This paper examines the relationship among gender, social capital, and access to finance of micro, small, and medium enterprises in the manufacturing sector in Viet Nam. Our dataset is from the 2011, 2013, and 2015 results of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Survey in Viet Nam. Using the Heckman tech- nique to control for sample selection bias, the estimates do not provide evidence for discrimination against female-owned enterprises in the formal lending market. Specifically, female entrepreneurs have a higher probability of getting a loan and they pay lower interest rates in comparison with male entrepreneurs. No discrimination in formal credit markets may arise from the preference for informal loans over formal loans as entrepreneurs tend to borrow informal loans before applying for formal ones. Further analysis shows that social capital could facilitate loan applications: firms that have a closer rela- tionship with government officials and other business people can get loans of longer duration.


The relation between the excess return of each security and its beta, where beta is defined as its regression against the return on the market portfolio, is linear in the Sharpe-Lintner capital asset pricing model. This linear relation is often interpreted to mean that CAPM investors are paid for bearing systematic risk. In fact, this is not a correct interpretation, because two securities may have different excess returns even though they have identical risk structures in terms of their covariances with other securities in the market. If the parameters of the CAPM are generated in a natural way, securities with the same risk structure almost surely will have different expected returns.


Based on the equations of continuity and motion for sediment transport and the dynamic equation of spatially varied open channel flow, a computer simulation of erosion is developed. The water source for the erosion simulation may be rainfall or snowmelt. To provide snowmelt a computer simulation giving the rate of snowmelt from limited climatic data has been adapted to work conjunctively with the erosion model to provide a dynamic solution to erosion and overland flow, from precipitation and other limited climatic data. The computer simulation model has been tested using climatic data at and near the phosphate mine in Southeastern Idaho and calibrated from Forest Sciences Laboratory field erosion plot data at a spoil dump at the Wooley Valley Mine area. Good agreement exists between the erosion predicted by the model and the measured amounts over a season's time, but not on an individual storm, or day of heavy snowmelt basis. 11 Research Assistant, Professor and Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, Utah.


A critical challenge for modern system design is meeting the overwhelming performance, storage, and communication bandwidth demand of emerging applications within a tightly bound power budget. As both the time and power, hence the energy, spent in data communication by far exceeds the energy spent in actual data generation (i.e., computation), (re)computing data can easily become cheaper than storing and retrieving (pre)computed data. Therefore, trading computation for communication can improve energy efficiency by minimizing the energy overhead incurred by data storage, retrieval, and communication. This paper hence provides a taxonomy for the computation vs. communication trade-off along with quantitative characterization.


provide the means of accurate localization of lesions at all levels of the vestibular pathways. The value of the test procedures described has been well established in the examination of very many patients over the past twenty years, and though other forms of tests are available only those have been included which have proved to give con sistently useful information. Most of these tests can be undertaken by the clinician without the use of any costly equipment, and together with a careful history and examination the diagnosis can in most cases be arrived at Recognition of the highly important role of optic fixation and ocular deviations on vestibular nystagmus, together with recent facilities to demonstrate this electronystagmographically, may pro vide additional valuable and more precise information.


This paper will briefly describe the history and intent of the NTA 1993; survey outcomes flowing from its implementation, especially in reference to economic implications of agreements between parties; and consider future prospects, particularly by reference to the amended legislation which came into force on 30 September 1998. The use of case studies will illustrate a highly varied range of positive outcomes, which might be seen as revealing a new willingness on the part of Australian society generally to engage positively with Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders on a scale not envisaged prior to the High Court's Mabo decision in 1992. The paper considers the participation of the broader community and the acknowledgment of existing rights and interests, and includes reference to the issues of willingness and good faith on behalf of parties and government. It will be argued that the NTA 1993 is driving a process of reconciliation through the forging of new relationships, understanding and respect; awakening the country to opportunities for partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians; and generally providing a force for economic recovery and independence from social welfare among Indigenous communities. Among other matters, the amended legislation promotes new opportunities for dealing with land and resource management issues in regional or area settings. Such Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) have the potential to become broadly-used instruments for ensuring that native title and resource development become more closely related in terms of long-run regional partnerships deriving from an agreements culture, rather than being viewed as onerous matters to be dealt with - or avoided - according to the letter of the law. Reference will be made to an emerging literature on native title and resource management.


Abstract Flight performance of Monochamus sartor and Monochamus sutor, two potential vectors of the pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus was evaluated in laboratory flight mill tests. Beetles emerging from logs infested in the laboratory and incubated under outdoor conditions as well as field collected beetles were used. The maximum distance flown by M. sartor in a single flight was 3,136.7 m. Mean distances (per beetle) per flight ranged from 694.6 m in females to 872.5 m in males for M. sartor. In 75% of all individual flights M. sartor flew less than 1 km; only 3.7% flew distances longer than 2 km. The mean cumulative distance travelled by M. sartor beetles throughout their lifespan was 7.5 km. The smaller M. sutor beetles flew faster and longer distances. The maximum distance per flight was 5,556.5 m; mean distances ranged from 1,653.6 m in females to 1178.3 m in males. The number of available laboratory reared beetles was too low for quantification of lifetime flight capacity for M. sutor. The findings are compared to published data from Monochamus galloprovincialis recorded on the same type of flight mill as well as to field data from mark-release-recapture studies. The high flight capacity of Monochamus beetles illustrates the importance of considering dispersal of the vectors when planning control measures against the pine wood nematode.


The EC Directive on financial instruments markets 2004 (MiFID) has introduced a number of order and trade publication obligations imposed on organised exchanges, alternative trading systems (ATS), and the class of broker dealers that execute transactions in shares internally. This article investigates the impact of MiFID's trade transparency rules on the trading volume of EU equity markets in a forward-looking mode. We use data extracted from the closest possible precedent and examine trading volume levels before and after trading in FTSE100 stocks on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) shifted from the quote-driven Stock Exchange Automatic Quotation System (SEAQ) to the order-driven securities electronic trading service (SETS). This change resulted in significantly increased transparency standards. Trading volume is measured on the basis of three criteria: volume-based turnover, value-based turnover and turnover ratio. No evidence is found indicating that higher transparency standards lead per se to higher levels of trading volume. Therefore, the impact of MiFID's transparency rules on trading volume in EU equity markets should become a matter of further study following their implementation.


In this paper, the tensile-compression prestressed concrete beam was researched, and gets deflection of the beam subjected to load. Then, the beam was analyzed by the finite element method of ANSYS software. The test and analysis results show that the beam has a good flexibility and the phenomenon of stress concentration were appeared in ends concrete of pre-compressed steel tube. The pre-compressed steel tube control stress is 0.5 times the nominal value of steel tube, the concrete pre-tensile stress can be obtained effectively by relaxes pre-compressed steel tube. This paper further optimizes the dosage of pre-tensile tendon (Ap), pre-compressed steel tube (AT), tensile reinforcements (As)and compression reinforcements (A`s).The results from example show that the concrete structure of tensile-compression prestressed can reduce the pressure area height of the beam effectively and solving conventional prestressed concrete structure excessive or cannot reinforcement in pressure area.


It is suggested that tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) is a cell-mediated immune disease with a favourable response to treatment with steroids. However, long-term follow-up has not been described and data on immunological studies are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features in patients with TINU who have had a long follow-up period, and in parallel to assess their cellular immunity and HLA typing. Four women with TINU were followed for 5.7 +/- 3.6 years. On remission they were studied for T-cell-mediated immunity by skin tests, T-cell subpopulations, and lymphokine secretion in vitro. The lymphokines included interleukin-2, gamma-interferon, tumour necrosis factor, and colony-stimulating factor. The in vitro response to AS101, a previously described immunomodulator, was evaluated. HLA-typing was also performed. The nephritis, which occurred once, was resolved in all patients and did not recur. In contrast, numerous relapses of uveitis occurred despite topical or systemic steroid treatment. The patients' T-cell subpopulations did not differ from controls, but they revealed anergy to skin tests and a very low secretion rate of lymphokines. AS101 corrected the suppressed secretion in vitro. A high frequency of HLA-DR6 antigen was found in the TINU patients. TINU is probably a systemic disease with a chronic relapsing course of the uveitis but with complete clinical recovery of the nephritis. Both in vivo and in vitro T-cell functions are suppressed during remission.


Ninna Nyberg Sorensen: The Global Family – Disintegration or Transnationalization of the Family?

The identification of the family with the domestic group has given rise to various analytical problems in migration research. Many researchers have argued that family separation due to migration leads inevitably to family disintegration. Prediction of such negative outcomes has been conspicuously salient in work dealing with migrant mothers who leave spouses and/or children behind. Nevertheless, the proliferation of long-distance and sometimes long-term transnational family ties challenges conventional notions of the family. This article, which is based on qualitative interviews with Latin American migrants in various European countries, discusses two related issues. The first concerns the question of whether the feminization of particular migration streams translates into new and distinct transnational family relationships. The second concerns the roots and consequences of spatially fractured husband-wife/ parent-child relations. The article concludes that migration transforms, reorients and reprioritizes family relationships, but not necessarily in the way predicted by conventional demography or migration analysis.


Three cases of a stroke syndrome of acute supranuclear vertical gaze ophthalmoplegia are presented. Voluntary vertical gaze and the vertical vestibulo-ocular reflex were absent or diminished initially in all three patients. The patients also had loss of convergence and alteration in their mental status. Computed tomography scans showed lesions in the region of the rostral midbrain and lower diencephalon in the area surrounding the third ventricle. The blood supply, ischemic stroke syndrome and function of this region with reference to the supranuclear control of vertical gaze are discussed.


