Single-molecule magnets comprising one spin center represent a fundamental size limit for spin-based information storage. Such an application hinges upon the realization of molecules possessing substantial barriers to spin inversion. Axially symmetric complexes of lanthanides hold the most promise for this due to their inherently high magnetic anisotropies and low tunneling probabilities. Herein, we demonstrate that strikingly large spin reversal barriers of 216 and 331 cm 1 can also be realized in low-symmetry lanthanide tetraphenylborate complexes of the type [Cp*2Ln(BPh4)] (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl ; Ln = Tb (1) and Dy (2)). The dysprosium congener showed hysteretic magnetization data up to 5.3 K. Further studies of the magnetic relaxation processes of 1 and 2 under applied dc fields and upon dilution within a matrix of [Cp*2Y(BPh4)] revealed considerable suppression of the tunneling pathway, emphasizing the strong influence of dipolar interactions on the low-temperature magnetization dynamics in these systems. Molecules showing slow magnetic relaxation and magnetic hysteresis as a result of an energy barrier to spin inversion, known as single-molecule magnets, could ultimately serve as the smallest conceivable unit for spin-based devices. Indeed, their ability to maintain spin orientation for a long time at low temperatures makes them attractive candidates for potential applications in spintronics devices and high-density information storage. However, such possible applications require molecules with large energy barriers to spin reversal to stabilize data integrity against thermal fluctuations. This requirement is met in highly symmetric mononuclear transitionmetal and lanthanide complexes that possess large axial magnetic anisotropies or strongly coupled systems that contain radical ligands bridging between magnetically anisotropic metal ions, in which tunneling processes, which undercut the energy barrier with respect to reorientation, are suppressed. The magnetic moments of lanthanide complexes are particularly prone to large barriers, because they can possess a tremendous single-ion anisotropy arising from unquenched orbital angular momentum and strong spin–orbit coupling. Naturally, the records for single-molecule magnet figures of merit such as spin reversal barrier (Ueff) [11] and blocking temperature (TB) [17] are held by lanthanide-based species. Recently, it has been shown that radical-bridging ligands, such as N2 3 or bipyrimidine (bpym ), engender strong magnetic-exchange coupling in dilanthanide species, despite the contracted 4 f electron density. The observation of large Ueff values despite the low molecular symmetry of these species makes one wonder if the single-ion anisotropies are somehow assisted by the exchange coupling to generate a large overall magnetic anisotropy. Several studies have explored the nature of the exchange interaction and its impact on Ueff in the N2 3 radical-bridged complexes, and recent results suggest that the observed barrier is indeed linked more strongly to the magnitude of the exchange coupling than to the molecular magnetic anisotropy. Studies of the magnetic anisotropies of mononuclear fragments of the radical-bridged species are thus essential to resolve the contribution of anisotropy to Ueff in the presence of the exchange. In the course of conducting such studies, we discovered large relaxation barriers in lowsymmetry organolanthanide complexes of the type [Cp*2Ln(BPh4)] (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl ; Figure 1). These results pose a remarkable finding, because high symmetry is generally viewed as requisite for generating such large barriers. Lanthanide complexes of the type [Cp*2Ln(BPh4)] have been utilized for a variety of applications, including, for example, the activation of small molecules. The syntheses of [Cp*2Tb(BPh4)] (1) and [Cp*2Dy(BPh4)] (2) proceed readily through the reaction of [Cp*2Ln(C3H5)] with HNEt3BPh4. [18] X-ray diffraction studies of single crystals of 1 and 2 revealed that they are isostructural, with the metal center and boron atom residing on a twofold rotation axis in the crystal (Figure 1). The lanthanide ion is coordinated in the usual bent manner by two Cp* ligands, but only very weakly by the tetraphenylborate ion through agostic interactions involving two of the phenyl rings, a situation also found in the La, Nd, Sm, and Y congeners. A unique feature of these molecules is that the metal ion experiences a ligand field that is neither axial nor strongly equatorial in nature. [a] Dr. S. Demir, Dr. J. M. Zadrozny, Prof. Dr. J. R. Long Department of Chemistry University of California Berkeley (USA) Berkeley, CA 94720-146 Fax: (+ 1) 510-643-3546 E-mail : firstname.lastname@example.com Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http ://dx.doi.org/10.1002/chem.201403751. Chem. Eur. J. 2014, 20, 9524 – 9529 2014 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim 9524 Communication DOI: 10.1002/chem.201403751


INTRODUCTION: For the year 2012, more than 52, 680 new cases of breast cancer and a mortality of 12, 852 women are estimated in Brazil. Breast cancer is diagnosed early by the radiological examination of mammography because of its 90, 0% sensitivity. However, currently, the results of reports and the quality of examinations are highly criticized; revelations and images of poor quality; reports that do not follow the Bi-rads system, thereby increasing false negative results. The Bi-rads system was created in order to standardize the findings and radiological reports. Mammography is complemented with other radiological examinations; the Ultrasound; whenever there is any doubt on mammography or clinical examination.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients were referred to the Ambulatory of breast benign pathologies in the city of Marilia due to the results of Bi-rads mammographies 0, I, II and III from 2008 to 2011. Mammographies were requested by professionals in primary health care and they were performed in the radiology services of Marilia. The Mammography Reports were reclassified using the Bi-rads system, after the completion of breast ultrasound. All patients with Bi-rads mammographic reports 0 to III underwent breast ultrasound; the ones with Bi-rads I and II underwent Ultrasound when presenting alterations in clinical examinations. The ultrasound device used is TOSHIBA Nemio XG, with breast probe of 7, 5 to 11, 5 Hz. Only one Mastologist performed the ultrasound examinations.
RESULTS: Total assessed mammographic reports: Bi-rads 0 – 1116, Bi-rads I – 54, Bi-rads II – 151 and Bi-rads III – 58. Following breast ultrasound, reports were reclassified and results were the following: Bi-rads I – 337; Bi-rads II – 706; Bi-rads III – 263; Bi-rads IV – 72 and Bi-rads V – 1. There was a correlation between Bi-rads I in 35. 0%, Bi-rads II in 61. 0%, and Bi-rads III in 27. 0%. Bi-rads 0 was so reclassified: Bi-rads I – 273 (24, 92%), Bi-rads II – 571 (51. 0%), Bi-rads III – 212 (19. 0%), Bi-rads IV – 59 (5. 0%) and Bi-rads V – 1 (0. 08%).
CONCLUSIONS: The biggest problem is still Bi-rads 0 because supplementation with ultrasound is always necessary. After reclassification, the vast majority showed benign results (I – 24. 92% and II – 51. 0%), probably benign (III – 19. 0%) and a very small percentage of suspected categories (IV – 5. 0% and V – 0. 08%). This indicates that most of the Bi-rads 0 results are benign. Thus, they should be better interpreted, because they generate a high number of complementary examinations. We had a low correlation between Bi-rads I (35. 0%) and Bi-rads III (27. 0%); in Bi- rads II (61. 0%) results were high indicating accordance only in this category.


The introduction of 8×8 MIMO and carrier aggregation in the 3GPP LTE Rel. 10 opens up for increased user throughput. The potential gains using these techniques have been evaluated in a field measurement campaign with a testbed implementation. A downlink throughput exceeding 1 Gbps has been achieved combining 8×8 MIMO in an outdoor macro scenario with carrier aggregation using three component carriers (3×20 MHz). The relation between the achievable throughput and the channel richness arising from the physical environment and antenna spacing was demonstrated. The performance of MIMO setups ranging from 1×2 up to 8×8 was evaluated in indoor-to-indoor, outdoor-to-indoor, and outdoor-to-outdoor deployments. It was observed that each added transmit or receive antenna increased the throughput. These gains were achieved with a compact UE antenna that is reasonable in size for implementation in a consumer device.


This paper introduces the traditional monitoring technology of elevator at first,the limitation of wire monitoring is analyzed.Now with the rapid development of wireless technology,the elevator monitoring through GPRS network becomes possible.This paper focus on the design and realization of wireless monitoring teminal.


Background/purpose: To study and compare the efficacy of combined 308‐nm monochromatic excimer light (MEL) therapy with tacalcitol vs. that of MEL 308‐nm therapy alone in treatment of vitiligo.


Discusses the significance of opening up university library resources to society;looks at the procedural and management issues that an open service may effect.


Different resource classifications for the petroleum and mining industry have been in place for a long time. Attempts have been undertaken since more than thirty years to reconcile the various classifications into one over-reaching system. Reserves growth by new technology, changing reporting standards for the financial markets, supply security concerns and new resources like unconventional energy have urged for a better understanding of the global resource base. The United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC-2009) was established in 2009 to reconcile different classifications into one coherent system for various branches in the energy and mineral industry. This paper discusses the principles of this framework and its application for new energy sources like unconventional oil and gas.


Design-theory analysis of double done-shaped dynchronizer is put forward by starting with its structure and mechanics,How to design the main parameters and clearances of double done-shaped dynchronizer are indicated.


The underlying equivalence between four-wave mixing (FWM) and self-phase modulation was exploited to develop a general formalism for FWM among light beams of different frequencies copropagating in a Kerr medium. The effectiveness of this formalism is demonstrated by analytically solving strong FWM of two and three input waves. The results predicted are then verified experimentally.


This paper is concerned with the direct interfacing of resistive sensors to different embedded targets. The author uses the idea of "direct sensor-to-microcontroller" technique where analog sensors are interfaced directly to inherently digital controllers and we compare the performance of this technique when applied to a typical microcontroller PIC18, a CPLD and an FPGA. Experimental results show that 5 V systems, like the PIC18 controller, have an advantage over 3.3 V systems in terms of better precision performance, while the CPLD outperforms both the microcontroller and the FPGA in terms of accuracy. The accuracy depends mainly on the output impedance of the system's I/O ports and the precision depends mainly on trigger level noise. The PIC18 controller also has the best performance in terms of linearity and sensitivity. A lot of works have been published concerning direct interfacing to microcontrollers, but little attention has been paid to alternative targets like CPLD and FPGA. This work will benchmark these different kinds of targets and prove that the direct interfacing technique can also be applied to CPLDs and FPGAs.


