Linear QSPRs, containing 1 through 4 descriptors, are developed for predicting the normal boiling temperature, melting point temperature, and critical properties for the n-alkane, 1-alkene, n-alkylbenzene, 1-alcohol, and alkanoic monocarboxylic acid homologous series. It has been shown that property values for which experimental data are available can be predicted within experimental error level (with very few and very small exceptions), irrespective of whether interpolation or extrapolation is involved. Property values for which predicted literature data are available can be matched within the reported "reliability" level, even when extrapolation is carried out from very small training sets containing experimental data. Thus, the linear QSPRs developed represent well the nonlinear variation of the particular property with the carbon number, and increase the confidence in the values predicted when extrapolation is involved. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 54: 978–990, 2008


The European Union is finalising negotiations in respect of a constitution that will define its identity and future. The draft constitution begins with a quote from Thucydides 'Our constitution . . . is called a democracy because power is in the hands not of a minority but of the greatest number'. In this article I look at the proposed constitutional framework of the European Union from the perspective of the gradual realisation of measures in criminal law capable of affecting the lives of individuals. The central question is to what extent the Union is providing itself with the tools to achieve democratic exercise of the power to maintain order and to punish individuals within a single area of freedom, security, and justice. Within the draft constitution an ambiguity arises as regards the principles which underlie this part of the project: mutual recognition and approximation. Mutual recognition of national decisions maintains power within the borders of the state, approximation leads towards a consolidation of power. The extent to which the constitution pulls in two rather different directions and the consequences for the individual are examined here.


This article introduces the formulation of alcohol-free, lecithin microemulsion-based gels (MBGs) prepared with gelatin as gelling agent. The influence of oil, water, lecithin and hydrophilic and lipophilic additives (linkers) on the rheological properties and appearance of these gels was systematically explored using ternary phase diagrams. Clear MBGs were obtained in regions of single phase microemulsions (μEs) at room temperature. Increasing the water content in the formulation increased the elastic modulus of the gels, while increasing the oil content had the opposite effect. The hydrophilic additive (PEG-6-caprylic/capric glycerides) was shown to reduce the elastic modulus of gelatin gels, particularly at high temperatures. In contrast to anionic (AOT) μEs, the results suggest that in lecithin (nonionic) μEs, the introduction of gelatin "dehydrates" the μE. Finally, when the transdermal transport of lidocaine formulated in the parent μE and the resulting MBG were compared, only a minor retardation in the loading and release of lidocaine was observed.


Since 1928, 60 cases of spontaneous gastric rupture have been described. One third of these cases were seen after vomiting, and two thirds were associated with gastric dilatation after a big meal, of which one third were combined with an intake of antacids. In five cases the patients were suffering from anorexia nervosa. Besides the above mentioned causes, gastric atrophy, "closed-loop" obstruction and postoperative atony are possible pathogenetic factors. Most often the ruptures are located to the lesser curvature. In the period before the rupture associated with dilatation takes place, the patient typically complains of abdominal pain and the abdomen is found asymmetrically distended. After rupture of the stomach the patient is found with very aggressive pain and in shock. The abdomen has become more symmetrically distended and most often free air within the abdominal cavity can be diagnosed on X-ray. The treatment consists of resection of the necrotic area of the stomach, and as the intensive care of the patients both before, during and after surgery has reached a very high priority and standard, the mortality has been reduced from 75% to 30%.


We profile the impact of computation and inter-processor communication on the energy consumption and on the scaling of cortical simulations approaching the real-time regime on distributed computing platforms. Also, the speed and energy consumption of processor architectures typical of standard HPC and embedded platforms are compared. We demonstrate the importance of the design of low-latency interconnect for speed and energy consumption. The cost of cortical simulations is quantified using the Joule per synaptic event metric on both architectures. Reaching efficient real-time on large scale cortical simulations is of increasing relevance for both future bio-inspired artificial intelligence applications and for understanding the cognitive functions of the brain, a scientific quest that will require to embed large scale simulations into highly complex virtual or real worlds. This work stands at the crossroads between the WaveScalES experiment in the Human Brain Project (HBP), which includes the objective of large scale thalamo-cortical simulations of brain states and their transitions, and the ExaNeSt and EuroExa projects, that investigate the design of an ARM-based, low-power High Performance Computing (HPC) architecture with a dedicated interconnect scalable to million of cores; simulation of deep sleep Slow Wave Activity (SWA) and Asynchronous aWake (AW) regimes expressed by thalamo-cortical models are among their benchmarks.


Purpose of review Climate change remains a major threat to the health and well-being of children globally. This article reviews the myriad health effects of climate change on children throughout their lives and discusses ways in which the general pediatrician can be an advocate for climate solutions. Recent findings Rising atmospheric temperatures, increased air pollution, and destabilized weather patterns all lead to adverse health outcomes for children and adverse obstetric outcomes. However, the impact of climate change is not evenly distributed. Children living in poverty are more likely to be adversely impacted by the changing climate. Summary Ongoing and emerging research suggests that children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The primary care pediatrician is encouraged to see this irrefutable evidence as a call to action for advocacy on behalf of our patients and the planet.


&NA; The overinterpretation of EEGs is a known problem that has not been reported specifically. The authors report a series of EEGs on patients who were diagnosed eventually with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures and who had an EEG read as epileptiform. Of the 15 actual records available for review, the overread patterns were wicket spikes (n = 1), hypnagogic hypersynchrony (n = 1), and hyperventilationinduced slowing (n = 1). In the other 12 records, the overread patterns were simple fluctuations of sharply contoured background rhythms or fragmented &agr; activity. Rather than well‐described normal variants, the overinterpreted patterns tend to be normal fluctuations of background activity.


In this paper, a new modified algorithm is designed for combined numerical integration. Using the modified algorithm several definite integrals have been approximated, and the results have been compared with existing rules and a rule proposed by(Md. Amanat Ullah, 2015).The rules from the closed quadrature family, namely, Trapezoidal rule, Simpson's 1/3rule and Weddle's rule have been used. The results obtained by combined use of these quadrature rules as per the proposed algorithm show that the new modified algorithm gives more accuracy when compared with existing rules and the rule of Md. Amanat Ullah for a fixed number of intervals.


The pharmaceutical industry uses successfully both FT-NIR and Raman microscopy to produce chemical images of solid dosage forms, typically in troubleshooting roles. However, due to the chemical composition of the formulations, it is not always possible to describe the entire chemical formulation by using a single spectroscopic method. As Raman and NIR spectroscopies are complementary in nature, their combined usage offers the opportunity to describe heterogeneous mixtures in more detail. A novel sample referencing approach has been developed that allows data to be acquired from exactly the same area of the sample using both Raman and FT-NIR microscopies. The optimum images for the components are then overlaid, which gives rise to a combined chemical image that visually describes the entire formulation. We have named this approach chemical image fusion (CIF). CIF has been applied to two examples. The first shows how a simple formulation was used to validate the CIF approach. In the second, CIF allowed an entire formulation to be visualized and the cause of tabletting problems determined. CIF provides increased confidence in the results generated by each individual technique and offers a more powerful method for the evaluation of pharmaceutical formulations.


The importance of using a digital computer in studying the performance of Induction machine under steady and transient states is presented with computer results which show the transient behaviour of 3-phase machine during balanced and unbalanced conditions. The computer simulation for these operating conditions is obtained from the non-linear differential system of equations which describe the symmetrical Induction machine in the stationary reference frame. It is shown that using the characteristic data available from open- and short circuit tests of the machine: accurate simulations of the machine under steady and transient conditions are possible.


Linguistic historiography analyzes how linguistic knowledge has been acquired, stored, used and diffused. This article examines what can happen if linguists rely on copies of source data rather than the source data itself. It takes as a case study linguistic data from Siraya, a now-extinct Formosan language. Documents compiled in the seventeenth century by Dutch missionaries in Taiwan form a significant source of data for Siraya. One such document, a wordlist known as the Utrecht Manuscript (UM), is the principal source for the lexicon of one variety of Siraya, "Siraya Proper". It has been published three times. Each edition, however, contains many errors. These editions, rather than the manuscript, have been used by scholars investigating Siraya. This article aims to correct errors in the editions and secondary literature on the UM with my readings of the manuscript itself. It therefore presents a more accurate record of the lexicon of "Siraya Proper" as well as illustrating the importance of using primary rather than secondary sources of linguistic data. Finally, it introduces an online edition of the UM, which will provide scholars and language revivalists with a useful resource for this lexicon.


Since it was first agreed in the autumn of 1998, the English Compact has achieved international status, as a marker of – or vehicle for a new and improved relationship between the state and the third sector. Over the twelve years or so since its first publication, it has been supplemented by local compacts across the country and has been 'refreshed' or renewed twice. As such it has proved remarkably durable across time and space. But the political context in which it operates has now changed. A government committed to partnership has been replaced by one with a strong ideological commitment to limiting the powers and role of the state. How will this affect


This thesis is an examination of the association between alcohol use and mental health. Typically, research on alcohol use and mental health has concentrated on clinical disorders such as alcohol dependency and major depression. Less attention has been paid to drinking patterns as risk factors for, or consequences of, poor mental health. This thesis aimed to explore the relationship between hazardous patterns of alcohol consumption (such as 'binge' drinking) and mental health longitudinally - taking into account both directions of causality whilst also modelling a reciprocal relationship over time (i.e. alcohol use and mental health influencing changes in each other). The main purpose of this work was to compare competing models of causation to conclude which "best fits" – i.e. whether hazardous alcohol use leads to poor mental health, whether poor mental health leads to engaging in hazardous alcohol consumption, or a combination of both. Data from three existing sources was drawn upon to achieve these goals: the Whitehall II study of British Civil Servants, the Birmingham Untreated Heavy Drinkers (BUHD) project and the Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial factors In Eastern Europe (HAPIEE) two-wave survey of participants from the Czech Republic, Russia and Poland. All datasets have repeated measures of a number of alcohol related variables and standardised mental health scales. Questions pertaining to basic demographic and other lifestyle variables are also available. Using dynamic modelling techniques, no significant effects were observed for any measure of alcohol consumption (weekly units and frequency of heavy drinking days) on changes in mental health, however, mental health was found to impact upon changes in drinking behaviours suggesting that mental health is the dominant underlying process in the relationship between alcohol use and mental health (no evidence was found for a reciprocal relationship/feedback loop over time).


