Our understanding of ADAM10 function has undergone a striking evolution during the past 10 years. After its independent identification in the bovine brain (then termed MADM) and invertebrates (sup-17 in Caenorhabditis elegans and kuzbanian in Drosophila melanogaster) it was first characterized as a key player in the Notch pathway in both flies and nematodes and as a candidate Amyloid Precursor Protein α-secretase in mammals. From that point on, the list of ADAM10 substrates expanded rapidly, and at present includes adhesion molecules (cadherins, CD44, L1), guideposts of cell migration and axon navigation (robo receptors, ephrins) and more recently key signaling factors of the immune system. An especially fascinating aspect of ADAM10 function is the high proportion of substrates that are further processed by I- Clips like γ-secretase in regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP), as if γ ADAM10 were the "RIPping ADAM". However, important putative functions of this protein still prove to be surprisingly tough to address. First, for several substrates like APP there appears to exist a considerable overlap and mutual compensation with other metalloproteases, which makes it difficult to define the in vivo relevance of α-secretase activity identified by overexpression in vitro, the more so as knockout models have so far failed to confirm this function. Second, essential results in ADAM10 research like Notch site 2 cleavage have been obtained in invertebrate models. Even if the underlying assumption that ADAM10 is the orthologue of sup-17 and kuzbanian has so far worked surprisingly well, there is some evidence that important functions of sup-17 or kuzbanian may be spread over several of the more numerous mammalian ADAMs. Finally, the structural model of ADAM10 clearly predicts additional functions as a disintegrin or a cell fusion protein.


This paper presents a comparative analysis of two families of improved Nyquist filters with a piece-wise parabolic frequency characteristic. Their construction is based on a novel ap ...


The purpose of this retrospective study utilising a chart review was to determine the survival of single implant-supported restorations in distal end partially edentulous arches and identify factors associated with biological and mechanical complications of those restorations. A total of 132 participants (M = 66.8 years) from the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry clinics were included. Follow-up ranged from 7 to 119 months (M = 58.2 month). Out of 149 implants, seven (4.7%) failed during the follow-up period. No predictors of biological complications were statistically significant. However, light occlusion was associated with significantly fewer mechanical complications compared to evenly distributed occlusion. In this study, light occlusion associated with fewer chipped restorations, fewer loosened screws/crowns, and fewer fractured crowns. These findings suggest that implant-supported single restorations have high survival rates over a mean follow-up for five years.


Greek Abstract: Το άρθρο eξeτάζeι eπίκαιρα eρωτήματα ως προς το δικαίωμα του αγοραστή να αξιώσeι αντικατάσταση του eλαττωματικού πράγματος. Eξeτάζeι την απόφαση του ΔEE στις συνeκδικασθeίσeς υποθέσeις Gebr. Weber και Putz και συμπeραίνeι ότι τα οικeία άρθρα 534 eπ. Αστικού Κώδικα, χάρη στη γeνική και αφηρημένη διατύπωσή τους, eίναι ιδιαίτeρα πρόσφορα στην eπιβαλλόμeνη σύμφωνη μe την οδηγία 1999/44 eρμηνeία.English Abstract: The article addresses current issues of the buyer's right to seek replacement in case of non-conformity of the goods delivered. It discusses the ECJ Judgment in joined cases Gebr. Weber and Putz and concludes that the abstract wording of the relevant Sections 534 et seq. Greek Civil Code leaves enough room for the appropriate interpretation in accordance with the Sales Directive 1999/44.


With the growth in population and energy demand for not only electricity but also ordinary heat source for human lives on the one hand, the global climate crisis on the other hand, we have to establish consensus of available energy resources in accordance with sustainable development. With regards to this fact, effective use of nuclear energy is indispensable. From this point of view, an innovative PWR concept that uses carbon-coated particle fuels moderated by graphite as that of HTGR but cooled by pressurized light water has been studied. The aim of this concept is to take both the best advantages of fuel integrity against fission products release and the reliability of PWR technology based on the long operational experience. The purpose of this study is to optimize loading pattern of burnable poison (BP) in the proposed core in order to suppress excess reactivity during a cycle. Although there are many parameters to be determined for optimization of the usage of BP, the emphasis is put here on loading patterns of Gadolinia in an assembly and in the core. We investigated the burnup characteristics of the core varying the amount of BP in a fuel rod, the number of BP-rods inmore » an assembly, and the number of BP-assemblies in the core. The result suggested that Gadolinia was more suitable for this reactor than Boron as BP, and it was possible to make the reactivity swing negligible by combining at least three kinds of BP-assemblies in which the amount of Gadolinia was different. Therefore the requirement for the number of control rods was reduced and it meant that Control Rod Programming would become easier. (authors)« less


arkinson disease (PD) is a multifactorial and multisystem condition; 1 its heterogeneity manifests in the spread of neurotransmitter involvement, the wide range of evident motor and non-motor symptoms with possible subtypes, and the complex time line of PD, including a prodromal, motor and palliative phase. 2 PD affects people of all races and ethnicities worldwide. The epidemiology of PD among various ethnic groups has been poorly studied and the data arising have been contra-dictory, with a suggestion that PD is relatively more frequent in Western populations. 3,4 However, systematic surveys do not con fi rm this observation, and local studies have suggested that Asian and African people may express phenotypic variants of PD. 5-7 In addition, there have been reports of ethnic variation in the frequency of known PD genes, including leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 ( LRRK2 ) and glucocerebrosidase ( GBA ). 8 As an analogy with other neurological conditions, such as essential tremor, 9 multiple sclerosis 10 and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, 11 differences between ethnicities have been reported in prevalence, incidence and clinical presentation. Ethnic differences are therefore important to explore, as this might improve awareness of these conditions in underserved communities and address inequalities in health care delivery worldwide. 12,13 Our review aims to summarise some key studies emphasising the importance of research investigating ethnicity and PD. We used PubMed to analyse original and review articles, and specialist society publications and guidelines for


This study aims to analyze the performance of PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero), Tbk Period of 2011-2017 due to the phenomenon of its stock price decreasing relative to the IPO price. Analysis of this study using the variables Current Ratio (CR), Debt to Equity Ratio (DER), Total Asset Turn Over (TATO), Return On Equity (ROE), Price Earning Ratio (PER), Market Value Added (MVA), and Company Size (Size). Based on the analysis, only the DER and MVA variables have a significant, the other variables have not significant. Where DER has negative effect and MVA has a positive effect on stock prices. R 2 value of 0.7436 means 74.36% of the stock price is influenced by CR, DER, TATO, ROE, PER, MVA, and Size, while 25.64% is influenced by other factors. The results of the DER analysis is states that the greater the debt, the higher the risk that the company will bear. The results of MVA analysis is states that investors will be attracted to companies that have good MVA values. To increase stock prices, it is recommended that the GIAA need to reduce debt levels and increase MVA.


THE OTHER MINERS CALLED HIM BOY, because they were older. The other miners often laughed at him because he talked funny. But, when you go to college, you talk funny, if you learn. The superintendent treated him nice and told him his son had got kicked out of college too. The boy picked slate and told jokes. The other men complained about wages and benefits. When they asked the boy why he was so happy, he said, "I was just thinking of all those rocks I threw for free when I was a child." The other slate pickers didn't like his talk. When he told his fellow workers at a dog hole mine that he hoped the union was successful— he would like a raise— they said We ain't union. You're crazy. We ain't union. What has the union got to do with us, but keep us from working? The superintendent called him in the office for coffee. The superintendent said, "Son, you need to learn to keep your mouth shut tight. I understand, but a lot of people won't." A month later, people were mad at the boy again. The shotfirer's brother didn't get a job on the shooting crew. The acting section foreman's son-in-law didn't get a job on the shooting crew. Nearly every inside miner was angry, because the boy had the job many people wanted for a family member. The boy behaved strangely—they said he was the first inside miner who wanted to go back out and pick slate. He told them that working inside was ruining his poetry —he wanted to be Jonathan Swift, not William Faulkner. Nobody knew who they were, but they guessed these were among the strange people the boy talked about. The other miners laughed because the boy was the mine's biggest klutz. One day he was supposed to go down one way and he got lost. The shot went through and covered up where the boy was supposed to be, by accident. When the break shot through, the other miners went to check on the boy. The boy was all confused because he had got lost. They teased him about wanting to be an electrician, as he professed, and said he would never last in the mines.


To what extent are authors morally culpable for harms caused by their published work? Can authors be culpable even if their ideas are misused, perhaps because they failed to take precautions to prevent harmful misinterpretations? Might authors be culpable even if they do take precautions − if, for example, they publish ideas that others can be reasonably expected to put to harmful uses, precautions notwithstanding? Although complete answers to these questions depend upon controversial views about the right to free speech, this paper argues that five notions from the philosophy of law and legal practice − liability, burden of proof, legal causation, mens rea, and reasoning by precedent − can be adapted to provide an attractive moral framework for determining whether an author's work causes harm, whether and how culpable the author is for causing such harm, steps authors may take to immunize themselves from culpability, and how to responsibly develop new rules for publishing ethics.


Find the secret to improve the quality of life by reading this the innocents abroad or the new pilgrims progress being some account of the steamship quaker citys pleasure excursion to europe and the holy land. This is a kind of book that you need now. Besides, it can be your favorite book to read after having this book. Do you ask why? Well, this is a book that has different characteristic with others. You may not need to know who the author is, how well-known the work is. As wise word, never judge the words from who speaks, but make the words as your good value to your life.


A model for anionic surfactant sorption to soils, sediments, and sludges is proposed. It relates the partition coefficient that characterizes the linear, low-concentration, portion of the isotherm to the surfactant critical micelle concentration as a measure of hydrophobicity, to either the organic carbon fraction or the cation-exchange capacity of the particles, and to the particle concentration itself. The particle interaction model is used as the framework for the latter effect. The available data span the low particle concentration region as well as the asymptotic region where only particle concentration controls the extent of sorption.


