This paper describes how the indirect tension (IDT) strength test, when performed at high temperatures following the recommended protocol, can be used to evaluate the rut resistance of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures. The suggested procedure is simple, quick, and can be performed using a standard Marshall press without the need of a temperature control chamber. The paper includes a review of the initial development of the high-temperature IDT test, and also discusses how the new, rapid test procedure was developed. Improved guidelines for interpreting the results of the high-temperature IDT test are presented, which include a rule of thumb for accounting for differences in traffic speed. Two case studies are presented in which the IDT test was used to help ensure that HMA designs had sufficient rut resistance for their intended applications.


Nurul Jadid Islamic Boarding School is an Islamic educational institution without having an asset management system. Located in East Java Province with huge numbers of assets, this instituion has been managed without information system of asset control in schools, either formal or non-formal. This study is to design and implement a web based information system namely KARUMGA (Kasi Rumah Tangga) in inputting, editing, and searching the required asset data, making reports of Nurul Jadid's assets more effective and efficient. The design of an efficient Web Based Asset Management application system is inteded to provide a fast and responsive service to lending pesantren assets.


With the accounteney reform in our country recently.The accountancy work has got great mark,But there are many questions in the ocupational moral,So,to establish the ocupational moral of auountant will be particalarly important.


Soil water retention is an important hydraulic property in the study of water flow and solute transport in soils. However, soil water retention measurements are costly and time-consuming. In this study, a procedure was developed to estimate this function based on soil particle-size distribution


This research deals with the challenges involved in the application of particle image velocimetry (PIV) techniques to the mapping of rotating flow fields. Such measurements usually rely on sophisticated and expensive hardware to synchronize the rotation and image frames obtained through fixed cameras, with a stationary laser beam produced outside the rotating platform. The alternative of having the entire PIV system on the rotating platform is rarely a practical option. With a camera also stationary outside the rotating table, a de-rotation procedure has to be carried out to remove the rotation of the frame to produce the true flow velocity, namely the fluid velocity relative to that of the rotating platform. A new method is proposed to de-rotate the PIV images by only using the information available from the image itself. It involves a series of rotations and displacements of PIV images after identifying the instantaneous rotational speed of the rotating channel through the analysis of the PIV image time series. The proposed method has many advantages over other de-rotation procedures in several aspects, such as hardware requirements and final uncertainty. First, it only needs the PIV images, a few reference points and the reflection of the channel edge on the image to enable the de-rotation process. There is no requirement for extra hardware such as a synchronizer system. The variations of the rotational speed do not significantly affect the quality of the de-rotation results. This method is also robust to the effects of displacement of the centre of rotation.


Changes in expression and activation of Ras proteins are thought to contribute to the pathological phenotype of stromal fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here we examined the expression of each Ras protein in the synovial tissue of patients with RA and disease controls and the contributions of H-, K- and N-Ras homologues to FLS activation in vitro and experimental arthritis in vivo.

Synovial Ras …


Cylinder shell (CS) structures are widely applied in marine industry applications with the characteristics of high loading ability and high energy absorption performance. In this study, the triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) lattices were filled into double cylinder shell structures to construct the cylinder shell (TPMS-CS) structures. The mechanical and energy absorption performances of these structures were investigated by simulation analysis. First, the finite element (FE) model of TPMS-CS structures was verified by experiments. Then, the crashworthiness characteristics of three different kinds of TPMS-CS, namely, primitive, diamond, and gyroid, under axial loading were studied using FE simulation. The results indicate that the diamond-based TPMS-CS structures exhibit a higher energy absorption efficiency compared to their counterparts. Next, parametric studies were carried out to investigate the influence of the design parameters (the relative density of the TPMS, and the inner and outer shell thickness) on the crashworthiness of TPMS-CS structures. Finally, to obtain the optimum design for the TPMS-CS, an optimization framework was proposed by combining the three surrogate models (KGR, PRS, RBF) and multi-objective particle swarm optimization. The optimum design of the D-TPMS-CS structures was obtained based on the proposed optimization framework. The TPMS-CS structures proposed in this study can also be applied in other engineering applications as energy absorbers.


Every regime intent on effecting a transition to socialism inevitably confronts the necessity to utilize both authoritarian and democratic measures. On the one hand, recent historical experiences provide ample evidence that neither local bourgeois and imperial interests nor their military and police protectors can be expected to peacefully allow themselves to be divested of privileges. Regimes that shy from utilizing authoritarian measures against such opponents can expect to find their transitions aborted, often in the most bloody fashion. On the other hand, any transition to socialism worthy of the name must entail an extension of popular democratic control over state and society and of the democratic freedoms of speech, assembly, and petition. A regime that fails to extend democracy may enhance its chances for survival, but does so, typically, at the cost of compromising the democratic essence of its socialist project. These issues of authoritarianism and democracy in the transition to socialism are mystified by two opposing, yet equally demagogic, perspectives. One sacrifices the need for democratic practice in the name of security. Typically, the regime unduly expands its definition of political enemies, and unduly extends the measures designed to deal with the exceptional circumstances of direct and serious threat to its survival. In short, the emergency and the measures put in place to deal with it become the norm. Democracy is judged an expendable luxury, impugned as a lower form of political practice, or redefined to include authoritarian centralized rule. The other perspective rejects the use of


BACKGROUND
Nowadays an increasing number of neonatal and pediatric patients with severe heart failure benefits from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support.

METHODS
A total of 39 pediatric patients needed venoarterial ECMO (vaECMO) support in our department between January 2008 and December 2016. Patients were retrospectively divided in two groups: 30-day survivor group (17 patients) and 30-day non-survivor group (22 patients). Outcome and factors predictive for 30-day mortality and mid- as well as long-term survival up to 7-year follow-up were analyzed by univariate analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival estimation.

RESULTS
Basic demographics and preoperative characteristics did not differ between both groups (p>0.05). 67% of patients were successfully weaned off ECMO and 44% survived 30-day after ECMO application. After 7-year follow-up 28% of pediatric patients were alive. 30-day survivors were significant more likely to undergo elective cardiac surgery (p=0.001), whereas significantly more 30-day non-survivors underwent urgent surgery (p=0.004). Odds of incidence of catecholamine refractory circulatory failure, failed myocardial recovery and cerebral edema was significantly higher in 30-day non-survivor group (41.6-fold, 16-fold and 2.5-fold, respectively). Kaplan-Meier survival estimation analysis revealed significant differences in terms of mid- and long-term survival among neonates, infants, toddlers and preadolescents (Breslow p=0.037 and Log Rank p=0.028, respectively).

CONCLUSION
vaECMO provides an efficient therapy option for life-threatening heart disorders in neonates and pediatric patients being at high risk for myocardial failure leading to circulatory arrest. Urgency of surgery effected on higher mortality, but there was no difference in terms of mortality in 30-day survivor group in comparison to 30-day non-survivor group among neonates, infants, toddlers and preadolescents. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.


Behavior rating scales have become an essential part of the psychoeducational assessment of children and adolescents. A wide variety of instruments is now available for obtaining information on how the behavior of youngsters is viewed by parents, teachers, and the children themselves. These measures can be categorized by their bandwidth, or the number of constructs or syndromes they purport to measure. Specifically, broad-band scales measure multiple syndromes or behavioral domains (e.g., internalizing and externalizing), and narrow-band scales contain items focused upon one or two behavioral domains (e.g., attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD). In a typical behavioral assessment procedure, broad-band rating scales such as the Child Behavior Checklist and/or the Teacher Report Form (CBCL, TRF; Achenbach, 1991 a, 1991 b) are administered first, to cast a wide net of measurement across several behavioral dimensions. Then, narrow-band scales may be utilized to gather more domain-specific information. The ADHD Rating Scale--IV (DuPaul, Power, Anastopoulos, & Reid, 1998) is an example of a narrow-band scale because it measures a single syndrome (e.g., ADHD). This chapter focuses on narrow-band rating scales completed by children and the adults who have contact with them. These instruments offer several advantages to practitioners. Several commercially available narrow-band


PURPOSE
To assess the clinical and histopathological features of a case of congenital orbital cyst originating from the common sheath of the superior rectus and levator palpebrae superior muscles.

METHODS
Preoperative, peroperative and postoperative characteristics of the described clinical condition in a 37-year-old woman is documented.

RESULTS
The cyst was found to be related with the common sheath of the superior rectus and levator muscles during the surgical intervention and histopathological examination revealed a cystic structure with a lining resembling that of conjunctiva.

CONCLUSION
Our findings support the proposal by Rose & O'Donnell who first reported four cases in 1995 suggesting a new group of congenital orbital cysts distinct from dermoid, epidermoid or conjunctival cysts.


A smart material is one that can perform both sensor and actuator functions. This definition allows for some flexibility in deciding how to qualify a material as "smart", since the fun damental mechanisms of operation may differ greatly between types of smart materials. From the point of view of an electroceramist, piezoelectric materials, which show reversible electromechan ical coupling, may be thought of as "naturally" smart materials since the same piezoelectric material may act as a sensor and/or an actuator. Piezoelectric single crystals, polymers, and poled poly crystalline ceramics all show good electromechanical coupling. In addition, they may be combined in a composite material that exaggerates their beneficial properties by eliminating their detrimental properties. Some common piezoelectric materials are reviewed, along with some examples of smart materials that incorporate piezoelectric ceramics.


This paper looks back on the developing course of public finance of New China in the past 60 years respectively from public finance of the period of exploring socialist construction road and the new period of starting socialist road with Chinese characteristics by reform and opening-up, showing contributions of Chinese public finance,which has advanced with times,innovated constantly ways and means to realizing fiscal functions and innovated constantly operational system and mechanism,to support and safeguard socialist revolution and construction in the past.


