Multidrug efflux transporter ABCB1 (MDR1) encodes P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a well-known transporter that is believed to contribute to the development of multidrug resistance (MDR). Furthermore, P-gp plays an important role in drug disposition, pharmacokinetics, and drug development. Thus, P-gp transporter expression, function, and modulation of MDR in human cancers have been extensively studied. In spite of significant progress in understanding P-gp, ABCB1 regulation and its impact on clinical trials remain unclear. Through sequential exposure of SUM159PT to paclitaxel, we created a paclitaxel resistant triple negative breast cancer cell line SUM159PT-PAC200. We observed a significant increase in the phosphorylation of the mitochondrial fission protein dynamin related protein kinase 1 (Drp1) at Ser616 and its upstream kinase ERK1/2a of Drp1. Through the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology, we knocked out the gene encoding Drp1 in PAC200. When Drp1 is genetically abated (PAC200 Drp1-/-), paclitaxel resistance is significantly reversed. It was also observed that clonogenicity under paclitaxel pressure was significantly decreased in both the PAC200/Drp1-/- line and the partial KO Drp1-/+ line, compared to the PAC200 line. Parallelly, a significant increase in the expression of P-gp transporters was also observed in the PAC200 cell line. As a surprise, genetically targeting Drp1 in PAC200 cells (i.e., PAC200 Drp1/KO) reduced P-gp expression to virtually undetectable levels. Until now, there has been no description of how Drp1 and P-gp are related. Furthermore, PAC200 Drp1/KO cells showed reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion potential, while their soft agar clonogenic capacities were almost nonexistent, suggesting that Drp1 plays a key role in breast cancer proliferation and dissemination. It appears that modulating or targeting Drp1 might be a useful strategy for modulating P-gp in the development and maintenance of the cancer's MDR phenotype, proliferation, and invasion. Understanding how mitochondrial dynamics determine the transactivation and coordination of drug-resistant P-gp phenotypes would make Drp1 an attractive molecular target for cancer treatment.
 Citation Format: David Terrero, Saloni Malla, Dayanidhi Raman, Jayachandra Babu, Amit Tiwari. The mitochondrial dynamics of breast cancer regulate P-glycoprotein expression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 2846.


A device for preparing beverages from berries and from a primary liquid component consists in a transparent container which is provided with a neck, and with a lid which is detachably connected to the neck. Positioned in the container is a device for mashing berries, comprised of a rod and, attached to the lower end of the rod, a berry masher in the form of a piston with apertures, the rod being capable of displacement along the central longitudinal axis of the container within the opening of a guiding element which is non-detachably installed in the upper portion of the container. In another variant for carrying out the device, the device for mashing berries comprises a rod having, detachably connected to the lower end thereof, a berry masher in the form of a piston having through-holes allowing for berry juice to mix with a primary liquid component. In yet another variant for carrying out the device, the device for mashing berries comprises a hollow rod having, non-detachably connected to the lower end thereof, a berry masher in the form of a piston, and apertures are provided in the lower portion of the piston and in the masher, allowing for berry juice to mix with a primary liquid component.


The chancellor presides over one of the most favourable economic situations in a generation, yet all he could find for the NHS in his pre-Budget report was a miserly £300m. Meanwhile, wards are understaffed, pay and morale remain low and patients are still waiting - in some cases as long as four wears, according to recent reports.


A study of a man-made mine tailings pond has been carried out using acoustic profiling techniques. The purpose of the work was to investigate the eitent to which acoustic profiling could provide information concerning the distribution of grain size and the occurrence of differential compaction. The data were acquired digitally using a sampling frequency of 100 kHz and were processed. Examples of migrated sections are presented showing various detailed structures within the sedimented tailings. It is concluded that acoustic profiling can yield a good image of the sedimentary structure of a mine tailings pile and possibly aid the delineation of gram sizes.


AIM:To investigate the role of ginsenoside Re in preventing from 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)-induced apoptosis of the substantia nigra neurons in the mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD). METHOD: C57BL mice were administrated sc. with MPTP to establish PD model. The pretreatment groups were given different doses of ginsenoside Re (13,26 mg·kg -1) ig. for 13d. Tyrosine hydroxythase (TH) immunostaining and TDT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL) staining were used to observe the damage of substantia nigral neurons. To detect the expression of Bcl-2,Bax protein the immunohistochemistry was explred.RESULT:Pretreatment with gisenoside Re (13,26 mg·kg -1) was shown to increase TH-positive neurons and decrease the TUNEL-positive ratio.Futhermore,Ginsenoside Re could enhance the expression level of Bcl-2 protein and reduce the expression level of Bax protein. CONCLUSION:Ginsenoside Re showed protective effects on MPTP-induced apoptosis in the PD model mouse nigral neurons and this effect may be attributable to increasing the expression level of Bcl-2 and decreasing the expression level of Bax.


This chapter introduces the concept of usability and provides examples of how usability has been used in digital library evaluations. Usability is a user-centered evaluation and has a theoretical base in human-computer interaction. The most concise definition of usability is "fit for use." The dimensions of usability may also include usefulness, usableness, ease of use, effectiveness, efficiency, satisfaction, learnability, memorability, and error tolerant. The common methods of usability evaluation are described in this chapter, including formal usability testing, usability inspection, card sort, category membership expectation, focus groups, questionnaires, think aloud, analysis of site usage logs, cognitive walkthrough, heuristic evaluation, claims analysis, concept-based analysis of surface and structural misfits (CASSM), paper prototyping, and field study. Some evaluations employed one method; some used a combination of methods. There is a need for more empirical studies in order to understand users' needs. Culturability is an interesting area to explore.


