A new chelating agent, L-histidine-modified silica from rice husk (LHSRH), was prepared to increase the adsorption capacity and selectivity for Pb(II). LHSRH was synthesized by immobilizing L-histidine on silica from rice husk (RH) modified with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS). Silica from rice husk (SRH) was synthesized via precipitation process by adding hydrochloric acid solution to rice husk ash (RHA). The RHA was subsequently destructed with sodium hydroxide and heated to obtain sodium silicate (Na 2 SiO 3 ). SRH was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction. The LHSRH was used further to adsorp Pb(II) metal ion. The pH range, amount of adsorbent, and adsorption time were optimized by response surface methodology. The optimum condition for the adsorption of Pb(II) was pH 5, an amount of adsorbent 0.1 g; and adsorption time 15 minutes. The adsorption capacity for Pb(II) ion was found to be 62.5 mg/g. The adsorption behavior of the matrix followed the Langmuir's model.


8586 Background: Little is known about the impact of treatment on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients (pts). The change in PROs of MM pts between baseline and 1 year was assessed relative to their baseline International Staging System (ISS) stage and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) score. Methods: Connect MM is a prospective US registry of MM pts initiated in 2009. Clinicians reported pt demographics, ECOG PS score, and ISS stage. PROs were collected at baseline and at 1 year utilizing the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)-MM, EQ-5D, and Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Changes in FACT-MM, EQ-5D, and BPI scores were analyzed by ISS stage and ECOG PS score in 636 pts meeting CRAB criteria from 189 centers. Results: Most pts were male (58%) and white (84%). Mean age was 66 years (± 11). Pts were treated in community (81%), academic (17%), or veterans/military (2%) settings. ISS stages of pts w...


Abstract The mechanical, electronic, and optical properties of β-B6O are calculated by first-principles. The structural optimization and all properties are calculated by the method of generalized gradient approximation – Perdew, Burke and Ernzerhof (PBE). The hardness of β-B6O is 39 GPa under a pressure of 0 GPa, which indicates that it belongs to a hard material. The band gap is indirect with a value of 1.836 eV, showing that β-B6O is a semiconductor. The research of the electron localization function shows that the bonds of β-B6O are covalent bonds, which can increase the stability of the compound. The phonon dispersion curves present the dynamical stability of β-B6O under pressures of 0 and 50 GPa. The optical properties of β-B6O are also calculated. In the energy range from 0 to 18 eV, β-B6O presents high reflectivity; it has a strong absorption in the energy range from 3 to 18 eV. The refractive index results show that light propagates through the β-B6O in a difficult manner in the energy range from 6.9 to 16.5 eV. In addition, the energy of the plasma frequency for β-B6O is 16.6 eV and the peak value of the loss function is 13.6. These properties provide the basis for the development and application of β-B6O.


Table 1: Final tuned parameter values for Fugue, BarrieredFugue, GraphLab and PSGD. All the methods are tuned to perform optimally. η0 is the initial step size, where η is defined in equation 4. λ is the Dictionary Learning `1 penalty defined in equation 2. η ′ is parameter that modifies the learning rate when extra updates are executed while waiting for slow workers. step dec is a parameter for decreasing learning rate for GraphLab used in their collaborative filtering library.


Case 1 A man aged 59 years developed seropositive rheumatoid arthritis in 1969. His hands, feet, knees and elbows were severely affected, and he subsequently developed vasculitis affecting his fingertips. In 1972 he was prescribed hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) 200 mg three times a day, as simple anti-inflammatory drugs had proved ineffective in controlling his symptoms. He complained of generalized pruritus during the eighteen months that he took hydroxychloroquine, but no rash appeared. In 1974 treatment with n-penicillamine was started and the dosage gradually increased to a maximum of one gram daily. After four months he stopped this medication and no further penicillamine was given. During the following seventeen months his rheumatoid disease became more active and vasculitic lesions appeared once again on his fingertips. However, he was able to return to work after taking levamisole 50 mg three times daily for six weeks. After two months on levamisole he complained of generalized pruritus. His skin became scaly and clinically resembled a mild lamellar ichthyosis, which was most noticeable on his trunk and limbs. Over the shoulders, buttocks and in the antecubital fossae the skin was thickened and appeared eczematous. An emollient cream produced moderate relief of his symptoms, but one month later widespread asteatotic eczema was seen over the shoulders, elbows and abdomen. He complained of scaling and irritation of his scalp, and four weeks later profuse hair loss developed. At this time moist brown crusted plaques were evident over his chest and back, together with hypertrophic papulonodular lesions on the scalp (Figures I & 2). There was also marked enlargement of axillary and inguinal lymph nodes. A superficial erosion appeared on the left labial buccal mucosa. At this stage the levamisole was discontinued. Biopsies were taken from the scalp and chest skin, and an axillary lymph node was removed. Two weeks later a further biopsy was taken from the right scapular region. Four months later his clinical appearance was unchanged. Repeat biopsies were taken from the scalp and trunk. Eight months after stopping levamisole, scarring alopecia of the scalp and atrophic lichenoid plaques on the trunk and limbs remained. After one year the plaques became hyperpigmented (Figure 3), but no regrowth of hair had occurred on any part of the scalp.


[Objective]To investigate the happiness,depression and loneliness of empty-nesters,analyze the influencing factors,provide the basis for improving the life quality of empty-nesters. [Methods]112 empty-nesters were investigated by Memorial University of Newfoundland Scale of Happiness /Geriatric Depression Scale /UCLA Loneliness Scale( MUNSH /GDS /UCLE) and general condition questionnaire,and the influencing factors were analyzed. [Results]The scores of happiness,depression and loneliness among 112 empty-nesters were( 36. 58 ± 6. 87),( 11. 00 ± 2. 89) and( 30. 58 ± 7. 29). The differences of score of MUNSH /GDS /UCLE in different monthly income and recreational activities frequency were statistically significant( P 0. 05). The difference of UCLA score in different physical exercise frequency was statistically significant( P 0. 05).[Conclusion]The condition of low happiness,mild depression and moderate loneliness among empty-nesters shouldn't be ignored. Monthly income,recreational activities frequency and physical exercise frequency are the key factors to improve the life quality of empty-nesters.


Category: Ankle, Diabetes, Hindfoot, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Intra-articular calcaneal fractures offer unique challenges. Wound problems and infection are significant complications in the surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures which in turn can be debilitating to patients and outcomes. The literature suggests varying wound complication rates but 21% up to 33% using the traditional extensile lateral approach in some studies. The extensile lateral approach has historically been accepted as the gold standard for fixation and treatment of these fractures. Recently there has been resurgent interest in alternative approaches to the fixation of intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Of interest is the potential of the sinus tarsi approach to decrease wound complications while having comparable reduction quality to the higher wound risk extensile lateral approach. Methods: A multi-center retrospective chart review study was implemented. The study objective was to review wound complication of the sinus tarsi approach compared with outcomes from the traditional extensile approach for fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Specifically; examining a population of patients considered at high risk for wound issues, comparing radiographic and clinical outcomes. Results: In the high-risk group, only one primary complications resulted, including one patient with a history of an open fracture. All fractures healed with adequate maintenance of alignment. Chi- squared analysis resulted in a statistically significant difference in complication rates between sinus tarsi and the traditional extensile lateral approach at the 95% confidence level. Conclusion: In both high-risk and lower-risk cohorts of patients, a low rate of infection and wound problems was encountered. A limited approach through a sinus tarsi incision provides a viable option to treat displaced intra-articular calcaneus fracture patients with risk factors for wound issues. The patients all healed both their soft tissue wounds and fractures. Functional return was consistent with other study populations. Our study adds another cohort of patient data demonstrating the advantage of the sinus tarsi approach when compared to the extensile lateral in terms of decreased wound complications while maintaining quality of reductions and clinical outcomes.


The results of numerical studies of low-order femtosecond solitons spectral broadening in the microstructure fiber with periodically modulated ellipticity of holes are presented. Polarization anisotropy of fiber was used for control of simultaneous supercontinuum generation in two polarizations aimed flat spectrum.


It is an important measure for the implementation of low-carbon development of power girds in future to implement the scale-grid connection of renewable energy resources at power supply side,enhance demand side response of power consumers and improve efficiency of energy utilization.The electricity market equilibrium models for long-,medium-and short-term,in which the scale-connection of renewable energy resources and the electricity price-based uncertainty of demand side response of power consumers are taken into account,are constructed and the social welfare maximization objective function,in which the environmental costs are considered,is established to implement the internalization of environmental cost of power generation.Meanwhile,the chaos optimized quantum genetic algorithm is led in to solve the proposed models,and generating capacity of power plant using conventional energy resources and power stations based on renewable energy sources as well as the combined collocation of related tax policy and subsidy policy are obtained while the social welfare maximization under electricity market equilibrium is achieved.Finally,the impacts of grid-connection of renewable energy sources on social welfare under both market condition and price ceiling are researched by case study to verify the feasibility and reasonability of the constructed models and the induced algorithm..


Two forms of exoplanetary spectra can be measured. The primary eclipse provides a transmission spectra of the exoplanet's limb as the planet passes in front of the star. The secondary eclipse measures the emission of mainly the planet's dayside atmosphere from the planet plus star's emission minus the emission of star alone, when it eclipses the planet. In the past 3 years, infrared transmission and emission spectroscopy have revealed the presence of the primary carbon and oxygen species (CH4, CO2, CO, and H2O). Yet, efforts to constrain the abundances of these molecules are hindered by degenerate effects of the temperature and composition in the emission spectra, and the composition and assumed radius in the transmission spectrum. These degeneracies lead to derived mixing ratios that span several orders of magnitude. This talk will discuss the correlations in the degenerate solutions that result from the radiative transfer analyses of both emission and transmission spectroscopy. We present an analysis of primary and secondary transit observations of HD209458b's optical to infrared spectra, and correlate the degenerate effects of the atmospheric parameters using a principal components analysis to better constrain the atmospheric composition of the exoplanet. The derived oxygen and carbon composition of the HD209458b's atmosphere are considered in conjunction with the primary star's composition in order to start to address questions regarding the evolution of the exoplanet.


The emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants have presented a significant impact on the efficacy of current COVID-19 vaccines and the future development of novel vaccines. The origin of new SARS-CoV-2 variants has been investigated using simulation data by Bajpai and Watve on 125 new variants from 64 countries, which has been verified by three hypotheses based on the evasion of the immune system by the new variants (hypothesis 1), random appearance of mutations (hypothesis 2), and a combination of immune evasion and infection advantage for variant selection (hypothesis 3). The simulation data supports hypothesis 3. Bajpai and Watve further present a comparison of variants of other viruses such as influenza A virus, rhinoviruses, poxviruses, and polioviruses. Although some similar patterns are claimed for the emergence of variants for influenza A virus and coronaviruses but not poxviruses and polioviruses the comparison is questionable due to the differences in the genomic composition and the immunogenic properties of each virus type.


Since the beginning of the twenty-first century,network has been prevailing in all areas of life in our modern society.The network is like a "double-edged sword",bringing conveniences to people in their daily life,study and work.Meanwhile,it also confronts people with great challenges.While enjoying the conveniences of the network,many students are subjected to internet addiction problems,which has seriously affected the students study and life.The present study takes 200 students in Northwest Normal University as research subjects,and conducted a questionnaire survey among them.It tends to reveal the current situation and causes of internet addition among university students,and to suggest some preventive strategies.


For the improvement of electrochemical corrosion properties of X70 pipeline steel welded joint during slow-strain rate tension,the surface of the welded joint was processed by laser shock wave.The electrochemical corrosion behaviors in NAC solution(0.5%HAC+5%NaCl) with different H2S concentrations were analyzed,and the corrosion potentials of the welded joint before and after laser shock processing were measured.The effects of laser shock processing on corrosion potentials and fracture morphologies were discussed.The results show that the corrosion resistance is improved by laser shock processing,and the sensitivity index of SCC Iscc decreases about 6%.The spontaneous potential is moved to the positive direction,the polarization resistance is increased gradually,and the corrosion resistance is higher than that in primitive state.


Introduction. Treatment of malignant neoplasms often requires adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT). In real-life clinical practice, a high proportion of patients develop serious toxicities of anticancer therapy. Thus, the need to reduce treatment toxicity while maintaining the same dose levels of chemotherapeutic agents is a pressing challenge in oncology. This article presents the results of the study assessing the effects of the complex nutraceutical Oncoxin on ACT tolerability. Materials and methods. The study included 133 patients aged 50 to 70 years with stage IIB — IIIC gastric cancer or stage IIB — IIIA non-small-cell lung cancer; 84 patients received Oncoxin, and 49 were in the control group. Results. The study revealed that after two weeks, patients receiving Oncocoxin had a twice higher chance of significant (obvious) improvement in their quality of life (ESAS questionnaire) compared to the control group: OR 2.07 [95% CI 1.00-4.29]. By the end of the follow-up period (3 weeks), patients receiving Oncoxin had a significantly higher albumin level compared to the control group (38.1 [95% CI 37.1-39.1] g/L and 35.5 [95% CI 33.9-37.0], р =0.03, respectively). Moreover, the use of Oncoxin allowed significant reducing ACT-related liver toxicity. Conclusions. This study conducted within our current clinical practice showed for the first time a high efficacy of Oncoxin in improving the quality of life of patients and reducing ACT toxicity.


Abstract Solutions developed top-down frequently make suboptimal use of resources. Programs (e.g., caregiver respite) are studied extensively; study focused on the roles of nested networks (family/locality/state/nation) that intersect in care is lacking. To identify and assess potential for improving solutions, this study examines cases acknowledged to provide optimal support. It identifies and describes network roles and intersections critical to success, with particular attention to timing and intentionality of family and community interfaces. Findings may suggest improved design and operation of programs through targeted empowerment of networks Cases were identified in cooperation with the Nebraska Extension service, and analyzed by a multidisciplinary team that included Family Science and Gerontology. Rural-dwelling older adults who benefited from the solution, expert practitioners, officials and local champions were interviewed. Analysis included private and public actors, and explains outcomes within a cultural (e.g., individualist, independent) and opportunity (e.g. information, financial and human resources) framework (Gelfand, 2003).


In articles about business organizations, authors frequently distinguish between top management decision makers who make decisions that affect the total organization versus functional area decision makers whose decisions are primarily related to one particular area within the organization. For our purposes we will deal with the four most commonly cited business functions of accounting/ finance, marketing, personnel/ human resources, and production/ operations. Paralleling the distinction between top management and functional area decision making, business games are also frequently classified as either general management games or functional business games. General management games are those that are &dquo;designed to give people experience in making decisions at a top executive level and in which decisions from one functional area interact with those made in other areas of the


Oil palm is grown in 0.179 million ha of 11 states of India. Among the diseases reported, spear rot disease (SRD), endemic to the plantations in the state of Kerala and with sporadic incidence in Sullia district of Karnataka, is the most important. Characteristic symptoms recorded were chlorosis of the youngest whorl of fronds, rotting of spear and reduction in the frond size. The affected palms succumb within five years from manifestation of symptoms. Phytoplasma presence was earlier reported based on phytoplasma detection in affected palms by electron microscopy observations, dodder transmission of the agent from diseased to healthy palms, and symptom reduction after oxytetracycline treatments. In the present study, molecular characterization by using universal phytoplasma specific primers based on 16S rRNA gene sequence confirmed the phytoplasma association with the disease. Sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis revealed the association of 16SrXI group phytoplasmas with spear rot disease, first report in oil palm in the world.


The point rails and movable-nose frog of turnout can be processed and manufactured by short-style special section rails(AT rails).The sections of AT rails have different choice to match with CHN60 rails.By analyzing the basic parameters and service conditions of AT rails home and abroad,and based on the requirements for turnout structure,it is pointed out that AT rails used in passenger dedicated line in China should select from CHN60AT rail,Zul-60 rail and 60D rail.Comprehensive comparisons and analyses have been carried through on the above three kinds of AT rails in terms of the structure characteristics,intensity,switchover resistance and deficient displacement,etc.According to other requirements and correlative technical standards,60D rails are finally suggested to be the AT rails for the turnouts of passenger dedicated line in China.Conclusions of comprehensive test in Jiaozhou North Station of Jiao-Ji Line indicate that the match is good between 60D AT rails and CHN60 main rails.The switchover resistance is less than the traction force of point switch machine,and AT rails have full strength reserve.


The next few years are likely to be of critical importance in the development of the technique of international legislation by means of multipartite agreements. The interruption of the normal rhythm of international legislative activity by the war, the need to revise a substantial proportion of the principal existing multipartite legislative instruments in the light of the new conditions precipitated by the war, and the wide range of problems not dealt with in such instruments hitherto which have now been thrust into the foreground, will combine to produce an intensification of international legislative activity comparable to that of the years immediately following the first world war. The first steps are already being taken by the formulation of plans for a wide range of new international organisations, and when the necessary constituent instruments have been framed the whole of the existing corpus of international legislation is likely to be progressively reconsidered over a period of years.


Methods: Between Jan 2013 and Dec 2013, 244 patients presenting with distal ureteric stones of size 5 to 10 mm were randomized equally to tamsulosin (group A), tamsulosin with tadalafil (group B). Therapy was given for a maximum of four weeks. Stone expulsion rate, time to stone expulsion, analgesic use, number of hospital visits for pain, follow-up and endoscopic treatment and adverse effects of drugs were noted. Statistical analyses were done using Student's t test and Chi-square test.


This chapter reviews Ovid's poetic persona, which includes exile, mythographer, and lover in order. So popular was the image of the exiled poet that some Carolingians adopted the Ovidian pose even when their place of 'exile' was hardly so cruel as Scythia. Ovid himself was, of course, perhaps the greatest of all Latin mythographers, but medieval authors seemed by and large disinclined even to attempt to recreate the Metamorphoses on a structural level. It is 'Ovid the lover' who, in the popular imagination of virtually every age, comes first to mind, an image based of course on his Amores , which invite, as love elegy always does, an autobiographical reading. The medieval Ovid was a conglomeration. As a work that combines all these elements, the thirteenth-century poem De Vetula can serve as a fitting conclusion to this partial survey of Ovid in the Middle Ages. Keywords: Amores ; De Vetula ; exile poetry; Metamorphoses ; mythographer; Ovid the lover


This paper proposes an entropy measure to assess territory coverage of retail networks. An application is implemented for the hypermarket industry in France. An application is implemented for the hypermarket industry in France. That application considers the situation of hypermarkets before and after real or potential integration operations and is possible because some of these operations are already done and some are still in negotiation. Through a measure of relative entropy, gains in territory coverage due to integration operations are computed and compared from one integration operation to another. The results show that integration decisions made by French retailers are always justified in terms of territory coverage except in one case concerning an alliance between two French retailers. Finally, a new spatial view of the hypermarket industry in France is shown as it could be in 1998.


In this paper we study fuzzy Turing machines based on max-Lukasiewicz composition inference.We give several formulations of fuzzy Turing machines which correspond to deterministic fuzzy Turing machines, nondeterministic fuzzy Turing machines,nondeterministic fuzzy Turing machines with crisp transition functions and multi-tape fuzzy Turing machines,and the relationship between them are also discussed.Furthermore,the notions of fuzzy recursively enumerable languages and fuzzy recursive languages are defined in terms of fuzzy Turing machines;then it is showed that nondeterministic fuzzy Turing machines and deterministic fuzzy Turing machines are not equivalent when they accept fuzzy recursively enumerable languages;but they are equivalent when they accept fuzzy recursive languages.