Moisture content (MC) in peanuts is measured at various stages of their processing and storage in the peanut industry. A method was developed earlier that would estimate the MC of a small sample of in-shell peanuts (peanut pods) held between two circular parallel-plates, from the values of capacitance and phase angle measured by a commercially available impedance analyzer, at three frequencies 1, 5 and 9 MHz. These values were used in an empirical equation, developed using the capacitance and phase angle values of samples of known MC levels, to obtain the average MC values of peanut samples with moisture contents in the range of 6 to 20% In the present work, a low-cost impedance analyzer, designed and assembled in our laboratory was used to measure the impedance and phase angles at 1, 5 and 9 MHz. The MC values predicted by the analyzer were compared with those obtained by the standard air-oven method. For 93% of the samples tested in the moisture range between 9% and 20% the MC values were found to be within 1% of the air-oven values. Ability to determine the average MC of in-shell peanuts without shelling and cleaning them, with a low-cost instrument, will be of considerable use in the peanut industry.


America's museums are among the nation's most important cultural assets. These museums are remarkably diverse in size and discipline and increasingly reflect the issues, diversity, and complexity of their communities. American museums are highly professionalized, working within well-defined standards with well-trained, specialized staff. National leadership and support for museums comes through the American Association of Museums, the Institute of Museum and Library Services and numerous discipline-based professional associations. The museum field today works more closely with the public and communities than ever before, reflecting a trend toward accountability, collaboration, and the creation of public value


Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have synergistic detrimental effects. Their comorbid association leads to compromised gas exchange (hypoxia and hypercapnia) and higher rates of morbidity and death. As our understanding of the pathophysiologic processes of sleep evolves, the relation-ship between OSA and obstructive lung diseases such as COPD ("overlap syndrome") or asthma ("alternative overlap syndrome") has become more apparent. The pathophysiology of the combined conditions and optimal management are still being defined, but the effect on quality of life and morbidity underscore the importance of proper diagnosis and appropriately tailored management in these patients. Many patients who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma also have obstructive sleep apnea, and vice versa.


We introduce a novel sensitive technique to characterize dynamic crosstalk in three-dimensional MEMS photonic crossconnects (PXCs). This nonintrusive technique enables end users to evaluate PXC dynamic performances without special access to the internal photonic-switching fabric. Our results confirm that while dynamic crosstalk can be significantly higher than static crosstalk, it has little system performance impact under normal operating conditions. We discuss methods to mitigate the effects of dynamic crosstalk.


OBJECTIVES
To evaluate laparoscopic tubal sterilisation, as compared to minilaparotomy in terms of operative morbidity and mortality. Trials comparing laparoscopy or minilaparotomy with culdoscopy were also included in the review. Different methods used to interrupt tubal patency (excision, occlusion and coagulation) and comparison of different forms of anaesthesia will be considered in different reviews.

SEARCH STRATEGY
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have been identified by using the search strategy of the Cochrane Collaboration. The Cochrane Controlled Trials Register has been searched. Reference lists of identified trials have been searched.

SELECTION CRITERIA
All randomised controlled trials comparing laparoscopy, minilaparotomy and/or culdoscopy for tubal sterilisation. Except in one trial [Taner 1994] where 4 women underwent curettage at the same time, all women requested tubal sterilisation as an interval procedure.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Trials under consideration were evaluated for methodological quality and appropriateness for inclusion. Data were extracted independently by the reviewers. Results are reported as odds ratio for dichotomous outcomes and weighted mean differences for continuous outcomes.

MAIN RESULTS
Minilaparotomy vs laparoscopy: There was no difference in major morbidity between the 2 groups. Minor morbidity was significantly less in the laparoscopy group (Peto OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.38, 2.59). Duration of operation was about 5 minutes shorter in the laparoscopy group (WMD 5.34; 95% CI 4. 52, 6.16). Minilaparotomy vs culdoscopy: Women undergoing culdoscopy had more major morbidity than women for whom minilaparotomy was performed (Peto OR 0.14; 95% CI 0.02, 0.98). Duration of operation was about 5 minutes shorter in women undergoing culdoscopy (WMD 4. 91; 95% CI 3.82, 6.01). Laparoscopy vs culdoscopy: In the one trial comparing the two interventions there were no significant differences between the groups with regard to major morbidity. Significantly more women suffered from minor morbidities in the culdoscopy group compared to the laparoscopy group (Peto OR 0.20; 95% CI 0.05, 0.77).

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS
Major morbidity seems to be a rare outcome for both, laparoscopy and minilaparotomy. The included studies had limited power to demonstrate significant differences especially for the relatively rare but potentially serious outcomes. Personal preference of the woman and/or of the surgeon can guide the choice of technique. Practical aspects (e.g. cost, maintenance, and sterilisation of the instruments) must be taken into account before implementing the more sophisticated endoscopic techniques in settings with limited resources. Culdoscopy is not recommended as it carries a higher complication rate.


Abstract This study examined the production of eight key biogenic amines (methylamine, tryptamine, putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, tyramine, spermidine, and spermine) in 120 samples of farmed rainbow trout during various storage conditions, and determined any accompanying variations in pH. The main objective of this study was to identify which of the eight biogenic amines could be used as chemical markers to evaluate the quality of farmed rainbow trout. Histamine and tryptamine were not present in any of the samples, and the levels of cadaverine were inconsistent. The levels of putrescine significantly increased at 0 °C (by day 9), 2 °C (by day 8), and 4 °C (by day 4). Tyramine, spermidine, and spermine levels exhibited fluctuations but had a significant positive correlation with the levels of putrescine. The pH levels slightly increased from their initial values across all storage temperatures, with no significant variations observed. Based on the results, it can be concluded that putrescine may serve as an effective marker of the freshness of farmed rainbow trout during storage.


The development of urban forestry in the Republic of Ireland is described, from its origins through to the early part of 1997. It begins by charting how the concept was initially promoted through a few pioneering projects and with the first Urban Forestry Conference, Dublin, 1991. Government recognition and support for the concept was evident from an early stage, most notably through the Forest Service's grant aid schemes for urban woodland. The Tree Council of Ireland has acted as a catalyst for action on urban forestry in a wide range of activities. The Environmental Conservation Organisation CECa), one of its member organisations, has also played a leadership role in promoting the concept nationally and by building a network of interested organisations and individuals. The Second National Conference on Urban Forestry, held in Limerick, 1996, heralded the beginning of an urban forestry movement throughout Ireland and has stimulated interest in the development of comprehensive urban forest management systems by local authorities in the Republic.


BACKGROUND
The prognosis of liver transplantation for liver cancer is determined by recurrence in the liver graft. In this study, the effects of immunosuppressors, FK506 and cyclosporine A (CsA) on the migration of liver cancer cells were investigated.

METHODS
The effects of FK506 at concentrations of 1-100 ng/mL and CsA at 1-1000 ng/mL on the growth of poorly and well differentiated human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, HLE and HuH-7, respectively, were examined. After treatment of these cells with FK506 and CsA, the growth of these cells, their cytotoxicities and invasion assay on the Matrigel basement membrane invasion chamber were evaluated. In addition, the effects of FK506 and CsA on the changes in the production of a soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) of these cells were measured.

RESULTS
FK506 and CsA at concentrations of 1-10 ng/mL inhibited the growth of both HLE and HuH-7 and those immunosuppressors at concentrations over 100 ng/mL exhibited cytotoxicity on these cells. FK506 at concentration of 1 ng/mL significantly inhibited the invasion of poorly differentiated HLE, but not well differentiated HuH-7, after treatment for 2-5 days in culture (p<0.05), but FK 506 at 10 ng/mL showed less inhibitory efficient. CsA at concentrations of 1-10 ng/mL, however, did not inhibit or transiently inhibited the invasion of both cell lines. The production of ICAM-1 in HLE and HuH-7 was suppressed by FK506 at concentrations of 1-10 ng/mL after treatment for 3-5 days but the effect was not significant in the initial phase at days 1-2 and the last phase at days 5-6.

CONCLUSIONS
FK506, but not CsA, at a clinical dose of 1 ng/mL significantly inhibited the invasion of the poorly-differentiated HLE, but not HuH-7 and also inhibited the production of sICAM-1 in HLE.


Explanation, trust, and transparency are concepts that are strongly tied in with users' confidence in, and acceptance of computerised systems. Case-based reasoning (CBR) systems lend themselves easily to generate explanations, as they typically organise and represent knowledge in a way that makes it possible to reason about and thereby generate explanations. The work presented here is a first step towards making a CBR engine explanation-aware. We demonstrate how a plugin for Protege and myCBR can facilitate explanations for the retrieval phase of a CBR system.


