Abstract : A crash-resistant fuel system, utilizing high-strength bladder fuel cells, breakaway fittings, crash-load-actuated shut-off valves, and fiber glass protective liners, was designed and installed in the center section of a DC-7 aircraft wing. The wing was mounted on a wheeled dolly. A jet-propelled car was used to accelerate the wing and dolly to predetermined velocities prior to engaging a decelerator. The decelerator, especially designed for this project, imposed controlled decelerations on the wing ranging from 2 g's to 21 g's (28-g fuel equivalent). There were no failures in either standard or crash-resistant fuel (CRF) system fuel cells and no inadvertent valve closures in the CRF system during the tests. Hydraulic loads were nominal and were not additive from one cell to another through interconnections. A final destructive test was conducted wherein the wing, at a velocity of 77 knots, engaged two stationary vertical poles, positioned to shear the wing panels at the outboard nacelles. It was demonstrated that, with a more positive means of triggering shut-off valves, the CRF system has a potential for greater chances of fuel containment, with consequent less fire hazard, in case of survivable crashes. The CRF system, as installed in a DC-7, imposes a penalty of 6.97% fuel volume loss for a range loss of 7.6%, although it results in a weight decrease of about 1200 pounds. (Author)


In recent years, more and more traditional shrink-wrapped software is provided as 7x24 online services. Incidents (events that lead to service disruptions or outages) could affect service availability and cause great financial loss. Therefore, mitigating the incidents is important and time critical. In practice, a document describing a mitigation process, called a troubleshooting guide (TSG), is usually used to reduce the Time To Mitigate (TTM). To investigate the usage of TSGs in real-world online services, we conduct the first empirical study on 18 real-world, large-scale online service systems in Microsoft. We analyze the distribution and characteristics of TSGs among all incident records in the past two years. According to our study, 27.2% incidents have TSG records and 36.2% of them occurred at least twice. Besides, on average developers spend around 36.3% of the entire mitigation time on locating the desired TSGs. Our study shows that incidents could occur repeatedly and TSGs could be reused to facilitate incident mitigation. Motivated by our empirical study, we propose an automated TSG recommendation approach, DeepRmd, by leveraging the textual similarity between incident description and its corresponding TSG using deep learning techniques. We evaluate the effectiveness of DeepRmd on 18 online service systems. The results show that DeepRmd can recommend the correct TSG as the Top 1 returned result for 80.3% incidents, which significantly outperforms two baseline approaches.


Though, the disasters of shipboard crew have many types and aspects, most of them are caused by human elements, and the management and the regulations for the crew safety are other elements for the crew disaster. Accordingly, the analysis of the consciousness and understandings on crew`s safety management system is one of the important parts to reduce the accident. Therefore, this study made up the questionnaire and assorted the respond of shipping companies, ship`s officers and engineers including captains to our questionaries, and analyzed the results to pick out and find their consciousness on the crew disaster. And also, this study is to make proposals to prevent and reduce the accident.


Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica has the ability to cause silicosis. Silica is also suspected of being associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other diseases. The specific mechanism(s) of pathogenesis for silicosis and these other potential health concerns remains unclear. This investigation measured dissolution rates of silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) particles in simulated lung fluid to determine the residence times of such particles within the intracellular or extracellular spaces. Silicon dioxide dissolution rates were determined as a function of fluid pH, particle size, and SiO 2 concentration and mass. Gamble's solution was used to simulate intracellular and extracellular lung fluids at pH 6.0, pH 6.5, and pH 7.5. Test samples were paired by pH, particle size, and SiO 2 concentration/mass. Sample aliquots of filtered solution were collected over a 28-day test period. Results revealed SiO 2 became soluble and the dissolution rate increased with increasing pH and decreasing particle size. SiO 2 concentration and mass also appeared to have some effect on the rate of dissolution. These solubility characteristics appear likely to impact the residence times of particles within biological systems, suggesting a model for exposure and subsequent pathogenesis for systemic silica-related diseases.


Summary form only given, as follows. Upgrades to the Phoenix front end have resulted in a three-fold increase in Argon K-shell X-ray yields. Lack of a transit time isolator between the center conductor and ground necessitated powering the gas-puff hardware with batteries and supplying control via fiber optic cables. A simple gas flow model was developed to optimize the valve/nozzle design. The gas-puff valve and nozzle were modified to produce a 250-/spl mu/s density rise time. This short rise-time allowed firing on the gas plateau which improved reproducibility. Front end power flow was improved by opening the MITL from 8 to 10-mm and by increasing the dog-leg at the nozzle to obstruct UV light. The highest yield shots were achieved with a 4-cm long load using a 3.5-cm mean diameter nozzle with a mean inward tilt of 13.75 degrees. X-ray pulse widths ranged between 7-15 ns and X-ray pinhole photos suggest uniform assembly on axis. Results and documentation of the Phoenix upgrades are presented.


In this paper, we find the ages and metallicities of 8 Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) star clusters obtained from integrated light spectra and use them to obtain the Chemical Enrichment History of the host galaxy. Our results are in good agreement with those obtained from resolved studies. This confirms that this method can be used for far away galaxies for which their star clusters are not resolved.


In this article, utilizing a scale mixture of skew-normal distribution in which mixing random variable is assumed to follow a mixture model with varying weights for each observation, we introduce a generalization of skew-normal linear regression model with the aim to provide resistant results. This model, which also includes the skew-slash distribution in a particular case, allows us to accommodate and detect outlying observations under the skew-normal linear regression model. Inferences about the model are carried out through the empirical Bayes approach. The conditions for propriety of the posterior and for existence of posterior moments are given under the standard noninformative priors for regression and scale parameters as well as proper prior for skewness parameter. Then, for Bayesian inference, a Markov chain Monte Carlo method is described. Since posterior results depend on the prior hyperparameters, we estimate them adopting the empirical Bayes method as well as using a Monte Carlo EM algorithm. Furthermore, to identify possible outliers, we also apply the Bayes factor obtained through the generalized Savage-Dickey density ratio. Examining the proposed approach on simulated instance and real data, it is found to provide not only satisfactory parameter estimates rather allow identifying outliers favorably.


The influence of work-life conflicts to the wellbeing and teaching performance of teachers were explored in this descriptive research. Specifically, it identified the work-life conflict experienced by STEAM teachers in terms of time, strain and behavior. Using descriptive survey method, structured questionnaire was utilized to measure the stress experienced by the 161 teacher-respondents. Qualitative data were also gathered through semi-structured interviews from the purposively selected STEAM teachers. Results indicated that respondents experience time-based and strain-based conflicts. Having to do school work at home to meet what is expected of them and having insufficient opportunity to rest and prepare are the causes of their stress. Moreover, a number of themes emerged regarding the influence of work-life conflicts to well-being and teaching performance of STEAM teachers which included effects on physical health, job and family satisfaction, psychological well-being, emotional state and relationship with students when teaching, time-management, and burnout tendencies. Results of this study should assist educational institutions to develop, review and provide written policies on work-life balance of teachers as well as non-teaching personnel.


This study focuses on developing and optimizing of a microchannel gas cooler model for evaluating the performance of a transcritical CO2 mobile air-conditioning system. A simulation model is developed with the aid of MATLAB R2022a. A segment-by-segment modeling approach is utilized by applying the effectiveness-NTU method. State-of-the-art heat transfer and pressure drop correlations are used to obtain air and refrigerant side heat transfer coefficients and friction factors. The developed model is validated through a wide range of available experimental data and is able to predict a gas cooler capacity and pressure drop within an acceptable range of accuracy. The average errors for a gas cooler capacity and pressure drop are 3.79% and 10.24%, respectively. Furthermore, a parametric optimization method is applied to obtain optimal microchannel heat exchanger dimensions, including the number of tubes, microchannel ports, and passes. Different combinations were selected within the practical range to obtain optimal dimensions while keeping the total core volume constant. The simultaneous effect of the number of tubes, the number of ports in each tube, and the number of passes is determined. The objective of the current optimization technique is to minimize the pressure drop for the specific design capacity under different operating conditions without changing the overall volume of the gas cooler. The average pressure drop reduction for the optimal geometry as compared with the baseline geometry under all operating conditions is about 15%. The results from this study can be used to select an optimal geometric design for the required design capacity with a minimal pressure drop without the need for expensive prototype development and testing.


ABSTRACTGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects 10% to 20% of the western world's population. Current treatment guidelines recommend proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as first-line therapy. Although PPIs cause mild adverse reactions, they pose risks, particularly for older adults with comorbidities.


A feature of the aviation use in various physical and geographical conditions, in the event of emergency situations, in combat operations is the performance of tasks in the conditions of limited existing navigation and meteorological support systems functioning. Ensuring flight safety , monitoring the state and changing meteorological conditions can be implemented through the use of alternative solutions.It is suggested in the work to choose as a direction of research modern technologies that are introduced in various spheres of life, primarily on issues of national security and defense. These areas include the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to solve various problems, modern infocommunication technologies in which the tasks of wireless data exchange and electronic components with low power supply are considered. The integrated use of such technologies makes it possible to expand the possibilities of monitoring meteorological conditions in mountainous areas, the coastal zone where the capabilities of stationary meteorological support systems are limited. A method for the synthesis of sensor systems and UAVs is presented and that makes it possible to monitor atmospheric parameters and, based on the analysis of the data obtained, to identify zones of thunderstorm activity. The method is based on the use of prognostic models for calculating the indices of the atmospheric convection occurrence. The values of the calculated indices are the basis for the forecast of thunderstorm activity. The conditions for the application of these models is the determination of atmospheric parameters at different heights, the value of which is determined by the level of given isobaric surfaces. Such measurements are proposed to be implemented on the basis of a monitoring sensor network's creation, the main elements of which are sensor systems, unmanned aerial vehicles and wireless data exchange technologies. The assessment of the possibility of implementing the proposed method was carried out by conducting experimental studies and comparing the results obtained with the data of existing systems for monitoring meteorological conditions. It is confirmed that the results of the study can serve as a basis for creating both local systems for monitoring thunderstorm activity and as part of integrated monitoring systems that ensure the safe and efficient use of airspace by manned and unmanned aerial vehicles.