PURPOSE: An apparatus for reproducing recorded information is provided to not stop the reproduction of an other moving picture and secure a response speed of a reproduction start time within 1 frame time by reading data within 1 frame time from a disc in the reproduction start time while a disc load state of a next time is predicted. CONSTITUTION: A disc managing circuit(201) manages a load state on each disc. A reading prediction control circuit(202) receives a disk number and a block address of a data reading request with reproducing state information, reads the disk number, a block address and the reproducing state information from a load on each disc and a prediction of a data reading state of a next time within 1 frame time, and controls a reading circuit(203) for reading data from a designated location of each disc. The reading circuit(203) reads data from the designated location of each disc according to the control of the reading prediction control circuit(202). A storing circuit(204) stores an alternate rule for reading an alternate time in a reproducing start time. A reading location converting circuit(205) converts an access to a designated location of a designated disc into an access to a designated of a disc for reading data within 1 frame time while the disc managing circuit(201) checks a disc load with reference to the rule stored in the storing circuit(204).


The purpose of this research is to discuss R&D synergy policies of government, epistemic community, and private sector in accelerating the independence of the Indonesian defense industry. This research is a qualitative research, the type of research uses a comprehensive analytical study and analytical normative approach. The government is aware of the importance of building national research capacity in defense technology. That awareness must be followed up with concrete policies, measurable results, and strategic cooperation with other national components. Human resources or researchers, academics, and innovators who are members of various research institutions are basically a "pool of knowledge" that studies and understands various aspects of the technology, managerial, and social-political industry of the defense, so that it is in an irreplaceable position as the driving force of the ideals of independence in the defense industry. Increasing the capability and mastery of defense industry technology must be done through research and development (R&D) and engineering activities. R&D activities are also an absolute requirement for defense independence and the ability to respond to the development of defense and security technology.


Chemical speciation of dissolved lead was determined at four sampling sites in the Pontevedra Ria (NW Spain) by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) with a HMDE. Sampling location was chosen due to its evident anthropogenic influence: one sample was taken in the Lerez River mouth (2.2-salinity) and other three samples were taken in the surroundings of the village of Marin (salinity 30–32). Lead concentrations were 0.64 nM (river sample) and 4.8–21.9 nM (saline samples). Speciation results showed that organic chelates of lead, 88–95% of total dissolved lead, are the dominant species of the metal even at these high concentrations. Two types of lead organic complexing ligands were detected in all samples. The river water sample showed the presence of a strong ligand with a concentration of ~7 nM with a conditional stability constant of K'Pb-L1 ≥ 10 11.1 , and a weaker ligand (K'Pb-L2 = 10 8.2 ) with a concentration of 53.4 nM. The three saline samples showed similar behavior: a strong ligand (K'Pb-L1 ~ 10 8.6 ) with concentration ranging from 33.0 to 53.5 nM, and a weaker complexing ligand (K'Pb-L2 ~ 10 7.5 ) with concentration ranging from 32.6 to 50.5 nM. All lead-organic ligand complexes (except the strong complex in the river water sample) showed labile behavior in the time scale of the technique.


Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) is a species of beans which originating from the regions of Central America and Andes Mountains. Lima bean in Timor Island is underutilized although these plant growth there and have many variations. This study aims to determine the diversity of lima beans on Timor Island based on morphological characters. Samples were collected by survey methods from three districts on the island of Timor. Morphological traits related to the vegetative and flowering stages and mature seeds morphology were scored using the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute lima bean descriptors with a soft modification. The similarity index is calculated using the General Similarity Coefficient Gower formula. The dendogram is generated from cluster analysis using the Unweighted Pair Group Methods using Arithmetic Average (UPGMA) method. Furthermore, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to determine the role of each morphological character used. The dendogram shows that 23 collected accessions are divided into two main clusters with a 57% similarity index. The two clusters are distinguished based on the presence or absence of secondary colors and secondary patterns in the seed organs. Then, each main cluster is divided into two subclasses based on the character of the pigmentation stem, the length of the terminal leaflets, flower color, and seed type.


This study concerns women's and men's perceptions of five roles and role combinations: worker, spouse, parent, worker-spouse, and worker-parent. Undergraduates wrote stories to relevant projective cues. A variation of the Thematic Apperception Test was used. Protocols were coded for degree of (a) conflict, (b) positive outcome, and (c) positive affect, with inter-rater agreement at least 77% for each category. Sex and role differences were analyzed. Results indicate minimal sex differences. The tentative nature of the results is stressed.


The improvement of industrial competence is most important to the development of economic in region.Base on the connotation of industrial competence,this paper construct an index system evaluating industrial competence.Then,statistics is combined,and the industrial competence of 29 manufacturing of Hunan province is evaluated through principal component analysis and classify analysis,and result of analysis is discussed then.


Consider the differential of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) reactivation in pregnant women who develop progressive meningoencephalitis and transverse myelitis. EBV nucleic acid amplification should be considered in immunosuppressed patients.


In order to use solor energy better,the design period needs to make harmonic evaluation before the photovoltaic substation connecting into power system and assure the connection of photovoltaic substation has less effect on power energy quality of the system.Uses the electric power system integrated analysis software to make modeling,evaluates the photovoltaic substation connecting into power system.the calculation results shows: the connecting points of the photovoltaic substation all accord with the demands and allow to connect into the power system.


A set $S$ of natural numbers is a Sidon set if all the sums $s_1+s_2$ with $s_1$, $s_2\in S$ and $s_1\leq s_2$ are distinct. Let constants $\alpha>0$ and $0<\delta<1$ be fixed, and let $p_m=\min\{1,\alpha m^{-1+\delta}\}$ for all positive integers $m$. Generate a random set $R\subset {\mathbb N}$ by adding $m$ to $R$ with probability $p_m$, independently for each $m$. We investigate how dense a Sidon set $S$ contained in $R$ can be. Our results show that the answer is qualitatively very different in at least three ranges of $\delta$. We prove quite accurate results for the range $0<\delta\leq2/3$, but only obtain partial results for the range $2/3<\delta\leq1$.


The aim of the work: assessment of the bacterial spectrum and the effectiveness of the appointment of antibacterial therapy in patients with diabetic foot syndrome. Materials and Methods. The results of the treatment of 269 patients (148 (55.01 %) men and 121 (44.09 %) women) were analyzed. They were at inpatient treatment in the Surgical Department with Osteomyelitis Center on the basis of the Volyn Regional Hospital of War Veterans on the purulent-necrotic complications of SDS. All examined patients were pre-treated in surgical hospitals in the region regarding purulent-necrotic SDS processes, which was carried out empirical antibiotic therapy for up to 10 days. The neuropathic form of SDS was established in 84 (31.2 %) patients, mixed – 148 (55.01 %), ischemic – 37 (13.7 %). The prevalence of purulent necrotic process in patients with SDS, according to the classification of Wagner: I degree – 20 (7.4 %), II degree – 92 (34.2 %), III degr ee – 70 (26 %), IV degree – 65 (24.2 %), V degree – 22 (8.2 %). The complex of bacteriological studies consisted in the study of wound exudate with the identification of the microflora of purulent necrotic center and the evaluation of its sensitivity to antibiotics and cytological examination of smears-impressions from the wound surface. Identification of pathogens of the infectious process was carried out by cropping method on the appropriate nutrient medium, and sensitivity to antibiotics was determined by the disc diffusion method. Results and Discussion. The microbial landscape of purulent-necrotic lesions in patients with diabetes mellitus is mainly polyvalent in 54.6 % of cases, and monoculture in 45.4 % of patients. The largest number of microbial associations sown from the primary purulent cell were aerobic associations – 54.6 %. Aerobic-anaerobic associations were sown in isolated cases, and sowing of anaerobic associations was not noted. The main representative of the mixed aerobic infection was Staphylococcus aureus. Often Staphylococcus aureus was sown along with the gram-positive sticks – Enterococcus faecalis, Corynebacterium xerosis and Staphilococcus epidermidis. The greatest clinical significance of the group of non-fermenting microorganisms in the aerobic association is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results of the study of the sensitivity of microorganisms during hospitalization indicate a high resistance of the microflora to antibiotics I-II generations of the penicillin group, cephalosporins. Antibiotics of the reserve are preparations of the group of carbapenems, oxazolidinones, glycopeptides.


Research subject. We studied PT conditions, composition and sources of ore-forming fluids of the Bolshoy Karan goldporphyry deposit (South Urals) confined to the Main Urals Fault zone at Southern Urals. Methods. Temperatures of ore mineral formation, salt composition and fluid salinity were estimated using a Linkam TMS-600 cryostage equipped with an Olympus BX 51 optical microscope. The gas composition of fluid inclusions was determined using a Horiba LabRam HR800 Evolution Raman spectrometer and an Olympus BX-FM optical microscope. Trace elements were detected by means of LA-ICP-MS analysis. С and О isotopic composition was identified using a MAT 253 (Thermo Fisher Scientific) mass-spectrometer. S in the minerals of sulphide-carbonate-quartz ores was identified using a Delta PLUS Advantage mass-spectrometer. Results. It is shown that the fluid inclusions in quartz are homogenized at 370–310oC, while those of the latest calcite – at 234–200oС. The fluids contain Mg-Na chloride solutions with a salinity of 3.0–11.9 wt % NaClэкв. According to LA-ICP-MS data, quartz contains high Al contents (916–1556 ppm) confirming its formation from a high aluminous acid fluid. The REE distribution spectra in calcite are characterized by the accumulation of light lanthanides (La N /Yb N = 3.4–9.11) pointing to the acid fluid composition, as well as by negative Ce (0.58–0.88) and positive Eu (1.51–3.61) anomalies. The negative Ce anomaly may have been caused by interactions between the fluid and host limestones. The positive Eu anomaly reflects the existence of a middle-temperature environment (>250oC) prior to  calcite crystallization. Y/Ho values in calcite (29.3–35.6) suggest the presence of magmatic components and those extracted from limestones. The values of δ 18 О in calcite vary from 14.7 to 19.8‰, while those of δ 13 С – from –4.1 to 0.7‰. The values of δ 18 О H 2 O for the ore-forming fluid, which were  calculated based on average homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions in calcite (230oС), vary from 6.5 to 11.5‰, while δ 13 С СO 2 – from –3.21 to 1.6‰. δ 34 S values in pyrite ranged from –0.60 to – 1.50‰. Conclusions. Our data confirm the formation of the gold-porphyry mineralization of the Bolshoy Karan deposit under mesothermal conditions. Magmatic fluids played the key ore-formation role. The  geochemical peculiarities of interactions between the fluid and host rocks were revealed.