The cytotaxonomy of three closely related species of Draba, of the mountains of western North America, is discussed and a key is given: D. ventosa A. Gray (2n = 36), D. ruaxes Payson & St. John (2n...


Sustainable development becomes urgent from the transformations that contemporary society, in its structure and functionality, has imposed on nature, including the dependence on dozens of mineral resources. The mining industry is the basis of several productive chains and it is also one of the economic activities that causes more impacts, mainly due to the generation and disposal of waste and tailings. Rampant exploitation of resources, production, consumption and the consequent generation of waste (increasingly harmful and on a larger scale) will intensify pollution (air, soil and water), damaging the natural balance of biomes. Environmental impacts affect a country's economic and social issues, and, in the context of mining, the cradle-to-cradle alternative and circular economy are presented as innovative proposals for the applications of waste and tailings. The research sought to investigate, through literature review, possible solutions that have been developed applications of mining waste, focusing in the Brazilian mining sector. In general, mining waste and tailings have high potential for use in other production cycles (industrial or agricultural), which can contribute to reduce disposal, reduce impacts and risks, and add value to the mining sector and subsequent production chains.


A new methodology based on the concept of performance based figure of merit, has been proposed for synthesizing optimal performance differential input-stage amplifiers and second stage amplifier under the constraints of area. This concept has been validated with examples both at low and medium frequencies. The proposed figures of merit proposed for different structures and in different frequency domains peak at certain values of relative area allocation to the input transistors in the range of 62 % to 92 % of the available area. The peak achievable value of the figure of merit is a function of both area and power. It is observed that the performance parameters, i.e. differential dc voltage gain, unity-gain bandwidth and input-referred noise achieved at peak figure of merit are very close to their best individually achievable values. Using this concept, a CAD tool has been developed in C/C++, for the synthesis of differential amplifiers and tested for 2400 design-syntheses with varying dc power, differential dc voltage gain, unity-gain bandwidth and input-referred noise. The synthesized circuits are mainly governed by power and noise. At a constant power, area required increases exponentially with the requirement of reduced input-referred noise. Area requirement can also be reduced at the cost of increased power consumption for the same input-referred noise. Hence, a clear Area -- Power tradeoff is seen in the synthesized designs.


Both the absolute threshold and the difference threshold appear to be limited by photochemical conditions in the visual receptor during dark adaptation, and after complete light adaptation to any luminance level. During light adaptation the absolute threshold reflects photochemical conditions but the difference threshold does not. It is suggested that this is because the difference threshold is affected by the near-maximum response of the visual receptor during early light adaptation. Experiments which test this idea are reported.


Introduction: Employment is one of the important social determinants of health. Job Satisfaction is one of the important factors in increasing the efficiency of workers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between job satisfaction and quality of life (QOL) in staffs of Ilam University of medical sciences. Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical study was performed on 242 staffs of Ilam University of medical sciences in 2017. The participants were were selected by randomized systematic sampling method. After recording the demographic characteristics, quality of life was measured using the SF36 standard questionnaire and job satisfaction using a short form of Minnesota questionnaire. The results were analyzed by SPSS software using automatic linear regression and an alpha error of less than 5 was considered significant. Results: The mean of quality of life and job satisfaction in responders was 39.49 ± 14.78 and 66.99 ± 1.03, respectively. The results demonstrated a positive correlation between job satisfaction and QOL (P-value=0.043). Also, based on the results of automatic linear regression, the most important variables affecting the job satisfaction of employees were job experience, marital status, employment status, and the vitality. Conclusion: Based on the results, there is a direct and positive correlation between the quality of life associated with health and job satisfaction of the workers. Therefore, improving the quality of life of employees can increase their job satisfaction. Key Words: Quality of Life, Job Satisfaction, Staffs, Ilam University of Medical Sciences.


Near-Eddington accretion rates onto low-mass black holes are thought to be a prime driver of the multi-wavelength properties of the narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) population of active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Orientation effects have repeatedly been considered as another important factor involved, but detailed studies have been hampered by the lack of measured viewing angles towards this type of AGN. Here we present multi-epoch, 15 GHz VLBA images (MOJAVE program) of the radio-loud and Fermi/LAT-detected NLS1 galaxy 1H 0323+342. These are combined with single-dish, multi-frequency radio monitoring of the source's variability, obtained with the Effelsberg 100-m and IRAM 30-m telescopes, in the course of the F-GAMMA program. The VLBA images reveal six components with apparent speeds of ∼ 1–7 c, and one quasi-stationary feature. Combining the obtained apparent jet speed (βapp) and variability Doppler factor (Dvar) estimates together with other methods, we constrain the viewing angle θ towards 1H 0323+342 to θ ≤ 4°–13°. Using literature values of βapp and Dvar, we also deduce a viewing angle of ≤ 8°–9° towards another radio- and γ-ray-loud NLS1, namely SBS 0846+513.


This paper highlights the results of a research on hydric processes in different forest systems to evaluate the effectiveness on soil conservation. Reafforestations of pine (P. laricio Poir.) and oak coppices (Q. pubescens Willd. and Q. frainetto Ten.) where chosen because they are representative of conditions throughout the Mediterranean area. The interception, which is a function of the forest cover, is a significant factor in the hydrological balance and represents a variable fraction of the occurent rainfall while the stemflow represents a small fraction of the precipitation. In the pine stands rainfall did not cause any runoff This was both because of the crown interception and the infiltration in the soil. It was, moreover, possible to confirm that the reduction of density did not substantially modify the hydrological balance.


Establishing the structural components of the body: bone, muscle and fat is of great significance in sport orientation and selection as in entire biophysical development in young people. Nowdays, when there is hypokinetics in the modern world, there is a greater disbalance between active (muscle) and inactive (fat) components, which enlarge the value of "ballast" tissue. The material comprised personal files of 200 Macedonian examinees 14 years old,100 females and 100 males. On the basis of manifested anthropometrical variables, structural components of the body are established, in Macedonian children at age 14 who live in Skopje area, living in approximately equal socio-economic conditions. For quantitative determination of the absolute values of the bone (0 kg), muscle (M kg) and fat tissue (D kg), the dynamic anthropometric method by J. Meteigka was applied. At the age of 14 years, the absolute values of the bone mass (0 kg) was 9.91 (17,04%) in the males and in the females it was 7,83 (14,63%). The muscle mass (M kg) was 31.52 (52,04%) in the males and 27.89 (51.49%) in the females. The fat structural component (D kg) was 7.18 (11.14 %) in males and 7.02 (12.32 %) in females. The difference among sexes in the Macedonian population at the age of 14 years is very significant for the bone mass. At this age in male examinees bone mass is in high correlation with the diameter of the knee joint and in females with the diameter of the elbow, so they can serve as most valid sign in maintaining the bone mass. Muscle mass at 14 year age is in correlation with the circumference of the upper arm in males and with total muscle mass in females. Fat structural component at this age is higher in females then in male examinees, and is in high correlation with the body mass.


ABSTRACT China is accelerating its economic growth now, but prevention of pollution also has been put on the priority agenda of the government and has become a basic policy of the country. The first National Environmental Protection Law (for trial implementation) was adopted in 1979. Since then, more than five national laws and regulations relating to the prevention of marine pollution, as well as other laws for the prevention of air and land pollution have been approved. The focus of this paper is on the marine pollution situation which China is facing, the problems China is dealing with, and the difficulties remaining. Regulations for the prevention of oil pollution have been published in The Regulations Concerning The Prevention Of Pollution Of Sea Areas By Vessels Of The People's Republic Of China, based on those of The International Convention For The Prevention Of Pollution From Ships, 1973, As Modified By The Protocol Of 1978 Relating Thereto (MARPOL 73/78). The pollution control organization from ...


556 HIV-infected patients who received antiretroviral therapy (ART) for 6 months were examined for the level of HIV viral load. In 5.92 % of cases we diagnosed viral load above 1,000 RNA copies/ml that indicated virologic failure of ART. On the basis of molecular genetic analysis of the HIV genome, it was found that among the factors influencing the formation of virologic failure of ART in the early stages, one of the most important is noncompliance of antiretroviral drug therapy in patients (low adherence to therapy).


Background: Little is known about the impact of chronic cardiovas- cular and pulmonary co-morbidities on physical activity in people with inflammatory arthritis (IA). We estimated the age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of co-morbidities in people with IA compared with people without IA and assessed the impact of morbidities on physical activity level in a large, national cohort. Methods: Men and women aged 40–69 years from across the UK were recruited to the UK Biobank between 2006 and 2010. Self-reported data on IA (RA, PsA, AS) and cardiovascular and pulmonary morbidities were collected during a computer-based questionnaire and interview with a nurse. Indirect age- and sex-standardized morbidity prevalence was calculated in people with IA; people without IA were the reference group. The validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to determine participants' physical activity level (low, moderate, high). Participants were categorized into one of the following study groups: no IA and no morbidity (no IA–no M), no IA and morbidity (no IA–M), IA and no morbidity (IA–no M) and IA and morbidity (IA–M). Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the association between physical activity level and study group. The model was adjusted for age, sex and smoking status. Results: A total of 498590 subjects were included in this study. The mean age was 56.5 years ( S . D . 8.1), 54.3% were female and 10.6% were current smokers. The adjusted prevalences of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases were generally higher in people with IA (Table


In this paper, a well-known Hamel's result is extended and the physical and geometric consequences of zero electric current density are studied for MHD flows, with orthogonal magnetic and velocity field distributions, by taking a new approach.