Abstract Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) are recommended for schizophrenic patients who cannot adhere to oral medication. We systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials of 6 LAIs available in Thailand including fluphenazine, flupentixol, haloperidol, zuclopenthixol, paliperidone, and risperidone in PubMed/ MEDLINE and the Cochrane library (1955-Nov 2013). Inclusion was limited to studies of schizophrenia ≥24 weeks duration published in English. We selected 17 of 1,245 articles including 1,904 patients. The number of patients ranged from 19 to 747 per study (median 54). Mean study duration was 52.3 weeks (24-96 weeks) and median quality score using a Jadad scoring method was 4 (2-5). We applied a Bayesian model with a mixed treatment comparison approach for 3 competing risk outcomes including relapse, and discontinuation because of adverse events or other reasons. Based on the random effect model preferred by a goodness of fit analysis, risperidone had the lowest 52 week probability of relapse (mean ± SD, 0.26 ± 0.321) followed by paliperidone (0.30 ± 0.314). Zuclopenthixol had the lowest probability of discontinuation because of an adverse event (0.07 ± 0.159) or other reasons (0.26 ± 0.295). Risperidone had the highest probability of preventing relapse (0.35 ± 0.476) or discontinuation for other reasons (0.31 ± 0.461). Zuclopenthixol had the highest probability of preventing discontinuation because of adverse effects (0.31 ± 0.464). All 6 LAIs tended to have a lower risk of relapse compared with placebo. Differences between LAIs preventing any treatment discontinuation or relapse were seen, but limited in our analysis.


Makatea Island, 245 km northeast of Tahiti, is an elevated (60 to 75 m) carbonate frame, ranging in age from the Miocene to the Late Pleistocene. It is morphologically and sedimentologically an atoll -shaped reef tract (outer coral built rim, inner fine-sized to chalky, shelly deposits). During periods of emergence, a dense karstic system has developed and, later, has been partly occulted by pyroclastic -derived phosphates. Uplifted and faulted during Pleistocene times, the island has recorded three high sea-level stands, from the Middle Pleistocene to the Late Holocene. The position of the Late Holocene peripheral fringing reef induces a marked paucity of marine flora and fauna. The algal turfs are dominated by Lobophora and, locally Turbinaria , whereas Porolithon ridges flourish on the high energy reef fronts. The coral communities are prospering along the outer slopes only ( Pocillopora, Acropora, Astreopora mainly). The distributional pattern of molluscs is rather similar to those of the other Tuamotu Islands; the dominant genera are Turbo, Drupa, Mitra, Conus, Tectarius, Thais, Littorina . The echinid Colobocentrotus is common, while Grapsids and Xanthids predominate among crustaceans.


In 2007, the Yanghwajin cemetery in Seoul, Korea became the site of a controversy between the mostly foreign Seoul Union Church and the Hundredth Anniversary Memorial Church, formed by the Committee for the Celebration of the Hundredth Anniversary of the Korean Church. The controversy, ostensibly over the care of the foreigners' cemetery and possession of a chapel built to commemorate a century of Protestant Christianity in Korea, is also a conflict over the heritage represented by the missionaries buried in the cemetery. Though missionary graves make up less than a quarter of the graves at Yanghwajin, the cemetery has become a site of heritage for the Korean Protestant Church. As such, the narratives told there hold enormous sway. In this essay I examine the narratives emerging from the controversy, to determine what they say about the role of missionaries in Korean history, the legacy of those missionaries today, and the relationship of the church to Korea's modernization. I argue that these narratives selectively craft the story of early missionaries in response to Korean nationalist historiography in an effort to assert the relevance of the Korean Protestant Church to Korean modernization and historical memory.


SIR, Psoriasis is a unique disease with biochemical and ultrastructural changes. The earliest histopathological finding seems to be a massive degranulation of mast cells and increased cutaneous blood flow in the upper dermis''^ followed by epidermal and endothelial cell proliferation. In the present study, we measured substancc-P immunoreactivity in the active edges of psoriatic plaques and evaluated a possible role of this neuropeptide in the pathogenesis of active psoriasis vulgaris. Four patients (two males, two females) with active psoriasis vulgaris were included in the study. After local anaesthesia, 4-mm punch biopsies were performed at the active edges of psoriatic plaques. Biopsy specimens were immersed in 0-3% picric acid containing 4% paraformaldehyde solution and fixed at 4°C for 4 h. Later, the specimens were rinsed overnight in phosphate-buffered saline. Frozen sections (14-/<m) were cut and incubated with primary antibody (1:400 dilution) for 48 h at 4°C, Later, the sections were reincubated with 1:80 dilution of tetramethyl rhodamine-isothiocyanate-conjugated goat anti-rabbit antibody (Boehringer Mannheim Biochemicals, FRG) for 30 min at 37°C, Between different steps the sections were rinsed in phosphate-buffered saline for IS min. The antisera were diluted in phosphate-buffered saline containing 0 3% Triton X-100, The antisera against substance P were obtained from Peninsula Laboratories (Belmont, NY, USA), The direct immunofluorescence examination disclosed immunocytochemically increased numbers of substance P containing cutaneous nerves in the active edges of psoriatic plaques, Substance-Pimmunoreactive nerves were pronounced in the papillary dermis, compared to normal skin. Substance P has potent vasodilatory properties. This neuropeptide stimulates histamine release from mast cells and gives rise to increased vasodilatation,^ Reportedly, it has been suggested that the initial event in a developing psoriatic plaque was an increased blood flow in the papillary dermis,^ In view of these findings, our observations may suggest that in a developing psoratic plaque, substance P released from cutaneous primary sensory neurons may mediate local reflex vasodilatation through histamine release by mast cells. Hence, increased blood flow may result in a new lesion formation. Substance P may also activate T cells and cause lymphokine release that may be involved in the inflammatory responses in psoriasis,'


Abstract 2006 Background: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is an effective treatment for patients with advanced myelofibrosis. Myeloablative regimens have produced a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) with allogeneic transplantation is being investigated with the goal of reducing non-relapse mortality. There is concern that this benefit might occur at expense of a higher relapse rate. In 2006 we initiated a study of RIC regimen of fludarabine 40mg/m2 (days −5, −4, −3 −2) and IV busulfan 130mg/m2 (day −3,−2). In the first 14 patients (the Bu-low group), 9 patients relapsed. We hypothesized that high dose PK guided IV busulfan would decrease relapse rate without substantially increasing non relapse mortality, thereby improving event free survival (EFS). The next 19 patients received an increased intensity of busulfan (Bu-high group), using pharmacokinetic dose adjustment. Methods: Patients with intermediate or high risk MF were eligible if they had adequate organ function and at least 9/10 matched related or unrelated donor. Patients received IV busulfan dose to a target daily AUC of 4000 μmol/L × 4days (days −5, −4, −3 −2) Fludarabine 40mg/m2 (days −5, −4, −3 −2). Average busulfan dose in Bu-high group was 473 mg/m2 (range 304–886 mg/m2) or 10.8 mg/kg, and it was 260mg/m2 or 6.5mg/kg in Bu-low group. Both cohorts of patients received tacrolimus and mini methotrexate as graft versus host disease prophylaxis and similar supportive care. Thymoglobulin 2.5 mg/kg × 3 (day −3,−2 and 1) was given to all patients receiving an unrelated donor graft. Results: Between 1/2006 and 12/2010, 33 consecutive patients with myelofibrosis were treated including 14 in the Bu-low and 19 in the Bu-high groups. Patients and disease characteristics were similar for the two treatment groups. There were 16 males and 17 females with a median age of 59 (range 27–70). Eighteen patients had primary MF, 8 post PV MF and 7 Post ET MF. Based on Lille criteria, 17 patients had intermediate risk disease and 16 had high risk disease. Eleven patients had splenectomy prior to transplant; remaining 22 patients had enlarged spleen at the time of transplant. Twenty patients had mutated Jak 2. Median peripheral blood CD 34 count was 54/μl (range 1–16426/μl). Karyotype was abnormal in 12 patients and diploid in 21. Donors were matched siblings for 12 patients, matched unrelated for 17, and one antigen or allele mismatched unrelated for 4 patients. Stem cell source was marrow in 4 and peripheral blood in 29. Circulating blasts were present in 17 patients. All patients engrafted with a median time to neutrophil engraftment of 13 days (0–27) days and a median time to platelet engraftment of 18 (0–105) days. Cumulative incidence of acute GVHD was 28% and chronic GVHD 35% (limited 7%, extensive 28%). Cumulative incidence of non relapse mortality was 10% with overall 3 treatment related deaths: 1 in Bu-high group and 2 in Bu-low group (p=0.44). With a median follow up of 1.6 (0.2–5) years, current EFS (p=0.02) and the cumulative incidence of relapse (p=0.04) were significantly different between Bu-high and Bu-low groups, while overall survival (OS) was not (0.28). Two year estimates for the Bu-high and Bu-low groups are as follows: EFS: 69% and 29%; OS: 87% and 71%; cumulative incidence of relapse: 26% and 57%. Multivariate analysis showed that Bu-high dose (HR 0.25; p=0.01) and peripheral blood CD 34 count >100 μl (HR 3.56; p=0.02) were significant predictors of EFS. Conclusion: Higher dose busulfan, delivered with pharmacokinetic dose adjustment, reduces relapse without increasing non relapse mortality, resulting in better EFS in patients with MF. Disclosures: Popat: Otsuka: Research Funding. Andersson: Otsuka American Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultant for Clinical Protocol Development. Nieto: Otsuka: Research Funding. Qazilbash: Otsuka: Research Funding. Champlin: Otsuka: Research Funding.