Several of the frontier problems in low energy nucleon-antinucleon phenomenology are addressed. Spin observables and dynamical selection rules in N anti N annihilation are used as examples of phenomena which offer particularly strong constraints on theoretical models, formulated either in terms of meson and baryon exchange or as effective operators in a non-perturbative quark-gluon picture. 24 refs.


An improved computational form of the discrete Kalman filter is derived using an upper triangular factorization of the error covariance matrix. The covariance P is factored such that P = UDUT where U is unit upper triangular and D is diagonal. Recursions are developed for propagating the U-D covariance factors together with the corresponding state estimate. The resulting algorithm, referred to as the U-D filter, combines the superior numerical precision of square root filtering techniques with an efficiency comparable to that of Kalman's original formula. Moreover, this method is easily implemented and involves no more computer storage than the Kalman algorithm. These characteristics make the U-D method an attractive realtime filtering technique. A new covariance error analysis technique is obtained from an extension of the U-D filter equations. This evaluation method is flexible and efficient and may provide significantly improved numerical results. Cost comparisons show that for a large class of problems the U-D evaluation algorithm is noticeably less expensive than conventional error analysis methods.


To the Editor:

In a recent report, Watanabe et al[1][1] reported that adenoviral vectors can mediate gene transfer to CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells. A subsequent letter to the editor suggested alternate interpretations for some of the data.[2][2] These communications reflect a broader debate


Objective To investigate the clinical effect of parietial cell and gastroepiploil vagotomy in the treatment of complication due to acute perforation of duodenal ulcer.Methods The data of 117 patients in the treatment of complications due to acute perforation of duodenal ulcer by parietial cell and gastroepiploil vagotomy from February in 1991 to February in 2002 were analysed at our hospital.Results To tally 86 cases patients were followed up in 117 case patients and the follow up incidence was 73%.During postoperative follow up 1~10 years(mean 6 years),ulcer recurrence was 2.3%,restenosis was 3.5%,and no recurrent hemorrhage.Visick classification,84.9% belong to grade Ⅰ,9.3% grade Ⅱ,3.5% grade Ⅲ and 2.3% grade Ⅳ,94.2% grade Ⅰand Ⅱ.Conclusion The long term effect of parietial cell and gastroepiploil vagotomy is better than one of simple operation mend due to acute perforation of duodenal ulcer.


In these preliminary studies, this Ceditest® ELISA test has shown promise as a screening tool to detect BVDV circulation in an unvaccinated herd or a herd vaccinated with one of the killed BVDV vaccines tested here without the need for whole herd testing.


This study explored the perceptions of academic staff towards admission of students with disabilities, and their accommodation once accepted into an undergraduate Civil Engineering program in a South African university. Qualitative responses relating to the perceptions of five academic staff were obtained through semi-structured interviews. The academic staff had limited interactions with persons with disabilities prior to the study. They were also uninformed about disability issues. However they were willing to admit and accommodate students with disabilities in the undergraduate Civil Engineering program. The perceived attitudes of the academic staff towards people with disabilities, and their knowledge and awareness about disability issues may negatively impact the accommodation of students with disabilities in the program. In 1997, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reported the outcome of a survey that gathered information on students with disabilities in 24 universities in 11 Englishspeaking African countries, including South Africa (UNESCO, 1997). The survey was carried out to assist universities in Africa to develop policies and practices regarding the needs of students with disabilities, as well as strengthening cooperation between universities in the field of disability. The survey was based on the principles of United Nations Standard Rules of Equalization of Opportunities for People with Disabilities (Hendriks, 1995). The questionnaire for the survey was completed by the key person responsible for students with disabilities in each participating university. The survey revealed that a majority of students with disabilities in participating universities had physical or visual impairments, but only few of the universities had written policies regarding how to address the needs of such students. Some of the universities did not encourage students with disabilities to register for certain courses which required a lot of field work. Participating universities considered accessibility as the biggest problem in accommodating students with disabilities, and tended to solve problems whenever they arose. The report therefore recommended the need to be pro-active in ensuring that a supportive environment is created before students with disabilities are recruited into academic programs. Similar recommendation was later made by Rao (2004) after research reported that the attitudes among students and academic staff towards persons with disabilities were part of the inhibitory factors to accommodating students with disabilities in tertiary education. Unfortunately, the attitudes of academic staff in higher institutions towards students with disabilities was least researched. Therefore, Rao (2004) specifically advocated for qualitative studies to find out the perceptions of academic staff regarding teaching students with disabilities that may involve making accommodations. For students with disabilities, participation in higher education is a matter of equal opportunity and empowerment (Fuller, Bradley, & Healey, 2004). Globally, there are reports of marginal increases in the proportion of such students in higher education, ranging from 0.09% of students in higher education in Tanzania to 11.7% in Austria (Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, 2009; Fuller et al., 2004; Goode, Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 24(1) 54 2007; Hadjikakou & Hartas, 2008; Shevlin, Kenny, & Mcneela, 2004; Tinklin, Riddell, & Wilson, 2004). Literature on admission of students with disabilities in higher education focused on physical barriers to access, problems in accessing curricula, and negative attitudes towards the students, among others (Opie & Taylor, 2008). The literature also highlighted factors that influenced the attitudes of academics towards students with disabilities, namely previous contacts and interactions with persons with disabilities, knowledge about disability issues, and willingness to accommodate the students, among other factors (Dupoux, Wolman, & Estrada, 2005; Konur, 2006; Rao, 2004), However, the development of public policies regarding the direct access to higher education by students with disabilities has been a major driving force for increased participation (Konur, 2006). The institutions of higher education provide various forms of support to accommodate students with disabilities, the most common forms being extended time for examination or alternative test formats, course substitutions or waivers, and assistive devices including audio tapes (Quick, Lehmann, & Deniston, 2003). It has been argued that a global perspective on disability issues is needed to avoid assuming that developments in one country are the norm (Dupoux et al., 2005). While most industrialised nations like the USA have developed systematic measures to deal with access to higher education by students with disabilities (Dupoux et al., 2005; Vogel, Leyser, Burgstahler, Sligar, & Zecker, 2006), emerging nations like South Africa, South Korea, and Haiti are still in the process of articulating and implementing policies that guarantee the accommodation of students with disabilities in higher education (Dupoux et al., 2005; Kwon, 2005; Losinsky, Levi, Saffey, & Jelsma, 2003). A cross-cultural study across four continents on the attitudes of teachers toward integration of students with disabilities revealed that teachers in Germany and the United States had more positive attitudes than those in Ghana, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Israel (Dupoux et al., 2005). A survey of three higher education institutions in South Africa revealed that only 0.4% of the students' population reported having any form of disability (Crous, 2004), compared to about 10% or more in the more industrialized nations like the USA, UK and Germany (Fuller et al., 2004). The setting where the current study was carried out was one of the 7 universities in South Africa which participated in the survey conducted by UNESCO (1997). The UNESCO survey revealed that there were only 30 students with disabilities out of about 10,500 students in the university (0.3%) at the time of the survey. These students were enrolled in law, arts, commercial studies, social work and administration. At the same time, the university was also working on a policy document on how to accommodate students with disabilities. However, by 2004, the university had committed itself to making tertiary education and the working environment accessible and inclusive of all students and staff, including those with disabilities (University of Kwazulu Natal [UKZN], 2004). The number of students with disabilities in the university has also increased to approximately 200 out of a student population of 36 805 in 2009 (0.5%). Units to provide academic and non-academic assistance to students with disabilities, named Disability Units, have been established on the five campuses of the university. Support services available to the students included continuous liaison with the academic departments where the students are registered, counselling, obtaining permission for extended time adjustment during exams, and providing audio tape facilities for lectures. In addition, a 5-day course on Disability Studies was offered in 2008 with a view to introducing it as part of the induction program for new university staff in order to raise awareness about disability. In spite of the achievements in the particular university, the first author (NM), who was a staff of the Disability Unit at the time of this study, observed that students with disabilities were still under-represented in the Faculties of Science and Engineering because of a misconception among the academic staff that students with disabilities could not fulfil all the criteria required to complete the academic programs. Therefore, this study was initiated to explore the perceptions of academics towards accommodating students with disabilities who may be admitted into the undergraduate Civil Engineering program in the university. Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction and maintenance of the physical and natural built environment, including bridges, roads, canals, dams, and buildings. The university offers a 4-year undergraduate program in civil engineering, comprising courses such as structures, steel and concrete materials, geotechnics, surveying, hydraulics, water supply and waste water treatment, and transportation. The program is fully accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (UKZN, 2004). Mayat & Amosun; Accommodating Students with Disabilities 55


By the background of International SAMPE Symposium Expo 2003 in USA, to discuss the retrospection and outlook of composite development.


Over the past two decades, the growth of the Internet and the development of newer computer-mediated communication (CMC) technologies have multiplied opportunities for communicating in other languages beyond the traditional educational settings. Learners are stimulated by the sheer amount of contacts they can make with people all over the world, and are more motivated to acquire the cross-linguistic and cross-cultural skills they need to participate in global communication spaces. This study focuses on the metacognitive awareness raised, motivation enhanced and empowerment fostered in the e-collaborative language and translation classes offered in the past fifteen years, after analyzing the forms of interaction, collaboration and co-construction of knowledge learners experienced online, as filtered through quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques applied to the data collected from learners' interactions and reports. The suggestion is that social practice in virtual environments can provide a theoretical lens that allows researchers to examine language and translation learning in ways that other perspectives do not.


The article reviews the art exhibition "Whose Land? Whose Art" by artist Lin Yilin at the Tang Contemporary Art gallery in Bangkok, Thailand from December 15, 2010-January 15, 2011.