US codes for performance-based seismic design have been briefly introduced,with focus on the performance-based seismic design codes for tall buildings of Los Angeles and San Francisco,which are the most advanced in seismic design.One is "An alternative procedure for seismic analysis and design of tall buildings located in the Los Angeles Region"(2005 Edition),and the other is "Recommended administrative bulletin on the seismic design review of tall buildings using non-prescriptive procedures".Key points of performance-based seismic design for tall buildings are put forward.Suggestions for the revises of Chinese codes for performance-based seismic design are also proposed.


Growth of a bias point thermal shift induced by dc bias in z-cut LiNbO/sub 3/ optical intensity modulators is quantitatively discussed from the standpoint of its impact on field service. During 20 years of device operation under a worst-case dc bias condition, the thermal shift slope grows almost symmetrically with respect to a bias polarity. An initial small thermal shift of around /spl plusmn/7 mV//spl deg/C (3/spl sigma/ distribution bounds) increases continuously over time with biased operation at 55/spl deg/C and approaches /spl plusmn/70 mV//spl deg/C after 20 years. This increased temperature sensitivity would generate approximately a 2-V bias point shift toward the bias rail when modulator is exposed to temperature variation from 55/spl deg/C to 25/spl deg/C.


The big stores' networks preferred so far to independently develop, and this thing will change at the same time with the development of the big dimension commercial centers that started appearing in Romania too, with serious extension perspectives. Another aspect that contributes to this tendency is also the fact that the plots of land are more and more hard to find and at huge prices when compared to those on the more developed markets in the west too, so that the renting of the locations will be a strategy more and more adopted in the extension of the retail networks on the local market.


Objective(s): Neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) is one of the most important causes of neurological disorders in children. Various studies suggest that maternal exercise during pregnancy has a beneficial impact on the health status of offspring infants. In this study, the effect of maternal treadmill exercise during pregnancy on neurological and molecular changes induced by HI in newborn rats was investigated. Materials and Methods: In this experiment, 24 pregnant female rats were divided into two groups; the first group was subjected to treadmill exercise for six weeks. The treadmill exercise program was initiated by running for 17 min at 5–10 m/min at 0 inclination in the first week, followed by running for 21 min at 5–25 m/min at 5° inclination in the second week, running for 25 min at 5–30 m/min at 10° inclination in the third and fourth weeks, running for 25 min at 5–15 m/min at 10° inclination in the fifth and sixth weeks. The second group was left untreated and did not perform the exercise. Newborn rats were assigned to four groups; (1) control, (2) control+exercise, (3) HI, and (4) HI+exercise. HI was developed in the offspring on the 8th postnatal day. One week following the induction of HI, the Garcia test was carried out. The histological morphology of neonates was assessed, and the expression levels of caspase-1 and NLRP3 were evaluated. Results: The data showed that maternal exercise during pregnancy significantly improved neural cell death (P<0.001) and the Garcia score (P<0.05), while it attenuated the expression levels of caspase-1 (P<0.001) and NLRP3 (P<0.05) genes in newborn rats induced by HI. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that maternal treadmill exercise during pregnancy could reverse the neurological deficits, as well as the expression levels of caspase-1 and NLRP3 genes, which occur in neonatal hypoxia-ischemia.


The structures of the AxLnM(CN)6·nH2O (A = Li, Na, K; Ln = La–Lu, Y; M = Co, Fe; x = 0, 1; 0 ≤ n ≤ 5) cyanide frameworks, their thermal expansion behaviour, and their transformations upon dehydration are explored using X-ray and neutron single crystal diffraction and X-ray powder diffraction. Modification from positive to negative thermal expansion in the LnCo(CN)6·nH2O phases is achieved by removal of the guest water molecules. Most notable is the unprecedented flexibility demonstrated by the "coiling" of KLnFe(CN)6·nH2O frameworks upon their dehydration, wherein the lanthanoid coordination geometry reversibly converts from a 9-coordinate tri-capped trigonal prism to a 6-coordinate octahedron via a single-crystal-to-single-crystal process, accompanied by a large (14–16%) decrease in unit cell volume.


Method for transmitting a connection establishment request is provided in certain embodiments of the present invention, the method transmits a parameter request message is used to get the connection parameters OpenFlow controller configuration server from the OpenFlow switch step, and Internet protocol (IP) address transmitted from the configuration server, the transmitted step receives, and by the configuration server by OpenFlow switch and a set of OpenFlow controller connection parameters including at least the connection parameters of the first OpenFlow controller, first according to the IP address of the OpenFlow controller and the connection parameters comprises transmitting a connection establishment request message from the OpenFlow switch first OpenFlow controller. OpenFlow switch for sending a connection establishment request, the configuration server, and the system is also provided in the embodiment of the present invention. Using the technical solution provided in embodiments of the present invention, automatic connection establishment between the OpenFlow switches and OpenFlow controller can be realized.


This paper introduces ZDY1200G lightweight underground drilling rig. The feeding device was designed with light alloy material and the deformation of the fuselage was measured by 3D DIC speckle deformation measurement. A high-speed gyrator with large through hole for hard rock coring was designed. A hydraulic system based on constant pressure variable displacement pump was developed, which included feed linkage and rotary linkage. The drilling rig has been applied in the Cangyuan lead-zinc mine in Yunnan Province. A rope coring drilling hole with 512.68 m depth and 76 mm diameter has been completed. The reliability and technological advancement of the whole set of equipment have been verified, which provided technical support for the exploration of the Cangyuan lead-zinc mine and also mining areas with similar conditions.


Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationship between task environment, organizational agility, perceived managerial discretion and strategy implementation on unit performance.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on the literature review, a structural model was developed. A 74-item questionnaire was circulated among middle managers in sales and marketing. The data collection method used purposive sampling. A total of 228 valid responses were obtained. This study was conducted in a leading pharmaceutical company in Indonesia. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings
Based on the data analysis, this study shows that task environment and organizational agility act as antecedents of perceived managerial discretion, which drives strategy implementation resulting in unit performance.

Originality/value
Different from previous studies that examined the linkage of inertial forces and discretion, this research scrutinized the effects of organizational agility on perceived managerial discretion and the direct role of perceived managerial discretion on internal strategy implementation.


OH radicals and H2O desorbing from a polycrystalline Pt foil, during the H2+1/2O2→H2O catalytic reaction, have been studied using Resonance Enhanced Multiphoton Ionization REMPI. The OH and H2O desorption rates were measured as a function of gas mixture at catalyst temperatures of 1000–1400K and a total pressure of 5⋅10−5 mbar. An enhancement of the OH signal by a resonant (2+1) photon ionization was achieved by using the D2Σ−(ν=1) state at 236–239 nm. The produced ions were detected in a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS), in order to avoid interference from non-resonantly ionized species. By using a TOF-MS a simultaneous non-resonant ionization and detection of H2O, H2 and O2 was achieved. The reaction kinetics probed with REMPI were evaluated, using a theoretic model, and found to be in agreement with earlier Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF) measurements at higher pressures. The desorption of H2O was also studied in the 500–1000K range on polycrystalline Pt, in order to obtain additional informa...


The parabolic equation method is used to simulate the radio wave propagation in forest environment. The random distribution model of forest is established by Monte Carlo method, and the electric field distribution in forest environment is analyzed. The path loss distributions are observed by changing the density of tree distribution. A forest model with different densities is constructed by Monte Carlo method, and the path propagation loss of VHF band is simulated.


The Emergence and development of industrial clusters which support regional economic development is a double-edged sword. It enhances regional economic competitive advantage and at the same time the outburst of collective risks within clusters may induce regional cluster economic disasters within clusters as well as in many relevant areas. At present, there are many studies on the formation mechanism, function mechanism and drive mechanism of industrial clusters, but the researches on the formation and pervasion of cluster risks are not enough. Based on an analysis of the emerging mechanism of cluster risks, the author proposes the corresponding countermeasures to evade and eliminate cluster risks.


In Arctic and alpine lakes, Arctic char [Salvelinus alpinus (L.)] often form two distinct morphs: invertebrate feeders ('dwarfs') and piscivores ('giant or cannibals'). Here, we test for early life history growth variation in dimorphic Arctic char as a proximate explanation for the observed life history variation between the two forms. Char were sampled in 11 alpine and Arctic Norwegian lakes. Dwarfs (defined as sexually mature char less than 15 cm long; N = 304) had a mean total length of 105 mm, whereas the typical cannibal (body length above 20 cm; N = 153) was 388 mm long. A positive correlation between egg size and otolith hatching ring were ascertained in a separate hatching experiment with brown trout (Salmo trutta) and it is assumed that this relationship also is valid for Arctic char, and otolith size was used as a proxy for length. Otolith hatching ring from Arctic char cannibals was larger (mean ± SD; 187 ± 24 μm) than those from dwarfs (mean ± SD; 164 ± 23 μm). There were only minor size differences between dwarfs and cannibals during the next three years, after which dwarfs usually matured. Two mutually nonexclusive, proximate explanations for the differentiation into separate morphs (dwarfs and cannibals) are therefore maternal effects and/or genetic based differentiation. The high catchability of large piscivorous char and low production in alpine and Arctic lake ecosystems may make these stocks particularly vulnerable to overexploitation.


Abstract Global asymptotic stability conditions for discrete nonlinear scalar stochastic systems with state delay are obtained based on the convergence theorem for semimartingale inequalities, without assuming the Lipschitz conditions for nonlinear drift functions. The Lyapunov-Krasovskii and degenerate functionals techniques are used. The derived stability conditions are directly expressed in terms of the system coefficients. The obtained results are compared to some previously known asymptotic stability conditions for discrete nonlinear stochastic systems.