Chloro‐aluminum sulfonated phthalocyanine (CASPc) is a photoactive dye capable of generating photochemical reactions when excited with 675 nm light. We used CASPc to produce photochemical closure of retinal medullary ray vessels and choroidal vessels in normal rabbits. Irradiation prior to CASPc injection produced no photographic, angiographic, or histologic lesions in any eyes. Identical irradiation of medullary ray and choroidal vessels after CASPc injection produced complete vessel closure in all eyes. Histopathologic examination showed marked thrombosis of medullary ray and choroidal vessels, with minimal damage to contiguous tissues including the neurosensory retina. We conclude that CASPc can produce profound closure of normal retinal and choroidal vessels with minimal deleterious effect on surrounding tissues. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


In this article, I suggest that it is plausible to argue that Skinner's methodology is inseparable from his intention to retrieve republicanism. This makes itself evident in the way he structures his critique of John Rawls. In line with Hobbes, this British historian interprets Rawls's A Theory of Justice as another example of theory being politically neutralized. I will present the main aspects of Skinner's analysis of Rawlsian liberalism from a neo-Machiavellian perspective, and discuss to what degree this analysis is or is not conclusive vis-à-vis the relationship between Rawls and republicanism. Finally, I will assess to what extent it is ideology that motivates the British historian to put his methodology in line with republicanism.


The patient was a 58-year-old woman. Mammography showed grouped heterogeneous calcifications in the M area of the right breast. The area of the grouped heterogeneous calcifications was 1 cm in diameter. A vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) of the area led to a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma positive for estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor, and negative for human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2/neu protein expression. A micro mark was made by VAB enforcement in the lesion. At operation, we performed ultrasonography to detect the cancer lesion, but we could not detect the micro mark. It was difficult to determine the resection area. We detected architectural distortion after VAB and determined the resection area. Breast-conserving surgery and a sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed. Histopathologically, the surgical margins were negative and the sentinel lymph node was negative for cancer. This case suggested that it was necessary to make a new micro mark.


Abstract We have started survey observations of the 22 GHz water maser sources associated with high-mass young stellar objects (HM-YSOs) as a part of the KaVA (KVN and VERA Array) large program (LP). The aim of our LP is to understand dynamical evolution of jets/outflows from HM-YSOs by analyzing 3D velocity structures of water maser features. In the first year (2016-2017), an imaging survey toward 25 HM-YSOs has been conducted and the 22 GHz water masers are detected toward 21 sources. Spatial distributions of maser features for individual sources are mapped. To complement physical properties in the vicinity of HM-YSOs, we have carried out ALMA cycle 3 observations of thermal molecular lines and continuum emissions toward 11 selected samples. Summary of the KaVA first year observations and the initial results from the ALMA toward one of our targets, G25.82-0.17, are reported.


We experimentally verify selection rules for circularly polarized high harmonics from solids by using single-color circularly polarized mid-infrared pulses. Our result offers a novel way to produce circularly polarized, coherent short-wavelength light.


The study of the neural basis of time perception has seen a resurgence of interest within the past decade. A variety of these studies have included the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a noninvasive technique for stimulating discrete regions of the surface of the brain. Here, the results of these studies are reviewed and their conclusions are interpreted within a context-dependent framework. However, the use of TMS as an investigatory technique has much unexplored potential that may be particularly beneficial to the study of time perception. As such, considerations are made regarding the design of TMS studies of time perception and future directions are outlined that may be utilized to further elucidate the neural basis of timing in the human brain.


This study integrates three biophysical simulators to predict crop yields, water-soil pollution emissions, and farmers' net returns under uncertain weather and market conditions. Multiple-objective programming incorporates farmer attitudes toward voluntary participation under alternate rates of government cost-share subsidies to search for efficient pollution abatement solutions as best management practices (BMPs). Net returns decline an estimated 9.6% when farmers adopt a cost-share program with a $2.50/acre subsidy, while reducing N leaching by 2.7%. For a $10/acre subsidy, N leaching can be reduced by almost 6%, but farmer net returns decline by 15%.


A novel fiber optical device based on microring resonators fabricated on side-polished fiber is proposed. The compact size and light weight device structure can be useful for various fiber-optic sensors, fixed and tunable wavelength filters, and intensity modulators. Since the device is directly fabricated on the optical fiber, many issues associated with fiber-to-chip coupling and attachment can be avoided. A preliminary experiment using polymer microring resonators made by two-photon polymerization has proved this new device concept.


A United States Government (USG) interagency group, the Filovirus Animal Non-Clinical Group (FANG), has been established to support the development of biodefense medical countermeasures (MCMs). As both vaccines and therapeutics are licensed using "non-traditional pathways", such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Animal Rule (AR), non-human primate (NHP) models and associated assays have been developed and standardized across BSL4 testing sites to evaluate candidate products. Vaccine candidates are evaluated using these NHP models, and through this public–private partnership, a meta-analysis of NHP control data has been conducted and submitted to the FDA as a master file. This is an example of how existing NHP control data can be leveraged in lieu of conducting separate natural history studies at multiple testing facilities to demonstrate the consistency of a standardized animal model for vaccine development. As a result, animal use can be minimized and the duplication of effort avoided, thus reducing the amount of time needed to conduct additional studies, as well as the cost of vaccine candidate development. This successful strategy may be applied to other pathogens of high consequence for vaccine development, and shows how strategic preparedness for biodefense can be leveraged in response to outbreaks and public health emergencies.


This paper investigates the problem of grouping different customer orders into jobs and these formed jobs to batches and scheduling them on a single batch processing machine to minimize the total weighted tardiness of orders. A compatible batching environment is considered in which there is no restriction on the orders being from the same family to be batched together. A mixed-integer program (MIP) is developed and tested. The compatible MIP model takes 1 + h, on average, to solve an instance. A new simulated annealing-based heuristic solves compatible problems to within 4% of optimality in a few minutes. This fast, near optimal performance suggests that these heuristics may be viable for implementation in practical manufacturing settings, such as burn-in operations in the back end of the semiconductor manufacturing process


This research presents and analyzes the results of Soil Water Characteristic Curves (SWCC) for the soil horizons (A, B and C) of two different trenches (TR3 and TR7) opened along a slope located in the Serra da Mar mountain range, Brazil. Microaggregations were observed in soil horizons of both trenches, which changed the textural classification of the soils. TR7 showed more macropores than TR3, especially on horizon C. Unimodal SWCC were obtained for soils of the horizon A for both trenches. Instead, bimodal SWCC were obtained for soils of the deeper horizons (B and C). All soil horizons showed the phenomenon of hysteresis, and it's more expressive in the macroporosity part. In TR7 the water retention capacity is lower in B and C, facilitating the drainage, however, horizons B and C of TR3 presented greater water retention capacity for the same matric suction value. Depending on the intensity and duration of rainfall, the horizons B and C of both trenches may suffer a decrease of shear strength, without necessarily saturating. The A horizon of TR3 can undergo an erosive process for heavy and short rains.


Introduction: Exercise capacity declines over time in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and this decline is a predictor of mortality. However, the factors associated with this deterioration have been poorly studied. Aim: To estimate the prospective association between clinical and functional variables and the decline in exercise capacity in patients with COPD. Measurements: Clinical and functional relevant variables were collected for 226 clinically stable COPD patients included in the PAC-COPD Cohort Study. The six-minute walk distance (6MWD) was determined at baseline and after a mean (SD) of 1.7 (0.3) years. The annual rate of change in exercise capacity was calculated for each patient. Multivariate regression was used to analyze predictive factors of exercise capacity decline. Main Results: Patients were mostly male (92%), their mean (SD) age was 67.4 (8.3) years, postbronchodilator FEV1 54 (17) % predicted, and 6MWD at baseline 444 (83) meters. During follow-up, 6MWD decreased by 20.4 (39.2) m/year. In the bivariate analysis dyspnea (MRC≥2), quality of life (total score in the Sant George respiratory questionnaire), the level of airway obstruction (FEV1), lung hyperinflation (RV/TLC), and baseline 6MWD were associated with the annual rate of change in exercise capacity. In the multivariate regression model, only dyspnea, RV/TLC and baseline 6MWD remained statistically significant. Conclusions: Evaluation of COPD patients in stable condition may be useful to predict their future decline in exercise capacity. Dyspnea and pulmonary hyperinflation are the baseline variables associated with this decline and could be used to select candidates for pulmonary rehabilitation.


High temperature diesel engine exhaust gas can be an important source of heat to operate a bottoming Rankine cycle to produce additional power. In this research , an experiment is performed on a single cylinder, four stroke diesel engine to calculate the available energy in the exhaust gas of diesel engine. A shell and tube heat exchanger is used to extract heat from the exhaust gas, using water as the working fluid. Waste heat recovery technology has a great potential for saving energy, improving overall engine efficiency, and reducing toxic emission per kilowatt of power generation. Keywords— Waste Heat Recovery, Diesel Engine, Rankine Cycle, Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger.


A sequential decision process in which an adaptive radar system repeatedly interacts with a finite-state target channel is studied. The radar is capable of passively sensing the spectrum at regular intervals, which provides side information for the waveform selection process. The radar transmitter uses the sequence of spectrum observations as well as feedback from a collocated receiver to select waveforms which accurately estimate target parameters. It is shown that the waveform selection problem can be effectively addressed using a linear contextual bandit formulation in a manner that is both computationally feasible and sample efficient. Stochastic and adversarial linear contextual bandit models are introduced, allowing the radar to achieve effective performance in broad classes of physical environments. Simulations in a radar-communication coexistence scenario, as well as in an adversarial radar-jammer scenario, demonstrate that the proposed formulation provides a substantial improvement in target detection performance when Thompson sampling and EXP3 algorithms are used to drive the waveform selection process. Further, it is shown that the harmful impacts of pulse-agile behavior on coherently processed radar data can be mitigated by adopting a time-varying constraint on the radar's waveform catalog.


Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) is a rare morphologic variant of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) characterized by an epithelial-tubular proliferation admixed with spindle cell areas and a myxoid or mucinous stroma. It was initially referred as an unusual renal carcinoma with prominent spindle cell change, RCC with loop of Henle differentiation, low-grade myxoid tumor, and low grade collecting duct carcinoma. In 2004, it has been recognized as a distinct entity of RCC in the 2004 World Health Organization tumor classification. Since then, several dozen of MTSCCs have been reported with additional complementary morphologic features, immunohistochemical profiles, and cytogenetic changes that have further clarified its clinicopathologic features . –14 It was initially thought to be a "low-grade" renal cell tumor because of its bland nuclear features and indolent behavior. However, it has became clear that MTSCC has a histological spectrum ranging from low to high grade that includes, rarely, sarcomatoid differentiation. In addition to nodal metastasis, distant metastasis and death of patients have been described. Herein, we present a case of MTSCC and summarize the current knowledge regarding histological and immunohistochemical features, differential diagnosis, and prognostic factors.


N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists that are highly selective for specific NMDA receptor 2 (NR2) subunits have several potential therapeutic applications; however, to date, only NR2B-selective antagonists have been described. Whereas most glutamate binding site antagonists display a common pattern of NR2 selectivity, NR2A > NR2B > NR2C > NR2D (high to low affinity), (2S*,3R*)-1-(phenanthrene-2-carbonyl)piperazine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (PPDA) has a low selectivity for NR2C- and NR2D-containing NMDA receptors. A series of PPDA derivatives were synthesized and then tested at recombinant NMDA receptors expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. In addition, the optical isomers of PPDA were resolved; the (−) isomer displayed a 50- to 80-fold greater potency than the (+) isomer. Replacement of the phenanthrene moiety of PPDA with naphthalene or anthracene did not improve selectivity. However, phenylazobenzoyl (UBP125) or phenylethynylbenzoyl (UBP128) substitution significantly improved selectivity for NR2B-, NR2C-, and NR2D-containing receptors over NR2A-containing NMDA receptors. Phenanthrene attachment at the 3 position [(2R*,3S*)-1-(phenanthrene-3-carbonyl)piperazine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (UBP141); (2R*,3S*)-1-(9-bromophenanthrene-3-carbonyl)piperazine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (UBP145); (2R*,3S*)-1-(9-chlorophenanthrene-3-carbonyl)piperazine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (UBP160); and (2R*,3S*)-1-(9-iodophenanthrene-3-carbonyl)piperazine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (UBP161)] displayed improved NR2D selectivity. UBP141 and its 9-brominated homolog (UBP145) both display a 7- to 10- fold selectivity for NR2D-containing receptors over NR2B- or NR2A-containing receptors. Schild analysis indicates that these two compounds are competitive glutamate binding site antagonists. Consistent with a physiological role for NR2D-containing receptors in the hippocampus, UBP141 (5 μM) displayed greater selectivity than PPDA for inhibiting the slow-decaying component of the NMDA receptor-mediated CA3-CA1 synaptic response in rat hippocampal slices. UBP125, UBP128, UBP141, and UBP145 may be useful tools for determining the function of NMDA receptor subtypes.


The purpose of this research was to determine the reasons behind the volatile nature of the U.K. aircraft manufacturing industry. This instability was demonstrated in 1988 when of the handful of U.K. general aviation aircraft manufacturers left in existence, both A.R.V. and Norman went into receivership. A further two had been drawn into receivership earlier in their history and most had a background of takeovers along with persistent financial problems.


AbstractTo investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within 4 representative genes (VDR, GC, CYP2R1, and CYP24A1) encoding the core proteins involved in vitamin D production, degradation, and ligand-dependent signaling pathway are associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a Chinese population.A total of 1494 pregnant Han Chinese women (692 women with GDM and 802 women with normal glucose served as controls) were recruited through a 2-step approach. Participants were further divided into 2 groups according to body mass index before gestation (pre-BMI) (25 kg/m2). Nine SNPs (rs3733359, rs2282679, and rs16847024 in GC, rs2060793 and rs10741657 in CYP2R1, rs2248359 and rs6013897 in CYP24A1, rs11574143 and rs739837 in VDR) were genotyped using TaqMan allelic discrimination assays. The relationships between genotypes/alleles of a single locus as well as haplotypes of each gene and GDM were analyzed.We did not observe a significant difference in genotype frequency of each SNP between cases and controls. However, in the obese subgroup (pre-BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2), the risk allele-A of rs3733359 showed an association with increased risk of GDM (OR = 1.739, 95% CI = 1.066–2.837, P = 0.027). The GG-haplotype frequency of rs3733359 and rs2282679 in GC was modestly lower in the GDM group (OR = 0.848, 95% CI = 0.719–0.999, P = 0.048). Rs2060793 and rs10741657 were associated with insulin area under the curve (P = 0.028, P = 0.042, respectively), while rs739837 and rs6013897 demonstrated a correlation with fasting glucose (P = 0.019, P = 0.049, respectively). Additionally, rs2248359 displayed an association with leukocyte counts (B = 0.063 P = 0.033) and rs16847024 was related to high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (B = 0.086, P = 0.005).Our results indicate an association between GC variants and GDM, as well as a relation between a subset of loci in CYP2R1, CYP24A1, and VDR and clinical parameters related to GDM. Our findings may provide information for identifying biomarkers for early risk prediction of GDM and the pathways involved in disease progression.


Context: The pre-main sequence evolution is often simplified by choosing classical initial models. These have large initial radii and sufficient uniform contraction to make them fully convective. Contrary to that, real stars are born as small protostellar seeds in collapsing molecular clouds and obtain their final mass by means of accretion. Aims: We aim to constrain the input physics of accretion on protostellar seeds with observed spectroscopic parameters and stellar pulsations of young stellar objects and pre-main sequence stars. Methods: We conducted a literature search for spectroscopic samples of young stellar objects and pre-main sequence stars including all previously known pulsators. The sample size of pulsating pre-main sequence stars is increased by analysing TESS observations and presenting discoveries in CoRoT data. We employ MESA and GYRE to calculate evolutionary tracks of accreting protostellar seeds in a constant accretion scenario, the subsequent pre-main sequence evolution, and their pulsation properties. The results are then compared with observations to constrain the input physics. Results: We discuss 16 formerly unknown pulsating pre-main sequence stars and candidates that are either of SPB, $\delta$ Scuti,$\gamma$ Doradus or $\delta$ Scuti - $\gamma$ Doradus hybrid type. We find that evolutionary tracks with a mass accretion rate of $5\times10^{-6} M_\odot/{\rm yr}$ and fraction of injected accretion energy of $\beta=0.1$ provide the best results in enveloping the spectroscopic parameters of pre-main sequence stars in a constant accretion scenario. The calculated instability regions constrain the atmospheric boundary conditions to Eddington Gray atmospheres; we discuss the future potential for additional constraints by instability regions that are dependent on radial order. We present a possible candidate for pulsations in M-type young stellar objects.


Fatty acid composition of the cells of Escherchia coli wild strains K-10, and K-12 and the mutants of the regulatory genes for alkaline phosphatase was studied in conditions of repression and derepression of biosynthesis of phosphohydrolases. Derepression of phosphohydrolases was not accompanied with specific changes in fatty acid composition of the cells. An increase in the content of cyclopropanic acid in conditions of phosphorus deficiency and a decrease in the level of unsaturated fatty acids are related to deceleration of growth of the cells in these conditions.


An effective material property estimation is performed that investigates the effect of the nanoparticle/matrix resin interphase thickness and properties on the microscale composite response. The focus of this estimation is on vapor-grown carbon nanofibers (VGCNFs) in a vinyl ester thermoset resin matrix, using classical micromechanics techniques (Mori-Tanaka and Self-Consistant methods) and NASA's special-purpose composite failure analysis code, MAC/GMC which is based on the Generalized Method of Cells (GMC). The predicted properties are compared to those obtained from mechanical testing.


The aim of this study was to examine the variation in immunological control of Ostertagia circumcincta, following natural exposure of sheep by grazing contaminated pasture, and relate this variation to that in parasitological parameters. Selection of sheep by faecal egg count resulted in different results in two consecutive years, in the first year those sheep with higher faecal egg counts had more adult female worms, in the second those sheep with higher faecal egg counts had longer, more fecund worms. These observations are consistent with earlier studies showing that faecal egg count is a function of worm burden and worm fecundity. Immunophenotyping of peripheral blood revealed that lymphocyte subset percentages are repeatable and that lymphocyte numbers were greater in grazing lambs. A negative association between worm burden and B cell percentage representation of peripheral blood lymphocytes was observed, possibly as a result of immune modulation, whilst immunophenotyping of cells from lambs given a deliberate challenge provided further evidence of immune-modulation by O. circumcincta. Following natural infection those sheep with a larger abomasal nodes had shorter worms, suggesting that the magnitude of the immune response was important. Proliferation assays emphasised the importance of the local immune response by showing that responses to antigen were greater in lymphocytes from local tissues. Lymphocyte responses were dependent on previous exposure. Negative associations were observed between worm burden and proliferative responses, and because there was no evidence of active control of worm burden the results also provided further evidence of immune modulation. Enumeration of mast cells and globule leucocytes showed that there was a marked increase in the density of these cells following exposure to O. circumcincta, and although there was no evidence that these cells were involved in the control of worm burden there was a relationship between the globule leucocyte density and worm length that suggest this cell type may have a direct role in restricting or controlling worm length. The observation that lambs were able to mount a vigorous mast cell and globule leucocyte response although there was no evidence that they were able to control worm burden raises the possibility that these cell types may have a direct role in the control of the O. circumcincta burden. Parasite specific IgA responses were investigated and shown to increase with exposure and a positive association was observed between worm burden and local IgA activity following deliberate infection. The study provided further evidence that parasite-specific IgA activity has a role in regulating worm length. In conclusion the work in this thesis demonstrated considerable individual variation in the mechanisms of immunological control and host protection. The results provided further evidence of the role of limiting worm length and fecundity in the genetic control of O. circumcincta. Many of the findings could best be explained by suggesting immune modulation of the host by the parasite. It is likely that further studies on how O. circumcincta attempts to modulate the immune response, and whether or not the host can resist these attempts, will greatly increase our understanding of the host-parasite interface.


