Synopsis A low carbon steel was deformed by torsion under the conditions of true strain ratesfrom about 103 to 30 sec1 and over the range 830° to 1 200°C. The temperature and strain rate dependences of the flow stress and the ductility of this steel were evaluated in this experimental range, and from the determination of its flow stress behavior and optical microstructural observations , the rate controlling mechanisms of the dynamic restoration process responsible for the occurrence of the steady state deformation were investigated. The stressstrain curves of this material exhibited a marked peak point after initial work-hardening region, and were followed by a steady state deformation stage up to failure. This shape of the flow curve was one exhibiting the dynamic recrystalliz ation as a restoration process in the high temperature deformation. The relation between the ductility (true strain to failure) and test temperature showed a well marked maximum in the case of higher two strain rates. At the strain rates below 5.77 sec-I, the ductility was increased with increasing strain rate, but above this strain rate the opposite was the case. The dependence of the flow stress and ductility on experimental variables were discussed in connection with thermal softening mechanisms operating during high temperature deformation . When the flow stress values of both the maximum and steady states for this material were ploUed against the ZenerH ollomon parameter, Z, calculated by using the activation energy for self diffusion below a critical stress, which is approximately 10 kg/mm' in this case, a power law relationship was observed with a stress exponent of 6.53, and above this critical stress a steeper stress dependence occurred. The dynamically recrystalliz ed grain size of the specimens which were deformed at temperatures of both a + rand r ranges were measured by using the line intercept technique, from which the average reClystallized grain size (d) was determined. When the reciprocal grain size (J /d)for both a+r and r structures were ploued against the Z ener-H ollomon parameter, a straight line was obtained for each case. Therefore, it was confirmed that the operative restoration process during high temperature deformation of this material was the dynamic recrystalli zation under the condition that the power law relationship was preserved, since there was a relationship between the recrystalli zed grain size and deformation parameters.


The paper presents the Multiple Sensor Indoor Surveillance (MSIS) project which is a research project at the Accenture Technology Labs. It describes the objectives of the project, the problems it was designed to solve and solutions that have been currently obtained. The project environment includes 32 Web cameras, an infrared badge system, a PTZ camera, and a fingerprint reader. The solutions for the following two problems are described in details. The first problem is how to visualize events detected by 32 cameras during 24 hours. The solution is obtained using self-organizing maps. The second problem is how to localize people using fusion of multiple streams of noisy sensory data with the contextual and domain knowledge that is provided by both the physical constraints imposed by the local environment and by the people that are involved in the surveillance tasks. A Bayesian framework is suggested to solve this problem. The experimental data are provided and discussed


Oscar Cerruto's 1935 novel Aluvi?n de fuego illuminates a critical predicament of early twentieth-century Bolivian thought: how to reconcile a Eurocentric rubric of nationhood with indigenous national aspirations. Many of the period's Bolivian intellectuals, ranging from Franz Tamayo to Antonio Diaz Villamil, held that the solution to this intractable problem lay in the absorption of Bolivia's indigenous groups within the rubric of the modern nation-state?an absorption to be accomplished through a state-directed pedagogical program and to be reinforced by a concomitant abandonment of the indigenous people's distinctive ethnic and political aspira? tions. Cerruto aspires, however, to strike a balance between the two worldviews in his novel.


A ventilator includes: a plurality of louvers arranged in parallel from one end to the other end of one direction at a supply opening formed in a case; shaft pins respectively formed on both ends at one ends of the louvers and inserted into a plurality of shaft holes; the operation pins being inserted into a plurality of operation holes formed along a longitudinal direction of a link with predetermined intervals; and a standard louver being opened and closed with the shaft pins serving as a center of opening and closing, wherein, gaps (A) between the operation holes on the link are set so as to be larger than gap (B) between a line connecting the shaft pins of the standard louver and the operation pin.


In 1982, the Congress authorized a 6950 million 3-year multiyear contract for 294 Black Hawk helicopters. The Army estimated that such an arrangement would save about $81.1 million, or 7.9 percent, Compared with thr88 successive annual contracts for the same number of h8liCOpt8rS. GAO's analysis indicated an estimated budgetary savings to the Army of $73.9 million, with a net discounted Savings to the government of about 636.6 million, or about 4.6 percent . GAO's estimate of net savings takes mto account the cost of providing funds earlier under the multiyear contract. ln addition, revenue to the U.S. Treasury may be reduced because of the tax implications of a multiyear contract.


All experiment was conducted during 1985-86 and 1987--88 under upland condition to study the comparative performance of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan ( L.) Millsp.]-based cropping systems. Pigeonpea--wheat [Triticum aesrivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol] gave the highest total biological yield (11 .70 tonnes/ha) and grain yield in pigeonpea-yield equivalent (2.84 tonnes/ha), which was significantly higher than that obtained in pigeonpea-ratoon (cutting) and pigeonpea--ratoon (picking) systems. Pigconpea- wheat cropping system proved more economical, with a net profit of Rs 10,814/ha than pigeonpea-ratoon (cutting) and pigeonpea-ratoon (picking). However, benefit: cost ratio was highest (1.89) in pigeonpea- ratoon( cutting), followed by pigeonpea-ratoon (picking), and the lowest (1.17) in pigeonpea--wheat system.


Rare disease drug development follows the same principles as in common diseases, that is, the need to meet the statutory standards for safety and effectiveness. However, viewing this through the lens of the benefitrisk profile, given the unmet medical need, regulatory bodies may exhibit flexibility in exercising scientific judgment on whether the evidence qualifies to have met the statutory standards. Figure 1 captures the principle toward rare disease drug approval, which is balancing the unmet medical need and feasibility of evidence generation versus the evidence package. As further illustrated in Figure 1, to balance the evidence package against the unmet medical need and the feasibility, sponsors have to strive toward increasing the weightage of what is known, the certainty box, and reducing what is not known, the uncertainty box. As discussed in the articles within this issue, rare diseases possess unique traits, many of which are not essentially mutually exclusive: small sample size, heterogeneity of the affected population, limited understanding of the disease pathophysiology, and natural history.1–9 It is steadily becoming common knowledge how the multiple traits of rare diseases can complicate drug development; currently, there are >9000 serious and life-threatening rare diseases with not a single therapeutic option.1 While common disease drug development programs are derisked through a stepwise approach using phase 1, 2a, 2b, and 2 phase 3 studies, rare disease drug development programs may follow an accelerated development paradigm. For example, the clinical development plan may constitute a phase 1 followed by a single phase 3 study or even a seamless clinical trial that serves as phase 1 through phase 3. This nontraditional development pathway not only leads to limited data packages with inflated uncertainty but also can exponentiate common drug development issues faced by sponsors. From a benefit-risk context, all these traits and their associated challenges ultimately amalgamate and create barriers in confident decisionmaking for both sponsors and regulators. Clinical pharmacologists can positively influence decision making by reducing uncertainties through establishing a link of causality throughout the continuum of drug development.10 This link of causality is hypothesized to allow clinical translation with confidence and establishes consistency of clinical trial observations with biological rationale. To create this link, a quantitative framework needs to be conceptualized early. Clinical pharmacologists need to integrate internal and external data using relevant tools that provide insights into the important paradigm of right patient, right medication, and right dose. In rare diseases, we need to dig deeper. For example, what is known about the sources of heterogeneity in the small sample size? How is short-term response linked to long-term outcomes? How is the long-term outcome defined? What is the effect of the disease and the drug on different components of the shortand long-term outcomes? Can the end point be further optimized? What is the minimum clinically important difference? Are there external data available with which we could supplement the evidence package, and if so, what is the relevance and quality of the data?


Any definition of peace is also a definition of war. The two cannot be described other than in each other's image. In the twentieth century there have been four roughly separate periods of warfare. Their character and consequences tell us much about how peace was defined.


This paper introduces the multi-coil eddy current sensor and its characteristic in magnetic material gas turbine rotor. In the past, magnetic particle inspection method was used for qualitative defect evaluation in magnetic material gas turbine rotor. And the ultrasonic inspection method was used for quantitative defect evaluation. Nowadays, eddy current method is used in magnetic gas turbine rotor inspection due to advanced sensor design technology. We developed multi-coil eddy current sensor for the rotor dovetail inspection. At first, rotor stress is analyzed for the determination of sensor position and number. The sensor coils are designed to cover the stress concentration area of rotor dovetail. We select optimum frequency according to material standard penetration data and experiment results. The rotor mock-up and artificial defects were made for the signal detection and resolution analysis of multi-coil eddy current sensor. The results show that signal detection and resolution capabilities are enhanced in comparison to the commercialized sensor enough for the gas turbine rotor inspection. So, this developed multi-coil eddy current sensor substituted for commercialized one and it applied in real gas turbine rotor inspection.