The increasing availability of online tools helps support computing students via feedback to gain more practice in programming at their own pace. Due to the lack of educators' insights into students' independent practice with such online tools and their feedback options, this research aims at the evaluation of tutoring feedback types offered by the exemplary online tool CodingBat. In particular, students' use of tutoring feedback types, as well as their effects on the cognitive, meta-cognitive and motivational level are investigated. The exploratory research methodology comprises a qualitative thinking aloud study with five novice learners of programming. The transcribed protocols were analyzed by using qualitative content analysis and deductive categories that originate from previous research on feedback effects and their observable and reportable indicators. The qualitative results reveal insights into students' use of feedback, effects of feedback types on the cognitive, meta-cognitive and motivational level, as well as the importance of tutoring feedback including hints and a sample solution. The results of this applied, qualitative research add to the exploration of recommendations for the design of tutoring feedback in the context of self-paced online exercises for novice programmers. The findings further imply that automatically generated tutoring feedback seems to be helpful even without information that is adapted to the individual learner's input.


Education research paradigms embrace speculative,quantitative and qualitative paradigms.Although the in emergence has the order,because the richness of education research objects and the shortcoming of each paradigms,it does not lead to the phenomenon that one paradigm substitutes another in the domain of education research,but the co-existence and integration of the three paradigms.


MoBI-Box is an inexpensive, portable, and ergonomic desktop system for simultaneously measuring and integrating multiple types of biosignals that transpire at different time scales and levels of organization. It can be assembled from readily available, off-the-shelf components and customized to suit specific needs. It can be implemented in a wide range of settings, including homes, classrooms, clinics, and research labs for only a modest start-up cost (beginning around $1200). MoBI-Box systems are currently in use for a number of training and research applications. This paper will outline an ongoing project to explore the impact of motor imagery on learning of a complex skill with both motoric and conceptual elements - namely, learning Mandarin orthography. Findings have implications for the development of training systems in other specialized domains that require not only kinesthetic expertise, but also specialized knowledge.


Objective To study the role of ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in diaphragm of COPD rats.Mathods Thirty rats were divided into a normal control group and a COPD group.COPD model was established by exposure to cigarette smoke for three months.The protein levels of E2-14k and proteasome subunit C8 in diaphragms were measured by Western blot.The mRNA levels of ubiquitin and proteasome subunit C2 in diaphragms were measured by means of realtime polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).Results Compared with the control group,the protein expression of E2-14k increased significantly in the COPD group(0.81±0.28 vs 0.50±0.25,P0.05),but C8 protein level was not significantly different between the two groups(P0.05).The mRNA expression of ubiquitin increased significantly in the COPD group(0.89±0.20 vs 0.50±0.15,P0.05),but C2 mRNA level was not significantly different between the two groups(P0.05).Conclusions The mRNA and protein expressions of ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in diaphragm increased significantly in COPD rats,suggesting that the activity of ubiquitin-proteasome pathway increased,which lead to an increase of protein degradation.


Protein hydrolysate based parenteral alimentation solutions contain approximately equal quantities of peptides and amino acids. Peptide utilization in young infants alimented with such solutions varies according to the batch of hydrolysate used. With some batches infants fail to tolerate infusion of full strength solution (2.5% Amigen-25% glucose) exhibiting dehydration, with excretion of a hyperosmolar urine containing reducing substances other than glucose. Chromatograms of urinary amino acids from these infants show a number of ninhydrin positive peaks not found in urine of other infants parenterally alimented. Compounds isolated from urine were shown to be specific sugar-amino acid complexes formed during heat sterilization of the 5% Amigen-5% glucose used as the base solution in our hospital. Cold sterilization of 5%Amigen-5% glucose solutions eliminated these compounds. The quantity of such compounds varied from batch to batch, increased with storage time, and was roughly proportional to the quantity of yellow-orange color. During parenteral alimentation, they appear to be completely excreted in urine, leading to the osmotic effect noted.


The countries of the African Great Lakes Region have an agriculture-based economy. The East African highland banana is a key staple crop for the local population, providing both food and cash. At regional scale, on-farm banana yields are low (5-30 t.ha-1.year-1), and yield declines have been repeatedly reported. Farmers and scientists often stated that poor and declining soil fertility is one of the dominant factors hampering the production. Systems are under increasing pressure due to (i) decreasing farm sizes due to the growing population, and (ii) the non-use of fertilizer combined with encouragements to have farmers sell their produce to the (local) market. In these constrained systems, farmers' management of organic matter inputs is suggested to be a key factor driving soil fertility evolution. By combining field observations and measurements, classic laboratory analyses on soil and plant samples, and X-Ray Diffractometry on fine earth and textural fractions (sand, silt and clay), we attempted to evaluate the contribution of geology and human activities to the soil fertility in four banana-producing regions around the African Great Lakes (Ntungamo (SW Uganda), Butare, Kibungo and Ruhengeri (all in Rwanda)). The soils at Ruhengeri are Andosols developed on volcanic rocks. Weatherable primary minerals still remain in those soils, explaining their high total reserves in bases (TRB, mean=382meq/100gr (N=40)). These soils contrast with the Acrisols or Nitisols of Ntungamo, Butare or Kibungo. There, TRB is relatively low (24-128meq/100gr, mean=64meq/100gr (N=168)) as soils are old and weathered. Differences in parent rocks in the latter three regions (resp. micaschist, granite and pelitic rocks) stand out by an opposition between the soils of Ntungamo and Butare, on one hand, and those of Kibungo, on the other hand. The former are rich in silica (resp. on average 77 (N=30) and 70%SiO2 (N=102)) and total iron represents only 3-5%wt in the fine earth. The soils in Kibungo have a lower SiO2 content (mean=39%, N=38) and contain more crystalline iron oxides (mean=13%Fe2O3 (N=38); (Feo/FeDCB)mean= 4% and (FeDCB/Fetot)mean= 77% (N=11)). Stabilization of organic matter by iron oxides could be hypothesized to explain the higher carbon contents in the Kibungo soils and hence their higher global fertility (higher pH, CEC, exchangeable bases content). The contribution of minerals and organic matter to soil nutrient content has also been assessed by the comparison between the nutrient contents in surface horizons and those at depth. For the three regions, total Ca, Mg and K contents (resp. 9.4-27.8, 9.3-16.7, 11.6-37.8 meq/100gr) are usually higher in surface horizons than at depth (>100cm, resp. 1.5-6.2, 7.5-8.8, 5.2-46.6 meq/100gr) where organic matter content is significantly reduced. Organic matter contributes to soil fertility as a nutrient source but also through its influence on the chemical and physical properties of soils. Hence, total carbon content (%Ctot) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) are intimately related (CEC = 4.26%Ctot + 0.06%clay + 0.94 (R²=0.89; N=84)). For surface horizons, %Ctot explains between 55 and 89% of CEC. In the old and weathered soils of the Great Lakes Region, organic matter is a major contributor to soil nutrient contents, both as a source of nutrients as through its influence on nutrient retention. In the prevailing low-input systems, the management of organic resources is thus a key issue in maintaining the soil fertility and in insuring the sustainability of the system.


The invention discloses a radial tire body cord fabric layer part and a preparation technique. Substrate rubber, an anti-aging system, a reinforcing system, a bonding system, a vulcanizing system and a radiosensitization agent are mixed into a mixture according to proportion; the mixture after being mixed in an internal mixer is manufactured into a radial tire body cord fabric layer part. The beam current penetrating energy of an electron accelerator is adjusted on the lower transmission device of the lower constant tension traction beam of the electron accelerator to carry out radiation treatment on the tire body cord fabric layer part; under the condition of limited oxygen radiation, the radiation pre-curing treatment on the radial tire body cord fabric layer part is accomplished. The rubber material of the tire body cord fabric layer treated by radiation of the invention has a high green intensity, has stable structure size and performance, reduces the thickness of the cord fabric layer, consumes less rubber, has a high production efficiency, saves energies, reduces the investment cost and protection cost, is beneficial to protecting the environment and improves the quality of the radial tire.


As the rising production,blueberry became more and more important in the world competition.Starting from the international and national situation of blueberry industry development,the characteristics of the production,cultivation and sales of blueberry were studied.And based on this,suggestions on the development of the blueberry industry in China were put forward.


The paper describes the method and design of the experimental setup for investigating the single-piece separation process in magazine loader of shoe machines, in which an additional mechanism for vertical shock impact on the stack of parts in the initial moment of single-piece separation is used to improve the single-piece separation conditions. The influence of factors such as single-piece separation force, vertical shock pulse and the number of parts in the stack on the single-piece separation process was examined. It was found that using the shock pulse allows to reduce the single-piece separation force by 30-40% compared to its value in the separation of parts from the stack without the shock pulse. It can be concluded about the feasibility of using the shock impact on the stack of parts in magazine loader of shoe machines to reduce the single-piece separation force and thus improve the separation process conditions.


BACKGROUND
Nickel activates the signaling pathways through oxygen sensing mechanism and the signaling cascades that controls hypoxia-inducible transcriptional gene expressions through oxidative stress. This review emphasizes on the recent updates of nickel toxicities on oxidant and antioxidant balance, molecular interaction of nickel and its signal transduction through low oxygen microenvironment in in-vivo physiological system.