Due to the billions of connected IoT smart devices, securing IoT is the most critical and challenging task for the research community. Due to the numerous systems and subsystems involved, IoT poses risks to end-users. This threat can manifest itself in the form of unauthorized persons gaining access to data and misusing it, fostering attacks on other systems, or fabricating fake data. In this paper we examine the effect of AES-8bit hamming weight (HW) with correlation power analysis attack (CPA). This research was revealed the hamming weight and CPA are a serious risk to the Arduino UNO™ or another microcontroller device implementing algorithm encryption.


【Objective】 The paper studied the chromosome numbers and the karyotypes of 4 S.japonica populations of Saussurea DC.in the eastern area of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.【Method】 With technology of the conventional squashing slides,the chromosome numbers and the karyotypes of 4 S.japonica populations were analyzed.【Result】 The chromosome numbers and karyotypes of DBLZK population,ZNQBS population,CBG population,and NBX population were 2n=2x=28=16m+12sm,2n=2x=28=20m+8st,2n=2x=28=20m+4sm+4st,and 2n=2x=28=22m+6sm,respectively.Their karyotypes belonged to stabbings 2A type.Among these 4 populations,ZNQBS population was more evolutionary than other three.【Conclusion】 In this paper,neither satellites nor B chromosomes were found in these 4 populations.Their chromosomes were diploid.It showed that the karyotypes of 4 populations differentiated in some degree,which may be caused by different habitats.


—In this article, an electromagnetic actuator having four discrete positions is discussed. The principle, the modelling and an experimental device of this actuator are presented in this study. This actuator is composed of a mobile permanent magnet, four fixed permanent magnets, which ensure the holding of the discrete positions, and two perpendicular wires to switch independently in two perpendicular directions. The mobile part has four discrete positions, two in each direction. An electromagnetic actuator modelling has been realized to compute the magnetic and electromagnetic forces exerted on the mobile magnet and its displacement. The experimental device was designed using this model and then manufactured. The stroke of the mobile part is 1 × 1 mm. The driving current ranges from 3 A to 7 A. A comparison between experimental and modelled results is carried out. A good agreement on the displacement curves and on the rise times are observed for all the range of controlling currents.


Wilding conifers are invading grassland and shrubland ecosystems in the New Zealand high country. The felling of wildings is common practice to control such infestations. We investigated the effects of felled pines on growth and composition of grassland vegetation at Mt Barker, Canterbury. The vegetation within areas of dead trees, felled in 1998, was compared with open grassland alongside. Adjacent to the dead trees, mean species number/plot was reduced to seven (native 3.7) compared to open grassland (13.4; native 10.9). Mouse-eared hawkweed (Hieracium pilosella) was dominant in the open grassland plots and had very low cover inside the dead-tree plots. Grasses and native shrubs showed enhanced growth in the dead-tree plots. Average plant height was 21.3 cm compared to 5.4 cm in the open grassland plots. We suggest that novel microsites and additional nutrients from the decaying trees gave a competitive advantage to some plants for a period of time.


Let rn be the maximum radius of a circular disc that can be covered by n closed unit circles. We show that rn = 1 + 2 cos(2π/(n−1)) for n = 8, n = 9, and n = 10.


Significance The mechanisms that regulate organismal growth and coordinate it with the availability of nutrients were unknown until a few decades ago. We now know that one pathway—the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway—is the major nutrient-sensitive regulator of growth in animals and plays a central role in physiology, metabolism, the aging process, and common diseases. This work describes the development of the mTOR field, from its origins in studies into the mechanism of action of the drug rapamycin to our increasingly sophisticated understanding of how nutrients are sensed. In my PNAS Inaugural Article, I describe the development of the mTOR field, starting with efforts to understand the mechanism of action of the drug rapamycin, which ∼25 y ago led to the discovery of the mTOR protein kinase. I focus on insights that we have contributed and on work that has been particularly influential to me, as well as provide some personal reflections and stories. We now appreciate that, as part of two distinct complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, mTOR is the major regulator of growth (mass accumulation) in animals and is the key link between the availability of nutrients in the environment and the control of most anabolic and catabolic processes. Nutrients signal to mTORC1 through the lysosome-associated Rag GTPases and their many regulators and associated cytosolic and lysosomal nutrient sensors. mTOR signaling is deregulated in common diseases, like cancer and epilepsy, and mTORC1 is a well-validated modulator of aging in multiple model organisms. There is significant excitement around using mTORC1 inhibitors to treat cancer and neurological disease and, potentially, to improve healthspan and lifespan.


Data are presented in tabular form showing the determination of iron in the Bureau of Standards Sample of Glass Sand, No. 81. The electrometric titration method, the H2S reduction method, and the gravimetric method are described in detail.


The final properties and end use of many organic solids often depends on their crystal-size distribution (CSD), e.g., bioavailability for pharmaceutical solids. The objective of this study was to develop an alternate technology for crystallizing and manipulating size distribution of organic solids by crystallization from supercritical fluids. Such a technology might be superior to conventional-size manipulation techniques, such as milling and recrystallization from organic solvents, which might contaminate the products and affect their physical-chemical stability. Supercritical carbon dioxide was used as solvent to dissolve and then crystallize benzoic acid. A batch crystallizer was constructed and operated in the supercritical region. Seeded and unseeded crystallization experiments were performed. Different depressurization vs. time profiles for the supercritical fluid were used to produce crystals of various sizes.


Title: A novel quantification of the relationship between blood sugar and stress Author: Yi-Ju Chen Promoter: Prof. E.H. Mathews Department: Electronic Engineering Faculty: Engineering Degree: Doctor of Philosophy Key terms: Acute stress; blood glucose; cardiovascular disease; chronic stress; cortisol; diabetes; energy expenditure; epinephrine; equivalent teaspoon sugar; hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical; insulin; psychological stress; relative risk factor; sympathetic nervous system The rapid growth of biotechnology has promoted industries to harness the market in the field of human energy systems. A growing literature of research has linked human energy systems to weight loss, major diseases or illnesses. In our modern society, the general public is exposed to everyday stress, which often results in the development of chronic stress. Therefore, stress becomes an important area of medicine. It has been postulated that suppressing these physiological responses may help in disease prevention. Consequently, there is an urge for defining a model integrating stress with the human energy model. Over the past decades, a large amount of research has been put forward in defining the physiological responses or changes when an individual experiences psychological or environmental changes such as interpersonal dysfunction, traumatic experiences and diseases. Interestingly, it reveals that blood glucose fluctuation tends to be the end product of most psychological or physiological stressors. The blood glucose system is one of the major subsystems of the complete metabolic fuel system in humans. In this study, an empirical model and procedure for the derivation of the model due to various psychological influences on the human energy system are presented.


To develop accurate and effective approaches of scattering/imaging of the targets, an analytical method of asymptotic high-frequency (HF) and inverse Fourier transform (IFT) is developed. It makes much fast imaging speed that the image can be obtained almost immediately for arbitrary frequency and aspects of observation. The asymptotic HF is applied to calculation of scattering from electric-large targets and edge diffraction in PO (physical optics) and fringe equivalent currents (FEC), respectively. The classical IFT transforms scattering data from frequency domain to image domain to get analytical imaging functions. Two examples of scattering/imaging of a triangle plate and a metallic frustum are demonstrated.


The theoretical predictions of the triple isotopic substitution (TIS) method in small-angle neutron scattering have been confirmed experimentally. A unique advantage of the method, namely the possibility to make part of a complex particle `invisible' in normal (H2O) buffer, is demonstrated. Particle association, the addition of `small' molecules (such as glycerol) or `large' molecules (such as pyruvate kinase) in the solutions under study have been shown not to influence the difference scattering curve obtained. The possibility of extracting normalized interparticle interference functions from the TIS data is discussed. This enables the detection of the presence of aggregates (e.g. dimers) in the solution, even in cases where the molar mass of a particle and/or its concentration are unknown. A simple internal test is suggested which checks whether or not sufficient conditions for the applicability of the method are fulfilled.


The kinetics of the redox reaction between tannic acid (TA) and potassium trisoxalatoferrate (III) trihydrate, (K3[Fe(C2O4)3].3H2O) has been studied in aqueous hydrochloric acid medium. The stoichiometry of the reaction determined by the mole ratio method was observed to be 1:1. The kinetic results showed first order dependence with respect to complex and tannic acid concentrations. The experimental data for the reaction system are consistent with the following rate law:where a = 2.0 × 10-3 mol-1 dm3 s-1 and b = 2.1 × 10-3 mol-2 dm6 s-1 at 420 nm and 27.0 ± 1.0 ºC. The rate of reaction was found to increase with increase in [H+] in the acid range used, but decreased with increase in ionic strength of the reaction medium. While the rate of reaction was observed to decrease with increasing dielectric constant of the reaction medium, the addition of CH3COO-, HCOO-, Ni2+and K+ catalyzed the rate of the reaction. The Michaelis-Menten plot of 1/kobs versus 1/[oxidant] gave a straight line with an insignificant positive intercept. The addition of acrylamide to the partially oxidized reaction mixture did gave a gel in the presence of excess methanol. Based on the experimental data, a plausible mechanism involving outer sphere electron transfer has been proposed for the redox reaction between tannic acid and potassium trisoxalatoferrate (III) trihydrate.


