This paper describes the application of a new in-cavity thermal measurement method to determine the heat flux and calculate heat losses during high pressure die casting of aluminium A380 alloy and the magnesium alloy AZ91-D. Thermal management of the die is a critical concern in high pressure die casting and the development of microstructures after solidification. Detailed measurements were performed using infra-red probes linked to pyrometric chains and thermocouple arrays that accurately determine both casting and die surface temperatures enabling the determination of heat flux densities and interfacial heat transfer coefficients and the rapid evolution of these values with time during high pressure die casting of these alloys. The energy losses during the spray cycle can then be determined by integrating the heat flux curves for the duration of the spray application. The significance of the findings presented in this investigation arise from the uniqueness of the measurement methods applied to the determination of heat flux during the high pressure die casting of both magnesium and aluminium alloys. In particular the detailed knowledge of the thermal characteristics occurring at the cavity fill stages of the die casting process achieved through the selection of an array of fine rapid-response thermocouples integrated in one sensor along with the light pipe/pyrometric chain have enabled the accurate measurement of both the die and metal surface temperatures through the entire die casting cycle enabling the calculation of heat losses during solidification and processing.


The UK food packaging industry is currently facing sustainability challenges on a macro-economic level. A Literature Review and Scoping Study have already shown there to exist a wide spectrum of technical solutions which the industry could leverage towards a move from a
Linear to a Circular Economy, but a lack of knowledge concerning how consumers actually interact with packaging exists.


Potential sources of gaseous microemboli during cardiopulmonary bypass are varied. However, it is known that membrane oxygenators generate fewer gaseous microemboli than bubble oxygenators and that bubblers cannot utilize arterial heat exchange without generating significant gaseous microemboli during rewarming. A membrane oxygenator utilizing simultaneous gas and heat exchange raises the concern that concurrent gas and heat exchange would result in a higher production of gaseous microemboli compared to conventional venous heat exchange devices. This in vitro study compared venous, simultaneous, arterial and control (venous) heat exchanger gaseous microemboli counts during rewarming. No significant difference was found between the four heat exchangers when comparing inlet and outlet gaseous microemboli counts. This in vitro study suggests that there is no difference in gaseous microemboli generation when varying the position of the heat exchanger in the extracorporeal circuit incorporating a microporous membrane oxygenator.


Six global late Paleogene hiatuses (PHa to PHe) have been identified from deep-sea sequences. These hiatuses occurred at the middle/late Eocene boundary, late Eocene, Eocene/Oligocene boundary, late early Oligocene, late Oligocene, and Oligocene/Miocene boundary horizons. Paleodepth distribution of hiatuses shows hiatus maxima characterized by major mechanical erosion below 4800 m, at mid-depth between 2000 and 3000 m, and in shallower water above 1600 m paleodepth. The geographic distribution and paleodepth of these hiatus maxima suggest that flow paths of major water masses and currents are the principal cause. Widespread short hiatuses due to carbonate dissolution or nondeposition occurred primarily during global cooling trends or climatic instability and appear to correlate to sea-level transgressions or onlap sequences. These hiatuses may have been caused by basin-shelf fractionation of carbonates.


Requirements Engineering (RE) has grown from its humble beginnings to embrace a wide variety of techniques, drawn from many disciplines, and the diversity of tasks currently performed under the label of RE has grown beyond that encom-passed by software development. We briefly review how RE has evolved and observe that RE is now a collection of best practices for pragmatic, outcome-focused critical thinking – applicable to any domain. We discuss an alternative perspective on, and de-scription of, the discipline of RE and advocate for the evolution of RE toward a discipline that supports the application of RE prac-tice to any domain. We call upon RE practitioners to proactively engage in alternative domains and call upon researchers that adopt practices from other domains to actively engage with their inspiring domains. For both, we ask that they report upon their experience so that we can continue to expand RE frontiers.


This business parable reviews two different systems development projects. One project was an abject, expensive failure, while the other succeeded in creating a major new revenue stream, bringing in new customers. By reviewing the tales of these two systems, readers will develop a better understanding of what works and what doesnt when it comes to the leadership and action steps required to reinvent a companys procedures to get in step with the times. CEO Evan Nogelmeyer discovers to his dismay that in todays business world, technology is not just for technologists. But does he discover this soon enough and once he does, does he have the tools and the business savvy he needs to stave off disaster? Evan and his team are all well-intentioned, successful business leaders with advanced degrees and backgrounds in marketing and business. But, without technical backgrounds, do they have what it takes to manage the technology overhaul so critical to the very survival of their company and the future of their own careers? A Tale of Two Systems: Lean and Agile Software Development for Business Leaders reviews two fictional systems development projects: Cremins United and Troubled Real Estate Information Management, both launched at the imaginary Cremins Corporation. Cremins is a venerable printing company that must transform itself to survive in the Internet age. One project proves to be an abject and expensive failure, while the other succeeds in creating a major new revenue stream and solving important customer needs. Contrasting the methods employed in a traditional, process-centric 'waterfall' approach, with a lean and agile-inspired approach, this book provides business leaders with a tangible understanding of why lean thinking is so well-suited to contemporary environments requiring flexibility, speed, and the input of specialized knowledge. At the conclusion of the two tales, author Michael Levine articulates a series of conclusions and principles based on Lean Product Development, Agile, and his 25 years of experience in business systems development. While the tales told and the companies and employees that inhabit them are pure fiction, the lessons to be learned are very real and very applicable in todays highly competitive market, where victory goes time and time again to the lean and the agile.


This paper proposes an optimization algorithm based on linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) to be implemented in a shunt active power filter (SAPF) enabling it to perform a selective compensation of nonefficient powers when the rated power of the SAPF is limited. The system uses the IEEE Standard 1459 to identify the different power terms (active, reactive, unbalance, and harmonics) demanded by local loads in a three-phase four-wire system. Then, the algorithm solves a quadratically constrained quadratic program by means of an LMI formulation and calculates the optimal reference currents that allow the SAPF to cancel a selection of the previously identified nonefficient power terms. For this selection, the algorithm presents different weighting coefficients in the cost index to be optimized. These coefficients assign a relative importance to each different nonefficient power term, giving priority to some over the others. Moreover, the optimization performed in this work to calculate the reference currents considers that the SAPF presents a power limitation. Finally, the reference currents' tracking has been implemented using a proportional feedforward controller which assures a constant commutation frequency of the SAPF. Experimental results demonstrate the validity of the proposal.


New fusulinid data from the Kap Jungersen and Foldedal Formations in southern Amdrup Land, eastern North Greenland allow the establishment of a detailed fusulinid-based zonation of the Upper Carboniferous succession in the Wandel Sea Basin. The fusulinid fauna is quite similar to that of the Russian Platform, the Ural Mountains, Spitsbergen, Bjørnøya, and the offshore areas of the Barents Sea, and therefore the Greenland strata are confidently correlated to the these regions. The Kap Jungersen Formation and the lower part of the Foldedal Formation are dated as late early Moscovian to latest Moscovian in age. The locally more than 450 m thick Moscovian part of the succession comprises four fusulinid zones: the Profusulinella prisca – Neostaffella subquadrata Zone and the Citrinoides paraozawai Zone of early Moscovian age, and the Fusulinella bocki – Pseduofusulinella pulchra Zone and the Protriticites ovatus Zone of late Moscovian age. Lower and middle Kasimovian deposits, characterized by two fusulinid assemblages of the Obsoletes obsoletus – Protriticites pseudomontiparus Zone and the Montiparus paramontiparus Zone, are recognised for the first time in Amdrup Land. The thin lower Gzelian succession is represented by two fusulinid assemblages that definine the Rugosofusulina flexuosa Zone and the Daixina crispa – Rauserites stuckenbergi Zone. The youngest Carboniferous strata, belonging to the Orenburgian part of the Gzelian are characterised by an assemblage of the Schellwienia ulukensis Zone.


Yield management is the umbrella term for a set of strategies that enable capacity-constrained service industries to realize optimum revenue from operations. The core concept of yield management is to provide the right service to the right customer at the right time for the right price. That concept involves careful definition of service, customer, time, and price. The service can be defined according to the dimensions of the service, how and when it is delivered, and how, when, and whether it is reserved. Timing involves both the timing of the service delivery and the timing of when the customer makes known the desire for the service, whether by reservation or by walking in to the business. Price can be set according to the timing of the service, the timing of the reservation, the type of service, or according to other rules that seem appropriate. Finally, the customer can be defined according to demand characteristics relating to the service, the timing, and the price. The ideal outcome of a revenue management strategy is to match customers' time and service characteristics to their willingness to pay-ensuring that the customer acquires the desired service at the desired time at an acceptable price, while the organization gains the maximum revenue possible given the customer and business characteristics. The strategic levers of yield management can be summarized as four Cs: namely, calendar, clock, capacity, and cost. They are bound together by a fifth C: the customer. The strategic levers of yield management are geared to matching service timing and pricing to customers' willingness to pay for service in relation to its timing. Based on customers' demand levels and characteristics, management can shift the demand of those customers who are relatively price sensitive but time insensitive to off-peak times. Shifting that demand clears prime times for customers who are relatively time sensitive but price insensitive.


Links to databases and resources for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, with a focus on PreK-12. Also helpful for elementary and secondary teachers of biology, chemistry, earth sciences, physics, and other STEM topics.


