Functionally graded materials (FGMs) containing metallic and ceramic phases offer a viable solution to modern design problems requiring structural materials with high fracture toughness and elevated temperature resistance. Ideally, the ceramic side of the FGM provides thermal and corrosion resistance while the metallic side gives the necessary strength and fracture toughness. Careful grading of the metallic/ceramic interfaces in a continuous or stepwise manner can minimize thermal shock damage to layered FGMs. Cracks originating in the brittle, ceramic side would be prevented from catastrophic propagation through an increase in fracture toughness as the metal content increases. This behavior has been demonstrated by recent experiments with a titanium/titanium monoboride (Ti/TiB) FGM (1). Fracture toughness testing of metallic/ceramic FGM single-edge-notched-beams (SENB), with the starting notch in the ceramic rich side, requires the initiation of a sharp, short precrack at a specific desired location in a brittle material. Stresses required to initiate crack growth in brittle materials are determined primarily by the distribution, orientation and size of existing flaws, as shown by the classic studies of Griffith (2). A review of fracture toughness testing of brittle materials by Sakai and Bradt (3) notes that creating a starting crack of the proper sharpness and length is critical for accurate fracture toughness measurements. The new standard for fracture toughness testing of advanced ceramic materials describes the requirement of a sharp, well-characterized precrack as well as the difficulty in obtaining one (4). Use of machined notches or blunt cracks can lead to fracture toughness values that are much larger than those obtained from specimens with sharp precracks. Sharp precrack initiation by the bridge-indentation method was devised by Nunomura and Jitsukawa (5). It was used on hard metals by Warren and Johanneson (6) and on ceramic materials by Nose and Fujii (7). The single edge precracked beam method (SEPB), based on standard 4-point bending with the notch tip in tension, can lead to longer than desired popped-in precracks in multi-layered FGMs (1) even when displacement is limited by a rigid testing machine. Long precracks can also give values of fracture toughness that are too high due to crack wake effects. The method of axial compression precracking developed by Ewart and Suresh (8) for ceramic materials can lead to extensive microstructural damage in metallic/ceramic FGMs and can give values of fracture toughness which are too low (9). The goals of our current Scripta mater. 43 (2000) 547–552


Responses to intravenous glucose challenge (no. = 26) and basal metabolite and hormone concentrations (no. = 68) were determined in dairy cows selected for high (HFI) or low (LFI) milk-fat concentration but with similar 40 g/kg fat-corrected milk (FCM) yields. All cows were given a mixed diet ad libitum. Following a glucose challenge the insulin release was higher ( P P


Test strip based on pararosaniline has been developed for formaldehyde detection in tofu samples. The test strip as a formaldehyde sensors has been fabricated by immobilizing pararosaniline on whatman filter paper. The test strip was characterized for liniearity, detection limit, quantitation limit, selectivity, accuracy and precision. It has response time at 4 minutes and good liniearity was achieved in the concentration range of 2-80 ppm with correlation coefficient of (r) 0.999. The detection limit and quantitation limit were 0.048 ppm and 0.161 ppm, respectively. The RSD of reproducibility was found 8.04%, where recovery was 80-110%. The life time of the test strip was 14 days when it was stored at 40C. The test strip has been successfully applied to detect formaldehyde in tofu samples. The result also shown in agreement with spectrophotometry uv-vis method.

Keywords: formalin, pararosaniline, tofu, immobilization, strip test


Sub-cultural transition of the new immigrants' children in city is not only has something to do with their own healthy development, but also relates to the process of urbanization of our country and the long stability of the society. As for the new immigrants' children, school education can play an important role in their academic achievement, cultural adaptation, and psychology and environment intervention. Thus primary and secondary schools should make positive educational intervention in the process of sub-cultural transition of new immigrants' children to solve their all kinds of problems during the process.


ABSTRACT We present two versions of the extrapolated cyclic subgradient projections method for solving the convex feasibility problem. Moreover, we present the results of numerical tests, where we compare the methods with the classical cyclic subgradient projections method.


Some promising innovation is taking place among organizations that rate hospital performance, but major systemic change is needed in the field to ensure access to meaningful comparisons through bet...


The education industry is also facing challenges related to achieving high organizational performance. In the view of enhancing organizational performance, most organizations are adopting knowledge management processes to improve efficiency. One of the essential aspects of knowledge management is shared thinking and understanding of individuals and should be imbibed in the culture of the organization to improve the performance of any organization. This research will be useful to teachers and academic institutions and considers teachers' perspectives on knowledge management and how this will enhance the performance of educational institutions. In this research, organizational performance was evaluated based on three dimensions: financial performance, customer (student) perspective, and operational excellence. The results indicate that knowledge management and cultural knowledge management infrastructure and age of teachers determine organizational performance significantly.


PURPOSE: A semiconductor light emitting device is provided to improve light emitting efficiency by diffracting light at an angle of no total reflection and by remarkably increasing light extraction efficiency of the light extracted to the outside of a semiconductor device. CONSTITUTION: A semiconductor multilayered layer contains nitride, including an active layer(3). A transparent layer is formed on the semiconductor multilayered layer and roughness of a two-dimensional periodic structure is formed on the upper surface of the transparent layer. The light from the active layer is diffracted on the roughness to be induced to the outside of the semiconductor multilayered layer.


Qira oasis is located in the middle of the TaNan region and represents a typical desert oasis ecosystem of the southern Xingjiang Province in northwest China. Several oases occur in this region that are totally dependent on rivers that originate from the Kunlun Mountains. The study area was selected as a SPOT 4 scene covering Qira oasis and its surroundings. This study pursues two goals: (1) to produce a landscape classification map, and (2) to evaluate the applicability of landscape pattern indices to a quantitative description of the spatial pattern around Qira oasis. Landscape classification results, raster and vector format classification maps, and landscape indices from different levels that were calculated on base of remote sensing (RS) data and by using global position system (GPS) and geographic information system (GIS) techniques as well as FRAGSTATS program integration are presented.\; We produced a map that corresponds to human optical perception as far as possible and that allows recognizing bridges, rivers, roads and channel crossings for georeferencing with GPS coordinates. The image was rectified and projected into the UTM grid (44 S). Subsequently, 14 patch types were identified as structural elements of the landscape by supervised classification techniques (ERDAS). The raster classification map was transformed into a vector map by using ARC/INFO. Applying the spatial pattern analysis program FRAGSTAT of the vector version resulted in a set of landscape indices. 70 landscape pattern indices, referring to the three scale levels of patches, classes and landscape, are presented.\; The selected scene comprises three main ecosystem types: mountain (13.6% of area), desert (73 4%) and oasis (12 8%). The desert forms the matrix, the oasis is the main patch and the Qira River is a key corridor An accuracy test of the classification was conducted on basis of the error matrix of the supervised classification. Accuracy of our classification is higher than 90% for farmland, alluvial piedmont, alluvial fan, riverbed, gravel Gobi, desert and reservoir. The exactness is between 80%~90% for loamy Gobi, hillside, greenbelt and semidesert dune, and the lower than 80% for semidesert, shifting dune area and mountain. The average accuracy is 85.4%. At patch level, the greenbelt (PATCH ID 11) shows the largest shape index (8 02) indicating the most noncircular (i. e., most complex) shape whereas the reservoir (PATCH ID 82) has the smallest shape index (1 46) indicating a simple (closest to circular) shape in this case. The landscape similarity index ( LSIM = 0 18) and the fractal dimension ( FD = 1 25) reveal also the simple shape of the latter patch type, whereas core area and core area index reflect its smallest size. At class level, the reservoir shows again the smallest area, but its interspersion and juxtaposition index ( IJI = 70 47) is third highest among 14 class patches and is higher than the IJI of farmland (51 76) although the patch numbers are equal. These results show that reservoirs are well interspersed in the landscape. The patch core area coefficient of variation ( PCACV ) of reservoir (102 491%), loamy Gobi (226 939%) and gravel Gobi (230 694%), is also well indicating the degree of patch size evenness and fragmentation in the study area. As mountain and semistablized dune occur only as one patch each, their PCACV is 0. At landscape level, about 30 landscape pattern and feature indices were calculated. As the absolute magnitude of landscape level indices is not really meaningful; they are used as relative figures for comparing different landscapes or the same landscape at different time. In conclusion, our results show that landscape pattern indices can be successfully used in characterizing the spatial pattern of the studied area. This area a typical example of the oases in the "TaNan" region. However, this study should be extended to other oases in order to test the general applicability of remote sensing in combination with the subsequently per


Nonmaterial culture conservation is an important and urgent mission for all nations and people. The conservation of nonmaterial cultures not only means exhibiting them in TV programs but also recording all the close related items of them and propagandizing them in social education. The good conservation depends on good technology. With the application of multimedia database and web technology, multimedia information can be collected and transferred in internet. The platform of nonmaterial culture conservation aims to create a web-based multimedia system which can support the collection, classification and distribution of multimedia data about nonmaterial culture. The platform also can server the society as a social education website to propagandize the knowledge of nonmaterial culture and show the brilliant culture in detail by multimedia technology. The paper discusses the structure of system and key technologies applied in the platform, generates a route of nonmaterial culture conservation.


Comparative analysis were done to study SBS and fiber additives′ effect on high temperature performance of modified asphalt concrete.DSR test was done to SBS modified asphalt and fiber modified asphalt,also rutting test was done to SBS modified asphalt mixture and fiber modified asphalt mixture.The results indicate that the high temperature stability of SBS modified asphalt concrete and fiber modified asphalt concrete falls with the enhancement of temperature.But the enhancement effect of SBS additive slows down faster than fiber modified asphalt.Theoretical analysis results indicate that the viscosity factor of fiber changes little with temperature,while the viscosity factor of modification additive changes a lot with temperature.So SBS has better effect on viscosity in medium and low temperatures,while fiber has better effect on viscosity in high temperature.