British Columbia's Year 2000 Program mandated the inclusion of all children into their neighborhood schools, thereby requiring each school to provide all special-education services for students who need them. This paper presents findings of a study that assessed the impact of the mandate on instructional programs in four suburban Vancouver elementary schools. Interviews were conducted with 27 classroom teachers and 4 special-education teachers at the primary-grade level, who also completed a survey checklist. The most significant finding was that teachers lacked whole-class time and that special services intruded to a high degree into the regular classroom day. This scheduling conflict was due to an increase in needed student services and in the proportions of students served. The findings do not single out special-needs or mainstreamed students as the sole cause of the disruptions because this segment of the school population is only a small part of the problem that results in an increased stress level among teachers. What needs to be addressed is how all the needed special services can fit together in the least intrusive or disruptive manner. Two tables are included. (Contains 25 references.) (LMI) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** Administrative Challenges of Integrating Special Needs Learners: A Look at Four B.C. Schools Delia Cooper Coquitlam School District 968 Kinsac St. Coquitlam, B.C. V3J 4V1 Paul Goldman Educational Policy & Management University of Oregon Eugene, OR 97403-1215


Most patients wait an average of 74 days for a rheumatology referral in Canada, but some wait as long as three years.


A nonlinear control design approach is presented in this paper for a challenging application problem of ensuring robust performance of an air-breathing engine operating at supersonic speed. The primary objective of control design is to ensure that the engine produces the required thrust that tracks the commanded thrust as closely as possible by appropriate regulation of the fuel flow rate. However, since the engine operates in the supersonic range, an important secondary objective is to ensure an optimal location of the shock in the intake for maximum pressure recovery with a sufficient margin. This is manipulated by varying the throat area of the nozzle. The nonlinear dynamic inversion technique has been successfully used to achieve both of the above objectives. In this problem, since the process is faster than the actuators, independent control designs have also been carried out for the actuators as well to assure the satisfactory performance of the system. Moreover, an extended Kalman Filter based state estimation design has been carried out both to filter out the process and sensor noises as well as to make the control design operate based on output feedback. Promising simulation results indicate that the proposed control design approach is quite successful in obtaining robust performance of the air-breathing system.


Amyloidosis is a group of rare but serious diseases caused by deposits of amyloid substance in tissues and organs throughout the body. It can be classified in primary or Amyloidosis AL, usually with no evidence of preceding or coexisting disease; associated with multiple myeloma; or secondary with evidence of coexisting previous chronic inflammatory or infectious conditions. Our aim is to demonstrate the importance of considering amyloidosis as a diagnosis in a patient with multiple organ failure of undetermined etiology.


A double-blind controlled investigation of a new phenothiazine derivative—methotrimeprazine (Veractil)—in a group of 146 male and female chronic schizophrenic patients is described. The trial was designed to compare the effects of the drug with those of chlorpromazine and with a placebo. As a group, the female patients were older, had been longer in hospital and were more deteriorated. The male patients generally were more actively psychotic but less deteriorated and their average age and length of stay in hospital was less than the female.

Methotrimeprazine in the dosage employed was found to be a potent drug and to be at least as effective as chlorpromazine. Parkinsonism and drowsiness were more frequently encountered with methotrimeprazine and one female patient who subsequently died was severely affected. Disparity in the results of clinical and nursing assessments are described and discussed.


On the U.S.-Mexican border, neoliberalism and globalization enables corporations to discriminate against people of color and border crossers in general. However, the struggle for social equity continues to gain strength within spaces of resistance among marginalized and immigrant groups. This chapter presents experiences and narratives of three educators in the pursuit for social justice for Latin@s who live in the borderland region of El Paso, Texas and Cd. Juarez, Mexico. This chapter reflects theoretical structures that support critical analysis of pertinent data established by schooling policies, which maintain white privilege in detriment of people of color. Under a sociocultural and critical pedagogical praxis, new educational trends such as translanguaging, hybridity, and third space are exposed as ways to resist inequalities in the daily life of Latin@s. The analysis of these sociolinguistic tendencies provides opportunities for pedagogical affirmation of cultural identity, self-determination, and the development of the consciousness of racial politics.


A method is proposed to reduce the power used in the motion estimation stage of an FPGA based H.264 video encoder. Distinguishing it from other algorithms is its use of information generated during the rest of the encoding process, specifically, the intra prediction stage. Using the results of the intra prediction stage, a simple algorithm determines the direction with which to propagate reference data through the systolic array, used for motion estimation, in order to minimize the array's switching activity. Results are given showing that this method can reduce the switching activity, and hence power, in the array by up-to 10%. The reduction achievable is, however, conditional on reducing the bit-width of the inputs to the motion estimation process.


Transcrystallization, characterized by dense nucleation on the fiber surface and constrained radial crystalline growth, results in different crystalline morphology than that of the bulk. Concomitantly, it results in redistribution of the amorphous phase, generating rearrangement of the phase transition pattern. This can be identified by dynamic energy dissipation techniques such as highsensitivity dielectric spectroscopy performed in this study. Focusing on the glass transition, the dielectric properties of three sets of composites are considered, namely, aramid fiber-reinforced nylon 66, aramid fiber-reinforced poly(ether ether ketone), and ultrahigh molecular weight fiber-reinforced high-density polyethylene. This study demonstrates that dielectric spectroscopy is a unique experimental tool, highly sensitive to the presence of transcrystallinity via its effect on amorphous phase redistribution. Its sensitivity is reflected by a range of dielectric parameters, namely, the activation energy, the dielectric strength and Kirkwood correlation factor, the loss tangent, and the relaxation peak broadening. A number of composite–dielectric property combinations are presented.


The purpose of this study was to investigate determinants of public participation in management activities of local parks, Iran. The population of the study consisted of people living near local parks in Karaj City. A sample of 203 people was selected by using random sampling method. The results indicated that gender and educational levels were not determinant factors in participation intention in local park management activities. Regression analysis indicated that about 29.1% of variations in participation intention in local park management activities could be explained by attitude toward park participatory management, income and spending leisure time. The results of explanatory factor analysis for indicating dimensions of participatory park management revealed that people willing to participate in monitoring, informing and cooperation activities in parks management. Finally according to the results, some recommendations suggested for managers and policy makers.


As Tauberian comparison theorems one usually means theorems which by a prescribed asymptotic behavior of the ratio of some integral transforms of two (generalized) functions make a conclusion on asymptotic behavior of other integral transformations of these functions. In the work we prove the comparison Tauberian function for the generalized functions whose Laplace transform have a bounded argument. In particular, examples of these functions are the kernels and the fundamental solutions of differential operators with constant coefficients hyperbolic w.r.t. a cone.


In order to resolve the problem that the unbalanced load of five-phase matrix converter,the five-phase six-leg matrix converter is presented.By understanding the three-dimensional voltage space vector modulation principle and the inverter topology analysis,that applying three-dimensional voltage space vector modulation to inverter,can generate the desired output current.Based on Matlab/Simulink simulation platform,the stimulation of the five-phase six-leg matrix converter system can be made and the simulation results can validate the correctness and feasibility of the theory.


ABSTRACT A sensor for the adsorptive stripping voltammetric determination of rare earth elements has been developed. The electrochemical procedure is based on the oxidation of the rare earth elements complexed with alizarin complexone at a glassy carbon electrode that was in situ modified with an antimony film, during an anodic scan from –0.2 V to 1.1 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) and deposition potential of –0.1 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The factors influencing the adsorptive stripping capability were optimised, including the complexing agent concentration, plating concentration of antimony and deposition time. The detection of rare earth elements (La, Ce and Pr) were realised in 0.08 M sodium acetate (pH = 5.8) solution as supporting electrolyte, with 2 × 10−6 M alizarin complexone and 1.0 mg L−1 antimony solution. Under the optimised conditions, a deposition time of 360 s was obtained and a linear response was observed between 1 and 25 µg L−1. The reproducibility of the voltammetric measurements was found to be within 5.0% RSD for 12 replicate measurements of cerium(III) concentration of 5 µg L−1 using the same electrode surface. The detection limits obtained using stripping analysis was 0.06, 0.42 and 0.71 μg L−1 for Ce(III), La(III) and Pr(III), respectively. The developed sensor has been successfully applied for the determination of cerium, lanthanum and praseodymium in municipal tap water samples.


Introduction. Leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1, CD11a) monoclonal antibody (mAb) affects many leukocyte functions without cell depletion. We hypothesized that the use of a humanized, anti-rhesus modified LFA-1 mAb (H2C12) in rhesus monkeys would cause: (1) prolonged heart allograft survival, (2) inhibition of primary but not secondary antibody responses, and (3) minimal drug toxicity. Methods and Results. Control (n=5) and H2C12-treated (n=7) (8-20 mg/kg i.v. on day -1 followed by 10 mg/kg/day) adult male rhesus recipients were inoculated with GP120 protein antigen on day -28 and -1 and grafted with heterotopic abdominal hearts (day 0). Donor-recipient pairs were equally MLR mismatched (4329.8±1124.1 CPM controls vs. 7289.0±1926.5 treated, P=NS). Mean heart allograft survival as evaluated by daily abdominal palpation was significantly prolonged in high dose recipients (23.0±2.6, n=4) vesus controls (8.2±1.3, n=5, P 35 days. Conclusions. The use of this mAb to block CD11a had the benefit of being a well tolerated, highly targeted therapy. These are the first results showing that monotherapy with anti-leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 mAb prolonged survival of MLR mismatched allogenic cardiac grafts in primates.