The nuclear modification factor $R_{AA}$ for $\pi_0$ production in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s}=200$ AGeV is calculated, and studied at high transverse momenta $p_T$. The soft thermalized nuclear medium is described within the framework of relativistic ideal three-dimensional hydrodynamics. The energy loss of partonic jets is evaluated in the context of gluon bremsstrahlung in the thermalized partonic matter. We provide a systematic analysis of the azimuthal asymmetry of $\pi_0$ suppression at high $p_T$ in central and non-central collisions, at mid and forward rapidity. The determination of $R_{AA}$ as a function of $p_T$, at different azimuthal angles, and different rapidities makes for a stringent test of our theoretical understanding of jet energy loss over a variety of in-medium path lengths, temperatures and initial partonic jet energies. This lays the groundwork for a precise tomography of the nuclear medium.


We have found that neoplastic transformation alters the ability of cells to grow on substrata of tissue extracts, "biomatrices", enriched in extra cellular matrix. Tumor cells were able to survive and grow at lower densities and on more types of biomatrices than normal cells. When plated at high densities (>10* cells/60 mm dish), tumor cells attached with equal efficiency and grew at similar rates and to equivalent saturation densities on biomatrices derived from all tissues. However, at low (10' I04/60-iiim dish) seeding densities, the tumor cells grew only on certain types of biomatrix. For the various hepatoma and mammary carcinoma cell lines tested, the tissue specificity in clonal growth on biomatrices correlated with their organ site specificity for metastasis in vivo in immunosuppressed, »thy ink-nude mice. Analysis of the effects of purified matrix components (adhesion proteins, collagens, glycosaminoglycans) indicated that only the glycosaminoglycans influenced density-dependent survival and growth of tumor cells with effects that differed with respect to the cell's metastatic potential. The results indicate that the ability of tumor cells to colonize specific tissues represents, in part, regulation of low density survival and growth by extracellular matrix and are suggestive that one of the matrix components responsible may be proteoglycans or their glycosaminoglycan chains.


As insulation systems of power system components such as electrical motors, generators and transformers degrade, they become brittle, crack and, eventually, fail to perform their intended function. Failure of the insulation system of these components often leads to costly power interruptions that could be prevented if the actual condition of the insulation system is known. The degradation mechanisms of modern insulation systems are highly dependent on the actual environmental and operational conditions of the component. Current methods to measure insulation system condition are often complex, expensive and require specialized training to interpret. In contrast, conductive composite sensors made of the same polymeric components as the insulation system itself monitor the actual environmentally and operationally induced degradation of the component insulation and provide a quick, objective indication of the current condition and remaining design life of the insulation. This innovative technology utilizes low-cost, inert conductive particles compounded with a portion of the insulation polymer to provide a tiny degradation sensor embedded into the winding, core or stator of the component. Sensor output correlates with the degraded state of the insulation system relative to standard industry thermal endurance testing, giving advanced warning of a degraded condition of the insulation system before design conditions are exceeded. Maintenance personnel, utilizing a simple ohmmeter, can read sensor output quickly and reliably without specialized equipment or training. Alternately, threshold-warning devices connected to the sensor provide constant monitoring. Conductive composite degradation sensors provide advance warning of prematurely degraded insulation systems and reduce the need for complex, intrusive and sometimes destructive electrical testing. Because conductive composite degradation sensors require no electrical power during the aging process, they are ideally suited to wireless, passive radio frequency identification (RFID), and "smart label" technologies.Copyright © 2008 by ASME


THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER Abstract of thesis Submitted by Elysse Knight for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and entitled Effect of a high fat diet on a mouse model of Alzheimer?s disease, December 2010. Alzheimer?s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, characterised by deficits in language, behaviour and memory. Increasing evidence suggests that mid-life obesity and a diet high in fat are risk factors for AD. In contrast, life-threatening weight loss occurs and worsens as the disease progresses, despite adequate or increased food intake. A greater understanding of energy balance in AD may therefore uncover novel targets for therapy. The aim of this thesis was to test the hypothesis that 3xTgAD mice display altered energy balance and that experimental changes to this balance will alter cognition. To address this hypothesis, three key objectives were set up; to characterise the energy balance profile, characterise behaviour and memory, and evaluate the response to an high fat (HF) diet in a triple transgenic (3xTgAD) model, an experimental mouse model of AD. Energy balance was characterised in non-transgenic (Non-Tg) control and 3xTgAD mice, demonstrating altered body weight, food intake and metabolic rate in the 3xTgAD mouse model of AD. At 2-month of age male 3xTgAD mice displayed greater food intake and body weight, but no difference in metabolic rate, whereas from 12 months of age 3xTgAD mice weighed less, despite eating more, and had a higher metabolic rate than Non-Tg control mice. This provides evidence that there is a shift towards a hypermetabolic state from 12 months of age in 3xTgAD mice, which may represent a key stage in advancement of the disease process. Behaviour and memory were characterised in Non-Tg control and 3xTgAD mice in a battery of tests at different ages. 3xTgAD mice showed changes in open-field activity/anxiety from 3 months of age. Memory impairments were first detected in 3xTgAD mice at 3 months of age as deficits in odour recognition memory, mirroring early impairments seen in AD patients. Deficits in spatial memory were then observed in both the Y-maze spontaneous alternation and Morris water maze tests from 5 months of age. Finally, deficits in non-spatial visual object memory were observed in 3xTgAD mice in the novel object recognition test at 8 months of age. Energy balance, behaviour and memory were assessed in Non-Tg control and 3xTgAD mice in response to an HF diet. Non-Tg control and 3xTgAD mice displayed similar energy balance profiles in response to an HF diet. The HF diet was found to worsen memory in Non-Tg mice in odour recognition at 3-4 and 7-8 months of age, in the Morris water maze at 7-8 months of age and in novel object recognition and spontaneous alternation at 11-12 and 15-16 months of age. Similarly, the HF diet worsened memory in 3xTgAD mice in odour discrimination at 3-4 and 7-8 months of age, the Morris water maze at 7-8 and 11-12 months of age, and in spontaneous alternation at 15-16 months of age. As an HF diet induced memory impairments, in both Non-Tg control and 3xTgAD mice, it suggests that diet-induced deficits may therefore, not be specific to AD, but rather to cognition in general. Overall, these data demonstrate that 3xTgAD mice show AD-like age-dependent changes in energy balance, behaviour and memory. Furthermore, an HF diet produced impairments in memory in 3xTgAD mice, but these effects were not specific to AD, as an HF diet also led to deficits in control animals. These data support a role for energy balance in the progression of AD, although the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. 3xTgAD mice may therefore represent a good model to examine energy balance during AD and to evaluate targets for future therapies.


Free Flow Power has developed a renewable energy technology that can convert the kinetic energy flowing in a river to electricity without the use of dams. The company plans to install a specially made turbine directly into the flowing stream. This process, known as hydrokinetics, is an innovative approach that provides energy at a reliable and predictable rate as opposed to other intermittent renewable energy sources. There are currently two dozen hydrokinetic projects in the licensing process along the Mississippi River, which will account for 4,000 MW of power-generating capacity. Hydrokinetics could develop into a $1 billion a year industry. This article describes the modeling tool developed for Free Flow Power's hydrokinetic sites along the Mississippi River. The performance models compare river velocity, power generation, reliability, maintenance costs, and finance options to establish a likely performance profile for a proposed site. These models calculate the expected returns for Mississippi River projects and can be used to perform a sensitivity analysis on all of the major variables for hydrokinetics. The unique aspect of this performance model is the incorporation of a reliability calculator, which estimates the lost revenue resulting from component failures. It can be used to develop the maintenance strategy for the array and to evaluate the total cost of reliability for components. The modeling tool described provides Free Flow Power with the ability to compare different design scenarios and quickly gives an estimate of a site's performance.


Considerable variation exists in mandibular ramus form among primates, particularly great apes and humans. Recent analyses of adult ramal morphology have suggested that features on the ramus, especially the coronoid process and sigmoid notch, can be treated as phylogenetic characters that can be used to reconstruct relationships among great ape and fossil hominin taxa. Others have contended that ramal morphology is more influenced by function than phylogeny. In addition, it remains unclear how ontogeny of the ramus contributes to adult variation in great apes and humans. Specifically, it is unclear whether differences among adults appear early and are maintained throughout ontogeny, or if these differences appear, or are enhanced, during later development. To address these questions, the present study examined a broad ontogenetic sample of great apes and humans using two‐dimensional geometric morphometric analysis. Variation within and among species was summarized using principal component and thin plate spline analyses, and Procrustes distances and discriminant function analyses were used to statistically compare species and age classes. Results suggest that morphological differences among species in ramal morphology appear early in ontogeny and persist into adulthood. Morphological differences among adults are particularly pronounced in the height and angulation of the coronoid process, the depth and anteroposterior length of the sigmoid notch, and the inclination of the ramus. In all taxa, the ascending ramus of the youngest specimens is more posteriorly inclined in relation to the occlusal plane, shifting to become more upright in adults. These results suggest that, although there are likely functional influences over the form of the coronoid process and ramus, the morphology of this region can be profitably used to differentiate among great apes, modern humans, and fossil hominid taxa. J. Morphol. 275:661–677, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