A planar anode-supported electrolyte was fabricated using a tape casting method that involved a single step cofiring process. A standard NiO/8YSZ cermet anode, 8 mol % YSZ electrolyte, and a lanthanum strontium manganite cathode were used for the solid oxide fuel cell unit cell. A pressurized cofiring technique allows the creation of a thin layer of dense electrolyte about 10 μm without warpage. The open circuit voltage of the unit cell indicated negligible fuel leakage through the electrolyte film due to the dense and crack-free electrolyte layer. An electrochemical test of the unit cell showed a maximum power density up to 0.173 W/cm 2 at 900°C. Approximated electrochemical properties, e.g., activation energy, Ohmic resistance, and exchange current density, indicated that the cell performance was significantly influenced by the electrode properties of the unit cell.


Background. Distinguishing species and populations in Crassulaceae is challenging because of the morphological variability and inter-specific hybridization. Currently our understanding of the morphological and anatomical features in Echeveria is poor, and therefore it is difficult to delimit species, and morphotypes within the species.

Question. Our objective was to describe the foliar anatomy and the shape of accessions in E. gigantea. We used E. gibbiflora, another species in the series as a comparison group. Comparing the two species allowed us to evaluate the relationship between anatomy and morphology in E. gigantea.

Methods. We performed a survey of anatomical features in seven accessions of E. gigantea, and one accession of E. gibbiflora. We obtained epidermal prints, leaf sections, performed geometric and morphometric analyses.

Results. We found that 65  % of the anatomical traits are heterogeneous among the taxonomic units. Our analysis showed that E. gibbiflora and some E. gigantea accessions share extensive anatomical similarities. There was variation within the E. gigantea, suggesting that at least one of the accessions is an independent taxonomic group. The traits with the largest contribution to variation between the groups were related to the epidermis, the hypodermis, the type of vascular bundles and the collenchyma associated to the vascular bundles. In addition we quantified the variation in leaf shape. Interestingly, we found correlations between the organ shape and anatomical traits.

Conclusion. These analyses provide information about traits towards the morpho-anatomical definition of E. gigantea variation and suggest developmental correlation yet to be explained.


Enterprise applications are increasingly being built using type-safe programming platforms and deployed over horizontally scalable systems. Horizontal scalability depends crucially on the ability to monitor resource usage and to define and enforce resource management policies capable of guaranteeing a desired service level. However, current safe language platforms have very limited supportfor resource management , and their cluster-enabled versions reflect this deficiency. We describe an architecture of federated Java' Virtual Machines. Its distinguishing feature is an integrated resource management interface that addresses the above issues. It offers programmatic control over monitoring and controlling the allocation of resources to applications and their components. The scope of each policy can span multiple nodes, realizing fine-grained control. New resource types can be defined and integrated into the fiamework Remote management of local resources and the notion of cluster-global resources form a powerful combination capable of expressing policies that achieve effective performance isolation for cluster applications.


The proto-oncogene c-Jun plays an important role in regulating tumor progression. The protein stability, DNA binding affinity and transcriptional activity of c-Jun are regulated by phosphorylation on c-Jun C terminus. In our study, we reported that Ser-243 of c-Jun is dephosphorylated by serine/threonine phosphatases, calcineurin (CaN, also called PP2B), and the CaN-mediated c-Jun Ser-243 dephosphorylation increases the interaction between c-Jun and Sp1, followed by the enhancement of c-Jun-induced gene expression. Here, we further confirmed that c-Jun/CaN interaction occurs in nucleus of living cells by fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay and the interaction is through the calmodulin-binding domain of CaN. Furthermore, c-Jun protein stability is altered by CaN-mediated Ser-243 dephosphorylation of c-Jun. The half-life of wild-type c-Jun in cells is shorter than that of c-Jun-S243A mutant and silencing of endogenous CaN expression results in enhanced ubiquitination and decreased stability of c-Jun protein. In 46.6 % of clinical cervical tissue samples obtained from patients with cervical cancer, enhanced c-Jun and CaN expression, as well as decreased phospho-Ser-243 expression levels were detected. It indicates that CaN potentially stabilizes c-Jun level in tumor. Taken together, these results suggest that CaN stabilizes c-Jun by dephosphorylating c-Jun at Ser-243 to enhance its tumorigenic ability.


That the only secure basis of Zoological Science is afforded by a thorough elucidation of the structure and life-history of typical forms representing particular subdivisions of the Animal Kingdom, will not, I anticipate, be disputed by any Naturalist of the present day. And every one who is even slightly acquainted with the history of that Science must be well aware that the standard Monographs which have been devoted to this object have exerted a more permanent influence on its progress, than have any of those comprehensive Systems which have been set up from time to time, and, after lasting for a while, have been overthrown to make way for others scarcely more durable. For any System of Classification is liable to be invalidated by new discovery; and the utmost which can be claimed for it is, that it accurately represents the state of knowledge at the time of its promulgation. But every Monograph which contains a faithful description of the structure and life-history of any type whatever, however far it may be from absolute completeness, presents a body of facts which subsequent research may add to but cannot set aside; and may come to acquire, even at a long subsequent period, a value not anticipated by its author. I cannot suppose, therefore, that any apology is needed for my offering to the Royal Society a detailed account of perhaps the most interesting of our British Echinoderms; of which the structure, notwithstanding the attention given to it by various eminent Anatomists, has been hitherto but very imperfectly made out; whilst of its life-history still less is known. That I have solved every problem which its study has presented, is far more than I can afiirm; but I venture to think that what I now bring forward Will stand the test of future scrutiny; and that the results I have attained will prove of importance, not merely in leading to a better understanding of the important group of which Antedon is a representative, but also in helping to the solution of certain fundamental questions in General Physiology.


This study aims, first, to examine the limit for tolerance to lower salinity by an oceanic sea skater, Halobates micans, and , second, to make it clear whether exclusively fresh water Halobatinae species, Metrocoris histrio has salinity tolerance. Adults of H. micans were collected using Neuston Net from the starboard side of R/V MIRAI on a fixed station at 8°S, 80°E, whereas those of M. histrio were collected from a small pond filled with a spring fresh water in Kochi (33°N, 133°E), Japan. Time in survival was measured in starved condition under several salinity conditions: 0‰, 2‰, 4‰, 6‰, 8‰, 9‰ and 10‰ for H. micans; 0‰, 5‰, 10‰, 12.5‰, 15‰ for M. histrio. Half of adults were in coma due to lower salinity under 10‰ and time in survival was less than 10 hours under less than 4‰ for H. micans. Time in survival was half at 5‰ of 80 hours on average at 0‰ as a control and less than 10 hours at 10‰ or higher salinity for M. histrio. Relatively flexible osmo-regulation ability by H. micans would be related to wide variety of salinity condition of surface oceanic water, whereas very limited tolerance even to lower salinity of 5‰ may be permitted by the no chances to be exposed to brackish water in natural habitats of M. histrio. This study showed that salinity tolerance of Halobatinae species would reflect, directly, the salinity condition of their habitats.


The bulk of the papers in the current issue were Ž rst  oated at an international colloquium. Casting papers in the well to see if they  oat is a well known publishing technique for selecting books for publication. All the papers in this issue, though weighty in substance, were written by authors who had pens with wings and the colloquium took off with ease. Readers of JET now have the privilege of reading these variations on a common and supremely important theme in current systems of education world wide: the deeper understanding of teacher education and the identifying of ways to defend it.


Non-orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) system is capable to serve a large number of user, but it may cause high signaling overhead and latency. The signaling overhead can be reduced by using grant-free scheme. In a grant-free NOMA, a user can communicate to a Base Station (BS) without scheduling process. Active user detection in grant-free NOMA can be considered as signal reconstruction in Compressive Sensing (CS). Here, we implement Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP) as active user detection method in the grant-free NOMA. The OMP is employed to detect active users from all of the users. An active user communicates to a BS using some shared subcarriers or each subcarrier. We compare the OMP performance to the MP's assuming that the signal suffered from Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN). We find that the performance of the OMP is better than the MP when there are shared subcarriers, in terms of Bit Error Rate (BER) and Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). We also find that in general, the OMP performance with more shared subcarriers is better than the OMP performance with less shared subcarriers.


: The integration of daylight and electric lighting, considering user satisfaction and energy savings potentially can contribute significantly to reduce energy demand for lighting, that represents 18% of global energy demands. This paper presents the work and first results of IEA SHC Task 61/EBC Annex 77 "Integrated Solutions for Daylighting and Electric Lighting: From component to user centered system efficiency", a joint project activity between the Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC) and Energy in Buildings and Communities (EBC). The project deals with the idea that an integrated design approach for the whole system, combining daylighting, electric lighting, the associated lighting controls and the users' interaction, can achieve higher energy saving than the simple energy-efficient design of single components. First results show the main experience from three completed case studies .


Objective To study the effects of behind legs vibrations on male reproductive hormone in rabbits and its meanings.Methods The concentration of plasma T,LH andE2 are measured and analyzed in rabbits with different vibration power(Group A:3.02m/s2,Group B:6.13m/s2,Group C:12.26m/s2)and different exposure period.Results Compared with 0 day vibration,after exposed to vibration for 10,20,30 days,The A,B,C group concentration of plasma T,LH are much lower.The concentration of plasma E2 is much higher.Compared with Compared groups,The concentration of plasmaT、LH are much lower.The concentration of plasma E2 is much higher.Conclusion The vibration of behind legs of rabbits results in the lower concentration of plasma T and LH and the higher,concentration of plasma E2,which inhibit the ripe of sperm,thereby affect the male reproduction in rabbits.