Elastic scattering cross sections are measured for lithium atoms colliding with rare-gas atoms and SF${}_{6}$ molecules at tunable relative velocities down to $\ensuremath{\sim}$50 m/s. Our scattering apparatus combines a velocity-tunable molecular beam with a magneto-optic trap which provides an ultracold cloud of lithium atoms as a scattering target. Comparison with theory reveals the quantum nature of the collision dynamics in the studied regime, including rainbows as well as orbiting resonances.


By employing a set of resonators with extended necks, an ultrathin acoustic carpet cloak with a thickness of about 1/30th of the operation wavelength is proposed to achieve effective cloaking around a bump at 1000 Hz. The cloak is composed of a periodic array of supercells. The supercell is constructed by a solid unit and seven inhomogeneous resonators with different extended necks. The elements in the supercell are capable of achieving distinct phase shifts ranging from 0 to 2π in a phase increment of π/4. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the cloak, both normal incidence and oblique incidence (incident angle equals to 30°) plane waves impinging on a cloaked triangular bump are investigated numerically and validated experimentally. The results show that it is possible to conceal the bump by wrapping over the surface of the bump through using the proposed ultrathin carpet cloak. As a resonant-element based acoustic device, the cloak exhibits invisibility in the frequency range from 980 to 1070 Hz. The proposed acoustic metasurface offers a simple and compact solution for acoustic cloaking and may hold promise in realistic applications.


Grey sequence operator plays a key role in prediction accuracy of grey forecasting model.In this paper,a kind of buffer operators is established which was based on studying these buffer theory.The problem that there are some contradictions between qualitative analysis in pretreatment for vibration data sequences is resolved effectively.The conclusion shows the weakening buffer operators increase the forecast precision of the data forecast model remarkable.


The object of the present invention is to provide a Tandem roll mill train which has a plurality of cross-roll type roller mills 10-20, each having work rolls of greater than 11-21 and less than 12-22, the axes of which are shown in FIG. 13 WHICH ARE IN PLANS PARALLEL TO THE SURFACE OF WORKPIECE 1 DURING ROLLING ARE SUBSTANTIALLY COVERED IN THE CENTER OF THE WORKPIECE. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INVENTION THE TRAIN INCLUDES AT LEAST TWO CAGES 10- CROSS-CYLINDER TYPE ROLLER, THE WORKING CYLINDERS ON A CAGE 10 BEING INCLINED IN AN OPPOSITE DIRECTION TO THAT ON THE OTHER CAGE 20. WITH THE INVENTION THE DEFORMATION OF TRANSVERSE SHEAR DEVELOPED IN THE AMONT 10 CAGE IS REDUCED BY THE TRANSVERSE SHEAR DEFORMATION ON THE DOWNSTAGE CAGE 20.


The character of story poem is of the plot centered on human and original story.This type of poem is formed in Han Dynasty and reaches the first peak in Yuefu poem in Han Dynasty.But during the following dynasties from Wei and Southern and Northern Dynasties,the vital story poems of this period have nearly developed except for Cai Yan's BEI FEN SHI and MU LAN SHI in Northeren Dynasty.


Abstract. The dependence of magnetic moment and susceptibility on temperature, magnetic field and frequency of some single crystals Mnl-xZnxF2 (x~x,=0.75--percolation limit) were experimentally investigated. Our experiments show that (Bazhan and Petrov 1984; Cowley et al 1984; Villain 1984) in these crystals the nonequilibrium magnetic state of spinglass type with finite correlation length appears as temperature decreases T< T in weak magnetic fields. This state is determined by fluctuation magnetic moments x/n # (where n is the number of magnetic ions, corresponding to finite correlation length and # the magnetic moment Mn ÷ 1). In the experiments in low magnetic fields and frequencies there are no peculiarities in the magnetic susceptibility temperature dependence at T# T:. At temperatures T> Tf and T< T/ magnetic susceptibility is determined by


Globalization has intensified the competition among cities and thus urban regeneration are required for major cities in order to improve competitiveness for survival, or even to lead regional development. Roberts(2000) has defined urban regeneration as 「comprehensive and integrated vision and action which leads to the resolution of urban problems and which seeks to bring about a lasting improvement in the economic, physical, social and environmental condition of an area that has been subject to change.」 Comparing to traditional terms such as urban redevelopment, urban renewal, and urban revitalization, urban regeneration deals with urban problems in a more comprehensive and strategic


The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels (10 and 13% crude protein) and protein source on ruminal fermentation of feedlot Nellore steers fed high-concentrate diets. The protein sources tested were urea, dried distillers grains (DDG) and corn gluten meal. The DDG and gluten were used as RUP sources. We used 6 cannulated Nellore steers, rumen, duodenum, and ileum arranged in 6×6 Latin square designed in factorial (2 nitrogen levels and 3 protein sources) balanced for residues. The pH was measured immediately after rumen fluid sampling at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10h after feeding. The NH3-N concentrations were determined with micro-Kjeldahl apparatus. The concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) was assessed by gas chromatography. Data were evaluated using the MIXED procedure of SAS, with repeated measures over time. There was no interaction between sampling time and treatments for NH3-N and pH (P > 0.05). Animals fed diets containing Urea had a higher concentration of NH3-N (20.6 mg/dL) than animals supplemented with Gluten (16.2 mg/dL) or DDG (12.7 mg / dL). There was an increase in the NH3-N concentration (P = 0.049) with the increase of the protein level 10 to 13% CP with 14.7 and 18.3 mg/dL, respectively. The ruminal pH was affected by the dietary protein level (P = 0.016), in which animals fed a level of 10% CP had a higher pH (6.80) compared to the level of 13% CP (6.43). Total and individual VFA concentration was not affected by protein levels and sources (P > 0.05). The reduction of N level and the use of RUP did not adversely affect the ruminal fermentation. Although significant differences were observed for pH, they were small and adequate for microbial protein synthesis in the rumen.


The phenomenon of meaning to use temporarily appeared in the ancient time,but it was more common to see in strong literary works in the past.It is worth noticing that this language skill presents a popularized and livelihood tendency nowadays,which can be seen in newspaper sand magazines.The ways of the meaning to use temporarily are extension of meaning,cross-border of terminology and use of rhetoric.From the popularized tendency of the meaning to use temporarily,our present society is an open society.Different things and even mutually exclusive things can exist at the same time.People are open-minded and unwilling to bind themselves,longing for innovation and seeking for uniqueness.It is the consciousness of people's strong desire for novelty and change that makes the meaning to use temporarily more widely.


17047 Background: Exercise capacity is a strong independent predictor of surgical outcome in patients with operable NSCLC and thus an established clinical tool to assess preoperative eligibility. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of preoperative exercise training on exercise capacity in operable lung cancer.

METHODS
Using a single-group design, participants with suspected operable lung cancer were screened for eligibility at the time of diagnosis. Twenty-six patients were recruited and offered exercise training until surgical resection. Exercise training consisted of 5 endurance cycle ergometry sessions per week at 60 to 100% of patient's baseline exercise capacity. Patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) including peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), six minute walk distance (6MWD), and a pulmonary function test at baseline, immediately prior and 30 days post surgical resection.

RESULTS
The mean time from diagnosis to resection was 67 ± 27 days. During this time, 6 patients were deemed ineligible and were removed from the analysis. Of the remaining 20 patients, 18 completed exercise training and 13 performed CPET post resection. The overall adherence rate was 72% (range 0%-100%) with patients completing a mean of 30 exercise sessions (range 0-75). Intention-to-treat analysis indicated that VO2peak and 6MWD increased by 2.3 mL · kg-1 · min-1 [95% CI, 1.0 to 3.7; p = .002] and 40m [95% CI, 16 to 64; p=.003] respectively, from baseline to presurgery but decreased from pre to post resection [VO2peak, -2.7 mL · kg-1 · min-1, 95% CI, -3.9 to -1.6; p < .001; 6 MWD, -44 m, 95% CI, -94 to 6.4; p = .082]. There were no differences between baseline and postsurgical exercise capacity. Per protocol analyses indicated that patients who achieved acceptable exercise adherence (≥80% of prescribed sessions, n = 12) increased VO2peak and 6MWD by 3.2 mL · kg-1 · min-1 [95% CI, 1.1 to 5.4; p = .005] and 49 meters [95% CI, 12 to 85; p = .013], respectively.

CONCLUSION
Preoperative exercise training is associated with improvements in exercise capacity in patients with operable NSCLC, particularly if acceptable adherence is achieved. This benefit may have important implications for surgical outcome and postsurgical recovery in this population. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


This paper presents a modular device based on digital speckle pattern interferometry (DSPI) combined with an instrumented indenter. The system is divided in two modules, the interferometric and the indentation module. The former uses a diffractive optical element (DOE) to obtain radial in-plane sensitivity. This module measures the whole shallow displacement field generated by the indentation print on the surface of the material under testing. The latter module is sized suitably with the interferometric module. The indentation module uses a mechanical/hydraulic scheme to provide the system a high loading capability. A piezoelectric loading cell and an inductive transducer are used to simultaneously measure the load applied on the ball indenter and its penetration on the material. For the experimental tests, a bench capable to apply in a specific pipe a very well-known bending moment was used. This bench is mounted with two 12- meters pipes disposed horizontally. A transverse load is applied in the central cross-section of both pipes. The load application is made by a hydraulic actuator and measured with a load cell. Strain-gages are also used in a half-bridge configuration to measure the strain in the 8 cross-sections distributed along the pipe length. Each cross-section was measured by the proposed instrumented indentation system and compared with the strain-gages and load cell measurements. The results obtained show an uncertainty level around 20-30% of the measured bending stress. Good agreement was found between the computed bending stress using the strain-gages, load cell and the proposed method using the instrumented indentation system.