DISCUSSION
Nickel and oxidative stress: Nickel alters intracellular chemical microenvironment by increasing ionized calcium concentration, lipid peroxidation, cyclooxygenase, constitutive nitric oxide synthase, leukotriene B4, prostaglandin E2, interleukins, tumor necrosis factor-α, caspases, complement activation, heat shock protein 70 kDa and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. The oxidative stress induced by nickel is responsible for the progression of metastasis. It has been observed that nickel exposure induces the generation of reactive oxygen species which leads to the increased expression of p53, NF-kβ, AP-1, and MAPK. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) prevents lipid peroxidation, oxidation of low-density lipoproteins and advanced oxidation protein products. The mechanism involves that vitamin C is capable to reduce ferric iron to ferrous iron in the duodenum thus availability of divalent ferrous ion increases which competes with nickel (a divalent cation itself) and reduces its intestinal absorption and reduced nickel toxicities.

CONCLUSION
Reports suggested the capability of ascorbic acid as a regulatory factor to influence gene expression, apoptosis and other cellular functions of living system exposed to heavy metals including nickel.


Nanostructures specifically responsive to endogenous biomolecules hold great potential in accurate diagnosis and precision therapy of cancers. In the pool of nanostructures with responsiveness to unique triggers, nanomaterials derived from DNA self-assembly have drawn particular attention due to their intrinsic biocompatibility and structural programmability, enabling the selective bioimaging, and site-specific drug delivery in cancer cells and tumor tissues. In this mini review, we summarize the most recent advances in the development of endogenous stimuli-responsive DNA nanostructures featured with precise self-assembly, targeted delivery, and controlled drug release for cancer theranostics. This mini review briefly discusses the diverse dynamic DNA nanostructures aiming at bioimaging and biomedicine, including DNA self-assembling materials, DNA origami structures, DNA hydrogels, etc. We then elaborate the working principles of DNA nanostructures activated by biomarkers (e.g., miRNA, mRNA, and proteins) in tumor cells and microenvironments of tumor tissue (e.g., pH, ATP, and redox gradient). Subsequently, applications of the endogenous stimuli-responsive DNA nanostructures in biological imaging probes for detecting cancer hallmarks as well as intelligent carriers for drug release in vivo are discussed. In the end, we highlight the current challenges of DNA nanotechnology and the further development of this promising research direction.


A 2-D visualization system for gaseous ethanol is constructed and tested in visualization of standard gaseous ethanol and maturation of fruit. This visualization system measures ethanol concentrations as intensities of chemiluminescence (CL) by luminol reaction induced by alcohol oxidase and a horseradish peroxidase-luminol-hydrogen peroxide system. Conversion of ethanol distribution and concentration to 2-D CL is conducted on an enzyme-immobilized mesh that contains alcohol oxidase, horseradish peroxidase and luminol solution. We visualize ethanol emission from a pear with maturation in which the concentration is typically at sub-parts per million (sub-ppm) level. Thus, a high-purity luminol sodium salt HG solution and an enhancer of fluorescence dye of eosin Y are optimized for the improvement of chemiluminescent intensity for visualization. The detection limit is improved sub-ppm using these solutions. Owing to high sensitivity, the emission of gaseous ethanol during La France pear (Pyruscommnis L.) maturation is successfully visualized and the intensity of each pixel is the reflection of ethanol concentrations. Therefore, this system is sufficiently useful for assessment of ethanol measurement for the maturation characteristic.


An approach for performing mesh adaptation in numerical simulation of two-dimensional unsteady flow is presented.A predictor-corrector step is introduced in the process of"solving flow equations-adjusting mesh".At first,flowfield during an adaptation period is precomputed to produce a posteriori error estimate.Then,an indicator for mesh adaptation in which solution progression is taken into account is constructed.Adaptive mesh is generated through multi-level refinement / unrefinement.Finally,unsteady flow field is recomputed on the new adaptive mesh.In each adaptation period,mesh is refined in regions where solution evolves and is unrefined in regions where phenomena deviate since the last adaptation.A non-boundary-conforming method named local domain-free discretization is employed to solve flow equations.To validate the method,we simulated unsteady flows over a circular cylinder and a self-propelled swimming fish.


An impeller 100 for an electric blower includes an upper plate 110, a lower plate 120, and a blade 130 positioned there between. The lower plate includes a burring part 121 (e.g.a boss) formed at an inner diameter portion thereof, to which a shaft 200 is insertedly coupled. The burring part increases the contact area of the lower plate with the shaft. The burring part may protrude vertically towards the upper plate.


The paper puts forward a new concept of government affair chain(GAC).In addition,it includes the establishment of structure model and function mechanism of GAC as well as the analyses on the meaning of government affair chain management(GACM).


The Bio-Inspired System focuses on the creation of an effective system model for massive network applications and is being widely developed. However, the system has a problem-difficulty implementing three features in the system, which includes scalability, adaptability and survivability. To solve this problem, we designed an Ecogent as a multiple intelligence agent, and a Bio-platform to address the three features of scalability, adaptability and survivability. The Bio-Inspired System Platform consists of an ERS (Ecogent Runtime Services) Platform and a Bio-Platform. The ERS platform serves the basic functions of mobile agents, such as Registration, Life Cycle, Migration, Communication, Location and Fault Tolerance. The Bio-Platform includes the functions of Evolution Control and Stigmergy Control to address evolution and adaptation.


Performing tests on complicated systems can be very expensive and having a good model that describes the true system well can significantly reduce cost. This is certainly true for testing of a high ...


Based on field investigation and analysis,the formation conditions of the debris flow occurred in Bayi Gully,LongChi,Dujiangyan,like topography,water source and sediment source,were analyzed.The characteristics and formation of debris flow were elaborated and dynamic parameters were calculated,which were the density of 1.88 g·cm-3,discharge of 1 082 m3·s-1,and yield stress of debris flows more than 6 700 Pa.The total volume of sediment in debris flows were estimated at 116×104 m3,the large boulder involving in debris flows in depositional fans have powerful impact force.Finally,the development trend of the debris flow was predicted.Because there are a lot of collapse and landslide in the drainage basins,so it have maximum possibility of happening large-scale debris flow in continuous heavy rainfall.


A new firewall of image content filtering is attempted to be present in this article,it analyzes content based on web page logo,and synthetically using many kinds of arithmetic to compare with similarity of every logo,then decides to filter the web page or not.Because this type of image is small,and filter speed is fast,this method can be used to improve defect which is about image content filtering in present firewall,enhance the ability of filtering and the speed of filtering in the firewall.


Ground rupture due to groundwater pumping is a major environmental hazard accompanying land subsidence in some areas. Ground ruptures usually develop when a significant compaction affects a sedimentary sequence with peculiar geological conditions, for example, the presence of a shallow bedrock with buried ridges. A laboratory test was developed with the aim at improving our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for rupture generation in this particular hydrogeological setting, typical, for instance, of the Guangming village, China. A 0.8‐m high concrete prism, representing a rocky ridge, was placed in a 4.0‐m long, 1.8‐m wide, and 1.4‐m high box and buried by alluvial material. The box was saturated and then drained, with the formation of a main crack above the prism‐shaped ridge. The measured water content, vertical displacements, strains, rupture initiation, and growth are analyzed through an original coupled 3D‐numerical model, simulating the variably saturated groundwater flow in a deformable and fractured porous medium. To our knowledge, this is the first application of such a kind of model to a lab‐scale experiment. Despite the uncertainty on the material parameters, the numerical model allows satisfactorily reproducing the observed groundwater flow, land subsidence, and rupture features (depth and width). The rupture dynamics is captured in part as well, despite the employment of a simple Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion and although other forces (e.g., electrochemical) may likely play a role at the metric scale of the lab test. The modeling outcomes provide a clear view on how the rupture develops from the surface and propagates downward.


Current era is hallmarked by humongous development in medical imaging which includes both radiation based radiological and nuclear medicine procedures and non-radiation based procedures like ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Medical imaging has significantly improved the quality of health care by making it safer by providing less invasive methods for diagnosis and treatment. It is imperative that radiologists and nuclear physicians who have imaging-focused education must be trained and have experience to provide patients with the safest, most effective medical imaging with most accurate diagnostic interpretations. Appropriate use of medical imaging remains a cornerstone of high quality medical care. In recent years there has been growing but valid concerns over the deleterious effects of ionizing radiations and morbidity associated with injected contrast and radiopharmaceuticals. Due to these concerns, appropriate use criteria have been published by various professional societies, encompassing that potential benefits should outweighed the risk of imaging procedure that is being performed.


We study the Cauchy problem for the half Ginzburg-Landau-Kuramoto (hGLK) equation with the second order elliptic operator having rough coefficients and potential type perturbation. The blow-up of solutions for hGLK equation with non-positive nonlinearity is shown by an ODE argument. The key tools in the proof are appropriate commutator estimates and the essential self-adjointness of the symmetric uniformly elliptic operator with rough metric and potential type perturbation.


Abstract : The attacks of September 11, 2001 and the resulting combat operations in Afghanistan compelled the Armed Forces to thoroughly review and revise current warfighting concepts to determine if they are adaptable to changing technologies, threats and missions. The Services are moving forward with transformation roadmaps to build a capabilities-based force, but what has not moved as quickly is a clear understanding of how to execute effects-based operations in a complex and challenging contemporary operating environment. Effects-based operations (EBO) are, Operations planned, executed, assessed, and adapted based on a holistic understanding of the operational environment in order to influence or change system behavior or capabilities using the integrated application of selected instruments of power to achieve directed policy aims. (USJFCOM, 2004, 2) EBO expands our warfighting concepts and capabilities through the dynamic application of selected elements of national power made available to a combatant commander to achieve operational and strategic endstates through full spectrum-operations.