The acethyl dexamethasone (DXM) is an effective glucocorticoid with antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive, and is used in autoimmune diseases. Its antiinflammatory action stems from the inhibition of the accumulation of cells (macrophages, lymphocytes and neutrophils) in the area of inflammation, also inhibiting the release of mediators of inflammation such as interferon γ and TNF α. As for immunosuppressive activity is achieved by reducing the concentration of lymphocytes and inhibition of synthesis and / or release of interleukins. But the continued use of DXM causes a number of systemic side effects, it is interesting topical application to facilitate the promotion of increased release and stabilization of plasma levels of the drug. Nanostructured systems as microemulsions (ME) and liquid crystals (LC) have been studied as new delivery systems because in addition to behave as drug reservoirs, provide increased stability and solubility of the active ingredients. The objectives of this study were to develop and characterize micro and nanostructured systems, in order to incorporate DXM and evaluate their in vitro skin permeation. Systems have been developed using water, silicone (DC ® 193C fluid), and polyoxyethylene -20oleyl ether (Brij ® 98). The 36 points of the phase diagram were evaluated, formulations prepared with different ratios of water, oil and surfactant is possible to delineate regions as transparent high viscosity systems (STAV) systems, transparent , low viscosity (STBV) systems, fluid transparent (SLT) , viscous emulsion (EV) and liquid emulsion (EL). Three formulations were selected for the characterization tests , determining the concentration of surfactant (T) by 40% and varying concentrations of water and silicon, termed A, B and C. The analysis of polarized light microscopy (PLM) showed anisotropic structures in the form of grooves, hexagonal phase characteristics for formulations A and B. It was also observed "dark field" in the low viscosity formulations (C), suggesting be an isotropic system, possibly ME. Rheological showed thixotropic behavior of the formulations. DXM was incorporated at a concentration of 0.1 % in the formulations, which are now called AF, BF and CF. The tests showed that the release formulations AF, BF, and CF released the drug respectively 0.90%, 1.22 % and 3.21% however permeation tests DXM not permeated from the systems developed. In tests of retention was observed retention of the drug in the stratum corneum in the following percentages 22.82 % (AF), 35.74 % (BF) and 25.66 % (CF). Statistically, the three formulations retained the same amount of dexamethasone acetate. It was concluded that the systems have enabled higher drug retention in the skin, allowing a greater local effect. Therefore, these systems can be considered promising for dermal administration of DXM.


In two experiments, we demonstrate that despite indicating indifference when probed about risk or delay in isolation, when forced to explicitly trade-off between the two, participants prefer delayed over risky rewards. This pattern of findings sets a boundary condition for any common utility-based comparison process involving both risk and delay. Furthermore, this change from indifference-in-isolation to delay-preference-in-a-trade-off strengthens as reward amount increases. Exploratory modeling results suggest that the shift in preference can be explained by allowing for different discount rates for delay-only choices compared with when delay is in competition with risk. This explanation is better than one in which probability weighting is different between risk-only choices and risks considered in the presence of a delay. Together, the empirical and modeling work lays a path for future investigations of why and when people's evaluation of the properties of risky and delayed choices vary as a function of the alternatives on offer. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Despite the fact that acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disorder almost all descriptive epidemiological studies consider AML as a single entity. Large tumor registries such as U.S. NCI Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program use the ICD-0 coding system that until recently are based on the FAB classification; FAB subgroup (with very few exceptions) are not homogenous biological entities. As a consequence, information on specific homogenous subtypes is very limited and etiological clues of homogenous AML subsets are likely to have been masked by studying AML as a whole. Characterization of AML patients by specific chromosomal aberrations divides the subgroups into true homogenous entities. Further, the different chromosomal abnormalities result in specific gene rearrangements that are often involved in the etiology and the pathogenesis of the disease. The specific chromosomal abnormality of APL allows us to study the epidemiology of a homogeneous AML subtype, and the distinct PML-RARα molecular abnormality, may enable us to better decipher its etiologies causes. Further, APL or FAB M3 is fairly easy to recognize by morphology criteria with minimal error and therefore the translocation t(15:17) can be identified in most patients without actually performing a cytogenetic analysis. Thus large databases of AML can be used to study the epidemiology of APL and circumventing the lack of cytogenetic information. Since 1972, APL has been coded in SEER registries separately and distinctly from all other AML cases, by the morphological features of the leukemia cells. Another source of gathering epidemiological information in APL and comparing it to non APL is databases of large clinical trials although they could be biased by patient selection and differences in the eligibility, for example age limitation and inclusion of de novo AML only.


APPOINTMENT OF FORMER PRESIDENT OF GENERAL AVIATION MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION AS U.S. MEMBER, A POSITION TRADITIONALLY HELD BY A DIPLOMAT WITHOUT AVIATION EXPERIENCE.


An elevator installation (1) having a car (4), a counterweight (5), traction means (11) interconnecting the car and the counterweight, a motor (8) and a traction sheave (7) engaging the traction means. The elevator installation (1) is monitored for over-traction and an air cushion (28) is created between the traction sheave (7) and the traction means (11) when over-traction is detected.


During the 90's, the "Information Superhighway" has received widespread publicity. Many campuses have participated in this drive to an information based society by becoming participating nodes on the Internet. As an information provider, the Internet has the potential to change the college experience in many ways, both good and bad. It also poses a number of problems for college students in areas such as privacy, access, and honesty. It provides professors with a dynamic information storage and retrieval tool that offers the opportunity to modernize both curriculum experiences and pedagogical approaches. On some campuses, Internet access and capability has become so important that course modules and whole courses are being built. The panelists will each discuss a different issue involved with making the Internet more integral to the collegiate environment.
The first panelist will consider risks and threats that an institution of higher learning must consider as it approaches Internet use will be presented. The steps an institution took to build policies and deal with "inevitable incidents" that will occur as the Internet is opened to full use by both students and faculty.
The second panelist will present four computer ethics modules. Each module uses the abundance and dynamism of Internet information to provide challenging "Ethics in the Computer Workplace" experiences that could not easily be done by traditional means.
The third panelist will discuss a course module that explores both the positive and negative potential of the Internet. The costs and ease of Internet access, as well as normally available Internet tools, are also presented. This module has been used in a course called "Ethical and Social Issues in Computer Science" and will be used in a general-education course to be offered beginning in 1994–95.


To move upwind, sailing vessels have to cross the wind by tacking. During this manoeuvre distance made good may be lost and especially smaller vessels may struggle to complete a tack in averse wind and wave conditions. A decision for the best tack manoeuvre needs to be made based on weather and available tack implementations.
This paper develops an adaptive probabilistic tack manoeuvre decision method. The order of attempting different tacking strategies is based on previous success within a timeout, combined with an exploration component. This method is successfully demonstrated on the 1m long sailing vessel Black Python. Four strategies for crossing the wind were evaluated through adaptive probabilistic choices, and the best was identified without detailed sensory knowledge of the actual weather conditions.
Based on the positive results, further improvements for a better selection process are suggested and the potential of using the collected data to recognise the impact of weather conditions on tacking efforts is recognised.


A monolithically integrated, compact, polarisation mode converter is incorporated within a Fabry-Perot semiconductor laser diode. The predominant polarisation states of the optical output from each facet are observed to be orthogonal.


Infants born to women taking anti-epileptic drugs are at increased risk of neural tube and other congenital defects, and are also at risk of impaired neurodevelopment. This explains a trend to prescribe newer anti-epileptic drugs to girls of childbearing age and to use monotherapy instead of polytherapy. In an observational cohort study from Belfast, the neurodevelopment of 210 children (aged 9–60 months) of 127 epileptic mothers was assessed by one researcher, blinded to maternal therapy, using Bayley or Griffiths scales. The mothers were on monotherapy or no treatment (controls) during pregnancy. One (2.9%) of 35 children exposed to lamotrigine monotherapy had mild to significant neurodevelopmental delay, compared with 23 (39.6%) of 58 exposed to sodium valproate, 10 (20.4%) exposed to carbamazepine and 2 (4.5%) of 44 unexposed controls (P < 0.001). Most of the children were in the mildly delayed category and the accuracy of neurodevelopmental assessments in infancy and the risk of confounding by indication (e.g. more severe epileptics might be more likely to be on sodium valproate) are potential weaknesses of the study. Nevertheless, these data do suggest strongly that for epileptic girls of child-bearing age, monotherapy with lamotrigine is preferable to sodium valproate or carbamazepine.


The present work focuses on the prediction of the hot deformation behavior of thermo-mechanically processed precipitation hardenable aluminum alloy AA7075. The data considered focus on a novel hot forming process at different tool temperatures ranging from 24∘C to 350∘C to set different cooling rates after solution heat-treatment. Isothermal uniaxial tensile tests in the temperature range of 200∘C to 400∘C and at strain rates ranging from 0.001 s−1 to 0.1 s−1 were carried out on four different material conditions. The present paper mainly focuses on a comparative study of modeling techniques based on Machine Learning (ML) and the Zerilli–Armstrong model (Z–A) as reference. Related work focuses on predicting single data points of the curves that the model was trained on. Due to the way data were split with respect to training and testing data, it is possible to predict entire stress–strain curves. The model allows to decrease the number of required laboratory experiments, eventually saving costs and time in future experiments. While all investigated ML methods showed a higher performance than the Z–A model, the extreme Gradient Boosting model (XGB) showed superior results, i.e., the highest error reduction of 91% with respect to the Mean Squared Error.


This study examines the online atmospheric cues of colour and music and their impact upon feeling and purchase intention of consumers in the online environment. The research design was experimental and used data from a questionnaire. A pilot test of the instrument was conducted. The final questionnaire contained 39 items and a demographic section. A total of 200 questionnaires were collected. Participants were exposed to a specific set of online atmospheric elements. Results indicated a difference in regard to purchase intention when exposed to different colour. Results also found a correlation between feeling and internet purchase intention. Managerial and theoretical implications are discussed along with future research suggestions.


Abstract : Traditional cybersecurity has focused on techniques to analyze and eliminate vulnerabilities in a network, often in response to actual security breaches of previously unknown weaknesses. A key desired capability is to be able to accomplish a mission even while the network is compromised and subject to deception. This project investigated a new framework for representing models of mission goals and tasks, and to exploit those models to make a mission more robust to deception operations co-occurring in the network. These mission-centered network models (MCNMs) build on and extend current two-layered (logical/physical) network models by integrating a new layer of task-level representations of the mission into those models. In this new task-oriented layer, a mission can be characterized as a set of goals, each accomplished by a set of interdependent tasks that place requirements on the network resources. The system can then dynamically control the mappings of those tasks onto network resources using a variety of algorithms that take into account which resources are currently compromised. As a result, a mission can be protected from ongoing intrusion and deception activities by dynamically reallocating resources as they become compromised.


Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant disease that affects the oral cavity. Lidocaine has shown antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity on several cell types. The rapid dispersion is a limitation issue; however, the complexation in cyclodextrin improved pharmacological features and modified the drug release. This study investigated the effects of lidocaine (lido) complexed with 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD‐lido) on cell viability and proliferation of human tongue squamous cell carcinoma SCC9 and SCC25.


Track-bridge interaction problems have a main role in the design of bridges on high speed railways (HSR). In this paper, a technique is described for performing calculations of the interaction of the elements of the "bridge-jointless track" system. The complexity of these calculations lies in the nonlinear relationship between the bridge spans and the railway track. The characteristics of these relationships are largely determined by climatic factors (summer and winter conditions), as well as the presence of temporary loading on the bridge. The results of the interaction "bridge-jointless track" system are presented at temperature and train impacts for the characteristic types of bridge structures in the form of multi-span beams and continuous beams. The influence of the length, the construction scheme, the longitudinal stiffness of the intermediate supports on the magnitude of the forces arising in the rails of the continuous path is shown. Based on the performed calculations, conclusions were drawn about the characteristic modes of operation of the "bridge-jointless track" system and recommendations were made on constructive measures reducing efforts in rails.


The association constants (K) of nucleic acid monomers with three water–soluble bis(metalloporphyrins){Cu(II), Zn(II), and Co(III) complexes} in which two porphyrin units were linked by –NHCO(CH2)5CONH– were estimated spectrophotometrically. In the case of the Zn(II) and Co(III) complexes, the Kvalues were smaller than those of the Cu(II) complex, since these complexes have one or two axial ligands that inhibit stacking interaction between the porphyrin rings with the nucleobases. The melting curves of poly(dA)–poly(dT) (duplex of poly(deoxyadenylic acid) and poly(deoxythymidylic acid)) with the Cu(II) complex were found to be biphasic as is the case with the corresponding metal‐free bis(porphyrins), but the melting temperatures of poly(dA)–poly(dT) with the Cu(II) complex were higher than those with the metal‐free bis(porphyrin). The circular dichroism (CD) and visible spectra of the bis(metalloporphyrins) upon addition of poly(dA)–poly(dT) suggested that the Cu(II) complex as well as the metal‐free bis(porphyrin) intercalate into poly(dA)–poly(dT). Contrary to this, the axial ligands of the Zn(II) and Co(III) complexes inhibit intercalation into poly(dA)–poly(dT). For short (dA)–(dT) polymers, the biphasic behavior in the melting curve with the Cu(II) complex and with the metal‐free porphyrin became weak or diminished with a decrease in the length of the polymers. This was correlated with the stabilization of the polymers with these bis(porphyrins).


The utility model discloses a rechargeable multifunctional LED lighting lamp, and belongs to the technical field of lighting. The rechargeable multifunctional LED lighting lamp is characterized in that the rechargeable multifunctional LED lighting lamp comprises a switch cover, a handle end and a two-color tube arranged between the switch cover and the handle end, super magnets are arranged inside the switch cover and the handle end respectively, a push-button switch is arranged at the end of the switch cover, a charge-discharge indicator light is arranged on the two-color tube, a lamp PCB is arranged on an inner cavity of the two-color tube, the lamp PCB has multiple light source modes, and a sealing ring and an end cover with threads are arranged at the tail end of the handle end. The rechargeable multifunctional LED lighting lamp is convenient to use, extensive in use, safe and waterproof.


Solid-state circuit breakers (SSCBs) are designed to interrupt fault currents typically several orders faster than its electromechanical counterparts. However, such an ultrafast switching operation would produce a dangerous overvoltage which might cause damages to SSCBs and other circuit elements in the system. This paper proposes a novel snubber circuit for suppressing the overvoltage. It takes the advantages of both resistor-capacitor-diode (RCD) snubbers and metal oxide varistors (MOVs). Its operating process is analysed before the proposed snubber circuit for 400V DC SSCBs is designed. Pspice simulator is employed for simulating the operating process and a prototype SSCB with the proposed snubber is built and tested in a lab-scale DC system. The results of simulation and experiment validate the effectiveness of the proposed snubber.


In this contribution, we will use the Maxwell-Cartesian spherical harmonics (introduced in [1, 2]) to derive a system of partial differential equations governing transport of neutrons within an interacting medium. This system forms an alternative to the well known PN approximation, which is based on the expansion into tesseral spherical harmonics ([3, p. 197]). In comparison with this latter set of equations, the MaxwellCartesian system posesses a much more regular structure, which may be used for various simplifications that could be advantageous from computational point of view.


The density of the hyperbolic metric of a plane region is investigated in a neighborhood of an isolated boundary point. A single method simultaneously yields the known asymptotic behavior of the density of the hyperbolic metric at an isolated boundary point and the asymptotics of some partial derivatives of the density. These results on partial derivatives improve earlier work of Yamashita. The method also gives the precise limiting behavior of the injectivity radius at an isolated boundary point thereby establishing a conjecture of Yamashita.


On the basis of a brief introduction of the selection of freight transport routes and modes,the paper proposes to break up the whole process of freight transport into component processes of multiple single-route and single-mode transport and then works out the tabu search algorithm for the solution to each of the processes,which is tested in a subsequent experimental study,with findings showing that the algorithm proposed here can ensure higher convergence rate and robustness.


Cultures of Escherichia coli isolated from colibacillosis in pigs in Canada and the U.S.A. and previously identified as unclassified E. coli OX36 were found to belong to a new E. coli O group 157. Strains of E. coli V145, GIRI, C308 and V17 which had a weak relationship to E. coli O116 also were found to belong to O157. The increased incidence of E. coli O157 in colibacillosis of swine stresses the inclusion of this O group among those enteropathogenic for swine.


I briefly review the properties of classical affine Toda field theories and indicate how some of this features survive in the quantum theory on-shell. I demonstrate how this knowledge can be extended off-shell, i.e. how to compute correlation functions for completely integrable models via the form factor approach. For the latter I present an axiomatic system and two explicit computation (the Sinh-Gordon theory and the Bullough-Dodd model) which provide a consistent solution of it.