In order to improve the response speed and dynamic performance of bi-directional DC/DC converter, a passive controller is used to control the bi-directional DC/DC converter in electric vehicle. Based on its working characteristics, an EL model of bi-directional DC/DC converter is established to verify the passivity of the system, and then passive controller is designed. By using MATLAB/Simulink to simulate, the performance of the system controlled by passive controller and PI controller is analyzed and compared, the results show that passive controller has better control effect, and the scheme that passive controller applied in bidirectional DC/DC converter is feasible.


In this research, an adaptive lower limb exoskeleton (AEXO) has been designed and constructed as a rehabilitation device. It is important during the rehabilitation that a user obtains assistance from the exoskeleton in an adaptive manner, as the user may improve his/her walking during rehabilitation. The assistance from the machine will be less or more according to the current situation of the user during the use of the exoskeleton. The question then arises as to how the exoskeleton can provide adaptive adjustment. It was decided that a tangible design was to measure the user status such as the user interaction force during walking. In this design, force sensors are installed on each link of exoskeleton to record the user walking effort during walking. By measuring this force, the control computer of the exoskeleton will understand for each cycle what the status of the user is and predict an adaptive torque according to measured force. In order to generate a suitable torque, the compliant motion control, which is a combination of impedance and admittance control is used. Walking experiments of a healthy person to wear the AEXO have been carried out in the lab. The first experiment verified the propose algorithm by using a predefined reference trajectory for the user and giving an adjustment to the reference trajectory based on the interaction torque. The second experiment verified that even without the predefined gait trajectory to the user, the exoskeleton can move in compliance to the user under various walking speeds. For the future development, the method will be expanded and tested for people who suffer from stroke or other walking impairment.


Proposal of a reading guided by experimentation of a random, nomad thought. The idea of rhizomatic reading allows to conceive that the manifestation of knowledge does not necessarily takes place in a "conscious" state of mind. It is about bringing up and reaching plateaus, folds and vanishing lines of a other-thought, a thought of difference, prompting the reader to interact in the vast ocean of sonorities and invention of new affections, becoming while reading the author/reader of the book itself, here understood as a book to be.


The dynamic view system is a necessary part of a CAD software.There are several techniques for developing dynamic view system.The article introduces how to develop the system with OpenGL graphics library under Visual C6.0 and realize the dynamic view of 3D FEM meshes.


The frequency spectrum of a thin rectangular plate of barium titanate ceramics has been measured as a function of length/width ratio with a particular emphasis on a special mode of contour vibration, named edge mode.


SUMMARY Differentiation and infidelity have been theoretically related. However, few studies have tested whether the concepts in differentiation are statistically related to infidelity. One hundred nineteen participants in the present study completed two inventories assessing their level of differentiation and engaging in infidelity. Two-step structural equation modeling is used to determine the degree to which differentiation relates to infidelity. Results indicated that, though differentiation may be part of a plausible model of infidelity behavior, there are potentially other models that may be relevant in engaging in infidelity. The findings and implications are discussed.


Section 3(1) of the Recognition of Customary Marriages 120 of 1998 provides for the requirements for a valid customary marriage entered into after the commencement of the Act. The requirements are, the parties must be 18 years of age or above; they must consent to being married under customary law and the marriage must be negotiated and entered into or celebrated in terms of customary law. The result of entering into or celebrating a customary marriage is the bride be integrated into her new family. The question is, may the parties agree to waive the integration of the bride? This depends on whether this is a dispensable or indispensable requirement. The article forwards two school of thoughts; the first favours the view that integration of the bride is dispensable, whereas the second forwards the view that integration of the bride is indispensable. These two schools are analysed using largely case law. The article begins from the premise that integration of the bride is an indispensable requirement. This being said, it forwards the view that integration comprises many events, some of which are dispensable; one of these event is the handing over of the bride, which cannot be waived.


A diol-based refined, bleached, and deodorized (RBD) palm kernel oil polyol was prepared. It was found that the polyurethane foam produced only gives a good compressive strength property at a 45 kg/m3 molded density. The combination of sorbitol into the polyol system resulted in a better dimensional stability and improved thermal conductivity as well as enhanced compressive strength. These were obtained by increasing the functionality of the polyol (functionality of 4.5) through introduction of a high molecular weight and branching polyhidric compound. Direct polycondensation and transesterification methods were used for the syntheses. The hydroxyl value, TLC, and FTIR were used to study the completion of the reaction. A comparative study of the mechanical properties and morphological behavior was carried out with a diol-based polyol. From the water-blown molded foam (zero ODP) with a density of about 44.2 kg/m3 and a closed-cell content of 93%, a compressive strength of 222 kPa and a dimensional stability of 0.09, 0.10, and 0.12% at the length, width, and thickness of the foam, respectively, conditioned at −15°C for 24 h, were obtained. The thermal conductivity improved to an initial value of 0.00198 W/mK, tested at 0°C. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 384–389, 2001


s 75 decrease arginase II protein expression as compared to both low and oscillatory flow conditions. Immunohistochemisty analysis confirmed a pronounced expression of arginase II on SMCs and macrophages on in the atherosclerotic plaques formed by oscillatory and low shear stress in vivo. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that arginase expression is modulated by shear stress patterns in carotid arteries perfused ex vivo. Similar findings are also observed in a model of shear stress-induced atherogenesis in vivo. Histopathological analysis of carotid lesions in ApoE-/mice exposed to shear stress and chronically treated with arginase inhibitors may further elucidate the role of arginases in modulating both plaque size and vulnerability.


Background: Probiotics are widely acknowledged for their pro-health attributes, but the efficacy of traditional probiotics is quite limited. This limitation can be overcome using a gene engineered to enhance the efficacy of existing probiotics. In this study, a strain of Bacillus subtilis (WB800) expressing the eukaryotic protein porcine epidermal growth factor (pEGF) was generated via genetic modification, and mice with intestinal injury were used as a model to evaluate the potential of this bioengineered probiotic in preventing or treating intestinal damage. Integration of the pEGF gene into the B. subtilis WB800 genome using an integrated expression vector pDG1730 resulted in stable expression of pEGF in B. subtilis (dubbed WB-EGF). Results: Female the Institute for Cancer Research (ICR) mice with intestinal damage received recombinant WB-EGF (1×108 –8×108 CFU/mL) for 10 d before collection of blood and intestinal tissues. Mice receiving WB-EGF had significantly higher body weight and longer intestinal villi than those of mice treated with Luria-Bertani (LB) broth or B. subtilis transformed with an empty vector. Cell proliferation assays confirmed enhanced intestinal cell proliferation in mice receiving WB-EGF. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that WB-EGF may have use as a novel therapy for early prevention or treatment of intestinal damage and for promoting intestinal development. The recombinant B. subtilis strain developed here can expected to provide protection when used as a feed additive in animals with gastrointestinal infections.


Quality-Control Circles, first initiated in Japan, are described, and their advantages for the individual and for the organization are noted. Limitations of such groups and their implications for U.S. manager-worker relationships are pointed out. The quality-control circle is a small relatively autonomous group formed to uncover and solve problems of quality. While the circles aim to improve quality and methods of production, they also emphasize the self-development of workers and recognize their abilities to contribute. Six basic principles applied by Japanese management are outlined. Although the response of U.S. organizations to quality control circles is not yet known, observations in certain situations indicate that middle management support is lacking. Also, it may be necessary to adhere to voluntary participation in the U.S. circles. Other adaptations may also be necessary


Radioecology in the United States can be traced back to the early 1950s when small research programs were established to address the fate and effects of radionuclides released in the environment from activities at nuclear facilities. These programs focused primarily on local environmental effects, but global radioactive fallout from nuclear weapons testing and the potential for larger scale local releases of radioisotopes resulted in major concerns about the threat, not only to humans, but to other species and to ecosystems that support all life. These concerns were shared by other countries and it was quickly recognized that a multi-disciplinary approach would be required to address and understand the implications of anthropogenic radioactivity in the environment. The management, clean-up and long-term monitoring of legacy wastes at Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DOD), and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)-regulated facilities continues to be of concern as long as nuclear operations continue. Research conducted through radioecology programs provides the credible scientific data needed for decision-making purposes. The current status of radioecology programs in the United States are: fragmented with little coordination to identify national strategies and direct programs; suffering from a steadily decreasing funding base; soon to be hampered by closure of key infrastructure; hampered by aging and retiring workforce (loss of technical expertise); and in need of training of young scientists to ensure continuation of the science (no formal graduate education program in radioecology remaining in the U.S.). With these concerns in mind, the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) took the lead to establish the National Center for Radioecology (NCoRE) as a network of excellence of the remaining radioecology expertise in the United States. As part of the NCoRE mission, scientists at SRNL are working with six key partner universities to re-establish a graduate education training program for radioecology. Recently, NCoRE hosted a workshop to identify the immediate needs for science-driven discoveries, tool development and the generation of scientific data to support the legislative decision-making process for remediation strategies, long-term monitoring of radiologicallycontaminated sites and protection of human health and the environment. Some of the immediate strategic research needs were identified in the fields of functional genomics for determining lowdose effects, improved low-level dosimetry, and mixed (radiological and chemical) contaminant studies. Longer term strategic research and tool development areas included development of radioecology case study sites, comprehensive decision-making tools, consequence response actions, and optimized scenario based ecosystem modeling. A summary of the NCoRE workshop findings related to waste management needs and priority areas will be presented in this


There is outstanding contradiction between ecological environment construction and economic development in the North of Shaanxi Province, and the contradiction has endangered regional sustained development. How to eliminate the contradiction is a difficult problem for Northern Shaanxi Province. Guided by the theory of Interaction, the paper makes commentary analyze on Wuqi Pattern, and makes countermeasure on interaction between ecological environment construction and economic development in Northern Shaanxi Province.