The prop formalism allows representation of processes withstring diagrams and has been successfully applied in various areas such as quantum computing, electric circuits and control flow graphs. However, these graphical approaches suffer from scalability problems when it comes to writing large diagrams. A proposal to tackle this issue has been investigated for ZX-calculus using colored props. This paper extends the approach to any prop, making it a general tool for graphical languages manipulation.


Open source 3D printers have experienced an intense expansion during the last years, mainly because of their accessibility and the vast availability of information thanks to user communities. This fact presents researchers with a perfect context for hardware innovation, by improving the overall printing process, also in terms of durability of the printing machine.
A 3D printer liquefier must transmit heat to the thermoplastic material in order to extrude it, reaching temperatures above 200 degrees for some materials like ABS on the tip of the nozzle. The design of the heating process must comply with keeping the balance between proper heating of the material and controlling the temperature along the extruding body, so that the printer itself is not harmed for overtemperature. On the other hand, the design must guarantee that the melting front is located in an intermediate point between the nozzle tip and the entrance of the raw material, to minimize pressure drops in the system, and so decreasing the demanding energy to the feeding motors.
An alternative design of the heating system, Twist3D, is proposed in this paper.


The interplay between multiscale homogenization and dimension reduction for nonlinear elastic thin plates is analyzed in the case in which the scaling of the energy corresponds to Kirchhoff's nonlinear bending theory for plates. Different limit models are deduced depending on the relative ratio between the thickness parameter $h$ and the two homogenization scales $\ep$ and $\ep^2$.


This research offers an analysis of the experiences of twenty people who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) and who are teachers within their professional lives. It aims to illustrate the ways in which the continuing (re)production of heteronormative discursive practices impacts upon their lives both within the private and the professional realm. The research deploys a two-tier methodological framework in order to gain insights into the lives of LGB teachers, an often invisible social group. The research is underpinned by a theoretical framework which draws upon poststructuralist feminist/queer theories but which also is data, rather than theory, driven. School is the major site of analysis within this thesis and participants' reflections upon their own school days are put under the lens as well as the way in which they experience schools as teachers. As this research is concerned with the intersections between participants' private and professional lives it also offers an analysis of the process of becoming (Phelan, 1993), of the notion that one does not possess an inherent LGB identity, rather this is something one achieves through the recognition and adoption of certain social, cultural and aesthetic cues. The way in which LGB identities constitute an 'invisible presence' within schools is also explored throughout the thesis. The thesis addresses a gap in the literature on the experiences of LGB teachers and sheds new light on the ways in which location, community and subjectivity can impact upon the experiences of this social group.


Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world and the incidents of skin cancer have been rising over the past decade. Even with a dermoscopic imaging system, which magnifies the lesion region, detecting and classifying skin lesions by visual examination is laborious due to the complex structures of the lesions. This necessitates the need for an automated skin lesion diagnosis system to enhance the diagnostic capability of dermatologists. In this study, the authors propose an automatic skin lesion segmentation method which can be used as a preliminary step for lesion classification. The proposed method comprises two major steps, namely preprocessing and segmentation. In the preprocessing step, noise such as illumination, hair and rulers are removed using filtering techniques and in the segmentation phase, skin lesions are segmented using the GrabCut segmentation algorithm. The k-means clustering algorithm is then used along with the colour features learnt from the training images to improve the boundaries of the segments. To evaluate the authors' proposed method, they have used ISIC 2017 challenge dataset and PH
 2
 dataset. They have obtained Dice coefficient values of 0.8236 and 0.9139 for ISIC 2017 test dataset and PH
 2
 dataset, respectively.


— Analytical hierarchy process is an important software quality model. AHP is "a method of breaking down a complex, shapeless situation into its workings parts; arranging these parts, or judgment on the relative importance of each variable; and synthesizing the judgments to determine which variables have the highest priority and should be acted upon to influence the outcome of the situation". This article give an general idea of analytical hierarchy process which combines two approaches- the "black and white" of mathematics, and the subjectivity and intuitiveness of psychology- to evaluate information and make decisions that are easy to defend.


Anxiety symptoms are common among opioid-dependent individuals. Buspirone, a nonbenzodiazepine anxiolytic, has been used successfully for the treatment of anxiety in alcoholic patients. Its efficacy in opioid-dependent patients has not been previously examined. We conducted a twelve-week, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of buspirone in 36 subjects receiving methadone-maintenance treatment who presented with anxiety symptoms. Measures of anxiety, depression, and substance use were obtained repeatedly during treatment. Buspirone treatment did not significantly reduce anxiety symptoms in opioid-dependent patients. However, buspirone treatment was associated with trends toward reduction in depression scale scores and a slower return to substance use.


Physical inactivity is among the modifiable risk factors to overweight and obesity. Targeting community units in promoting active lifestyles is beneficial in offering social support. Technological devices such as pedometers can promote physical activity at individual level by providing feedback. This paper presents the success and challenges in implementing an on-going longitudinal pedometerbased PA programme in a selected church in Kenya. Baseline results of 100 participants indicated that 20% were overweight and 26% were obese with BMI scores being higher in those aged 30 years and above. There was significant correlation between BMI and WHR (r=0.67 for females, r=0.88 in males). Physical inactivity among 46 participants in the PA programme was at 52.4%. Most of them work in offices (81%) and use private (71.4%) or public (19%) motorized transport. Majority of them (75%) do not use pedometers to track PA and do not follow guidelines of the programme. Cost, time and competing priorities were cited to hinder participation. The 25% of pedometer users acknowledge their importance and influence to their participation in PA. This paper recommends that the church device strategies to navigate the challenges of physical inactivity while tapping into the resources available within the church settings.


A fuzzy model based adaptive control algorithm for a class of continuous-time nonlinear dynamic systems is presented. The fuzzy model consisting of a set of linear fuzzy local models that are combined using a fuzzy inference mechanism is used to model a class of nonlinear systems. Each fuzzy local model represents a linearized model corresponding to the operating point of the controlled nonlinear system. The proposed control algorithm employs the fuzzy controller that is designed by considering the linear state feedback controller corresponding to the fuzzy local model with the maximum weight and the switching-/spl sigma/ modification adaptive controller to adaptively compensate for the plant nonlinearities. Stability robustness of the closed-loop system is analyzed in Lyapunov sense. It is shown, that the proposed control algorithm guarantees global stability of the system with the output of the system approaching the origin if there are no disturbances and uncertainties, converging to the neighborhood of the origin for all realizations of uncertainties and disturbances. The simulation examples for controlling inverted pendulum system are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.


BACKGROUND
Endogenous ochronosis is caused by a defect in the enzyme homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (HGD), which results in abnormal pigment deposition in the skin and urine abnormalities. Ochronosis previously has not been described histologically or ultrastructurally in a domestic animal species.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES
To describe the clinical, histopathological and ultrastructural findings in a case of aberrant pigmentation in a cat with features that resemble ochronosis.

ANIMAL
A 5-year-old, spayed female Domestic short hair cat presented with multiple black cutaneous plaques on the face and progressive lethargy. The cat's urine turned brown when exposed to air. The familial history of the cat was unknown.

METHODS
Clinical examination; histopathology, electron microscopy and mass/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy of tissues.

RESULTS
Septic peritonitis and additional pigment in the spleen, intestine and lymph node were found at postmortem examination. The pigment was determined to be an organic compound and had a similar histological appearance, staining properties, ultrastructure and composition to ochronotic pigment. No mutations were found in exons 3, 6, 8 and 13 of the HGD gene in the cat.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a condition resembling ochronosis in a domestic animal species that has been evaluated with histopathology and advanced imaging techniques. It provides an additional differential in cases of aberrant pigmentation in cats.


In the paper the usability of long term evolution (LTE) data transmission from an aircraft to the ground is investigated. Theoretical analyses and experimental measurements have been carried out by using a commercial low-cost LTE modem and the existing LTE base station infrastructure on ground. In the airborne experiment over wide areas a stable LTE connection was achieved.


The Nitrogen, Aerosol Composition, and Halogens on a Tall Tower campaign (February–March 2011) near Boulder, Colorado, investigated nighttime ClNO2 production and processing. Virtually all particulate Cl was in the form of ionic Cl−. The size distributions of Cl− and Na+ were similar, with most of the mass in the supermicrometer size fraction, suggesting primary sources for both. Median Cl− concentrations were about half those of Na+ and Ca2+ for particle diameters centered at 1.4 and 2.5 µm. To investigate potential sources of Na+ and Cl−, four cases were studied that featured the prevalence of Na+ and Cl− and different transport pathways based on FLEXible PARTicle dispersion model (FLEXPART) retroplumes. Estimates of supermicrometer Na+ particle lifetime against deposition indicate that long‐range transport of marine aerosols could account for the observed Na+. However, measured molar ratios of Ca2+ to Na+ (0.143–0.588) compared to seawater (0.022) indicate significant contributions from crustal sources to the supermicrometer aerosol composition during these four case studies. Further, low molar ratios of Mg2+ to Na+ (0.007–0.098) relative to seawater (0.114) suggest that some of the Na+, and presumably associated Cl−, originated from non‐sea‐salt sources. The heterogeneous chemical composition of saline soils throughout the western U.S., along with the nonlinearity of wind‐driven soil deflation as a function of various surface soil properties, precludes a quantitative apportionment of soil, marine, and anthropogenic sources to the observed coarse‐fraction aerosol. Nonetheless, results suggest that deflation of saline soils was a potentially important source of particulate Cl− that sustained atmospheric ClNO2 production and associated impacts on oxidation processes over northern Colorado.