Outreach to increase public understanding is critical to implementation of carbon capture and storage, but conventional lectures may fail to engage a non-technical audience. In this presentation we will exhibit a selection of do-it-yourself demonstrations that are proven to grab an audience's attention and can be adapted for use with a variety of groups. Using interesting and engaging physical models, and without use of PowerPoint, posters or handouts, speakers can show a non-technical audience (1) how CO2 is formed from the combustion of hydrocarbon molecules (2) how much CO2 we produce in daily activities, (3) why CO2 works to trap heat in the atmosphere 4) the properties of CO2 and its health and safety risks (5) how geologic storage of CO2 would work to reduce emissions. These demonstrations require only readily available, low-cost materials and have been used successfully with a variety of audiences, from adults to elementary school-age children. They are simple enough to be replicated by audience members for use in school and community programs. Objective Our objective is to provide the Carbon Capture and Storage research and outreach community with some easily transferable demonstrations that are designed to increase public understanding and comfort with issues related to greenhouse gas issues and CSS processes. Our intended audience is the public and elementary-middle school students. We are approaching these issues from an allegorical and experiential perspective, assuming minimal background with physics and chemistry. Materials and supplies Demo 1 • Styrofoam balls in three sizes (1, 1 1⁄4, 1 1⁄2) • Paint to color balls, three colors of your choice • Precut 1 inch long pieces of pipe cleaner • Candle and match Demo 2 • 5 lb bag of charcoal briquettes • Large white garbage bag (to spread briquettes on) • Wet wipes for clean up Demo 3 • Two 10" x 10" sheets of 4 wires/inch (1⁄4 inch mesh) galvanized hardware cloth (from a builders supply) • Tape to seal and sharp cut ends of hardware cloth • Several ordinary pipe cleaners from a craft shop FOURTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON CARBON CAPTURE AND SEQUESTRATION DOE/NETL May 2-5, 2005 CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS Demo 4 • 10 gallon aquarium or similar container • Plastic tray to fit inside fish tank (dry ice placed directly on glass may crack it, a container will provide insulation) • Bubble mix with bubble-blowing wand from toy store • Candle • Matches or lighter • Several clear plastic cups, 12oz size • Two hot pads (gloves are nice, for safe handling of dry ice) • Several 1-pint water bottles filled with drinking water • Ice pick • Plastic bag to cover work surface • 5-12 lb block of dry ice • Small Styrofoam ice chest for transporting dry ice Demo 5 • Clear glass marbles from hobby or garden supply (enough to fill the jar). Several sizes OK. • 1 quart jar clear with water-tight lid • Colored lamp oil from hobby or hardware store • Tap water to fill jar Demo 1 Chemistry of Burning Why is CO2 increasing in the atmosphere? Who is doing it? Many people think that CO2 is "pollution", so that clean burning should be a way to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions. Figure 1. Models made of Styrofoam balls are used to illustrate the chemistry of combustion. In this demonstration, we review basic chemistry (figure 1) to realize that producing CO2 is an inevitable waste product of burning any fossil fuel. FOURTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON CARBON CAPTURE AND SEQUESTRATION DOE/NETL May 2-5, 2005 CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS Set up: prepare a box of different size Styrofoam balls painted to represent oxygen (largest ball, at least 3), carbon (at least one), hydrogen (smallest ball, at least four). Cut several pipe cleaner into 1 inch lengths. A candle or oil lamp is a useful prop. Ask "what is in a hydrocarbon? "(answer: hydrogen and carbon). One carbon with four hydrogens attached to it is methane, the simplest of the hydrocarbons. Have participants make some hydrocarbons by linking Styrofoam balls representing hydrogen (small) with carbon (medium sized) with short pieces of pipe cleaner. Ask "How do we get energy from hydrocarbon?" (Answer: burn it, which means add oxygen to the fuel in the presence of threshold heat.) If time allows, light a candle or small oil lamp with a match, and let this sink in (hydrocarbons from candle or oil lamp, oxygen from the air). Add Styrofoam balls that represent oxygen, and pull the hydrogen off the methane (Say "pop" or "bang" as you do it to symbolize the release of energy). Add two hydrogens to each oxygen and two oxygens to each carbon to complete the chemical reactions. Ask "what are the products of combustion of fossil fuel?" and coach the audience to figure out the answer from the models (C O2 = carbon–di-oxide and H2 O is water). Throw the molecules in the air to emphasize what happens to them under "business as usual". People are usually surprised that water is released by combustion. Ask them to think about what they have seen coming out of tail pipes of cars or from smoke stacks on a cool morning. (White "smoke" is water vapor condensing) You cannot see the CO2, but there is at least half as much CO2 produced as water from most kinds of combustion. Demo 2 Imagine you could see the carbon in CO2 How much CO2 is produced during combustion of fossil fuel? CO2 is a colorless gas transparent to light so it feels like it must be unimportant and harmless. This visual demonstration provides an analog to give participants a sense of the amount of carbon going into the atmosphere. Figure 2 Briquettes help people imagine the carbon in CO2 emissions. Set up: Pour the charcoal out on a white plastic bag as a visual aide (figure 2) . Explain: One gallon of gasoline has about 5.2 lbs (2.3 kg) of carbon. Charcoal briquettes are almost entirely carbon. FOURTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON CARBON CAPTURE AND SEQUESTRATION DOE/NETL May 2-5, 2005 CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS A 5 lbs bag of charcoal holds about 100 briquettes At 26 miles/gallon, that's 0.2 lbs of C (about 4-5 charcoal briquettes)/mile Participants can pile the briquettes to equal the amount of carbon they release to the atmosphere during a normal drive. Conclusion "A standard US car throws a charcoal briquette (or more) of carbon from its tail pipe about every 1/4 mile. If you could see the carbon that was being released when everyone threw the equivalent of a briquette out of their car every 1/4 mile would this make a difference in how people act?" Demo 3 What is the Greenhouse Effect? How can increasing the a little bit of CO2 in the atmosphere increase global temperature? This visual analogy (figure 3) provides a way to think about atmospheric physics in terms of familiar objects. Figure 3. Model of the interaction of the atmosphere with light and heat. Preparation: Cut hardware cloth (wire mesh with 1/4 inch openings) into two pieces about 10" by 10" square. Fold heavy tape over any sharp edges to make them safe to handle. The hardware cloth helps us image how CO2 in the atmosphere interacts with light and heat energy. Whoosh the hardware cloth through the air to show there is only a little bit of wire in the hardware cloth, so it is like CO2 in the atmosphere in that there is only at little bit of CO2 mixed in with other gasses to make up the Earth's atmosphere. A pipe cleaner will represent light energy coming from the sun. Light energy has a short wavelength. We imagine the fuzz on the pipe cleaner as representing the wavelength of light. FOURTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON CARBON CAPTURE AND SEQUESTRATION DOE/NETL May 2-5, 2005 CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS Have a volunteer hold the "CO2 in the atmosphere" horizontally above a table, so that it looks like the atmosphere as seen from space. Show with a pipe cleaner how light from the sun can easily go right through the "atmosphere". After light goes through the atmosphere, it hits the earth. Who knows what happens to it then? Does all of it reflect back as light into space? Think about the effect of sunshine hitting the ground on a summer day. (Some light is absorbed by objects and the ground and then radiated as heat). Heat energy has a longer wavelength than light. We can imagine this as the pipe cleaner being bent in five or six zigzags. With your fingers, bend the pipe cleaner into a long wavelength spring. Try transmitting this long-wavelength heat energy through the CO2 in the atmosphere (hardware cloth). Much of the" heat" is trapped and bounces around between the atmosphere and earth. Put another sheet of hardware cloth representing more CO2 in the atmosphere. Will this make it harder for heat to escape? The CO2 rich atmosphere is trapping heat like the glass roof of a greenhouse (hence the name greenhouse effect). Demo 4 CO2 is a Gas Is CO2 dangerous? Does it explode? Can it be transported safely? This set of experiments are used in introductory physics and chemistry to examine properties of gases. Our motive here is to increase public understanding of the basic properties of CO2 so that they can be informed about safe handling and so that fears derived from absence of information will be reduced. Set-up Freeze caution: warn participants not to touch dry ice with bare skin. Using hot pads, place the dry ice block in a shallow plastic tub. The plastic will provide insulation so that the cold from the dry ice does not crack the glass. Use the ice pick to break off a number of chunks of dry ice, ice cube-size or smaller for the experiments. Place the dry ice in the tub in the bottom of a 10 gallon fish tank. In a turbulent or breezy setting it is helpful to cover the tank with a piece of newspaper to allow the CO2 to build up and to break the dry ice block into more pieces to increase the rate of sublimation. Not suitable for outside demos. Dry ice is frozen CO2. Does anyone know where the CO2 goes as the dry ice sits in the room and warms up? Do you see any liquid CO2 drips? (No, liquid CO2 does not exist at atmospheric pressure. Frozen CO2 "thaws" or sublimes directl


CONTEXT
Spatial average intensity (SAI) is often used by clinicians to gauge therapeutic ultrasound dosage, yet SAI measures are not directly regulated by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards. Current FDA guidelines permit a possible 50% to 150% minimum to maximum range of SAI values, potentially contributing to variability in clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE
To measure clinical values that describe ultrasound transducers and to determine the degree of intramanufacturer and intermanufacturer variability in effective radiating area, power, and SAI when the transducer is functioning at 3 MHz.

DESIGN
A descriptive and interferential approach was taken to this quasi-experimental design.

SETTING
Measurement laboratory.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS
Sixty-six 5-cm(2) ultrasound transducers were purchased from 6 different manufacturers.

INTERVENTION(S)
All transducers were calibrated and then assessed using standardized measurement techniques; SAI was normalized to account for variability in effective radiating area, resulting in an nSAI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Effective radiating area, power, and nSAI.

RESULTS
All manufacturers with the exception of Omnisound (P = .534) showed a difference between the reported and measured effective radiating area values (P < .001). All transducers were within FDA guidelines for power (+/-20%). Chattanooga (0.85 +/- 0.05 W/cm(2)) had a lower nSAI (P < .05) than all other manufacturers functioning at 3 MHz. Intramanufacturer variability in SAI ranged from 16% to 35%, and intermanufacturer variability ranged from 22% to 61%.

CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians should consider treatment values of each individual transducer, regardless of the manufacturer. In addition, clinicians should scrutinize the power calibration and recalibration record of the transducer and adjust clinical settings as needed for the desired level of heating. Our data may aid in explaining the reported heating differences among transducers from different manufacturers. Stricter FDA standards regarding effective radiating area and total power are needed, and standards regulating SAI should be established.


Discrete system simulation has been used to plan and analyze construction processes for over three decades. Many successful applications have proved its effectiveness. Despite the widespread applications, simulation has not yet been used to its maximum potential. There many reasons for this and the first is the difficulty in detecting modeling logic errors in the development stage, while the second is that the analysis of simulation result is wearisome, as the result is usually not enough intuitive. In addition, most simulation tools lack the capability to manage vast amounts of data involved in the simulation process. This is especially true with the spatial data. All these deficiencies dampen a project manager's desire to utilize simulation tools. In this paper a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based visual simulation method, in which system simulation techniques are integrated with visualization techniques, is presented to overcome the above-mentioned limitations. The corresponding software, G IS-based V isual S imulation S ystem (GVSS), was developed. GVSS is a powerful planning tool offering visualizing and querying capabilities simultaneously. A real hydraulic and hydroelectric project in China named Nuozadu is systemically investigated using GVSS. Combining simulation with sensitivity analysis, GVSS determines the optimum equipment set schemes. Construction schedules are established. Successively, the reasonability of project schedule is verified by analyzing the intensity of the excavation and traffic flow. Finally, the complex construction process is dynamically demonstrated by 3D animation, which is a powerful tool for quick and comprehensive understanding of the complicated process. It is concluded that the GIS-based visual simulation methodology and the software GVSS are very helpful and useful for the design and management of the construction process. The analytical results have been adopted by the Kunming Hydroelectric Investigation Institute of China.


Capsule Apparent survival rates of Whinchats breeding in abandoned fields differ in relation to prior breeding success, probably indicating that site fidelity depends on prior nesting success. Aims To examine apparent survival, and hence site fidelity, and its association with previous breeding success in Whinchats breeding in abandoned fields. Methods We ringed and measured apparent survival and age ratios of Whinchats in abandoned fields over nine years. We modelled the impact of age, nest stage, and time of season on daily nest survival rates. Results There were 3.77 fledglings per pair (n = 251). Annual variability and a nest age effect were the most important components of nest survival variation. Adult apparent survival after successful breeding was 0.32 ± 0.08 and after unsuccessful breeding this was 0.11 ± 0.08. Among 229 males with known age, 39% were second calendar year, and 61% were older than the second calendar year. From 744 ringed nestlings only 7 birds returned the following years. Conclusion Whinchats in abandoned fields of Eastern Europe show low rates of breeding success and apparent survival. Apparent survival after successful breeding is significantly higher than after unsuccessful breeding, because unsuccessful breeders probably move to new breeding sites the following year.