This research took into account the premise according to which, swimming, like all the other sports,is susceptible of being perfected.This paper tackles the multi-valent issue of the correlation between the somatic features of the swimmer and the emergence of superior achievements. Subjects and Applied Methods The research was carried out during a period of two years and it regarded the measurement of the main anthropometric parameters, which are specific to swimming, together with the measurements of the achievements obtained in the specific trials.The subjects were nine-year-old during the testing of the first year and respectively, tenyear-old during the one of the second year.The anthropometric measurements targeted the following values: the waist, the body weight, the biacromial diameter, the bitrohanterian diameter, the handspan, the length of the palm, the length of the foot.The specific trials which were tested were as follows: the 50 metres crawl, the 50 metres back, the 50 metres breaststroke, the 50 metres butterfly.The groups were also chosen with respect to their somatic features in order to emphasize their importance for the evolution of the results.Their training did not differentiate in any parameter, such as the intensity or the volume.The research, as well as the measurements methods of the anthropometric abilities and the measurements used in the specific trials were identical during the period in which the research was carried out. Results Analysing the information which has been provided and interpreted, it can be observed that, during all the specific trials, the experiment groups (boys and girls) had a more or less significant evolution when compared with the monitored groups, which stresses the importance of the anthropometric parameters for the emergence of superior achievements in swimming, knowing that the training of the latters didn't differentiate in any aspect. Conclusions Taking into account this data, it can be asserted that the swimmers' somatic features have a direct influence on the emergence of superior sport achievements, the interrelationship between the anthropometric values and the superior sport achievements being thus shaped. Another important feature is the shape of the swimmer's body, as it is already known that the longiline swimmers, who have bigger body segments, hold a greater advantage when compared with the short ones, which is proved by the results obtained in this research. This research claims to be a methodological point of reference regarding the realisation of the selection process in swimming. This process is a very complex one, being aware of the sportsmen's anthropometric abilities is one of the significant conditions which have to be fulfilled in order not to select individuals who, later, won't fit the specific biotype of the great swimmers, their achievements remaining poor.


AbstractThis paper presents an experimental study on the behavior of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)-concrete-steel double-skin tubular columns (DSTCs) under cyclic axial compression. The experimental program included 30 DSTCs, 22 of which were manufactured using a high-strength concrete (HSC). The key parameters considered were the FRP type, FRP tube thickness, concrete strength, inner steel tube diameter, and presence (absence) of concrete filling inside the steel tube. The results show that both normal- and high-strength concrete DSTCs exhibit a highly ductile behavior under cyclic axial compression. However, for a given nominal confinement ratio, hollow HSC DSTCs tend to develop lower strength and strain enhancement ratios than their normal-strength concrete (NSC) counterparts. It is found that the residual plastic strain of concrete in DSTCs is linearly related to the envelope unloading strain, and this relationship is not influenced significantly by any of the test parameters investigated in this stu...


Data on New York State maternal mortality, 1917-1972, are analyzed and show that the cohort patterns of age-specific maternal mortality are mainly a reflection of the pattern of period declines in age-specific maternal mortality.


This guide to Tokyo and its environs includes up-to-date bilingual listings and maps, practical advice and chapters on excursions, language and cuisine.


In 2007, a new disease of rice was found in Nantou and Yunlin Counties in Taiwan. The symptoms exhibited dark-green to light brown translucent streak on rice leaf, and bacterial oozes appear on the lesions under humid conditions. This disease was later found in Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, Chyayi, Tainan, Huailien, and Taitung Counties in Taiwan. Results from 16S rDNA sequencing and comparison revealed that the nucleotide sequences shared 97% similarity with the ones of "Xanthomonas oryzae pv." oryzae (Xoo), and 100% similarity with "Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola" BLS256. Based on the symptoms and pathological studies, 16S rDNA sequencing, and physiological and biochemical analyses, the pathogen was identified as "Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola" (Xoc). The susceptibility of rice cultivars to bacterial leaf streak (BLS) were tested in greenhouse. Sixteen rice cultivars were susceptible, but the disease incidence and index were different when inoculating with different Xoc strains. The virulence of Xoc strains XOCH-1 (disease index was 1.8) was lower than XOCI-1c (2.3) and XOCK-1b (3.1). The disease incidence of rice cultivars 'Taikeng 2', 'Taikeng 8', 'Taikeng 11', 'Taikeng 16' and 'Tainan 11' were 100%. Among them, the highest disease index was 3.6 for 'Tainan 11' and was 3.3 for 'Taikeng 16'. The disease incidence of 'Kaohsiung 145' (41.7%), 'Taitung 30' (41.7%) and 'Taikeng glutinous 1' (78.3%) were lower than the other thirteen cultivars. Besides, ten commercial agrochemicals were tested and results showed that they can almost inhibit the growth of all tested Xoc strains. Among those, four agrochemicals could control BLS disease in greenhouse, especially spraying Mancozeb and Kasugamycin + Copper oxychloride before inoculation.


Head-to-tail cyclic peptides exhibit remarkable biological activities with extraordinary potency and oral-bioavailability owing to their compacted structures and high stability against enzymatic degradation and physical denaturation; thus, cyclic peptides have attracted a lot of attention in the pharmaceutical industry. 2] In particular, cyclic peptides with small-sized rings have a drug-like scaffold that is ideal for therapeutic development. A range of cyclic tetrapeptides have been shown to exhibit a wide spectrum of biological activities, including the cytotoxic agents trapoxin and hirsutide, the opioid receptor-binding CJ-15208, the antiprotozoal apicidin, and the antifungal rhodopeptins. The exploration of cyclic peptides for medicinal chemistry requires efficient synthetic methods. 7] In principle, lactamization of linear peptides can be achieved by the standard dehydration reagent-mediated reactions for coupling peptides. However, peptide cyclization often proceeds more slowly than a regular intermolecular peptide coupling reaction and, therefore, is accompanied by the competing dimerization and oligomerization reactions. Because of the constrained geometry of the peptide backbone, small cyclic peptides (less than six amino acid residues) present a challenge for chemical peptide cyclization. Particularly, the synthesis of cyclic tetrapeptides with rigid 12-membered ring structures rely on: 1) the use of external conformational assistance and 2) the introduction of internal turn-inducing residues, such as glycine, proline, d-amino acids, tertiary amide, 10] or pseudoproline. Therefore, synthesis of tetrapeptides comprising any of the regular l-amino acids without a pre-organized structure is still considered a challenging, if not impossible, task. Herein, we describe the synthesis of cyclic tetrapeptides through an intramolecular serine/threonine ligation (Figure 1), 13] which uses an imine-induced ring-closure contraction to decrease the activation energy barrier, thus enabling tetrapeptide cyclization. We hypothesized that the formation of the head-to-tail imine (2) with a 16-membered ring structure would be relatively more favorable than that for a peptide with a 12membered ring (Scheme 1). Subsequently, the intramolecular ring contraction by way of an O!N acyl transfer to afford the N,O-benzylidene acetal intermediate (4) through intermediate 3 or 3' would be made possible by an increase in enthalphy, resulting from the amide bond formation. Then the resulting acetal group could be removed to form the cyclic tetrapeptide with a natural peptidic bond. We were also aware that the four bonds introduced are not flexible (i.e., the ortho-substituents on the benzene with a fixed angle), thereby likely not reducing the strain energy very much during the ring contraction step, which challenges our hypothesis. Our first task was to devise an efficient strategy to prepare the requisite peptide salicylaldehyde (SAL) esters. Owing to the lability of the O-SAL ester during the process of Fmocbased solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), we previously introduced an Fmoc-SPPS of peptide SAL esters using onFigure 1. Synthesis of cyclic tetrapeptides. R = amino acid side chains.


In this paper the authors analysed the Alka of Sinj (Croatian: Sinjska alka), a chivalric tournament taking place annually since the 18th century until today in the town of Sinj, in Croatia, and focused on its elements of Ottoman legacy. The Alka is being held in memory of the victory in the battle of Sinj, fought against the Ottoman forces, in 1715. The terminology of the Alka tournament has a very high percentage of Turkisms ; for example, the name alka comes from the Turkish halka, meaning a ring or door- knocker. The mentioned terminology symbolically points out to the origin of the tournament, i.e., to the Ottoman Turkish origin of the clothing, equestrian equipment, decorations, names of the competitors (alaj-caus, i.e., alay cavus, etc.), weaponry and spoils of war. The latter are represented by the horse named edek, symbolising the horse of the Ottoman commander that lead the battle. The Ottoman elements in the Alka are a result of the historical co- existence on the borders of Catholicism and Islam. Because of its value, the Alka has been inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2010. The symbiosis of Dinaric and Ottoman elements, formed on a common military past, created the picturesqueness of the Alka, which in turn certainly contributed to its enlisting on the UNESCO's list and its branding.


The article analyses the concept of synthesis of arts in the context of the French symbolism. This principle of cognition is very important for the French symbolist poets. It is the base for the creation of the supreme artwork by the elaborating the universal language.


Previous research has proposed four competing views on an individual's fertility following a move from one social context to another. Each view has received support but has also been challenged by literature. This study contributes to the existing discussion on fertility by providing an analysis of the effects of internal migration on the fertility of post-war Austrian and Polish female cohorts. We base our study on retrospective event-history data and apply intensity regression to both single and simultaneous equations. Our analysis shows, first, that natives in urban areas in general and in the large cities in particular have lower fertility compared to non-migrants in rural areas, both in Austria and Poland. Second, it reveals that people who move from one place to another adopt the fertility behaviour that is dominant at destination. Third, we observe an elevated first birth risk for women who move because of union formation, and a short-term postponement of childbearing for those who settle in a large city. Our country comparison shows some differences in fertility variation across settlements, but, overall, the results are quite similar, despite the different post-war societal context of two countries.