The bowel is a tightly regulated and controlled system that can easily be disrupted by changes in the intestinal microbiome, neurotransmitters, motility or ion balance. Despite numerous proposed pathophysiological mechanisms, much remains unknown regarding irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In particular, there is a scarcity of research describing IBS secondary to peripheral nerve dysfunction outside of diabetic populations. Recent research surrounding the mesentery has redefined our understanding of the bowel microenvironment. The function of the mesentery in bowel pathology is a novel area of interest and has potential as a pharmacological target. Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter in the interaction between mesentery and bowel, with serotonergic neurons comprising 2% of the mesenteric neurons. This relationship makes serotonin a potential target to regulate bowel functioning among IBS patients. This article outlines a case of treatment-resistant IBS that was effectively managed by targeting an underlying peripheral neuropathy. This case highlights the link between peripheral nerve dysfunction and IBS. It also outlines a potential avenue of therapeutic management for those with refractory symptoms.


An important goal of inductive learning is to generate accurate and compact classifiers from data. In a typical inductive learning scenario, instances in a data set are simply represented as ordered tuples of attribute values. In our research, we explore three methodologies to improve the accuracy and compactness of the classifiers: abstraction, aggregation, and recursion. First, abstraction is aimed at the design and analysis of algorithms that generate and deal with taxonomies for the construction of compact and robust classifiers. In many applications of the data-driven knowledge discovery process, taxonomies have been shown to be useful in constructing compact, robust, and comprehensible classifiers. However, in many application domains, human-designed taxonomies are unavailable. We introduce algorithms for automated construction of taxonomies inductively from both structured (such as UCI Repository) and unstructured (such as text and biological sequences) data. We introduce AVT-Learner, an algorithm for automated construction of attribute value taxonomies (AVT) from data, and Word Taxonomy Learner (WTL), an algorithm for automated construction of word taxonomy from text and sequence data. We describe experiments on the UCI data sets and compare the performance of AVT-NBL (an AVT-guided Naive Bayes Learner) with that of the standard Naive Bayes Learner (NBL). Our results show that the AVTs generated by AVT-Learner are competitive with human-generated AVTs (in cases where such AVTs are available). AVT-NBL using AVTs generated by AVT-Learner achieves classification accuracies that are comparable to or higher than those obtained by NBL; and the resulting classifiers are significantly more compact than those generated by NBL. Similarly, our Abstract Spatial data infrastructures will greatly benefit from the ability to compose geographic information (GI) services to solve complex problems. Discovering suitable services for data access and geoprocessing is a major challenge in this endeavour. Current (keyword-based) approaches to service discovery are inherently restricted by the ambiguities of the natural language, which can lead to low precision and/or recall. To alleviate these problems, we propose two ontology-based approaches for enhanced discovery of GI services. The approach for ontology-based discovery of data access services is based on semantic matchmaking between Description Logic (DL) concepts representing geographic feature types and the requester's query. DL subsumption reasoning is used to find matches between queries and service descriptions. The approach for ontology-based discovery of geoprocessing services rests on two ideas. Ontologies describing geospatial operations are used to create descriptions of user requirements and service capabilities. Matches between these descriptions are identified based on function subtyping. In both approaches, service descriptions are based on a shared vocabulary that contains the basic terms of a domain and for which a shared understanding between the actors in the domain is assumed. We use a running example from the geospatial domain to analyze those problems that can occur in the existing keyword- and ontology-based approaches and how the discovery of GI services differs from other service discovery tasks. The example is also used for illustrating the prototypical implementation of the proposed approach. Abstract In this thesis, we are concerned with the design and investigation of dedicated programming languages for programming agents. We focus in particular on programming languages for rational agents, that is, flexibly behaving computing entities that are able to make 'good' decisions about what to do. An important line of research in this area is based on Bratman's so-called Belief Desire Intention (BDI) philosophy. The idea of BDI philosophy is that the behavior of rational agents can be predicted by ascribing beliefs, desires, and intentions to the agent, and by assuming that the agent will tend to act in pursuit of its desires, taking into account its beliefs about the world. The idea was then coined at the beginning of the 1990s that it might not only be possible to explain and describe rational agents in terms of the BDI notions, but that it might also be possible to program rational agents, using these notions as first class citizens in a programming language. The research that is done along these lines not only uses the notions of beliefs, desires, and intentions, but also related notions such as goals and plans. We refer to these notions as 'cognitive' notions, and to programming languages for agents based on these notions as cognitive agent programming languages . Our work proposes new constructs for representing these cognitive notions in a programming language and investigates existing constructs. We take a semantic approach, in that we define formal semantics for the proposed constructs and investigate the constructs by performing a semantic analysis. We investigate, in particular, ways for representing goals, and we study a construct called plan revision rule of the cognitive agent programming language, 3APL, which can be used for revising an agent's plan if the circumstances call for this. Abstract While the World Wide Web (WWW) contains a vast quantity of information, it is often difficult for web users to find the information they seek. Here, a passive Goal-Directed Complete-Web (GCW) recommender system, which recommends relevant pages from anywhere on the web to satisfy the user's current information need without any explicit additional input, has been developed. After identifying the search strategy that is employed by actual users while they browse the web, the model attempts to locate the pages that satisfy the user's information need based on the content of the pages the user has visited, and the actions the user has applied to these pages. To build such models, I develop a number of browsing features—browsing properties of the words, in the context of the current session—to capture the actions of To evaluate the predictive models, we have conducted two user studies, each involving over one hundred participants. Data from the user studies Abstract The success of the web can be partially attributed to the network effect: the web is realized by interlinked web pages contributed by independent actors. We expect the network effect will also play an important role in realizing the full potential of the next generation of web—the semantic web: instead of a single, centralized ontology, it is much more natural to have multiple, interlinked, and distributed ontologies. Such ontologies represent the contextual, local knowledge of the ontology designers. Ideally, ontology languages will support localized and contextualized semantics, partial and selective reuse of ontology modules, and collaborative construction of large ontologies. To address these issues, this dissertation develops a novel approach, namely Package-based Description Logics (P-DL). In particular, the following problems are identified and investigated: SHIQ ontologies. > The development of some prototype tools for collaborative development of large ontologies, including support for concurrent editing and partial editing of an ontology. Abstract The modelling and analysis of time-evolving phenomena constitute a significant topic in science and engineering. Dynamic Bayesian networks are powerful and flexible graphical models for representing and computing probability distribution over variables that relate to stochastic processes. For a set of variables capturing phenomena that evolve over time, such models specify a set of conditional independence assumptions that allow the joint distribution to be represented in a factored way. Efficient inference with such models, however, remains a crucial issue for their successful application in practice. The main contribution of this thesis lies in the methods for easing inference with dynamic networks by the exploitation of either the nature of the data or the parameters of the model. To provide for a realistic setting, the thesis first considers the extension of a static model for the management of patients in intensive care units suspected of suffering from ventilator-associated pneumonia, into a dynamic network. Using this dynamic network and the real-life data accompanying it as the main vehicle upon which all methods are constructed, this thesis demonstrates the effect of the model's parameters on its output probability distribution or on a decision for antibiotic treatment based upon this distribution. The precise form of mathematical functions describing these effects is established, while approximate methods for the efficient computing of these functions are also proposed. Next, the thesis presents flexible inference algorithms that are tailored to the application at hand and exploit either consecutive similar values from diagnostic tests or symptoms of several patients that are sequentially observed, or the specifications of the probabilities in the transition matrices and in the sensitivity and specificity rates of several diagnostic tests of the model. Finally, the thesis presents an algorithm for efficient inference in the case in which the observed data arrive at arbitrary points in time instead of with pre-defined transition intervals. As a result, the distribution of the hidden variables is approximated at such time by interpolating between the boundaries of the pre-defined intervals while using the algorithm for further computations. Abstract This thesis focuses on two fundamental machine learning problems: unsupervised learning, where no label information is available, and semi-supervised learning, where a small number of labels is given in addition to unlabeled data. These problems arise in many real-world applications where a large amount of data is available, but no or only a small amount of labeled data exists. Obta


An improved algorithm for the self-referenced retrieval of an optical frequency comb's spectral magnitude and phase from a dual-comb interferogram is presented. The interferogram's fourier spectrum is repetitively sparsely sampled to increase retrieval accuracy.