Over the course of the last decade, women from all over the world and from different social and cultural backgrounds continued to strive for equal rights in the face of discrimination, sexism, and misogyny. Utilizing new tools and strategies for communication, this 'fourth wave' of feminist thinking and activism is characterized by its commitment to a 'diversity of purpose' that recognises intersectionality as a key issue of our time and questions established sex/gender systems and gender as a binary category. This Special Collection explores the impact of current feminist discourse on architectural historiography. It offers critical debate on the legacy of second and third wave feminism, and asks for the ongoing relevance of the concerns and methodologies. It also highlights the potential of new strategies for documenting and researching the work of women architects, investigating the possibilities of digital tools and networked knowledge. Moreover, the collection considers histories of feminist architectural writing in relation to non-canonical geographies and takes a broader view to include LGBTIQ+ perspectives on the built environment. It offers diverse explorations of these key issues and presents necessary reflections to widen feminist enquiries in architectural discourse.


Abstract. The Statements of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) concerns the core justification for nominating and inscribing cultural and natural heritage properties on the UNESCO World Heritage List, ever since 2007. Ten criteria are specified and measured independently for the selection process. The 2008 ICOMOS Report "What is OUV" has been a successful example to interpret OUV as an integral concept by inspecting the associations of the selection criteria in all inscribed properties. This paper presents a novel methodology for interpreting OUV using computational techniques of Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, and Graph Visualization. Firstly, frequent phrases appearing in Statements of OUV are used to construct a lexicon for each selection criterion; Secondly, three similarity matrices are constructed as graphs to represent the pair-wise associations of the criteria; Lastly, the lexicon and graphs are visualized in 2D. The study shows that the lexicon derived from computational techniques can capture the essential concepts of OUV, and that the selection criteria are consistently associated with each other in different similarity metrics. This study provides a quantitative and qualitative interpretation of the Statements of OUV and the associations of selection criteria, which can be seen as an elaborated computational extension of the 2008 Report, useful for future inscription and evaluation process of World Heritage nominations.


ABSTRACT Underfat individuals have been neglected as a malnourished population in terms of redox homeostasis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of body composition on redox homeostasis at rest and in response to exercise. Underfat, lean and overfat women, classified according to their BMI and body fat percentage, participated in the study and were subjected to an acute session of eccentric exercise. With regard to muscle function and damage, a significant group × time interaction was found for range of motion (P < .01), isometric peak torque at 90° (P < .01), delayed onset muscle soreness (P < .01) and creatine kinase (P < .05), with the lean group generally exhibiting faster recovery compared to the underfat and overfat groups. With regard to redox homeostasis, a significant group × time interaction was found for F2-isoprostanes, protein carbonyls and glutathione (P < .01 for all biomarkers), with the underfat and overfat groups exhibiting increased resting oxidative stress levels and lower exercise-induced reactive species production . In conclusively, our data underline the importance of normal body composition for redox homeostasis, since underfat and overfat women demonstrate a similar pattern of redox disturbances both at rest and in response to exercise.


Whilst carrying out palladium catalysed hydrogenolysis to deprotect synthetic oligosaccharides, saturation of the benzyl and naphthylmethyl ether groups to their corresponding ether was observed. In order to suppress this unwanted hydrogenation, we report a scalable practical approach using a catalyst pre-treatment strategy, which is effective under batch or continuous flow conditions. This suppressed the unwanted hydrogenation side-products and created a selective catalyst for hydrogenolysis of benzyl and naphthylmethyl ethers. We demonstrate the efficient deprotection of a set of structurally diverse oligosaccharides (5 examples, >73%).


The key to successful measurement programs is to make the metrics meaningful and tailor them to the organization-however small it might be. Here the author explains how he helped three small companies reduce the time spent handling change requests, correcting errors, and generating system versions and production releases. Both the developers and customers appreciated the improved practices.


Activating mutations of the B-RAF gene are observed in >60% of human melanomas. Approximately 90% of these mutations occur in the activation segment of the kinase domain as a single-base substitution that converts a valine to glutamic acid at codon 599 (V599E) in exon 15. This mutation causes activation of the kinase as well as downstream effectors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase-signaling cascade, leading to melanoma tumor development by an as yet unknown mechanism. In this study, we have identified the role of (V599E)B-Raf in melanoma tumor development by characterizing the mechanism by which this mutant protein promotes melanoma tumorigenesis. Small interfering RNA targeted against B-Raf or a Raf kinase inhibitor (BAY 43-9006) was used to reduce expression and/or activity of (V599E)B-Raf in melanoma tumors. This inhibition led to reduced activity of the mitogen-activated protein kinase-signaling cascade and inhibited tumor development in animals. Targeted reduction of mutant (V599E)B-Raf expression (activity) in melanoma cells before tumor formation inhibited tumorigenesis by reducing the growth potential of melanoma cells. In contrast, reduction of mutant (V599E)B-Raf activity in preexisting tumors prevented further vascular development mediated through decreased vascular endothelial growth factor secretion, subsequently increasing apoptosis in tumors. These effects in combination with reduced proliferative capacity halted growth, but did not shrink the size of preexisting melanoma tumors. Thus, these studies identify the mechanistic underpinnings by which mutant (V599E)B-RAF promotes melanoma development and show the effectiveness of targeting this protein to inhibit melanoma tumor growth.


The Internet is changing the method of selling and purchasing items. Nowadays online trading replaces offline trading. The items offered by the online system can influence the nature of buying customers. The recommendation system is one of the basic tools to provide such an environment. Several techniques are used to design and implement the recommendation system. Every recommendation system passes from two phases similarity computation among the users or items and correlation between target user and items. Collaborative filtering is a common technique used for designing such a system. The proposed system uses a knowledge base generated from knowledge graph to identify the domain knowledge of users, items, and relationships among these, knowledge graph is a labelled multidimensional directed graph that represents the relationship  among the users and the items. Almost every existing recommendation system is based on one of feature, review, rating, and popularity of the items in which users' involvement is very less or none. The proposed approach uses about 100 percent of users' participation in the form of activities during navigation of the web site. Thus, the system expects under the users' interest that is beneficial for both seller and buyer. The proposed system relates the category of items, not just specific items that may be interested in the users. We see the effectiveness of this approach in comparison with baseline methods in the area of recommendation system using three parameters precision, recall, and NDCG through online and offline evaluation studies with user data, and its performance is better than all other baseline systems in all aspects.


We present a theory of the electronic structure and photophysics of 1:1 blends of derivatives of polyparaphenylenevinylene and fullerenes. Within the same Coulomb-correlated Hamiltonian applied previously to interacting chains of single-component $\ensuremath{\pi}$-conjugated polymers, we find an exciplex state that occurs below the polymer's optical exciton. Weak absorption from the ground state occurs to the exciplex. We explain transient photoinduced absorptions in the blend, observed for both above-gap and below-gap photoexcitations, within our theory. Photoinduced absorptions for above-gap photoexcitation are from the optical exciton as well as the exciplex while for below-gap photoexcitation induced absorptions are from the exciplex alone. In neither case are free polarons generated in the time scale of the experiment. Importantly, the photophysics of films of single-component $\ensuremath{\pi}$-conjugated polymers and blends can both be understood by extending Mulliken's theory of ground-state charge transfer to the case of excited-state charge transfer.


The increasing un-sustainability of the built university and the rise of the apparent mass democratization or synchronization of higher education through the virtual Massive Open Online Course [MOOC] is occurring concurrently with the mutation of the historically grounded Accident into the Knowledge Accident. The standardization of higher education through the MOOC has created the conditions for the Knowledge Accident, the "integral accident", of the built university. This is where we find the present state of the university, in a moment of crisis grounded in unconstrained "progress". The current form of the MOOC, begun in 2011, has expanded and evolved with such rapidity that the effect cannot be accurately analyzed or observed. It's perceived success is framed solely within its temporality and rapid growth, obscuring the potentially detrimental effect on the built campus. The 'pedagogical campus and classroom' is being replaced by the individual screen and the living room; the classroom becomes in effect chair-less. This conflict of temporal vs. real, hierarchical vs. horizontal has created the conditions for the fragmentation of the built university; the accident is unknown. The evolving theory of the accident becomes a lens through which to assess these the conditions of the present, specifically the increasing vulnerability of higher education and the built university. The temporal nature of the digital is generating, but also obscuring the detrimental effects on not just the built university, but higher education in general, shielded behind data generated illusions of progress and success. This theses caters to the virtual MOOC, becoming the design for its built infrastructure while exposing the accident of the virtual: its corrosive effects on meaning and place. Architects have the ability to preemptively respond.


LC-tank oscillators in the 5/spl sim/6 GHz frequency range have been designed and implemented in a commercial 0.6 /spl mu/m GaAs MESFET technology. One is a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), and the other is an oscillator without a controlling element. The output frequency range of the VCO is from 5.44 to 6.14 GHz, and the measured phase-noise is -101.67 dBc/Hz at an offset frequency of 600 KHz from the 5.44 GHz carrier. The phase-noise of the 6.44 GHz oscillator is -108 dBc/Hz at an offset frequency of 600 KHz, and the phase-noise curve, in the offset frequency range between 100 KHz and 1 MHz, shows a -20 dB/decade slope. These phase-noise characteristics are comparable to, or better than, those of the reported 5/spl sim/6 GHz-band CMOS oscillators. To our knowledge, this is the first GaAs MESFET-based oscillator which has a cross-coupled differential topology and a capacitive coupling feedback to suppress the up-conversion of 1/f noise. Also, it is first reported that the GaAs MESFET-based oscillator shows 1/f/sup 2/ phase-noise behavior across the offset frequency range from 100 KHz to 1 MHz.