The Narrow Bandwidth VLBI (NBV) technique is utilized to track spacecrafts in Japanese lunar exploration. However, the problem of 2π ambiguity affects the phase delay of the carrier waves transmitted by satellites. A probabilistic algorithm called coarse search and fine delay search, in combination with a simple ambiguity judgment procedure, is presented in the current paper to resolve the 2π ambiguity. This method is employed to estimate both the delay and the delay rate from the residual phases obtained using NBV. Compared with previous analytic methods, it does not require strict constraint conditions. The ambiguity can be resolved even when the phase variations in the residual phase are 0.2 rad (approximately 11.6 degrees) compared with the less than 4.3 degree phase variations in the analytic method. The method also has the advantage of giving short time variations in the orbital motion of a satellite without ambiguity using NBV.


This work shows the power of the variational approach for studying the efficiency of thermal engines in the context of the Finite Time Thermodynamics (FTT). Using an endoreversible Curzon–Ahlborn (CA) heat engine as a model for actual thermal engines, three different criteria for thermal efficiency were analyzed: maximum power output, ecological function, and maximum power density. By means of this procedure, the performance of the CA heat engine with a nonlinear heat transfer law (the Stefan–Boltzmann law) was studied to describe the heat exchanges between the working substance and its thermal reservoirs. The specific case of the Muser engine for all the criteria was analyzed. The results confirmed some previous findings using other procedures and additionally new results for the Muser engine performance were obtained.


SEARCH FOR DIAMONDS IN EUROPE

Summary
The search for diamonds in Europe yields year by year the new results. The previous works were made mainly in the USSR and Czechoslovakian SR, in some degree also in the GDR. At present, the problem of prospecting the diamond deposits is more and more up-to-date in Poland.
To reply to this question, it is necessary to remember briefly the successes of our neighbours, as concerns their search for diamonds.


The clinical symptoms in liver cirrhosis arise from portal hypertension. The classic signs and symptoms include ascites, bleeding from esophageal varices, and encephalopathy. Moreover, many patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension develop peripheral vasodilatation and a hyperdynamic circulation with the presence of arteriovenous communications, increased blood volume, and activation of vasodilating systems such as the nitric oxide system.1,2 The hyperdynamic syndrome comprises increased heart rate, cardiac output, and plasma volume, and reduced systemic vascular resistance and arterial blood pressure. These compensatory reactions are mainly brought about by activation of potent vasoconstricting systems such as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the sympathetic nervous system. This situation has led to the appearance of new clinical entities, such as the hepatopulmonary syndrome,1 which is a pulmonary vascular disorder that complicates hepatic diseases, most frequently liver cirrhosis, and is responsible for morbidity and mortality in patients awaiting liver transplantation, primarily due to the adverse effects of hypoxemia.1,3 Knowledge about the relationship between hepatopulmonary syndrome and liver cirrhosis dates back to 1884, when Fluckiger first described it, based on observation of a woman with cyanosis, clubbing, and cirrhosis.4 However, any acute or chronic liver disease can coexist with hypoxemia due to pulmonary vascular dilatation. Therefore, portal hypertension is not required for the syndrome to manifest.2 Hepatopulmonary syndrome consists of a triad of hepatic dysfunction, hypoxemia (PaO2 70 mm Hg), and extreme vasodilatation in the form of intrapulmonary vascular dilatations. It may be further characterized by an elevated alveolar-arterial oxygen difference (P(A-a)O2), intrapulmonary shunt (diagnosed via lung-perfusion scintigraphy with technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin, or via contrast-enhanced echocardiography), and the absence of arterial carbon dioxide retention.5 A lung-perfusion scintigram can indicate the shunt fraction from the right-kidney scintigraphic count, corrected for attenuation. The fraction is expressed as a percentage of the injected dose, with the right-to-left shunt expressed as 10 times that value, assuming the right kidney received 10% of the cardiac output (kidney-dose method). The kidney-lung method calculates the right-kidney count as a proportion of the lung counts.6 Another modality to investigate thoracic shunt is contrast-enhanced echocardiography. Saline is agitated to produce microbubbles ( 15 m in diameter) and the agitated saline is injected intravenously. Under normal circumstances the microbubbles are trapped in the pulmonary microvasculature and then absorbed. In patients with intracardiac or intrapulmonary shunt the microbubbles appear in the left-side cardiac chamber. Differentiation between intracardiac and intrapulmonary shunt is based on the timing of when the bubbles reach the left heart chamber. In intracardiac right-to-left shunt the bubbles appear in the left heart chamber within 3 heartbeats after they appear in the right heart chamber. In intrapulmonary shunt the bubbles appear in 4–6 heartbeats.7,8 The severity of hepatopulmonary syndrome can be classified by the degree of P(A-a)O2. Rodriguez-Roisin et al described the degrees of severity from mild (P(A-a)O2 15 mm Hg, PaO2 80 mm Hg) to very severe (P(A-a)O2 15 mm Hg, PaO2 50 mm Hg). 9


A nucleopolyhedrovirus isolated from Hyposidra talaca, a major defoliating pest of Tea in Northern region of West Bengal, India, is pathogenic to this pest. Restriction digestion of Hyposidra talaca nucleopolyhedrovirus (HytaNPV) genome with EcoRI, XhoI, KpnI, BamHI and PstI produced 29, 21, 13, 10 and 9 fragments, respectively ranging from 0.62 to 62.00 Kb. PstI produced the largest fragment of 62 kb. Based on the restriction analysis the mean size of the HytaNPV genome was estimated to be 174.76 kb. The present study will help to develop this virus as a potential biopesticide in the Integrated Pest Management strategy of Tea. KEYWORDS


We generalize the notion of convexity and average-convexity to the notion of weighted average-convexity. We show several results on the relation between weighted average-convexity and cooperative games. First, we prove that if a game is weighted average-convex, then the corresponding weighted Shapley value is in the core. Second, we exhibit necessary conditions for a communication TU-game to preserve the weighted average-convexity. Finally, we provide a complete characterization when the underlying graph is a priority decreasing tree.


Weier et al.: Thyroid cancer cytogenetics page -1- Molecular cytogenetic characterization of a human thyroid cancer cell line Heinz-Ulrich G. Weier 1,  , Tiffany B. Tuton 1 , Yuko Ito 1,5 , Lisa W. Chu 1 , Chung-Mei Lu 1,2 , Adolf Baumgartner 1,3 , Horst F. Zitzelsberger 4 , Jingly F. Weier 1,3 Life Sciences Division, University of California, E.O. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, USA. Department of Chemical and Material Engineering, National Chin-Yi Institute of Technology, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC. Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA. Institute of Radiobiology, GSF Research Center, Oberschleissheim, FRG. Present address: National Institute of Science and Technology Policy (NISTEP), Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan. To whom correspondence should be addressed: H.-Ulli G. Weier, Ph.D. Life Sciences Division, MS 74-157 University of California, E.O. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. Phone: (510) 486 5347, fax: (510) 486 6746, e-mail: email@example.com Running title: Thyroid cancer cytogenetics Prepared for: Cytogenetics and Genome Research


A method for initializing a flash memory of a mobile device and a recording medium storing a program thereof are provided to reduce booting time of the mobile device by initializing the flash memory without a memory test. A bad block list is set to null in initial booting without checking the flash memory(S200). It is checked whether the mobile device is the idle state after the mobile device is booted(S210). If the mobile device is the idle state, each block of the flash memory is sequentially checked and a number of bad blocks is added to the bad block list(S232). If a write task to the predetermined block of the flash memory is requested, a flash memory initialization flag is checked. If the flag is false, the block is checked and the block number is added to the bad block list when the block is bad. If the flag is true, the requested write task is performed.


Given the importance of academic reading in university education and that one of the main factors related to this type of task are motivational aspects, this study aimed to identify those elements that would affect a significant improvement in motiva tion for reading academic at the university, identifying the elements, which the protagonists explain their increased motivation for reading academic texts through a mixed method design of two phases. In the first phase, they were identified from a large sample (n = 1205) highly motivated students for academic reading and motivational had experienced a positive change (n = 10). These cases were subject to in-depth interviews and analysis of these interviews is reported in this article. The results show as causes of improving the motivation for academic reading dynamics linked to the challenge, the accessing into the university logic (unschooling) and projections academic/ professional students. Theses processes are related to the early years of formation and favored by academics they promoted dynamic academic training. Finally, the implications are discussed for university education.


The invention of the partially transparent display device is disclosed. Partially transparent display apparatus disclosed comprises: a display unit, and the transmittance is controlled according to the drive voltage to be applied is disposed at a side display unit, selectively to make the transmittance of the specific area is selectively controlled by the video image portion display is possible viewed through a particular area characterized by including a display portion.


The first issue of Chinese Law and Government (vol. 34, no. 4 [July/August 2001]) on China's direct village elections and villager self-government covers roughly a decade from March 1986 through December 1996. Those documents are selected to offer a historical perspective on the emergence of this significant political development, to examine the decision-making process in rural political reform, to pinpoint the role played by the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) in implementing a law that was not only provisional but also too general, and to draw tentative conclusions on the impact of direct village elections on China's vast rural society. This issue covers a much shorter period, from June 1998 through February 2001. The focus of these documents is on the sudden support by the Party and the state for villager self-government, the preliminary introduction of procedural democracy in the countryside, the current problems in the implementation of direct village elections and villager self-government, and the fundamental challenges of the grassroots practice of democracy to the Chinese political system.