The European and worldwide trend for sheep breeding and selection is mainly directed towards increasing the meat production and quality. Many studies conducted with the purpose to improve the quality and production of sheep meat evaluated the influence of various parameters: age (starting with the weaning age, when the lamb reaches a live weight of about 20–25 kg), breed, weight, sex, carcass traits and meat production type. For instance, AbdelMoneim (2009) compared three intensively reared Egyptian breeds (Ossimi, Barki and Rahmani) and noticed that the live weight (26.1, 25.8, 24.3 kg, ABSTRACT. In the present study non-linear multiple regression equations and carcass ultrasound measurements were used to estimate the amount of meat in carcass and commercial cuts in local breed Teleorman Black Head (TBH). The measurements were conducted on 79 TBH lambs aged 2.5 months, in two points (P1 – located 5 cm from the spine, in line with the 12th rib; P2 – located between 3rd and 4th lumbar) of longisimus dorsi muscle to obtain the following parameters: subcutaneous fat layer thickness (2.21; 2.03 mm), muscle depth (20.81; 19.54 mm), muscle eye area (8.93; 8.71 cm2) and muscle perimeter (121.97; 121.57 mm). The non-linear multiple regression equations based on all four ultrasound parameters measured in P1 gave the most precise estimations for carcass meat and commercial cuts: leg and loin (0.994), shoulder (0.963) and rack (0.938). The best estimations of the carcass meat amount and half carcass meat amount using three ultrasound parameters (depth, eye area and perimeter of muscle) were obtained in P1, with a precision of 0.818 and 0.803, respectively. Non-linear multiple regression equations using only one ultrasound parameter (muscle eye area) measured in P2 gave the most precise estimations for: carcass meat (0.916), half carcass meat (0.880) and commercial cuts such as loin (0.976), rack (0.950) and shoulder (0.911). The non-linear multiple regression equations developed by using ultrasounds parameters showed very high precision coefficients, which suggests that only ultrasound measurements and proposed equations might be used to estimate the meat production and to improve the evaluation of sheep selected for meat production. Received: 18 May 2015 Revised: 10 August 2016 Accepted: 10 December 2016


A computer animated movie was produced, illustrating both 2D and 3D Hilbert curves, and showing the transition from 2D to 3D with the help of volume rendering.


A large-volume single-pass flow-through cell for in situ neutron diffraction investigation of hydrothermal crystallization processes is reported. The cell is much more versatile than previous designs owing to the ability to control independently and precisely temperature (up to 673 K), pressure (up to 46 MPa), flow rate (0.01-10 ml min-1) and reaction-fluid volume ([greater-than or equal to]65 ml). Such versatility is realized by an innovative design consisting of a room-temperature and ambient-pressure external fluid supply module, a high-pressure reaction module which includes a high-temperature sample compartment enclosed in a vacuum furnace, and a room-temperature and high-pressure backpressure regulation module for pressure control. The cell provides a new avenue for studying various parameters of hydrothermal crystallizations independently, in situ and in real time at extreme hydrothermal conditions (e.g. supercritical). The cell was successfully commissioned on the high-intensity powder diffractometer beamline, Wombat, at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation by investigating the effect of pressure on the hydrothermal pseudomorphic conversion from SrSO4 (celestine) to SrCO3 (strontianite) at a constant temperature of 473 K and flow rate of 5 ml min-1. The results show that the increase of pressure exerts a nonlinear effect on the conversion rate, which first increases with increasing pressure from 14 to 20 MPa, and then decreases when pressure further increases to 24 MPa.


Clinical Research SIR,-The reading of the recent excellent series of articles in the Journal on medical research and of Dr. Walshe's letter (Sept. 18, p. 572) has stimulated me to some observations on clinical research, which term seems in need of definition. Clinical medicine is the investigation and treatment of people who are ill with the object of making them well. Clinical research is the endeavour to advance knowledge while practising clinical medicine. In an ideal world clinical medicine would be reduced to small dimensions through p'reventive medicine, but it is obvious, with such a large proportion of disease at present unpreventable, that the main endeavour of medical research must until this situation changes be at the disease level. Various fallacies exist about clinical research. An extreme example, now fortunately rare, is the denial that it exists at all, usually coupled with the assertion that the sole task of the clinician is to exploit the discoveries of the laboratory. Clinicians from all fields of medicine would find it easy to draw up lists, comparable with that given by Dr. Walshe for neurology, which would disprove this fallacy and its endeavour to reduce clinicians to the level of medical helots. A less extreme but more subtle example of the same fallacy is often provided when clinicians retire from the ward to the laboratory for their research. Almost all will agree that a training in laboratory research is an invaluable preparation for clinical research, that most forms of clinical research need, or benefit by, the added precision and definition of laboratory investigations, and that many clinical problems can with profit be transferred to the laboratory. But a clinician Who transfers both himself and the problem to the laboratory is not carrying out clinical research but laboratory research. Another fallacy is to regard physiological research on patients as clinical research, whereas it is really the using of a conveniently situated group of individuals for physiological studies, just as in the same way medical students or nurses are often used. Modern clinical medicine (and perhaps surgery in particular) is a highly developed branch of experimental biology and affords full opportunities for the exploitation of the most fruitful scientific techniques-the experimental method and the accumulation of verifiable quantitative data. But the research worker fresh from the laboratory may find himself in difficq1ties in the application Qf these, techniques to clinical medicine. The experimental method has often to be modified to fit therapeutic necessities. It is rare for it to be feasible to treat alternate cases and, even when it is, mankind and his diseases are so individualistic that the two groups so formed may not be fully comparable; and the clinical research worker must often seek truth in small numbers. Research requires careful planning and staff work, a sound plan being equivalent to the initiative of military parlance. But, if one may continue the military metaphor, over such a large area of medicine is the initiative still with the enemy that the intelligence branch of staff work still has enormous importance, with its endeavour to build up a reliable picture of the enemy's design from scraps of incomplete information. And purely observational methods, particularly with the constantly advancing modern methods of observation, still have a big part to play in clinical research. In conclusion, may I be allowed to congratulate the British Medical Journal that in its educational number medical research has been given such an important place.-I am, etc.,


The amount of rutile phase in chromium-doped titania photocatalyst was controlled by varying stirring time (0.5–2.0 h) at room temperature during a sol–gel synthesis process. The percentage of rutile phase increased from 15.1 % to 28.6 % when stirring time was prolonged from 0.5 to 1.5 h. Further increases in the stirring time had negligible effect on the rutile phase amount. As evidenced by analyses using diffuse reflectance ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, a sufficient stirring time was important for more substitution of Cr3+ for Ti4+ in the lattice, resulting in anatase-to-rutile phase transformation. The formation of more rutile phase in Cr-doped TiO2 not only reduced the band gap energy, but also induced surface defects that retarded electron–hole recombination. It has been demonstrated that the Cr-doped TiO2 prepared with a stirring time of 1.5 h possessed the lowest band gap energy of 1.89 eV, and hence it achieved the highest photodegradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation.


This is to provide a borehole (1) by means of a drill string comprising a succession of rod members (7d) to be disposed end to end. For this purpose, there is provided a shaft (2) vertically in the ground, of constant horizontal section and preferably insufficient for a man to work towards its bottom, is moved horizontally there the drill string from an opening in a front wall of the well and the items are selected (7d) of the drill string so that they have an axial length less than the distance separating said opening in the front wall of the well, the rear facing wall.


This research aims to investigate the types of strategic self-regulation (S2R) among multilingual learners in polyglot Indonesia Community. There are eight respondents from Polyglot Indonesia Community who have multilingual competency are interviewed to gain the data of the study. This study employed qualitative approach using case study analysis. The result showed us that the respondents of this research, the polyglot, mostly employed all strategies, consist of cognitive metacognitive strategies, affective meta-affective strategies, sociocultural interaction and meta-SI strategies. But some of the respondents do not use some specific strategies, especially affective strategies and meta-affective strategies. Based on the conclusions above, it can be inferred that the use strategic self-regulation (S2R) among multilingual learners in polyglot Indonesia Community are still highly use, even though some strategies were not employed


In May the National Portrait Gallery launched Be Still to create a unique collective portrait of the UK during lockdown. The public was invited to submit photographs taken …


Abstract A continuous collaborative design process is explored within an educational–industry partnership involving critique, redesign and refinement, in which unsold products were upcycled and reconsidered for their appropriateness to brand esthetics and consumer use. Such collaborative partnerships help to prevent the wasteful disposal of unsold products. Students who experience the collaborative and iterative process early in their education may learn to accommodate a more sustainable set of constraints within their designs. The focus of study was a process that outlined the basic steps to involve students in a meaningful partnership for product redevelopment.


As existing open-air or fully enclosed stadia are reaching their life expectancies, cities are choosing to replace them with structures with moving roofs. This kind of facility provides protection from weather for spectators, a natural grass playing surface for players, and new sources of revenue for owners. The first retractable-roof stadium in North America, the Rogers Centre, has hosted numerous successful events but cost the city of Toronto over CA$500 million. Today, there are five retractable-roof stadia in use in America. Each has very different structural features designed to accommodate the conditions under which they are placed, and their individual costs reflect the sophistication of these features. These stadia also share some noticeable characteristics, particularly in their retractable mechanisms. There are currently five more projects for retractable-roof stadia in planning or construction in this country. These new structures will utilize design features from their predecessors, but the prices of these new projects are growing disproportionately to their technology and costing as much as $800 million. Beyond its multipurpose capabilities, a retractable-roof stadium carries an image of technological sophistication and distinction to it home city and thereby sells itself. This thesis attempts to identify the important design features of existing retractable-roof stadia that are or will likely be repeated in new ones. Recommendations for the future of this building type will be made in terms of possible improvements to design and of potential future markets for construction. A financial study will also be made to observe the funding processes for these structures and the escalating trend in total cost. Thesis Supervisor: Jerome J. Connor Title: Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering


Abstract A brief introduction to the geography of the United States is followed by a discussion of some of the population and economic trends and their possible impact on transportation. Each of the major modes of transportation—railroads, water carriers, motor carriers, airlines—is covered briefly in a discussion of current problems and trends. A special section covers urban public transportation. The regulation of transportation in the U.S. by independent commissions is discussed along with a commentary on the recent trend towards deregulation. The difficulty of formulating a national transportation policy in a nation where private ownership of transportation is the principal form provides a background to a discussion of the problems associated with the high cost and potential shortage of petroleum‐based sources of energy.