This study aims to examine the trust of millennial generation in the role of sharia mobile banking in the ease of solving their financial problems. The increased use of smartphones has made the banking industry provide mobile banking services to facilitate and increase customer productivity. The level of trust in sharia mobile banking is measured using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Based on TAM, trust is determined by Perceived Easy of Use (PEoU), Perceived Usefulness (PU), Attitude to Product (ATP), and Intention to Use (ITU). This study uses an independent survey, with a total sample of 330 sharia mobile banking users spread throughout Indonesia. Data analysis techniques used in this study used SB-SEM (Covariance Based-Structural Equation Modeling) with AMOS software. The results showed that PEoU had a positive effect on PU, PEoU had a positive effect on ATP, PU had a positive effect on ATP, ATP had a positive effect on ITU, and ITU had a positive effect on Trust. Overall millennial generation has a high level of trust in sharia mobile banking, because sharia mobile banking is easy to use and makes it easy to solve their financial problems.


The essential element of the "modern" man is a long time spent in the office, in front of the computer or on the phone. Such a posture leads to substantial modifications to the center of gravity, which leads to the set in of hyperkyphosis. The statistical analysis and simulation of such a symptomatology can help both the doctor and the medical recovery specialists in the early prevention of the body posture, since the primary symptomatology of the hyperkyphosis cannot be detected following a primary consultation, being usually mistaken for a kyphotic attitude. The statistical study described above offers a new, non-invasive approach in the early detection of kyphotic conditions, but also a useful tool in the evaluation of the spine's deformation degree.


Abstract : This study aims to determine the effect of the integration of cooperative learning model type STAD with the talking stick toward motivation and cognitive learning outcomes of VIII grade student of SMPN 1 Janapria in the academic year 2016/2017. This research is a quasi-experimental with nonequivalent control group design. The population in this study the whole class of VIII grade in SMPN 1 Janapria. The sampling technique in this research is purposive sampling. The instrument used to motivate using a questionnaire sheet, and learning outcomes using multiple-choice tests. Data were analyzed descriptively motivated by the results of the data motivation experimental class with an average score of 63.5 with a very high category and grade control with an average score of 58.5 with the high category. Cognitive learning outcomes were analyzed by t-test using SPSS for Windows 16 with the results of Ha 0.04 ≤ 0.05 at significance level of 5%. It was concluded that the integration of cooperative learning model type STAD with the talking stick significantly affect the cognitive learning outcomes of  VIII grade student of SMPN 1 Janapria in academic year 2016/2017. It was concluded that the motivation to learn at SMPN 1 Janapria the experimental class has an average of 63.5 in the category of very high motivation to learn, higher than the control class with an average of 58.5 in the high category.


Authentication is the process of determining whether someone or something is, in fact, who or what it is declared to be. As the dependence upon computers and computer networks grows, the need for user authentication has increased. User's claimed identity can be verified by one of several methods. One of the most popular of these methods is represented by (something user know), such as password or Personal Identification Number (PIN). Biometrics is the science and technology of authentication by identifying the living individual's physiological or behavioral attributes. Keystroke authentication is a new behavioral access control system to identify legitimate users via their typing behavior. The objective of this paper is to provide user authentication based on keystroke dynamic in order to avoid un authorized user access to the system. Naive Bayes Classifier (NBC) is applied for keystroke authentication using unigraph and diagraph keystroke features. The unigraph Dwell Time (DT), diagraph Down-Down Time (DDT) features, and combination of (DT and DDT) are used. The results show that the combination of features (DT and DDT) produces better results with low error rate as compared with using DT or DDT alone.


Novel heterocyclic systems in which a porphyrin pyrrole has been ring-expanded to a morpholine derivative (5), ring-contracted to an azetine derivative (6), and converted into the oxazolone derivatives (4) and (9) result from selective oxidation of 2-amino-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin (1).


Pulmonary artery (PA) catheters are widely used in the care of the critically ill. Numerous catheter designs are available, and the list of indications for their use is con stantly expanding. Extensive physiological data are sup plied by catheters. Right atrial, right ventricular, PA, and PA wedge pressure waveforms, as well as cardiac output and several derived parameters (e.g., systemic vascular resistance, pulmonary vascular resistance) are easily measured. Clinical application of these data may aid in diagnosis and management of acutely ill patients. Physi cians using catheters need to be aware of the numerous complications associated with their use. Scrupulous at tention to insertion and maintenance techniques will minimize the incidence of many of these complications. The undefined risk/benefit ratio of PA catheterization has caused controversy among physicians. Prospective studies to define better the risks versus benefits of PA catheters are currently being planned. Physicians using PA catheters should recognize that the catheters have no direct therapeutic benefit and that PA catheterization should neither replace bedside clinical evaluation nor delay treatment of the patient.


We address the problem of formation-tracking control of velocity-controlled unicycles in a leader-follower configuration, both with known and unknown leader velocities. The controller design is based on relative measurements: distances and line-of-sight angles. This type of measurements are provided by onboard sensors rather than global positioning systems. We assume that a virtual leader generates a desired reference trajectory for the whole swarm, that is once continuously differentiable, bounded and with bounded derivative. We propose two controllers, one for which it is assumed that the leader velocities are known and one in which they are unknown.


Two occupations forming one occupational category are analysed in the article. Necropolis-workers (hrtyw-ntr) and quarrymen (ikyw), both working in stone and thus collectively labelled stone-workers by the author, repeatedly occur as being organized into phyles in our Middle Kingdom source material. Through detailed study of their responsibilities, a division of work between the two occupations is suggested, while their organization into phyles is interpreted in connection with Middle Kingdom cult activity, and the role of their phyles is determined within the phyle system of the epoch.


Many Canadian communities, especially rural communities, are concerned about youth outmigration as a cause of population decline, which is associated with fewer services and amenities. Proponents of keeping underattended schools open argue that removing a school from the community means that fewer families will want to live there, and that more families will consider leaving. Others view school closures as a rational response to population decline. Still other perspectives complicate the correlation between schools and population, noting phenomena such as children "learning to leave" and "place attachment" that modulate the temptation to move away. This paper offers an empirical test of discursive connections between school closures and mobilities by studying the population change of school-age children in Canadian census subdivisions indexed by distance to the nearest school. Based on this method, we conclude that there is a positive correlation between the school-age population in a community and proximity to a school in that community. Although our data do not answer the question of whether school closures cause population decline, or such a decline causes school closures, or both, we provide a quantitative foundation on which to ask it.


Binge-watching, simultaneously treated as both guilty pleasure and legitimate health concern in popular press and academic discussions, is a pervasive media behavior. Yet distinguishing it from other ways of television viewing remains elusive in communication research. The present study employs empirically supported variables to determine if different outcome expectancies are relevant to the frequency of binge-watching as contrasted with appointment viewing of television through the lens of the model of media attendance. Survey results (N = 797) of a college student and representative adult sample reveal that binge-watching is motivated in large part by the behavior already being an entrenched habit among viewers, while suspense and anticipation associated with  content and motivation to use viewing to regulate one's emotions are also significant antecedents. Conversely, more frequent appointment viewing of television viewing was driven by viewing efficacy and older age.


Computation of seismic hazard at rock or firm sites has been a well established technique for many years. Hazard is generally expressed in terms of exceedance rates (ER), defined as the mean annual number of times in which a given value of intensity is exceeded. The inverse of the ER of some intensity is called its mean return period. Usually, the practice was to compute seismic hazard in terms of ER of peak motion values, such as peak ground acceleration, velocity and displacement,. More recently, uniform-hazard response spectra (UHS) have been constructed in a more direct and precise way, by means of attenuation equations that relate, typically, magnitude and distance with response spectral values for a range of periods. By performing a conventional hazard analysis on a period by period basis, it is possible to construct response spectra whose ordinates are, all, associated to the same return period, thus constituting a UHS. In order to compute approximate uniform-hazard response spectra at places affected by local soil amplifications, several approaches have been adopted in the past to overcome analytical difficulties. We present a coherent approach to construct UHS of different intensities at soft soil sites by means of interactive Internet-software named Zp, which will be illustrated with deterministic validations on Armenia city during the 25 January Armenia Earthquake and probabilistic examples for Bogota city.


V. S. Naipaul's fiction as well as non-fiction demonstrates the autobiographical materials plus these overlapping statements work to present a vivid bank account of this author's own enigma of survival and growth together with the affliction as well as condition of the expatriates within the colonial as well as post-colonial era. V. S. Naipaul is the ideal writer who is searching for the origins of his and also surveying India through the distinctive viewpoint of under an outsider, a cosmopolitan Caribbean brand new resident of England, but of Indian beginnings attempting to comprehend out the complexities on the culture of ours. This research considers displacement in Naipaul's The Mimic Men, A House of Mr Biswas, The Mystic Masseur and A Bend in the River as a traumatic experience. This paper analyses all of the pain and sufferings of migrants in four novels. Taking an interdisciplinary approach to the topic of the study, it explores the psychological and historical dimensions of the displacement in the novel, along with its literary representations in terms of identity, culture, survival and stress disorder. In order to complete the theme of present research paper effectively, the main aim is usually to go over the benefits of Diasporic sensibility of Naipaul that cannot be just overlooked in the life of his.


Wavelet analysis theory,a new theory of signal process,has good localization in both frequency and time domains. Wavelet transforming can be carried out in time domain and frequency domain analysis at the same time and has properties of multi-resolution,so it is particularly suited to handle the non-stationary signals.Wavelet is obtained through translation and stretch,it has the characteristics of simplicity,flexibility and random and the function of multi-resolution analysis.In this paper,a computer simulation of wavelet function is used to realize noise-removal,and effects of speech processing in different threshold functions.The simulation results show that the use of these methods can effectively improve the level of voice distortion,with some practical guiding significance.