To become a civil servant we are required to take exams that called CPNS
test (candidate for Civil Servants test). CPNS test participants are required to
attend various kinds of tests, so it requires a learning media for the CPNS test
participants before attending the test. In this study, the authors analyze the
development of Information Technology (IT) is growing rapidly making the need
for an IT-based learning concept can not be avoided anymore. The concept of e-
Learning brings the influence and transformation of education from conventional
methods in digital content and system.
In this research, fountain model is used as a method for the software
development by using the tools of Unified Modeling Language (UML). And then
PHP 5.2.6 script for web development as a programming language, MySQL
5.0.51a Server as database, Apache 2.0.63 as web server, and Microsoft Windows
XP operating system.
Applying the concept of e-Learning will be applied by the author in the
final task web based learning media for CPNS test to expand the coverage and
also provide facilities in the learning process that will help the participants faced
the CPNS test. This web have various facilities such as information and
knowledge about CPNS test, discussion forums, learning materials, simulation
tests, and test discussions so it can help the needs of participants to prepare the
CPNS test.


Biomolecule promoted helical polypeptides and their structural diversity towards external/internal stimuli is an interesting research area to the material science community. In this report, we have synthesized sequence registered peptide–polypeptide conjugates via ring opening polymerization (ROP) of γ-benzyl-L-glutamate N-carboxyanhydride (BLG-NCA) employing two amine terminated peptide initiators, namely H-Phe-Val-Leu-POSS (POSS: polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane; Leu: leucine; Val: valine; Phe: phenylalanine) and H-Phe-Val-Leu-OMe. Main chain POSS semitelechelic or POSS free tripeptide containing poly(γ-benzyl-L-glutamate) (PBLG) homopolymers adopted α-helical conformation in both solution and the solid state, because of intramolecular hydrogen bonding and π–π aromatic interactions between side chain phenyl groups. POSS/OMe tripeptide conjugated PBLG segments self-assembled into hierarchical ordered helical entangled nanofibres, revealed by tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) and field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Expulsion of side chain benzyl groups (crucial for π–π aromatic interaction and stabilizing groups for the secondary structure scaffold) produced pH-sensitive amphiphilic anionic homopolymers, which exhibited diverse self-assembled nanoparticles in aqueous medium at pH 8.0. Interestingly, a morphological switch from sphere to square shaped micelles could be achieved simply by adjusting the net fraction of POSS moiety and/or the length of the benzyl deprotected segment.


The networked detection system for field temperature was constructed by using LP2200 ARM7 test platform from Philips Corporation as CPU and transplanting non-commercialized embedded operating systems μC / OS-Ⅱ.In this system,the digital signal from digital temperature sensor DS18B20 was transmitted to the LPC2200 processor by single bus mode and then uploaded to the Internet through TCP / IP protocol stack to achieving the purpose of real-time,reliable and stable.


We have designed and constructed a primary thermometry system for operation from 4.2 K to temperatures well below 0.65 K, the bottom of the International Temperature Scale (ITS-90). The system is composed of a thin-film resistive-SQUID (R-SQUID) and a dc SQUID readout amplifier fully integrated on a single chip. We have fabricated our SQUIDs using Ti/Pd/Au shunt resistors, which remain normal conductive down to mK temperatures. Thermal and electrical constraints demand that the readout amplifier to the R-SQUID has a low system noise. We used a dc SQUID series array in a direct readout flux-locked loop scheme to achieve a system bandwidth in excess of 1 MHz with a white noise level less than 1 /spl mu//spl Phi//sub 0///spl radic/Hz.


As a political theory, nationalism views nation as the highest human group, which is different from cosmopolitanism advocating the "universal harmony in the world" and also from liberal individualism. It insists that the unification of a nation should be superior to democracy and liberty, and therefore, the individual should devote himself to his nation without any additional preconditions. All this is shown in LIANG Qi-chao's "Theory of New People". First, in IIANG's theory the "world group" is turned into the "nation group"; in other words, the relationship between group and individual in political ethics is virtually the one between public and individual. Second, his so - called liberty raises national liberty and meanwhile suppresses individual rights and personality. Through this case we can realize why Chinese nationalism, in the sense of feelings instead of politics, is short of the content of nationalism.


I. INTRODUCTION The case is a first of its kind in Nevada, and possibly a landmark nationally: Karen Morris was charged with three felony counts of reckless driving and two felony counts of involuntary manslaughter for a March 25, 2001 incident, where she allegedly caused a deadly traffic accident while talking on a cellular phone. (1) Police accounts report that Karen Morris, thirty-four, was traveling at sixty-four mph in a forty-five mph zone while talking on her cellular phone. (2) Morris ran a red light and crashed into another car, killing two people, Leona Grief, sixty-one, and her friend Marcia Nathans, sixty-five. (3) A third passenger, Elliot Nathans, forty-four, was injured. (4) Morris was let out on $100,000 bail, on two conditions: (i) she was not to have a driver's license; and, (2) she was not to drive a motor vehicle. (5) The sweeping use of cellular phones in today's society greatly affects all of our lives. A recent press release by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) attributes some form of driver distraction as a contributing factor in twenty to thirty percent of all crashes.6 From driver inattentiveness to warnings of cancer, American society is bombarded with the risks that are associated with cellular phone use. Cellular phone safety has even been advocated for children, which prompted Disney to stop licensing the use of its characters on cellular phones. (7) In the midst of these fears, the U.S. government has increasingly been wary of cellular phone risks. There are recent federal bill proposals seeking to regulate the use of hand-held mobile telephones while driving. (8) Federal government agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have teamed up with the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) in order to further research the health and safety implications from cellular phones. (9) Legislation from most of the states also reveals a serious concern for the dangers of driving while using a cellular phone. In 1999, the city of Brooklyn, Ohio, issued a ban on the use of cellular phones while driving, which was the first in the nation. (10) This was followed by the first statewide ban on hand-held cellular phones for drivers in New York. (11) Despite the health and safety concerns, cellular phones have been a pervasive part of everyday lives in the U.S. and abroad. For example, in Italy, Franciscan Monks were fit with new robes with special pockets that accommodate their cellular phones. (12) Not only do cellular phones help connect us to one another, but they have also been used for personal safety, for contacting loved ones, and in times of emergency. Cellular phones played a significant role in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the U.S.. The people that were involved in this incident were no longer free to express their connection through the outside world except through means of modern communication. No longer were the airwaves used to conduct business, or corporate activity, they were used as means of conveying messages, and ensuring safety. For many, the last contact they had with relatives or loved ones was through the use of cellular phones. (13) There have been a variety of safety measures implemented in order to regulate cell phones, ranging from consumer advertising, to encouraging more education, and even enhancement of the cellular phone itself. For example, the CTIA lists ten tips for cell phones users to "minimize the potential for distraction." (14) This note seeks to address health and safety concerns associated with cellular phones as well as call for minimal regulation of cellular phones because of their beneficial nature to our society. Section II explains the origins of cellular phones and how cellular phones operate. Section III explains the health and safety risks associated with driver inattentiveness as a result of cellular phone use. Section IV of this note consists of the health and safety risks that have commonly been feared by use of cellular phones. …


At diagnosis,most of esophageal carcinomas are in an advanced stage because of itself biological behavior,thus Radiotherapy has always been the main treatment methods because most of patients suffered from the locally advanced stage.Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy(3DCRT) which can well achieve ideal dose distribution and coverage to the target volumes,can decreases the radiation dose of the nomal organs and tissue around the target and well protect the normal tissues,and which p rovide a new direction of radiotherapy of esophageal carcinoma.The purpose of this article reviewed CTV of esophageal carcinoma by analyzing the pattern of lymph node metastasis of esophageal carcinoma and the clinically patterns of failure.


OBJECTIVE To investigate the resistance of clinical Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolates to antimicrobial agents.METHODS Susceptibility of 54 S.maltophilia isolates were tested by K-B method.RESULTS The lowest resistance rate of isolates to the antimicrobial agents was to minocycline(3.7%),then to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole(5.6%)and ciprofloxacin(25.9%).The resistance rate to imipenem was 100.0%.CONCLUSION Most of S.maltophilia isolates are susceptible to minocycline,trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin and resistant to other antimicrobial agents.It should enhance the monitoring and detection of the clinical bacterial resistance.


Vibration reduces the ability of a camera to detect far-away targets that lead to the use of stabilized platforms. Despite much research on stabilized platforms, the need for more accurate systems still exists as a consequence of sensor resolution improvements. In this article, a multiple-model adaptive controller is designed for a single-axis system. There are two important problems associated with multiple-model controllers: number of models and their locations in an operating space. After describing the problem, the stability of the control scheme is verified in theory. Next, the closed-loop stability condition is used to find the minimum number of models. After that, models are located in a space of an unknown parameter by defining a cost function for line-of-sight stabilization. The performance of the introduced multiple-model controller is evaluated in simulation and real-time implementation. Then it is compared with a proportional-plus-integral controller and an H∞-optimal controller. As a result, the stability accuracy of the test platform improves in both simulation and real-time implementation.


The impact of 5-fluorouracil and intraoperative electron beam radiation therapy on the outcome of patients with locally advanced primary rectal and rectosigmoid cancer. Invited commentary.


ABSTRACT Training undergraduate fisheries and wildlife students in human dimensions (HD) can prepare them to be part of interdisciplinary teams and apply human dimensions in their careers. We assessed the state of undergraduate HD coursework in the United States for the first time since 2001. The previous survey-based study found approximately 40% of responding universities with fisheries and wildlife degrees offered a stand-alone HD course. We analyzed degree requirements on websites of 37 members of the National Association of University Fisheries and Wildlife Programs. Two-thirds offer a stand-alone HD course; others offer at least one HD-type course in a single social science or humanities discipline. Of 244 HD-type classes, public affairs courses were most common, followed by economics. While we find growth in HD coursework, there are very few HD concentrations or certificates and no majors or minors within fisheries and wildlife units.