Ubiquitination is an essential, dynamic post‐translational modification that regulates a diverse set of cellular processes. Ligation of the small peptide ubiquitin (Ub) onto substrate proteins by E3 Ub ligases can change protein localization, activity or stability. The most common outcome for Ub‐tagged proteins is degradation via the 26S proteasome. Deubiquitinases (DUBs) reverse the effects of ubiquitination by removing Ub from tagged substrates. In animals, Ubiquitin‐specific protease (USP) 12 and USP46 are related DUBs that regulate key proteins in important growth and differentiation signaling pathways. USP12 and USP46 each form trimeric complexes with two WD‐repeat (WDR) proteins, WDR20 and WDR48. The WDR proteins activate the enzymatic abilities of the DUBs while potentially serving as substrate receptors. Numerous animal and fungal DUBs are bound and activated by specific WDR proteins. In Arabidopsis, Ub‐specific proteases 3 (AtUBP3) and 4 (AtUBP4) are related DUBs that have significant sequence similarities to animal USP12/46. Genetic studies have shown AtUBP3/4 are essential for proper pollen development and transmission. It is not yet known if WDR proteins bind and activate DUBs in plants. We have identified At2g37160 as a likely Arabidopsis WDR20 homolog based on amino acid sequence homology and the number and organization of WD motifs. We have shown At2g37160 (AtWDR20) interacts with both AtUBP3 and AtUBP4 in the yeast two‐hybrid system. Biochemical characterization using recombinant proteins shows AtWDR20 increases the DUB activity of AtUBP3 over nine‐fold. A yeast two‐hybrid screen of an Arabidopsis cDNA library using AtWDR20 as bait revealed interactions between AtWDR20 and two different E3 Ub ligases: Myb‐30 Interacting E3 Ub ligase (MIEL1) and CHY Zinc‐finger and Ring Protein 1 (CHYR1). Interactions between a DUB‐associated WDR protein and E3 Ub ligases is intriguing, and implies AtWDR20 may function on both sides of the Ub cycle or is itself a target of ubiquitination. In planta and in vitro analyses will further characterize the interactions between AtWDR20, AtUBP3, and these E3 ligases.


Excerpt To the editor: I read with interest the review on recent advances in rheumatoid diseases (Ann Intern Med77:455-464, 1972). I was particularly impressed by the statement, "antibodies against...


The structures of physiological systems differ significantly from technical constructs. Structure constrains functionality in a living system. At the same time, however, function determines the development of structures. The two aspects thus cannot be considered separately. This statement is illustrated within the scope of the historical development of experimental physiology. Examples ranging from the (sub-)cellular level (composition of muscle cells) up to organs and the whole body (eye, bone, circulation) are presented to discuss the mutual relationships between structure and function.


One of the most important hydrologic components is evapotranspiration. It is a process by which water is evaporated from moist land surfaces and transpired into atmosphere by plants. There are many methods of estimating evapotranspiration rate and its potential such as the methods of soil-moisture sampling, lysimeter measurements, water balance, energy balance, groundwater fluctuations and evapotranspiration. But it is very difficult to estimate evapotranspiration in terms of regional discrete characteristics of topography and/or vegetation. The evapotranspiration is strongly affected by ground covering vegetation, and the degree of vegetation growth. In order to grasp vegetation condition over a vast study area, NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Indices) calculated from the data obtained from NOAA/AVHRR were utilized. Through multi-regression analysis, we developed a model equation to estimate the evapotranspiration using NDVIs and temperature data.


Background Metabolic Syndrome MetS is a cluster of conditions like abdominal obesity elevated blood glucose level elevated blood pressure and dyslipidemia which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases CVDs. MetS is often associated with poorer health related quality of life.Objective The main objective of the study was to assess physical activity PA levels in MetS patients by administering International physical activity questionnaire IPAQ.MethodologyA six month prospective study was carried out in 156 patients of either gender in the age group 18-70 years attending a tertiary care hospital. The data was collected from patient case sheets and recorded in self designed data collection form. The PA was assessed by using IPAQ. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA were used to analyse data.Results The occurrence of MetS was higher in males 61.54 than in females 38.46. The maximum number of patients were in the age group 51-70 years and they were having low PA. It was observed that males had higher total scores in almost all the domains Work transportation domestic and leisure time when compared to females.Conclusion Physical activity assessment is important to educate the patients regarding the impact of lifestyle in control of complications arising due to MetS.


The curative effect of Humifuse Euphorbia granula on chick experimentally infected with Avian Colibalillosis was studied.The results showed that the cure rate and effective rate was 69.2% and 76.9% at a dosage of 2 g/L twice daily for 5 successive days,which was significant different from that of the control group(P0.05).


Pixel being the ultrasound imaging system having an alignment processing provided, where the sound signal is generated from the echo from the sound signal is received from the plurality of receiving elements in order to obtain echo signals is stored and then, a given pixel is stored in the signal is mapped into the area, the mapping area of the stored echo signals, there is tissue into the array for a given pixel then the arrays are processed to generate a signal response for the given pixel in order to obtain acoustic information for the given pixel do. The system plugs for commercial PC motherboard may be carried out entirely on the card. The system and method can be practiced with respect to the processing and display pixel alignment or orientation 3D pixel, and remove the intermediate data calculation and allows the enlarged use of software processing method. Advantages of the invention include improved signal acquisition of the dynamic range, high frame rate, 2D, flexible acquisition mode to 3D, imaging and Doppler blood flow. Ultrasound, imaging, pixel alignment, a sound signal, the echo signal, the array


The motion of vortices trailing from the aircraft's wing during cruise is examined. Basic mechanisms of far wake evolution and destruction in a turbulent stratified atmosphere are described.


HE thesis which I wish to advance is full of paradoxes. In requesting a paper on the stable core of general practice, I believe that those who created this conferencet were manifesting a profound anxiety about whether or not we really have a subject to teach and research. This academic insecurity is counterpointed and contrasted by a sense of the relevance of general practice to the health care needs of our communities. Furthermore, general practice has had considerable political success in establishing its presence in the university medical schools. Yet we remain nervous about our true identity. We want the reassurance of a solid and stable core to our subject. There is a great deal of instability in academic general practice, and this is a key characteristic of our subject. In our clinical work we have made a scientific virtue of the ability to tolerate uncertainty. By the same token, if we can learn to tolerate an instability at the core of our academic discipline, we may discover a common ground of general practice, a topography of the interior of general practice which we will be able to describe not in the transient terms of biotechnology, or of the characteristics of a particular society, but in more stable terms of human values. I am going to suggest that there are five domains of academic general practice. The first is concerned with the content of the work, the second with its social and psychological context, the third with the tasks of the general practitioner, the fourth is concerned with the development of general practice as an academic discipline and the fifth with its values. Each domain reveals something different about the territory of general practice. Each of these domains is dominated by powerful figures from outside general practice itself. Some of them we recognize and welcome. Others we ignore, and I shall suggest that we ignore them at the peril of our developing discipline.


The article considers topical issues of the threat of collapse of democracy. Examples of the democracy collapse have shown the lack of free and fair elections in the world, which threatens the independence of the judiciary, restrictions on the right to freedom of speech, which limits the ability of the political opposition to challenge the government, to prosecute, to offer alternatives to the regime. The collapse of democracy in connection with the spread of COVID-19 is being considered, as the democratic spectrum has repeatedly resorted to excessive control, discriminatory restrictions on freedoms such as movement and assembly, and arbitrary or coercive coercion. Attention is drawn to the fact that the outbreak of coronavirus COVID-19 has led to the introduction in all countries of restrictions on the rights and freedoms of the individual in order to prevent the spread of this infectious disease, declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. Thus, the unusual nature of the COVID - 19 coronavirus pandemic poses numerous dilemmas to the public, governments, parliaments, the judiciary, law enforcement and many other actors when it comes to the need for effective protection of health and, ultimately, human life, as well as adherence to and ensuring the fundamental democratic principles of man and society.


Fashion is part of the cultural aspect of every country. Regardless age or generation, there are some consuming practices to acquire goods. Those goods are not only considered a need but also a social comfort. A generation is, according to Kotler & Armstrong (2011), a group of people that has a similar age and lived in the same period of time. The objective of this research is to analyze consumer behavior towards fashion for a generation. This research was made with a descriptive and exploratory character. The sample for this study is 200 people. An instrument of 46 items was validated and the result is Alfa Crombach of 0.945. Related results show a significant difference in age ranges. Subjects from 70 to 75 years old are more attracted to fashion and being in style. In general, they are conservative people with traditional customs and taste


Purpose – This paper aims to provide an overview of theories used in the field of employees' information systems (IS) security behavior over the past decade. Research gaps and implications for future research are worked out by analyzing and synthesizing existing literature. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents the results of a literature review comprising 113 publications. The literature review was designed to identify applied theories and to understand the cognitive determinants in the research field. A meta-model that explains employees' IS security behavior is introduced by assembling the core constructs of the used theories. Findings – The paper identified 54 used theories, but four behavioral theories were primarily used: Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), General Deterrence Theory (GDT), Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). By synthesizing results of empirically tested research models, a survey of factors proven to have a significant influence on empl...


The second flight of NASA's Shuttle Flight experiment program known as MEPHISTO suffered from a void in the liquid portion of the sample, even though a piston arrangement was in place to keep the ampoule filled. In preparations for the next flight of the MEPHISTO furnace an animated computer program, called MEPHISTO Volume Visualizer (MVV), was written to help avoid the formation of unwanted voids. A piston system on MEPHISTO has the ability to move approximately 5 mm in compression, to accommodate expansion of the solid during heating; then from the completely compressed position, the piston can move up to 25 mm in towards the sample, effectively making the ampoule smaller and hopefully eliminating any voids. Due to the nature of the piston design and ampoule and sample arrangement, the piston has gotten stuck during normal directional solidification; this creates the risk of a void. To eliminate such a void, the liquid in the hot zones of the furnace can be heated, thereby expanding the liquid and consuming any void. The problem with this approach is that if the liquid is heated too much an overpressure could result, breaking the ampoule and ending the experiment catastrophically. The MVV has been found to be a useful tool in the assessment of the risks associated with the formation of a void and the additional heating of the liquid in the hot zone of this Bridgman type furnace. The MVV software will be discussed and copies available; it is written in the Delphi 2 programming language and runs under Windows 95 and NT. The strategies used in other flight experiments, such as the Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment, will also be presented.