This paper analyses the issue of consumption risk-sharing in the 20 Italian regions during the period 1983-94. The tests proposed allow for regional specific departures from the hypothesis of complete risk-sharing and for the existence of non-separabilities among groups of commodities. Empirical evidence suggests the rejection of the hypothesis of complete consumption risk-sharing.


In this paper, we investigate the probabilistic characteristics of a unit driven by Dichotomous Markov Noise (DMN), as an external random life increasing and decreasing shocks. Using DMN, we will define two new aging classes of the overall increasing/decreasing (OIL/ODL) nature in the long time behavior, which are separated by an exponential steady state regime. In addition, a moment inequality is derived for the system whose life distribution is in an overall life decreasing (ODL) class. We use this inequality to devise a nonparametric testing procedure for exponentiality against an alternative overall decreasing life distribution.


Glanded and non-glanded isogenic lines of cotton [Gossypium hirsutum L., var. Empire 61(WR)] were treated with 2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-s-triazine (atrazine) to determine the significance of lysigeneous glands in the tolerance of atrazine by cotton. The presence of lysigeneous glands did not increase atrazine tolerance by cotton or decrease the inhibition of photosynthesis by the herbicide. Detoxication of atrazine by N-dealkylation occurred in both glanded and non-glanded cotton. No significant difference in atrazine metabolism was observed between the two lines. Atrazine metabolism may be a more important factor than the presence of lysigeneous glands in the intermediate tolerance of cotton to atrazine.


Owing to the increased use of automobiles, minibikes, motorcycles and other devices for recreational activities, we are now seeing a growing number of severe head and neck injuries. In this paper we will discuss a rare and often fatal injury of the neck, namely, traumatic laryngotracheal separation. There are isolated reports in the literature of heroic efforts to save the lives of such patients, but little has been said regarding surgical repair of the injury and possible late complications.


In this paper, by applying Schauder's fixed point theorem, we have proven the existence and uniqueness of positive solutions to a class of nonlinear elliptic equation.


This paper examines the optimal design of pension plans when the health status during retirement is uncertain. Assuming that the health status affects both life expectancy and the marginal utility of consumption, choice between a lump-sum payment and an annuity can be welfare-enhancing if the health status is not observable by pension plans. This result holds if the marginal utility of consumption and life expectancy are negatively correlated. On equity grounds, a lump-sum option can be justified even if the marginal utility of consumption is independent of life expectancy.


Ultracapacitor (UC) and battery are two main kinds of Energy Storing Elements (ESEs) used in hybrid vehicles and construction machineries. By a comparison, UC can achieve higher power density and faster charging and discharging speed, while battery owns higher energy density. Based on the complicated working condition of the hydraulic excavator, the novel Energy Storing Unit (ESU) is designed by the effective integration of UC and battery to achieve both of their advantages. The modeling and control strategy of the proposed hybrid powertrain system are developed. Simulation results show the proposed ESU can effectively decrease the fluctuation of the UC SOC and the battery current, which are serious by separated use. As such, the fuel consumption is saved and the battery life is largely extended.


Surgical site infection is one of the most common healthcare-associated infection in which a wound infection occurs after an invasive (surgical) procedure. Method: This review provides practical recommendations and basic principles involved in the use of prophylactic antibiotic such as antibiotic dosing, the optimal time for administration of preoperative doses, best administration route, prophylaxis duration, need for intraoperative redosing and auditory process to evaluate the program adherence for optimizing the use of antibiotics. Results: The prophylactic antimicrobial agent should be administered at such a time to provide serum and tissue concentrations exceeding the minimum inhibitory concentration for the probable organisms associated with the procedure. The optimal time for administration of preoperative doses is within 30 or 60 minutes before surgical incision, except the agents with long elimination half-life whose administration should begin within 60 or 120 minutes before it. Intraoperative redosing is needed if the duration of the procedure exceeds two half-lives. The duration of antibiotic prophylaxis involves a single dose or continuation for 24 or 48 hours. Compliance of the antimicrobial guidelines should be measured to ensure protocol adherence. Conclusion: Optimal surgical prophylaxis administration should be considered a basic tool for prevention of surgical-site infections and related adverse effects


Purpose-  This paper aims to identify the current status of training factors in Banking sectors and to examine the mediating effect of learning performance on the relationship between training factors and transfer performance.
Design/methodology/approach- This study followed the positivist epistemology. Following a descriptive and casual research design, we collected the data at two different points in time with the same respondents. Responses were collected on a stratified basis.
Findings-  The findings indicate the significant mediating role of learning performance in training factors (i.e. self-efficacy, trainee motivation, training content, trainer's characteristics, supervisors support and continuous learning culture) and transfer performance relationship.
Practical implication- The banking sector could be in the best position by identifying the dominant factor for transfer performance. Furthermore, this study helps decision-makers decide efficiently by identifying the root causes of performance transfer. Trainers having adequate knowledge and supervisor support could make the training content interesting, practical and valuable for better job performance. Banking sectors could identify the important motivation factors like intrinsic/extrinsic rewards, career-focused training, and necessary materials needed for training which are the root causes of transfer performance.


This study sets out to explore the attributed meanings about open data displayed by the groups of people involved in the process towards the realization of the open data initiative sprung from the ...


In this study, a procedure for predicting the number of passes of a wheel load that will cause a specified rut depth is developed, using information which includes the base layer thickness, the resilient moduli and general classification of the granular base course and the subgrade soils. The procedure is mechanistic but simple, and is based on the permanent deformation characteristics of various types of soils determined in the laboratory and also from test results published by other researchers. Resilient moduli of pavement material layers are obtained from the results of nondestructive testing techniques. The validity of predictions of a number of these techniques is verified by comparing them with laboratory test results. Parametric runs were made using the Mechano-lattice program to form a database of rut depths. The procedure uses a multi-parametric interpolation scheme on the database in order to make predictions. Pavement materials were retrieved from six farm-to-market road sections and permanent deformation tests and resilient modulus tests were carried out. The permanent deformation behavior was modeled as a straight line in a logarithmic plot of the residual strain and the number of load repetitions. Typical slopes and intercepts of this line were determined for various soil materials. Typical values for the slope are given for different soil types. If the volumetric aggregate and moisture contents are known, an expression is also proposed to calculate the value of the slope. Expressions are given for the intercept as a function of the resilient modulus and the soil classification. The Mechano-lattice approach, which takes into account the realistic interaction effects of the permanent deformation behavior of the individual layers, is shown to produce results which differ from the more commonly used approximate method of superposition.


In freight transportation, shipments may need several transfers before reaching their destinations. This study aims to enhance the efficiency of multi-stage or multimodal freight transport, considering especially the efficiency and reliability of transfers among vehicles. A schedule-based logistic network model is introduced. Instead of being treated solely as an operating strategy and assessed individually, the holding and dispatching control is optimized jointly with other elements in the design stage, namely headway, fleet size and timetable. A simulation method is developed for finding the best combination of these design variables. In its first application to operations optimization in logistic networks, the OCBA (Optimal Computing Budget Allocation) method is used to enhance the selection efficiency. Moreover, a practical scheduling algorithm, which runs in linear time, is developed for coordinating multiple routes in the network.


Part I. Theory and Principles: 1. Introduction to dynamic assessment 2. A model of mental functioning 3. General procedural guidelines for conducting an assessment that includes dynamic assessment Part II. Applications: 4. Dynamic assessment in clinical settings 5. Dynamic assessment in educational settings 6. Applying dynamic assessment with young children 7. Applying dynamic assessment with school age children 8. Applying dynamic assessment with adults and seniors 9. Writing reports and developing IEPs and service plans 10. Conclusions and special issues References Appendices.


Demand response (DR) management is a promising strategy in the future power systems as it allows for better resource utilization. Droop control is a widely used method to perform autonomous power management among sources in microgrids (MGs). This paper proposes an approach to adjust loads using droop control to achieve autonomous demand management. This approach has the potential to improve system reliability and ease of management. The proposed droop-based demand response (DB-DR) scheme operates in grid-connected as well as islanded mode of operation. To develop highly effective droop relations, all relevant variables such as MG operating frequency, power flow from the grid, and the load status are included. The proposed DB-DR scheme enables the loads to participate in maintaining supply/demand balance without a need for communication systems. The development of appropriate relations for a DB-DR system is presented and its performance is verified through simulation studies and hardware experiments.


Helicobacter pylori chronically infects the stomach of approximately half of the world's population. Manifestation of clinical diseases associated with H. pylori infection, including cancer, is driven by strain properties and host responses; and as chronic infection persists, both are subject to change. Previous studies have documented frequent and extensive within-host bacterial genetic variation. To define how within-host diversity contributes to phenotypes related to H. pylori pathogenesis, this project leverages a collection of 39 clinical isolates acquired prospectively from a single subject at two time points and from multiple gastric sites. During the six years separating collection of these isolates, this individual, initially harboring a duodenal ulcer, progressed to gastric atrophy and concomitant loss of acid secretion. Whole genome sequence analysis identified 2,232 unique single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across isolates and a nucleotide substitution rate of 1.3×10−4 substitutions/site/year. Gene ontology analysis identified cell envelope genes among the genes with excess accumulation of nonsynonymous SNPs (nSNPs). A dendrogram based on genetic similarity, clusters isolates from each time point separately. Within time points, there is segregation of subgroups with phenotypic differences in bacterial morphology, ability to induce inflammatory cytokines, and mouse colonization. Higher inflammatory cytokine induction in recent isolates maps to shared polymorphisms in the Cag PAI protein, CagY, while rod morphology in a subgroup of recent isolates mapped to eight mutations in three distinct helical cell shape determining (csd) genes. The presence of subgroups with unique genetic and phenotypic properties suggest complex selective forces and multiple sub-niches within the stomach during chronic infection. Author Summary Helicobacter pylori, one of the most common bacterial pathogens colonizing humans, is the main agent responsible for stomach ulcers and cancer. Certain strain types are associated with increased risk of disease, however many factors contributing to disease outcome remain unknown. Prior work has documented genetic diversity among bacterial populations within single individuals, but the impact of this diversity for continued bacterial infection or disease progression remains understudied. In our analysis we examined both genetic and functional features of many stomach isolates from a single individual infected over six years. During these six years the subject shifted from having excess acid production and a duodenal ulcer to lower acid production from gastric atrophy. The 39 isolates form sub-populations based on gene sequence changes that accumulated in the different isolates. In addition to having distinguishing genetic features, these sub-populations also have differences in several bacterial properties, including cell shape, ability to activate immune responses, and colonization in a mouse model of infection. This apparent functional specialization suggests that the bacterial sub-populations may have adapted to distinct sub-niches within the stomach during chronic infection.