New amorphous alloys were found to form at the high Al+Mg concentration of Al 50 Mg 44 Ln 6 (Ln=La, Ce or Nd) by rapid solidification. No amorphous phase is formed in Al-Mg binary system and hence the dissolution of a small amount of the Ln elements with large atomic radii of 0.182 to 0.188 nm to Al-Mg binary alloy is concluded to be effective for the increase in the glass-forming ability. The effectiveness is mainly due to the satisfaction of the criteria for the achievement of the large glass forming ability in the ternary alloy systems, i.e., the large atomic size ratios of the constituent elements (Ln>Mg>Al) and large negative heats of mixing among the three elements. The importance of the atomic size ratio for the glass formation is also supported by the absence of an amorphous phase in the case of other Ln elements with atomic sizes smaller than the Ln elements (La, Ce or Nd). The crystallization of these amorphous alloys takes place through the simultaneous precipitation of more than two kinds of compounds. The completion of the crystallization by this precipitation mode allows us to infer that the simultaneous dissolution of the three elements plays an important role in the construction of the present new amorphous structure.


An approach using strain energy-like potentials to characterize deformation and fracture of inelastic, nonlinear composite materials is described. The inelasticity may be due to various causes, including microcracking, microslipping, and rate processes responsible for fading memory 3 (viscoelasticity). The concept of work potentials is introduced first, and then arguments are given for their existence for inelastic materials. IEmphasis in the paper is on elastic composite materials with changing or constant states of distributed damage. Experimental results on polymeric composites are subsequently presented to illustrate this approach to 5 deformation and fracture characterization. Finally, extension to viscoelastic behavior is discussed. *Presented at the International Symposium on Non-Linear Deformation, Fracture and Fatique of Polymeric Materials, National Meeting of the American Chemical 3Society, Chicago, September 1985.


From the Publisher:
-- Designing, developing and deploying Web database applications.
-- Integrating Access databases with standard GUI interfaces and leveraging existing databases.
-- Developing Web databases with Java, Visual C++, Visual Basic and other languages.


This thesis is an argument about the nature of language
teaching methodology, relating general educational principles to
current theories of language acquisition and use.
Chapter I discusses what constitutes appropriate knowledge
about language teaching methodology. It argues for a Popperian
epistemological model, providing that methodological innovation
is seen as analogous to social policy-making.
Chapter II outlines current views of the nature of language,
its use and acquisition, and argues that the creation of meaning
through interaction and negotiation with other language users is a
central feature.
Chapter III examines a number of possible polarisations of
the process of language acquisition into strategies for acquiring
the tokens of the language and strategies for turning them into a
negotiable and value-laden system of use. Criticisms are offered
of some of these, particularly Krashen's, and a pedagogically
orientated distinction between accuracy and fluency is presented.
•
Chapter IV examines the methodological implications of
making this distinction, and particularly the need to establish a
'natural' setting. Group work is seen as central to this.
Chapter V explores the role of meaning in language teaching
and briefly considers some curriculum design proposals. It is
argued that the organisation of a syllabus is less important than
the methodology used, and that a syllabus should have educational
content.
Chapter VI draws'on the argument so far to outline a model
of teaching methodology which emphasises substantive as well as
linguistic content, and depends upon interactive methods.
The final chapter returns to the general model of methodological
enquiry and argues that successful development of the practice of
teaching depends heavily on a combination of administrative channels
for effective innovation and feedback with a constant process of
analysis of theoretical concepts in terms which have direct
relevance to teachers. This thesis performs the latter activity.


4036 Background: The US-Intergroup study 0116 has demonstrated a significant survival benefit for pts receiving adjuvant Rtx/CTx following complete resection of gastric cancer. The current study evaluates the feasibility, toxicity and efficacy of a novel adjuvant combined modality treatment strategy containing a 3-4-drug chemotherapy regimen (CTx) plus 5-FU-based RTx/CTx.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
Between 12/2000 and 10/2003 96 pts were included. Treatment consisted of 2 cycles of FA 500 mg/m2 (2h) / 5-FU 2000 mg/m2 (24h) once weekly for 6 consecutive weeks, P 175 mg/m2 (3h) weeks 1 and 4 and DDP 50 mg/m2 (1h) weeks 2 and 5 or 2 cycles of FA 500 mg/m2 (2h) / 5-FU 2000 mg/m2 (24h) once weekly for 6 consecutive weeks with DDP 50 mg/m2 (1h) weeks 1,3,5. The applied regimen was individually chosen by each center. Radiation therapy with 45 Gy plus concomitantly applied 5-FU 225mg/m2/24h was scheduled in between the 2 cycles. Pts with completely resected adenocarcinoma of the stomach including a systematic D1 or D2 lymph node dissection (LND) were eligible.

RESULTS
Treatment: FA/5-FU/P/DDP 44 pts; FA/5-FU/DDP 52 pts. Pts characteristics: median age: 52 years [25-69]; extended/total/subtotal gastrectomy 38%/49%/13%; D1/D2 LND 31%/69%, stage distribution: UICC stage II 36%, IIIA 25%, IIIB 18%, IV(M0) 21%. Toxicity CTC III/IV: granulocytopenia 42%, neutropenic infection 4%; anorexia 13%; diarrhea 8%, nausea/vomiting 10%; early death 1 pt due to pneumocystis carinii pneumonia; study discontinuation 19 pts (11x toxicity, 6x personal reasons, 2x tumor progression). Median follow-up for all pts is 12 months [3-22]. 18% of pts have relapsed and 82% of pts are alive without tumor recurrence. Projected 2-year progression-free survival is 61% [95% CI: 42%-80%].

CONCLUSIONS
These novel RTx/CTx regimens appear feasible and safe with acceptable toxicity indicating that DDp can be safely added to 5-FU/FA and that even a 3-drug regimen is a feasible treatment option for adjuvant radiochemotherapy in gastric cancer patients. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


Vera and Simon (1993) wish to choose up sides between two schools of research in cognitive science, their own symbolic approach versus a loosely associated group of authors concerned with "situated action" or "SA". I can understand Vera and Simon's need to treat these authors collectively, and I am sure they can understand any discomfort the authors might feel in being treated this way. I have often found it hard to tell whether Vera and Simon are disputing my own ideas or someone else's. Moreover, the term "SA" appears at various points to name different things: an intellectual movement, a category of computational models, an empirical phenomenon, and a particular functionality of symbolic systems. Differences in vocabulary and worldview have led Vera and Simon into formulations of my own views and others' that I do not recognize and occasionally cannot understand. Nonetheless, I do credit their effort to initiate dialogue and will attempt to reply in kind. First, some areas of broad agreement are clear. These include the value of much past research within the physical symbol system framework, the existence of various empirical phenomena, the difficulty of relating phenomenology to computational research, the relevance of both philosophy and cognitive modeling to cognitive science, and the social nature of human


Solar energy currently plays a significant role in supplying clean and renewable electric energy worldwide. Harnessing solar energy through PV plants requires problems such as site selection to be solved, for which long-term solar resource assessment and photovoltaic energy forecasting are fundamental issues. This paper proposes a fast-track methodology to address these two critical requirements when exploring a vast area to locate, in a first approximation, potential sites to build PV plants. This methodology retrieves solar radiation and temperature data from free access databases for the arbitrary division of the region of interest into land cells. Data clustering and probability techniques were then used to obtain the mean daily solar radiation per month per cell, and cells are clustered by radiation level into regions with similar solar resources, mapped monthly. Simultaneously, temperature probabilities are determined per cell and mapped. Then, PV energy is calculated, including heat losses. Finally, PV energy forecasting is accomplished by constructing the P50 and P95 estimations of the mean yearly PV energy. A case study in Mexico fully demonstrates the methodology using hourly data from 2000 to 2020 from NSRDB. The proposed methodology is validated by comparison with actual PV plant generation throughout the country.


Alloy DZ468 samples with different Cr content after heat treatment were aged for a long period of time in a muffle furnace.Microstructure of the alloy was observed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and its phase structure was investigated by transmission electron microscopy(TEM).The results show that the number of M23C6 of the alloys increases with increasing Cr content.The second γ′ phase precipitates during aging treatment at 800 ℃ in the three alloys and its number increases with increasing Cr content and aging time.No precipitation of second γ′ phase is observed for the alloys during aging treatment at 900 ℃.σ-phase is precipitated in the alloy containing 17 wt% Cr after aging treatment for 500 h.


During the past two decades, vascular surgery in Germany has been established as an independent subspecialty of surgery. Despite a substantial increase in the total number of vascular surgery departments, only a few independent academic vascular surgery units at university hospitals exist. Commonly, academic vascular surgery units have limited staff who are at the same time responsible for patient care, resident and student teaching, and clinical and experimental research. However, the lack of personnel and resources may limit the promotion and realisation of institutional research projects. In this article we analyse the general conditions for research as well as the scientific publication output at the independent academic vascular surgery units in Germany. Furthermore, we propose an "academic curriculum" that combines both basic laboratory research activities and comprehensive clinical training as the basis of an academic vascular surgery fellowship in Germany. In the long run, this curriculum model may attract medical school graduates interested in an academic career in vascular surgery, and it ultimately may increase the quality of vascular surgery research in Germany.


Acetylcholine is crucial for regulation of synaptic transmission in the hippocampus and the cortex, the center of learning and memory. Released acetylcholine from cholinergic terminals is thought to act on muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on plasma membrane, and is subsequently hydrolyzed by cholinesterase. Previous experiments by our group have shown that muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtype M1 (M1-mAChR) in the brain is highly distributed on intracellular organelles of neurons, such as endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, and activates signaling cascades distinct from those of plasma membrane receptor. The intracellular M1-mAChRs is activated by endogenous acetylcholine following its uptake viaa putative transport system without degradation, which facilitates long-term potentiation in the hippocampal CA1 synapses. In addition, the cholinergic synaptic regulation through intracellular M1-mAChR in the hippocampus disappeared after chronic physical stress. In this symposium, we demonstrate the function of intracellular M1-mAChR in the brain and discuss about possible contribution to stress and neuropsychiatric disorder.