For several decades it has been known that clinical hypertension is associated with elevated serum levels of antibodies. However, whether antibodies and the cells responsible for their production, B cells, play causative roles in the pathogenesis of hypertension is unknown. There is also evidence that macrophages are activated in hypertension and accumulate in the walls of arteries and the kidneys. However, it is unclear if these cells are activated downstream of antibody production, or whether they contribute to the vascular and renal remodelling and dysfunction associated with hypertension. It is our contention that a better understanding of the role of such immune processes will lead to the development of new anti-hypertensive therapies, and/or the re-purposing of therapies currently reserved for the treatment of auto-immune/auto-inflammatory disorders. In Chapter 3, we demonstrated for the first time that B cells/antibodies play an essential role in the pathogenesis of angiotensin (Ang) II-induced hypertension. First, we showed that hypertension is associated with B cell activation and elevated plasma cell numbers in the spleen, along with increased IgG antibodies in the serum and aortic adventitia. Next, we observed that B cell-activating factor receptor (BAFF-R) knockout mice, which lack mature B cells, were not only resistant to the Ang II-induced elevations in IgG antibodies, but were also protected against aortic macrophage accumulation, fibrosis and stiffening. BAFF-R-/- mice also displayed a blunted pressor response to Ang II, as did mice treated with a B cell- depleting anti-CD20 antibody (similar to the clinically used drug rituximab). Hence, these studies identify a hitherto unappreciated role for B cells in the pathogenesis of hypertension, and provide proof-of-concept that B cell depletion therapy (as used in the treatment of follicular lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis) may be effective for the treatment of hypertension. In Chapter 4, we explored the role of macrophage-derived IGF-1 in mediating aortic fibrosis and stiffening during hypertension. These studies uncovered a novel paradigm whereby collagen-producing alternatively-activated (AA) macrophages accumulate in the aorta during hypertension and directly promote vascular fibrosis. Knockdown of IGF-1 in macrophages (i.e LysMCre/+xIGF-1fl/fl; MφIGF1KO) or depletion of their circulating precursors, monocytes, prevented the accumulation of collagen-producing AA macrophages, and blunted aortic fibrosis and stiffening. Real-time PCR analysis of aortas from MφIGF1KO mice, and macrophages stimulated ex vivo with IGF-1, suggested that the mechanism by which IGF-1 facilitates fibrosis involves upregulation of CCR5 leading to chemoattraction of AA macrophages into the vessel wall. Thus, these experiments highlight IGF-1 and AA macrophages as important mediators of aortic fibrosis and stiffening and potential therapeutic targets in hypertension. Finally, in Chapter 5, we employed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array to identify chemokine ligands and/or receptors that are upregulated in kidneys of mice with hypertension and which could thus represent targets for therapies aimed at preventing leukocyte accumulation and renal inflammation. These studies identified the CXCR2 family ligands CXCL5 and CXCL2 to be the most highly upregulated of all chemokine-related genes following one-kidney/deoxycorticosterone-acetate/salt (1K/DOCA/salt)-induced hypertension. Moreover, increased renal expression of CXCR2 ligands was evident as early as 3 days after the induction of hypertension and correlated temporally with the development of renal fibrosis and elevated blood pressure. Despite these observations, treatment with a CXCR2 antagonist, SB225002, had no effect on 1K/DOCA/salt-induced increases in systolic blood pressure and renal fibrosis and appeared to exacerbate renal inflammation. Thus further studies are required to determine whether the detrimental effects of SB225002 in the kidneys during hypertension are due to its reported off-target effects or reflective of the fact that the CXCR2 ligand/receptor system is not a valid target for therapeutic intervention in this condition. Hypertension is the major risk factor for myocardial ischemia/infarction and stroke, which together constitute the principal causes of death and morbidity worldwide. Currently, up to 20% of hypertensive patients are resistant to current therapies and thus exposed to a heightened risk of cardiovascular events. The studies in this thesis have characterized several immune mechanisms as crucial mediators of hypertension and its associated damage to the blood vessels and kidneys and, as discussed further in Chapter 6, it is hoped that these will be able to be exploited in the future to better manage hypertension in the clinic.


An action spectrum was determined for the photoinduced formation of perithecia in a homothallic strain of Nectria haematococca Berk. and Br. var. cucurbitae (Snyder and Hansen) Dingley. Dose-response curves for perithecial formation were obtained from 340 to 510 nanometers at 10-nanometer intervals. Radiation longer than 510 nanometers was not effective for inducing perithecial formation. The action spectrum indicated peaks of activity near 360, 440, and 480 nanometers with shoulders near 420 and 460 nanometers. Minima occurred near 350 nanometers, 390 to 410 nanometers, and 470 nanometers. The general shape of this action spectrum appears to be similar to those obtained for many different near ultraviolet-blue-sensitive organisms in which a flavoprotein molecule was postulated to be the photoreceptor.


This research takes the samples in two locations of hardened-layer implementation using asbuton as the substitution of visco elastic. The research is conducted at the road paths of national street, Jambi Province. Data are gathered through several surveys: pre-conducting survey, on conducting survey, and post-conducting survey, within a year. This research aims to compare the result of two locations and the result of Job Mix Formula which are correlated to both laboratory test result of asbuton producer and laboratory test result of Engineering Faculty of Lampung University. The result of laboratory data analysis and material used test show the causes of failure on one of the road paths though the result of laboratory test and field test remain the same. Asbuton has similar characteristics to visco elastic. The influence of temperature, specifically mixing temperature and compact temperature, is very dominant toward end result of pavement product. Mixing temperature is determined by AMP capability to produce high-heat (+/- 1700C) in aggregate drying process within "drying-drum". Meanwhile AMP with diesel fuel is not capable to produce such high-heat, except if AMP employs coal. Besides, travel time from AMP to exposure location will very much influence the pavement quality. The research findings show the comparison between the conducting of laboratory test and the result of post-conducting at two locations in 2009. The conclusion drawn from the field test are: mixing temperature is very dominant to determine the end result and there is a problem as the result of asbuton substitution with visco elastic.


In this study, downlink channel estimation of three-dimensional massive multiple-input multiple-output (3D-MIMO) system operating in the frequency division duplexing (FDD) mode is considered. Inspired by the channel sparsity property, this study proposes a compressive sensing algorithm to exploit the channel sparsity structure in the angle-time domain. The proposed algorithm, named AMP-ADM, combines the multiple approximate message passing (M-AMP) algorithm with the alternative direction of multiplier (ADM) technique to efficiently exploit the sparsity structure of the 3D massive MIMO channel. First, the proposed AMP-ADM is implemented in the case of the conventional estimation for the FDD protocol where the channel is estimated individually at each user equipment. Then, building on this algorithm, a low complexity feedback AMP-ADM-T scheme at the transmitting base station (BS) side is proposed. In the proposed feedback AMP-ADM-T technique the users' channels are jointly estimated at the BS to fully exploit the common sparsity basis. Complexity and convergence analyses are provided for both the AMP-ADM and feedback AMP-ADM-T algorithms. Simulation results prove the improved performance of the proposed feedback AMP-ADM-T algorithm compared to different state-of-the-art joint channel estimation techniques.


A limited number of lifting-surface-theory solutions for wings with chordwise loadings resulting from angle of attack, parabolic-ac camber, and flap deflection are now available. These solutions were studied with the purpose of determining methods of extrapolating the results in such a way that they could be used to determine lifting-surface-theory values of the aspect-ratio corrections to the lift and hinge-moment parameters for both angle-of-attack and flap-deflection-type loading that could be used to predict the characteristics of horizontal tail surfaces from section data with sufficient accuracy for engineering purposes. Such a method was devised for horizontal tail surfaces with full-span elevators. In spite of the fact that the theory involved is rather complex, the method is simple to apply and may be applied without any knowledge of lifting-surface theory. A comparison of experimental finite-span and section value and of the estimated values of the lift and hinge-moment parameters for three horizontal tail surfaces was made to provide an experimental verification of the method suggested. (author).


Across broad areas of the environmental and social sciences, simulation models are an important way to study systems inaccessible to scientific experimental and observational methods, and also an essential complement to those more conventional approaches. The contemporary research literature is teeming with abstract simulation models whose presentation is mathematically demanding and requires a high level of knowledge of quantitative and computational methods and approaches. Furthermore, simulation models designed to represent specific systems and phenomena are often complicated, and, as a result, difficult to reconstruct from their descriptions in the literature. This book aims to provide a practical and accessible account of dynamic spatial modelling, while also equipping readers with a sound conceptual foundation in the subject, and a useful introduction to the wide-ranging literature.


Mobile edge computing (MEC) has shown tremendous potential as a means for computationally intensive mobile applications by partially or entirely offloading computations to a nearby server to minimize the energy consumption of user equipment (UE). However, the task of selecting an optimal set of components to offload considering the amount of data transfer as well as the latency in communication is a complex problem. In this paper, we propose a novel energy-efficient deep learning based offloading scheme (EEDOS) to train a deep learning based smart decision-making algorithm that selects an optimal set of application components based on remaining energy of UEs, energy consumption by application components, network conditions, computational load, amount of data transfer, and delays in communication. We formulate the cost function involving all aforementioned factors, obtain the cost for all possible combinations of component offloading policies, select the optimal policies over an exhaustive dataset, and train a deep learning network as an alternative for the extensive computations involved. Simulation results show that our proposed model is promising in terms of accuracy and energy consumption of UEs.