The article discusses the importance of psychosocial factors in shaping the health of 17-year-olds living in the territory of Omsk Oblast.


percentage reading taken at the fresh gas outlet position. This difference in readout was approximately 1 1 %, so that 33% oxygen was measured as 31%. Thus, if an oxygen analyser is used with a Manley ventilator, it is important to put the sensor a t the inspiratory port of the ventilator in order to get an accurate measure of the percentage of inspired oxygen. A questionnaire on the use of oxygen analysers, sent to anaesthetic colleagues in our area, revealed that 59% of anaesthetists left the analyser on the common gas outlet whilst using the Manley ventilator and were, apparently, unaware of this inaccuracy. This inaccuracy may be important when ventilating the lungs of a patient with poor gas exchange who requires an increased inspired oxygen concentration.


SOFPAPERS PRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PATHOLOGISTS OF AUSTRALIA HELD IN MELBOURNE, VICTORIA August 1977


Electronic voltage transformer (EVT) and electronic current transformer (ECT) are important equipments in smart grid. In order to meet the requirements of power reliability in the grid, the annual failure rate of EVT and ECT should be less than 0.2% during normal operation. Power transformer is the electrical device, its annual failure rate is only 0.01%, and the comprehensive reliability of secondary relay protection devices can be improved to more than 99.8% by redundancy design. EVT and ECT's reliability can be hardly improved to 99.8% due to the limit of failure relevance, unless designed and manufactured according to aerospace standards. EVT and ECT's utilization is limited in the digital substation considering of reliability and economy. In the digital substation, Non-traditional transformer is an economical and rational design, because the reliability of 99.8% can be guaranteed by sending analog small-signals from non-traditional transformers to the relay unit. Non-traditional transformer's analog output is sent to the merged cell of transformer, and a digital signal is converted into the data bus serving for substation monitoring and control systems, so the reliability can reach 99%. Thus non-traditional transformer's analog output and merged cell's output can respectively meet the reliability requirements of relay protection and monitoring system's informatization in the digital substation.


Style is the specific manner of poets to express their own life and mental thoughts. Stylistic is a way to recognize and understand these mindset with regard to the composition and selection of words by the poet which has been attracted by researchers. Among the ancient and contemporary poets, someone used the style of other poets to compose their poetry and others developed a new style to express their minds and thoughts. Akhavan Sales is one of the poet in the contemporary age which has own style linking classic and new poets and made their poet eternal. Combining epic themes and slang together to compose a poetry and using specific words and compounds are the style of Akhavan Saless. In addition, using principles and regulation of new poetry and Akhavan skill to express epic statements using metaphor have affected increasingly on his poets. So, in addition to contemporary style, there is a personal style in his poet with intellectual and linguistic features which have distinguished his poetry.


[Objective] The purpose was to screen out some bacteria species with potential application value in constructed wetland.[Method] 26 strains of bacteria with bigger difference on colonial morphology were separated and purified from the constructed wetland in Beijing area in spring and autumn and some strains with good application foreground were screened out through determining the ability on removing the organic matter,total nitrogen and phosphor in living wastewater.[Result] Among 26 strains of bacteria,9 strains of bacteria had good removal ability to organic matter with the removal rate of 30 %,in which X7 had the strongest removal ability to organic matter with the removal rate of 64.623 0 %;9 strains of bacteria had good removal ability to total nitrogen in which X25 and X26 had the strongest removal ability to total nitrogen with the removal rate of over 90 %;only X7 had good removal ability to total phosphor with the removal rate of 32.25 %.[Conclusion] The removal ability to total nitrogen of bacteria grown in summer was stronger.The effect of bacteria on removing total nitrogen increases with the time prolonging.


QoS[QOS]-capable communication network devices are now available, such as IP routers and switches, thus enabling the implementation of QoS-guaranteed services. Policy-Based Network Management (PBNM) is a framework to control these network devices with management rules that are called "Policy". At present, most network engineers on PBNM cope with only intradomain QoS-guaranteed services, but an enhanced framework for interdomain QoS-guaranteed services is required for real commercial networks that communicate with networks managed with a different policy. On real commercial networks, service providers have to charge customers for the interdomain QoS-guaranteed services. We focus on interdomain QoS provisioning and accounting. First, we discuss the policy framework and its architecture. Based on this framework and architecture, we propose two protocols: a Policy Advertisement Protocol (PAP) that distributes local policies among domains, and a Policy Negotiation and Notification Protocol (PNP) that sets up a QoS-guaranteed communication path among domains[INTD]. Our experimental network confirms that this interdomain QoS provisioning is effective when service providers provide interdomain QoS services from the point of view of network administrator's tasks, performance, and network traffic.


Spectral distribution functions of electron-phonon interaction ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}^{2}$F(\ensuremath{\omega}) obtained by ab initio linear-response calculations are used to describe various superconducting and transport properties in a number of elemental metals such as Al, Cu, Mo, Nb, Pb, Pd, Ta, and V. Their lattice dynamics and self-consistently screened electron-phonon coupling are evaluated within local density functional theory and using a linear-muffin-tin-orbital basis set. We compare our theoretical ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}^{2}$F(\ensuremath{\omega}) with those deduced from the tunneling measurements and find a close agreement between them. Temperature-dependent electrical and thermal resistivities as well as transport constants ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{\mathrm{tr}}$ also agree well with the experimental data. The values of ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{\mathrm{tr}}$ are close to the electron-phonon coupling parameter \ensuremath{\lambda}. For the latter a very good agreement with specific-heat measurements was found without any paramagnon contribution, except in Pd. We conclude that our method provides the description of electron-phonon interactions in tested materials with an accuracy of 10%. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.


In a study of four patients who required secondary neck exploration for parathyroid adenomas, three had accurate preoperative localization of the tumor from the use of computed tomography scanning and digital subtraction angiography.


Although partial coarticulation of consonants and vowels is common, coarticulation in which consonantal features are realized for the complete duration of the vowel are rarely reported (except for vowel nasalization). Such extreme consonant-vowel coarticulation may occur if a fricative or affricate is followed by a vowel with the same voicing and place of articulation, causing frication during the entirety of the vowel. This paper illustrates and discusses fricative-vowel coarticulation in Huangyan Taizhou, a Wu Chinese dialect, where this only occurs in the low tonal register. Consonant-vowel coarticulation in general appears to be a remarkably strong tendency of Huangyan Taizhou (HT). First, fricative-vowel coarticulation involves a larger number of vowels and consonants than reported for other languages in which fricative vowels occur, viz. three different consonants and three vowels. Second, HT also has two other processes of extreme coarticulation of consonants and vowels. The first is a historical process in which a nasal and the following vowel were coarticulated and eventually merged, resulting in syllabic nasals with a tonal specification. Like fricative-vowel coarticulation, these syllabic nasals only occur in the low register. A more common process of extensive coarticulation also occurs in HT, namely, vowel nasalization, which is unrelated to tone and register. In this paper, we present these different forms of extreme coarticulation in HT, discuss their possible underlying mechanisms and why they are related to register.


The similarity between certain of the symptoms existing in the disease azoturia and those commonly found in lead-poisoning seemed to make the chemical examination of urines and tissues in these cases desirable. Examination of the urines from both azoturia cases and normal horses showed the presence of lead in several instances, although negative results were also obtained in both the normal and path ological cases. Chemical examinations were then made of brain, liver, spleen, kidney, and psoas muscle whenever possible, in order that the distribution of lead in the system might be studied. Organs were taken from normal horses and those in which death had followed azoturia, pneumonia, and colic. As in the urines, lead was found in the tissues of cases other than azoturia, but the amounts were much larger and the lead was much more widely distributed in the azoturia cases. The quantity found in several of these cases, notably the livers, was very large, indeed, as shown approximately by the final tests employed, while in cases other than azoturia a large amount was never found. The qualitative results have been placed in tabular form, but the quantities could not be expressed, as we have no method for accurately determining these small amounts of lead.


Objective: Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a growing concern in immunocompromised children. Data from Middle East regarding burden of children's Aspergillus infections are scant. This study aimed to update the frequency and antifungal susceptibility profile of Aspergillus isolates obtained from children with malignant underlying diseases. Materials/Patients/Methods: A total of 75 episodes from 60 patients with clinical presentation suggestive of IPA were recruited between January 2013 to December 2016, and clinical data were retrospectively collected. In vitro susceptibility was determined by E test method using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Result: According to EORTC/MSG criteria, a total of 75 episodes, 16 (21.3%) and 59 (78.7%) cases with probable and possible IPA were identified, respectively. Aspergillus flavus was isolated in 7neutropenic patients showing and showed reduced susceptibility to amphotericin B. However, all isolates demonstrated susceptible profile to caspofungin (≤ 0.25 μg/ml), posaconazole (≤ 0.5 μg/ml) and voriconazole (≤ 2 μg/ml). Conclusion: The Aspergillus species causing IPA in children with malignancies differed from those in Western countries. Our results provide useful information on local epidemiology of IPA and selection of proper empirical antifungal agent.


Classroom quality throughout three Head Start programs in the southeastern United States was monitored. A random sample of classrooms was selected to represent high and low quality classrooms in urban and rural settings. Parents and teachers rated the social behaviors of 328 children who were nested within 40 classrooms. Maternal depression was associated with parent reports of fewer positive social behaviors and more problem behaviors. Parent-reported home violence was associated with fewer disruptive behaviors as reported by the teacher. Higher quality classrooms tended to have lower scores on a parent-reported measure of children's problem behaviors. Teachers who interacted less positively with children tended to rate the children in their classrooms as more compliant. The teacher's ability to individualize instruction tended to moderate the association between the child's age and prosocial behaviors while also moderating the association between maternal depression and parents' reports of their children's problem behaviors.