This article discusses the various problems faced by software houses which implement packages across a range of computer systems and workstations and how these may affect the end user engineer. Although some of the problems discussed may be particular to the engineering design environment, many are common with other areas of industry and commerce which use computer-based tools.


The role of the Purkinje network in triggering ventricular fibrillation (VF) has been studied; however, its involvement after onset and in early maintenance of VF is controversial.


Inflammation has been shown to be important in the process of atherothrombotic events including myo-cardial infarction and stroke. We have clarified the value of inflammatory markers such as high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) and soluble ICAM-1 for prediction of atherosclerosis progression with carotid ultrasound. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the association between serum levels of inflammatory cytokine, inter-leukin-6 and plaque echogenecity, suggesting the involvement of inflammation in plaque stability. In patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome, both hs-CRP and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels increased, suggesting upregulation of inflammation and thromobosis activity in those patients. Furthermore, in patients with small vessel diseases such as silent brain infarction and white matter lesion, hs-CRP has been shown to be associated with the presence of silent infarction or the degree of white matter lesion. Those findings highlighted the inflammatory process in the vascular lesion underlying atherothromobotic and lacunar infarction. Recent studies have clarified the CD40 pathway connecting the inflammation and thrombosis in the athero-motous plaque. Therapeutic strategy to inhibit both inflammation and thrombosis will be potential for pre-venting ischemic stroke.


We present the experimental characterization results of a 15-to-1 wavelength multiplexer for a Distributed Feedback Quantum Cascade Laser (DFB QCL) array operating in the 7-8.5 μm (mid-long) infrared (IR) range. This design is customized for its use to combine the output from a DFB QCL array with a 0.1 μm wavelength channel spacing for spectroscopy applications, and it is proposed in order to achieve a continuous tuning range overcoming the limited tunability of a single QCLs, required for multi-gas or complex molecule detection. This multiplexer is based on an Echelle diffraction mirror grating scheme, in which multiple output waveguides are deliberately implemented in the design to de-risk for wavelength deviations in the fabrication process. We optimized the location of the input and output guides in order to allow for monolithic integration of the DFB QCL arrays, which would provide for a number of advantages such as a higher stability, less complexity and lower cost over other technologies such as external cavities. We discuss the effects over the device performance of the design, such as the diffraction effects, input channel width overlapping/crosstalk and input channel profile, which are very important to address in order to avoid unaccounted transmission losses. Other parameters such as the profile of the input and output waveguides and fabrication limitations are also discussed as their effect on the device is observed. A series of characterization tests are presented in order to compare the simulation results to the experimental data, which suggests that these multiplexers are a suitable option compared to other IR multiplexer schemes in terms of size and power transmission.


Abstract : This study report provides an overall course outline, lesson outlines and a synopsis of each of the lessons developed for this course. The ten lessons are: weapon system management-OSD policies and procedures; DSARC/DCP process; PPBS and the congressional budget cycle; layers of authority in DOD and organization by the services for program management; system and design discipline policies; contract types; procurement cycle; requirements evolution; overview of C/SCSC; and other DOD-contractor interfaces.


1,2,3,4,5 BE Student, Department Of Computer Science and Engineering, Priyadarshini Institute of Engineering and Technology Nagpur, Maharashtra, India 6Professor, Department Of Computer Science and Engineering, Priyadarshini Institute of Engineering and Technology Nagpur, Maharashtra, India ---------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract— Face recognition has been a quickly developing, testing and intriguing region progressively applications. An extensive number of face recognition calculations have been produced in a decade ago. In this paper an endeavour is made to survey an extensive variety of techniques utilized for face recognition exhaustively. This incorporate PCA, LDA, ICA, SVM, Gabor wavelet delicate registering instrument like ANN for recognition and different cross breed blend of this systems. This audit examines every one of these techniques with parameters that difficulties face recognition like illumination, pose variation, facial expressions.


Mangroves provide a unique ecological niche to different microbes which play various roles in nutrient recycling as well as various environmental activities. Analysis of microbial biodiversity from these ecosystems will help in isolating and identifying new and potential microorganisms having high specificity for various applications. Mangroves sediment soils are a resource of fungi providing an end number of enzymes that finds their use in industrial processes. This study indicates the extracellular production of amylase by Aspergillus flavus MV5 was confirmed on GYP agar plates. Further maximum enzyme activity was optimized and the DNA of fungal strains were isolated to sequence the ITS region of 5.8s rRNA with an ITS primer. The novelty of the strain was checked by a BLAST analysis for submission to GenBank.


This article compares how virtual and physical learning aids enhance learners' product innovation capability, that is, design experiences and domain knowledge. The virtual aid utilises augmented reality (AR) allowing learners to experience a range of animated mechanisms using smart devices. The legacy physical aid mechanisms were made using three-dimensional printers. We studied the effects of both manipulatives on learners' understanding of mechanical movements, for example, rack and pinion, and Geneva mechanism. To investigate learning impact of each aid, we compared the experimental results derived from two learners groups (13 participants each). This study provides a case to support product innovation education under an experiential learning environment. The outcomes showed that both aids were useful in enhancing design experiences and domain knowledge. Pre-and-post attention, relevance, confidence and satisfaction motivation of both aids was found to be similar. However, distinctive differences were observed in terms of divergent search for ideation, suggesting for further research in combining both aids. We also found that learners' learning motivation is lower in AR-based aid.


In this work, we present a new multiple channel feature called Deep Compact Channel Feature (DCCF), which generates a compact, discriminative feature representation by a pre-trained deep encoder-decoder. With the combination of DCCF and boosted decision trees, a new object detector is proposed which achieved outstanding performance on standard pedestrian dataset INRIA and Caltech. Furthermore, a large scale and challenging Chinese Traffic Sign Detection benchmark is constructed. DCCF and other related methods are evaluated on this dataset. The dataset and baselines are available online.


This paper provides an empirical analysis of the labor market behavior of employed individuals using a structural on-the-job search model. The costs associated with moving to another job are allowed to be nonzero and may depend on the wage level. It is shown that, under certain conditions, the optimal strategy has the reservation wage property. The model is estimated using data on job durations and subjective responses concerning the search strategy. The results reveal some strong sources of inflexibility of the labor market. Copyright 1992 by Royal Economic Society.


alloreactive T cells does not necessarily lead to GVHD. Here we report the development of a cellular programming approach to render alloreactive T cells incapable of causing severe GVHD in both major histocompatibility complex (MHC)–mismatched and MHC-identical but minor histocompatibility antigen–mismatched mouse models. We established a novel platform that produced d -like ligand 4–positive dendritic cells (Dll4 hi DCs) from murine bone marrow using Flt3 ligand and Toll-like receptor agonists. Upon allogeneic Dll4 hi DC stimulation, CD4 1 na¨ıve T cells underwent effector differentiation and produced high levels of interferon g (IFN- g ) and interleukin-17 in vitro, depending on Dll4 activation of Notch signaling. Following transfer, allogeneic Dll4 hi DC-induced T cells were unable to mediate severe GVHD but preserved antileukemic activity, significantly improving the survival of leukemic mice undergoing allogeneic HSCT. This effect of Dll4 hi DC-induced TcellswasassociatedwiththeirimpairedexpansioninGVHDtargettissues.IFN- g wasimportantforDll4 hi DCprogrammingtoreduce GVHD toxicities of alloreactive T cells. Absence of T-cell IFN- g led to improved survival and expansion of Dll4 hi DC-induced CD4 1 T cells in transplant recipients and caused lethal GVHD. Our findings demonstrate that Dll4 hi DC programming can overcome GVHD toxicity of donor T cells and produce leukemia-reactive T cells for effective immunotherapy. ( Blood . 2016;127(25):3270-3280)


The processing of guava for obtaining candy is an important agribusiness activity in so far that adds economic value to fruit, avoiding waste and minimizing the losses that can occur during the marketing of the product in natura. This study aimed to evaluate the physical-chemical quality of guava cream candy sold in Limoeiro do Norte, city of the Ceara, Brazil. Three samples of three trademarks of guava cream candy were purchased in supermarkets located in Limoeiro do Norte. Were evaluated parameters of pH, titratable acidity (% citric acid) and soluble solids content (°BRIX). Although the parameters of acidity and pH are not clearly specified in the legislation, the values found in this study ensure safety to the end product, not allowing the development of microorganisms. With respect to the parameter of Soluble Solids/ °Brix, only the mark C is appropriate to legislative standard.


A light emitting diode (LED) assembly, comprising a metal substrate (1) which is partly covered on one side with a dielectric layer (2) on which an electric circuit (3) is present, and a multitude of LED units (5, 6, 7) each comprising a LED chip, wherein each LED unit is mounted in a gap in said dielectric layer on the metal substrate by a heat conducting adhesive layer (8), wherein electrical conductors (9) connect each LED unit with the electric circuit on the adjacent dielectric layer, and wherein at least two LED units are mounted together in one gap in the dielectric layer.


This paper establishes the suitability of a phenomenological research method, based on the existential philosophy of Merleau-Ponty, for the qualitative study of caring outside the professional context. Firstly, different perspectives of the nature of caring are reviewed, as well as the notion that informal care can be regarded as a function of empathy. The philosophical origins of phenomenology and its adaptation to a qualitative research method are outlined. This is followed by the description of a methodology based essentially upon Merleau-Ponty's existential philosophy. This methodology is then evaluated as an appropriate means of enhancing the understanding of informal caring. It is argued that phenomenology is not only a means of understanding and documenting the experience of caring, but that the process of inquiry itself has an important intrinsic value.