Increasing production and application of nanomaterials raises significant questions regarding the potential for cellular entry and toxicity of nanoparticles. It was observed that the presence of serum reduces the cellular association of 20 nm carboxylate-modified fluorescent polystyrene beads up to 20-fold, relative to cells incubated in serum-free media. Analysis by confocal microscopy demonstrated that the presence of serum greatly reduces the cell surface association of nanoparticles, as well as the potential for internalization. However, both in the presence and absence of serum, nanoparticle entry depends upon clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Finally, experiments performed with cells cooled to 4°C suggest that a proportion of the accumulation of nanoparticles in cells was likely due to direct permeabilization of the plasma membrane.


A simplified approach towards a simplified integrative simulation for short
fibre reinforced polymers (SFRP) has been proposed by Gruber and Wartzack.
It uses orientation information from injection moulding simulation directly
inside a structural or crash simulation. For describing the complex material
behavior of SFRP, a layerwise stacking of simple material models is used.
Thus, only standard material models which can be computed efficiently have
to be used. Within the present paper, the simulative approach is to be verified
and validated, i.e. the physical plausibility and the usability for loadcases with
elevated strain rates are examined.


This qualitative study explores teachers' critical environmental agency (CEA) through deepening content knowledge, engaging in identity development, developing a critical consciousness of place, and moving toward civic action. We explored the meanings secondary science teachers made of an on-going professional development (PD) situated in the Okefenokee Swamp (unique ecosystem that drains to Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean) and focused on local watershed citizen science monitoring and the global implications of all water being connected. Data analyses focused on how the nineteen teachers' experiences and meanings were leveraged to develop CEA and the constraints that restricted their CEA development. Our findings broaden the understanding of how teachers, who teach historically underrepresented youth in low socioeconomic rural areas, come to see themselves as people who care about the environment and become empowered to envision a more sustainable future for their students and communities.


By changing the ratio of resin to hardener, a series of epoxy resin samples has been produced with differing network structures and different retained chemical functionalities. The resulting materials were characterized by thermal analysis, dielectric spectroscopy, DC conductivity, and DC and AC breakdown strength measurements, to explore the effect of network structure and chemical composition on molecular dynamics and electrical properties. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that the glass transition temperature is primarily determined by the crosslinking density and indicates that, under the range of conditions employed here, side reactions, such as etherification or homopolarization, are negligible. Conversely, changes in DC conductivity with resin stoichiometry appear to occur as a result of changes in the chemical content of the system, rather than variations in network structure or dynamics. Specifically, we suggest that the DC conductivity is markedly affected by the residual amine group concentration in the system. While DC conductivity and DC breakdown appear broadly to be correlated, AC breakdown results indicated that this parameter does not vary with changing stoichiometry, which suggests that the AC and DC breakdown strengths are controlled by different mechanisms.


Abstract The paper presents research conducted on the optimization of urban water supply networks. One direction of optimization follows the use of GIS models for digitization on components system. The use of water supply system operation depends on the proper functioning of the structural and functional components. In the analysis it was found that the main components of the system are the following: capture, headrace, puming stations, reservoirs, distribution networks. Each component is made up of a multitude of sub-components with specific structural and functional character. Using GIS program it follows to specify custom properties using layers of structural and functional domains. Autocad Civil 3D, GisNet Set, ArcGis Server and Autocad Toolbase programs allowed to obtain thematic maps on specific areas of the system. The model of the study can vary from simple to complex and can be generalized to any water supply system for a specific use (urban area, villages, tourist resorts, shopping complexes etc.).


[1] We have performed a series of experiments to investigate the relationship between channel geometry and tectonic forcing in steady state landscapes at various uplift rates. The experimental setup consists of uniformly uplifted silica paste eroded by artificial rainfall. In this setup, erosional landscapes evolve by growth and amalgamation of incisions, which organize into a drainage network whose dynamics are a function of the interaction between vertical channel cutting, hillslope erosion, and sediment transport. High-precision (0.5 mm pixel size) digital elevation models were constructed using a stereogrammetric camera system. From this data, channel bed slope was found to be independent of discharge and position on the experimental surface and to increase linearly with uplift rate. Geometric parameters of the flow, such as channel width or depth, could not be observed directly during the experiments. Using laminar flow equations for the mean flow velocity, these parameters were back calculated, and relationships to the imposed substrate uplift rate were derived. Channel width, cross-sectional area, and wetted perimeter decrease with increasing uplift rate to a limit value, hydraulic radius and flow depth increase slightly, and flow velocity increases approximately linearly with increasing uplift rate. These results are qualitatively consistent with recent field surveys and highlight the importance of channel width and slope variations in accommodating channel response to variable rock uplift rates.


Tree species richness has been reported to have positive effects on aboveground biomass and productivity, but little is known about its effects on soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation.

 To close this gap, we made use of a large biodiversity–ecosystem functioning experiment in subtropical China (BEF-China) and tested whether tree species richness enhanced SOC accumulation. In 2010 and 2015, vertically layered soil samples were taken to a depth of 30 cm from 57 plots ranging in tree species richness from one to eight species. Least squares-based linear models and analysis of variance were used to investigate tree diversity effects. Structural equation modeling was used to explore hypothesized indirect relationships between tree species richness, leaf-litter biomass, leaf-litter carbon content, fine-root biomass and SOC accumulation.

 Overall, SOC content decreased by 5.7 and 1.1 g C kg−1 in the top 0–5 and 5–10 cm soil depth, respectively, but increased by 1.0 and 1.5 g C kg−1 in the deeper 10–20 and 20–30 cm soil depth, respectively. Converting SOC content to SOC stocks using measures of soil bulk density showed that tree species richness did enhance SOC accumulation in the different soil depths. These effects could only to some extent be explained by leaf-litter biomass and not by fine-root biomass. Our findings suggest that carbon storage in new forests in China could be increased by planting more diverse stands, with the potential to contribute to mitigation of climate warming.


In order to improve the isolation effect of ultra-precision vibration isolation platform, an approach of advancing structural parameters optimization for the system based on fuzzy control is presented. This paper created a platform parametric model In ADAMS / view; completed the structural optimization under circumstances of taking the acceleration of vibration isolation platform, the system dynamic deflection and the dynamic displacement of the base as performance objective function; and applied the method of co-simulation using ADAMS and MATLAB under fuzzy control. The simulation results show that the active vibration isolation system optimized by ADAMS could effectively enhance the effect of active vibration isolation platform; the method of co-simulation provided a new way for dynamics studies of vibration isolation system.


Abstract. Marine gas seeps, such as in the Panarea area near Sicily (McGinnis et al., 2011), emit large amounts of methane and carbon-dioxide, greenhouse gases. Better understanding their impact on the climate and the marine environment requires precise measurements of the gas flux. Camera based bubble measurement systems suffer from defocus blur caused by a combination of small depth of field, insufficient lighting and from motion blur due to rapid bubble movement. These adverse conditions are typical for open sea underwater bubble images. As a consequence so called 'bubble boxes' have been built, which use elaborate setups, specialized cameras and high power illumination. A typical value of light power used is 1000W (Leifer et al., 2003). In this paper we propose the compensation of defocus and motion blur in underwater images by using blind deconvolution techniques. The quality of the images can be greatly improved, which will relax requirements on bubble boxes, reduce their energy consumption and widen their usability.


The Telemetry Group of the Range Commanders Council has provided suggested standards for transmission of telemetry data. These standards were necessary to promote compatibility of operational equipment at the respective Test and Evaluation ranges. For digital transmission, the applicable standards define the frame and word formats necessary for range compatibility. These standards were developed for acquisition of multiple analog and bi-level signals and provided a relatively straight forward means of developing an aggregate, time-division multiplexed (TDM), serial, data stream which includes the information necessary to reconstruct the signals at the ground station prior to analysis. The Inter-Range Instrumentation Group (IRIG) formats are, by design, periodic and form a matrix of Awords@ which are preassigned to each and every signal being encoded and transmitted. As all the original information is continuous in nature, the encoder must sample each of the channels in their proper sequence and place the sampled data in it's respecitve time slot. This paper will address some of the buffering techniques used to transmit data in an integrated IRIG format. We will then address an alternate solution to transmitting computer data for ground based analysis and processing, i.e., transmission of data using commercial type modems.


BN coated Ni nanocapsules were prepared by arc evaporating Ni-B amorphous alloy powders synthesized by a mechanochemical reaction, and their microstructure, surface component as well as electromagnetic properties (2-18 GHz) were investigated by means of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction , photoluminescence spectra (PL) and a network analyzer, respectively. The reflection loss R (dB) of the nanocapsules less than -20 dB was obtained in the frequency range of 4.3-18 GHz for an absorber thickness of 1.4-6 mm. An optimal reflection loss of -32.0 dB was reached at 13 GHz with an absorber thickness of 2 mm. The microwave absorptive mechanisms of BN-coated Ni nanocapsule absorbent were discussed.


Background One-third men in India consume alcohol as per national survey. Almost 70% of alcohol in south-east Asia is produced in India. Drinking and driving remains a challenge in reducing RTA's in the country. Objectives Study was conducted to understand various epidemiological features such as prevalence, pattern, frequency related with alcohol consumption and find out prevalence of driving following drinking. Methods Community based study was conducted in urban, rural and slum setting in Chandigarh having 1.1 million people. Information was collected by interviewing 578 men of 18 years and above and recording on standardised format in 2011–2012. Results Study constituted 57.1% urban, 16.8% rural and 26.1% slum population. Socio-economic profile was: Illiteracy in 16.9%, unskilled workers 34.4%, married 78.1%. Current alcohol consumption was observed in 160 persons (27.7%) which was 23% in urban, 33% in rural and 34.4% in slum. Pattern of drinking was occasional in 43.1%, mild in 23.8%, moderate in 10% and heavy in 23.1%. Overall 57.5% subjects reported to drive after alcohol consumption—highest in slums (65.5%) followed by urban (63.2%) and rural (31.3%) community. Only 3.9% were checked for breath test. Conclusion Alcohol consumption is public health problem with nearly one-third drinking in slum and rural and one-fourth in urban areas. One in three were moderate to heavy drinkers. Drinking and driving—a high risk factor for RTA's was observed to exist in majority of population. Enforcement of law needs to be enforced strictly for road safety.