We have performed neutron diffraction experiments on deuterated propylene glycol, an organic glass former, at temperatures ranging from where its dynamical response approaches that of normal liquids to below the point where relaxation times appear to diverge. Our studies extend over a very broad range of scattering wave vector (0.01<Q<30 A−1). In contrast to models which predict clustering, we find no evidence in the liquid at any temperature for heterogeneities large on molecular scales. However, we do note subtle changes at shorter lengths. Using molecular dynamics simulations to model our results, we identify these changes with increasing density and increasing orientational order induced by hydrogen bonding in the liquid as it cools. Analysis of the orientational correlations between molecules reveals a strong dependence on their relative positions.


This paper studies experimentall the polarization characteristics of airborne polarization camera based on the large-bore integrating sphere.The relative intensity transmission coefficients of the instrument polarizers and filters in all polarized spectral channels are given based on the 0° polarizer angle channel at the center of the CCD matrix 64×64 pixels.The degree of polarization variation of optical system in airborne polarization camera is analyzed by measuring the non-polarized radiance from the integrating sphere,and a fitted polynomial function of degree of polarization relating all viewing directions within the instrument field of view is presented.The flaws of optical components and the abnormal noise of the CCD detector have little influence on the fitted function because of the statistical treatment with the whole field of view of the airborne polarization camera.Experimental study shows that the polarization characteristics for different polarized spectral channels are variant,and the airborne polarization camera often has bigger degree of polarization at larger field of view.


A communication system with TDMA digital frequency band is put forward based on EDA technique and the description language of VHDL.On the FPGA chip of EPF10k10,most functions of the system are accomplished such as the completion of phase synchronism and frame synchronization,compression and expansion of A rhythm,the modulation and demodulation of FSK,implementing the communication with 4-channel audio and 2-channel 64KB data.


According to the traditional geometrical active contour model in segmentation is concave boundary,the curve evolution cannot accurate positioning,puts forward an improved geometry,the model of active contour model in the original model by an evolution equation of a curve evolution,make constant to target boundary,the acceleration curve evolution,and arrive in the border,acceleration of zero,thus reduce gradually to complete the segmentation of concave boundary.The experimental results prove that the method can not only segmentation is concave boundary of the target,also can make the evolution process,improve the geometry of the segmentation of active contour model.


Materials, structures and systems, responsive to an external stimulus are smart and adaptive to our human demands. Among smart materials, polymers with shape memory effect are at the forefront of research leading to comprehensive publications and wide applications. In this paper, we extend the concept of shape memory polymers to stress memory ones, which have been discovered recently. Like shape memory, stress memory represents a phenomenon where the stress in a polymer can be programmed, stored and retrieved reversibly with an external stimulus such as temperature and magnetic field. Stress memory may be mistaken as the recovery stress which was studied quite broadly. Our further investigation also reveals that stress memory is quite different from recovery stress containing multi-components including elastic and viscoelastic forces in addition to possible memory stress. Stress memory could be used into applications such as sensors, pressure garments, massage devices, electronic skins and artificial muscles. The current revelation of stress memory potentials is emanated from an authentic application of memory fibres, films, and foams in the smart compression devices for the management of chronic and therapeutic disorders.


The chemical composition of the continental crust play an important role in understanding of crustal formation and evolution and quantifying other processes taking place within continental crust. We summarized geochemical data reported in the previous literature for the crustal rocks in the Korean Peninsula and divided their chemical composition into geologic time scale. In the variation diagram normalized by average composition of the upper crustal rocks, the geochemical characteristics of the upper crust during Triassic period is different from those of the upper crustal rocks after Jurassic period or before Precambrian. However, the geochemical characteristics of the Jurassic and Precambrian period are similar each other. Our summarized data indicate that the source material of Triassic upper crust may be different from that of Jurassic or Precambrian upper crust.


In Tao Yuanming's heart,the intension of his return to cropland,is to achieve soul's return and spirit's salvation.After return the cropland,Tao Yuanming didn't want to become an anchoret,but want to inaugurate a new mode of life,which is different from Confucian,Buddhism,and Taoism.In this mode of life,beauty and poetry are the most important things the people need.By the practice of this new mode of life,Tao Yuanming,once a vagabond and depressed poet,has became the poet of high attainments in poetry world,who inhabited on the earth delicately.


Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are supposed to provide basic urban services identified under the respective municipal legislation and also to ensure the sustainability of service provision. Financial sustainability of these core services, through the levy of appropriate user charge, is very important and integral to service delivery. Yet, several ULBs do not appear to follow this maxim and continue with ad hoc service delivery and methods of its finance. This paper is an attempt to analyse the performance of select ULBs in Andhra Pradesh in the provision three core urban services, in terms of their OM it then suggests a reform agenda for improving civic service delivery through improved service level/standard, better cost recovery and organisation restructuring


The polishing composition of the present invention contains a scratch-reducing agent represented by an oxidizing agent, and the following general formula (1) or (2). Wherein, X


There are two mechanical patterns that baseball pitchers use to deliver the ball, commonly referred to as the stretch and the wind-up. Most biomechanical studies have investigated upper extremity kinematics and are typically focused on the wind-up pattern. Dun et al. is the only study to date that has examined differences between the stretch and wind-up. They found a small but significant difference in pitched ball velocity (0.2 m/s faster from the wind-up than from the stretch). Interestingly, in the upper extremity kinematic and kinetic variables investigated, the authors found no differences [1] between patterns. However, this study reported neither external ground reaction force data nor any lower extremity kinetics values.


earth's surface, as well as of long intervals of time, marked by great foldings and disturbance, and by vast and wide-spread erosion of the successive series of rocks. In conclusion, the writer took occasion to call attention to the important labors of the present school of Italian geologists, and their great zeal, skill and disinterested service, as shown in the memoirs of the R. Academia dei Lincei, and in the work of the Royal Geological Commission, including the special studies, maps and memoirs prepared by it for the International Geological Congress of Bologna in i88i. The new Geological Society of Italy, founded at the same date, gives promise of a brilliant future, and has already published many important memoirs.


Photosensitized oxygenation of tryptophan and related compounds has been reviewed. The topic is devided into 4 sections, with opening Chapter of the introduction to this review. The second Chapter describes photosensitized oxygenation of tryptophan in both an aqueous solution and non-aqueous solution, followed by the Chapter 3 which describes photosensitized oxygenation of simple indoles in various conditions. The last Chapter is the introduction of the recent work on photosensitized oxygenation of tryptophan and related compounds, which emphasizes on the mechanism of oxidative transformation of tryptophan into kynurenine.


ABSTRACT In Sweden, ethics education occupies a prominent position in the curriculum, both in the general, introductory sections and as a part of the subject religious education. The aim of this article is to investigate teachers' insights regarding ethics education and to contribute knowledge about opportunities and challenges with ethics education, by analysing interviews with ten teachers. Five of the teachers used a fiction-based ethics education within a research and evaluation project, and five teachers used their ordinary ethics teaching. The analysis shows five different themes, time, the students' background, safe relations, lesson plans, and fiction, to be crucial for ethics education, in relation to both opportunities and challenges. The analysis shows that ethics is a subject that occupies a special position, giving students an education that points to the world and provides opportunities to encounter and explore important situations, in other words, an education that develops a multidimensional ethical competence.


is.) This machine was scrapped last year. I was saddened when I read about it. It was almost like losing one of my children. It was on this calender that we installed our first beta-ray gauge. The original gauges were magnetic type on the rolls and capacitor type to measure the overall thickness. Needless to say, they left a lot to be desired. In 1961 the committee achieved full committee status in the AIEE. Then in 1963 the old AIEE combined with IRE to become the IEEE. Our committee became the Rubber and Plastics Industries Committee of the Industry and General Applications Group. Later called the Industry Applications Society. We are now one of more than 20 committees in that society. Since 1966 we have also sponsored a session at the Fall Annual Meeting of the IAS. In conclusion let me paraphrase the words of Mr. L. A. Umansky, our founder. Let us hope that this meeting, being the 34th of its kind in the rubber industry, will be far from the last.


This communication system is provided with a first communication device, and a second communication device for carrying out power line communication with the first communication device by using a power line as a transmission channel. The first communication device has a detection means for detecting a zero cross timing for a commercial power source, and a transmission means for transmitting a transmission signal modulated by an OFDM method at the zero cross timing. When the power line communication is started, the transmission means first transmits, as the transmission signal, a header signal (HS) having a preamble; and transmits, as the transmission signal, a data signal (DS) without a preamble after transmitting the header signal (HS). The second communication device has a reception processing means for applying a demodulation process to the received transmission signal and obtaining reception data.


Abstract Primary objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of high chronic pain on (a) neuropsychological test performance and (b) self-reported emotional complaints in persons suffering from Postconcussional Disorders (PCD) after a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Research design: A two-group comparative research design was employed. Methods and procedure: An outpatient sample of 66 patients with mild TBI and PCD using the Ruff Neurobehavioural Inventory (RNBI) and a neuropsychological test battery. Main outcomes and results: According to ANOVAs, no significant between-group differences were found on neuropsychological test performances; however, the high pain group had significantly more emotional residuals; particularly elevated on the RNBI were the Anger and Aggression, Anxiety, Depression and Paranoia and Suspicion sub-scales. Furthermore, an ANOVA found participants of the high pain group reporting significantly higher impairments on the RNBI Cognitive, Physical and Quality-of-Life composite scores and several RNBI sub-scales compared to their pre-morbid functioning. Conclusions: High chronic pain exacerbates the emotional aspect of PCD and, therefore, should be given special observance in treatment settings.


We propose a novel double-equalization method for mitigating spatial/temporal dispersion effects in image sensors to achieve high-speed optical camera communications. A transmission rate of 14.04 Kb/s with a single LED was experimentally demonstrated.