Recently, the operating conditions of the various mechanical structures have become more severe and the running time has become longer as the development of plant equipment increases with the introduction of high technology. Thus, the reliability of the system and its accessories is becoming a problem. Normally, synthetic natural gas (SNG) plants use 1.25Cr-0.5Mo or 2.25Cr-1Mo heat resistant steel according to the operating conditions. In this study, a lab-scale reactor was set up using 1.25Cr-0.5Mo steel, in order to carry out corrosion tests for producing synthetic natural gas. The corrosive characteristics were investigated under 1st-methanator operating conditions and fundamental data about the durability and reliability were obtained by using the experimental test. The analysis of results obtained on the durability of the reactor under emission and injection compositions showed that the hydrogen embrittlement caused by hydrogen and the oxidation corrosion caused by H2O had the most effect on the durability of 1.25Cr-0.5Mo steel in the SNG reactor. However, the hydrogen embrittlement and oxidation corrosion occurred simultaneously under emission conditions, so that the corrosion of the material increased suddenly after a long operating time. Besides, the corrosion of the 1.25Cr-0.5Mo steel under the injection composition was faster than that under the emission composition.


Blended learning, the seamless integration of online and face-to-face instruction, especially appeals to lifelong learners. However, it was repeatedly shown that learners' persistence tends to be low in blended environments due to insufficient self-regulation skills. While in search of effective self-regulated learning (SRL) interventions to improve adult learners' retention in blended learning contexts, our systematic review disclosed that scholars cannot fall back on a suitable empirical knowledge base. The SRLpersistence relationship is seldom simultaneously addressed, the studied instructional context differs often from blended learning, adult learners are not targeted and/or the empirical approach entails static parameters. In order to expand blended learning scenarios aimed at SRL to improve adult learners' persistence, further scrutiny is necessary. We argue that such research requires not only dynamic and context-related measures of learners' SRL behaviors and persistence but also has to act upon learners' progress through adaptable and timeable SRL interventions. Bijdrage aan de conferentie "Expanding Learning Scenarios: Opening Out the Educational landscape" op de EDEN Annual Conference in Barcelona, 9-12 juni 2015. De paper kan worden geraadpleegd in de EDEN conference proceedings: Van Twembeke, E., Goeman, K., De Grez, L., Elen, J. (2015). Expanding blended learning scenarios: How to empower adult learners to persist. Expanding Learning Scenarios: Opening Out the Educational Landscape. EDEN Annual Conference. Barcelona, 9-12 June 2015, 63-63.


Examines the health care experiences of foster care children enrolled in Medicaid, including their demographic characteristics, diagnosed health conditions, and patterns of utilization and expenditures. Finds that they accounted for a disproportionate share of Medicaid expenditures, had discontinuities in Medicaid coverage, and had high rates of mental health and substance abuse conditions.


In order to filter burnt- sweetness tobacco varieties in southern Hunan regions,adaptability test of 7 new species HZ07- 5- 1,HKDN- 8,03- 4- 3,HC0906,CZ- 43,0522 and YX012 was carried out in Guiyang county in 2012 ~ 2013. The results showed that the overall evaluation from the view of the botanical characters,economical characters,economic characters,stress resistance and apparent quality of all tested materials ranked from low to high was 03-4- 3,HZ07- 5- 1,HC0906,0522,YX012,HKDN- 8 and CZ- 43 in turn.


antenna located onapolar mount. A phase-locked receivr 1 HE tracking of the lunar probePioneer IV is ingsystem was usedinconjunction withthis antenna. describe.


An outcrop-based study combining detailed lithofacies analysis with high-resolution sequence stratigraphy in the Paradox Basin, southwestern United States. has shown that complex lateral and vertical facies variations occur in relatively consistent and predictable patterns. Large-scale facies shifts of several kilometers occur across major sequence boundaries whereas small-scale lateral and vertical variations develop from stacking of individual cycles. Understanding of vertical stacking patterns and lateral distribution of facies in outcrop can be directly applied to both three-dimensional distribution of reservoir facies in the subsurface as well as the evaluation of heterogeneity within individual reservoirs. The Desert Creek and Ismay intervals of the Paradox Formation (Pennsylvanian) exposed along the San Juan River in southeastern Utah are characterized by high-frequency cyclic repetition of carbonate and siliciclastic facies controlled primarily by 4th and 5th-order changes in relative sea level. These cycles are typically mixed and consist of a basal sandstone unit interpreted to have been deposited during a relative sea level lowstand and subsequently reworked during the early phases of the next marine transgression. Black sapropelic dolomudstones, typically referred to as {open_quotes}shales{close_quotes}, record the major part of the transgressive phase. Overlying carbonates, which may contain the phylloid algal mound facies, are characterized by a more » well-defined shallowing-upward trend deposited during latest transgression, highstand, and the earliest stages of the next fall. High resolution outcrop studies of this type may thus provide an invaluable tool for enhancing the predictability of subsurface reservoir facies at both the exploration and development scale. « less


The famous Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) is very efficient in the processing of multidimensional images, when efficient compression, and reduction of the features, used for objects recognition, are needed. The basic obstacle for the wide use of SVD is its high computational complexity. To solve the problem, here is offered the new approach for hierarchical image decomposition through SVD (2×2)-based algorithm. In this case, the multidimensional image is represented as a 3D tensor, divided into sub-tensors of size 2×2×2, called kernels. Each such kernel is then decomposed through Hierarchical SVD (HSVD), based on the SVD for a matrix of size 22. In the paper are given the HSVD algorithms for a 4×4 matrix, and for a tensor of size 4×4×4. The tensor decomposition is generalized for a tensor of size N×N×N, when N=2. The computational complexity of HSVD is evaluated, and compared to that of the iterative SVD algorithm for 2D matrices, and 3D tensors. The basic advantages of the new approach for decomposition of multidimensional images are the low computational complexity and the tree-like structure, which permits the low-energy branches to be cut-off through threshold selection. The algorithm is suitable for parallel processing of multi-dimensional images through multiprocessor systems, where the basic cell processor executes the decomposition of the kernel tensor, of size 2×2×2.


In the first phase of iDSI (2014-2016), Methods Working Groups were established to investigate three areas of economic evaluation for which additional methods guidance for analysts and policymakers in lowand middle-income countries was deemed particularly valuable. These linked directly to specific Principles for the practice of economic evaluation detailed in the iDSI Reference Case. The three research areas were identified by policymakers in lowand middle-income countries as being particularly challenging and requiring additional methods guidance in order to support the realisation of their corresponding Reference Case Principles.


Cognitive radios seem to provide an answer to the problem aroused from the continuously increasing wireless applications that result in the congestion of the spectrum and the increase of interference. Cognitive radios require agile components and therefore antennas with reconfigurable characteristics. The current paper presents three antennas that use PIN diodes to achieve frequency, pattern and polarization reconfigurability respectively. An annular slot microstrip-fed antenna (ASA) is matched at three different frequencies and the reconfigurable matching network results in a reconfigurable operation frequency. The same radiator is used to achieve radiation pattern reconfigurability by integrating two PIN diodes on the slot circumference. Lastly a microstrip-fed circular patch antenna is presented which with the appropriate use of PIN diodes it can switch between left hand circular polarization (LHCP) and right hand circular polarization (RHCP).


The temporary heating scheme for a heat pump building of a power plant in winter construction is studied.The air supply system is used to supply hot air which comes from steam turbine building to heat pump building.The results show that the heating effect of hot air heating system is good,and the economic benefit is also considerable.


To gain insight into the instability and trajectory change in projectiles penetrating dry sand at high velocities, two dimensional plane strain mesoscale simulations were carried out using representative models of a particulate system and of a small projectile. A program, ISP-SAND, was developed and used to generate the representative particulate system with mean grain sizes of 60 and 120 μm as well as ±30% uniform size distribution from the mean. Target porosities ranged from 30% to 40%. The penetration of ogive nose steel projectiles with caliber radius head of 3.5 and length-to-diameter (l/d) ratio of 3.85 was simulated using the updated Lagrangian explicit parallel finite element code ISP-TROTP. Deformation of the projectile and individual sand grains was analyzed using a nonlinear elastic-inelastic model for these materials. Grain-grain and grain-projectile interactions were analyzed using a contact algorithm with and without friction. Projectile instability was quantified and compared using the late...


The influence of annealing of SrLaAlO 4 (SLA) and SrLaGaO 4 (SLG) crystals on their elastooptic properties has been reported. The results obtained are discussed in terms of the nature of the oxygen point defects which might be created in the crystals during the growth process.


In this study, the data obtained by satellite remote sensing and by studying a mathematical model are combined to investigate seasonal dynamics of wheat and oat agroecosystems with different levels of weed infestation. The study was performed in the south of the Krasnoyarskii Krai. NDVI was used to show the possibility of identifying weed-free and weed-infested crop fields. The model study was based on variations in the initial percentages of the crop and weed biomasses, with plant growth limited by mineral element deficiency. Model prediction of productivity of agroecosystems with different levels of weed infestation showed that the initial weed biomass higher than 30% is critical for crop productivity and may result in considerable crop yield loss.