Tourist loyalty is driven by mental subjective demand,objective demand for development and additional value form the angle of tourist behavior.According to the loyalty object,the paper creatively discriminates tourism product loyalty,tourism enterprise loyalty and tourism destination loyalty,and reveals their meaning to marketing.Finally,in the sight of product oriented angle,this paper analyzes the relation between tourist satisfaction and tourist loyalty and advances several suggestions to cultivate tourist behavior loyalty,including identifying market demand and innovating tourism product.


The US has large shale oil energy resources, and many companies have undertaken considerable effort to develop economical means to extract this oil within environmental constraints. The recoverable shale oil reserves in the US amount to 160 x 10/sup 9/ m/sup 3/ (1000 x 10/sup 9/ bbl) and are second in quantity only to coal. This report summarizes a study to apply an 1170-MW(t) high-temperature gas-cooled reactor - process steam/cogeneration (HTGR-PS/C) to a shale oil recovery process. Since the highest potential shale oil reserves lie in th Piceance Basin of Western Colorado, the study centers on exploiting shale oil in this region.


Among the group of multifactorial pathologies that are increasingly common and with high social importance in human populations are hypertension and migraine. Currently, about 27% of the world's adult population suffers from hypertension and about 11.4% – from migraine. Purpose: The aim of the present study is to investigate hypertension and migraine frequency among representatives of the reproductive population in Bulgaria and to characterize the potential relationships between these diseases and the factors of sex, age and AB0 blood groups. Material and methods: A total of 817 individuals aged between 18 and 59 years are included in the study. They voluntarily have filled out a questionnaire, giving disease information (hypertension and migraine) after they have been diagnosed by a physician. AB0-blood group affiliation has been determined in laboratory conditions by a routine technique. The statistical analysis has been performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics software package, version 22.0 Results: Differences in the frequency of hypertension and migraine have been found depending on sex, age and blood group of the individuals. It has been established that in the majority of the analyzed individuals, both diseases are simultaneously expressed. Conclusions: The risk of hypertension is higher for men and increases for both sexes over 44 years. The disease is more common among people in AB blood group. The risk of migraine is greater for women and increases for both sexes in the age group above 44 years. The disease is more common among people with blood types A and AB. Simultaneously appearance of both diseases is reported with the highest frequency in the representatives with blood group A, followed by those with blood group 0.


In this paper we introduce new classes containing the linear operator RS α : A → A, RS αf(z) = (1−α)Rf(z)+αSf(z), z ∈ U, where Rf(z) is the Ruscheweyh derivative, Sf(z) the Sălăgean operator and An = {f ∈ H(U) : f(z) = z + an+1z + . . . , z ∈ U} is the class of normalized analytic functions with A1 = A. Characterization and other properties of these classes are studied.


THE IEEE Kiyo Tomiyasu Award was established in 2001 to recognize outstanding early to mid-career contributions to technologies holding the promise of innovative applications. Recipient selection is administered through the Technical Field Awards Council of the IEEE Awards Board. The 2020 award was presented to Andrea Alù "For contributions to novel electromagnetic materials and their application."


This research aimed to develop an advanced IoT service platform based on spatial information. This technology is similar to the existing Internet of Things (IoT) platform in that it manages IoT devices in an integrated manner. However, it differs from the existing IoT platform in that it uses spatial information to recognize user situation and adapt the service accordingly. This ability to understand the user's situation based on location can enable more advanced IoT services. Through this study, the possibilities of advanced IoT services using spatial information were tested. To establish a service platform, traditional spatial information modeling techniques as a location model for IoT service platform was used. To evaluate the performance of the developed service platform, a testbed was constructed. In addition, the device and system configuration for location tracking was configured using Beacons, Arduino, and mobile devices. An input/output module and a location information monitoring system were developed and used for smooth testbed operation. Through the operation of the pilot, we confirmed that spatial information can be integrated into IoT service system, and IoT service platform based on spatial information can provide more detailed user services.


Cassirer 's characterization of the human being as the symbolic being (animal symbolicum is analyzed and criticized and extended here in a methodological manner. A comparison with wild and trained primates regarding using tools and establishing local cultures as well as utilizing symbolic gestures and sign languages shows that the human being cannot be characterized as the only symbolic animal. Instead, we as humans can be demarcated from primates by our capability of ascending and transcending to higher meta-levels of symbolization, interpretation, cognition and language. We are rather the meta-interpreting being (animal meta-symbolicum) and super-interpreting beings transand super-interpreting.


Nickel is an emerging essential trace element. The essentiality of nickel is now generally accepted, based on the various symptoms caused by nickel deficiency in different animals. It is found in highest concentrations in lung, kidney and some hormone-producing tissues. Alteration in nickel concentration affects the production and action of some hormones like prolactin, adrenaline, noradrenaline and aldosterone. Within cells, nickel changes membrane properties and influences oxidation/reduction systems. It has great affinity for cellular structures like chromosomes and ion channels. This element is also important for proper functioning of the immune system. In animals, nickel deficiency has been associated with depressed growth, reduced reproductive rates and alterations in glucose and lipid metabolism whereas nickel toxicity induces embryo-toxic, teratogenic and cancerogenic effects.


In mid 1980s, the construction of seven smaller tanks having maximum volume of 7,500 m3 and maximum diameter of 25 m for the storage of liquid goods took place in the Port of Koper on the deposit of 28 m thick soft clayey layer. Ground improvement with geosynthetic encased stone columns and preloading was used (Sovinc, Vogrinčič, 1991). Due to satisfactory performance of these tanks, six new large tanks were first supposed to be built in similar way. Due to time constraints and risks involved with much larger tank sizes (V = 20,000 m3 and D = 48.7 m) in combination with variable ground conditions, these new tanks were finally founded on driven tubular steel piles. The paper will present step‐by‐step decision‐making process from the risk management perspective supported by ground investigations, pile load tests and numerical modelling. Finally, the measured behaviour of the new tanks after first 9 years of operation will be shown and practical experience with maintenance of these tanks and connecting pipelines will be shortly presented.


Just as an extensive, but not put in order, a library cannot be as useful as a book depository, albeit a very moderate, but well-organized book depository, so the huge mass of facts scattered in the literature on any issue loses much in its significance, in to their benefit - however valuable these facts themselves may be - unless they are brought into a system, if a certain connection has not been established between them.


Bismuth-based EDF (Bi-EDF) is comprehensively studied as an alternative medium for optical amplification. The bismuth glass host provides the opportunity to be doped heavily with erbium ions to allow a compact optical amplifier design. The gain spectrum of the Bi- EDF amplifier has a measured amplification bandwidth of 80 nm with a quantum conversion efficiency of 20% obtained using 1480 nm pumping and 215 cm long of doped fiber. A multi-wavelength laser comb is also demonstrated using a four-wave mixing effect in a backward pumped Bi-EDF. The laser generates more than 10 lines of optical comb with a line spacing of approximately 0.41 nm at 1615.5 nm region using 146 mW of 1480 nm pump power.


Honeycomb materials have attracted people's attention because of their light weight, high specific strength, high specific stiffness, and excellent impact resistance and energy absorption. At present, the specific materials have been widely used in aerospace, transportation, mechanical construction, energy, and chemical industry. The mechanical properties of honeycomb steel with special coating under quasi-static and dynamic compression were studied by using the universal strength testing machine (TAWD-2000) and split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) devices. The results showed that the stress–strain curves obtained from the quasi-static compression experiment showed the characteristics of three typical deformation stages of porous materials: the elastic deformation stage, stress platform stage, and densification stage. Due to the fact that the loading time of the dynamic compression experiment is very short and because of the effect of the sample's height, there was no densification stage in the stress–strain curves under dynamic loading. The dynamic compression deformation process of the samples was captured by the high-speed photography equipment, and its different deformations and failure modes were analyzed in combination with the characteristics of stress–strain curves. The increasing relationship between the peak stress and strain rate showed the strain rate sensitivity of the honeycomb structure. The dynamic energy absorption characteristics of honeycomb materials were described and analyzed by using the dynamic energy absorption capacity and dynamic energy absorption efficiency. By using finite element simulation software, the same structure of the honeycomb steel was modeled and analyzed to explore the causes of dynamic compression failure. Because of its special mechanical properties and failure modes, this honeycomb structure material will have a broader research and application prospect in the future.


This paper describes the design, fabrication, and testing of a DC–3 GHz ultra‐wideband low‐noise amplifier (LNA) using Avago ATF‐54143 enhanced‐mode pseudomorphic high‐electron mobility transistor. Negative feedback network is introduced to ensure unconditional stability of the LNA over the full waveband. Simulation results show that the LNA provides a gain varying between 14.872 and 14.052 dB, a noise figure (NF) of less than 2.2 dB, and voltage standing wave ratios (VSWRs) approaching 2. A high simulated output third‐order intercept point (OIP3) of >30.2 dBm is achieved. In contrast, in 1‐dB bandwidth of DC–3 GHz, the measured gain is nominal at 13.10 dB. The obtained NF changes in a small range of 2–2.178 dB, and the measured VSWRs are no more than 1.64, which are better than obtained from simulation results. At the same time, OIP3 at 1, 2, and 3 GHz is 30.3, 29.13, and 29.34 dBm, respectively, while the output at the 1‐dB compression point (P1dB) is 15.43, 14.83, and 14.33 dBm, respectively. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.


Many reinforces have been made to improve the electrical and optical properties of ZnO. There are also nanotubes among these additives. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) improve the electrical properties of ZnO, but the expected effect on optical properties has not been observed. In this study, CNTs produced by CVD method and Boron Nitride nanotubes (BNNT) produced by mechanothermal method under laboratory conditions into commercial ZnO were investigated by adding together. For this purpose, CNT 50% wt. and BNNT 50% wt. at two different rates of 0.1% and 1% was added to ZnO. The nanotubes/ZnO powder mixtures produced in this way are compacted and sintered. The electrical and the optical properties of the produced samples with UV-Vis spectrometer were investigated. Electrical conductivity has also been found to increase with the increase in the amount of nanotubes. However, it was observed that the reflectance properties were partially increased.