Acknowledgements 1. Introduction 2. Historical Roots, Theory and Conceptualisation 3. Clinical use of metaphor 4. The Principles, Format and Context of CBT 5. Conceptualising Cognition and Metacognition 6. Depression 7. Anxiety Disorders 8. Bipolar Disorders and Mood Swings 9. Psychosis 10. Eating Disorders 11. Interpersonal difficulties 12. Working with Parents 13. Clinical Art and Clinical Science of Metaphor in CBT: Future Directions References


New York has supplied many firsts for the oil and gas industry: the first natural gas well, the first natural gas company, the first geological survey, and the first state‐chartered energy R&D organization. The article reviews the historical context of resource development in New York State, the current state of the industry, and the direction it is likely headed in the future. Natural gas and oil seeps have been docum ented for thousands of years. In the ―n ew world," the first documented seeps occurred in what is now New York, with written records of oil and gas seeps in the state dating back to 1627. It was at one of these seeps that in 1821, William A. Hart drilled a 27-foot-deep natural gas well. This was the first successful well that was intentionally drilled to obtain natural gas. Records show that this was his second attempt, giving him credit for the first dry hole as well. Early industry activity followed the typical boom‐bust cycles. Peak oil production reaches 6.7 million barrels of oil in 1882 and stands as New York's record year. Natural gas, however, has gone through a number of cycles as new targets were discovered and exploited. Technology has always played a role and both secondary oil recovery and natural gas storage were pioneered in the oil and gas fields of New York in the early 20 th century.


The procedure used to obtain mitochondrial ribosomes from rat liver highly active in catalyzing a poly(U)-dependent polyphenylalanine synthesis is described.

Two kinds of particles with sedimentation coefficients of 80-S and 55-S, present in the mitochondrial lysate, are able to catalyze protein synthesis in vitro.

Sensitivity to specific inhibitors of protein synthesis demonstrates that the activity of 55-S particles is only of mitochondrial origin whereas that of 80-S particles is partly due to mitochondrial ribosomes and partly to contaminating cytoplasmic ribosomes.

Characterization of the two kinds of mitochondrial particles has been carried out by studying their sedimentation pattern in different experimental conditions and by analyzing the RNA extracted by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. 16-S and 12-S RNA seem to be specific mitochondrial ribosomal species.

The results suggest that the 55-S particle represents the basic unit for protein synthesis in rat liver mitochondria. Particles with higher sedimentation value probably represent aggregates of mitochondrial monosomes.


Despite some vital and interwoven cultural elements of the colonial Dutch East-Indies, the existence of Islam has never been brought up as part of the local culture. Since Islam in the colony was perceived with prejudice, the colonial government considered that it was not important to mark the contribution of Islam in the culture of the Indies. The paper reveals that there has been little information published by the colonial travel bureau on the Islamic spiritual aspects, despite the fact that there were some records written by foreign tourists who were interested in the practice of Islam. The tourist bureau favored Islamic architecture and featured the Hindu influence on Islam


This paper examines how British officials dealt with and disposed of one group of Crown slaves — those forfeited by the Grenadian rebels of 1795-1796 — from their acquisition through to the emancipation of Crown slaves in 1831. Building upon the work of Alvin O. Thompson and Nicholas Draper in particular, it suggests that looking at the treatment of Crown slaves, and specifically at the disposition of slaves acquired through forfeiture, can provide a new vantage point on why emancipation happened when and as it did. Treasury Office documents produced in the course of suits and petitions from individuals who hoped to obtain rights to these enslaved people, as well as correspondence with the local manager of the plantations, demonstrate the tenor and tenacity of the belief that slaves constituted a legitimate form of property. The 1833 decision to compensate slave owners thus appears not simply a matter of pragmatic political compromise and but also a measure consistent with practices and preconceptions that had prevailed in government circles for some years.


Open dumpsite is the most common way to eliminate solid urban wastes in this part of the world. An important problem associated to landfills and open dumpsite is the production of leachates. The leachates from these dumpsites have many toxic substances, which may adversely affect the environmental health. Thus in order to have a better management of characteristics of Ihiagwa-Nekede waste dump leachates, representative leachate samples were collected and analyzed for Physico-chemical properties and levels of heavy metals in them. Results indicate pH7.38, temperature 28.30 ℃ - 28.40℃, total dissolved solid 124.01mg/l-125.45mg/l, magnesium hardness 4.40mg/l-7.32mg/l, sulphate 3.60mg/l-3.70mg/l, and nitrate 27.00mg/l-27.60mg/l. Other parameters indicated as follows Conductivity1910𝜇𝑠/𝑐𝑚-1930.00 𝜇𝑠/𝑐𝑚, total chloride 891.72mg/l-891.74mg/l, carbonate 1708.00mg/l-1904.00mg/l, Ammonia 9.39mg/l-9.40mg/l, calcium hardness 373.17mg/l-375.61mg/l, total solid 2423.00mg/l-2454.00mg/l, phosphate 13.52mg/l-13.54mg/l. The heavy metal: cyanide 2.25mg/l-2.33mg/l, zinc 18.08mg/l-18.38mg/l, copper 19.90mg/l20.48mg/l, iron10.67mg/l-10.82mg/l, lead 1.27mg/l-1.41mg/l, and manganese 3.00mg/l-3.61mg/l, all these exceeded the WHO standards. The obtained results showed that the landfill leachates are characterized by high concentrations of heavy metals and other disease causing elements and therefore require urgent treatment to forestall the contamination of groundwater system and the nearby Otamiri River.


In recent years, the literature abounds with Biomechaniecal studies of running, The emphasis of running reserches has been on aquiring a better understanding of biomechanics of running. The objective of this paper focus on describing and evaluating the movement patterns employed by selected parameters during the stride. One locam 16㎜ camera at speed of 64fps. was used to film each student`s running technique from the side of the student. Four of selected film pictures from take-off to landing were described. The paper tracings were then transfered from the film using film projector. The approach of CLAUSTER ET, AL was used to calculated the center of gravity of each photograph in order to determin the location of COG. By comparing our data from the film pictures, There are many obvious differences from the top sprinters. The film pictures analysis is a effective method to quatitively determine and analyze the running technique. By analyzing the running technique using the biomechanical approach we can learn many interesting and in formative facts to help teaching and studying future sport technique.


Two are the goals of human intellect in Spinoza: address human action to his flourishment and explain the truth of Nature as a whole of necessary relationships. This paper analyzes these two different goals asking for their compatibility.


We studied the absorption efficiencies of ring doped core DCF (double clad fiber), and found out that the fiber gives excellent results. This will help to better manage the nonlinear effects in the high power working regimes.


The purpose of the article is to reveal modern directions of architectural and planning organization of rehabilitation centers for people with locomotor apparatus pathology. The research is based on the study of world experience in the design and construction of rehabilitation centers in order to identify the functional composition of the premises and the planning organization. The attention is focused on the demand for the mentioned objects. The conclusion about the necessity of complex approach with attention to landscape organization and socialization is made which will increase comfort and quality of medical services. The results of the study have been tested in an experimental project of the rehabilitation center in Samara. As a result of the study the necessity of building such facilities in Russia is emphasized. The experience of foreign countries needs adaptation to Russian conditions.


The dynamic effect of fast moving loads on a rail is analysed by the perturbation-based stochastic finite element method. The rail is modeled as an elastic beam resting on the Winkler type foundation whose stiffness is of spatial stochastic process. Kelvin-Voigt model is used to express damping of the rail and foundation. The variance of the deflection of and bending moment in the rail is investigated for two loads moving at constant speed.


Objective To study the mechanism of acupuncture on urinary incontinence. Methods New Zealand rabbits were divided into four groups, i.e. control group, model group, Zhongji (CV3) acupuncture group and Shenshu (BL23) acupuncture group. The urination velocity of bladder (UVB) was observed as the quantization index of the contraction of the bladder smooth muscle. The models that the UVB was increasing were induced by Eustigmin Methylsulfate (EM) and treated by acupuncturing at CV3 or BL23, and the UVB was observed. Results EM could increase the probability of the urine leakage from the urethral catheter during the bladder filling and increase the UVB aftter the bladder filling. The increasing trend of the UVB could be weakened by acupuncturing at CV3 or BL23, and the variety-rate of UVB changed too. Conclusion Weakening the contraction of bladder smooth muscle may be the mechanism of acupuncture treatment for urinary incontinence.