In this paper, we will present a case study of using multiple-choice tests for university level courses such as digital logic and artificial intelligence. It is a well known fact that multiple-choice questions can be used to assess student's knowledge – not only student's recall, but also the verification of student's analysis and synthesis abilities. We will give an example of questions for assessment of all three types. We will consider how computers can be used to prepare such tests and what is needed to automatically grade such tests. We will present an open source application that we developed to foster such a process.


The computation of electromagnetic fields is examined. The topics covered include algorithms for integral and differential methods for the solution of three-dimensional magnetostatic fields, comparison of results with experiment, and an investigation into the strengths and weaknesses of both methods for an analytic problem. A brief summary of work in progress on the solution of three-dimensional eddy currents using differential finite elements is given.


Since the principal discovery of the cardiac natriuretic peptide hormones about 25 years ago, a large amount of research has identified 2 peptides derived from pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (proBNP),1 BNP and N-terminal-proBNP (NT-proBNP), as useful plasma markers in cases of heart failure (HF) and other cardiac diseases. Our present understanding of proBNP processing and the structural biochemistry and metabolism of circulating proBNP-derived peptides, by contrast, are still far from complete. In particular, posttranslational maturation and metabolism are still poorly characterized. In this issue of Clinical Chemistry , Semenov et al. describe important results that may substantially improve our current understanding of the regulation of proBNP processing (1). Like many other hormones, BNP is derived from a prohormone. The precursor proBNP hormone is encoded by a separate gene, NPPB (natriuretic peptide precursor B), which has been assigned to chromosome 1 in humans. Its transcription has been shown to be regulated by cardiac-specific gene regulators, such as GATA, the muscle-CAT binding site, and activating protein 1/cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-like elements (2). These cis elements have since been found to be the molecular targets of many different clinically relevant stimuli that lead to basal and inducible regulation of the NPPB gene. Transcription of the human NPPB gene can be activated through various proinflammatory and hypertrophic stimuli, such as mechanical stretch, ischemic injury/hypoxia, endothelin-1, angiotensin II, interleukins, and adrenergic agonists (2). The 5′ flanking region of the NPPB gene contains acute-phase regulatory elements, and the expression of this gene is induced with the rapid kinetics of an early- response gene. In contrast to A-type natriuretic peptide (ANP), it is believed that most BNP regulation is carried out during gene expression, with most BNP being synthesized in bursts of activation from physiological and pathophysiological stimuli, when peptide secretion occurs. Only limited amounts of …


Pimentel CVMB. The influence of vegetarian diets on the nutritional status, biochemical parameters and the expression of circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) among adults in the city of São Paulo. [Doctoral Thesis]. São Paulo: School of Public Health of the University of São Paulo; 2014. Introduction The effects of vegetarian diets (VD) on health points out mainly to a decrease in the risk for noncomunnicable chronic disease (NCDs) once it positively modulates the biochemical parameters, particularly those related to the control of glicemic and lipemia being also a way of controlling weight. Recent studies have shown that diet can also modulate molecular parameters. In this scenario, one must pay attention to the role of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which seems to be related to the VG in what regards the reduction of triacylglycerol and cholesterol, and the increase of insulin sensitivity. Objective To assess adults that adopted a VD in what regards their nutritional status, biochemical and molecular parameters, in comparison to adults that adopted an omnivorous diet. MethodsA cross-sectional study assessed a population composed of 96 individuals, 56 vegetarians and 40 omnivores, adults of both genders. A questionnaire was administered in order to gather sociodemographic and life-style related data, body weight (BW), height and waist circumference (WC) were surveyed. In order to carry out the biochemical study and the expression of plasmatic BDNF, blood was collected. The Castelli indexes 1 and 2 (lipid ratios) are indicators of cardiovascular risk (CVR) with a higher predictive value than isolated parameters and therefore were calculated. Insulin resistance (IR) was calculated by the HOMA_IR index. The analyses were carried out through the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) software, 20.0 version, taking into account a 5% significance level. An analysis of logistic regression was done in order to identify if the VD and other factors are able to prevent the reduction of CVR, determined by the Castelli indexes 1 and 2. Results There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding the following variables: age, gender, smoking habits, triglyceride (TG), Total Cholesterol (TC) low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLcol). On the other hand, the values of the Castelli indexes 1 (3,23 ± 0,84 vs 3,90 ± 0,99, p =0,001) and 2 (1,91 ± 0,69 vs 2,42 ± 0,79, p = 0,001) were lower in vegetarians (VEG) than in omnivores (OMV). The VEG-groups showed significant lower BW (63,9 ± 10,4 vs 69,4 ± 14,6 kg, p = 0,032); BMI (22,5 ± 2,6 vs 25,0 ± 3,9 kg/m 2 , p = 0,001); WC ( 81,8 ± 8,2 vs 87,8 ± 10,9 cm, p = 0,003 ) and more high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL –col) (54,88 ± 14,44 vs 47,30 ± 12,27 mg / dl , p = 0,008). The VEG-group also presented lower HOMA-IR (1,17 ± 0,70 vs 1,48 ± 0,8, p = 0,02) in comparison to the OMV-group. Regarding life-style parameters, the individuals of the VEG-group displayed a tendency for practicing more physical activity (64,3 % vs 42,5 %, p = 0,056) and for ingesting food supplement (48,1 % vs 20,5 %, p = 0,012), although the number of smokers was quite similar between both groups. Regarding the BDNF variable, there was no difference between the VEG-group and the OMVGroup (662,8 + 276,5 pg/ml vs 698,1 + 314,9 pg/ml, p=0,563).Conclusion In relation to these results it is to be suggested that a VD may exert protective effects on cardiovascular health and on the metabolism of the individuals that adopt it.


The unsteady flow at small flow rates is always the most important of typical unsteady phenomena in centrifugal compressors, since it is closely related to the operating safety and efficiency. To study the mechanism of stall and surge generation, an experimental research on an industrial centrifugal compressor with variable vaned diffuser is carried out to study the unsteady flow structure from design point to surge. A multi-phase dynamic pressure measurement is conducted, based on 23 dynamic pressure sensors mounted on the shroud side casing surface of the compressor. The sensors are circumferentially distributed in a non-uniform manner at seven different radial positions, including the impeller region, the vaneless region and the diffuser throat region. Real-time data is recorded during the whole valve-adjusting process. The characteristics of pressure fields at some specific operating conditions are focused on, especially the pre-stall, stall precursor, stall and surge conditions. According to the multiphase data association, the originating position of the stall precursor can be determined. The features of the unsteady flow structure are also obtained, such as the surge pattern and the propagation direction of stall cells. In addition, when the diffuser vane setting angle (OGV) is turned up, the core factors to trigger total instability will change. In order to visually show how the tip leakage and separation vortex in the impeller gradually affect the flow structure in the vaned diffuser region and even the whole machine, numerical simulation and dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) method are used to study the flow mechanisms. The numerical simulation result is well matched with the experimental result. With the help of the DMD method, a few low-frequency tip leakage vortex structures are extracted from the unsteady numerical result over a period of time, which correlate with the experimental result. Meanwhile, on this issue, the feasibility of dynamic experimental analysis combined with multi-channel numerical simulation analysis is verified and discussed. Through the two analytic methods, a detailed understanding of the unsteady flow structure in the centrifugal compressor with variable vaned diffuser is obtained.


Digital India initiative aimed at improving the lives of the common men in India through technology. Efforts have been made to make technology in India as accessible, affordable and value addition. Digital initiatives have been undertaken in India in almost all sectors. Payments and settlements are not exceptions to the digital push of India. Indian Digital Payments have registered unprecedented growth in terms of volume of transactions (CAGR of 58.9%) and also in terms of value (CAGR of 28.4%). But, in the global payments market, the Indian digital payments market didn't perform well in many measures of digital payments growth including a number of digital transactions per capita per year and India has not featured in any top ten places. So, this research work focuses on identifying and analyzing the growth of the Indian digital payments market and its state in the global digital payments market. The research work is based on secondary data and the secondary data have been collected from central banks, reports, and Bank for International Settlement. The purpose of this research work is descriptive in nature and it has employed analytical research type. The study found through its scientific research approach that Digital payments market in India has grown steadily since 2014 and it still lacks behind many countries of the world in terms of measures of digital payments growth which are Cash in Circulation to Gross Domestic Product ratio, Number of transactions per inhabitant and so on


The effect of a loss‐cone‐shaped distribution function on the current‐driven, high‐frequency flute mode has been investigated. The effect becomes significant when the wavelength is of the same order as the electron Larmor radius and, in general, tends to destabilize the instability.


Creativity and Sustainability Education (Education for Sustainability Development) are two global agendas in 21st century learning. This underlies the birth of various pedagogical ideas that are relevant for teaching creativity and eco-literacy. Humans are creatures who love to play (homo ludens) and will always desire to be affiliated with nature (biophilia). Therefore, this article aims to describe how creative play and learning in the natural environment are used to develop creative-eco-literacy in elementary school students. This article presents an overview of Participatory Action Research (PAR) studies in social studies teaching. Kemmis, McTaggart, and Nixon (2014) defined PAR as a study, which creates learning innovation through planning, action, observation, and reflection. The teacher makes learning plans by preparing various creative games performed in the natural environment such as playing on grass, identifying colors, shapes, textures of plants and animal, natural sounds, describing, asking, telling about animals, running, digging, and solving environmental problems such as through gardening activities. The teacher does not forget to make the relevance of these activities with the curriculum that applies in the school thematically. Learning activities are then observed and reflected by the teacher to see their effectiveness and impact on students creative-eco-literacy development. The results showed that creative play activities and learning in the natural environment can be used to develop adaptive, aesthetic, cognitive, communication as a language function, sensorimotor, and socio emotional attitudes in students.