Abstract To better prepare preservice candidates for teaching in the information age, the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has defined National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) to guide technology integration into teacher education programs. Based on these standards, Brigham Young University (BYU) has implemented strategies for technology integration into their teacher education program by creating curriculum design teams composed of School of Education faculty, public school personnel, and instructional design and technology specialists. From our analysis of the initial activities of the faculty design teams, we have developed basic principles that have led to successful personal and institutional change. To demonstrate the realization of these six principles, we provide a detailed case study in highlighting the formation, development, and support of faculty design teams.


The non-catalytic interesterification of palm oil in supercritical ethyl acetate in continuous system to produce biofuel is complex to understand thermodynamic properties during extreme condition, particularly density of two reactants. In this study, an indirect procedure for density measurement of palm oil and ethyl acetate mixture in a batch system at high temperature and pressure was experimentally investigated using isochoric method. Its apparatus comprise a constant volume reactor which was individually loaded with a mixture of ethyl acetate and palm oil in different molar ratios (10:1 to 30:1) and global densities (0.26 to 0.53 g/cm 3 ). During temperature increment, the changing of pressure was recorded in real-time to obtain the pressure-temperature relationship. After measuring the change of pressure at various global densities, the pressure-temperature related specific global density diagram was successfully constructed. At high global densities and high molar ratios of ethyl acetate to palm oil, the transition point took place closing to the estimated phase boundaries separating the region of vapor-liquid and homogenous phase of the mixture. The results will be further employed as database for accurate residence time calculation in continuous reactor, especially for biofuel production from palm oil in supercritical ethyl acetate.


Tidal disruption events (TDEs) are rare, 10^(-7)/yr/Mpc^3 (Hung et al. 2018), yet the large survey volume of LSST implies a very large detection rate of 200/yr/(1000 deg^2) (van Velzen et al. 2011), a factor of 250 increase in the detection capability of the current generation of optical synoptic surveys, e.g. ZTF, ASAS-SN, Pan-STARRS, and ATLAS. The goal of this LSST cadence white paper is to determine which survey strategy will ensure the efficient selection and characterization of TDEs in the LSST Wide-Fast-Deep Survey transient alert stream. We conclude that the baseline cadence design fails to 1) measure the u-r color and color evolution of transients, a critical parameter for distinguishing TDEs from SNe, and to 2) catch the pre-peak light curves of transients, an essential measurement for probing their rise times, which are in turn a probe of black hole mass in TDEs. If we do not harvest the fruits of the LSST transient alert stream with photometric classification and early detections, both TDE and SN science will be greatly limited. Hence, we propose for a "smart" and "colorful" rolling cadence in the Wide-Fast Deep (WFD) Survey, that allows for efficient photometric transient classification from well sampled multi-band light curves, with the 20,000 deg^2 survey divided into eight 2500 deg^2 strips each observed for one year in Years 2-9, with the full WFD area observed in Years 1 & 10. This will yield a legacy sample of 200 TDEs per year with early detections in u, g, and r bands for efficient classification and full light curve characterization.


A major obstacle to drug therapy for treatment of potential myocardial infarction is the limited access to the ischemic myocardium by drugs in an active form. Encouraging results have been reported with liposomes loaded with ATP in a variety of in vitro and in vivo models. We describe methods for optimized encapsulation of ATP in liposomes, enhancement of their effectiveness by increasing circulation time, and targeting of injured myocardial cells with surface attached antimyosin. In isolated ischemic rat hearts, ATP-loaded liposomes and ATP-loaded immunoliposomes effectively protected myocardium from ischemia/reperfusion damage as measured by systolic and diastolic functional improvements. In vivo, in rabbits with induced localized myocardial ischemia, liposomal encapsulation of ATP significantly diminished the proportion of ventricular muscle at risk that was irreversibly damaged during reperfusion. Therefore, ATP encapsulated in liposomes can provide an effective exogenous source for in vivo application which can protect ischemically damaged hearts.


Prior studies have suggested close associations between miRNAs and diseases. Correct prediction of potential miRNA-disease pairs by computational methods is able to greatly accelerate the experimental process in biomedical research. However, many methods cannot effectively learn the complex information in the multi-source data, and limits the performance of the prediction model. A heterogeneous network prediction model MEAHNE is proposed to make full use of the complex information in multi-source data. We first constructed a heterogeneous network using miRNA-disease associations, miRNA-gene associations, disease-gene associations, and gene-gene associations. Because the rich semantic information in the heterogeneous network contains a lot of relational information of the network. To mine the relational information in heterogeneous network, we use neural networks to extract semantic information in metapath instances. We encode the obtained semantic information into weights using the attention mechanism, and use the weights to aggregate nodes in the network. At the same time, we also aggregate the semantic information in the metapath instances into the nodes associated with the instances, which can make the node embedding have excellent ability to represent the network. MEAHNE optimizes parameters through end-to-end training. MEAHNE is compared with other state-of-the-art heterogeneous graph neural network methods. The values of area under precision-recall curve and receiver operating characteristic curve show the superiority of MEAHNE. Additionally, MEAHNE predicted 50 miRNAs for lung cancer and esophageal cancer each and verified 49 miRNAs associated with lung cancer and 44 miRNAs associated with esophageal cancer by consulting relevant databases. MEAHNE has good performance and interpretability by experimental verification.


The purpose of this study is to simulate various types of milling strategies for knee implant that provides the shortest machining time with integration of conceptual algorithm based on high level data structure known as STEP-NC. STEP-NC, an acronym for Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data for Numerical Control is developed by the ISO committee with the intention of replacing the outdated G-codes used for machine execution. STEP-NC may provide comprehensive information such as material properties, part feature, the best machining time on cutting strategies and working step for the process. In this study, three cutting strategies such as Spiral, Helical and Concentricused in roughing and strategies of multi axis sweeping with tool axis mode Lead and Tilt, Thru a guide and Normal to Surfaceused in finishing process were simulated using traditional CAD/CAM environment using CATIA V5R19to analyze the shortest machining time in machining a knee implant model. The constant parameters were Feed/tooth 0.01 mm, Cutting Speed 40 m/min and Tool Diameter 10 mm while variable include Depth of cut 2mm and 3mm, Tooth Path Styles Spiral, Helical and Concetric and tool path overlap 50% and 75% for roughing process. While for finishing process, the constant parameters were Feed/tooh 0.01 mm, Cutting Speed 60 m/min, Depth of cut 0.2 mm and Tool Diameter 6mm Bull Nose while variable include multi axis sweeping with tool axis mode Lead and Tilt, Thru a guide and Normal to surface. From the simulation results, it was found that the best machining time is helical strategy for roughing process completed at 4 hours 23 minutes and 27 seconds and tool axis mode with lead and tilt for finishing process at 4 hours 7 minutes and 5 seconds as compared to others having a machining time of more than 4 hours 24 minutes and 26 seconds. In supporting the development STEP-NC standard, a conceptual algorithm model to portray an advanced CAD/CAM environment was proposed. The conceptual model may assist process planners to assign appropriate machining strategies where the interface may suggest a suitable tool path with the shortest machining time for complex features. In conclusion, various machining strategies can be evaluated with respect to various input parameters in giving a shortest machining time with better accuracy results


This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the brain of Protopterus annectens expressed L‐gulono‐γ‐lactone oxidase (gulo/Gulo), the enzyme catalyzing the last step of ascorbate biosynthesis, and could maintain high concentrations of ascorbate during estivation. We cloned and sequenced gulo from the kidney of P. annectens and performed quantitative PCR to determine its mRNA expression in kidney and brain. Gulo activity was assayed and its protein abundance was determined by Western blot using custom‐made anti‐Gulo antibody. Effects of estivation on concentrations of ascorbate and dehydroascorbate in the kidney and brain were also determined. Both brain and kidney, but not liver, of P. annectens expressed gulo/Gulo. Desiccation induced P. annectens to estivate, and 6 mo of estivation led to drastic decreases in gulo/Gulo expression and ascorbate concentration in the kidney. However, high concentrations of ascorbate and ascorbate + dehydroascorbate were maintained in the brain during estivation, probably resulting from in situ ascorbate synthesis. Control fish were placed in freshwater, where they were fully active in a favorable environment unlike estivation on land. The ability to synthesize ascorbate to ameliorate oxidative stress directly in the brain might contribute to the ability of P. annectens to undergo prolonged estivation on land.—Ching, B., Ong, J. L. Y., Chng, Y. R., Chen, X. L., Wong, W. P., Chew, S. F., Ip, Y. K. L‐gulono‐γ‐lactone oxidase expression and vitamin C synthesis in the brain and kidney of the African lungfish, Protopterus annectens. FASEB J. 28, 3506‐3517 (2014). www.fasebj.org