Objective: To investigate the influence of silane and different resin cements on shear bond strength of fiber post to root canal dentine by push-out test design.Methods: Sixty recently extracted human maxillary incisors were endodontically treated followed by post channels preparation and were randomly divided into five groups of 12.Fiber posts were cemented using the following materials: Group A: Paracore/Silane;Group B: Paracore;Group C: Panavia F/Silane;Group D: Panavia F;Group E: Multilink N/Silane.The middle root of each tooth was truncated 2 thin slices with a thickness of 1.0mm for micro push-out test.Each specimen was subjected to a load perpendicularly on Zwick Z100 materials testing machine until failure.Failure mode of each sample was recorded.ANOVA and Chi-square test were used to compare the results.Results: There were significant differences among the five groups studied(Group A: 14.69±2.76MPa;Group B: 9.46±3.11MPa,Group C: 13.12±3.10MPa,Group D: 10.40±3.30MPa,Group E: 13.86±3.81MPa.P 0.01).Fiber post treated with silane before cementation had greater push-out bond strength than those without silanization(P 0.05).There was no significant difference in push-out strength among the three resin cement when fiber posts were silanized before cementation(P 0.05).There were significant differences in failure mode among the five groups(P 0.05).Conclusions: After HF etching,treating the glass fiber post surface with silane before resin cementation might significantly improve the push-out bond strength between fiber post and root dentine.


Baratz and Segall (1988) have proposed a reliable link initialization procedure (RLIP) for use between terrestrial nodes connected by point-to-point links. This paper reexamines this area and introduces a new link management protocol, LAMSLM, appropriate for low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks. The principal criterion for the design of this protocol is to minimize the time spent by link initialization during link establishment so that data transmission time can be extended. This is accomplished by specifying a unique link closure mechanism that permits link reinitialization at a later stage. The paper includes the algorithm design and analysis of the impact on throughput efficiency.<<ETX>>


3630 Background: 5-Fluorouracil plus irinotecan (CPT-11) is standard 1st-line therapy in patients (pts) with metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC). 5'-DFUR is a tumor-activated oral fluoropyrimidine. We conduct a phase I trial of CPT-11 and 5'-DFUR to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and toxicities of this regimen. However, detoxification of SN-38 (active form of CPT-11) is depending on UGT1A1 polymorphism. Here we report the results from a phase I study to determine the significance of UGT1A1 polymorphism on toxicity in pts with MCRC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
Eligibility criteria were as follows; histologically proven CRC with unresectable metastatic lesions, PS 0-2, age<75, adequate organ functions, and written informed consent. 5'-DFUR was administered orally (level 1 and 2; 600 mg/body, level 2b and 3; 800 mg/body) on 5 consecutive days with 2 days' rest for 12 weeks, and CPT-11 was infused (level 1, 2, 2b, and 3: 50, 70, 70, 100 mg/m2, respectively) on days 1, 15, 29, 43, 57, and 71. Dose limiting toxicities were determined as grade 3 hematological and grade 3 non-hematological during 12 weeks. Genotypes were determined by analyzing the sequence of TATA box of UGT1A1 of genomic DNA from the pts.

RESULTS
Fifteen pts were registered (3 pts each in level 1 to 2b and 6 in level 3). No toxicity of grade 3 or over was observed at level 1 to 2b. At level 3, the planned therapy was discontinued in 3 pts because of grade 3 neutropenia and/or diarrhea, which settled the MTD on this level. Polymorphism of UGT1A1 is characterized by (TA)7, instead of (TA)6. The frequency of genotypes was as follows: 6/6-10/15(67%), 6/7-5/15(33%) and 7/7-0/15(0%). Three pts who had grade 3 toxicities on level 3 had abnormal allele (6/7). On the other hand, three pts who had normal allele (6/6) had no toxicity of grade 2 or over on level 3.

CONCLUSIONS
The recommended doses are CPT-11 70 mg/m2 and 5' -DFUR 800 mg/body. However, pts who had normal allele (6/6) could tolerate on level 3, so MTD and RD for pts with normal allele should be settled by further examinations. The RD in the phase I study may be changed, when the gene polymorphism is taken into consideration. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


This research focuses on a positive, and previously largely unknown, implication of United Nations (UN) peacekeeping: better environmental quality. While maintaining international peace and security remains the main goal of peacekeeping operations, we contend that they can also be linked to environmentally friendly outcomes. Mission mandates and UN policies increasingly comprise actions that potentially promote environmental quality. At the same time, positive side effects on the environment materialize due to the cooperation with and activities of other UN bodies. The empirical analyses, also correcting for the likely non-random assignment of peace missions and employing several alternative outcome measures, suggest that UN peace missions are indeed substantively associated with better environmental quality. This research has important implications for our understanding of peacekeeping operations, and it contributes to the literatures on the (unintended) consequences of peacekeeping as well as environmental politics.


Introduction We reported that excessive disc space distraction caused by insertion of large cages during anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) induces adjacent segment degeneration (ASD). Previous reports indicated that over distraction of disc space was an independent risk factor for ASD after posterior lumbar interbody fusion. We therefore hypothesize that the incidence of ASD after ACDF with larger size of cages should be higher than that ACDF with normal cages due to this loss of disc space distraction. Materials and Methods Radiographic ASD is defined as development of spondylolisthesis >3 mm, decrease in disc height >3 mm, or intervertebral angle at flexion lesser than −5 degrees. Symptomatic ASD is defined by a decrease of ≥ 4 points in Japanese Orthopedic Association score. A 130 patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy were treated with either ACDF with larger size of cages (n = 45) or ACDF with normal cages (n = 85) and followed up for a minimum of 2 years (mean, 39.2 months). Results Disc space distraction in the normal cage group was significantly smaller (0.4 mm) as compared with the larger size group (1.8 mm). The incidence of clinical ASD in the normal cage group (2%, 1/45) was also significantly less than that in the larger size group (15%, 13/85). Multivariate analysis showed that disc space distraction was the most significant risk factor. Conclusion Among various risk factors for ASD after ACDF, the excessive distraction of disc space proved to be a potent risk factor for ASD. Disclosure of Interest None declared


J. Hampl, T. Elbel, VŠB-TU Ostrava, Faculty of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Czech Republic T. Válek, Vítkovické slévárny, s.r.o., Ostrava-Vítkovice, Czech Republic The contribution summarises the results of application of thermodynamic calculation obtained from oxygen activities measurements in cast irons with various type of graphite microstructure. The results were used to find the relationship between natural logarithm of oxygen activities and reverse value of thermodynamic temperature 1/T. From obtained regression line the calculation of oxygen activities value for significant temperature of molten metal was achieved. Each material has its proper typical oxygen activities range for analysing and controlling graphite quality. Practical implication was successfully tested in a Czech foundry producing centrifugally poured cast iron rolls designed for hot strip mills with spheroidal graphite iron core.


Uniform subband technology is popular in broadband channelization.When the signal characteristics are unknown,uniform subband channelization will lead to disseverment of signal spectrum.The mathematic model of subband channelization is established for single-carrier signal.The spectrum distortion is considered as the transition of shape function.Therefore the subband signal preserves the cyclostationarity of original signal.A new baud rate estimation algorithm is presented based on the envelope characteristic of subband analytic signal without reconstructing the original signal.This algorithm improves the efficiency of the broadband processing.The influences of the frequency domain coverage percentage and Signal Noise Ratio(SNR) are analyzed with the computer simulation.Simulation results and theoretical deductions prove that this algorithm is efficient and credible。


The way by which people interact with computers-computer interface technology-is undergoing rapid change. Computer input and output initially consisted of punch cards and typed correspondence. Greater spontaneity was afforded by the display and interaction with text on a computer screen. During the past 10 years, the increasing acceptance of the mouse and the XeroxPARC 2D interface has allowed the use of spatial navigation through the computer's operating system, as well as providing greater standardization for software applications. With the advent of three-dimensional hardware acceleration, the computer's interface and applications now allow three-dimensional navigation and interaction with three-dimensional worlds. Furthermore, the explosive growth of the Internet is providing a better means of sharing and distributing information between machines, and ultimately the virtual environments that reside in those machines. Improvement in computer interface technology has immense implications for neuroscience research. Computers, when used for quantitative and/or qualitative analysis, can aid understanding of the structure and function of the brain. However, we must also be cognizant of the fact that the strengths and weaknesses of the computer as an analytical tool can change the focus of our investigations. Sir William Osler stated, "When your only tool is a hammer, you treat everything as a nail." Because the computer is changing so quickly, recognizing its strengths and knowing its limitations, as well as identifying areas of rapid advancement will be important. So rather than limiting our investigations, as would happen with the metaphorical hammer, we need to match the computer's capabilities with our investigative and scientific reporting needs.


Membrane type 4 matrix metalloproteinase (MT4‐MMP) [matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 17] is a GPI‐anchored membrane‐type MMP expressed on the cell surface of human breast cancer cells. In triple‐negative breast cancer cells, MT4‐MMP promotes primary tumour growth and lung metastases. Although the trafficking and internalization of the transmembrane membrane type 1 MMP have been extensively investigated, little is known about the regulatory mechanisms of the GPI‐anchored MT4‐MMP. Here, we investigated the fate and cellular trafficking of MT4‐MMP by analysing its homophilic complex interactions, internalization and recycling dynamics as compared with an inert form, MT4‐MMP‐E249A. Oligomeric and dimeric complexes were analysed by cotransfection of cells with FLAG‐tagged or Myc‐tagged MT4‐MMP in reducing and nonreducing immunoblotting and coimmunoprecipitation experiments. The trafficking of MT4‐MMP was studied with an antibody feeding assay and confocal microscopy analysis or cell surface protein biotinylation and western blot analysis. We demonstrate that MT4‐MMP forms homophilic complexes at the cell surface, and internalizes in early endosomes, and that some of the enzyme is either autodegraded or recycled to the cell surface. Our data indicate that MT4‐MMP is internalized by the clathrin‐independent carriers/GPI‐enriched early endosomal compartments pathway, a mechanism that differs from that responsible for the internalization of other membrane‐type MMP members. Although MT4‐MMP localizes with caveolin‐1, MT4‐MMP internalization was not affected by inhibitors of caveolin‐1 or clathrin endocytosis pathways, but was reduced by CDC42 or RhoA silencing with small interfering RNA. We provide a new mechanistic insight into the regulatory mechanisms of MT4‐MMP, which may have implications for the design of novel therapeutic strategies for metastatic breast cancer.