In the sensorless vector control of asynchronous motor,the estimation of speed is a crucial part.There are many speed estimation methods,and related products have been available.Neural network control is emerging as a control model with superior self study and generalization.It can approximate any nonlinear function in theory,particularly the strong coupling system with multi-variables as induction motor.This paper attempts to establish neural network models to estimate the speed of the asynchronous motor,and analyses the influence of different network structure and training methods on the precision of estimation.


s ..................................................................................................................................................... 17 Invited speakers ...................................................................................................................................... 17 Short talks ............................................................................................................................................... 43 Posters .................................................................................................................................................... 55 Contacts ...................................................................................................................................................... 87 FINS2015 sponsors .................................................................................................................................. 88 FINS2015 Registered attendees .............................................................................................................. 89 2015 Frontiers in Neurophotonics International Symposium


The current and potential future contribution of biomass energy to the energy consumption of Mississippi was estimated through a county-level inventory. In 1989, 91 industrial or commercial facilities were found to burn wood, municipal solid waste, or rice hulls for energy, with an estimated energy contribution of 58.7 trillion Btu. Other commercial biomass industries found to make contributions to Mississippi's economy were residential wood and ethanol fuels. In total, biomass energy is estimated to represent more than seven percent of Mississippi's total energy consumption, an amount that is twice the national average. Substantial future energy resources for the state could come from unused mill residues, potential annual forest energy wood, crop residues, livestock and poultry wastes, and municipal wastes. Biomass could reasonably supply from 20 to 30 percent of the energy needs of Mississippi. 40 refs., 6 figs., 15 tabs.


Since its introduction in 1993, the New Vehicle Security Rating Scheme has had an impressive effect on manufacturers. Some 80 assessments have been completed using a pragmatic combination of design assessments and destructive/nondestructive attack testing. Most significantly the results are being utilised with enthusiasm putting a strong market driven financial incentive on manufacturers to upgrade security. Thatcham expects the experience to be favourable and significant reductions in losses incurred as a result of car theft are to be achieved. Indeed, compared with the first half of 1993, car theft has dropped by 9% in 1994.


Saccharina japonica(Aresch.)C.E.Lane,C.Mayes et G.W.Saunders(=Laminaria japonica Aresch.)(Phaeophyta)is an important economic seaweed in China.There is a distinct outcome about the chromosome number in this kelp due to the tiny size of these chromosomes.The karyotypes and chromosomes of S.japonica were observed after a series of treatments including pretreatment with 0.2% colchicines for about 10 h,Carnoy's fixative,and mixture of enzymes prior to dropping from 30 cm height overhead glass slides for spreading the surface coat.The prepared chromosomes were stained with 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole(DAPI),a fluorescent probe sensitive and specific to DNA.The chromosome numbers of the haploid male and female gametophytes were 31,respectively,and there were 62 in diploid sporophytes.Most of the chromosomes were either droplet or short bacilliform.In the meantime,the female gametophyte chromosomes were between 0.78 μm and 2.61 μm in size,larger than the males that were between 0.57 μm and 2.17 μm.Based upon the relative size of chromosome,the karyotypes of the female or male gametophyte chromosomes were primarily analyzed.All the results laid a solid foundation for a basic technique for localization of molecular markers on kelp chromosomes.


2 Abstract: This study was conducted in Sahel-Dori region, located in Sahelian region of Burkina Faso, for studying the soil and water relationships of some crops, cowpea, groundnut, millet and sorghum. This study aims at assessing crop water requirements, soil water balance, irrigation needs on the basis of previous climate data (rainfall, temperature, sunshine, wind speed, evapo-transpiration, relative humidity of the air) and of soil type. This study shows that soil water reserves naturally increase according to rainfall, they generally fall at the onset of the season (May to mid-July), sharply increases during the period of "heavy rains" to reach a maximum value in early September and then decreases as rains become infrequent, to reach its minimum level at the end of the dry season. In the regions of the Sudan-Sahelian and in the Sahelian regions, water deficits are experienced towards the end of the rainy season. In the Sahel irrigation needs for crops at the end of the season are substantial.


Objective To develop a brief Chinese version of the International Classification of Functioning,Disability,and Health(ICF)core sets for low back pain and to test their validity and reliability. Methods The through clinical investigation.Sixty patients with low back pain were then recruited and evaluated using the Chinese sets,the Oswestry disability index(ODI)and the Roland-Moms Disability Questionnaire(RMDQ).Thirty patients were selected randomly and examined again with the Chinese ICF core sets 2 days after the 1st evaluation to test their repeatability.Pearson correlation analysis between the ICF core sets and the other scales was conducted to test the validity of the brief ICF core sets for Chinese patients with low back pain. Results The Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between the results with the Chinese ICF core sets and ODI and RMDQ results.The Chinese ICF core sets were also found to have good repeatability. Conclusion The brief Chinese version of the ICF core sets is reliable and valid in the evaluation of Chinese patients with low back pain.

Key words:
International Classification of Functioning,Disability,and Health;  Brief core sets; Low back pain;  Oswestry disability index;  Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire


It has been well known for a long time that the patency of the Eusta-chian tube is affected by body position, particularly in patients with patulous tubes. The ventilatory capacity of the Eustachian tube was studied quantitatively in subjects with normal tubal function in different postures and during compression of the neck veins. In the horizontal position or during compression of the neck veins with 35 cm H2O the volumes passing through the tube during deglutition were reduced to 1/3in a body elevation of 20° or 30° the tubal function quantitatively decreased to 2/3. When the subject was lying on one side the tube of the downturned ear seemed most affected. In subjects who caught colds the consequence of horizontal position was very marked.Clinicians are familiar with the fact that the symptoms of acute otitis media often start at night when the patient has been in bed for some hours. During upper respiratory infections or after intratympanic surgery, when tubal dysfunction may be expected, patients sh...


A new ant colony optimization algorithm which simulates the ants?behavior according to the laws of sensation and consciousness is presented in order to make balance between accelerating convergence and averting precocity as well as stagnation. The algorithm selects path by the mixed influence of consciousness and subconsciousness, and updates the trail information of each path adaptively in each step. The results of simulation on several symmetric and asymmetric TSPs with different sizes indicate that the algorithm has much higher convergence speed and stability than that of classical ant colony algorithm, and is more suitable for solving large scale TSP.


What role do department chairs and deans play in ensuring faculty diversity? This panel presents strategies developed in several contexts including those that were the focus of a year-long collaborative project on increasing the diversity of engineering faculty. While there are many guides to diversity, quite often these guides are prescriptions written by diversity consultants and rarely by academics within science and engineering. The panelists discuss strategies that they have employed and their personal assessments of the effectiveness of these strategies. Panelists encouraged to share both those that were successful as well as those strategies that were not in order to develop better methods of recruiting, retaining, and advancing a diverse professoriate. Proposed panelists are from institutions of different types in the Southwest, therefore a focus was both on improving gender diversity and ethnic diversity among engineering faculty


Abstract : This report presents the flight-determined lift and drag characteristics of the X-24B research aircraft and compares them to wind tunnel predictions. Lift and drag data were computed from onboard measured accelerations and flight conditions while the aircraft was in gliding flight. Performance data were obtained up to a maximum Mach number of 1.72. Flight test and wind tunnel data were in general agreement, although the lift curve slope was less than predicted at most Mach numbers. The drag-due-to-lift was higher than predicted in all cases. Values of maximum lift-to-drag ratio were less than predicted for all flight conditions where comparisons could be made. The maximum subsonic lift-to-drag ratio was 4.5.


Objective We aimed to investigate the attitude and suggestion from doctors,pharmacists and civil servants concerning brain death and organ transplantation and the legislation.Methods A questionnaire with 10 sections and 44 questions was designed and distributed.The effective questionnaire data was then recorded and checked for descriptive analysis.Results In 1 400 questionnaires distributed,1 063 were responded and 969 of them were valid and analyzed.The respondents showed an incomplete understanding of brain death and organ transplantation laws.Seventy-four percent of the respondents recognized and accepted the standard of brain death.They agreed that legislation should be involved in the removal of organs for transplantation,the future use of the organs,and insurance and compensation for the donor for possible health risks induced by organ removal.Of the 969 respondents,92% considered it necessary to have legislation in brain death and organ transplantation,and 61% thought that it is time to legislate.Conclusion Legislation for brain death and organ transplantation is urgent and timely in China.The laws must include the respective rights and obligations of patients,close relatives,and medical institutions.Educating the public about brain death and organ transplantation should also be encouraged in a variety of ways.


Steady state capacitance current compensation method can't compensate transient capacitance current, which affects the performance of current differential protection. While both the time domain compensation method and the scheme based on Bergeron model can compensate transient capacitance current effectively. An applied algorithm of current differential protection based on time domain capacitance current compensation is presented. Different modifying criterions for the three compensation methods are proposed for their application in transmission line with shunt reactors. Simulation results show that both the criterion based on time domain compensation and the applied one based on Bergeron model can compensate transient capacitance current effectively, which is propitious to reduce tripping threshold and improve the action speed and sensitivity. It's shown that the applied criterion based on Bergeron model can provide a better result.