The study is aimed at determining the optimal seeding rates for durum winter wheat Lazurit variety by various seeding dates that would provide the highest grain yield in the conditions of Rostov region. The research was carried out in 2016-2018 on ordinary chernozem after different predecessors for winter wheat (black fallow and sunflower). Studied were: the seeding rates (3 mln, 4 mln, 5 mln viable seeds per hectare after the black fallow predecessor; 5 mln, 6 mln ,7 mln viable seeds per hectare after the sunflower predecessor), and the sowing date (the 10th,20th,30th of September, the10th of October). It has been established that after the black fallow predecessor the seeding rate for durum winter wheat Lazurit variety can be reduced to 3 million viable seeds/ha on the early sowing date (September,10) and optimal sowing date (September, 20). When sowing at the end of optimal (September, 30) and acceptable (October,10) periods, the sowing rate must be 5 million viable seeds/ha. After the sunflower predecessor, on the early sowing date (September,10) and optimal sowing dates (September, 20 and 30) the sowing rate of 5 million viable seeds/ha should be used. At the end of acceptable periods (October,10) the sowing rate should be increased to 6 million viable seeds/ha. After the black fallow predecessor, the highest yield of durum winter wheat has been formed – from 4.61 to 6.06 t/ha depending on the sowing rate and time of sowing. After the sunflower predecessor the yield level ranged from 3.43 to 4.28 t/ha. The optimal sowing time for durum winter wheat Lazurit variety in the south of Rostov region has been established - from the 10th to the 30th of September. Sowing in this period provided the largest number of productive stems (after the black fallow predecessor – 476-568 pcs/m2, after the sunflower predecessor – 420-512 pcs/m2), the grain mass per ear (1.21-1.36g and 0.91-1.08g), the plant height (95-100 cm and 92-100 cm), the ear length (6 cm and 4-5 cm, respectively).Conflict of interest: the author stated that there was no conflict of interest.


Dr. Fadlu-Deen told the participants of the Regional Exchange Programme of the International Union of Child Welfare held in Sierra Leone in 1978 that family planning services can not be offered in isolation; they must be integrated into development plans at the national level and into programs designed to provide general medical services and assistance relevant to the needs of the particular country or community. One can not naively go into villages where 50% of the children die before age 5 and expect the residents to accept contraceptives. Depending on the communitys needs one must develop a more comprehensive program designed to improve general family life. In Sierra Leone family planning is oriented toward improving the quality of family life and focuses on 1) helping couples space their children and determine their own family size; 2) providing maternal and child health and nutritional services; and 3) developing community self-help projects. Countries differ in their needs for family planning. Many countries especially in Asia are so crowded that it is imperative that their governments take strong actions to control family size. In many African countries on the other hand there are adequate supplies of land and resources but the general conditions of life are poor. Family planning programs must therefore stress those aspects relevant to each country. In all countries the development of a national program and policy is a vital impetus to the development of grass-roots efforts.


The article is devoted to the Creator of "integral nationalism", the French thinker Charles Morras. Thearticle considers structural elements, scattered in the writings of the thinker, and combined them intoa whole belief system, from which the conclusion is made about the political and legal thinker with theinherent conservatism and traditionalism


This essay deals with various forms of self-publishing, both in the sense of publishing without the aid of a traditional publishing house, and in the sense that you turn yourself into a publication of sorts, by, for instance, exhibiting personal information on the Internet. The rise of copyright in the early 1700's was an important factor when it came to centering publication on a certain individual author. Today, the role of authors as well as the fixed form of both the printed edition and the singular copy of a manuscript are again being dissolved. Furthermore, the boundaries between private and public as well as those between fact and fiction are being blurred. This observation, together with the notion of the permanently connected citizen, permanently monitoring and at the same time permanently being monitored, could possibly lead to the emergence of a sort of "hyperpublic sphere" (or in German, "Hyperoffentlichkeit"), a term used here with some reference to Habermas's well-known expression "Burgerliche Offentlichkeit".


Mammography analysis is an important tool that helps detecting breast cancer at the very early stages of the disease, thus increasing the quality of life of hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide. In Computer-Aided Detection systems, the identification of mammograms with and without masses (without clinical findings) is highly needed to reduce the false positive rates regarding the automatic selection of regions of interest that may contain some suspicious content. In this work, the introduce a variant of the Optimum-Path Forest (OPF) classifier for breast mass identification, as well as we employed an ensemble-based approach that can enhance the effectiveness of individual classifiers aiming at dealing with the aforementioned purpose. The experimental results also comprise the naïve OPF and a traditional neural network, being the most accurate results obtained through the ensemble of classifiers, with an accuracy nearly to 86%.


With my Unofficial My Talking Tom Game Guide you will learn exactly what you need to know in order to become an expert player and get unlimited coins! This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about the game PLUS you will also be able to obtain your free copy of the game with this purchase. - How to get the game for FREE! - Supports PC, iPhone, & Android. - Overview & Basic Information. - Advanced Strategies. - Frequently Asked Questions. - Getting Coins and XP. - How to Get More Food. - How to Play with your Cat. - How to Get Unlimited Coins. - Video Tutorials. - Secrets, Tips, Unlockables, and Tricks Used By Pro Players! - Vivid Screenshots. - PLUS MUCH MORE! Purchase now and never run out of coins again! Become a Pro Player Today! Disclaimer: This product is not associated, affiliated, endorsed, or sponsored by Outfit7, nor have they been reviewed, tested or certified by Outfit7. This guide is to be used as a reference and as such does not modify the game in any way. This is a written guide and not a software program.


Ionic liquids (ILs) whose water solutions are thermoresponsive provide an appealing route to harvest water from the atmosphere at an energy cost that can be accessed by solar heating. IL/water solutions that present a lower critical solution temperature (LCST), i.e., demix upon increasing temperature, represent the most promising choice for this task since they could absorb vapor during the night when its saturation is highest and release liquid water during the day. The kinetics of water absorption at the surface and the role of nanostructuring in this process have been investigated by atomistic molecular dynamics simulations for the ionic liquid tetrabutyl phosphonium 2,4-dimethylbenzenesulfonate whose LCST in water occurs at Tc = 36 °C for solutions of 50–50 wt % composition. The simulation results show that water molecules are readily adsorbed on the IL and migrate along the surface to form thick three-dimensional islands. On a slightly longer time scale, ions crawl on these islands, covering water and recreating the original surface whose free energy is particularly low. At a high deposition rate, this mechanism allows the fast incorporation of large amounts of water, producing subsurface water pockets that eventually merge into the populations of water-rich and IL-rich domains in the nanostructured bulk. Simulation results suggest that strong nanostructuring could ease the separation of water and water-contaminated IL phases even before macroscopic demixing.


ABSTRACT Introduction: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) usually occurs in patients with late-onset asthma and sustained peripheral blood eosinophilia and classically presents with a clinical multifaceted spectrum of manifestations, which may vary at the different stages of the natural history of the disease. Areas covered: We reviewed EGPA clinical presentation, focusing on clinical manifestations at three different phases of the disease: 1/before the development of overt vasculitis, 2/at vasculitis diagnosis and 3/during the long-term follow-up. An update on current classification criteria and recent therapeutic advances has been provided as well. Expert opinion: Asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis and blood eosinophilia could anticipate the overt vasculitis for years. An atopic background may be present in a subset of patients (25-30%), while ANCA presence varies between 10 and 40%. Systemic vasculitis rapidly occurs and clinical features demonstrating vasculitis processes (neuropathy, purpura, scleritis, alveolar hemorrhage and glomerulonephritis) develop along with systemic symptoms (50%). After vasculitis resolution, asthma remains severe in up to 50% of patients and incidence of isolated-asthma and rhinosinus exacerbations remains constantly high. Different sets of classification criteria have been published so far, and DCVAS diagnostic criteria will be presented soon. Interleukin-5 blockers seem to be promising to control the disease and to spare corticosteroids.


The voltage transient technique has traditionally been limited to high-pressure (p>500 Torr) discharges so that electron diffusion can be neglected. In much previous work image terms have also been omitted from the analysis of the experimental data. An analysis of the voltage transient has been developed which includes all image terms and both electron and ion diffusion. This analysis is applied to data in nitrogen gas, and the results have been compared with previous values obtained by other techniques. It is established that the measurement of voltage transients can be used to obtain electron transport parameters over a wide range of gas pressure and of E/N so long as the present full analysis is used.


Based on the results of monitoring of 8 (eight) national education standards, the school library so far has not been in accordance with the specified standards. There are several weaknesses in the competence of school librarians concerning; understanding information literacy and digital literacy, electronic information sources, information retrieval strategies, ethical and legal evaluation and presentation of information, and plagiarism. Departing from this reality, this action research seeks to improve digital literacy skills for librarians in schools. This research is a school action research. The research procedure was carried out using a Spiral Model developed by Kemmis a Taggart. The research flow consists of four main activities, namely planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. Based on the results of research and discussion it can be concluded that the ability of librarians in information literacy can be improved through training activities. In cycle I, the librarian's skills in information literacy were 25% good, and 75% sufficient. While in cycle II, the librarian's information literacy ability is 100% in the good category.