Rice is cultivated under different types of production systems by farmers living in varied socioeconomic and agroecological conditions. Farmers' participation in technology assessment is essential in generating technologies suitable to their needs. The Technology Assessment and Refinement through Institution-Village Linkage Program (TAR-IVLP), promoted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), adopts a holistic approach with the village as an operational unit. The use of farmers' participatory research was the main component in the technology assessment. The CTCRI under ICAR implemented the TAR-IVLP in Chenkal village in Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala State, southern India. Here, rice is cultivated as a transplanted crop under canal-irrigated conditions. Average productivity in this lowland production system is 1.9 t ha-1; the district average is 2.2 t ha-1. Conway et al (1987) revealed that not using highyielding varieties suited to local farming conditions contributed to the low productivity of this ricebased production system.


Web-based technology emerged as a powerful means of learning in today's world. It is not just limited to classroom process. It has extended beyond the four walls of classroom to facilitate and promote student support services in the ODL system. Management of learning efficiency depends upon the quality of student support services. Quality of student support services can be made meaningful with adaptation of web-based technology. Utilization of the potential capabilities and strength of technology in ODL system is the real need of the hour. Technology mediated student support system has multiplier effort for providing better access, quality and equality. It's a challenge to make it learner friendly and a means to spread digital literacy among all learners. IGNOU is emerged as a leader in the field of ODL system in terms of bringing innovations in designing and developing technology enabled learning environment. We have a long way to go in terms of effective and efficient implementation of web based technology for having an appropriate Learning Management System (LMS) in ODL system. This demands capacity building of all functionaries to adapt to new technology. IGNOU Regional Centre (RC) Jaipur took a major initiative to experiment utilization of web based technology to bring a revolution in LMS by effective and efficient integration of technology. The following specific technology mediated features are integrated with student support services of RC Jaipur to address the issues of access, equity and quality of implementation of programmes through ODL mode and bringing efficiency in routine office management system of RC & Learning Centres in the region. Online Quick Contact: Asynchronous Learners Query Management System. Online Confirmation of Admission and Re-Registration Online Study Material Tracking System Online Monthly Monitoring Report: A mechanism of academic monitoring and monitoring of administrative and financial activities of Learner Support Centres (LSCs) Online Processing of Bills and Vouchers of Finance and Accounts Section of LSCs: A mechanism to bring accuracy and transparency in financial management The present paper is an attempt to explain the potentials of web based experiments of RC Jaipur to facilitate LMS as well as developing transparency in academic administration and management. It would help us to think of bringing a systemic revolution in ODL system in our country.


In amplifiers having emitter degeneration, an impedance is sometimes used between base and emitter. A common case occurs when several emitter followers are used in cascade. The resistors become necessary in order to provide some measure of stability. In an audio amplifier of similar design it became necessary to know what effect this shunt resistor would have upon the input impedance of the stage. As a result, the analysis given in this paper was performed. Experimental measurements which support the resulting equation are given. This analysis and these measurements led to the discovery of a circuit which would exhibit a high ac input impedance, yet the resistors in the dc base circuit could be kept low to provide good stability. Although it can be shown that circuit power gain is the same regardless of whether a resistor is used in series with the emitter or the base to obtain a high input impedance, considerations of dc stability and distortion demand a more thorough investigation of this problem. Design principles are outlined for this high input impedance stage and an example is worked out in detail. Supporting measurements are given.


Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to consider an approximate model of accumulation of microdefects in a material under repeated loading which makes it possible to define theoretical parameters of the fatigue failure (durability, fatigue limit, etc.). The model is involving the relevant law of distribution of ultimate (yield) stresses in the material of these members in combination with the basic characteristics of main mechanical properties of a material (ultimate and yield stresses and associated standard deviations).

Design/methodology/approach
The model of fatigue failure of brittle and elastoplastic materials based on the use of the structural-probabilistic approach and up-to-date ideas on the mechanism of material fracture is proposed. The model combines statistical fracture criteria, which are expressed in terms of damage concentrations, with the approximate model of microcrack accumulation under repeating loading of the same level. According to these criteria, the fatigue failure begins with the accumulation of separation- or shear-type microdefects up to the level of critical values of their density.

Findings
The failure mechanism is associated with the accumulation of dispersed microdamages under repeated loading. The critical value of the density of the microdamages, which are identified with those formed either by separation or shear under static loading in consequence of simple tension, compression or shear, is accepted as the criterion of the onset of fatigue failure. The fatigue being low-cycle or high-cycle is attributed to accumulation of shear microdamages in the region of plastic deformation in the former case and microdamages produced by separation under elastic deformation in the latter one.

Originality/value
The originality of the paper consists in the following. The authors theoretically define parameters of the fatigue failure (durability, fatigue limit, etc.) using the model in combination with the statistical failure (yield) criteria appearing in the damage measures. The constructed fatigue diagram has discontinuities on the conditional boundary dividing domains with the shear-type and separation-type fractures of structural elements. Such results are supported by the experimental results.


This study was performed in order to determine the effect of live weight (LW) and age of Akkaraman ('White Karaman', WK) ewes at mating on the multiple birth rate (MBR), growth traits, and survival rate (SR) of lambs in breeder flocks. In the trial, data of 4452 head of ewes and 5324 head of lambs obtained from 16 WK breeder flocks in Konya Province were used. One week before the mating season ewes were weighed and separated into 5 groups according to their LW. In the research, the differences of MBR, the SR of lambs until days 60 and 120, the birth weight (BW), and the average LWs at days 60 and 120 between the groups were found to be statistically significant. It was determined that the MBR, the SR of lambs, the BW, and the average LWs at days 60 and 120 increased directly proportional to the LW increase of WK ewes at mating. Ewe's age affected MBR significantly and the MBR of ewes of ages 2 and 3 was lower (P < 0.01) than those of other age groups. However, ewe's age did not affect SR up to days 60 and 120, BW, or growth of lambs.


The latest low-cost technology solutions provide practical and reliable video options form standard personal computers using the Internet. By adding video to an established and geographically dispersed team process, this exploratory research tries to establish the experience of participants and perceived effectiveness of the team. Building on the literature, this qualitative research performs a content analysis design on a text transcription of weekly audio logs from participants. This approach analyzes the rich content of team members to discover the relevance of differing elements within trust, technology, and effectiveness find support. By understanding the influences of adding video to teams, leaders, and managers should be able to make informed decisions regarding the adoption of video for each participant. The attitude evolution regarding the use of technology over a period of six weeks provides further considerations for deployment.


A Nd:Glass laser has been used to generate laser produced plasmas (LLP). The plasma emission in the keV range useful for X-ray lithography has been measured. Lithography with sub-micron linewidths has been demonstrated with a thin absorbing mask. The Nd:Glass slab laser is operated in a Q-switched one-dimensional unstable resonator. The resulting beam quality is a few times diffraction limited and is focused to an area less than the lO cm2 in our vacuum chamber. We have operated at 5 J up to 4 Hz repetition rate without any degradation of the laser output. Injection mode locking of the Nd:Glass laser with 0.7 ns pulses increases the intensity of the Q-switched laser output by about a factor of 10 and allows us to achieve a total integrated pulse length of less than 10 ns. Optical damage limits the laser intensity. The damage threshold for injection mode locked pulses focused into a Nd:Glass slab outside the laser cavity is about 20 J/cm2. However, we have observed another damage mechanism at lower intensities in Nd:Glass slabs in use in the laser head. Brown discoloration occurs in filaments along the laser beam path and we believe solarization with the help of self-focusing and the ultra- violet flashlamp radiation may be occuring. We are still investigating this phenomenon but at present it is limiting the laser output to only 2 J per pulse. The focused laser intensity is 2.1013 W/cm2 on a solid copper target in our vacuum chamber. The plasma emission in the keV X-ray range has been measured through a variety of thin film X-ray filters with a Hamamatsu micro-channel plate detector. Using the published values for the detector quantum efficiency, the micro-channel plate gain, and the filter's transmission spectra, we estimate that the conversion efficiency in the plasma from laser radiation to soft X-rays of energy greater than 0.5 keV is around 2%. We have performed single-level demonstration exposures of PNMA resist through a 10 im thick aluminised Kapton debris shield and a 4 im thick Boron Nitride X-ray mask supplied by Piero Pianetta the the Stanford Synchroton Research Laboratory. The 1.0 pm linewidth gold absorber patterns on the mask are accurately reproduced in the resist. The PMMA resist exposure rate at a 5 cm working distance from the plasma has been measured as 0.2 micron per lO J of total laser energy so we obtain a single layer exposure in about 30 minutes. The potential for improvement is enormous. The X-ray signal measured through the mask increases exponentially with the laser energy on target so increasing the focused intensity will reduce exposure rates dramatically. Available improvements in higher average power lasers and sensitised resists both offer an order of magnitude improvement over this system . These results indicate excellent potential for commercial LPP X-ray lithography.