We hypothesised that the excellent alignments achieved in UKA using a navigation system(NA-MIS UKA) would improve mid-term clinical results versus UKA without a navigation system(MIS-UKA). The clinical results and the component alignment accuracies of NA-MIS UKA and MIS UKA were compared after a minimum follow-up of five years.56 UKAs in the navigation group and 42 UKAs in conventional group were included. The radiological measurements with regard to the mechanical axis, the inclination of the femoral and tibial components, and radiolucent line or loosening were evaluated and compared between two groups. The clinical evaluations were performed using ROM, WOMAC, HSS and pain score.A significant inter-group difference was found in terms of WOMAC or HSS, pain scores. In the sagittal inclination of the femoral and tibial components, radiolucent line, there were no statistical differences between two groups. However, the outlier numbers at mechanical axis, the mean of coronal inclination of the femoral and tib...


A Static Feed Water Electrolysis Module (SFWEM) was developed to produce 0.92 kg/day (2.0 lb/day) of oxygen (O2). Specific objectives of the program's scope were to (1) eliminate the need for feed water cavity degassing, (2) eliminate the need for subsystem condenser/separators, (3) increase current density capability while decreasing electrolysis cell power (i.e., cell voltage) requirements, and (4) eliminate subsystem rotating parts and incorporate control and monitor instrumentation. A six-cell, one-man capacity module having an active area of 0.00929 sq m (0.10 sq ft) per cell was designed, fabricated, assembled, and subjected to 111 days (2664 hr) of parametric and endurance testing. The SFWEM was successfully operated over a current density range of 0 to 1076 mA/sq cm (0 to 1000 ASF), pressures of ambient to 2067 kN/sq m (300 psia), and temperatures of ambient to 366 K (200 F). During a 94-day endurance test, the SFWEM successfully demonstrated operation without the need for feed water compartment degassing.


This paper studies the formation conditions of steady complex of copper, cobalt, nickel and zinc with 1-(2-Pyridylazo)-2-naphthol and the characteristic of absorption spectrum. The influence of thiourea on the complex is also touched upon. It is shown from the study that the micro-quantity copper, which exists together with zinc, cobalt and nickel in acetone of pH = 4.5, can be determined with reference to the sample undertint solution. The maximum absorption wavelength is 555nm and the Mole absorption coefficient is 2.4×10~4L·mol~(-1)·cm~(-1).


Self-efficacy expectations are the beliefs in our capabilities to succesfully perform a given task or behavior. The Banduras self-efficacy theory may be applied to a large number of sport situations. The aim of our research was to investigate percieved physical ability in Brazilian swimmers and to analyze differences mediated by gender, category, competitieve level and years of experience. The subscale of Perceived Physical Ability of the Self-efficacy Scale by Ryckman et al. (1982), composed by 10 items (General Physical Ability) was used. Six items specific for swimming were


Global paper consumption and the influence of electronic information media are discussed from the view of information science and the paper industry. Some major market segments for printing and writing papers are analysed in order to obtain a better view of the impact of information technology IT. The divided world for paper consumption and IT is discussed. Printing on paper seems to survive and coexist with the new media. An important consideration for the paper industry is whether the developing countries will leapfrog the paper phase and adapt to full-scale use of IT. The cost issue will also have a greater influence on people's information choices than their actual habits. The view in information science is that paper never has been the best medium for many kinds of data and information and that we welcome the multiplicity of means of communication and the strengths and weaknesses of each.


In order to solve the application bottlenecks of sunlight conveyer caused by high-cost of optical fiber and large energy loss on light transmission in the tunnel enhanced illuminating systems,a new sunlight conveyer with polar coordinate tracking has been put forward.Under the circumstances of eliminating the transmission medium such as optical fiber in this engineering,the working principle that using the direct conversion of light to light and optical path's tracking adjustment to meet the illuminating requirements was analyzed,and the automatic tracking device with polar coordinate type was designed.Moreover,it was also equipped with the double tracking control system so that the concentrator was drove to gather the sunlight in real time,then the optical path of concentrated sunlight was adjusted by the light guiding mechanism.The experimental study showed that the sunlight conveyer had realized the function of tracking the sun automatically with high precision and outputting enhanced parallel sunlight with fixed direction.The sunlight is used in adaptive directed-illuminating of tunnel's transition section which has been effectively achieved.


The invention relates to a method for detecting deviations in shape of objects with diffusely reflecting surfaces. In this method, a series of staggered sinusoidal in the gray value distribution of fringe patterns projected on a screen, which are aligned to be examined object surface such that the object surface normal at least approximately on the angle bisector between a connecting straight line between the object and the screen of a hand, and a connecting straight line between the object and a camera on the other hand is located and captured by the camera, the intensity distributions that occur on the object surface of the image series and provided for further processing to an evaluation unit available where an image of the surface inclination or the surface curvature is produced using the well known from interferometry method of the phase reconstruction. The invention further relates to an apparatus for performing such a method.


Merchandising refers to the organization at the selling point. It is part of the logistics of the retailer as it is included within the supply chain in the analysis of the product distribution and inventory management. Merchandising has been examined by several authors for the generation of different models for solving problems in shelf space allocation and to define and evaluate the variables that affect the profitability of shelf space from retailers. This methodology highlights three main variables: the distribution of the surface, the frequency of purchase and cost of shelf space. Each variable is related to the other through space available for product allocation. This component defines a relationship between the value of the products and the space allocated. This research develops a model to identify the variables and their relationship to determine the amount of product that should be assigned


This research was aimed to extend the vase life, improve the cut flower quality and promote flowering rate of bulbous cut Iris 'Blue Magic'. Three different concentrations of 1-MCP ranging from 250 to 750 nLㆍl?¹ were treated on cut Iris flowers for the vase life elongation. Several effects of 1-MCP treatment has shown such as early flowering as one day but vase life showed no significant differences comparing to the untreated control. Flowering rate was 75% or more in the treated ones as compare to 64.2% in untreated control. Especially, in a treatment with 250 nLㆍl?¹ 1-MCP for 12 hours it showed all flowering. In many post-harvest experiments of cut flowers, ethylene production from flower organ has considered as most critical factor on vase life. Ethylene production from flower organ was measured by gas chromatography (GC) and it showed that there is no direct relation between flower longevity and emission of the ethylene gas in cut Iris. In comparison with the untreated control, ethylene generation rather seems to be increased as 1-MCP treatment increased. There was a synergy effect when 1-MCP and BA applied simultaneously in which flowering and vase life were fastened and also extended, respectively. Therefore, treatment of 1-MCP for cut Iris at flower early harvest is able to improve the flower quality both by diminishing non-flowering rate and by extended flower longevity.


A major requirement for Grid application developers is ensuring performance and scalability of their applications. Predicting the performance of an application demands understanding its specific fe ...


ABSTRACT:This article discusses the struggle over rabbinical positions in the largely traditional Jewish community of Lemberg in the mid-nineteenth century. Special attention is given to the legal and administrative system, imperial and local, within which this struggle was shaped. The article explains the reasons for the appointments of the Bohemian born Rabbi Abraham Kohn to rabbinic positions in Lemberg, showing that what made those appointments possible was the omission of the mandatory elections for the post, because of lack of eligible voters. Based on unexamined archival documents, the article discusses the growing orthodox frustration as a result of this, especially after the failed bid of Rabbi Zvi Hirsch Chajes for the position of district rabbinate of Lemberg. It also shows that while the Austrian legislature kept raising the educational bar for eligible candidates for the rabbinate, the different Austrian authorities relied on the Jewish community council's recommendation in their final approval of candidates.


Corporate social responsibility (CSR) appears to have become more important and perceived as being relevant to any corporation. Meanwhile organizational culture is undoubtedly critical and fundamental to the sustainable operation of corporations. This paper aims to investigate the relationship between organizational culture and CSR. Using a sample of 95 firms from China and employing two different methods, namely Pearson correlation analysis and multiple regressions, there appears to be evidence that the casual relationships exist between organizational culture and CSR. In addition, some types of organizational culture are more important for different dimensions of CSR. The research has implications in enhancing the understanding of CSR implementation through organizational culture cultivation particularly in a developing country, although it is inevitably limited by the size of the sample. This is also the first paper that has examined the relationship between organizational culture and CSR of China's firms.


Helicobacteriosis is one of the most urgent problems of gastroenterology, and due to the fact that the frequency of H. pylori infection is progressively increasing, this disease is increasingly being detected in people of young working age. The development of algorithms for early and accurate diagnosis of helicobacteriosis can improve the quality of treatment and follow-up of this category of patients. To date, in medical practice, H. pylori is detected using bacteriological, histological (immunohistological), molecular genetic, biochemical and immunological methods (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunochromatographic rapid test), each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.