Between 1987 and 1993 two consecutive three-year Export Development Programmes for India (EDPI) were implemented under the UK's Overseas Development Administration technical collaboration funds. This study assesses the impact of this initiative both overall and from the point of view of the automotive industry in particular, with specific reference to one firm. Whilst bearing in mind the limitations of the analysis, the programme appears to have had a positive impact on the assisted firms.


Thispaperpresents theroleofspacebasedmanagement- disaster preparedness (riskreduction), technologies likeremotesensing(RS)and Globalmitigation, andemergency responses (1). Navigation andSatellite Systems (GNSS)forearthquake Mostoftheworld's population islocated inareas proneto disaster management. Thespacebasedtechnologies likeearthquakes. No matterwhether itisa developed or GNSS and RS applications can helpin prediction, underdeveloped country allnations suffer fromthese preparation, response andrecovery phases ofthedisaster earthquake related losses. managementcycle. Afteran earthquake mappingthe Earthquake losses orcosts canbecategorized as: extents ofdamages, locating theurgency oftheareasand a)Primary Effects: Direct physical damage (tobuildings and reconstruction ofthese areascanbeprovided asvaluableinfrastructures)


Highly parallel programs are often best understood in terms of logical patterns of inter process communication. In order to debug such programs, the user must determine the extent to which the intended patterns occur during execution. To facilitate this, we have designed and implemented a pattern-oriented debugger in which abstract, user-defined communication events can be described and animated. We report here on our initial experiences with its use.


Depanding on the mountain areas, Sanming city develops the agricultural comprehensive projects energetically. The purpose is the affecting efficiency, income, and stability in countryside. This paper introduces the practical work in Sanming and some suggestions for the future.


Supervisory Committee Dr. Alison Preece, Supervisor (Department of Curriculum and Instruction) Dr. Ted Riecken, Member (Faculty of Education) Dr. Clyde Hertzman, Outside Member (Human Early Learning Partnership, UBC) Dr. Veronica Pacini-Ketchabaw, Outside Member (School of Youth and Childcare) The study explored the differences that resulted when school districts participated in successful interdisciplinary community coalitions to improve the quality of and the opportunities for services for young children and their families—and ultimately enhance school success. The study examined the structure, function and impact of four successful intersectoral community coalitions in British Columbia. It determined that the coalitions' work resulted in improved coordination, services and access to programs for the early learning of young children. The types of services examined were those that addressed local needs; were examples of collaboration of different service providers, including schools; addressed different needs of children and families; were designed to promote the community's ability to care for its own families and to resolve issues and develop programs at the local level. The study employed case-study methodology—focus groups, interviews, data collection and analysis, and observations—to explore four diverse communities that had established programs in response to defined needs and had evaluated the effect of the services provided to children and families. The services examined were those that (1) capitalized on existing assets and resources; (2) planned for


This picture is a portrait of an African American girl. The glass plate negative was inscribed with M. Barnett. This print was made from the original glass plate negative, which is housed at Virginia Historical Society.


A new bio-based elastomer, poly(butylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate-ε-caprolactone) (PBFCL), has been synthesized from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, 1,4-butanediol, and ε-caprolactone successfully for the first time. The obtained copolyester was characterized in terms of chemical structure, thermal and mechanical properties, and enzymatic degradability. In PBFCL elastomer, butylene-2,5-furandiacrboxylate units (hard segments) crystallize to serve as physical crosslinks while ε-caprolactone polyester diol (soft segments) provide flexibility. PBFCL is a multi-blocked copolyester with randomly distributed rigid and soft segments. It possesses original feature of high strength and biodegradability stemming from the uses of aromatic and aliphatic monomers respectively. An important aspect of this new furanic-aliphatic polyester is its tailor-made properties simply achieved by changing the content of hard or soft segments. Typically, PBFCL-40 of optimal composition has Young's modulus as low as 15.4 MPa, tensile strength as high 24.8 MPa, and elongation as long as 885%.


Manly and Moral: The Making of Middle-Class Men in the Australian Public Schools by Martin Crotty In the 1870s the ideal of manliness promoted by headmasters, clergymen, the authors of children's books and a range of social commentators was an often effeminate ideal which emphasized the qualities of godliness and good learning. Later in the nineteenth century, fears of racial decline, a growing interest in post-Christian ethics and a militarist nationalism gave rise to an idealized form of manliness which was much more physical, rugged and masculine. Sport was embraced by the public schools as it seemed to hold the potential for the development of qualities which would ensure an ordered society in a post-religious age, and the development of the ability and willingness to defend the nation and empire. A Pioneer of the Proletariat: Herbert Milnes and the Games Cult in New Zealand by J.A. Mangan and Colm Hickey The global influence of Athleticism is slowly but surely being recorded. The chapter deals with a hitherto unrecorded aspect the transmission of the ideology to Auckland, New Zealand and elementary education there, in the person of Herbert Albert Edwin Milnes, an outstanding exemplar and committed proselytiser. Milnes' career links two significant and influential nineteenth century ideologies Athleticism and Imperialism. Milnes is important for another reason he exemplifies the period relationship between sport, imperialism and militarism both in his life and his death. 342 Sport in Australasian Society Gender Associations: Sport, State Schools and Australian Culture


Madhumeha (Diabetes) is attracting the world as a non-infectious pandemic/epidemic. The prevalence of Diabetes is on the rise, more alarmingly in the developing country. Ranked 7th among leading causes of death. This multiplying incidence of CVS & heart diseases. Now days Ayurveda is of wise important to get swasthya, to prevent heart diseases & stroke from DM. The objectives of study are to evolve standard Ayurvedic drug & preventive measures for Madhumeha. This study is based on review of Ayurvedic Samhitas & previous research work. DM is the 6th leading cause of death in the world. Therefore, attempt should be made to balance the Dehamanas prakruti & normal state of physiological energy to prevent Diabetes Mellitus. Dinacharya (Daily regimen), Ashtavidha aahara vidhi Aayatana & herbo mineral drugs with Yogasana help to prevent diabetes & its related complication.
Keyword: Madhumeha, stroke, Heart diseases.


In the article territorial numbers of ecological condition indicators are considered. For their analysis the author applies statistical methods: method of groupings, calculation of variation indicators. The statistical data obtained in Russian regions in 2000-2009 is used.


Recently, we have measured the IR absorptions of C + ,C − ,a nd C 2+ 60 in neon matrixes. Many previously unknown absorptions were


The theory of a method for the calculation of organic ion compositions is described. It is based on concepts of homologous groups and homologous increments of 'mass defect.' Unlike the common algorithms usually used for this purpose, the proposed method excludes the analysis and outcome of chemically unreal combinations of atoms. Reduction of the number of alternative compositions is discussed. The possibility of a single (non-alternative) solution is considered in the case of additional information on the presence of functional groups containing nitrogen and/or oxygen and also aromatic fragments easily identified by their infrared spectra. The efficiency of the method is demonstrated with the help of new software for DEC- and IBM-compatible computers.


Two hierarchical models of cluster-cluster aggregation whose aggregates follow random linear trajectories with (model I) or without (model II) random impact parameter are investigated numerically. The difference of the fractal dimension D of the clusters as a function of space dimension d is attributed to transparency effects which are less important in model II. A simple argument is given which suggests that, in contrast with model I, model II should not have an upper critical dimension.


Learning analytics tools should be useful, i.e., they should be usable and provide the functionality for reaching the goals attributed to learning analytics. We present a short summary of the learning analytics goals, and the importance of evaluation of learning analytics while trying to attain these goals. Furthermore, we present three different case studies of learning analytics eval- uation, and in the end provide a short outlook about the necessity of systematic way of learning analytics evaluation.


Due to the nonlinear deformation evolution of landslide system,it is difficult to describe it with simple physical and mathematical model.Radial basis function neural network(RBF) is proposed to dynamically forecasting the landslide displacement for its good fitting and generalization ability,but the parameter of RBF neural network is difficult to select.Based on the chaos character analysis the time series of landslide displacement,the Particle Swarm Optimization(PSO) is used to training parameters of RBF neural network,and a PSO-RBF Coupling model based on chaos theory is given for predicting displacement of landslide.It is testified by instance and compared with RBF model and BP neural network with Particle Swarm Optimization,the predicted results indicated RBF neural network based on PSO is more precise and has better performance in the prediction of landslide displacement.


Multiscale simulations schemes combine different resolutions according to the relevance of particular regions in a molecular system. They can get the best of two worlds by achieving high resolution in regions of interest, and benefit from a significant decrease in computational cost by considering less relevant parts at a simplified level of representation. I will introduce a cost-effective, triple-scale solvation approach particularly well suited for the simulation of large macromolecular assemblies. This simulation approach is well suited for viral like particles, which require a massive amount of explicit bulk solvent for a proper description. Using this approach in combination with the coarse grained SIRAH force field it is possible to obtain dynamics insights on virus like particles at a moderate computational cost. The viability of this scheme is discussed in terms of the size of the currently reported viral structures on the Protein Data Bank and the affordability of simulations performed with GPU-accelerated desktop computers.


The paper considers the possibility of utilization of oil-contaminated mineral waste when obtaining products of architectural and garden ceramics, or ceramic bricks. The aim of the study was to develop compositions of a ceramic charge, using oil-contaminated soil, in the form of loam and sand, instead of a weaker, that meet the requirements of state standards for operational characteristics. Optimal compositions and physical and mechanical characteristics of the obtained ceramic materials are presented. To study the composition of technogenic raw materials and the structure of synthesized ceramic materials, X-ray phase and differential thermal methods of analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry were used. An assessment of the environmental efficiency of utilization of oil-contaminated mineral waste is given, which shows a significant decrease in the anthropogenic load on the environment when obtaining ceramic products with improved operational characteristics.