Summary Barbourin is a 73 amino acid venom protein that inhibits platelet aggregation. Recombinant barbourin (BARH6), rabbit serum albumin (RSAH6), and a barbourin-RSA fusion protein (barbourin-linker-albumin; BLAH6) were secreted from Pichia pastoris yeast, and purified by nickel-chelate affinity chromatography via their C-terminal hexahisti-dine (H6) tags. BARH6 and BLAH6 did not differ in their IC50s for inhibition of platelet aggregation using either human platelets stimulated with thrombin or ADP, or rabbit platelets stimulated with ADP. BARH6 and BLAH6 were also effective in inhibiting platelet aggregation in whole blood, and formed complexes with platelet integrin αIIbβ3. The terminal catabolic half-life of BLAH6 approached that of RSAH6[3.4 ± 0.2 versus 4.0 ± 0.1 days (n = 4 ± SD)], but was substantially increased relative to that of BARH6 [0.15 ± 0.03 days (n = 3 ± SD)]. Our results suggest that fusion to albumin slows the clearance of barbourin in vivo, while preserving its ability to inhibit platelet aggregation.


Summary An efficient and reproducible in vitro protocol for mass production of the threatened medicinal plant Arnica montana L. (Asteraceae) was developed. The effectiveness of various combinations of plant growth regulators on A. montana clonal multiplication was assessed, using seedlings' stems as initial explants. Among 12 tested nutrient media, the optimum one (MS supplemented with 1.0 mg/l BAP and 0.1 mg/l IAA) increased the organogenesis frequency up to 95% in the best origin, with mean number of shoots per explant 4.25 for 5 weeks. Sub-cultivations on this medium every 4 weeks led to increase of the propagation rate as in the fifth subculture the average number of shoots per explant reached 12.32±0.82. Rooting of uniform in vitro shoots was 100% successful on half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l IBA. The ex vitro adapted plants showed 90% survival, and were further acclimatized to two mountain ex situ collections. Plants looked healthy and true-to-type and began to bloom in the second or the third year. In addition, a successful protocol for slow-growth storage of in vitro A. montana cultures was elaborated, after testing 8 media with mannitol or sorbitol. The medium ½ MS containing 3% sorbitol and 2% sucrose was chosen as the best one, efficiently retarding the growth of the in vitro plantlets, thus allowing 6-month maintenance without sub-cultivation. The developed in vitro protocols could be of great value for commercial propagation and sustainable conservation of this threatened medicinal plant.


OBJECTIVE
To review the numerous reports of hepatotoxic adverse drug reactions (ADRs) ascribed to pemoline that were sent to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between 1975 and 1996 and to describe the medical community's lack of awareness of these reports.

METHOD
All ADR reports from 1975 through 1996 wherein pemoline was the suspect agent were obtained from the FDA MedWatch Internet site, and some details of nine pemoline-related deaths in youths were obtained directly from the FDA. The published literature on this subject was fully reviewed.

RESULTS
(1) In premarketing clinical trials with pemoline in the early 1970s, hepatic abnormalities were noted in enzyme levels (1%-3% of youths receiving maintenance treatment), during rechallenges (6 of 6), and in biopsies (2 of 2). (2) Between 1975 and 1989, 12 cases of jaundice and 6 deaths in youths ascribed to pemoline hepatotoxicity were reported to the FDA. (3) The first medical literature report of a serious ADR ascribed to pemoline was in a 1989 letter to the editor. (4) Physicians generally only became aware of serious pemoline hepatotoxicity in December 1996. (5) Pemoline use increased until 1997.

CONCLUSION
Limitations in postmarketing surveillance and public reporting in the United States, particularly in the 1980s, largely accounted for delays in an appropriate response to pemoline hepatotoxicity.


Chromium (Cr) is one of the most common heavy-metal contaminant in groundwater, soil and sediments. Cr is a toxic element that occurs in highly variable oxidation states. Since Cr (VI) is a strong oxidant, it may cause severe oxidative stress in plant tissue. However, the antioxidative responses of plants to excess Cr have not been studied critically. Thus, the present study was undertaken to assess antioxidative responses of Brassica juncea L. and Brassica oleracea L. plants as models because of their phytoremediation capacity of metal enriched soils under different levels of Cr (VI) treatments. Seedlings were grown in 15 cm x 17 cm pots containing turf mixture in a greenhouse for 6 weeks. Then plants were irrigated with the solutions containing 0, 0.05, 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mM Cr (VI) for 10 weeks. Fully expanded leaves were collected from the plants at the end of the treatments for catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) analyses. Even though both species showed a similar trend in response to Cr (VI) treatments, the total enzyme activities were higher in Brassica oleracea L. than in Brassica juncea L. Cr (VI) treatments significantly decreased the activities of CAT depending on the Cr concentrations in both species. After the significant increase, a sharp decrease was observed in the activity of APX and GR in both species. Data indicated that a coordinated increase in APX and GR activities in both Brassica species under Cr stress played a role as signals to protect the plants from Cr-induced stress.


Particulate matter (PM) emission from the combustion of solid fuels potentially poses a severe threat to the environment. In this article, a novel approach was developed to examine the properties of individual particles in PM. With this method, PM emitted from combustion was first size-segregated. Subsequently, each size was characterized by computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy (CCSEM) for both bulk property and single particle analysis. Combustion of bituminous coal, dried sewage sludge (DSS) and their mixture were conducted at 1200 {sup o}C in a laboratory-scale drop tube furnace. Three individual sizes smaller than 2.5 {mu}m were investigated. The results indicate that a prior size-segregation can greatly minimize the particle size contrast and phase contrast on the backscattered images during CCSEM analysis. Consequently, high accuracy can be achieved for quantifying the sub-micron particles and their inherent volatile metals. Regarding the PM properties as attained, concentrations of volatile metals including Na, K, and Zn have a negative relationship with particle size; they are enriched in the smallest particles around 0.11 {mu}m as studied here. Strong interactions can occur during the cofiring of coal and DSS, leading to the distinct properties of PM emitted from cofiring. The method developed here and results attained frommore » it are helpful for management of the risks relating to PM emission during coal-fired boilers.« less


Scientific researchers have often been the early adopters and co-creators of new technology. Through programmes like e-Science and cyberinfrastructure, the last decade has seen many emerging technologies harnessed for application in a range of research disciplines. Here we discuss some of the technologies that have been promoted, including Grid, Semantic Web and Web 2.0, informed by experience of a diverse range of examples. Our aim is to achieve insights into the e-Research ecosystem to guide our future journey.


Bael [ Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa], is well known in Indian traditional medical system for its multipurpose use in treatment of various diseases. Fresh ripe fruits are used in various types of shakes and sharbats but bael fruits are mainly used into its processed form like nectar or squash, jelly, candy and murabba. Bael powder is another form of product which has very high pharmaceutical value, long storability and is the pure concentrated form of fruit pulp. The aim of this study is to measure the nutraceutical values in bael powder (dry weight basis) prepared from fruit of CISH B-1 harvested at various stages of growth and development [180–335 days after fruit set (DAFS)] by using a simple HPLC technique and atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The antioxidants value (in terms of FRAP) ranges from 13.45 mmol/g at 180 DAFS (month of November) to 22.6 mmol/g at 335 DAFS (month of April). Maximum polyphenols content (5.99%) was observed at 305 and 335 DAFS (months of March and April). The antioxidants and polyphenols were enhanced significantly with the maturity of the fruits. Marmelosin and psoralen concentrations were highest at 215 DAFS and were found as 737 and 511 µg/g, respectively. Thereafter, both compounds declined significantly in mature fruit powder. Mineral contents in powder also varied with maturity stages. From this study, it may be concluded that powder prepared from immature fruits collected at early stages of development (November-January; 180–245 DAFS), possessed significantly higher amount of potassium, iron, marmelosin, psoralen and tannic acid, whereas, mature fruit powder (harvested during March-April; 305-335 DAFS) contains significantly higher content of zinc, copper, polyphenols and antioxidants


Attributed graphs, where nodes are associated with a rich set of attributes, have been widely used in various domains. Among all the nodes, those with patterns that deviate significantly from others are of particular interest. There are mainly two challenges for anomaly detection. For one thing, we often encounter large graphs with lots of nodes and attributes in the real-life scenario, which requires a scalable algorithm. For another, there are anomalies w.r.t. both the structure and attribute in a mixed manner. The algorithm should identify all of them simultaneously. State-of-art algorithms often fail in some respects. In this paper, we propose the scalable algorithm called MixedAD. Theoretical analysis is provided to prove its superiority. Extensive experiments are also conducted on both synthetic and real-life datasets. Specifically, the results show that MixedAD often achieves the F1 scores greater than those of others by at least 25% and runs at least 10 times faster than the others.


The monolithic flexible joint is introduced as a novel component of inertial guidance instrument. The angular stiffness of the joint is investigated by employing theory of flexure hinges considering the key part of the joint is a variation of the common circular flexure hinge. Closed-form equation is formulated to unify the typical angular stiffness equations developed by other authors in terms of the circular hinge, and the main variables of the formulation are also discussed. Finite element models of the monolithic joint are built to confirm the analytical model predictions. A measuring system controlled by computer is also developed to evaluate the angular stiffness of the monolithic flexible joint. Checked against finite element analysis and experimental measurement data, the analytical model predictions are within 7% error margins. The study results indicate that the angular stiffness is more sensitive to the minimal thickness of hinge and less sensitive to the notch angle and the oblique angle of hinge.