Abstract Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from various organic matter sources was measured using spectrophotometric, wet oxidation, and dry combustion methods. The relationship between light absorption at 250 nm and the concentration of DOC varied between the sources which is attributed to the difference in the nature of organic compound, as measured by the relative molecular weight fractions in the DOC samples. Wet oxidation achieved only a partial oxidation of the DOC and the extent of oxidation varied between the sources. Dry combustion achieved the complete recovery of DOC. Both air drying and oven drying increased the concentration of DOC; whereas freeze drying had no effect on the concentration of DOC. DOC concentration increased with an increase in pH.


We report two brothers from non-consanguineous parents who share a particular constellation of clinical and radiographic findings, including macrocephaly. mental retardation and seizures as well as megalencephaly, cavum septum pellucidum and persistence of cavum vergae. The similar characteristics of these two brothers suggest a hereditary syndrome.


medical research, the possible causes and cures of tuberculosis, hospitals, sanatoria, medicines, alternative medicine, folk medicine, ''male menopause'', thoughts about after-life and even about the supposed link between sexual vice/alcohol and tuberculosis. However, in the end, such an ''experimental'' narrative does nothing to establish the writer's, or reader's, reconciliation to death. Biographers have always dealt with their subjects' deaths, and it is not clear how Ellis's account of Lawrence's death can have a different effect. He has chosen writers because they ''tend not only to be much written about, but also expert in describing their own attitudes and feelings.'' But he himself is aware of the limitations of biography and admits that ''[t]ruth in biography may often prove an impossible ideal'' and that ''[g]ossip is different from biography, even if it is sometimes hard to detect where the difference lies.'' In any case, it is after all not through his death but through his writings that Lawrence has been a source of inspiration. He had said, ''if you are a novelist, you know that paradise is in the palm of your hand.'' And when towards the end of his life, he specifically dealt with death in his Last Poems, he dramatised his philosophical view that death leads to man's passage into ''the core of oblivion'' and into ''utter peace''. Discussion or the literary treatment of the subject, of course, can be the domain of a critic, not that of a biographer.


Previously, exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 2 (Epac2) and PKA were known to play a role in glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) by pancreatic β cells. The present study shows that Epac1 mRNA is also expressed by β cells. Therefore, we generated mice and embryonic stem (ES) cells with deletion of the Epac1 gene to define its role in β‐cell biology and metabolism. The homozygous Epac1‐ knockout (Epac1–/–) mice developed impaired glucose tolerance and GSIS with deranged islet cytoarchitecture, which was confirmed by isolated islets from adult Epac1–/– mice. Moreover, Epac1–/– mice developed more severe hyperglycemia with increased β‐cell apoptosis and insulitis after multiple low‐dose streptozotocin (MLDS; 40 mg/kg) treatment than Epac1+/+ mice. Interestingly, Epac1–/– mice also showed metabolic defects, including increased respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and plasma triglyceride (TG), and more severe diet‐induced obesity with insulin resistance, which may contributed to β‐cell dysfunction. However, islets differentiated from Epac1–/– ES cells showed insulin secretion defect, reduced Glut2 and PDX‐1 expression, and abolished GLP‐1‐stimulated PCNA induction, suggesting a role of Epac1 in β‐cell function. The current study provides in vitro and in vivo evidence that Epac1 has an important role in GSIS of β cells and phenotype resembling metabolic syndrome. Kai, A. K. L., Lam, A. K. M., Chen, Y., Tai, A. C. P., Zhang, X., Lai, A. K. W., Yeung, P. K. K., Tam, S., Wang, J., Lam, K. S., Vanhoutte, P. M., Bos, J. L., Chung, S. S. M., Xu, A., Chung, S. K. Exchange protein activated by cAMP 1 (Epac1)‐deficient mice develop β‐cell dysfunction and metabolic syndrome. FASEBJ. 27, 4122–4135 (2013). www.fasebj.org


1 Gautam Rishi and V. Nathan Subramaniam 2 Liver Disease and Iron Disorders Research Group 3 Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Biomedical Sciences, 4 Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia 5 6 7 8 9 10 Corresponding author: 11 Prof V. Nathan Subramaniam 12 Liver Disease and Iron Disorders Research Group 13 Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Biomedical Sciences 14 Queensland University of Technology (QUT) 15 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove 16 Brisbane, QLD 4059 17 Australia 18 Tel: ++ 617 31382980 19 E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com 20 21 Articles in PresS. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol (June 8, 2017). doi:10.1152/ajpgi.00004.2017


The k-e turbulent model and VOF method are applied to track the free surface of the flow.Three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations are solved to numerically simulate the water flow in the spillway with three bucket shapes.The distribution of water flow parameters is got and the conformation of spouting water is calculated in detail.A rational bucket shape as the reference for the engineering design is suggested,it is based on the comparison of the calculation results of the three jet bucket shapes.


Ensuring the trouble-free operation of the transmission during the operation of energy-saturated tractors is an important task. The reliability of its operation largely depends on the presence of gas in the lubrication system. The aim of the study is to develop a methodology for determining the quantitative content of gas in a gas-oil mixture. In the tractor transmissions, the composition of the gas-oil mixture can have different values, which are determined mainly by the geometric dimensions of the elements of the assembly units, the speed mode of operation, the temperature and the grade of the lubricant. The influence of these parameters can be determined by recording the composition of the gas-oil mixture during tests, both assembly units and transmissions in general, when mounted on a test bench or on a tractor. The choice of the method for recording the composition of a gas-oil mixture was carried out on the basis of an analysis of a number of studies in which various techniques for analyzing the composition of two-phase mixtures are given. Demonstrating the requirement of universality of the method, consisting in a uniform method of its application, both in bench and in object conditions, the most interesting is the method associated with sample sludge. The most successful points of the transmission lubrication system are suggested, from which it is most convenient to take samples, as well as those characterized by the largest content of gas in the oil. Also the most simple and informative method for determining the volumetric gas content in the mixture is proposed. Calculated dependences are derived, allowing to take into account the change in the volumetric ratio of oil to gas during the sampling time. The developed method allows to make an assessment of the required capacity of bilge pumps of forced lubrication systems. The technique can be used both for bench and for road tests.


Initial period of collections forming by culture of Russian population in Tomsk Regional Museum. This article dedicates to initial period of ethnographic collections forming by Russian population in Tomsk Regional Museum.


Lethal-ventricular-arrhythmia (VA) could be sometimes initiated by idiopathic Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) originated form inferior wall. Furthermore, J-wave elevation in inferior leads was sometimes associated with lethal-VA. However, it was unclear the relationship between these PVCs and J-wave elevation in patients with lethal-VA.

 The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between PVCs and J-wave elevation.

 We studied 32 patients who underwent radiofrequency (RF) ablation of idiopathic PVCs with RBBB and superior axis. These PVCs were originating from inferior wall of left ventricular. Lethal-VA was defined as ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT) with loss of consciousness (LOC). Among 32 patients, 3 had VF and 2 had VT with LOC. Other 27 had non-lethal-VA. Baseline clinical characteristics were not significantly difference between lethal and non-lethal-VA. The ratio of J-wave elevation in lethal-VA was significant higher as compared to those with non-lethal-VA (5/5 (100%) vs. 3/27 (11.1%), p<0.0001). Furthermore, no patients had recurrence of lethal-VA with J wave elevation in inferior leads after RF ablation of these PVCs with RBBB and superior axis,

 We speculated that J-wave elevation in inferior leads might be a predictor of lethal-VA initiated by PVCs with RBBB and superior axis. RF ablation of these PVCs were useful method of treating lethal-VA.

 None


The utility model relates to a washing machine comprising an integrated filter module and an air charging device. A cleaning utensil or the washing machine for clothes comprises I) a washing barrel, II) a water inlet and a waste water outlet which are communicated with fluid of the washing barrel, III) a fluid route which extends from the waste water outlet to the water inlet, IV) a pump used for enabling water to move along the fluid route, V) the filter module located along the fluid route and VI) the air charging device communicated with fluid of the filter module.


This paper presents a voltage source inverter in a single phase system for photovoltaic applications. The singlephase H-Bridge is augmented by an additional leg from which greater degree of freedom has been achieved in terms of modulation strategy. This new topology demonstrates the feasibility to avoid the double line frequency ripple, which commonly exists in single phase systems. Hence, the DC link capacitor can be sized based on the switching frequency rather than the lower double-line-frequency. Thus, the size of the dc link capacitor can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, it the reduced capacitor size allows for replacement of the electrolytic capacitors with much more reliable film capacitors.


This study identified matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) as a novel target gene of Forkhead box O transcription factor FoxO3a in the response to urotensin-II and the NADPH oxidase NOX4 and showed that FoxO3a activated by this pathway promotes vascular growth in vitro and in vivo.