This doctoral thesis describes results from studies on the mechanisms by which the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase catalyses the reduction of oxygen to water. Cytochrome c oxidase is the last integral enzyme complex of the socalled respiratory chain in the mitochondrial inner membrane (plasma membrane of bacteria). The reaction catalysed by cytochrome c oxidase produces a charge separation across the membrane by two separate mechanisms. The protons and the electrons needed to reduce oxygen to water are supplied from different sides of the membrane, and the energy released in this reaction is used by cytochrome c oxidase to pump protons against the electro-chemical gradient across the membrane. Another integral enzyme, ATP-synthase, utilises this gradient for synthesis of ATP, which in turn is used in many of the energyrequiring processes of a cell. Cytochrome c oxidase holds four redox-active metal centres that mediate electron transfer to, and reduction of the O2-molecule. One part of the thesis concerns the rates of electron transfer as well as the redox equilibrium between the metal sites (papers II and IV). Since the oxygen chemistry takes place in the membrane-spanning part of the enzyme it is equipped with two proton-transfer pathways that lead from the bulk solution to the active site. A second part of the thesis concerns the location of the entry-point of one of these pathways as well as the role of this pathway during the catalytic cycle (papers I and III). The third part of the thesis concerns the mechanism by which the enzymecouples the O2-chemistry to proton pumping (paper V).


AIMS--To compare two commercially available pan probes for the identification of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA expression in histological sections and to type the HPV positive cases. METHODS--97 formalin fixed, paraffin wax embedded biopsy specimens from the genital tract were tested for HPV positivity with in situ hybridisation using biotinylated cDNA pan probes--Probemix (Enzo) and OmniProbe (Digene). The HPV positive cases were further tested with HPV types 6/11, 16/18, and 31/33/35/51, and the HPV type was related to the histological diagnosis. Formalin fixed, HeLa cells (10-50 HPV 18 copies per cell) and SiHa cells (1-2 HPV 16 copies per cell) were used as reference cell lines. RESULTS--32% of the specimens gave positive nucleic signals with both Probemix and OmniProbe. Of these, 84% could be further characterised with regard to HPV types 6/11, 16/18, and 31/33/35/51; 4% of all cases were positive with either Probemix or OmniProbe. The concordance of these probes was high, 96% altogether. HeLa cells stained positive but SiHa cells did not. CONCLUSION--There is no difference between Probemix and OmniProbe for the general detection of HPV. The mean detection limit of these probes is about 20 copies a cell.


Abstract The family of cognitive models sometimes referred to as the "Learning Pyramid" enjoys a considerable level of authority within several areas of educational studies, despite that nobody knows how they originated or whether they were supported by any empirical evidence. This article investigates the early history of these models. Through comprehensive searches in digital libraries, we have found that versions of the Learning Pyramids have been part of educational debates and practices for more than 160 years. These findings demonstrate that the models did not originate from empirical research. We also argue that the contemporary Learning Pyramids, despite their continued modifications and modernizations, have failed to keep up with the developments of cognitive psychology. The conception of memory implied by the Learning Pyramids deviates significantly from the standard picture of human memory.


In contrast to the existing argument that the logic of capital has monetised almost every aspect of human relationships to the realm of exchange value, this article explores the social values that are practised by Chinese working-class youth as an alternative form of agency and everyday practice. Instead of understanding social values as a realm of value operating entirely outside the logic of exchange value, this article takes social values as the constitutive other of exchange value embodied in the neoliberalised form of capitalism. It attempts to develop a micro-foundation of social values or a social mechanism of values for understanding social protection and class solidarity. Employing in-depth interviews and ethnographic observations in vocational schools in China, at sites for the education and nurture of working-class youth, we ask what social values are, how they are perceived and exercised, and by whom. From students' practices of care in schools, cooperation in the workplace and solidarity in the community, our goal is to build a micro-foundation of social values that challenges and goes beyond the logic of exchange value.


Genetic mutation, which provides the raw material for evolutionary adaptation, is largely a stochastic force. However, there is ample evidence showing that mutations can also exhibit strong biases, with some mutation types and certain genomic positions mutating more often than others. It is becoming increasingly clear that mutational bias can play a role in determining adaptive outcomes in bacteria in both the laboratory and the clinic. As such, understanding the causes and consequences of mutation bias can help microbiologists to anticipate and predict adaptive outcomes. In this review, we provide an overview of the mechanisms and features of the bacterial genome that cause mutational biases to occur. We then describe the environmental triggers that drive these mechanisms to be more potent and outline the adaptive scenarios where mutation bias can synergize with natural selection to define evolutionary outcomes. We conclude by describing how understanding mutagenic genomic features can help microbiologists predict areas sensitive to mutational bias, and finish by outlining future work that will help us achieve more accurate evolutionary forecasts.


We developed a spatially focused reagent injection system using 3-D sheath flow scanner. The proposed 3-D sheath flow scanner enables to introduce reagent specifically to target cell colonies cultivated in a microchamber. SiO2 mesh strainer is formed in the microwell to improve spatial resolution of the reagent flow. This enables selective delivery of the reagent to target cell colonies cultivated in the microwell. The specific reagent flow is shifted by eight buffer flows which are controlled by four electro- osmotic flow (EOF) pumps. High performance positioning is realized by PC control with a joystick. Observation of confocal fluorescent image confirmed that the reagent flow is focused to small spot of about 100mumPhi on the mesh strainer where biological cells are cultivated.


This paper presents analysis and experiment results on regulation of a two-link robot with a constantly revolving arm. The rotating member imposes a harmonic excitation on the system. A control algorithm inspired by passive dynamic vibration absorber is devised to turn the base link to a target position asymptotically. The displacement of the base link is the only state variable required in the feedback loop. Asymptotic stability is proved using a tool based on the center manifold theory. Real-time experiments are conducted to verify the performance of the proposed method.


A new iridoid, pikuroside (1), was isolated from the roots of Picrorhiza kurroa, together with three known iridoids, picroside I (2), picroside II (3), and 6-feruloyl catalpol (4). The structure of 1 was established by interpretation and full assignments of NMR spectral data. Pikuroside (1) had no antiinflammatory activity, although the crude extract and picroside II (3) demonstrated moderate activity.


This paper represents a scientific analysis of a broad range of publications surrounding the field of Personal Learning Environments (PLEs). Personal Learning Environments can be viewed as a concept related to the use of technology for learning focusing on the appropriation of tools and resources by the learner. Capturing the individual activity, or how the learner uses technology to support learning, lies at the heart of the PLE concept. The central research question guiding this review was: What are the characteristic, distinguishing features of Personal Learning Environments? This paper argues that PLEs can be viewed as complex activity systems and analysed using the Activity Theory framework to describe their key elements and the relationships between them. Activity Theory provides a framework of six interrelated components: subject, object, tools, rules, community and division of labour. In referencing over 100 publications, encompassing conference papers, reports, reviews, and blog articles, this paper takes an activity-theory perspective to deconstruct the way central aspects related to PLEs are addressed in different publications. The aim of this study is to create a better understanding of PLEs and to develop a knowledge base to inform further research and effective practice. The literature review presented in this paper takes a broader view on PLEs recognising that research in this field stems from different scientific communities and follows different perspectives.


Building on rigorous research by the world-renowned Glasgow University Media Group, More Bad News From Israel examines media coverage of the current conflict in the Middle East and the impact it has on public opinion.

The book brings together senior journalists and ordinary viewers to examine how audiences understand the news and how their views are shaped by media reporting. In the largest study ever undertaken in this area, the authors focus on television news. They illustrate major differences in the way Israelis and Palestinians are represented, including how casualties are shown and the presentation of the motives and rationales of both sides. They combine this with extensive audience research involving hundreds of participants from the USA, Britain and Germany. It shows extraordinary differences in levels of knowledge and understanding, especially amongst young people from these countries.

Covering recent developments, including the Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Gaza, this authoritative and up-to-date study will be an invaluable tool for journalists, activists and students and researchers of media studies.


The continuing program of analysis of circuit breaker short-line fault test data has culminated in a practicable method for getting complete performance and circuit information quickly from presently available test data and a simple, time-sharing computer program. A dynamic model of the circuit breaker arc near current zero using both the Cassie and the Mayr differential equations, has been solved by computer including interaction with resistance and capacitance shunts. By expressing the critical cases which just interrupt in terms of voltage and current slope coefficients, the model is fitted to key measurements from the test oscillograms. More precise specification of performance and its dependence on electrical parameters results.


The problem of precise spatial localization of spectral information in magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopic imaging is addressed. A novel method, called GSLIM (generalized spectral location by imaging), is proposed to make possible the marriage of high-resolution proton imaging with spectroscopic imaging and localization. This method improves on the conventional Fourier series inversion method used in chemical shift imaging (CSI) and the compartmental modeling method used in SLIM by using a generalized series framework for optimal representation of the spectral function. In this way, a priori information extracted from proton imaging can be used, as in SLIM, and the robustness and data consistency of CSI are also retained. Simulation results show that GSLIM can significantly reduce spectral leakage in CSI and inhomogeneity errors in SLIM. It can also reveal compartmental inhomogeneities, and can easily be extended to handle other a priori constraints when necessary. This approach, with some further development, may achieve an optimal combination of sensitivity, quantitative accuracy, speed, and flexibility for in vivo spectroscopy.