Analyses of the women's movement that focus on its "waves" and theories of social movements that focus on contentious politics have encouraged the view that the women's movement is in decline. Employing alternative perspectives on social movements, we show that the women's movement continues to thrive. This is evidenced by organizational maintenance and growth, including the international expansion of women's movement organizations; feminism within institutions and other social movements; the spread of feminist culture and collective identity; and the variety of the movement's tactical repertoires. Moreover, the movement remains capable of contentious collective action. We argue for research based on broader conceptions of social movements as well as the contentious politics approach.


Vicine (1) and convicine (2) (Vicia faba), causative of the human disease favism, have been conveniently prepared in good yields by a three-step synthesis starting from ethyl glyoxylate. The key step is the reaction of a suitable tetra-O-acetylglucopyranoside with a large excess of guanidine with causes simultaneously deacetylation and coupling.


The article considers the final phase of the civil war in Cambodia which coincided with the first five years of the existence of a new state – the Kingdom of Cambodia (1993-1998). The so called win-win policy developed by Prime Minister Hun Sen contributed to the success of combatting the Khmer Rouge movement which continued to carry out armed actions against legitimate authority. The article shows that the policy involved the implementation of a five letter (DIFID) strategy: divide the movement, isolate its key components by taking away support at the local level, finish armed action, integrate those combatants who lay down their arms and develop areas of compact habitation.


Jehol Biota in western Liaoning and northern Hebei has been a hot topic of global concern, a large number of exquisite fossils were found in Yixian group Sihetun, such as Sinosauropteryx, Protarchaeopteryx, Caudipteryx and Confuciusornis. Scientists consider the discovering of Sinosauropteryx discovered so far as the earliest ancestor of birds. According to the dates of root layer, we can see warm and humid, lakes and marshes flocks, the vegetation lush, and frequent volcanic activity of Cretaceous period in western Liaoning and northern Hebei. The article analyses the characteristics and the palaeoenvironments of bird fossils by taphonomy, which current are in Sihetun museum and discovered there, so that we can know the way of their deaths. Firstly, bird fossil-bearing layer (37 m) is a thick group of volcanic interbed, volcanic was activated from 133 to 120Ma ago. Diagenesis preserved bird bones, patterns, feathers and so on, from which we can determine these fossils have been buried in volcanic ash quickly and be conserved in situ. Secondly, the distance between Sinosauropteryx fossil layer and the Archeopteryx fossil layer is only 5.5 m, the Archeopteryx fossil layer and Confuciusornis fossil layer is 8.5 m. It means that there is probability for us to discover the direct ancestors of birds under the layer of Sinosauropteryx fossil-bearing beds of this group. Thirdly, by measuring, Psittacosaurus (No.1 fossil) long axis direction is 94 ; two birds fossil in one stone (No.2 fossil) long axis direction is 78 ; the Confuciusornis (No.3 fossil) long axis direction is 84 ; the Confuciusornis (No.4 fossil) long axis direction is 85 ; the Confuciusornis (No.5 fossil) long axis direction is 112 ; Psittacosaurus (No.6 fossil) long axis direction is 133 ; the Confuciusornis (No.7 fossil) long axis direction is 94 ; which showed the state of collective escape by fauna. In a word, it shows a state of animals fleeing and buried in one particular geological event. Recovery plan can rebuild the palaeoenvironments and the activities of a lot of early birds and mammals escaped to 84 -133 direction due the volcano eruption which lived in this ancient lake area that was conserved in Yixian group in Early Cretaceous at 126-125 Ma. As a result, we can learn that frequent volcanic activity induced the destruction of beings of the area in Early Cretaceous; on the other hand, it speeded the changes of environment, provided a platform for biological evolution, So that the evolution characteristic of local species is sudden switch in birthmutate and extinct. Of course, there is also another explanation which it is nothing about the Geological Events but only the birds died out-of-order and conserved to be fossils in short time.


The proportion of oxidation product and reduction product became smaller in the reaction of coenzyme NADH models BNAH with active alkenes in oxygen-saturated mixed solvent increasing the reaction times,but overall yield was higher.


Green composites were needed by automotive industries because they are environmentally friendly, recyclable, lightweight and strong. Natural fibers such as bamboo and sisal are potential source of these materials and can be used as substitutes of fiber glass which is hard to recycle and not renewable.  In this experiment, bio-composites made from micro fibers of betung bamboo ( Dendrocalamus asper ) and sisal ( Agave sisalana ) mixed with a natural polymer of polylactic acid (PLA) were developed that may used for automotive application. Bamboo or sisal fibers were converted into pulp and processed using a disc refiner to produce microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) with fiber diameter around 10 µm. MFC was mixed with PLA and triacetin and dried. The mixture was processed in a mixer at temperature of 170oC, speed of 60 rpm for 20 min. The compound mixture was removed and processed into pellets using a pelletizer at 170oC. Pellets were processed using injection molding machine. The compositions of fibers/PLA were 10/90, 20/80, and 30/70. The mechanical properties were tested in accordance with ASTM standards. Result shown that optimum composition ratio of bamboo fibers/PLA was 20/80 which gave flexural strength of 62.30 MPa, flexural modulus of 3.89 GPa, tensile strength of 44.55 MPa, tensile modulus of 1.20 GPa, and hardness of 112.90 R. While the optimum composition ratio of sisal fibers/PLA was 30/70 which gave flexural strength of 67.83 MPa, flexural modulus of 4.43 GPa, tensile strength of 48.18 MPa, tensile modulus of 1.13 GPa, and hardness of 110.50 R.


Travel time parameters obtained from road traffic sensors data play an important role in traffic management practice. A travel time forecasting model is proposed for urban road traffic sensors data based on the method of change-point detection in this paper. The first-order differential operation is used for preprocessing over the actual loop data; a change-point detection algorithm is designed to classify the sequence of large number of travel time data items into several patterns; then a travel time forecasting model is established based on autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model. By computer simulation, different control parameters are chosen for adaptive change point search for travel time series, which is divided into several sections of similar state.Then linear weight function is used to fit travel time sequence and to forecast travel time. The results show that the model has high accuracy in travel time forecasting.


According to the information systems literature, many information technology IT projects go wildly over budget, drag on long past their originally scheduled completion date, and do not deliver acco...


The e-government is being adopted all across the world for better facilitation of public services. It is a citizen-centric service i.e. of, by and for the citizens. However the developing countries like India, China and other South Asian countries are finding tough to convince their masses to try, avail and trust these e-government facilities. Major concern is that many of current IT users do not avail the e-government services. The success of any plan or programme can be measured by its reach among users. The challenge before government is how to broaden awareness, acceptance and usage of e-government services. The present research analyzes the marketing strategy to be adopted in the Indian context to meet this objective. It introduces the concept of 'progressive segmentation' for taking into e-government fold more and more citizen users. The increased usage will not only bring down the cost but also increase transparency, autonomy and global economic integration.


The teacher who shows hot dances in English class is popular with the college students. It reflects the different characteristics and values of Post-90's students and the disadvantages of CET. Colleges and teachers should take measures, such as adjusting the Credit System, reinforcing emotional teaching and compiling professional textbooks, to make up the disadvantages of CET, to spur the motivation and interests of Post-90's students in English study, and encourage students to learn English autonomously.


The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is developing proposed rulemaking to resolve outstanding issues concerning the Incentive Rate of Return (IROR) mechanism to be used for segments of the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation system (ANGTS). This paper examines the inflation adjustment mechanism and recommends a key component -- the index -- which is used to adjust the Cost Performance Ratio (CPR). Issues relevant to the selection of indices are discussed, a number of existing indices are examined, and a new composite index is discussed. In addition, the cost categories and price index proxies to be used in the recommended index are presented.


In the course of processing,there will be the residual stress with non-uniform plastic deformation of the material.The residual stress will have effect on the fatigue strength,the corrosion resistance,the size stability,changes,and hardness.Enhancing the superficial plastic deformation resisting force and reducing the effective surface tensile stress will suppress the germination and expansion of the fatigue cracking and enhance the fatigue strength.This article mainly studies the structural steel and the stainless steel,testing surface residual stress by the X-ray diffraction principle.The best test parameter is determined by using the stress analyzer after analyzing the result-affecting technical,material and geometric factors.


ABSTRACT The article contrasts the historical trajectories of Namibia and Zimbabwe with a specific focus on the dynamics of the broad liberation movements in both countries, the stages of their development and the social settings in which they operated and still operate in their capacities of ruling parties after independence. The differences of both historical processes are mapped and pinpointed in particular with respect to the role of settlers and to trajectories of violence. There are also clear divergences in their conceptualisation, discursive adaptation and debate of historical issues. These are linked to an array of features that differentiate both countries, ranging from the diverse weight of political unity through the contrasting role of settler communities to the differential weight of class analysis in existing literature. In these very diverse ways, history emerges, in both countries, as a rather hotly contested terrain.