The combination of laser resonance saturation and superelastic collision quenching is shown to represent an extremely efficient method of coupling laser energy into a gaseous medium. In principle, this approach can be tailored for either gas heating, electron heating or rapid and almost complete ionization. Moreover, since resonance transitions in neutral atoms or molecules can be employed this technique has several advantages over inverse bremsstrahlung heating: a shorter absorption length, lower power density demand of the laser (due to the very large cross section involved) and a cold start capability. In the case of sodium vapor at 1 torr, our calculations indicate that 95/0 ionization could be achieved in about 400 nanoseconds using a laser irradiance of 1 MW cm-2 tuned to the Dg resonance line. INTRODUCTION Rapid and efficient coupling of laser radiation to a gaseous medium via laser resonance saturation was first suggested, in the context of creating nonequilibriurn ionization for a magnetohydrodynamic power generation, by Measures (Ref. l). In this application the intensity, wavelength and bandwidth of the laser radiation was assumed adequate to saturate one of the resonance lines of some alkali metal vapor that was used to seed the high enthalpy flow of the MHD generator. Under these conditions the dense population of resonance state atoms, resulting from laser resonance saturation, represents both a reservoir of energy that readily feeds energy into the tail of the free electron energy distribution through superelastic collision quenching and a pool of atoms having an ionization energy reduced by the laser photon energy. The early calculations of Measures (Ref. l) predicted that a laser irradiance of a few hundred watts cm" would be capable of elevating the free electron density of a weakly ionized potassium seeded gas by three orders of magnitude in a period of about one microsecond. Subsequently, several proposals have been made for coupling laser energy into a medium for the purpose of performing work (Refs. 2-6) providing propulsion (Refs. 7? 8) or generating electricity (Refs. 9, 10). Garbuny (Ref. 5) has divided engines based on absorption of laser radiation into three classes: (i) Laser Boiler, (ii) Laser Engine, and (iii) Photon Engine. In the first class of engine the laser's energy is transferred to the working fluid through an intermediary the walls of the engine. Although this approach offers versatility in regard to choice of laser wavelength, its efficiency is severely limited by reradiation and the working temperature of the receiving surface. In the case of the Laser Engine, the laser's energy is absorbed directly by the working fluid and so, in principle, a very high temperature can be attained. This, in turn, implies that high efficiencies could be achieved by the Laser Engine. In the third class of engine the laser's energy is again absorbed within the working fluid, but in this instance the energy is converted directly into work without increasing the ^Professor, Institute for Aerospace Studies. 'Graduate Research Assistant. 450 SUPERELASTIC LASER ENERGY CONVERSION 451 random kinetic energy of the working fluid (Refs. 3? 5). These so called photon engines could, in principle, achieve an efficiency of close to 100$ and would consequently be ideal. Unfortunately, the practical attainment of this goal does not appear at present to be forthcoming. In principle, the combination of laser resonance saturation and superelastic collision quenching could serve to provide either gas heating, electron heating or rapid and almost complete ionization, by proper control of the experimental conditions; see Fig. 1. Converting laser energy directly into translational energy of the working medium could, in principle, be accomplished by use of a buffer gas. In this instance the absorbing constituent would undergo laser resonance saturation while the major constituent (the buffer gas) would convert this reservoir of potential energy into translational energy via superelastic collision quenching. Ideally this buffer gas should be transparent to the laser radiation, have a high ionization energy, have a low probability of forming an excited state complex with the absorbing species and possess relatively inaccessible internal energy states. Although the light inert gases might seem to be an obvious choice their small quenching cross section (less than 10~1" cm^ in the case of alkali metals, Ref. 11) would considerably detract from the efficiency of this process and the final temperature that could be achieved. Molecular gases possess much larger quenching cross sections, particularly if a resonance in energy states occurs (such as in the case of sodium and nitrogen). Unfortunately, under these circumstances the energy trapped in the electronic resonance state is primarily converted into vibrational energy of the buffer gas molecules. Eventually this energy would degrade into the translational mode. Optimization of this approach will require further study. However, there could be some applications that might stem from the possibility of producing a gas at a high vibrational temperature compared to its translation temperature. In the case of thermoelectronic laser energy conversion, TELEC (Refs. 9, 10), a high electron temperature is essential. Currently, inverse bremsstrahlung is the mechanism by which the laser energy is absorbed. Unfortunately, the small cross section involved leads to TELEC designs that are several meters in length even at the 10.6 p.m radiation of the COg laser. Unfortunately, such long wavelength radiation poses several problems to the TELEC devices. These include window transmission difficulties and beam divergence limitations. We propose that the combination of laser resonance saturation with superelastic electron heating could provide a means for optimizing the operation of these thermoelectronic generators of electricity. In the first place, the SELEC approach relies upon absorption by a strong electronic transition; consequently the large cross section involved would allow the length of these devices to be scaled down*by at least two orders of magnitude. In addition since the laser power density required to produce a high electron temperature is somewhat lower than required by inverse bremsstrahlung a greater flexibility of design is possible and lastly, the window and beam divergence problems could be much alleviated by operation in the near ultraviolet. We hope to further study the potential improvements that could accrue by incorporation of superelastic heating into the TELEC approach. Super Elostic Laser Energy Conversion SELEC Fig. 1 Basic application areas of "SELEC. 452 MEASURES, DREWELL, AND CARDINAL We have undertaken extensive computer calculations of laser ionization based on resonance saturation. This LIBORS analysis has revealed that under these circumstances almost complete ionization could be achieved in very short periods once an initial population of free electrons is created (Ref. 12). At high laser power densities ( 1 MW cm"2) these initial electrons are created by multiphoton ionization (Refs. 13-16), while at lower power densities other processes (Ref. 17), including associative ionization (Ref. 18), can be more important in creating these original electrons. In the case of generating electricity by TEIEC? our LIBORS analysis has clearly indicated that (i) self starting could easily be achieved and (ii) pulsed operation might be necessary to obtain optimum performance (Ref. 12). Furthermore, the efficient and rapid production of a dense plasma via LIBORS might also be of interest for propulsion if some form of electromagnetic drive is envisaged for this high density plasma. SUPEREIASTIC HEATING BASIC THEORY Central to the SELEC (superelastic laser energy conversion) approach is laser pumping of one of the electronic resonance transitions of one of the species that constitute the working medium. A first order understanding of this process can be attained by assuming that the absorbing atom is represented by a simple multilevel system; see Fig. 2. In reality the third level is taken to represent a cluster of relatively closely spaced levels . Although we are dealing with coherent radiation a rate equation analysis is adequate at the high densities and relatively long laser pumping periods associated with this study (Ref. 19). In the case of electron heating the temporal variation of the resonance state, number density can be described by an equation of the form dF = V12 + e«12> 2 { 21 + 21 + e [21 n>2 where NI and Ng (cm~3) represent the respective ground and resonance level population densities of the absorbing species, Ne (cm"-3) represents the free electron number density, KQ/Q (cup sec") represents the rate coefficient for electron collision induced transitions between levels a and p, " 12 flJ} 1 = -r— E^(v)£.,p(v)dv >(sec") represents the rate coefficient


At year end 1979, there were 12,738 Federal and 4,769 state chartered federally insured credit unions in the United States. Their assets were $36.5 billion and $18.5 billion, respectively. The industry was the fastest growing of all financial intermediaries during the early to mid-1970s. Factors contributing to a growth rate of 18 percent from 1970 to 1978 were the absence of Regulation Q restrictions on CU dividend rates, tax exempt status of CUs, the advent of share insurance in 1970 and the impact of sponsor subsidies. However, during 1979, federal credit union savings grew by only 2.4%, which was more than 85% lower than in the preceding year and was the slowest annual growth rate on record. Indeed, since 1977, federal credit unions have gone from the fastest growing to the second slowest growing type of depository institution. The reason for the changes in credit unions will be discussed after this section which provides background information on the structure of the industry. That structure has, historically led to a reduction in risk. The basic components of that structure are common bond and sponsorship.' Common Bond Credit unions are unique financial depository institutions in that they are consumer cooperatives and are limited to serving the market for consumer credit and savings. Generally, these institutions cannot do business with the general public due to charter limitations based on serving a membership that is characterized by a common bond. The common bond is based on occupation, association or residence. The only exceptions are generally found under state law and apply to state chartered institutions. The common bond restriction on credit union membership is assumed to reduce the cost of gathering credit information, reducing bad debt losses and manifests * National Credit Union Administration. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Credit Union Administration. ' An extensive review of the history of credit unions and the institutional structure is found in


Based on the investigation of Juglans mandshurica community by the sample plots,its structure and species diversity are analyzed.It turns out that there are 156 vascular species in the Juglans mandshurica community,belonging to 55 families 111 genera,among which Temperate distribution compositions make significant dominant,accounting for 35.14% of total genera;and the East Asia and Extensive tropical distribution compositions are remarkably little.There are 13 species in the tree layer,and 53 species in the community belonging to Hemicryptophytes, which are in majority among all the life forms,and the least species are included in the Chamaephytes.The species diversity is little in tree layer,highest in herbage layer,and the species diversity of the community has negative correlation with the important value of Juglans mandshurica,but it is not remarkable;and Dioscorea nipponica has the remarkable correlation with Carex lanceolata and Agrimonia pilosa respectively in the community.


This article draws attention to the different approaches adopted in 21 Chicago schools towards the education of pupils in relation to beliefs and values. It presents the findings of the first stage of an ongoing research project, which explores models of religious, spiritual and moral education in American schools. The dangers of omitting an open and critical study of religion in the curriculum are considered.


From the elaboration theory,the elaboration analysis of torsional circular shaft is improved,and the decomposed theory of torsional circular shaft without ad hoc assumption is given.The problem of torsional circular shaft is divided into two parts:transcendental problem and nonhomogeneous problem to ensure the elaboration analysis of torsional circular shaft problem,and the result is more accurate than the results of other theories.Finally,an application of decomposed theory is given.


Quality risk management(QRM) is a systematic process for the assessment,control,communication and reviews of risks to the quality of the drug products across the product lifecycle.In the GMP implementation,in order to insure the product quality effectively,pharmaceutical manufacturers should use QRM tool to analyses process and deviations,and to identify high risk process and critical process.In this article,we discussed the content of QRM,and identified how to integrate QRM into GMP quality system for the manufacturers.


OBJECTIVE:To investigate the legislative emphasis and framework of national essential drug system in China.METHODS:The legislative emphasis of national essential drug system was analyzed,and the legislation of national essential drug system was illustrated from the angle of the legislative framework.RESULTS CONCLUSIONS:The legislative emphasis is the legal name and definition of national essential drug system,the legal status of essential drug list,etc.The legislative framework includes the chapter of general principles,formulation and revision of essential drug list,production and supplication of essential drugs,and so on.


Patients and methods: Sixty-seven patients were treated conservatively with a prefabricated functional brace (group 1, n=35, mean age 34 years) or surgically with a locked intramedullary nail (group 2, n=32, mean age 37 years) for acute, isolated, and closed humeral shaft fractures. The average time from injury to treatment was five days (range 2 to 11 days) in group 1, and four days (range 1 to 7 days) in group 2. The results were assessed according to the Constant-Murley shoulder scoring system. The mean follow-up was 15.2 months in group 1 and 16.3 months in group 2.