Multilevel inverters provide appealing advantages such as improved efficiency, superior thermal performance, better distribution of the switching and conduction power losses, smaller size of passive components including output ac filters and EMI filters, as compared to their two-level counterparts. The flying-capacitor (FC)-based topologies are attaining more attentions, and are finding lots of medium-voltage and low-voltage industrial and residential applications. The FC-based active neutral-point-clamped (ANPC) inverter, as a hybrid topology based on the three-level ANPC and the FC-based configurations, offers outstanding advantages including the reduced number of FCs as well as switching power cells, improved efficiency, and enhanced power quality. However, the utilization of high-voltage line-frequency switches, as a major drawback, hinders the ANPC converter from expansion and penetration into the high-voltage ranges. The dual flying-capacitor (DFC)-ANPC topology resolves this issue through introducing the zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) feature into the line-frequency devices. This soft-switching makes it possible to use the series connection of several low-voltage devices for the realization of the high-voltage switches without having the transient voltage imbalance issues. This article studies the thermal benefits that are achieved in the DFC-ANPC topology alongside the ZVS operation of its line-frequency high-voltage switches. Furthermore, an active voltage balancing technique, based on logic-equations, is proposed in this article for control of the FCs' voltages. The experimental results are provided to validate the improved thermal performance of the DFC-ANPC topology as well as the active balancing technique for the regulation of the FC voltages.


Abstract The aim of this study was to explore the incidence and risk factors for posterior cage migration (PCM) following decompression and instrumented fusion for degenerative lumbar disorders, and hope to provide references in decision making and surgical planning for spine surgeons. By retrieving the medical records from January 2011 to December 2015, 286 patients were retrospectively reviewed. According to the occurrence of PCM, patients were divided into 2 groups: PCM group and non-PCM (N-PCM). To investigate risk values for PCM, 3 categorized factors were analyzed statistically: patient characteristics: age, sex, body mass index, bone mineral density, duration of disease, diagnosis, comorbidity, smoke; surgical variables: surgery time, blood loss, surgical strategy, cage morphology, cage size, surgical segment, fusion number, source of bone graft, surgeon experience; radiographic parameters: preoperative lumbar lordosis, correction of lumbar lordosis, preoperative lumbar mobility, preoperative intervertebral height, change of intervertebral height, Modic changes, paraspinal muscle degeneration. PCM was detected in 18 of 286 patients (6.3%) at follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in patient characteristics, except diagnosis, as lumbar spondylolisthesis was more prevalent in PCM group than that in N-PCM group. There was no difference between the 2 groups in surgical variables, except cage size and surgeon experience, as size of cage was smaller in PCM group than that in N-PCM group, and the surgeons with less experience (less than 3 years) were more prevalent in PCM group than that in N-PCM group. There was no statistically significant difference between 2 groups in radiographic parameters. Logistic regression model revealed that less than 3 years of surgeons' experience, small cage size, and lumbar spondylolisthesis were independently associated with PCM. For patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis, they should be fully informed about the risk of PCM before operation. While for spinal surgeons, large cage should be preferred, and careful manipulation should be adopted, especially for new learners with less than 3-year experience of fusion surgery.


Ultrashort single-walled carbon nanotubes loaded with gadolinium ions (gadonanotubes) have been previously shown to exhibit extremely high T1 -weighted relaxivities (>100 mm(-1) s(-1) ). To further examine the effect of nanoconfinement on the relaxivity of gadolinium-based contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging, a series of ultrashort single-walled carbon nanotube (US-tube) materials internally loaded with gadolinium chelates have been prepared and studied. US-tubes were loaded with Gd(acac)3  · 2H2 O, Gd(hfac)3  · 2H2 O, and Gd(thd)3 (acac = acetylacetone, hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetone, thd = tetramethylheptanedione). The longitudinal relaxivities of the prepared materials determined at 25°C in a 1.5 T field were 103 mm(-1) s(-1) for Gd(acac)3  · 2H2 O@US-tubes, 105 mm(-1) s(-1) for Gd(hfac)3  · 2H2 O@US-tubes and 26 mm(-1) s(-1) for Gd(thd)3 @US-tubes. Compared with the relaxivities obtained for the unloaded chelates (<10 mm(-1) s(-1) ) as well as accounting for the T1 reduction observed for the empty US-tubes, the boost in relaxivity for chelate-loaded US-tubes is attributed to confinement within the nanotube and depends on the number of coordinated water molecules.


Data centers deploy a variety of middleboxes (e.g., firewalls, load balancers and SSL offloaders) to protect, manage and improve the performance of applications and services they run. Since existing networks provide limited support for middleboxes, administrators typically overload path selection mechanisms to coerce traffic through the desired sequences of middleboxes placed on the network path. These ad-hoc practices result in a data center network that is hard to configure and maintain, wastes middlebox resources, and cannot guarantee middlebox traversal under network churn.
 To address these issues, we propose the policy-aware switching layer or PLayer, a new layer-2 for data centers consisting of inter-connected policy-aware switches or pswitches. Unmodified middleboxes are placed off the network path by plugging them into pswitches. Based on policies specified by administrators, pswitches explicitly forward different types of traffic through different sequences of middleboxes. Experiments using our prototype software pswitches suggest that the PLayer is flexible, uses middleboxes efficiently, and guarantees correct middlebox traversal under churn.


Fletcher and Gardner have created a comprehensive resource that will be of interest not only to those working in the field of finance, but also to those using numerical methods in other fields such as engineering, physics, and actuarial mathematics. By showing how to combine the high-level elegance, accessibility, and flexibility of Python, with the low-level computational efficiency of C++, in the context of interesting financial modeling problems, they have provided an implementation template which will be useful to others seeking to jointly optimize the use of computational and human resources. They document all the necessary technical details required in order to make external numerical libraries available from within Python, and they contribute a useful library of their own, which will significantly reduce the start-up costs involved in building financial models. This book is a must read for all those with a need to apply numerical methods in the valuation of financial claims. David Louton, Professor of Finance, Bryant University This book is directed at both industry practitioners and students interested in designing a pricing and risk management framework for financial derivatives using the Python programming language. It is a practical book complete with working, tested code that guides the reader through the process of building a flexible, extensible pricing framework in Python. The pricing frameworks' loosely coupled fundamental components have been designed to facilitate the quick development of new models. Concrete applications to real-world pricing problems are also provided. Topics are introduced gradually, each building on the last. They include basic mathematical algorithms, common algorithms from numerical analysis, trade, market and event data model representations,lattice and simulation based pricing, and model development. The mathematics presented is kept simple and to the point. The book also provides a host of information on practical technical topics such as C++/Python hybrid development (embedding and extending) and techniques for integrating Python based programs with Microsoft Excel. The book is accompanied by a CD ROM containing a code library; and a companion website www.wiley.com/go/fletcher_python which will feature code-based updates relating to Python 3.0.


Recently, Content Distribution Networks (CDNs) have attracted a great deal of attention from both the industry and academic communities. In this paper, we design efficient object replication algorithms to achieve the optimal performance while not violating clients' QoS requirements. We show that such a problem is NP-complete and solve it with a three-stage mechanism: In the first stage, object replication constraints to meet the QoS requirements are generated. Second, a minimal object replication set (MORS), which can satisfy the constraints with the minimal number of replicas on each server, is created. Finally, more objects are replicated on the servers with spare space to further improve the performance. We propose a number of heuristic algorithms and conduct extensive trace-driven simulation experiments to evaluate the performance of these algorithms. keyword – Content Distribution Network (CDN), Replica Placement Algorithm, Quality of Service (QoS)


The research is aimed to analyze the pattern and behaviour of food consumption, and factors influencing food consumption of the family. It is also used to formulate the strategy for non-rice diversification. Descriptive statistics and 24 hours recall methods were used to describe the consumption pattern. While logistic regression was used to determine factors influencing food diversification. In addition, the study also employed Analysis of Hierarchy Process. The study was coducted at 4 sub-district in Magelang districts, namely: Kaliangkrik, Windusari, Pakis and Kajoran. By applying multi-stage sampling, there are 299 persons as the study sample.
Results of the study indicated that diversification of food consumption in Magelang Regency is far from what is expected. That was showed by PPH score in 4 location that still below standard PPH score: Kaliangkrik's PPH score 61,6;
Windusari's 71,5; Pakis's 66,4 and Kajoran's 70,1. Maize is becoming more popular as local food staples than rice and flour. As a result of logistic regression analysis, all independent variables use in this model are significant. So, knowledge of food consumption, food nutrition, food price, family income, accessibility, habits, level of education and buying food opinion determine diversification of food that proxy from PPH score. AHP models recommend major commodity that must be developed to carry out diversification of food consumption in Magelang Regency is maize

Keywords : food diversification, logistic regression analysis, analytical hierarchy process (AHP)


Global changes are driving ecosystem alterations, and the effects are becoming more and more obvious. Ecosystem management clarifies the fundamental supporting functions of ecosystems for human survival and sustainable development. Integrated ecosystem monitoring and assessment has become a popular topic of ecology study. However, many scientific questions need to be addressed, including what assessment contents and methods are optimal for temporal and spatial measurements. Therefore, the development of a scientific evaluation framework that includes certain core contents and indicators is very important. This paper proposes a regional integrated ecosystem assessment framework involving comprehensive monitoring. Satellite images are the main data source for different ecosystem and ecological parameters, and these need to be supplemented with the help of surveys or field observation data. A healthy ecosystem is the basis of human survival and sustainable development, and ecological service should be taken as the core of integrated ecosystem assessment. This is decided by the spatial distribution, classification, and patterns of regional ecosystems. That is to say, ecological service, together with ecosystems distribution and pattern, ecological problem indicators, and ecological stress, needs to be integrated analyzed and evaluated.