This paper utilizes the deep learning algorithm to classify the Street View images. We did some research to find the appropriate convolutional neural network model that suits the classification of the street view images. We firstly collected our own dataset. Based on the convolutional neural network model AlexNet and according to the characteristics the dataset mentioned above to adjust the model structure and training methods. Experiments utilize max-pooling as sampling model, set the number of samples for one iteration as 128 and randomly cropped the same picture out as different parts for the input model to train reaches good accuracy rate which is 93.6%. The experiment result have shown that the number of samples for one iteration can significantly enhance the training effect of the model we proposed in this paper. We conduct the experiment by randomly cropped the same picture out as different parts for the input model to train, in which way can solve the problem that the dataset we collected is comparatively small, it improve the effect of classification obviously.


This study, using a sample of 821 college students at three different universities, attempted to elaborate the relationship between religiosity (ideological commitment assessed by a five item Guttman-type scale) and attitudes toward induced abortion for seven situational conditions (woman's health endangered, rape, serious defect in child, low income, unmarried, want no more children, and incest). Controls for sex (as gender) and two Guttman-type scales designed to measure attitudes toward other types of fertility control (one scale dealt with coercive controls on fertility while the other assessed a more traditional endorsement of the preventive and educational orientation), produced expected results on the zero-order relationship between ideological commitment and attitudes toward induced abortion.


Objective:To observe the clinical effects of the fixed restoration in patients with tooth loss and periodontitis and evaluate the related risk factors.Method:325 cases using fixed bridge of PFM or Ni-Cr casting alloy with periodontitis were followed up for 5 years. Function of fixed-bridge and health of abutment teeth was evaluated for the clinical effect.Result:in one year,after 2 years,95% fixed dentures performed its function well and 92% abuntment kept healthy,5 years later,92% and 90% respectively. Conclusion:Fixed restoration can be used for patients with dental defection and periodontitis,however,application should be chosen considerately and the long-time follow up is necessary to maintain the clinical effect.


Abstract Objectives Often perceived as a last resort, a care home move for a person living with dementia is often undertaken when all other options have been exhausted. Deciding the right or optimal time is to move remains an important question for many families. To investigate factors that are weighed up in deciding to make a care home move. Method Qualitative in-depth interviews with 21 family carers and 5 care home residents living with dementia in England. Thematic analysis was applied to all transcripts to extract key themes and sub-themes; a summation is provided here. Results Participants emotionally recollected an accumulation of stressors, exhausting other options of care, a risk/benefit analysis, wishes of person living with dementia, and a readiness to move as indicators of when a 'tipping point' was reached. They also felt strongly that early planning, prior experience of care homes, understanding funding arrangements and having support with decision-making would help. Conclusion Deciding to move to a care home is complex, contextual and deeply personal. Early planning in the form of joining waiting lists, using day centres and respite services may help in creating relationships with intended care homes for the future. There is growing need for support with financial advice and funding arrangements, for both self- and publicly funded individuals.


Different from the long-term and low-speed depletion of conventional gas fields or monotonous gas injection in carbon dioxide geological sequestration, the engineering background of multi-cycle intensive injection and production of underground gas storage (UGS) makes the dynamic sealing capacity and stability of the trap cap and pipe string under alternating load become the key problem that cannot be ignored. Firstly, the basic mechanical parameters of sandy mudstone and G-grade oil well cement were determined by conventional uniaxial tests, then, different upper load levels and alternating times were set to carry out alternating mechanical tests for sandy mudstone and G-grade oil well cement stone. The deformation, failure and stress-strain curve characteristics of the two types of rocks were analyzed, and the variation laws of the strength and elastic modulus with the upper stress and the alternating times of the two types of rocks were obtained: The strength of cement stone decreases, while that of sandy mudstone increases with the increase of upper limit stress and alternating times, and the reasons for the different laws of the two types of rocks were further analyzed. Then, after undergoing different alternating times with different upper load levels, the dynamic breakout pressure tests of two types of rocks were carried out by the step-by-step method. The results show that the breakthrough pressure of the two types of rocks decreased gradually and significantly with the increase of the alternating times. The dynamic evolution prediction model of the breakthrough pressure with the alternating times was established. And because the breakthrough pressure of the cement stone in the nondestructive state exceeds the measuring range of the equipment, the initial breakthrough pressure of the cement rock was also predicted by the prediction model of the breakthrough pressure. All of these results above can be significant reference value for the sealing evaluation of gas storage site selection and the real-time monitoring after it is put into operation.


Outlier removal from training data is a classical problem in pattern recognition. Nowadays, this problem

becomes more important for large-scale datasets by the following two reasons: First, we will have a higher

risk of "unexpected" outliers, such as mislabeled training data. Second, a large-scale dataset makes it more

difficult to grasp the distribution of outliers. On the other hand, many unsupervised anomaly detection methods

have been proposed, which can be also used for outlier removal. In this paper, we present a comparative study

of nine different anomaly detection methods in the scenario of outlier removal from a large-scale dataset.

For accurate performance observation, we need to use a simple and describable recognition procedure and

thus utilize a nearest neighbor-based classifier. As an adequate large-scale dataset, we prepared a handwritten

digit dataset comprising of more than 800,000 manually labeled samples. With a data dimensionality of

16×16 = 256, it is ensured that each digit class has at least 100 times more instances than data dimensionality.

The experimental results show that the common understanding that outlier removal improves classification

performance on small datasets is not true for high-dimensional large-scale datasets. Additionally, it was found

that local anomaly detection algorithms perform better on this data than their global equivalents.


This paper investigates the relation between life expectancy assumptions and pension liabilities for a large sample of U.S. corporate defined benefit pension plans. We show that longevity assumptions are systematically related to the lagged funding status of a pension plan: underfunded plans make lower life expectancy assumptions. Cross-sectional analysis further reveals that each year of life expectancy increases pension liabilities by around 4-5 percent. The economic magnitude is substantial: a one-year shock to longevity would more than double the degree of aggregate pension underfunding. Forecasts of future life expectancy typically underestimate realized improvements, thereby increasing chances of lumpy adjustments to pension liabilities. JEL Classification: G23; G39; J1; J32 ∗The views expressed herein are those of the authors and should not be attributed to the IMF, its Executive Board, or its management. We thank Laura Kodres, Benedict Clements, Frank Eich and Gregorio Impavido for valuable feedback. Also, we are grateful to David Gustafson and Steven Boyce of the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation. Finally, we are grateful to seminar participants at the European Finance Association, Southern Finance Association, the Swiss Finance Institute, the Vienna Graduate School of Finance, Norwegian School of Economics and the 8th Longevity Risk Conference. A previous version of the paper has been circulated under the title: The impact of longevity improvements on U.S. Corporate Defined Benefit Pension Plans. Please address all correspondence to firstname.lastname@example.com. †Norwegian School of Economics ‡International Monetary Fund


Angus McLaren has made a significant contribution to the history of sexuality over the last thirty-five years, particularly the history of reproductive health (abortion, contraception, and infertility). His beautifully readable and engaging writing style has made his work invaluable to those of us teaching these topics at the undergraduate level. He also tends to work in a geographically comparative fashion, moving quite effortlessly between the contexts of North America and Western Europe. His comparative approach remains unusual within the historiography of sexuality and adds further value to anything he writes. Reproduction by Design is another illuminating and entertaining read. Its central argument is that in the earlier twentieth-century the reproductive body was the focus of significant cultural and political contention, and a key site in debates over the complex and troubling relationship between humans, machines and the environment. While this time around, McLaren appears from the title to offer a rather more circumscribed study – focusing purely on interwar Britain – there is in fact much comparative material to be found once you dive between the covers. It is also timely in its 'medical humanities' approach, relying heavily on novels, plays, films, and science fiction from the 1920s and 1930s. However, part of McLaren's argument is that 'science fiction' was created not simply by novelists and playwrights, but by eugenicists, birth controllers, demographers and doctors. Indeed, anyone talking about the future of sex and reproduction was effectively producing 'science fiction'. The book advances on the uncontroversial basis that most depictions of the'future' in scientific theories and popular culture were in fact crystallisations of current social concerns, rather than predictive of future trends. Interwar fears over 'modernity' thus stemmed in large part from the social upheaval that accompanied the First World War, with its sacrifice of individual freedom to the admirable but deadly emerging forms of technology. Aldous Huxley's Brave New World (1932) is simply the best known of the many writers of his generation who were debating the impact of the encroachment of science and industry on humanity: the road to unparalleled progress, or to death and destruction? As the boundaries between human and machine, natural and artificial, appeared to be collapsing, McLaren argues convincingly that reproduction became a particular battleground for those anxiously debating the merits of modernity. Many of those writing about the relationship between capitalism, mass society, urbanisation and technology – most famously, Aldous Huxley, George Orwell …


Equilibrium adsorption of H/sub 2/, CO, CH/sub 4/, CO/sub 2/, and H/sub 2/S (single and mixed gases-two to five species) was measured on activated carbon at pressures up to 400 psia. Temperature-dependent parameters, regressed from single-gas data, were applied to four theoretical models which predict adsorption from gas mixtures. Deviations between theory (IAS) and experiment increased with pressure and with the number of components in the mixture. None of the theories employing only single-gas data could consistently predict multicomponent adsorption. It was found that multicomponent adsorption could be predicted from the extended Langmuir equation by including an interaction parameter calculated from only single and binary data. In the application of mixture adsorption theories, it was shown that from the same model significantly different results can be obtained depending on the selection of the independent set, /T, P, X/sub i// or /T, P, Y/sub i//.


Discloses a barrel-polishing apparatus comprising a polishing medium in the polishing medium bath mounted therein, a base, an arm mounted on said base, and a distal portion mounted to the arm, and adapted to the workpiece to said arm workpiece attachment device, characterized in that the polishing medium in the polishing medium caused to flow by an appropriate groove means, and a polishing for pressurizing the medium the platen is mounted on said polishing medium bath. Also disclosed is a barrel-polishing method.