Recent efforts to use solar energy are shown to be insufficient for large scale projects, due to the use of inefficient converter cells, low insolation values, and heat losses Optimized schemes allow for a rather limited size of the structure. Values are given which show that decisive energy can be gained in desert areas and that the use of hydrogen allows for a valuable chemical conversion to useful hydrocarbons in connection with CO2 sequestration. Key Words: Energy via solar hydrogen; High efficiency conversion to electricity via concentration and the use of Ill- V-hard solar cells with spectral separation; Use of solar hydrogen and concentration heat to convert carbon dioxide to useful hydrocarbons; Sufficient solar energy to make the US independent from oil. All organic life depends on the intake of energy in the form of organic material and its conversion to basic compounds, for structural support and the production of heat via oxidation. The gas C02 is the endproduct, as it is for all burning of carbon, wood, gas, biomass or in other, heat-producing energy generators. Human existence and the growth of industrial societies in particular depend on the availability of the basic materials for this process. All coal, gas and oil residues in the earth have been formed from organic materials which had been submerged and cut off from oxygen, aeons ago during the movements of the continents and occasional meteroric impacts, earthquakes and volcanic events. The development of industrial societies became possible only due to the utilization of the accumulated, organic material under the surface, where carbohydrides had been conserved with no contact to the atmosphere. The sun was and is the basic energy source for all these materials and for all present organic life. Life is an entropie process in which energy-rich materials are degraded to basic carbon compounds of a lower energy content. All agricultural activity depends not only on suitable land and ground in the sun, but also to a high degree on supplied energy in the form of fertilizer, water, transport, irrigation, machinery, ground tilting, processing, treatment etc. The energy needed for advanced and productive agronomy has increased constantly since the beginning of the industrial age and the exponential growth of humanity has caused the ratio of energy contained in the agrobusiness output versus the energy input to fall below one! It is indeed a problem to find more usable earth for further agriculture of the growing mass of people in the Third World. The process of conversion of valuable energy to a dissipative carbon-oxide compound, is called "entropie." The energy gained from such a process cannot be regained back without a new energy input. The sun, directly or through wind, ocean waves or geo-thermy and hydroelectricity, remains a source of energy when palaeocaibon materials such as coal, oil, natural gas etc. are exhausted.1 Fortunately, there are remnants from earlier times of the formation of the planet, available in the form of radioactive materials. As nuclear energy yields a million times higher energy per unit mass than the burning process, this type of energy source will help mankind overcome some of the difficulties while renewable sources of energy are being developed.2, 3 Unfortunately the atom bomb and nuclear accidents Czernobyl and Three-Mile-Island have made it difficult to persuade sections of the public to accept the use of atomic energy aside from the usual normalized light-water reactor in hightemperature reactors and breeder reactors (LMFBR = Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor)3 with a 60 times higher yield. Only French and Japanese industries have so far been able to build this line of generators. German researchers who had developed an especially high-temperature reactor4 had to abandon their work in Germany and were forced to continue this work outside of Germany. The reluctance to pursue the Fast Breeder Reactor type in the USA, is also due to the unsolved problem of the disposal of the nuclear waste material. …


A new recycling mode to culture green alga Chlorella vulgaris was designed to solve the difficulties in harvesting and recycling of the supernatant.The concrete procedures included the alga culture with air-lift reactor,flocculate by addition of chitosan,collection of the supernatant through filtration,addition of nutrients into supernatant,and putting supernatant into air-lift reactor to culture further.The result showed that there were slightly higher growth rate and harvest levels of the algae in the next four cycles compared to the first cycle of the alga culture.The flocculation of chitosan was found to be effective,without inhibition.The supernatant supplemented with quantitative nutrients,nutrients representative NO-3-N,PO3-4-P content were accumulated in the absence of inhibition within each cycle.In conclusion,the effect of chitosan flocculation and the recycling supernatant harvested for the alga culture is quite acceptable.


Activists use emotional language and images – what Greenpeace co-founder Bob Hunter coined 'mindbombs' – to convince people that some actions are wrong, morally and environmentally. For instance, for over 50 years anti-sealing activists have employed mindbombs to transform seal pups into babies and seal hunters into barbarians. Although 'image politics' contributed to the decline of the Canadian sealing industry in the 1980s, its effectiveness has been – and continues to be – rocky, particularly as pro-sealing voices counter with competing claims of cultural rights, traditional livelihoods and sustainable use. Drawing on Tilly and Tarrow's 'cycles of contention' framework, this article argues that controlling and predicting the global uptake of messaging is becoming harder as activists operate in an increasingly crowded discursive landscape, as campaigners and counter-campaigners articulate scientific and moral frames that resonate differently across changing social and cultural contexts, and in light of globalising markets, transnational networks and changing media.


This thesis introduces Hou's Pragmatic Markedness Equivalence Principle(PMEP)and Numerical Equivalence Value(NEV)and cites some examples to illustrate the operation of PMEP.It comes to the conclusion that PMEP is practical in quantifying parameters in the translation process.


Stochastic modelling has become a scientific catchword in many branches of science and in particular in quality theory. However, there are many misunderstandings concerning the term, and in many cases it is used wrongly. Therefore, this paper aims at introducing stochastic models, their nature and their significance. On any level of society decisions have to be made about actions aiming at controlling future developments. In particular this is true in the realm of quality control and quality assurance. The foundation for a good decision is necessarily a reliable prediction and, therefore, the development of appropriate prediction procedures constitutes the major task in quality control. Any reliable prediction procedure is necessarily based on a stochastic model implying that the development of stochastic models is of fundamental importance not only for the control of quality.


The reluctance on the part of the Australian government to adopt positive nuclear policy is deemed by the author to be imprudent. The Australian perspective of nuclear power, public opinion, the world uranium market, the economic advantages of preparing to be competitive in the market, and Australian uranium resources are topic discussed in the paper.


It is proposed probabilistic logic ratio Troubleshooting cars and theoretical substantiation of a logical component. Defined probability of occurrence of events in the operation of the car depending on the number of inspections required for the location of the parameters characterizing the failure of the system.


A new phase analysis method using mean intensity values on electronic speckle pattern interferometry is proposed for measuring dynamic phenomena with variations of the mean intensity and the modulation amplitude values. In this method, phase differences are calculated by least-squares in kernels using interfered intensity values and mean intensity values of laser speckle pattern images on series deformation states. The interfered images and the mean intensity images are captured simultaneously for each state. For the phase difference calculation, initial phase values are required only for first step. The initial phases are obtained by another phase analysis method. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated using simulation images. As a result, it is verified that the high accuracy phase analysis is possible under the situation with variations of the mean intensity and the modulation amplitude values. Additionally, an interferometer that two images, the interfered speckle image and the mean intensity image, are captured on a single image on a single camera is constructed for measuring displacement distribution. Experiments are then performed for validating availability of the proposed method.


The dynamics of aerosol droplets in a quadruple Bessel beam (QBB) trap and a counter-propagating Bessel beam (CPBB) trap are compared by combining experimental results with simulations of the three-dimensional droplet dynamics. The major focus is on the influence of additional constant and pulsed external forces on the droplet stability and confinement in the two different types of traps. The constant force corresponds to a constant gas flow around the trapped droplet. The pulsed external force is provided by a nanosecond laser. Two types of droplets are studied: Aqueous NaCl droplets which do not absorb at the wavelength of the nanosecond laser and DOP particles which strongly absorb at the wavelength of the nanosecond laser.


Respiratory Factors in Clinical Psychophysiology and Biofeedback Respiration is a complex physiological system affecting a variety of physical processes that can act as a critical link between mind and body. In this paper, we discuss the physiology and psychophysiology of breathing and its relevance for understanding several clinical syndromes that are not directly associated with respiratory disturbance. We present findings from three areas – panic disorder, functional cardiac disorder, and chronic pain – supporting respiratory factors as either markers, mediators, or etiological mechanisms for a number of physical symptoms. Recent technological advances allowing the ambulatory measurement of end-tidal partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2), and respiratory patterns have opened up new avenues for investigation and treatment of these disorders. Recent evidence from our laboratories indicates that subtle but consistent breathing abnormalities are present in panic patients as opposed to other anxiety disorders or normal control groups. Contrary to previous models that emphasized outright hyperventilation as a key factor in anxiety disorders, this research focuses on respiratory instability and breathing behaviors such as sighs as signs of dysfunctional regulation of breathing. Finally, we discuss some treatment approaches based on the proposed mediational model that can be effective in the disorders mentioned above.