In this paper, we present bottom-gate-type Ga-doped zinc oxide (GZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) using a certain conventional SiO2 gate insulator by applying a radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering method at room temperature. A low gate leakage current was achieved using this conventional SiO2 gate insulator instead of new gate oxide materials. The root mean square (RMS) value of the GZO film surface was found to be 1.65 nm, and the transmittance was higher than 75% in the visible region. The GZO TFTs operated in a depletion mode with a threshold voltage of -3.4 V. A mobility of 0.023 cm2/(V·s), an on/off ratio of 2×103, and a gate voltage swing of 3.3 V/decade were obtained. We successfully demonstrated that the TFT of depletion-mode type can be fabricated using a GZO film that has good surface uniformity, transparency, and electrical characteristics.


Grey system theory is an effective mathematical method for studying small sample data and solving poor information problems. The grey correlation model and grey prediction model in this theory have been widely used in scientific studies in various industries. Currently, it is quite difficult for China to formulate scientific policies as livestreaming e-commerce is an emerging industry with little available annual data; therefore, the use of grey system theory is crucial to the study of the future scale of livestreaming e-commerce. In this paper, of many factors influencing the development of livestreaming e-commerce, 14 predictors of livestreaming e-commerce development scale were selected to construct a grey correlation model, by which 5 main predictors were determined. Based on the predictors identified above, 4 grey prediction models of GM (1,1), DGM (1,1), NDGM (1,1), and FDGM (1,1) were constructed, and the accuracy of these models was compared. It was concluded that the NDGM (1,1) model had the best simulation effect. The NDGM (1,1) model is then used to forecast and analyse the indicators of livestreaming e-commerce development scale from 2021 to 2023, and some relevant suggestions were made. This paper applies the new modelling approach to livestreaming e-commerce studies, thus broadening the theoretical study field of livestreaming e-commerce. Moreover, the findings can help the Chinese government make more reasonable and effective decisions as a new study on livestreaming e-commerce was conducted from a different perspective in this paper.


Performance is a function of managers to utilize the resources of a firm to improve efficiency, effectiveness and financial performance. In today's global environment, Small and Medium Enterprises have limited chances of accessing credit facilities from lending institutions owing to their relatively smaller sizes. The high amount of interest rates charged on loan facilities by lending institutions also limits the ability of SMEs to access credit facilities. In order to improve on their financial performance, SMEs have therefore resorted to equity financing as an alternative option of accessing funds apart from the use of debts that has proved to be too risky. The researcher aimed to determine the effect of crowd funding on financial performance of SMEs in Garissa County, Kenya. The study was submitted by market timing chain and pecking order Theory. Design of the study was descriptive. 3097 small and medium Enterprises in Garissa County were the target population. The respondents of the study were the finance managers, accountants and owners of SMEs. The study used a formula by Kothari (2004) to determine the sample size. Primary-data was collected by the use of a questionnaire. Statistical package of social science was used for analysis and both descriptive analysis and inferential statistics was presented. The findings was presented in tables, graphs and figures. The results indicated that the small and medium enterprises are very dynamic and consider crowd funding from different sources in the country. The small medium enterprises in Garissa County are committed in ensuring that the crowd funding are efficiently and effectively used. The study concluded that crowd funding significantly and positively effects the changes in financial performance.


After outlining some of the issues surrounding the flavor problem, I present three speculative ideas on the origin of families. In turn, families are conjectured to arise from an underlying preon dynamics; from random dynamics at very short distances; or as a result of compactification in higher dimensional theories. Examples and limitations of each of these speculative scenarios are discussed.


The investigation of natural and human-induced soil degradation are important subjects in terrestrial ecosystem research. They involve several branches of the science. In order to study natural and human-induced soil degradation, it is necessary to use inter- and multidisciplinary approaches with respect to temporal and spatial landscape changes. Soils and sediments are geoindicators which preserve important information about the long-term human impact on the environment.

Colluvial sediments are indirect human-made parent materials. They reflect internal and external aspects of long-term soil degradation. Land-use systems determine long-term human-induced soil degradation and soil formation since the beginning of agriculture.

In order to answer several questions such as when intensive human-induced soil degradation started in Schleswig-Holstein, how soil degradation developed and what the responses of soils and sediments were to land-use changes, It was hypothesized that intensive human activities during middle and late Holocene were responsible for the modification of soils and sediments and also for the acceleration of soil degradation. An integrative assessment method was thus developed and testified.

The results of the investigation of colluvial sediments and soils in three research areas in Schleswig-Holstein (Germany) with a high resolution in space and time can be summarized as follows:

Properties of soils and sediments vary intensively from Mesolithic until Modern times.
Intensive soil formation took place in the colluvial layers during periods of geomorphodynamic stability in a dense woodland.
Transport of clay minerals and leaching of soluble material as important soil formation processes were identified in the investigation areas.
Inappropriate land-use management caused the podsolization of Cambisols and Luvisols which had developed in colluvial layers before.
Man-induced soil formation (degradation e.g. due to podsolization), soil erosion and sedimentation (removal of the nutrients in the topsoil by erosion) modified soil fertility and soil quality often strongly.
Land-use systems have usually accelerated, changed or prevented the specific natural processes of soil formation.
Soil age information together with geomorphological data, physical, chemical and biological soil properties provide the database which is necessary to study the types and rates of soil formation in colluvial layers.
Recent soil conditions are the result e.g. of the decision-making of farmers in the past. The decision-making modified soil formation processes and increased chemical, physical and biological soil degradation.

In conclusion, it could be emphasized that the impact of human activities on soils is unavoidable; in many cases negative effects will be multiplied by land mismanagement. The study of the effects of the past and current land-use changes enable the identification of the best solution to control soil degradation. A good knowledge from the past and about current soil degradation helps to identify a successful strategy against unwanted soil changes in order to achieve a sustainable management of the soils in the future.


Although significant progress has been made in the use of particle beams for cancer treatment, an extensive research and development program is still needed to maximize the healthcare benefits from these therapies. The Optimization of Medical Accelerators (OMA) is the aim of a new European Network. OMA joins universities, research centers and clinical facilities with industry partners to address the challenges in treatment facility design and optimization, numerical simulations for the development of advanced treatment schemes, and in beam imaging and treatment monitoring. This paper gives an overview of the OMA research and training program and presents initial results from three selected projects.


Since the initial observations by Post and coworkers,' a large amount of information has accumulated indicating that hydrolysis of ATP by the (Na,K)ATPase proceeds through a series of steps involving the formation and hydrolysis of pho~phoenzymes.~-~ This information has led to a detailed reaction scheme for the hydrolysis of ATP and for the associated active transport of Na+ and K+.2.3 The main experimental support for the currently accepted reaction scheme comes from studies on partial reactions. Few attempts have been made to see to what extent this scheme is able to predict quantitatively the steady-state kinetic behavior of the (Na,K)-ATPase. Studies of this kind are important since agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental results is one of the necessary requirements for the validity of any reaction scheme. We will report here experiments on the interaction of ATP, K+, Na+, and M&+ with the (Na,K)-ATPase during steady-state ATP hydrolysis. We will try to show that comparison of the experimental results with theoretical kinetic equations seems to indicate that the behavior of the system is in some respects difficult to reconcile with the predictions of the currently held view about the role of Na+, K+, M g + , and ATP during hydrolysis of ATP by the (Na,K]-ATPase. The experiments reported here were performed using a partially purified (Na,K)-ATPase isolated from the outer medulla of dog kidney following Jdrgensen's procedure "C."4 ATPase activity was estimated from the initial rate of release of 32P (Pi) from [y-3ZP]ATP.5 Incubations were carried out at 37OC, adjusting the length of incubation and the concentration of enzyme so that no more than 10% of the ATP underwent enzymatic hydrolysis. In all media, pH was kept at 7.4 with 20 mM imidazol-HC1 and total salt concentration at 150 mM by mixing adequate amounts of NaCl, KCI, and choline C1. All media contained 1% (w/v] of bovine serum albumin.


Objective: To evaluate the stability of two brands of generic meropenem at high ambient temperatures and various concentrations in solution. Methods: Generic meropenem brand A and brand B vials were used to prepare 10 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL solutions in PVC bags. The prepared solutions were incubated at 25, 30 and 35 °C. Three mL of each solution were with drawn at 0, 4, 8 and 12 hours and subjected to HPLC analysis. Results: Generic meropenem (Brand A) as a 10 mg/mL solution was stable for up to 10 hours at 25°C, 5 hours at 30°C and 4.5 hours at 35°C. A. 20 mg/mL solution was stable for 6 hours at 25°C, 5 hours at 30°C and 3 hours at 35°C. Generic meropenem (Brand B) as a 10 mg/mL solution was stable for up to 9 hours at 25°C, 5 hours at 30°C and 3 hours at 35°C. A. 20 mg/mL solution was stable for 5 hours at 25°C,10 hours at 30°C and 5 hours at 35°C. Conclusion: The stability of the generic meropenem solutions was affected by temperature and concentration. Higher the temperatures and higher the drug concentrations, show lower the stability of generic meropenem.


The phenomenon of selective reflection of incident light by cholesteric type liquid crystals has been extensively investigated during the past decades and recently led to various applications. The most promising utilisations of liquid crystal sheets are in the field of thermograohy and infra-red technology. We have been involved in the conception of a new type of cholesteric mixtures which show nearly linear temperature-color dependence. The technological difficulties inherent to the realisation of several thin layers of microencapsulated liquid crystals layers on a soft polyester support are now solved. Sheets of large size which can be produced are expected to find applications in medicine, IR image convertion, industrial non-destructive testing.


Aiming at the microgrid system with distributed energy sources such as wind, diesel generator, and fuel cell and flexible load in islanding mode, the optimal dispatching model is established to consider the optimal load and reduce the economic cost. This study adopts the improved NSGA-II algorithm, which can improve the optimization efficiency and get the optimal solution better. The simulation analysis of the microgrid in the islanded mode is carried out within a cycle of 24 h. The results of the model show that this strategy can effectively optimize the load curve and reduce the current cost of supply.