The name trawl is derived from the manner of operating the net rather than from any peculiarity of the net itself. The net is essentially a flattened bag which is towed or trawled over the ocean floor and this manner of fishing has shown itself to be very efficient in taking deep water fishes in large quantity at low operating cost. The capture of demersel fishes by means of hand lines, set or long lines and submerged gill or trammel nets requires more men, working longer hours for a smaller catch than does the dragging of a bag net along the ocean bottom. Another factor contributed to the success of trawling as a method of fishing. The dragging of a deeply submerged net could be continued after the weather became too rough to permit fishing operations by setliners or trammel netters. Trawling vessels averaged larger than set line boats and put to sea in weather that kept smaller craft port bound. Thus in spells of bad weather it frequently happened that no fish was delivered except the trawl-caught fares which benefited from any upward price fluctuation due to bad-weather scarcity of fish. However, trawling was not dependent upon favorable sale price. Quite the contrary, trawling was profitable at low price because of the quantity production at low operating cost. Consequently price to small-boat fishermen usually sagged when trawlers operated in an area. This pinched the small operators and often drove them into some other type of fishing. Although there are many variations in the construction of trawl nets, there are three basic types determined by the device employed to keep the mouth of the bag open. The simplest method is to attach the net to a rigid horizontal pole or beam. This is the beam trawl. Another method is to employ two towing lines, each line towed by a separate vessel. The two vessels follow parallel courses but at sufficient distance apart so that the diverging tow lines pull outward and keep the net mouth spread open. This is the two-boat or paranzella type. The outward pull on the net mouth may be accomplished by a pair of kite-like boards, one at each side of the net, so hung at an angle that the boards tend to diverge or kite outward which keeps the mouth of the net open. This is the otter trawl.


In the last decade a number of environments for Computer Supported Plastic Surgery have been presented. Nevertheless an overall approach for training and intraoperative support is still missing or has not been widely exploited yet. We developed a fully integrated system which allows surgical simulation, planning and support for computer guided plastic surgery procedures starting from image acquisition to final intraoperative assistance. The system also provides the user with a radiological workstation able to analyze patient medical images and case studies, with advanced bidimensional and three dimensional image processing functionalities. We intend to demonstrate that an extremely integrated and general purpose platform for surgical training, planning and support with advanced simulation capabilities can be built at an affordable cost and may be adopted by plastic surgeons in teaching and training of complex surgical planning. Due to the modular structure of the system, the radiological workstation is also capable to support radiologist and surgeons in real patient case studies. Moreover results of simulation can be used in the operating room with a relatively high benefit in terms of improved accuracy, reduction of surgical risks and decrease in training costs.


Objective  The objective of the present study was to investigate the histological structure of goose pancreatic ducts. Design Tissue samples from the lobes and ducts of the pancreas were dissected under deep ether anesthesia. Interventions Sections were stained using Crossmon's connective tissue method for general observations and Gomori's method for pancreatic islet cells. Results The glands were found intermittently inside the connective tissue of the ducts starting from the interlobular ducts to the point where the pancreas emptied its contents into the duodenum as well as inside the muscular layer of the pancreatic ducts. Those glands contained centro-acinar cells and also had the same staining features as the acinus. Conclusions To our knowledge, this was the first report of the presence of glands in the ducts of goose pancreas


This paper describes the structure of digital and computer system curricula at a university in South Africa and shows how programmable logic is successfully applied in an environment where ASIC designs are not yet feasible. Programmable logic is used in the courses for rapid prototyping of much more complex digital structures, much quicker and easier, than in the past. VHDL is used to describe digital and computer structures at algorithmic level. Stellenbosch University is the first university in Africa to introduce these concepts in engineering courses.


Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) is commonly known as one of the chemical treatment designed specifically to remove unwanted materials or waste, either in the form of organic or inorganic materials. This technology is commonly being utilized in the waste water treatment industry by performing complex oxidation reactions in order to breakdown the biologically toxic materials. Basically, this project will be conducted based on a specific method of advanced oxidation process (AOP) namely Fenton's oxidation with the aid of photolysis on one of the rare amine wastes, Diisopropanolamine (DIPA) based on different light intensities as the experimental parameters.
The major motivation for the author to perform this study is to find out the effect of degradation efficiency of DIPA under different light radiation. The author has constructed a simple experiment setup for Photo-Fenton oxidation process with light radiation available where the reaction system will be placed directly under the light source. Standard solutions for each reagent were also prepared with proper procedures by the author. Prior to the experiments, the author has produced a calibration curve for concentration estimation of the processed samples. Degradation efficiency is mainly determined by Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) by utilizing COD digester and Hach® DR 5000.
Experimental work started with optimization of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) under both light sources, 1.0 M of hydrogen peroxide gave the highest COD removal in percentage instead of 0.01 M and 0.1 M in both cases. Then, optimization of DIPA concentration is carried out for both light intensities. 300 ppm of DIPA solution became the most optimum concentration for 500 Watt environment; whereas 500 ppm for 300 Watt light radiation. The most optimum systems were compared for the most efficient light intensity for DIPA degradation under Photo-Fenton oxidation. 300 Watt light source gives the highest COD removal percentage of 60.64% and said to be the higher efficiency light condition for such oxidation process.


Heat pumps are an energy efficient way to provide adequate heating to an indoor space. In contrast to electric or gas heating, a heat pump works to draw the "free" heat from the cold outdoor ambient and transfer thermal energy to the heated space. When the outdoor ambient is cold and humidity conditions are right, however, frost will start to develop on the heat pump's outdoor coil. Frost on the coil surface blocks air flow through the coil thus reducing the heat pump's efficiency and overall performance. Control of frosting and defrosting is particularly important to the successful use of heat pumps in cold climates. To restore the unit's heating capacity and efficiency, a defrost cycle is needed to remove the accumulated frost developed on the coil. While defrosting restores heat pump efficiency, this period of operation itself requires additional power and ultimately results in an energy penalty. Improving defrost performance and/or reducing the number and duration of required defrost periods would significantly improve heat pump operation. Heat pump researchers and manufacturers have spent a great amount of effort on the topic of defrosting. A comprehensive review of efforts within the last 15 years was conducted to summarize existing defrosting technologies and identify those solutions that may be more feasible or readily commercialized to reduce the defrost penalty. This summary highlights technologies that may reduce or eliminate the negative impacts of the defrosting period including approaches using hot gas bypass, coil coatings and advanced control strategies. The potential impact of the identified technologies is energy and demand savings, improved performance for comfort, and removal of a significant barrier to widespread adoption of air-source heat pumps in all climates.


AbstractBackground: In the mid-1800s Florence Nightingale ruled that the nursing profession was for women, and men were excluded from the profession. Sweden's first male nurse graduated in 1953. According to the National Board of Health: 13% of Sweden's nurses are male nurses. In modern day culture male nurses are often portrayed negatively, and according to some studies the number of female nurses who have a high acceptance of male nurses are as large as the number of female nurses who have a low acceptance.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe; the male nurses' experiences of working with female colleagues, their interaction with patients within the nursing profession, and to describe selected study samples.Method: The design was a descriptive literature review, which included 13 scientific articles in the result. The 13 scientific articles were searched in PubMed and Cinahl with relevant MeSH terms and Cinahl-headings where they were available.Results: The results showed that the male nurses felt that there was a notion that the nursing profession in the eye of the public was a feminine profession, something that affected their experience of working as nurses. The male nurses felt that there were perceptions about their sexuality and their sexual intentions, both from patients and colleagues. There were also difficulties in the interaction between both female and male patients, male nurses felt that they had to ensure they were more careful to avoid any unnecessary touching. Male nurses also found that they were assigned more "typically male" tasks on the basis that they were seen as being physically stronger than their female colleagues.Conclusion: This study has revealed that male nurses' experiences of working in the profession were impacted by the fact that they were men. Preconceived notions and prevailing gender norms influenced the male nurses' interactions with their colleagues and patients. Male nurses found that they are portrayed in a negative light by today's modern society for choosing a career pathe in the nursing profession. The male nurses' experiences were also influenced by established social gender norms that were found in the community.Keywords: male nurses, qualitative research, experience, gender


This very readable little book is addressed primarily to physicians, to encourage and help them in rehabilitation of cardiovascular patients. It emphasizes that the physician must take the responsibility for rehabilitation of his patient. This may mean a simple referral to a competent clinic or an involved, long-range program carried out mainly by a lone physician, as is still necessary in many, if not most, parts of the United States. Many concrete suggestions are given to help the physician on his own, especially in dealing with the patient with hemiplegia or hemiparesis. The child with heart disease is discussed briefly in two short chapters on rheumatic and congenital heart disease. There still appears to be no objective way of deciding what restrictions, if any, need be placed on the child with heart disease. The statement is made, however, that adults with rheumatic heart disease may work successfully in jobs requiring


The incidence, clinical and investigative features, treatment, and course of severe oesophagitis in 200 patients seen and followed up in the Thoracic Surgical Department for north east Scotland from 1951 to 1967 are reviewed. The male/female ratio was 1/1·9. The incidence of severe oesophagitis (grades III and IV) approximated to 4·5 per 100,000; there was a dramatic increase from the age of 50 years onwards. Reflux, with or without hiatal hernia, precedes oesophagitis and has an incidence in excess of 86 per 100,000. It is difficult to assess the extent to which reflux produces mild oesophagitis, but it is clear that it only infrequently leads to the severe grades. Severe oesophagitis does not always need operative treatment. A conservative regime, supplemented by bouginage as required, enables the poorer-risk older patient to live a near-normal life span, in very reasonable comfort. Fifty-three patients of the whole series were operated upon, half primarily and half after previous conservative treatment. The problems of operative treatment are discussed. Newer procedures designed to prevent reflux now allow operation to be more freely advised. Perhaps, rather surprisingly, severe oesophagitis had very little effect on the expectation of life, whether treatment was conservative or operative.