Objective: To assess the quality of life of Crohn's disease patients treated at the clinic of the University Hospital from Piauí. Methods: Exploratory and cross-sectional study in the University Hospital of Piauí Brazil, from July to December 2015, with a sample of 52 Crohn's disease patients. A form was applied to characterize the sociodemographic and clinical profile, and the instrument "Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire" was used to assess the quality of life. Results: Most participants were females, adults, self-declared brown-skinned, married, with family income of two minimum wages, with high school education and non-smokers and alcohol drinkers. Diagnostic time was longer than five years, and patients are partly in remission of the disease. Few patients had marked weight loss, diarrhea and abdominal pain in the last three months. Patients had been hospitalized due to Crohn's disease, a quarter of them had undergone surgical resection of the bowel and had had complications such as fistulas, more often. As drug treatment, association of immunomodulators and aziotioprina was used. Most had performed laboratory tests for control, followed by colonoscopy and they had never abandoned treatment. Patients presented regular quality of life and the response "never" was the most scored in the instrument. Quality of life was regular in the domains of systemic symptoms, emotional and social aspects, and in the intestinal symptoms, it was satisfactory with an average 56.15. Conclusion: Patients with Crohn's disease have a regular quality of life.


Behavior is increasingly recognized as a key component in business intelligence and problem-solving. Different from traditional behavior analysis, which mainly focus on implicit behavior and explicit business appearance as a result of business usage and customer demographics, this paper proposes the field of Behavior Informatics and Analytics (BIA), to support explicit behavior involvement through a conversion from transactional data to behavioral data, and further genuine analysis of native behavior patterns and impacts. BIA consists of key components including behavior modeling and representation, behavioral data construction, behavior impact modeling, behavior pattern analysis, and behavior presentation. BIA can greatly complement the existing means for combined, more informative and social patterns and solutions for critical problem-solving in areas such as dealing with customer-officer interaction, counter-terrorism and monitoring online communities.


This month brought a rash of new product announcements from Apple Computer. But we have a problem here: According to the press, Apple Computer is about gone-wiped outby the Wintel fruit fly. Or is it? The following interview with longtime veteran of the PC software industry Doug Rosenberg, CEO of Iconix Software Engineering, suggests that if Apple has the willpower, there is a way to rejuvenate the company and save the computer industry from the clutches of Wintel.


Insects or products derived from insects are considered as a valuable feed ingredient for aquaculture, poultry, and pigs but also exert possible secondary effects of health stimulators in livestock as reported in literature. Health benefits attributed to insects can create additional value in the insect chain. Three categories of bioactive compounds in insects are reported in this desk study: antimicrobial peptides (such as α-helical peptides, cysteine-rich peptides, proline-rich peptides, glycine-rich peptides), fatty acids (especially lauric acid), and polysaccharides (especially chitin and chitosan). The review summarises the recent literature on these three categories. Antimicrobial properties or immuno-modulating effects may contribute to reduce the use of antibiotics and to avoid antibiotic resistance in livestock when these insect products are included in animal diets. Furthermore, antioxidant capacity of insect-proteins might reduce collateral tissue damage. Health stimulating effects of insect products may result in additional applications of insect products in animal feed for livestock.


Xerox Corporation has developed an integrated electronic documentation system for field technicians to use at customer sites for diagnosis and repair of equipment. The electronic documentation system lets users access large technical documents that include text, graphics, video, and sound. Documents interact with the equipment being serviced to provide the reader with information relevant to the current situation. This article discusses how the Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) was used, user interface requirements and how they are addressed in the system, multimedia implementation techniques, integration strategies with other service tools, and the technologies employed in the system.


Background Imipenem remains active against most Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. This study aimed to evaluate chemical stability of imipenem in 2 commonly used concentrations when stored in 3 various temperatures. Methods Imipenem injection powder was used to prepare 5 mL and 10 mg/mL of imipenem in .9% sodium chloride solution. Prepared solutions in PVC bags were stored at 25°C, 30°C, and 40°C. The solutions were investigated over 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 hours using HPLC analysis. The association between drug stability, temperature, and concentration was determined. Results The 5 mg/mL solutions of brand A and B imipenem mL were stable for 6 hours at 25°C, 30°C, and 40°C, respectively. For 10 mg/mL, the solution of brand A was stable for 3 hours and brand B was stable for 6 hours at 25°C. Also, brand A and B imipenem solutions at the concentration of 10 mg/mL were stable for less than 1 hour at 30°C and 40°C. Conclusion The stability of imipenem injection solution was affected by temperature and concentration. Increasing in temperature and drug concentration resulted in decreased stability of imipenem. Suitable temperature and drug concentration should be concerned when this drug is given by extended infusion.


Focusing on research as an assessment tool with undergraduate students, we present implications of plagiarism in the dilution of authorship. Through semi-structured interviews with 30 students and 09 professors, we measure how plagiarism is understood and how the research process has been conducted. We found that guidance and teaching of research have been timid and that undergraduate students are not trained to do research or to teach how their future students how to investigate. Thus, we point to the need for a reflection that emphasizes not only awareness of ethical issues, guidance and sanction for cases of recurrent plagiarism, but also we propose a debate on the importance of the construction of authorship in school. Based on Bakhtinian theory, we believe in dialogue among polyphonic voices in promoting authorship and knowledge construction.


Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) is a rare congenital malformation. The infracardiac variant with the right lobe of the lung draining to the inferior vena cava (IVC) is called Scimitar syndrome. The infantile subtype presents before one year of age and the adult variant is also usually diagnosed in childhood. A 70-year-old woman presented with worsening shortness of breath. An echocardiogram suggested severe pulmonary hypertension that was confirmed by right heart catheterization. A computed tomography (CT) without contrast revealed an anomalous vein from the right upper lobe suggestive of Scimitar syndrome. The patient did not have any other associated congenital heart defects (CHD) (incomplete Scimitar syndrome). A surgical treatment approach was avoided due to the incomplete nature of the Scimitar syndrome. Incomplete Scimitar syndrome may present later and with less severity than the typical Scimitar syndrome with left to right shunting occurring only in the lung and may be managed nonsurgically.


In this thesis is presented a brief review of quantum computing, the DiVincenzo criteria, and the possibility of using a solid state system for building a quantum computing architecture. Donor electron systems in silicon are discussed, before chalcogen, \deep", double donors are suggested as a good candidate for fulfilment of the criteria; the optically driven Stoneham proposal, where the spin-spin interaction between two donor electron spin qbits is mediated by the optically controlled, excited, state of a third donor electron, forms the basis of this [1]. Coherence lifetimes are established as a vital requirement of a quantum bit, but radiative lifetimes must also be long. If the spin-spin interaction between qbits is decreased, or turned off, by the de-excitation of the mediating donor electron then the coherence of the qbit is rendered irrelevant; de-excitation will ruin quantum computations that depend upon an interaction that only happens when the mediating electron is in an excited state.
Effective mass theory is used to estimate excited state donor, 2P, wavefunctions for selenium doped silicon, and recent Mott semiconductor to metal transition doping data [2] is used to scale the spatial extent of the 1S(A1) ground state wavefunction. Using these wavefunctions, the expected radiative lifetimes are then calculated, via Fermi's golden rule, to be between 9 ns and 17 ns for the 2P0 state, and 12 ns to 20 ns for the 2P_1 state. Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) absorbance spectroscopy is used to determine the optical transitions for selenium donors in silicon, this has allowed agreement between literature, measured, and effective mass theory energy values for the particular samples measured. FTIR time resolved spectroscopy has then been used to measure the radiative emission spectrum of selenium doped silicon samples at 10-300K, following a 1220 nm laser pulse. Fitting to the exponentially decaying emission data, selenium radiative lifetimes as long as 80 ns are found; for the 2P0 to 1S(A1) transition in an atomic selenium donor complex at 10K. A factor of between 4 and 8 agreement is found between calculated and measured radiative lifetimes. This offers the possibility of nanosecond scale donor electron coherence times for chalcogen dopants in silicon.


In recent decades, in the context of the transformation of national states and the development of multi-level government, there has been an increase in ethnic/regional political parties in Europe. Ethno-regionalism in the CEE countries has a specific basis related to their imperial past, but despite the similarities, each country has special features concerning the strength of parties, their demands and development. The analysis of the most significant ethnic/regional parties in the CEE countries shows that the main factor affecting their strength is the ethnic structure of the population, especially if it is combined with intense ethnic identity, and the ethnic minority has a historical experience of autonomy/statehood. A favorable combination of these factors results in the stability of the electoral strength of ethnic parties, which makes them an important player in the political arena. Concerning the demands of ethnic parties, it has been confirmed that the localization of the respective ethnic minority has a significant effect. If it is in one administrative unit, it stimulates regionalist aspirations; if it dwells in some compactly located administrative units, an ethnic party usually promotes cross-regionalist demands to create a new region. Under conditions of dispersed localization of a minority, an ethnic party does not put forward regionalist claims.


i353. List, Alan F. et al., "Efficacy and Safety of CC5013 for Treatment of Anemia in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)." Blood, 2003, 102(11): 184a Abstract #641. Neuwirtova, R. et al., "Immunomodulatory therapy of low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes." Onkologie, 2000, 23(7):82 Abstract


A promising ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technique being widely considered for low-data-rate applications, such as those often encountered in sensor networks, is the transmitted reference (TR) UWB scheme. However, the standard TR-UWB scheme, while often motivated by the simplicity of its receiver, is still dogged by implementation concerns. In particular, the receiver requires an extremely wideband delay element, which is difficult to incorporate into low-power integrated systems. In this paper, a TR scheme is proposed in which the separation between the data and reference signals, rather than being a time delay, is a slow rotation over the symbol interval. This provides a (slightly) frequency-shifted reference that, while orthogonal to the data-bearing pulse, still goes through a nearly equal channel. A detailed analysis of the proposed scheme is provided. Simulation results demonstrate the expected result that frequency shifting of the reference in the proposed manner is not effective for high-data-rate systems that experience appreciable intersymbol interference. However, for the targeted low-to-moderate data-rate applications, numerical results demonstrate that the proposed system not only achieves the primary goal of providing a much simpler receiver architecture, but also that it outperforms the standard TR-UWB system