In this work, we present two alternative yet equivalent representation formulae for Whitney forms that are valid for any choice of coordinates, and generalizes the original characterization of Whitney forms in Whitney (1957) that requires the use of barycentric coordinates. In addition, we demonstrate that these formulae appropriately generalize the notion of Whitney forms and barycentric coordinates to Minkowski spacetime, and naturally to any other flat pseudo-Riemannian manifold. These alternate forms are related to each other through a duality between the exterior algebras on vectors and covectors. In addition, these two formulae have a geometrically intuitive interpretation which provide interesting insights into their structure. Furthermore, we obtain an explicit characterization of the Hodge dual of the space of Whitney forms on Minkowski spacetime, and this opens the door to treating the theory of classical electromagnetism in a fully covariant fashion through the combination of multisymplectic variational integration and spacetime finite-element exterior calculus (FEEC) techniques. We conclude the paper with the results from an $\mathbb{R}^{1+1}$ wave equation simulation, as a proof-of-concept of the spacetime formulation described herein.


Alternatives to the traditional practice of patrilocal postmarital residence exist in modern day China and vary from urban to rural areas. Social and economic reforms that were instituted in postMao China had an influence on post-marital residence rules. These refonns include marriage laws, reproduction restrictions, the return to family fanns, and greater access to employment. Government refonns had different impacts on urban and rural families, creating different family structures and compositions. Family customs, like post-marital residence, also diverged along rural and urban lines. In rural areas, patrilocality persists, but matrilocal marriage arrangements are increasing. In urban areas, a strong preference for neolocality is evident. There are also indications that patrilocal and matrilocal residence arrangements are becoming short-tenn transitions to neolocal residence. Using a collection of post-Mao literature, this paper examines the relationship between government policies and changes in urban and rural post-marital residence rules in contemporary China.


The equilibrium properties of uniform nuclear matter have been studied in previous papers by using a self-consistency method to determine two-body reaction matrices and the average effective one-particle potential which they generate. In this paper the self-consistency method is simply illustrated by using some explicit examples. An investigation is also made of the previously neglected effects of the exclusion principle on transitions to intermediate states. A variational expression is used for the reaction matrix, utilizing as a trial function the wave function which is exact if the exclusion effect is neglected. Two-body potentials are used which simulate the actual forces, i.e., square wells with a repulsive core of 0.35 \ensuremath{\Elzxh}/\ensuremath{\mu}c, range of 1.15 \ensuremath{\Elzxh}/\ensuremath{\mu}c, and depth 98.3 Mev, acting on $s$-states only. It is found that for effective mass values of 0.5 $M$ and 0.6 $M$, the reaction matrix is appreciably altered, particularly for low values of relative momentum. The requirements of self-consistency, however, almost entirely compensate for the change in the reaction matrices so that at normal density in the effective mass approximation the final result for the average binding energy is precisely the same as that obtained when exclusion effects are neglected. The reasons for this simple result are discussed.


There are now at least eight experiments extending over more than 100 years that have detected the anisotropy of the speed of light, implying the absolute motion of the detecting apparatus through a dynamical space. This light-speed anisotropy is consistent with relativistic effects and Lorentz symmetry, contrary to prevailing beliefs in physics. The theoretical and experimental evidence implies that physics has failed to realise the existence of a dynamical 3-space, and that motion relative to that space is the cause of various relativistic effects, as proposed by Lorentz in 1899. This has resulted in a necessary generalisation of the Maxwell, Schrodinger and Dirac equations, which then provide an explanation for gravity as an emergent phenomenon within the new physics. From the generalised Dirac equation we show that the spacetime formalism is derivable, but as merely a mathematical construct whose geodesics arise from the trajectories of quantum wavepackets in the 3-space. However the metric of this spacetime is shown not to satisfy the Hilbert-Einstein equations, except in the special case of the Schwarzschild metric. Hence we demonstrate that the successes of the General Relativity formalism have been more illusory than real, that its successes are in fact quite limited, which explains why it failed to account for the bore hole anomaly, the so-called `dark matter' spiral galaxy rotation anomaly, the systematics of black hole masses and so on. It also failed in that the dynamics of the 3-space is determined by two fundamental constants, namely G and the fine structure constant alpha.


Abstract:Background: Girasoles is an academic–community partnership investigating heat-related illness (HRI) among farm-workers. An unexpected outcome is health screening and intervention for participants without access to health care.Objectives: We present a case of renal failure in a farmworker, detected during data collection, to illustrate how academic–community collaboration can result in clinical benefits for study participants.Methods: Girasoles is examining physiologic responses to heat stress, associated vulnerability factors, and HRI symptoms. Data include blood pressure, fasting and non-fasting blood glucose, blood creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urine dipsticks. Participants with out-of-range findings are referred to local health care providers.Results: During two summers, health screenings of 192 workers resulted in 71 referrals (37%) for conditions to be rechecked and treated. One of these referrals involved chronic renal failure requiring extensive follow-up by research team members.Conclusions: The case of renal failure illustrates the value of collaborative research as a health intervention with vulnerable populations.


An extension to chiral phases of a model derived previously to interpret orientational properties in liquid crystal solvents of molecules with arbitrary shape leads, quite naturally, to the definition of a traceless chirality tensor, useful for predicting the structures of twisted nematics induced by chiral solutes. The magnitude and handedness of the helical pitch in the induced chiral phase depend on the interplay of the chirality tensor components and the ordering of the different axes of the chiral probe in a given nematic solvent. The effect of changing the molecular structure of the solute and the temperature is discussed for a number of typical dopants, including biphenyl, binaphthyl and heptalene derivatives. Although the model has been derived in a form suitable for application to induced cholesteric structures, it contains the basic ingredients to account for the physical behaviour of chiral smectic-C* mesophases.


FDSOIs with SiGe channel have drawn significant attention due to their advantages in uniaxial strain, higher mobility and better reliability over conventional Si channel MOSFETs. Fabrication of the SiGe channel is based on selective epitaxial growth of low Ge fraction SiGe layer as well as the subsequent high-temperature oxidation of this layer on SOI substrate. It is found that the edge profile of epitaxial SiGe layer on SOI have strong impact on the terminal channel morphology. By optimizing the process of epitaxial SiGe layers, the SiGe channel with flat profile is demonstrated after oxidation process.


Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) is becoming a powerful strategy for the treatment of hematologic disorders (leukemia, aplastic anemia, etc.), congenital immunodeficiencies, metabolic disorders [1], and also autoimmune diseases [2]. In the case of autoimmune diseases, we have found using various animal models that BMT can be used to treat diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), InsulinDependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM), chronic glomerulonephritis, and also a certain type of Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) [2,3]. In addition, we have found that autoimmune diseases are stem cell disorders: BMT from autoimmune-prone mice to normal mice can induce autoimmune diseases in the normal mice [4,5]. However, in MRL/lpr mice, which are radiosensitive (<8.5 Gy), we found that conventional intravenous BMT (IV-BMT) had a transient effect on autoimmune diseases, which were found to recur [6]. We therefore focused on how we might prevent and treat autoimmune diseases in radiosensitive and chimeric-resistant MRL/lpr mice.


Liquid feed supplements (LFS) have a long history of use in dairy cattle feeding. Initially, LFS were used in lick tanks as a source of non-protein nitrogen (NPN) and energy for dry cows and replacement heifers. More recently, with the increased popularity of feeding total mixed rations (TMR), LFS have been marketed with the following claims: • safe and uniform delivery vehicle for micro-nutrients and NPN to TMR, • improved NPN utilization, • delivery vehicle for fat supplements, • delivery vehicle for molasses or rumen-fermentable carbohydrate to TMR, • reduced dustiness of concentrates and TMR, • reduced sorting of TMR in the feed bunk, • increased intake of TMR, • increased ruminal fiber digestion and microbial protein synthesis, and • increased bulk density of TMR.


A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of nutrient and crop residue incorporation on
productivity jute based cropping system in split plot design during 2012-14. The main plot
comprised of five cropping sequences viz., rice-rice, jute-rice-wheat, jute-rice-baby corn-jute (for
leafy vegetable), jute-rice-garden pea, jute-rice-mustard-mungbean andfour nutrient management
practicesviz. 75% recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF) with and without crop residue (rice,
wheat, corn, garden pea and mungbean with their respective cropping sequence) and 100 % RDF
with and without crop residue in sub plot. Jute-rice-baby corn- jute(leafy vegetable) cropping
system recorded the highest system productivity (192.36q/ha) followed by jute-rice-garden pea
(88.6 q/ha), water use efficiency (34.86 kg/m3), production efficiency (65.9 kg/ha/day), and
economic efficiency (Rs724/ha/day) followed by jute-rice-garden pea recorded those parameter
were (89.4 q/ha), 27.01 kg/m3, 30.31 kg/ha/day and Rs.346/ha/day, respectively.The land use efficacy
(94.5%) was higher in jute-rice-mustard- mungbean followed by jute-rice-baby corn-veg.
jute(93.2%). The higher system productivity of all crop sequences was recorded with 100 % RDF
with crop residue. However it was at par with 75% RDF with crop residue and100% RDF.


Scalar aeromagnetic surveys have played a vital role in prospecting. However, before analysis of the surveys' aeromagnetic data is possible, the aircraft's magnetic interference should be removed. The extensively adopted linear model for aeromagnetic compensation is computationally efficient but faces an underfitting problem. On the other hand, the neural model proposed by Williams is more powerful at fitting but always suffers from an overfitting problem. This paper starts off with an analysis of these two models and then proposes a dual estimate method to combine them together to improve accuracy. This method is based on an unscented Kalman filter, but a gradient descent method is implemented over the iteration so that the parameters of the linear model are adjustable during flight. The noise caused by the neural model's overfitting problem is suppressed by introducing an observation noise.