The law enforcement concerning the crime of human trafficking has not been implemented optimally regarding the less accommodation of court decision to the rights of the victim. The criminal imposition by judges does not adequately address the sense of justice for the victim, especially if there is no restitution of the perpetrators required in the victims' recovery process. The criminal case of human trafficking mostly causes the victim suffering from either material or immaterial losses. Victims need special attention and protection, mainly children who become victims of trafficking about their human rights. Legal protection of victims, including children, is one of the state's obligations in the recovery process and to realize the welfare of children. So far, the legislation gives more focus on accommodating the perpetrators' rights than the victims, and in the court examination, the victim usually only acts as a witness. Optimal fulfillment of the victims' rights can be done by providing opportunities to victims in the criminal justice system that plays a role in the examination in court to convey considerations in determining the criminal, the number and form of restitution. Especially for children victims, it can be done with the role of the state in the recovery process, accommodating the role of the victims in the criminal justice system and renewing the restitution.


A new phase mask typology for wavefront-coding is proposed, the meshed phase mask (MPM). It is intended to be a flexible form in order to be easily adaptable. The use of an evaluating criterion to measure the performance of the MPM is used to optimize its shape. The MPM is uniquely defined by the fixed phase in a number of control points equally spaced in the pupil area. These control points define a regular mesh, and the continuous MPM phase surface is obtained from cubic spline interpolation. A global search algorithm is used to optimize the values at the control points, thus optimizing the MPM. The preliminary results show an improvement over the conventional cubic phase mask, especially in reducing the undesired artefacts in the final restored images.


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This paper demonstrates a linearization technique for radio frequency (R-F) CMOS Gilbert cell-based mixers. The main idea is to replace the simple differential pair of the basic mixer with a cross-connected one. When one specific design condition (also determined in the paper) is fulfilled, the third-order harmonic of the output signal is canceled, causing a major improvement of the third intercept point (IP3) of the mixer. In practice, the maximal achievable IP3 is limited by mismatches and models simplifications. Simulations results of the proposed circuit (using SpectreRF and the 0.35/spl mu/m CMOS AMS technology) show an IP3 improvement of /spl sim/8dB (5.25dBm comparing to -3dBm of the classical Gilbert cell). Our approach is very attractive because it necessitates only a small increase in the bias current 1.125mA vs. 1 mA and input capacitance - 1.5/sub Gilbert/ vs. C/sub Gilbert/, and is feasible for use in multi-standard receivers.


3D image reconstruction from cone-beam projections on a circular short-scan is analyzed using the tools of CB reconstruction theory. By definition, CB Data on a circular short-scan do not provide enough information for exact reconstruction outside the plane of the source path. However, circular short-scans are attractive in many applications due to practical constraints on the data acquisition geometry. This work attemps at determining the optimal tomographic capabilities of CB imaging with circular short-scan. Two new algorithms are suggested for reconstruction and tested on the FORBILD head phantom with a large cone angle. The results are very encouraging.


In certain embodiments, the method includes receiving a first discovery message via a common network line protocol to a plurality of mobile devices, by the first mobile device. The first discovery message includes information specific to the mobile device cluster subset of the plurality of mobile devices. Method, the network advertisement Protocol, and comprises the step of using a different information at least to communicate with a second mobile device of the second cluster protocol, the mobile device using the cluster more.


The regional government has the authority to run and control the performance of the apparatus in utilizing the stipulated budget. Local governments must meet the criteria for good governance including, clarity of budget targets, accounting controls and a reporting system that will impact on the managerial performance of government officials. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of clarity of budget targets, accounting controls and reporting systems on managerial performance of government officials. This research is located in all OPD in Klungkung Regency. The population in this study were all employees at 38 Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD) in the Klungkung Regency Government, amounting to 4,056 people, using judgment sampling techniques, the number of samples in this study was 114 people. The conclusion in this study is the clarity of budget objectives, accounting control and reporting systems have a significant effect on the managerial performance of the Klungkung OPD apparatus.


The giant otter, Pteronura brasiliensis Zimmermann 1780 (Carnivora, Mustelidae, Lutrinae), was widely distributed in South America but stable populations are now only found in the Pantanal and Amazon regions and the species is classified as endangered. There is only one recognized species of giant otter, although two subspecies of doubtful value have also been cited in the literature. We present the first karyotype of four captive P. brasiliensis specimens, all of which posses 2n = 38 chromosomes as 14M+8SM+6ST+8A and one pair of sexual chromosomes. An heteromorphic secondary constriction, associated with the nucleolar organizer region (NOR), was seen on the long arms of chromosome pair 17. The C-banding technique revealed heterochromatin in the centromeric region of all the chromosomes and the NOR was C-banding positive. The giant otter presented the same diploid number as most mustelids, although its karyotype is quite species-specific.


Abstract The effect of infusion of sodium chloride (NaCl) or sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) into hot-stripped (HS) broiler breast meat on changes in tenderness and oxidative rancidity level as measured by thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values was investigated. Infusion was effected by first mechanically perforating (mechanical tenderization) the breast pieces, then tumbling for 3 min in selected marinades. Hot-stripped meat first infused with a marinade containing 1% NaCl, 3% STPP, and stored from 1 to 8 days at 2 C had reduced toughness, as measured by force to shear (FS), and TBA values and were comparable to or lower than the FS and TBA values from meat conventionally processed and aged 1 day. The combination of NaCl and STPP was most effective in reducing FS and TBA values followed by STPP, then NaCl, and lastly H2 O alone. The TBA values slowly increased and FS values decreased through 8 days of storage. Phosphorus and sodium were continuously absorbed into the meat tissue reaching maximal levels after 2 to 4 days. The combined solution was also effective in reducing TBA and FS values when treatment was performed after 8-days of storage of chill-stripped or HS meat.


This work investigated the biomasses (seeds, seed husks, oilseed grains, crude and purified oils, cakes by pressing and by hexane extraction and methyl biodiesel the oil) of Moringa oleifera Lamarck, starting with its seedpods (ripe and dry fruits) in energetic application. The oil obtained from the grains by mechanical pressing had an average yield of 11.36% and of 36.48% by hexane extraction. The moringa biomasses presented calorific values between 15.87 and 37.53 MJ/kg, being suitable as renewable biofuels. The mixed crude oil (1:4) was refined in four steps: degumming, neutralization, washing and drying. The crude and refined oils were characterised by acidity index, peroxide index, water content, turbidity, specific mass, kinematic viscosity, power calorific higher, calorific power below and ash content. The crude oils by pressing and by solvent extraction were characterised through of the saponification index and iodine value. The purified biodiesel presented specific mass of 889 kg/m3 (20 oC), kinematic viscosity of 5.5 m2/s (40 oC), content of ester of 86.2% and 98.23% (in microscale, ratifying the viability of the method), acidity index of 0.43 mg KOH/g and water content of 615.8 mg/kg. The solid moringa biomasses (seeds, cakes (or pies) and the seed husks) show high potential for the production of briquettes or ecological firewood due to its content energy expressed as lower calorific value (between 15.87 and 23.31 MJ/kg) and simple and accessible technological production. The results show that moringa is an easily exploitable plant in sustainable energy, especially from its seedpods and seeds.


Dear Sirs, Annually awarding the best original basic/translation research articles published in the European Journal of Clinical Investigation has become a traditional task for the council of the European Society of Clinical Investigation. From November 2020 to October 2021, the results published by Dorofeyeva and colleagues were judged as the most innovative and scientific relevant for our community.1 The findings of this study indeed allow a significant step forward in the knowledge of oxidant mechanisms underlying diabetic cardiomyopathy. The authors focused on hydrogen sulphide (H2S), a gasotransmitter, with properties like nitric oxide (NO) and traditionally known for its pleiotropic effect on oxidative stress, inflammation, vascular relaxation and cytoprotection.2 In the last decade, the role of H2S has been increasingly deciphered and many target pathways have been identified: TGFβ, JNK/ p38, PI3K/AKT, WNT/βcatenin and Ras– Raf– MEK– ERK. Low circulating levels of H2S— due to a synthesis downregulation— are common findings in diabetes and associated with matrix remodelling and development of fibrosis (Figure 1). In addition to confirm literature data, the authors here tested potential therapeutic properties of H2S in restoring properties heart and vascular function. Preconditioning with H2S was indeed demonstrated to improve stroke volume and the ejection of about 50%. Likewise, acetylcholineinduced relaxation of the aorta also improved. Such a clinical response is likely due to the involvement of different pathways, and this broadly reflects the pleiotropic activity of H2S. Whether target pathways work independently of each other is not yet clear, but the biology of H2S promises future development of tools at several levels. Some clinical application as biomarker has been published in cardiovascular and renal risk,3,4 cognitive impairment5 and blood pressure monitoring.6 The secondary prevention of ischaemia/reperfusion injury is another promising field for H2S in both myocardial and cerebral flow7,8 and sepsis as well.9 As stated by the author, diabetes is an 'ideal' field for studying the potential application of H2S. Hyperglycaemia is indeed associated with superoxide excess with consequent NO activity impairment, lipid peroxidation and inflammation, all potential target of H2S. However, the efforts to translate the use of H2S into clinical practice have to face with its different effects— sometime opposite— in different tissues. Moreover, multiple signalling pathways are involved in the pathophysiology of diabetic and they deserve to be further deciphered. Other issues concern the need to develop stable and controllable H2S donors, as the available H2S releasers do not fully meet requirements for translation yet. In line with these discussing points, Dorofeyeva and colleagues contribute to the opening of exciting new perspective for the therapeutic use of H2S. In reason of that,