Incident stroke, both primary and recurrent are common in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) in Jamaica with incidences of 7.8% by 14 years of age and 29/100 person-years respectively. Cerebral vasculopathy manifested by elevated transcranial doppler (TCD) velocity (>170 cm/sec) is the major risk factor for both with a prevalence of 19.8% among Jamaican children with SCA. Chronic blood transfusion is the standard of care to reduce stroke risk and recurrence in children with SCA in high income countries, but in low-resource settings where blood availability, safety and local acceptance are limited, hydroxyurea (HU) is emerging as a viable alternative. However, the efficacy of HU for incident stroke prevention in children with newly diagnosed severe cerebrovascular disease without the use of transfusions in a low resource setting like Jamaica is unclear. The EXpanding Treatment for Existing Neurological Disease (EXTEND) trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02556099) was designed to investigate the effects of open label HU on TCD velocities after 18 months of treatment, compared to the pre-treatment value. Secondary aims included the effects of HU on the incidence of neurological events including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) changes, non-neurological events, hematological responses and toxicity.
 We enrolled 43 children with SCA, 2 to 17 years of age , between Nov 2014 and April 2016, stratified into 3 groups: Low Risk Group (LRG) - On Hydroxyurea with TCD ≥170 cm/sec, N=12; Medium Risk Group (MRG) - HU naive with TCD ≥170 cm/sec, N=21; and High Risk Group (HRG) - Previous Stroke, N=10. All children received HU initially at 20 mg/kg/day followed by two monthly dose escalation using weight and pre-defined laboratory criteria to maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and thereafter 3 monthly visits. The average HU dose at MTD (mean±1SD) was 25.3±0.4 mg/kg. TCD was performed every 6 months according to the Stroke Prevention in Sickle Cell Anemia (STOP) protocol.
 The average age at enrollment was 7.7±2.6 years, with MRG significantly younger than HRG (6.7±2.0 years vs 9.2±3.7 years; p<0.012). At baseline, there were no significant differences in gender or previous history of vaso-occlusive painful events, dactylitis, Acute Chest Syndrome, Acute Splenic Sequestration, transfusion history, or frequency of hospitalization among the groups. As expected, the LRG cohort on HU had a higher baseline hemoglobin concentration (Hb=9.1±1.3 g/dl) than MRG (7.8±0.8 g/dl) and HRG (7.4±0.9 g/dl), p<0.003) but there were no significant differences in % fetal hemoglobin (%HbF, cohort average = 13.5±6.8%) or white blood cell count (WBC, cohort average = 11.9±3.7 x 109/L). Mean TCD velocity was lowest in LRG and highest in HRG (Fig 1). The primary study endpoint was change in TCD velocity after 18 months of HU treatment, and across all groups TCD velocities decreased by an average of 24±30 cm/sec, with no differences by group (Fig 1). The entire cohort was observed for 697.2 person-months on protocol HU therapy with an incidence rate for new infarcts (IR) of 12/100 person-years. HRG had significantly higher (p<0.004) IR with 6 events in 5 participants (IR=43/100 person-years) compared with 1 new infarct in the LRG (IR=6/100 person-years) and, none in MRG (IR=0). All children with new infarcts during the study had abnormal baseline MRI and MRA, and some had previous stroke recurrence.
 Laboratory benefits of HU included clinically significant increases in Hb (2.0±0.9 g/dl) and (1.7±0.7 g/dl) in MRG and HRG as well as increases in %HbF, (17.8±10.7 ) in MRG and (14.4±14) in HRG plus significant decreases in WBC (6.5±3.7 x 109/L) and (4.5±3.3 x 109/L) in MRG and HRG respectively. There were no significant changes in hematology for LRG. Overall, HU was well-tolerated with 0.53 recorded toxicities/year during 697.2 patient-months of treatment.
 Treatment with HU at MTD for 18 months in children at high risk for strokes was effective in lowering TCD velocities with laboratory benefits and was safe. However, while the overall incidence of new neurological events was low in children with elevated TCD velocities, children with previous stroke experienced higher rates of stroke recurrence on HU therapy. Thus, the incidence of neurological events in children with previous stroke may be related to severe vasculopathy that is challenging to manage using HU, transfusions, or newer disease-modifying therapies.

 Rankine-Mullings: Nova Laboratories Limited, Martin House, Gloucester Crescent, Wigston, Leicester, LE18 4YL: Other: I am Principal investigator for the performance site at the University of the West Indies for the protocol A prospective open label, pharmacokinetic study of an oral Hydroxyurea solution in children with sickle cell anemia . Knight-Madden:Global Blood Therapeutics: Research Funding; Global Blood Therapeutics: Other: Sponsor of a conference held by Sickle Cell Unit in 2017; Addmedica: Other: Sponsor of a conference held by Sickle Cell Unit in 2017; BlueBird Bio: Other: Sponsor of a conference held by Sickle Cell Unit in 2017; Nova Laboratories: Other: Sponsor of a conference held by Sickle Cell Unit in 2017; Abbot International: Other: Sponsor of a conference held by Sickle Cell Unit in 2017; Pfizer: Other: Advisory Board on SCD 2017; Abbott Nutrition: Other: Sponsor of a conference held by Sickle Cell Unit in 2017; Nova Laboratories: Advisory Board on SCD 2017, Research Funding. Adams:Bluebird: Consultancy; GBT: Consultancy, Other: consultancy to companies GBT and Blueburd Bio. Ware:CSL Behring: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Agios: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Myers Squibb: Other: Research Drug Donation; Addmedica: Other: Research Drug Donation; Global Blood Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Other: DSMB; Nova Laboratories: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.


EN1995 Eurocode 5: Design of timber structures poses two problems to the growing number of UK structural timber designers—the change from permissible stress to limit state and the introduction of new code material, such as symbols, terminology, material properties and calculation procedures. This papers introduces the new standard and concludes that while it offers solutions to a wider range of timber design problems than BS 5268 it is not fail-safe with regard to the use or non-use of modification factors. Furthermore, whereas BS 5268 is essentially a slide-rule code, Eurocode 5 requires programmed support so development of appropriate software is a priority.


Currently, when cultivating Humulus lupulus, there is no systematic farming reducing soil erosion in the Czech Republic. As a result, annual irreversible soil and organic matter losses due to intensive rains occur on soils of hop gardens threatened by erosion. One of the possibilities how to reduce water erosion in hop gardens and thereby to decrease the amount of washed away organic matter is using the conservation effect of suitably selected catch crops in inter-rows. Two catch crops were selected to test: Phacelia tanacetifolia and a grass-legume mixture. Organic matter in soil is a key factor to maintain the stable soil environment and our results show that the amount of washed away organic matter was reduced by more than half compared to conventional farming (60% – naturally moist soil, 54.5% – soil already saturated). The research was conducted between the years 2016 and 2017 close to the village of Solopysky. Soil loss was investigated using a rainfall simulator from which the organic matter washing away was consequently determined. The rainfall simulator is a device enabling to measure not only the soil loss due to water erosion but also the volume of surface runoff, infiltration etc. From the outcomes of measurements carried out with rainfall simulator it is apparent that these technologies have a significant soil conservation potential in hop gardens.


Li Shan was born in an eminent family in the region of Jianghuai and began his artistic career from sketch.At the beginning he was affected by Changzhou School,then he learned the art of painting under the tutelage of Shi Tao.Although laying stress on learning from his own master and sticking to the established norm,he learned extensively from other schools and broke through traditions.He blazed new trails and changed his style of painting with the development of times,thus formed a special one of his own.His poems were humorous and expressive,his calligraphies full of power and grandeur,his seals simple and vigorous and his paintings close to nature.He combined all these means of art to express himself.And he established a new school and exerted a significant influence on the later generations.


The verification and resolution of formal analogies between strings focuses on the character sequences, disregarding the underlying semantics of the sequences. Our approach to these two tasks employs an algorithm based on edit distance. A previous version was limited in that it provided only a single solution for an analogy equation, even when multiple valid solutions existed. We enhance the algorithm to generate all possible solutions. The previous algorithm traversed edit distance matrices only once. Consequently, it could only yield one solution for an analogy puzzle, even in cases of multiple solutions were viable. In order to deliver all possible solutions for analogies, we introduce a recursive approach. By recursively exploring all traces in the edit distance matrices, our newer version is capable of generating and outputting all feasible solutions.


Electrically conducting poly[E-1,2-(4,4prime-dihexyl-2,2prime-dithienyl)ethylene] was synthesized and structurally characterized by UV-visible, 1H NMR, and FTIR spectroscopy. The head-to-head arrangement of the alkylthiophene dyads directly affects the UV-visible, photoluminescence, and electroluminescence maxima of the polymer. The conductivity of the doped polymer was measured to be ~2 S cm-1 and the stability of the oxidized polymer possessing various dopants was compared. UV-visible irradiation of PDHDTE rendered the films insoluble and photolithography was used to produce micron-size images. FTIR was used to monitor the photoproducts during photolysis of PDHDTE. Mechanisms of photooxidation were proposed, based on the photoproducts observed.Key words: polythiophene derivative, head-to-head dyad, photolithography, photooxidation, electroluminescence.


In order to reduce voltage error and stator current distortion caused by dead time in the model predictive control (MPC). Based on the permanent magnet synchronous motor driver and model predictive current control (MPCC), an novel control algorithm is proposed to correct the negative influence caused by dead time to improve its steady-state performance of model predictive control. The correctness of the proposed algorithm is verified by simulation.


The article presents the theoretical aspect of the problem of professional self-determination of high school students. The essence of the concepts of the presented problems is revealed. Professional self-determination of high school students is presented as a purposeful process that requires the development of effective conditions for its implementation. A procedural model of professional self-determination of high school students is proposed for consideration as one of the reasons for personal growth, which includes cognitive-reflexive, value-semantic and behavioral-modeling components. The stages of realization of purposeful professional self-determination of senior pupils as a reason for personal growth are presented: theoretical and analytical, ascertaining, formative and developmental. A number of methods are presented that create the basis for the purposeful process of professional self-determination, namely: the method of self-knowledge, the method of identifying and activating the values of personal growth, the method of designing the professional "I"; the presented model activates and directs the process of professional self-determination of high school students. It is concluded that a high level of development of the cognitive-reflexive component presupposes the involvement of high school students in active self-knowledge, the result of which is a thorough knowledge of their own individual-typological characteristics, an understanding of the strengths and ways of their successful use, a constant interest in the topic of choosing a profession. The high level of development of the value-semantic component testifies to the formation of high school students' values of labor and values of growth, the presence of a stable desire for self-improvement. A high level of the behavioral modeling component presupposes that high school students are aware of their responsibility for choosing a future profession, the ability to make informed decisions, and a willingness to model the professional "I".