In nuclear fusion power supply systems, the thyristors often need to be connected in parallel for sustaining large current. However, research on the reverse recovery transient of parallel thyristors has not been reported yet. When several thyristors are connected in parallel, they cannot turn-off at the same moment, and thus the turn-off model based on a single thyristor is no longer suitable. In this paper, an analysis is presented for the reverse recovery transient of parallel thyristors. Parallel thyristors can be assumed as one virtual thyristor so that the reverse recovery current can be modeled by an exponential function. Through equivalent transformation of the rectifier circuit, the commutating over-voltage can be calculated based on Kirchhoff's equation. The reverse recovery current and commutation over-voltage waveforms are measured on an experiment platform for a high power rectifier supply. From the measurement results, it is concluded that the modeling method is acceptable.


Radiochemical diagnostic techniques such as solid- and gas-phase capsule debris analysis may prove to be successful methods for establishing the success or failure of ignition experiments at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). Samples in the gas phase offer the most direct method of collection by simply pumping out the large target chamber following a NIF shot. The target capsules will be prepared with dopants which will produce radioactive noble gas isotopes upon activation with neutrons. We have designed the Radchem Apparatus for Gas Sampling (RAGS) in order to collect post-shot gaseous samples for NIF capsule diagnostics. The design of RAGS incorporates multiple stages intended to purify, transfer, and count the radioactive decays from gaseous products synthesized in NIF experiments.


Introduction: Consecutive pregnancies with an of interval less than two years is associated with adverse consequences for the mother and child. Education and support of women during breastfeeding is one of strategies that have been used for appropriate spacing between pregnancies. This study aimed to investigate the effect of peer support on the incidence of pregnancy during breastfeeding and the use of family planning methods in Ilam, Iran. Materials & Methods: This interventional study was conducted in birth and health centers of Ilam between 2010 and 2012 among 240 nulliparous women who were randomly divided into case and control groups. The control group received the standard educational programs, while the case group received both the standard education and peer support from 30 consultants for six months after delivery. One hundred fifty-four participants (79 subjects in the case group and 74 in the control group) completed the questionnaires.. The collected data were analyzed using decriptive statistics such as mean and percentage and chi-square test and Fisher's exact test in SPSS, version 16. Findings: The results showed that 24 months after delivery, pregnancy rate during breastfeeding in the control group was significantly higher than the case group (20% v.s 1.5%; P=0.004). The time of pregnancy in the control group was significantly earlier than the case group(9.6±3.56 months postpartum vs. 18.26±1.25; p=0.01). The two groups were statistically different in terms of onset of use of contraceptive methods (72.71±61.35 vs. 10.02±36.71 days post-partum; P=0.001). Discussion & Conclusions: Appropriate education and consultation programs for young and inexperienced women can prevent pregnancies during breastfeeding.


A constriction formed by the crossing of the second transmembrane domains of ASIC1, residues G432 to G436, forms the narrowest segment of the pore in the crystal structure of chicken ASIC1, presumably in the desensitized state, suggesting that it constitutes the "desensitization gate" and the "selectivity filter." Residues Gly-432 and Asp-433 occlude the pore, preventing the passage of ions from the extracellular side. Here, we examined the role of Asp-433 and Gly-432 in channel kinetics, ion selectivity, conductance, and Ca 2+ block in lamprey ASIC1 that is a channel with little intrinsic desensitization in the pH range of maximal activity, pH 7.0. The results show that the duration of open times depends on residue 433, with Asp supporting the longest openings followed by Glu, Gln, or Asn, whereas other residues keep the channel closed. This is consistent with residue Asp-433 forming the pore's closing gate and the properties of the side chain either stabilizing (hydrophobic amino acids) or destabilizing (Asp) the gate. The data also show residue 432 influencing the duration of openings, but here only Gly and Ala support long openings, whereas all other residues keep channels closed. The negative charge of Asp-433 was not required for block of the open pore by Ca 2+ or for determining ion selectivity and unitary conductance. We conclude that the conserved residue Asp-433 forms the closing gate of the pore and thereby determines the duration of individual openings while desensitization, defined as the permanent closure of all or a fraction of channels by the continual presence of H + , modulates the on or off position of the closing gate. The latter effect depends on less conserved regions of the channel, such as TM1 and the extracellular domain. The constriction made by Asp-433 and Gly-432 does not select for ions in the open conformation, implying that the closing gate and selectivity filter are separate structural elements in the ion pathway of ASIC1. The results also predict a significantly different conformation of TM2 in the open state that relieves the constriction made by TM2, allowing the passage of ions unimpeded by the side chain of Asp-433.


Racial differences in wealth ownership are among the most extreme and persistent forms of stratification in the United States, but the factors that contribute to this inequality are unclear. One potentially important contributing factor is family background. It is a critical determinant of attainment, and both childhood family resources and family structure vary racially. This article reports that family size during childhood contributes significantly to racial differences in adult wealth. I find that siblings strain material and nonmaterial resources during childhood and decrease adult home ownership, stock ownership, and total assets. Having extended family in the home also decreases wealth for those from intact families, but an extended family minimizes the negative effect of divorce and separation and increases wealth in disrupted families. I also find that childhood family size and family structure are related to racial differences in adult wealth accumulation trajectories, allowing whites to begin accumulating high-yield assets earlier in life. The results provide insight into the role of family background in creating and maintaining inequality, particularly racial stratification in wealth ownership.


Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), R. virginicus Banks, and Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki were stressed by holding them at 25°C or 28°C, respectively, in metal pans for 5 d prior to introduction into 1 side of 3-jar arenas (3 containers connected serially) containing freshly-collected nestmates. After 14 d, mass loss of wooden blocks was determined for blocks from the arena side to which stressed termites were added (treated) as well as those from the opposite side (control). Feeding effects of termite exposure to stress were inconsistent among species. For R. flavipes, there was no significant difference in feeding; whereas loss of block mass on the treated side in R. virginicus arenas was significantly greater (P = 0.0017) than that on the control side of the arenas. For C. formosanus, mass loss of wafers also was significantly greater (P = 0.0284) on the treated side of the arenas, similar to the response of R. virginicus.


: Comparison between sonographic and angiographic findings of the extracranial carotid arteries were made in 68 patients. We used a Diasonic Duplex Ultrasonograph (DRF 400) which combined a real-time B-mode imaging system and a pulsed-wave Doppler spectral analyser. Continuous-wave Doppler was also used to determine ophthalmic artery flow direction. The findings were classified into four categories: (1) normal or less than 10% stenosis, (2) 10-49% stenosis, (3) 50-99% stenosis, (4) and total occlusion. The agreement between the two tests was 0.53 which meant fair agreement beyond chance by Kappa statistics. When angiograms were used as gold standard, the sensitivity of duplex sonography was above 80% in all categories of stenosis, and the overall accuracy and specificity were above 90% in those stenosis greater than 50% and occlusion. We conclude that duplex sonography, a reproducible noninvasive test, is a safe and cost-efficient screening method which can provide a good correlation with angiograms in detecting extracranial carotid artery disease.


This dissertation explores the reproduction and ideological legitimization of the nation-state in the eyes of successive generations. There are two components to this study. The first is a socio-historical analysis of the formation of nation-state ideology, a formation which seems to necessitate creation of "in-groups" and "outgroups." It is a socio-historical analysis of victimization, of the tendency to justify colonialism, expansionism, imperialism, and brutality to outsiders. The second component of this study is concerned with how the ideology of the nation-state regarding nationalism, patriotism, and especially classification of enemy groups, is reproduced and legitimized for future generations. For this purpose, I conducted 142 in-depth interviews with children aged 7 through 14. I asked them open-ended questions about kind and unkind behavior on the international, national, and interpersonal level. An overall, rather expected, finding of this study is that children tend to internalize the status quo. This is done through their embracement of national symbols, attachment to political authority, and glorification of "our" way as the "best" way. It can be said that the ideological hegemony of the dominant group is perpetuated and legitimized through the larger agencies of socialization: the mass media, political slogans and campaigns, schools, religion, and parents. Children are sensitized to groups that differ, a reflection of what is known as the "dominator model," that is, one which evaluates differences in terms of inferior or superior, as opposed to the "partnership model," which evaluates differences in more pluralistic terms. Many of the responses of children indicate that the world would be better off if every group were to run things as we do in the United States--a testament to the effective socialization of these children. Many children believe that our political system and ideology are superior to those of others. On the interpersonal level, children seem to be aware of social stratification in their schools, namely, the system of ranking groups on the basis of such social attributes as class, race, gender, or physical appearance--which some considered wrong, but acknowledged that either they had witnessed or taken part in this classification.


For about the last 10 yr, there has been a growing interest in the thermoacoustic method of transduction. Recently, research has been conducted at Los Alamos National Laboratory on the development of a high‐power, low‐frequency underwater sound projector based on the concept of a thermoacoustic engine [G. W. Swift, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 84, 1145 (1988)]. The design of this new transducer consists of a long straight tube deployed vertically. The upper portion of the tube is gas filled and contains the heat engine driver. The lower portion is water filled and acts as an impedance matching section. A small‐scale demonstration device has been built and was tested both in air and in water. The demonstration device is approximately 9 m in length and operates in the frequency range of 100 to 200 Hz. In conjunction with experimental testing, modeling of the in‐water behavior of this demonstration device was also performed. Results from the modeling and the in‐water testing will be presented. [Work sponsored by SPAWAR.]