Despite the controversy over GM food and feed, these products are still on the market. Iraqi Biosafety Law had not yet come into force and no law has so far been enacted on the labeling of genetically modified food and feed. To our knowledge there is no available quantitative data on the prevalence of GM crops in feeds in Iraq. The aim of the present study was to detect the presence of GMO feeds by PCR based method. Five fodder kinds from various markets in Iraq were chosen as materials. Feed1 (seed mixture; including safflower, flax, millet with colorful protein supplements), feed 2 which feed crushed, feed 3 (seeds mixture; including wheat, corn, sorghum and sunflower), feed 4 which is grain mixture with main barley seeds and feed 5 which is a fodder pellet. The screening of all samples was performed using the primers for Chloroplast rbcL (internal control), CaMV35S promoter, NOS terminator, Cry1Ac and EPSPS genes. The study proved the existence of genetic modification in all samples. For confirmation procedures the amplified fragments corresponding to the EPSPS were verified by sequencing.


Network services that dynamically allocate bandwidth resources, such as QoS and layer-1 bandwidth-on-demand(BoD), are increasingly required to advanced Internet backbones, such as science information networks (SINET) in Japan. In this paper, we propose scheduling algorithms for BoD service which allocate parts of full bandwidth dedicated to specific users according to their requests in advanced Internet backbones. The scheduling algorithms maximize the number of accepted requests, fairness, or the total bandwidth in BoD. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithms achieve high utilization of network resources and user's fairness, compared with a simple random-based algorithm.


The time and area of spawning of two groups of kokanee (Oncorhynchus nerka) in Odell Lake, Oregon, were observed in the fall of 1965. The first group was from the 1963 hatchery release (Kootenay Lake, British Columbia stock). They spawned from mid-September until early November in the outlet stream, the main tributary, and along one section of the lake shore. The second group, comprised of the natural-reared kokanee of the lake, spawned from early December until mid-January, apparently along only one section of the lake shore. In addition, females of the two groups were significantly different (P < 0.05) in mean length and mean weight. The regressions of egg number on fork length showed no significant difference. Reasons for the selection of spawning sites and the origin of the stock of the second group are suggested. Odell Lake in the central Cascade Range of Oregon contains an important fishery for kokanee. The lake lies at an elevation of 4,792 ft, covers 3,593 surface acres, and has a maximum depth of 282 ft (Fig. 1). It is fed by two major tributaries, Trapper and Crystal creeks. Odell Creek, the outlet stream, drains the lake and flows 13 stream miles before entering Davis Lake. Trapper and Crystal creeks receive snow melt from higher elevations. Underwater springs are present along the shoreline near the Post Office Lodge. Since 1950 the Oregon Game Commission has stocked the lake annually with 100,000 to 500,000 kokanee fry and fingerlings. It had been assumed that the fishery was being maintained by the annual stockings but creel census conducted on the fishery in 1964 and 1965 revealed that only 27 and 23 percent of the kokanee catch were of hatchery origin (Campbell 1965, Averett 1966). A study was initiated in the fall of 1965 to determine the location and magnitude of natural spawning. Two distinct spawning groups were subsequently discovered. The first group, primarily of hatchery origin, spawned in two streams and on the lake shore in September and October. The second spawned in December and January along the lake shore only and was composed of wild kokanee. The term "wild" in this report refers to kokanee hatched in Odell Lake. Sources of eggs for the hatchery fish released in Odell Lake have been Kootenay Lake, British Columbia (Meadow Creek strain), and Flathead Lake, Montana. Kokanee were introduced into Odell Lake before 1950 but the source of eggs and year of initial stocking are not known. All fish stocked between 1962 and 1965 were from Kootenay Lake. Kokanee from Flathead Lake were stocked several times before 1962 and again in 1966. Since 1962, portions of the hatchery fish have been marked by fin removal to assess the hatchery contribution to the sport fishery. The purpose of this paper is to show the differences in time of spawning and site selection between the natural-reared and hatchery introduced kokanee of Odell Lake. We wish to thank A. J. Tolmsoff, now at the University of Missouri, for assisting in 1 Contribution from Dingell-Johnson Project F71-R, Oregon. 2 Present address: Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon. 3 Present address: Department of Biology, Nevada Southern University, Las Vegas, Nevada.


The possibility of El Nino being a result of the random superposition of stochastically forced equatorial Kelvin waves is investigated, with the help of the theory of statistics of extremes, which provides us with the tools to evaluate the threshold crossing statistics of the sea level (SL) and sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly fields. A comprehensive review of this theory is given, since it might be relevant to other oceanographic problems. A linear, stratified, equatorial p-plane Kelvin wave ocean model is forced by stochastic zonal winds. The zonal velocity field is used to advect mean zonal temperature gradients to produce SST anomalies. Solutions are obtained in terms of the zonal wavenumber-frequency spectra of SL and SST. These spectra are used to compute the threshold crossing statistics of the respective fields. The time and space scales for the SL and SST excursions above 2 standard deviations are found to be small, when compared with observed El Nino scales. The stochastic assumption is reinterpreted as a possible triggering mechanism, rather than as a full explanation, for El Nino occurrences. Better knowledge of the wind stress forcing spectrum (zonal wavenumber and frequency) is needed in order to test the plausibility of the stochastic argument in a more conclusive way. Thesis Supervisor: Dr. Carl Wunsch Title: Professor of Physical Oceanography


Passively mode-locked lasers provide a convenient way to generate ultrafast laser pulses with high peak power. In this report, we gave introduction of progress of passively mode-locked mid-infrared solid-state lasers at 2 μm region in our laboratory.


The BK channel is a calcium‐sensitive ootassium (K+) channel fundamental to the control of smooth muscle cell (SMC) tone. The pore‐forming α subunit is encoded by the KCNMA1 gene and its activity can be modified by the β1 subunit, encoded by the KCNMB1 gene. With an increase in cytosolic calcium concentration, the BK channel is activated, K+ passively flows out of the channel and membrane hyperpolarization and vasorelaxation results. Loss of BK channel function can lead to membrane depolarization and vasoconstriction.


The paper mainly discusses a basic teaching mode which is made up of classroom teaching,IT-based learning and characteristic guidance.It is complementary with multiple teaching methodologies,learning ways,teaching media,teaching environments and evaluations.The process of practice and the result are also elaborated.


A previous paper [1] has discussed some simplified models that describe the impact behaviour of polymer composite sandwich beams. The models were used as part of a final-year undergraduate course in impact engineering at the University of Liverpool. This paper relates these beam models to five composite constructions, namely, a surfboard, a dinghy, a solar car, a train and a helicopter. The aim of the paper is to integrate issues concerning composite materials, manufacture and structural design. The beam models are used to critique the selected product designs and to identify the effects of improvements to material properties with a view to improving beam, and hence, product performance.


The political landscape of Nigeria has undergone a dramatic transformation since independence in 1960. Nigeria has spent most of after independence years struggling with political, social, and economic failure. Repeated attempts to sustain and consolidate democratic government have faltered. The resurgence of ethnic and religious conflicts all over the country has once again fueled pessimism concerning not only the future of democracy in Nigeria, but also the existence of Nigeria as a political entity. The way the Nigerian government resolves these challenges will determine whether Nigeria's fledgling democracy is transient or sustainable and, more importantly, whether Nigeria disintegrates or reconfigures itself as a nation-state. This article focuses on the role of civil society in sustaining Nigeria's fledgling democracy. My argument in this article is that a weak civil society and non-democratic culture is to a large degree the product of political instability; conversely a vibrant civil society coupled with civility and social capital are the basic building blocks for democratic survival. Moreover, a vibrant civil society can champion government reforms, confront corruption, advocate respect for human rights, promote and defend democratic processes and institutions. Our best and perhaps only chance to bring into being a more sustainable peace, economic development, and stable government in Nigeria is to give civil society a greater role in governance. As democracy spreads around the world, the realization is growing that a nation's political future, its economic strength, its national vitality, and its very identity will be shaped by the creation of better, more transparent government in partnership with a vibrant civil society. J. Brian Atwood, Former Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)


In this work, we analyze the process leading to the occurrence of anomalous transport phenomena associated with galactic cosmic rays propagating through the interstellar space. The origin of non-conventional transport is found in the dynamics of cosmic rays dominated by long uninterrupted flights interspersed with interactions with magnetized scattering clouds. The process is analyzed via a geometric Monte Carlo model that is able to mimic the intrinsic non-local character of the investigated transport phenomena. Numerical results show the existence of ranges of density and re-emission strengths of the interstellar magnetic clouds leading to heavy-tailed (Levy α-stable) distributions of the propagating cosmic rays denoting a marked superdiffusive character. The correspondence between the geometric Monte Carlo integration method proposed in this work and the fractional Green's functions suggests a novel approach to efficiently performing integration in higher dimensional spaces.


