performance evaluation and quality assurance for PV system are of increasing importance to optimize the cost-effectiveness of PV power plants. In order to design and assess PV system for power applications, PV system designers can work by using some commercial PV simulators such as PV-SPS (PV Stand-alone Power Systems), PV*SOL, PVsyst, and PV-DesignPro [2]. Furthermore, the System Advisor Model (SAM) is a kind of open and free software developed by combining single-diode, 5-parameter model and maximum power point (MPP) model [3]. However, the accuracy of simulation results for different solar irradiance and cell operating temperatures is still being discussed. In fact, the model accuracy of a PV array simulator for commercial PV modules significantly depends on the model building and parameter configuration. A five-parameter model with one-diode equivalent circuit offers the high-confidence prediction for PV array with commercial PV modules using accurate parameter extraction [4,5]. These substantial advancements improve the prediction and assessment of output power for PV system design; yet assisting PV system engineers and designers remains a user-friendly gap due to interactive interface like commercial simulation software. Modeling and simulation are a principle and indispensable process for PV system design. Simulink is a graphic user interface (GUI) platform that can rapidly and accurately build complex simulation models for linear or nonlinear systems. A modular PV simulator for different commercial modules with trustworthy precision can be used to arrange the series-parallel configuration for PV system design. A reliable PV simulator can further be used to predict and diagnose the output characteristics of PV system for power applications. It is of great importance to accelerate the growth and success of PV technology and industry. Based on our previous study in PV modeling [6,7], this paper is aimed to develop a modular PV simulator to manifest one of the verified PV models of commercial modules using a top-down and button-up methodology in the MATLAB/ Simulink environment. This user-friendly GUI bridges both PV system engineer and theoretical simulation for PV performance and service prediction. Performance prediction through an accurate PV simulator would obtain credible prediction results and have the trustable warning ability for PV monitoring system. The main contribution of this paper is the hierarchical development of a modular PV simulator by calling one of the verified models of commercial PV modules. Both icon and dialog box are designed for end-users with user-friendliness like Simulink block libraries. The demonstration shows the simplicity, user-friendliness, and accuracy. Electrical Characteristics of PV Module and Array Solar cell is basically a p-n semiconductor that can directly convert solar energy into electricity through photovoltaic effect. In most commercially available PV modules, solar cells are arranged in series in order to have high output voltage. To size a PV array, the modules are assembled in a form of series-parallel configuration. These PV devices naturally exhibit nonlinear V I  and V P  characteristics that vary with radiant intensity and cell temperature. The practical PV model that describes the electrical output characteristics is derived as follows. Practical Model of Commercially Available PV Modules. A one-diode five-parameter model can adequately describe the output V I  characteristic of PV devices, which is composed of a photocurrent source, a diode in parallel with a shunt resistor, and a series resistor. A mathematical equivalent circuit model for a solar cell has been studied as shown in Fig. 1a. The mathematical description for characterizing V I  output characteristics is given by SH S S C S PH 1 ) ( exp R IR V IR V A kT q I I I                   (1) where PH I is the light-generated current or photocurrent, S I is the cell saturation of dark current, q is the charge of an electron, k is the Boltzmann's constant, TC is the working temperature of solar cell, A is the ideal factor that depends on PV technology, SH R is the shunt resistance, and S R is the series resistance. Considering a commercial PV module that is arranged in SM N series configuration, the equivalent circuit of a single-diode practical model is then developed as shown in Fig. 1b. The V I  characteristic equation can be described by                                       S SM SH S SM C S PH 1 1 exp IR N V R IR N V A kT q I I I (2) Based on some experimental data about electrical and thermal characteristics under under the standard test condition (STC) with the irradiance of 2 kW/m 1 and the reference cell temperature of C 25  that are available from the PV manufacturer's datasheets, the photocurrent that mainly depends on solar irradiance and cell's temperature is given by STC STC C C I STC SC PH )] ( [ G G T T K I I    (3) where , STC SC I , I K and STC C T are the short circuit current, the temperature coefficient of the short circuit current, the reference cell temperature of a PV module at the STC, respectively. STC G is the standard test irradiance of 2 kW/m 1 and G is the solar irradiance in 2 kW/m . In addition, the cell's saturation current that varies with the cell temperature is given by 3 C G S RS STC STC C C C 1 1 exp T qE I I T kA T T                     (4) where RS I is the cell's reverse saturation current at an operating temperature, G E is the bang gap energy of the semiconductor used in the cell.


Green Area Index (GAI) and Leaf Chlorophyll Content (LCC) are key variables that reflect the potential growth of the canopy. In the past decades, the retrieval of these variables from remote sensing data to generate operational products at high spatial resolution (lower than decametric) was mainly based on 1D radiative transfer model inversion. However, due to the recent advances in computational facility, it is now possible to invert 3D radiative transfer models to improve the operational product accuracy. The use of 3D models allows taking into account more realistic canopy architectures than when using the turbid medium assumption from the 1D radiative transfer models. In this study, we demonstrate the gain in accuracy when inverting crop specific using 3D radiative transfer models as compared to a generic algorithm based on 1D model. We investigate two crops characterized by contrasted architectures along the vegetation cycle, e.g. wheat and maize.


Significance We present an epigenetic switch in the central control of reproduction as a truncated TET1, expressed in proliferating gonadotrope-precursor cells, which inhibits Lhb expression and so must be repressed for reproductive development. Expression of this TET1 isoform is regulated by cis-elements mediating effects of gonadal steroids and PKA, and also a potentially methylated distal enhancer. As this isoform appears more common than the canonical TET1 in other differentiated tissues, our study has broader functional implications outside of the reproductive axis. Furthermore, our findings support the idea that distinct genomic regions are used at different developmental stages or in different tissues, and that a particular sequence can be part of the primary transcript in some tissues or an enhancer RNA in others. The TET enzymes catalyze conversion of 5-methyl cytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethyl cytosine (5hmC) and play important roles during development. TET1 has been particularly well-studied in pluripotent stem cells, but Tet1-KO mice are viable, and the most marked defect is abnormal ovarian follicle development, resulting in impaired fertility. We hypothesized that TET1 might play a role in the central control of reproduction by regulating expression of the gonadotropin hormones, which are responsible for follicle development and maturation and ovarian function. We find that all three TET enzymes are expressed in gonadotrope-precursor cells, but Tet1 mRNA levels decrease markedly with completion of cell differentiation, corresponding with an increase in expression of the luteinizing hormone gene, Lhb. We demonstrate that poorly differentiated gonadotropes express a TET1 isoform lacking the N-terminal CXXC-domain, which represses Lhb gene expression directly and does not catalyze 5hmC at the gene promoter. We show that this isoform is also expressed in other differentiated tissues, and that it is regulated by an alternative promoter whose activity is repressed by the liganded estrogen and androgen receptors, and by the hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone through activation of PKA. Its expression is also regulated by DNA methylation, including at an upstream enhancer that is protected by TET2, to allow Tet1 expression. The down-regulation of TET1 relieves its repression of the methylated Lhb gene promoter, which is then hydroxymethylated and activated by TET2 for full reproductive competence.


Preface: Understanding Globalization: Between Sociology and Philosophy (Peter Wagner). 1. First nature, Second Nature. 2. Globalization. 3. Globalism. 4. Making Enemies. 5. World Peace?. 6. The Global and the Other Totality. 7. The Individual and the Immune System. 8. Jungle and Clearing. 9. False Glows. 10. Creating Space. Notes.