The power and utility of system dynamics is best achieved by going beyond a model to implications and generalizations that can be drawn from the process of modeling. System dynamics papers too often stop with the description of a model. But models should become part of a more persuasive communications process that interacts with people's mental models, creates new insights, and unifies knowledge. In doing so, modeling uses the full range of available information-the mental data base and the written data base, as well as the numerical data base. The last century has been devoted to exploring the frontier of physical science. The next century will be the time for exploring the dynamic nature of social systems and using the resulting knowledge for improving institutions and economies.


We report on a novel fabrication process and preliminary characterization of a nanomechanical resonating device, which is to be used for mass detection. The fabrication of the device is based on laser lithography on Al coated SiO2/p++Si/SiO2/Si structures, followed by dry and wet etching. We have fabricated highly doped polysilicon free-hanging cantilevers and anchored drivers for lateral cantilever vibration, where the motion of the cantilever is parallel to the substrate. The cantilevers are actuated electrically by applying an ac voltage between the cantilever and driver. The laterally vibrating cantilever structures are approximately 30–50 μm in length, 1.8 μm in height, and 500 nm in width. The characterization of the resonators was performed by direct observation of the cantilever through an optical microscope. An electrical measuring technique is also presented and discussed. Typical values of resonant frequency and quality factor, at 1 atm, are approximately 500 kHz and 50, respectively. Moreover,...


Options are a major component of corporate compensation and accounting methods significantly affect allocations, yet valuation remains a challenge. We develop the first empirical model of employee exercise suitable for valuation, and estimate the exercise rate as a function of stock price and employee characteristics in the first sample of all employee exercises at over 100 firms. These characteristics significantly affect exercise behavior and cost, in ways that Black-Scholes-based approximations used in practice fail to capture. For example, exercises are slower, and option cost greater, at firms with higher market correlation; top-decile option holders within a firm exercise faster than lower-decile holders; and men exercise faster than women, resulting in 2–3% lower cost. JEL classification: G14. Employee stock options (ESOs) are a major component of corporate compensation and a material cost to firms. Frydman and Jenter (2010) find that options represented 25% of CEO pay in 2008, and the 2010 General Social Survey of the National Opinion Research Center found that 9.3 million employees hold options. As a fraction of outstanding shares of common stock, the median number of shares underlying outstanding options at S&P 1500 firms was 4.4% in 2010, with almost 1% of outstanding shares allocated to new option grants annually, according to Equilar (2011). At the same time, accounting valuation methods for ESOs significantly affect corporate decisions about compensation structure and allocation, and thus affect both employee incentives and firm cost. For example, the 2005 change in accounting valuation precipitated a decline in the granting of options from previous levels and an increase in the allocation to top managers. Valuation methods for employee stock options are therefore an important issue for investors. ESO valuation remains a challenge in practice. The value of these long-maturity American options depends crucially on how employees exercise them, but because employees face hedging constraints, standard option exercise theory does not apply. For example, employees systematically exercise options on non-dividend-paying stocks well before expiration (see, for example, Huddart and Lang, 1996; Bettis et al., 2005), and this substantially reduces their cost to firms. Modifications to Black Scholes used for valuation in practice are inadequate because they ignore key features of employee exercise patterns. At the same time, existing empirical descriptions of option exercise behavior based on OLS or hazard rate models, such as Heath et al. (1999), Armstrong et al. (2007), and Klein and Maug (2011), are not appropriate as an input for option valuation, as we shall show. In this paper we develop the first empirical model of employee option exercise suitable for valuation and apply it in a sample of all employee exercises at over 100 publicly traded firms from 1981 to 2009 to show empirically how employee exercise patterns affect option cost to firms. We develop a GMM-based methodology that is robust to both heteroskedasticity and correlation across option exercises to estimate the rate of voluntary exercise as a function of the stock price path and of firm, contract, and option-holder characteristics. We show that these characteristics significantly affect exercise behavior, in a manner consistent with both portfolio theory and results from the behavioral literature, such as those in Barber and Odean (2001). We use the estimated exercise function to value options and show that these characteristics also materially affect option value. For example, men exercise options significantly faster than women, resulting in 2–3% lower option value, and exercise rates are Equilar (2011) reports that the median number of shares underlying outstanding options at S&P 1500 firms fell from 6.1% in 2006 and to 4.4% in 2010, while the fraction of options allocated to CEOs and named executives rose from 21% to 26%.


Background This study compared changes in measured versus predicted peak aerobic power (V̇O2peak) following cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR). Peak cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) results were compared to four V̇O2peak estimation methods: the submaximal modified Bruce treadmill, Astrand-Ryhming cycle ergometer, and Chester step tests, and the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI). Methods Adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD) who completed a 12-week CR program were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks follow-up. CPET, the DASI and three subsequent submaximal exercise tests were performed in a random order. Results Of the 50 adults (age: 57 ± 11 years) who participated, 46 completed the 12-week CR program and exercise tests. At baseline 69, 68, and 38% of the treadmill, step and cycle tests were successfully completed, respectively. At follow-up 67, 80, and 46% of the treadmill, step and cycle tests were successfully completed, respectively. No severe adverse events occurred. Significant improvements in V̇O2peak were observed with CPET (3.6 ± 5.5 mL.kg–1.min–1, p < 0.001) and the DASI (2.3 ± 4.2 mL.kg–1.min–1, p < 0.001). Bland-Altman plots of the change in V̇O2peak between CPET and the four V̇O2peak estimation methods revealed the following: a proportional bias and heteroscedastic 95% limits of agreement (95% LoA) for the treadmill test, and for the cycle and step tests and DASI, mean bias' and 95% LoA of 1.0 mL.kg–1.min–1 (21.3, −19.3), 1.4 mL.kg–1.min–1 (15.0, −12.3) and 1.0 mL.kg–1.min–1 (13.8, −11.8), respectively. Conclusion Given the greater number of successful tests, no serious adverse events and acceptable mean bias, the step test appears to be a valid and safe method for assessing group-level mean changes in V̇O2peak among patients in CR. The DASI also appears to be a valid and practical questionnaire. Wide limits of agreement, however, limit their use to predict individual-level changes.


A novel pulse sensor based on ultrawideband (UWB) radar to detect the arterial vessel movements on various sites on human body without applying external pressure on the arterial vessel was designed and evaluated for aortic stiffness measurement. The UWB pulse sensor was evaluated for its functional performance and human study was carried out to validate the UWB sensor as a tool for clinical screening of subjects with cardiovascular risks. Good agreement in measurement of pulse wave velocity, an index of arterial distensibility, was achieved between the UWB pulse sensor and the applanation tonometer.


The purpose of this study is to evaluate the protective effect of Lemon balm (Mellisa officinalis) extract on the cytotoxicity induced by cisplatin, pharmaceutic alopecia inducer. To achieve this, cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity was assessed by XTT assay after human skin fibroblasts (Detroit 551) were cultured in media containing various concentrations of cisplatin. And also, the effect of vitamin E was examined on the cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity. For the protective effect of Lemon balm extract on cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity, Detroit 551 cells were pretreated with 80 or 100 μg/mL of Lemon balm extract for 2 hours, and also, antioxidative effects of Lemon balm extract such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-radical scavenging activity and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were analysed. The results were as follows. Cisplatin showed a significant decrease of cell viability in dose dependently, and the XTT50 value was calculated at 25.7 μM. In the effect of vitamin E, it significantly increased cell viability which were decreased by the cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity. In the protective effect of Lemon balm extract on cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity, it significantly increased cell viability which was decreased by cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity, and also it showed the DPPH-radical scavenging activity and LDH inhibitory activity. Therefore, these results suggested that the cytotoxicity of cisplatin may be involved in oxidative stress, and also, Lemon balm extract effectively prevented the cytotoxicity induced by cisplatin via antioxidative effect. Conclusively, the natural extract like Lemon balm may be useful for the development as antioxidative agent via the prevention of the cytotoxicity induced by pharmaceutic alopesia inducer correlated with oxidative stress.


With the development of economic globalization, competition in the marketing focus on channels, though channel conflicts often take place. This paper discusses its causes directly and indirectly, and provides some constructive proposals and tactics in order to administer such as communication, stimulation, goal management, alliance and protect.


The phonologist, having analysed a corpus of phonetic data and proposed tentative phonological rules, must test these rules by generating novel utterances for acceptance or rejection by an informant. There are certain methodological problems in such testing which could be avoided by the use of speech synthesized by rule. Synthesis by rule is now a practical technique, and a synthesis-by-rule system at Haskins Laboratories has been used to formulate rules for General American English.


This paper introduces an improved steel jacketing method to retrofit reinforced concrete columns. To retrofit an existing column, relatively thin steel plates were welded to form a rectilinear jacket for shear strength enhancement, and then additional confinement elements (stiffeners) were welded to the potential plastic hinge regions to ensure a ductile behavior. A rational retrofit design procedure was proposed and evaluated through an experimental program. Five 1/3 scale model columns were tested under constant axial load of 0.3Afc and cyclic lateral force in a double curvature condition. Test results validated the efficiency of the partially stiffened rectilinear steel jacketing, which not only prevented brittle shear failure but also greatly improved the ductility of the column.