Traditional approaches to evolvable hardware (EHW), in which the field programmable gate array (FPGA) configuration is directly encoded, have not scaled well with increasing circuit and FPGA complexity. To overcome this there have been moves towards encoding a growth process, known as morphogenesis, however existing approaches have tended to abstract away the underlying FPGA architecture. Although currently commercially available FPGAs are not the most evolution-friendly platforms, having complex architectures and issues with potentially damaging configurations, evolving circuits on commercially available devices without requiring a move to high-level building blocks is a necessary prerequisite for the adoption of EHW to solving real problems in electronic design, repair and adaptation. In this paper we present a morphogenetic EHW model where growth is directed by the gate-level state of the FPGA. We demonstrate that this approach consistently outperforms a traditional EHW approach using a direct encoding, in the number of generations required to find an optimal solution, and in its ability to scale to increases in circuit size and complexity. Issues in EHW problem solvability are also identified, and preliminary work is presented showing that a morphogenetic approach to EHW may be well suited to correcting damaged circuits


Reid Crowther and a group of Western Canadian cities have collaborated in the development of a Bridge Management System (BMS) software application appropriate for municipal size inventories. Database functions are separated into Static (inventory) and Dynamic (visual inspection) modules that are suitable for bridge and culvert structures. The database modules are structured to include both essential and non-essential categories. A numerical 9 point visual condition rating system is used for inspection data. Data records can be maintained for both representative and worst condition of each inspected element. Analysis routines are provided that i) compute structure rating values, ii) establish network wide management strategy options and iii) facilitate detailed site based present value computations. The Structure Ratings routines compute ratings for each structure site in each of nine Basic Rating categories from which an overall site "Sufficiency Rating" is computed. Present value based network analysis routines facilitate the prediction of a least cost long-term management strategy for each structure in the inventory. The least cost strategy prediction is based on an evaluation of estimated whole life costs associated with managing inventory structures by one of five so-called fundamental strategies. A "What If" analysis feature is provided as a means to address various simplifying factors incorporated into the network analysis. The detailed site analysis routines facilitate detailed life cycle cost analysis of management options for User selected sites.


This paper considers the results of an online questionnaire survey that collected user data on e-book collections held at Essex County Libraries over a two-year period between April 2004 and June 2006. The research was funded by the Laser Foundation, and specifically considered e-book collections held on Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) devices, as well as collections viewable on Personal Computers with Internet access. Questionnaire responses from 58 individuals indicated clearly that marketing of e-book collections needs serious consideration, that certain genres were popular with users (notably Science Fiction), and that the largest number of respondents were aged between 21 and 30. As we discuss, the findings of this questionnaire survey offer few insights into e-book usage that have not been reported in other research. However, what the findings do illustrate clearly is that publicity afforded to e-book and other electronic collections remains crucial. From perusal of the data, 47 of the 58 respondents found out about the e-book collections after browsing the website. Whilst this obviously indicates that the website is indeed useful, the fact that only nine respondents investigated the collections having seen publicity material tells another story.


An algorithmic stage for bipolar 1-b analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion using a unity-gain buffer is proposed. Cyclic and pipeline A/D converter architectures using this stage iteratively or in cascade are also described. Error analysis and SPICE simulations show that a conversion accuracy higher than 8 b and a conversion rate up to 10 Mb/s are attainable with presently available 3- mu m CMOS technologies. Videofrequency operation may also be possible with finer linewidths. The component requirement is minimal, and thus it is best suited for an analog interface in application-specific integrated circuits. A prototype converter built using discrete components has confirmed the principles of operation.<<ETX>>


SUMMARYIntroductionAcute porphyrias are rare genetic disorders of incomplete penetrance(10%). This means that only 10% of the individuals with the genotypeknown to cause the disease will show any signs or symptoms of suchdisease. They consist of a deficiency of any enzyme of the hemebiosynthesis and are considered as exceptional inborn errors ofmetabolism with an autosomal dominant inheritance. The incidenceis 1 in 100 000. The symptoms are variable and unspecific, consistingmainly of severe abdominal pain, tachycardia, and hypertension.Other frequent manifestations are psychiatric symptoms likedepression, psychosis, and hallucinations. In addition to theseunspecific symptoms, patients may also present peripheral neuropathyand loss of sensation, which can become permanent. In severe cases,liver damage and chronic renal disease can occur. The objective ofthis study is to highlight the importance of the difficult diagnosis ofacute porphyria, the implications of a misdiagnosis, and theimportance of adequate treatment.CaseWe present a 47 year-old male with a history of abdominal pain forseven years. The pain was diffuse, progressive, and incapacitating.He was diagnosed and treated for chronic gastritis and cholecystitiswithout improvement. An elective cholecystectomy was performedbut he continued with intense abdominal pain. Three years later hedeveloped hallucinations, paresthesias, muscular weakness,depression, and irritability. He was managed as a psychiatric patientwith psychotic tendencies. After a complete and thorough history ofall his symptoms throughout the years and a re-examination of thepatient, acute porphyria was considered as a possible diagnosis.Specific laboratory studies were indicated revealing elevated levelsof porphyrines, elevated levels of PBGD, PBG in urine within normallevels, elevated presence of coproporphyrines by chromatography,and a normal PBGD enzymatic activity. The diagnosis of acuteporphyria was established. Appropriate treatment was initiatedstarting with adequate pain management. A high carbohydrate dietwas also recommended with appropriate nutritional requirementsand caloric intake. Another important aspect of the managementwas the elimination of risk factors, like alcohol, cigarette smoking,and certain specific medications. Follow-up showed significantimprovement of his symptoms and less frequent acute attacks withidentification and elimination of risk factors. He was able to return toa stable work schedule. The patient presents residual permanent renaldamage. Adequate doctor-patient education was maintained.DiscussionThis case is an important example of a not-so-rare genetic diseasethat any physician should have in mind when confronted with a patientwith unspecific paroxysmal clinical manifestations. The possibility ofacute porphyria should always be excluded before establishing adiagnosis of a psychiatric illness. Prompt diagnosis and managementare crucial to reduce the risk of recurrences and permanent damage.Patient education is a very important aspect of the management ofthe disease since there is no cure. There is a specific treatment for themanagement of acute attacks (Hemin) but, unfortunately, it is stillunavailable in our country. This is a problem that turns themanagement and prevention of risk factors into the most importanttools we have to improve our patients' quality of life.Key words: Psychosis, porphyria, heme, coproporphyria.RESUMENIntroduccionLas porfirias agudas son un conjunto de enfermedades geneticas depenetrancia incompleta (10%). Es decir, solo 10% de los individuoscon el genotipo determinado que causa la enfermedad presentan al-gun signo o sintoma de ella. Las porfirias agudas son causadas poruna deficiencia de alguna de las enzimas de la biosintesis del heme.Son unos de los pocos errores innatos del metabolismo que presentanherencia autosomica dominante. La incidencia es de 1 en 100 000, yes mas comun en mujeres de entre 30-40 anos. Los sintomas sonvariables e inespecificos; los mas comunes son: dolor abdominal di-fuso e incapacitante, taquicardia e hipertension. Tambien se acompa-na de sintomas psiquiatricos como depresion, intento de suicidio, pa-ranoia y alucinaciones. Otros sintomas relacionados son neuropatiaperiferica y perdidas sensitivas, dano hepatico e insuficiencia renalcronica. El objetivo de este estudio es establecer la importancia derealizar un diagnostico oportuno de porfiria aguda, ya que un diag-nostico erroneo puede generar tratamientos y gastos innecesarios al


This paper is mainly focused on the assessment of both the hydrological and hydraulic risks in the closure of the diversion channel Three Gorges Project (TGP) at the Yangtze Rivers which was carried out at the end of 2002. By using the daily flow data of the Yichang hydrological station during the period of 1877-2000, techniques such as the Pearson type-3 distribution, the flow duration curve and a Poisson process model were used to estimate design flow discharge and assess the hydrological risks. In a second step, a one dimensional unsteady flow hydraulic model was used to obtain the values of total energy head, flow velocity, etc., for the given design flow. Assuming the total energy head of the closure gaps as a random variable with normal distribution, a model was proposed for calculating the hydraulic risk of the closure of the TGP diversion channel.


Monoclonal or oligoclonal B cell products have been described in the sera and urine of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS). In addition, monoclonal expansion of plasma cells has been found in the exocrine glands of PSS patients with circulating monoclonal Bcell products. The goal of this study was to raise an anti‐idiotypc to a cryoprecipitablc monoclonal IgM kappa rheumatoid factor (RF) from a PSS patient. Using the F(ab′)2 fragments of the rabbit IgG anti‐idiotype, an idiotype‐specific ELISA was developed and sera from 32 patients with PSS (13 with monoclonal IgMκ), 33 with rheumatoid arthritis, three with rheumatoid arthritis + Sjögren's syndrome (SS), 30 with systemic lupus erythematosus, six with Waldcnslröm's macroglobulinaemia, and 20 healthy controls were tested. The idiotype was primarily found in PSS patients with circulating monoclonal IgMκ and more often in those who had a ratio of κ:λ intracytoplasmically positive plasma cells greater than 3:1 in the lymphocytic infiltrates of minor salivary glands, and systemic manifestations. The idiotype was also found in PSS and rheumatoid arthritis patients without circulating monoclonal cryoglobulins as well as in two of the six patients with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia. Our results suggest that the monoclonal process observed in PSS could involve restricted idiotypic clones that are susceptible to malignant transformation.


The activities of polyphenol oxdase(PPO) were studied in this paper by spectrophotometry including conditions of optimum pH,optimum temperature,stability to heat,and the effect of different inhibitors.The results indicated that the optimum pH and temperature of artichoke PPO were 7.4 and 45 ℃ respectively.The enzyme activity was suppressed by 80 ℃ heating treatment for 2 min.Citric acid(CA) and NaHSO3 were strong inhibitors,the effective concentration of these inhibitors was 0.04 mol·L-1.


Three-dimensional Electric Resistivity Tomography (ERT) was undertaken at the archaeological site of Oc- chiola (Sicily, Italy) a medieval village, located on the north western part of a hill named "Terravecchia" at 491 m above sea level. The survey was carried out inside the ruins of "Spirito Santo" Church. This paper presents the geophysical results of the 2004 campaign that aimed at exploring the buried extension of the possible crypt and/or tombs inside the church. ERT survey was performed by means of Molisana Apparecchiature Elettroniche (MAE) system with 31 active electrodes. The dipole-dipole array was selected for measurements. Resistivity variations are known to correlate well with the lithological nature of the earth materials, thus providing important information in order to locate buried archaeological re- mains. The electrical data were visualised in a three-dimensional space by using the iso - resistivity surface. This allowed the three-dimensional position of the anomalies evidenced in the single electrical section in a more effective manner. The results obtained in the survey highlight the presence of regular shape structures probably due to features of archaeological interest.