Atmospheric nitrogen fixation using a photocatalytic system is a promising approach to produce ammonia. However, most of the recently explored photocatalysts for N2 fixation are in the powder form, suffering from agglomeration and difficulty in the collection and leading to unsatisfactory conversion efficiency. Developing efficient film catalysts for N2 photofixation under ambient conditions remains challenging. Herein, we report the efficient photofixation of N2 over a periodic WS2@TiO2 nanoporous film, which is fabricated through a facile method that combines anodization, E-beam evaporation, and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Oxygen vacancies are introduced into TiO2 nanoporous films through Ar annealing treatment, which plays a vital role in N2 adsorption and activation. The periodic WS2@TiO2 nanoporous film with an optimized WS2 content shows highly efficient photocatalytic performance for N2 fixation with an NH3 evolution rate of 1.39 mmol g−1 h−1, representing one of the state-of-the-art catalysts.


In January of 1978, Wisconsin Governor Martin Schrieber announced a plan to establish a State Commission on Wellness, thus bringing Wisconsin into a new era of health planning and programming. The Commission will serve as a focal point for the many and varied health promotion activities taking place around the state. The following are highlights of some of these wellness plans and programs. It is by no means exhaustive.


In this paper, the effect of several turbulence parameters during various flow conditions in Owens Valley, educed from coherent Doppler lidar data have been studied. Radial velocity structure functions are processed to estimate the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) dissipation rate, integral length scale and velocity variance, assuming a theoretical model for isotropic wind fields. Corrections for turbulence measurements have been considered to address the complications due to inherent volumetric averaging of radial velocity over each range gate, noise of the lidar data, and the assumptions required to estimate effects of smaller scales of motion on turbulence quantities. Using data from the Terrain‐induced Rotor Experiment (T‐REX) in April–May 2006, vertical profiles of wind and turbulence parameters have been retrieved. During T‐REX, unusual valley flows were detected by the lidar data, for example on 19 and 27 March 2006, daytime down‐valley and night time up‐valley flows, respectively, were observed. This paper focuses on understanding various turbulence parameters during these flow events. Turbulence estimates during daytime down‐valley conditions were observed to be constant for most of the day, while for night time up‐valley circumstances the turbulence increased steadily as the day progressed. Good comparison was observed between lidar and tower measurements, which validate the lidar turbulence retrieval assumptions. Comparison between TKE estimates from lidar and the Coupled Ocean/Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS) model is also presented. This analysis will be helpful for improving the current turbulence parameterization schemes in COAMPS. Finally, differences and similarities in turbulence measurements between both the flow regimes are discussed. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society


A patient who developed an autoimmune hemolytic anemia during treatment with ibuprofen (Motrin) is described. Positive indirect Coombs' reaction was demonstrated with the patient's red blood cell eluate in the presence of the drug, supporting a drug-related immune hemolysis. The positive direct Coombs' reaction to anti-C3 antiserum strongly suggested that the immune hemolysis in this patient is probably mediated through complement alone; however, the presence of a small amount of IgG antibodies on the surface of the red blood cells which cannot be detected under conventional screening procedures cannot be completely excluded. Further studies, both clinical and laboratory, disclosed that the responsible ingredient in this particular instance appeared to be the orange dye coating of the Motrin-400 tablet rather than the ibuprofen itself.


In water-scarce regions, access to and exclusion from water and its planning and management are determined by relative power relations within society. South Africa—a semiarid country with uneven power relations—provides the case material for this study, with special focus on the Inkomati Water Management Area dominated by irrigated agriculture. Under apartheid, investments in water engineering favored the white minority population, and this "produced" environment allowed a form of geographical inertia to develop and persist. South Africa's democratically elected government embraced the new paradigm for water management. Its pioneering 1998 National Water Act looked to decentralized participatory governance as a route to achieve redress. This empirically based article will show how the potential of participation to change the geography of water has been stifled in the Inkomati. The legacy of apartheid, with resultant power imbalances and the determination of the existing elite to preserve their relative advantage, have combined to ensure that the reallocation of water has been negligible. It is high time for development practitioners to break free from the shackles of participation and promote sustained political pressure for state-led reallocations. This could be achieved within a more acceptable time frame than the participatory approach is offering.


OBJECTIVE
To compare digital examination, endoluminal ultrasound (ELU), and plain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with histopathological findings in the preoperative staging of rectal cancer.

DESIGN
A prospective comparative study.

SETTING
University hospital, Sweden.

SUBJECTS
35 patients with rectal cancer who presented during the period February 1987 to February 1991.

RESULTS
The digital examination of 19 patients could be assessed and was correct in 13 (68%). ELU was done in 34 patients; the accuracy was 88%. Extension of tumour was overestimated in two and underestimated in two. MRI was done for 35 patients with an accuracy of 66%; in 12 patients extension was underestimated. The diagnostic accuracy of the assessment of lymph node involvement was 71% with ELU, and 72% with MRI.

CONCLUSION
These findings indicate that MRI seems to underestimate the extension of rectal tumours, but both ELU and MRI can be helpful in selecting patients with advanced tumours for whom preoperative adjuvant treatment is being considered. ELU is superior in staging tumours confined to the rectal wall, and could be of value in the selection of patients whose tumours were suitable for local excision. None of these techniques, however, can reliably identify the extent of lymph node involvement.


This paper reviews the penetration test specifically in the field of web. For this purpose, it first reviews articles generally on penetration test and its associated methods. Then articles in the field of web penetration test are examined in three aspects: comparing automatic penetration test tools, introduction of new methods or tools for manual penetration test, and articles that presented a test environment for training or checking various instruments and methods. This article studied 4 different methodologies for web penetration test, 13 articles for comparing web vulnerability scanners, 10 articles that proposed a new method or tool for penetration test and 4 test environments.


Benzofuroxan reacts with the catalytic-site thiol group of cathepsin B (EC 18.104.22.168) to produce stoichiometric amount of the chromophoric reduction product, o-benzoquinone dioxime. In a study of the pH-dependence of the kinetics of this reaction, most data were collected for the bovine spleen enzyme, but the more limited data collected for the rat liver enzyme were closely similar both in the magnitude of the values of the second-order rate constants (k) and in the shape of the pH-k profile. In acidic and weakly alkaline media, the reaction is faster than the reactions of benzofuroxan with some other cysteine proteinases. For example, in the pH region around 5-6, the reaction of cathepsin B is about 10 times faster than that of papain, 15 times faster than that of stem bromelain and 6 times faster than that of ficin. The pH-dependence of k for the reaction of cathepsin B with benzofuroxan was determined in the pH range 2.7-8.3. In marked contrast with the analogous reactions of papain, ficin and stem bromelain [reported by Shipton & Brocklehurst (1977) Biochem. J. 167, 799-810], the pH-k profile for the cathepsin B reaction contains a sigmoidal component with pKa 5.2 in which k increases with decrease in pH. This modulation of the reactivity of the catalytic-site -S-/-ImH+ ion-pair state of cathepsin B (produced by protonic dissociation from -SH/-ImH+ with pKa approx. 3) towards a small, rigid, electrophilic reagent, in a reaction that appears to involve both components of the ion-pair for efficient reaction, suggests that the state of ionization of a group associated with a molecular pKa of approx. 5 may control ion-pair geometry. This might account for the remarkable finding [reported by Willenbrock & Brocklehurst (1984) Biochem. J. 222, 805-814] that, although the ion-pair appears to be generated in cathepsin B as the pH is increased across pKa 3.4, catalytic competence is not generated until the pH is increased across pKa 5-6.


We have formulated and investigated innovative lipid-based nanoparticles characterized by a reverse hexagonal liquid crystalline inner structure (hexosomes). These nanoparticles were doped with a potent, highly water insoluble anticancer drug, namely docetaxel, and stabilized by a mixture of commercial and folate- and rhodamine-conjugated Pluronic F108. Thus, they simultaneously possess therapeutic, imaging, and targeting properties toward cancer cells. The morphological and structural aspects of the hexosomes were investigated at different temperatures (10, 25, 37, and 50 °C), and our results demonstrate good performance in terms of stability of these nanoparticles. The latter was furthermore confirmed by the very slow and continuous release profile of docetaxel observed in drug release experiments. Although it was not possible to assess a specific compartmentalization of the dye, this formulation allowed the successful visualization of HeLa cells. Finally, cytotoxic assays showed a 20-fold higher toxic effect of the drug-doped hexosomes against HeLa cells with respect to the free (not loaded in hexosomes) anticancer drug. On the whole, these results indicate that this formulation is a potential theranostic tool in oncology.


Inter-domain routing in today's Internet is plagued by security and reliability issues (e.g., prefix hijacking), which are often caused by malicious or Byzantine misbehavior. We argue that route selection policies must move beyond static preferences that select routes on the basis of static attributes such as route length or which neighboring AS is advertising the route. We prove that route convergence in the presence of Byzantine misbehavior requires that the route selection metric include the dynamics of route updates as a primary component. We then describe a class of simple dynamic policies which consider the observed "ages" of routes. These gerontocratic policies can be combined with static preferences and implemented without major infrastructural changes. They guarantee convergence when adopted universally, without sacrificing most of the flexibility that autonomous systems enjoy in route selection. We empirically demonstrate that even if adopted unilaterally by a single autonomous system, gerontocratic policies yield significantly more stable routes, are more effective at avoiding prefix hijacks, and are as responsive to legitimate route changes as other policies.