Vehicular Ad hoc Networks (VANETs), while promising new approaches to improving road safety, must be protected from a variety of threats. Greedy behavior attacks at the level of the Medium Access (MAC) Layer can have devastating effects on the performance of a VANET. This kind of attack has been extensively studied in contention-based MAC protocols. Hence, in this work, we focus on studying the impact of such an attack on a contention-free MAC protocol called Distributed TDMA-based MAC Protocol DTMAC. We identify new vulnerabilities related to the MAC slot scheduling process that can affect the slot reservation process on the DTMAC protocol and we use simulations to evaluate their impact on network performance. Exploitation of these vulnerabilities would result in a severe waste of channel capacity where up to a third of the free slots could not be reserved in the presence of an attacker. Moreover, multiple attackers could cripple the channel and none could acquire a time slot.


A new wide area differential protection (WADP) system is proposed to suit the need of the shipboard application where short cables make conventional backup schemes impractical. The close proximity of all the components in a shipboard power system makes communication less of an issue than in a land-based system. With an overall view of the protected system and by use of a differential search algorithm, a minimum fault isolation area is decided. A built-in confirmation mechanism avoids unnecessary or false tripping due to protection component failure. The principle of the WADP system is described in detail in this paper. Simulation results are shown for a small Shipboard Power System (SPS).


In this paper, we consider mobile sensor networks that use spatiotemporal Gaussian processes to predict a wide range of spatiotemporal physical phenomena. Nonparametric Gaussian process regression that is based on truncated observations is proposed for mobile sensor networks with limited memory and computational power. We first provide a theoretical foundation of Gaussian process regression with truncated observations. In particular, we demonstrate that prediction using all observations can be well approximated by prediction using truncated observations under certain conditions. Inspired by the analysis, we then propose a centralized navigation strategy for mobile sensor networks to move in order to reduce prediction error variances at points of interest. For the case in which each agent has a limited communication range, we propose a distributed navigation strategy. Particularly, we demonstrate that mobile sensing agents with the distributed navigation strategy produce an emergent, swarming-like, collective behavior for communication connectivity and are coordinated to improve the quality of the collective prediction capability.


The objective of this study was to determine adhesion strength of samples from wood species coated with cellulose varnish as function of heartwood and sapwood ratio. Roughness of the specimens from four different species was measured employing stylus type equipment before they were coated with varnish. Pull-off testing unit was employed to determine adhesion strength of the samples. Based on the findings in this work it seems that no significant difference was determined between adhesion strength values of the samples prepared from heartwood and sapwood portions. The highest adhesion strength value of 2.62 N/mm2 was found for the beech samples sanded with 80-grit sand paper. Overall rougher surfaces of the samples resulted in higher adhesion strength between finish and substrate.


A number of Color Hard Copy (CHC) market drivers are currently indicating strong growth in the use of CHC technologies for the business graphics marketplace. These market drivers relate to product, software, color monitors and color copiers. The use of color in business graphics allows more information to be relayed than is normally the case in a monochrome format. The communicative powers of full-color computer generated output in the business graphics application area will continue to induce end users to desire and require color in their future applications. A number of color hard copy technologies will be utilized in the presentation graphics arena. Thermal transfer, ink jet, photographic and electrophotographic technologies are all expected to be utilized in the business graphics presentation application area in the future. Since the end of 1984, the availability of color application software packages has grown significantly. Sales revenue generated by business graphics software is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of just over 40 percent to 1990. Increased availability of packages to allow the integration of text and graphics is expected. Currently, the latest versions of page description languages such as Postscript, Interpress and DDL all support color output. The use of color monitors will also drive the demand for color hard copy in the business graphics market place. The availability of higher resolution screens is allowing color monitors to be easily used for both text and graphics applications in the office environment. During 1987, the sales of color monitors are expected to surpass the sales of monochrome monitors. Another major color hard copy market driver will be the color copier. In order to take advantage of the communications power of computer generated color output, multiple copies are required for distribution. Product introductions of a new generation of color copiers is now underway with additional introductions expected during 1987. The color hard copy market continues to be in a state of constant change, typical of any immature market. However, much of the change is positive. During 1985, the color hard copy market generated $1.2 billion. By 1990, total market revenue is expected to exceed $5.5 billion. The business graphics CHC application area is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate greater than 40 percent to 1990.


This paper aims at evaluatingthe usage of major research databases by researchers subscribed by the Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh.The study is based on survey methodto know thefrequency of using the online databases, users' opinion about the subscribed databases on satisfaction oftheir needs, importance of the subscribed databases in research work, continuation of subscribed databases and various difficulties being faced by researchers while accessingthe online databases.Investigators have administered a total of 150 questionnaires among researchers, out of which 100 were completed and returned back showing an overall response rate of 66.67%. The result of the study reveals that 42% of researchers use subscribed online databases weekly followed bydaily (40%), however, the major proportion of respondents (43%) strongly agree that the online databases subscribed by Maulana Azad Library fulfilled their needs and library should subscribe some more databases. Overall, 95% of researchers need some more databases other than the subscribed databases for their research work. Almost 99% researchers think that the library should continue the subscription of the four databases i.e. EBSCOHOST: Academic Search Complete, IndiaStat, ProQuest: Theses & Dissertations and Scopus.Lack of searching skills is reported as a main problem by 60% researchers in accessing and using online databases.In the end, the study has given some suggestions formaximum use of online databases subscribed in Aligarh MuslimUniversity, Aligarh.


A method for the direct cultivation of Treponema pallidum from human syphilitic lesions, by the employment of a solid medium, has been described. By means of it, three of the four strains worked with were successfully cultivated. The several pure cultures agree in morphological and cultural characters, grow only in the presence of sterile tissue under anaerobic conditions, and do not produce putrefactive odors. The morphology is typical under optimum cultural conditions; it becomes atypical when the conditions are unfavorable. In cultures, Treponema pallidum multiplies by longitudinal division. The process is usually symmetrical but occasionally appears to be asymmetrical. Inoculation of the pure cultures into the skin of two species of lower monkeys was followed by the production of lesions resembling the primary syphilitic lesion occurring in man and those caused in the monkey by inoculation of spirochætæ-containing serum from human sources. During the course of the positive inoculation in the monkey, the blood develops the property of giving a positive Wassermann reaction. Thus the relation of Treponema pallidum to this reaction is supported, and the identity of the cultivated strains with the species found in human syphilitic lesions established.


Cocrystal polymorphs based on sym-triiodo-trifluorobenzene (IFB) with 1,4-di(4′-pyridyl)-1,3-diacetylene (DPDA) are formed with halogen bond interactions. Two cocrystal phases were obtained by using different solvents, acetonitrile and methylene chloride, and confirmed by their single crystal structure data. In the application direction, the different photo-physical properties of the two phases were discussed carefully.


Background: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a widely used medication in chemotherapy and can cause oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can affect testicular functions by reducing the sperm motility and concentration, changing the sperm morphology, and increasing DNA fragmentation in sperm. Ginger is one of the most widely used spices in various foods and is used as an herbal medicine in many countries due to its antioxidant effects. We aim to study the protective effects of ginger against CP-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the role of ginger in preventing cyclophosphamide-induced adverse effects on the testicular histology of CP-treated male rats. Methods: The study was performed on 30 male albino rats with body weights of 300-350 g. The animals were divided into the following three groups (10/cage): Group 1 (control, untreated group), Group 2 (CP group, received a single dose of CP at 100 mg/kg-1 BW intraperitoneally), and Group 3 (CP+ginger, received ginger extract orally at 500 mg/kg for 35 days after CP injection). The morphological and histological structures of the testes were compared in the different groups of rats. Results: The CP-treated group showed a disorganized germinal epithelium compared with those of the controls. The CP+ginger-treated group showed a significant recovery of the organization of the germinal epithelium and the cellular attachments. Caspase-3-positive cells were significantly higher in the CP group and had remarkably lower levels in the CP+ginger-treated group. A reduction in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the destruction of connective tissue were observed in the CP-treated group; these changes were improved in the CP+ginger-treated group. Conclusion: Ginger extract can protect reproductive functions against CP-induced toxicity in rats.


The Superior Oil Company has developed a simple electrical network analog instrument to calculate dip and strike from the Schlumberger continuous dipmeter logs. A new version of this instrument is described that is designed specifically for the CDM-P (poteclinometer) logs and it can be used with hole deviations of up to 36°. Every control on this instrument corresponds with one of the recorded parameters of the dipmeter log. It is thus easy to see the effect of any one parameter on the resolved dip and strike. The instrument requires no elaborate training in procedure, is portable, and can therefore be used at the well site if necessary, to make on-the-spot decisions about further drilling operation after a dipmeter log has been run. The rapidity with which the computations can be made also permits a larger number of levels to be computed. This frequently results in more accurate information and a considerable saving in computation expense. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1095------------


The potential influence of downwashing on atmospherically deposited elements is of rare focus compared with other geochemical processes related to peat. Downwashing may cause a rapid downward movement of atmospherically supplied elements before they bond to the peat organic substrate and thus reduce the reliability of age-depth models that rely on atmospherically supplied radioisotopes (e.g. 210Pb, 241Am, 137Cs). However, the existence of downwashing has not been directly tested, and to which depth the deposited element can be washed down is not fully understood. To address the question of downwashing, an experiment was set up to mimic wet deposition by applying a CuBr2 solution during a three-week period in peat cores collected from Rodmossamyran. Through this, the experimental results clearly supported the existence of downward mobility. Added Cu2+ could be measured to a depth of 10 cm, similar to previous studies based on Be and Pb. As a similar metal to Cu, the age-depth model based on 210Pb dating could underestimate the ages to some extent without consideration of downwashing.