Non‐Technical Summary  Reduced atmospheric O2 availability (hypoxia) impairs muscle oxidative energy production and exercise tolerance. We show that dietary supplementation with inorganic nitrate reduces markers of muscle fatigue and improves high‐intensity exercise tolerance in healthy adults inhaling air containing 14.5% O2. In the body, nitrate can be converted to nitrite and nitric oxide. These molecules can improve muscle efficiency and also dilate blood vessels allowing more O2 to be delivered to active muscle. These results suggest that dietary nitrate could be beneficial during exercise at moderate to high altitude and in conditions where O2 delivery to muscle is reduced such as in pulmonary, cardiovascular and sleep disorders.


air-fuel mixture combustion near cylinder wall of engine experimental results are presented. Burning chemical reaction zone width, speed spread of the flame are described and so they influence on unburned hydrocarbons concentration in burnt gases


Cardiac arrhythmias and long QT syndrome may be associated with increased sodium currents. Possible effects of enhanced function of sodium channels on the transmural gradient in the electrical and mechanical properties of myocardium have not been sufficiently studied. We used our cellular mathematical models to investigate effects of an increased late sodium current on the electromechanical coupling in single subendocardial and subepicardial cells and in a strand of transmurally heterogeneous myocardium. Modeling results predicted that subepicardial cells are more vulnerable to rhythm disturbances than single subendocardial cells under these pathological conditions. Within the transmurally heterogeneous strand, mechanical and electrical interactions between such abnormal cells affected the patterns of electromechanical disturbances as compared to the single cells. This allowed myocardium to contract even in those conditions where single EPI cells lost contractility.


The quinolone is an important kind of antibacterial agents.Ab initio calculations were performed for all 32 quinolones at the HF/6-31G level.Electrostatic potentials and subsequently derived statistically-based structural descriptors,the 3D-Morse descriptors were obtained.Linear relationships between the inhibition of OR-gyrase,TOPO-Ⅱand theoretical descriptors were established by multiple regression method.It appeared that the quantities derived from electrostatic potentials,together with the 3D-Morse descriptors can be well used to express the quantitative structure-activity relationships of quinolones.And the models could identify how the structure of the molecules in question could be modified to produce good inhibition of gyrase and simultaneously reduce inhibition of TOPO-Ⅱ.Moreover,the electrostatic potentials parameter together with 3D-Morse descriptors were successful applied in the QSAR study.


Glycosaminoglycans were isolated from the human gastric mucosa. Pevikon-C 870 block electrophoresis and Dowex 1×2 column chromatography were used.Fractionation of nondialyzable material by Dowex 1×2 column chromatography yielded six fractions at the molarity of NaCl ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 mole; they were identified as hyaluronic acid, heparan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate -A, -B and -C, respectively.


• When 629 athletes were compared with 583 non-athletes with approximately the same college environment, there appeared to be no significant difference in life expectancy, cause of death, or the type of death. The criterion of being called an athlete in this survey was to have been a varsity-letter winner. This particular study is in agreement with other recent studies of a similar nature.


II ABSTRACT One of several problems affecting the durability of concrete is the alkali-aggregate reaction (RAA), a very complex phenomenon that can trigger structural and operational problems. Depending on the conditions to which the structure is exposed, this deleterious reaction generates intense expansions that can be observed at different ages from its installation, depending on the degree of reactivity of the aggregate. Regarding the preventive measures to be adopted in order to avoid the installation of the RAA are the preliminary study of the aggregate rock to be used on site, chemical characterization of the cement to be used on site. There are confirmations of the existence of RAA soon after construction begins, but other cases involve long-term pathology. In the north of Minas Gerais there is a relatively high incidence in substations foundations and transmission lines so this study aimed to analyze the materials of five concrete works in the region where future work will be installed, predicting measures and mitigation determination tests. Mortar by the Accelerated Alkali-Aggregate Reactivity Method and subsequent trace study that may be used on site with selected materials such as cements with lower alkali and active silica contents. All traits studied presented satisfactory performance in the mitigation aspect, but the traits where there was CP II and 40 presented more efficient performance proving the positive action of pozzolan in the concrete.


The possibility of cell modifications compromises the safety of stem cell therapy under standardized conditions. The aim of this study was to analyze adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs) using the Pap test as a first screening step to evaluate genetic stability. Methods: Human adipose tissue from six healthy female donors was obtained from elective liposuction procedures. The cells were isolated, cultivated at P2/P3, characterized by flow cytometric analysis, and differentiation induced. The AT-MSCs were stained by Papanicolaou (Pap) staining and analyzed according to the Bethesda classification, and viability-apoptosis relationships were evaluated. Results: The Pap test for Sample I indicated high-grade alterations consistent with genetic instability; for Samples II-V, atypical cells of undetermined significance; and for Sample VI, normal cells. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the potential of using the Pap test as an initial screening step to evaluate the genetic stability of cultured AT-MSCs as well for other adherent stem cells.


The extensive studies on thermal properties of matter especially in gases, shows the new possible direction and therefore to initiate the new stream in theoretical physics. The subject discussed in this context is somehow important in this field; the paper shows an equation of gases which is enclosed in a metallic container under suitable conditions. The equation which will be described here is valid for the rigorous choice that we have considered to derive it.


This study aimed to examine the effects of the addition of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) on the physical properties of processed cotton fabrics in a rapid heat-curing crease-resistant process. Our results show that this addition influences the moisture absorbency, crease resistance in both dry and wet conditions, and tensile strength preservation rate of the processed fabrics. Moreover, with such addition, the use of higher temperature in the process would enhance the moisture absorbency and dry–wet crease resistance but reduce the tensile strength preservation rate. The optimum condition for processing cotton fabric is to use PEG with a molecular weight of 1000 at a concentration of 10%, heated at 200°C for 30 s. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 1008–1012, 2002


Joint kinetics have been estimated via inverse dynamics with link-segment models to analyze the performance of non-articulated energy storage and return (NA-ESR) prosthetic feet [1] and to examine the motor control strategies and compensations adopted by lower limb amputees [2]. A central assumption of the link-segment model commonly used in this application is that the ankle's axis of rotation acts as a fixed hinge; yet in NA-ESR prosthetic feet, no true ankle articulation exists, and the extent to which any axis remains fixed is unknown. Despite these concerns, this computational approach has been used to assess differences within and between amputees, and in comparison to non-amputees [1,3]; thus reports of estimated kinetics in NA-ESR prosthetic feet, and proximal joints may be in question [4]. Two groups have attempted to address this concern [4,5], yet neither reported the actual axis location. Additionally, the feet tested previously are not commonly prescribed in clinical use today. The overall objectives of our work are to discern the magnitude of ankle joint axis mis-location required to induce meaningful alterations in joint kinetics, evaluate the center of rotation position in a series of NA-ESR prosthetic feet, and quantify the effect of any differences in center of rotation position on prosthetic foot and proximal joint kinetics of a unilateral transtibial amputee. The primary focus of this paper is the quantification of the center of rotation position in NA-ESR prosthetic feet.


In a case-control association study, deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) or Hardy-Weinberg dis-equilibrium (HWD) in the control group is usually considered as evidence for potential genotyping error, and the corresponding SNP is then removed from the study. On the other hand, assuming HWE holds in the study population, a truly associated SNP is expected to be out of HWE in the case group. Efforts have been made in combining association tests with tests of HWE in the cases to increase the power of detecting disease susceptibility loci (Song and Elston (2006), Wang and Shete (2010)). However, these existing methods are ad-hoc and sensitive to model assumptions. Utilizing the recent robust allele-based (RA) regression model for conducting allelic association tests (Zhang and Sun (2020)), here we propose a joint RA test that naturally integrates association evidence from the traditional association test and a test that evaluates the difference in HWD between the case and control groups. The proposed test is robust to genotyping error, as well as to potential HWD in the population attributed to factors that are unrelated to phenotype-genotype association. We provide the asymptotic distribution of the proposed test statistic so that it is easy to implement, and we demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the test through extensive simulation studies and an application.


Anaphylactic shock was induced in rabbits by injecting bovine serum albumin (BSA) as an antigen. Measurements of the enzyme activities in the fibrinolytic system confirmed that a rapid and strong increase of plasminogen activator (PA) was induced during anaphylaxis. The euglobulin fibrinolytic activity (EFA) as estimated by the plasminogen-rich fibrin plate method rose significantly, peaking at 15 min after the BSA injection (when the arterial pressure was minimum). However, EFA was not detected by the plasminogen-poor fibrin plate method. The tissue-type PA (t-PA) activity using the natural substrate plasminogen increased significantly with a peak at 15 min. The amidolytic activity also simultaneously increased significantly using the t-PA substrate, H-D-Ile-Pro-Arg-pNA. The plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) activity remained at baseline levels until 30 min, but rose fourfold at 90 min. The main plasma fibrinolytic enzyme which increased in anaphylaxis was proved by zymography to be t-PA with a molecular weight (MW) of 69,000.


Food safety is to be a vital component of food security, with mycotoxin contamination, a major contributing factor. In line with this, this study aimed at investigating the effect of maize maturity at harvest, and processing techniques on the aflatoxin and fumonisin levels in maize and maize products. Three maize maturity stages (80, 85, and 90 days after sowing), two drying processes (sun and barn drying), three storage periods (one, two and three months) and subsequent maize derivatives under these conditions were sampled. These were analysed for total aflatoxins and total fumonisins using quantitative ELISA and samples with total aflatoxins and total fumonisins exceeding regulated levels were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to determine the sub-types of toxins present. Results obtained showed that all analyzed samples were contaminated with total aflatoxins (range: 0.8 to 20 μg/kg) and total fumonisins (range: 10 to 5990 μg/kg). Sun or barn drying for one week followed by one month usual storage resulted in significant total fumonisins contamination, emphasizing the need of at least two weeks of drying maize. It was also observed that processing techniques partly reduced the levels of toxins, mainly in maize products that have a sieving step.


The proposal to connect Sydney with North Sydney by means of a Bridge or Tunnels has been under consideration for many years, At one time, in 1882, the matter had reached such a stage that the proposal of a private Company to erect a high level bridge was agreed to by the Government, of which Sir Henry Parkes was then the head, and a sum of £5,000 was deposited as security, but owing to a change of Government negotiations fell through, and nothing further was done.