Testing the association between single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) effects and a response is often carried out through kernel machine methods based on least squares, such as the sequence kernel association test (SKAT). However, these least‐squares procedures are designed for a normally distributed conditional response, which may not apply. Other robust procedures such as the quantile regression kernel machine (QRKM) restrict the choice of the loss function and only allow inference on conditional quantiles. We propose a general and robust kernel association test with a flexible choice of the loss function, no distributional assumptions, and has SKAT and QRKM as special cases. We evaluate our proposed robust association test (RobKAT) across various data distributions through a simulation study. When errors are normally distributed, RobKAT controls type I error and shows comparable power with SKAT. In all other distributional settings investigated, our robust test has similar or greater power than SKAT. Finally, we apply our robust testing method to data from the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) clinical trial to detect associations between selected genes including the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region on chromosome six and neurotropic herpesvirus antibody levels in schizophrenia patients. RobKAT detected significant association with four SNP sets (HST1H2BJ, MHC, POM12L2, and SLC17A1), three of which were undetected by SKAT.


In this paper we consider modeling of temperature distribution in moving webs due to heating by radiation panels. We develop a web heat transfer model by considering radiation from the heating panels and convection on the surface of moving webs. We address the issue of convection coefficient changes with web temperature. Using this model, one can predict the web temperature in the moving web at different speeds. The model development and analysis is dimensionless, so it can be applicable to a variety of web materials and heating panel locations. The modeling is motivated by R2R ALD/MLD application and an experimental platform designed to conduct ALD/MLD is employed to validate the model for different scenarios. Comparative results from experiments and model simulations for varying speeds and different operating conditions are provided to validate the model.


Various methods have been proposed to correct for the problems presented by scatter in images from single-photon computed tomography (SPECT). While improvement in quantitative accuracy has been reported with a variety of measures, the effect on the accuracy of lesion detection requires analysis of observer performance. Experiments were designed to evaluate the class of methods that correct for scatter by subtracting counts. An anthropomorphic phantom was used with Monte Carlo simulation to simulate liver imaging with labeled antibodies. The lesion was a 2.5-cm-diameter, spherical, "cold" tumor in the liver, a large, "warm" background. Ramp-filtered back-projection and non-iterative Chang attenuation compensation were used to approximate clinical practice. Perfect scatter rejection, defined as images containing only primary (non-scattered) photons, was selected as the ideal case. These images were compared with uncorrected images for conditions of both low and high scatter fractions (SF, the scatter-to-primary ratio), typical of Tc-99m and In-111, respectively. In addition, the dual photopeak window (DPW) method was tested in order to evaluate a non-ideal subtraction correction. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) experiments were conducted under signal-known-exactly conditions, with the area under the curve, A/sub z/, used as the index of accuracy. A statistically significant difference in detection was found only in a few cases, when scatter rejection was compared with no correction. Subtraction of a scatter estimate changes both contrast and noise, such that an improvement in quantitative accuracy does not necessarily provide improvement in detection accuracy. Corrections that approach scatter rejection conditions may offer some improvement in detection, particularly for cases of high SFs.


Background: Alopecia Areata (AA) is a recurrent non-scarring type of hair loss that can affect any hair-bearing area. Prognosis of AA is unpredictable and most patients experience more than one episode of hair loss. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the severity of AA with respect to age of onset, nail involvement, family history, number of recurrences and duration of the disease. Methods: A total of 239 consecutive patients with AA who were visited in our dermatology clinic from June 2009 to November 2009 were included in this study. The extent of scalp involvement, age of onset, nail involvement, family history, number of recurrences and duration of AA were recorded. Results: Two hundred and thirty nine (239) patients with AA including 141 males and 98 females entered our analysis (male: female ratio = 1.43:1). The age of the patients at the onset of the disease had a wide range from 1 to 60 years (mean ± SD = 21.51 ± 5.4). Two hundred and twelve patients (88.7%) had their first episode of AA before the age of 40 years. Duration of the AA varied from 1 month to 31 years. Ninety six (40.2%) patients experienced only one episode and 25 patients (10.5%) had more than 4 episode of alopecia. Nail changes was reported in 34 patients (14.2%). Forty five patients (18.8%) had a positive family history of alopecia areata. A personal history of atopy and autoimmune diseases was seen in 23 (9.6%) and 27 (11.3%) patients, respectively. The relationship between extensive AA and age of onset, duration, nail changes and positive family history was confirmed (p 0.05). Conclusion: AA occurred at a comparatively younger age. There was a correlation between extensive alopecia areata and age of onset, duration, nail changes, and positive family history as prognostic factors. There were no relationships between the severity of AA and sex, history of atopy and autoimmune diseases.


Inadequate knowledge of the influence of lifestyle on clinical outcomes contributes to the difficulties many African Americans experience with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This pilot study examined a 12-week church-based culturally targeted diabetes self-management education (DSME) intervention for middle-aged and older African Americans with T2DM. Quantitative data were collected at baseline and at 12 weeks and included questionnaires and anthropometric measures. There were significant increases in medication adherence (p = .006), healthy eating (p = .009), and foot care adherence (p = .003). The intervention had a clinically significant effect on systolic blood pressure, blood lipids, physical activity, and waist circumference. Church-based culturally targeted DSME interventions may result in improved outcomes for African-American adults with T2DM. The authors discuss the value of community-based interventions that target behavioural changes in populations of chronically ill patients, particularly those who historically have been disenfranchised and/or underserved.


Renewable energy targets create an increasing demand for bioenergy and transportation biofuels across the EU region. In Finland, forest biomass is the main bioenergy source and appears to be the most promising source for transportation biofuel production. In this study, a biodiesel strategy based on domestic forest biomass is analysed using an integrated modelling framework. A market-oriented framework is applied to estimate the potential greenhouse gas impacts of achieving a national transport biofuel target (10% vs. 20% of total consumption) under the current climate and energy policy obligations. The cost-minimising adaptation of the energy system to policy targets, the demand for wood biomass and emissions from the energy system including the transportation sector are described using the energy system model EPOLA – a dynamic linear optimization model. The resulting response of the Finnish forests (their carbon balance) to the increasing demand for wood biomass is modelled using the EFISCEN forest model. The analysis demonstrates the importance of including market-mediated impacts in the analysis. The majority of adjustments toward the biofuel target takes place in the ETS sector, among the energy producers participating in the EU Emission Trading System, even though the transportation biofuel target is set within the non-ETS sector. The demand for wood in biorefineries raises the wood price thereby weakening its competitive position against fossil fuels. In consequence, wood is likely to be partly replaced by fossil fuels within the ETS sector, for example in district heating. In addition, biorefineries would increase the total use of electricity. Thus, fossil fuel carbon dioxide emissions in the ETS sector within the Finnish borders would increase. Total cumulative emissions, including the non-ETS sector and the forest carbon balance, are slightly lower in the biodiesel scenarios than in the baselines. In transport and in the non-ETS sector in general, the decrease in emissions takes full effect immediately, whilst the decrease in carbon sink in the Finnish forests appears to be gradual. The impact on the carbon sink is fairly small because wood harvesting increases by less than the amount of wood used for biodiesel production. The increase in emissions from the Finnish ETS sector is not accounted for in the total emissions, because at the EU level, emissions in the ETS sector are fixed. Any increase in ETS emissions in Finland has to be compensated by the purchase of emission allowances, and the corresponding emission reduction takes place elsewhere in the ETS area. The possible carbon leakage due to the increased use of forest or imported biomass elsewhere in the EU is excluded from this analysis. Biodiesel proves not to be a cost-effective measure for attaining climate or renewables targets. This is due to the low efficiency of the biodiesel chain in displacing fossil diesel emissions. Just from the mitigation point of view, the direct burning of solid wood biomass in energy-efficient boilers should be favoured.


We investigated the effects of previous cultivation on regeneration potential under miombo woodlands in a resettlement area, a spatial product of Zimbabwe's land reforms. We predicted that cultivation would affect population structure, regeneration, recruitment and potential grazing capacity of rangelands. Plant attributes for Julbernadia globiflora and Brachystegia spiciformis were measured in previously cultivated and uncultivated sites making up rangelands of the scheme. Their population structure showed a high regeneration potential with different recruitment mechanisms, either coppicing or seedling emergence. Brachystegia spiciformis populations had more adult trees, and its saplings were more abundant in uncultivated sites while regeneration on cultivated sites was mainly from coppices. Julbernadia globiflora had fewer adult trees but high seedling and sapling densities, especially on cultivated sites, while coppicing was low and more common on uncultivated sites. This suggests that cultivation would favour vigorous recruitment of J. globiflora, while B. spiciformis would become more abundant in the absence of cultivation. This varying recruitment of the two woody species is likely to modify and influence state-and-transition dynamics in a miombo woodland, thus affecting the resultant tree population structure and grass biomass yield and quality.


minutes radiofrequency procedure was performed with an average target temperature of 100◦C. Results: Efficiency: target temperature was always reached, despite the cooling effect of serum perfusion. For cords 11 to 20, target was reached in 3 minutes 50 seconds [2 to 6]. Cords thermal lesions represented at least 50% of the area of section, and covered longitudinally 1.12 centimetres [0.5 to 2]. Vascular endothelium was damaged. Vascular diameter was reduced with a subsequent input perfusion pressure raise of at least 50% Security: Amniotic fluid temperature maximal raise was 2◦C at 1 centimetre. Perfused saline serum temperature maximal raise was 1◦C. Conclusion: Radiofrequency leads to thermal histological lesions that could potentially induce coagulation and umbilical obstruction. The very limited amniotic temperature raise makes this procedure safe for survival twin and mother.