Background: Depressive symptoms and pain are prevalent during pregnancy. Untreated pain and depressive symptoms occurring together may have a negative effect on maternal and newborn outcomes, yet little is known about women's experiences with pain and depressive symptoms during pregnancy. The purpose of this study is to describe the lived experience of depressive symptoms and pain occurring in women during the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted. Women during postpartum were recruited from a previous cross-sectional study of women in their third trimester which evaluated the relationship between pain, depression, and quality of life. Twenty-four women entered their responses into an online secure research website. These data were analyzed using Colaizzi's method of descriptive phenomenological analysis. Results: Four themes emerged that described the essence of women's experiences with both pain and depressive symptoms Pregnancy: Feeling Minimized, Unheard and Overwhelmed; Attempting or Trying but not Treated: Living with Pain and Pain Interference; Pain, Sleep Loss, and Suffering; and Pain and Depressive Symptoms: Helpless, Hopeless, and Suffering. Clinical Implications: If a woman presents with pain, additional nursing assessments of her sleep and emotional state may be needed. Likewise, a positive depression symptom screening suggests the need for a more in-depth exploration of pain, pain interference, poor sleep, and mental health symptoms. As these women perceive their pregnancy as minimized, nurses may email@example.com. HHS Public Access Author manuscript MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2022 January 01. Published in final edited form as: MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs. 2021 ; 46(4): 198–204. doi:10.1097/NMC.0000000000000724. A uhor M anscript


A CONSIDERABLE PART OF THE COST OF CONSTRUCTING MOTORWAYS, BOTH IN URBAN AND RURAL AREAS, IS MADE UP OF THE COST OF INTERCHANGES, OR TRAFFIC DISTRIBUTORS. THE HIGH INITIAL COST OF CONSTRUCTION OF SUCH ELEMENTS REQUIRES A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS POSSIBLE, BEFORE THE MOST SATISFACTORY SOLUTION FROM THE ECONOMIC VIEWPOINT IS SELECTED. THE METHODOLOGY PROPOSED HERE FOR MAKING AN ECONOMIC STUDY OF INTERCHANGES, MAKES IT POSSIBLE BY MEANS OF A SYSTEMATIC TREATMENT OF THE BASIC INFORMATION NECESSARY, TO CLASSIFY THE ORDER OF PRIORITY OF THE POSSIBLE OPTIONS.


A polyamide 6 (PA 6)/silica nanocomposite was obtained through a novel method, in situ polymerization, by first suspending silica particles in ϵ-caproamide under stirring and then polymerizing this mixture at high temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. The silicas were premodified with aminobutyric acid prior to the polymerization. The effects of the addition of unmodified and modified silicas on the dispersion, interfacial adhesion, isothermal crystallization, and mechanical properties of PA 6 nanocomposites were investigated by using scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and mechanical tests, respectively. The results show that the silicas dispersed homogeneously in the PA 6 matrix. The addition of silicas increases the glass transition temperature and crystallization rate of PA 6. The mechanical properties such as impact strength, tensile strength, and elongation at break of the PA 6/modified silica nanocomposites showed a tendency to increase and decrease with increase of the silica content and have maximum values at 5% silica content, whereas those of the PA 6/unmodified silica system decreased gradually. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 69: 355–361, 1998


Introduction The heterogeneity of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in terms of disease course and treatment response leads to challenges for patients and clinicians in terms of optimal timing for transplantation and/or end of life discussions. The use of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in IPF prognostication remains largely unexplored. Objectives To explore the feasibility of undertaking CPET in this population; To explore the correlation between baseline CPET variables, physiological variables and quality of life (QOL) scores. Methods Consecutive IPF patients (n=74) were approached, with prospective recruitment of 42 participants. Patients with FVC <50% and/or DLCO <50% were excluded. King's Brief ILD (K-BILD) questionnaire assessed QOL. Patients undertook incremental exercise testing to maximal exertion using a cycle ergometer, with contemporaneous physiological testing (FVC, DLCO). Results 32 patients were excluded from the study (22 screening failures, 10 declined), with study attrition of an additional 10 patients (n=4 withdrew consent, n=1 death prior to testing, n=5 developed exclusions). Thirty-two patients (23 mild IPF with FVC>80%, 9 moderate IPF with FVC 50–80%), 26M:6F and median age (IQR) 75 years (71–79), underwent CPET. One patient failed to reach anaerobic threshold (AT) and was excluded from the analysis. Median (IQR) pulmonary and exercise results were: FVC 92% (75–102), DLCO 62% (54–69), minimum SpO293% (88–95), VO2 peak/kg 21 (17.4–23.8) mL.kg-1.min-1 and VE/VCO227.2 (25.4–30.5). Median (IQR) QOL scores for each domain were: total K-BILD 64.4 (58.1–68.7), psychological 68.3 (56.9–80.9), breathlessness/activity (B/A) 50.2 (48–62.7) and chest symptoms 85.2 (73.4–85.2) (Table1). VO2 peak/kg correlated with chest (r=0.36, p=0.049) and B/A (r=0.43, p=0.016) domains of the K-BILD questionnaire. VO2 peak/kg at AT also correlated with total K-BILD scores r=0.37, p=0.039 and chest domains (r=0.535, p=0.002). Total KBILD scores did not correlate with%FVC (r=0.26, p=0.15),%DLCO predicted (r=0.11, p=0.544) or SpO2 (r=0.01, p=0.959) (Spearman's). Conclusions Initial results suggest CPET is a feasible method of testing in mild-moderate IPF. Whilst QOL did not correlate with baseline FVC and DLCO, the relationship between oxygen consumption and QOL measures, requires further exploration. Longitudinal data will hopefully provide further information on the usefulness of CPET as a prognostic marker.Abstract P5 Table 1 Baseline demographics, physiological variables, cardiopulmonary exercise testing results and King's Brief Interstitial Lung Disease quality of life scores Variables Median (Interquartile range) Age (years) 75 (71–79) Male: Female 26:6 Pulmonary function parameters FVC (% predicted) 92 (75–102) DLCO (% predicated) 62 (54–69) Cardiopulmonary exercise testing results Peak VO2/kg (mL.kg-1.min-1) 21 (17.4–23.8) VE/VCO2 27.2 (25.4–30.5) Minimum O2 saturation during exercise (%) 93 (88–95) K-BILD score Total 64.4 (58.1–68.7) Psychological domain 68.3 (56.9–80.9) Breathlessness/activity (B/A) domain 50.2 (48–62.7) Chest symptoms domain 85.2 (73.4–85.2)


Abstract We analyze the dividend behaviour of the aggregate stock market. We propose a model that assumes managers minimize the costs of adjustment associated with being away from their target dividend payout. The target is expressed as a function of lagged stock prices and permanent earnings, generalizing previous models of dividend behaviour. We present a new method for measuring unobserved permanent earning based on the Kalman filter. Our specification of dividend behaviour is strongly supported by the data relative to both alternative models and over time. We find significant evidence of dividends conveying information regarding unexpected positive changes in current permanent earnigs. We also find that both the speed of adjustment of dividends to target dividends and tests of signaling are sensitive to the specification of the model.


The content changes of the major nutrient components during root expansion of Chinese radish were studied using the routine methods.The results showed that the contents of soluble protein,Vitamin C(VC)and crude fibre decreased while the soluble sugar content increased.The change of starch content showed the "S" trend : it decreased in the rapid development stage but increased later,and it decreased again when the root ripened.The content of amino acid decreased rapidly at the stage of the primary cortex split,and increased later;at the end of the root expansion,the content of amino acid decreased and then it incresed gradualy during the ripening.


Background Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a primary driving force for both physiological and pathological angiogenesis, and it is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Aim The aim of this study was to clarify the usefulness of serum VEGF levels as a tumor marker in patients with hepatitis C virus-related liver cirrhosis and HCC. Materials and methods Patients with hepatitis C virus-related liver cirrhosis were divided into two groups: 35 patients with liver cirrhosis and HCC and 35 patients with liver cirrhosis without HCC. The control group consisted of 35 healthy individuals. Results When serum VEGF levels were assessed in relation to the presence of HCC, the VEGF levels of the HCC group and the cirrhotic group were found to be significantly higher than that of the control group; there was also a significant difference between the control group and the cirrhotic group. The best cut-off point identified for VEGF was 210, with a sensitivity of 82.9% and a specificity of 80% for the detection of cancer, whereas for the detection of the disease (either HCC or cirrhosis) over controls, the best cut off value was 120, with a sensitivity of 97.5% and a specificity of 100%. Conclusion Plasma VEGF levels were significantly elevated in patients with HCC and mildly elevated in the cirrhotic group compared with the control group. This suggests that VEGF might be considered as a marker for the prediction of HCC.


Natural language is an easy and effective medium for describing visual ideas and mental images. Thus, we foresee the emergence of language-based 3D scene generation systems to let ordinary users quickly create 3D scenes without having to learn special software, acquire artistic skills, or even touch a desktop window-oriented interface. WordsEye is such a system for automatically converting text into representative 3D scenes. WordsEye relies on a large database of 3D models and poses to depict entities and actions. Every 3D model can have associated shape displacements, spatial tags, and functional properties to be used in the depiction process. We describe the linguistic analysis and depiction techniques used by WordsEye along with some general strategies by which more abstract concepts are made depictable.


The present invention relates to an electrical device for mounting to a sub-sub-rack electrical equipment racks rack mounting bracket, and to subrack assembly comprising a mounting bracket. The present invention provides an electrical device for mounting the frame to the sub-sub-rack electrical equipment rack mounting bracket. The sub-rack mounting brackets having an intermediate portion disposed between the mounting bracket in a first planar portion and a second planar portion. A first portion, a second portion and an intermediate portion extending through the length of the mounting bracket. The intermediate portion is formed from sheet material which is shaped such that during use by reducing the amplitude of the vibrator is transmitted to the sub-rack mounting brackets of the rack. The present invention further provides means and at least one sub rack subassembly rack mounting brackets according to an embodiment of the present invention secured to the electrical device electrical subrack.


Leasing (credit-rent) is a complex, original and stand-alone legal operation as a financing technique for commercial companies. This transaction, as a whole, typically includes two distinct transactions: the leasing company enters into a sale-purchase agreement with a producer (supplier) through which it purchases the assets to be leased out with a unilateral sales promise, then the leasing company (the borrower) concludes a lease with the user (the borrower) to lease the asset for a certain period of time, with the option of ultimately buying it for a residual price. In court practice, the question arises whether the lease should be cancelled or terminated for lack of cause if the sale / purchase contract concluded between the supplier and the leasing company was resolved for non-compliance with the user's requirements or for hidden vice that does not work for the intended use. The solution adopted in the French case-law was that the two types of contracts are their mutual cause (one with respect to each other) being in the face of contractual interdependence.