The newest world trends in the scientific research are directed to production of secondary metabolites, their use and application. Capsaicin, the pungent principle of hot peppers is one of the best known natural compound. Nowadays, the research work is directed to the influence of capsaicin on physiological and biochemical processes of humans, animals, and recently plants as a biopesticide. Phytochemical studies of Capsicum annuum L. increase the application of secondary metabolites in pharmacy, food technology and medicine. In this paper, the possibilities of utilization of Capsicum annuum ssp. microcarpum L. for extracting capsaicin and its use as a biopesticide against the green peach aphid Myzus persicae Sulz. in pepper culture are sublimed. The content of capsaicin was evaluated spectrophotometrically, and the ability of capsaicin for acting as biopesticide was calculated according to Abbott. Results showed that oleoresin from Capsicum annuum ssp. microcarpum L. and its dilution 1:20 are the most efficient as biopesticide. From these results we can say that this kind of peppers can be used as a raw material for extraction of capsaicin, because of its high concentration and efficiency.


short articles, in Latin, dated 1724, and published in the Philosophical Transactions of London (i). In the first article he gives the boiling points and specific gravities of five liquids ; he says that water boils at 2120. Reference to his thermometers is made in the following passage: I. c( Moreover, the above experiments have not been made at the same time, hence the liquids would have been subject to different degrees of heat; as, however, the (specific) gravity varies in a different manner and unequally, I calculate their gravity at 48 degrees (a place which on my thermometer is exactly half way between the lowest point of severest cold (intensissimi frigoris) as obtained by mixing water, ice, sal ammoniac or sea-salt, and the degree of heat found in the blood of a healthy person). ? In his second paper FAHRENHEIT says: II. c I manufacture two kinds of thermometers, the one kind is filled with spirit of wine, the other with mercury. Their length varies according to the use to which they are put. But all have this in common, that they agree in the number of degrees and vary between fixed limits. The scale of the thermometers serving merely meteorological purposes, begins with 00 and stops at 960. This scale rests upon the


Chl-a in this new GlobColour product is derived from two algorithms: the Color Index of NASA for clear waters (Chl-a < 0.15 mg m-3) and the OC5 algorithm of Ifremer for water where Chl-a is superior to 0.2 mg m-3, including the coastal turbid waters. This is very similar to the strategy chosen by the Plymouth Marine Laboratory for the OC-CCI product, also provided at global scale. However a distinction is clearly made by the authors: the GlobColour processing chain provides a Level 3 Chl-a multi-sensor product obtained from mono-sensor Chl-a whilst the Level-3 Chl-a of OC-CCI is obtained from C1 OSD Interactive comment Printer-friendly version Discussion paper a prior merging of the remote-sensing reflectance of the different sensors on a common reference of spectral bands (SeaWiFS).


The proper selection of fuzzy logic rules, which determines the dynamic and static performance and control effect, is the key to designing a fuzzy controller Aiming at improving the deficiency in traditional fuzzy control rules, we present a method using CGA to optimize fuzzy control rules. The optimized fuzzy logic controller has been compared with the traditional one, and been applied to simulate greenhouse control of its temperature The results suggest that the control quality of the fuzzy logic controller, of which the fuzzy rules have been optimized,are greatly improved


In Islamic law of Business rules, there is a terminology of "Muqassah", which in Arabic etymology means, Debt settlement by a contra transaction when someone is indebted to a person and this person in the same time is indebted to the first one of the similar amounts of money. In terminology point of view, Muqassah means the discharge of a debt receivable against a debt payable or. Thus, muqassah is one of the ways to pay someone's debt. New forms of Muqassah have been introduced in the modern Islamic banking system. It has turned into a complexed system after the emergence of modern technology. Therefore, there is a great need to discuss the modern application of the rules of set-off already set forth by Shariah to modern financial transaction. These modern applications include set-off between customer and financial institution and also between tow financial institutions through cheque and sometimes through clearing house. This sett-off may take place through national and international networking system. This article proceeds with an introduction of the term "Muqassah" and other related terms. It further discusses the classification, conditions and shariah ruling of each type of "Muqassah" (Set off). The article ends with conclusion of this discussion about set-off.


It has been discovered (Examples 4, 11 and 17) that certain desirable films will not absorb a sufficient amount of certain desirable, polymerizable monomers as to result in interpoly mer membranes having desirable ion exchange properties after polymerization of any absorbed such monomers and after any subsequent conversion of such absorbed and polymerized monomers into ionizable moieties. It has also been discovered that if a predetermined amount of plasti cizer, extractable by such monomers, is incorporated into such films, then the latter will absorb a sufficient amount of such monomers as to result (after polymerization of such monomers) in interpolymer membranes having desirable ion exchange properties. Examples of preferred monomers include the polar (meth) acryloxy and (meth) acrylamido monomers 2-(methacryloxy) ethane sulfonic acid, 2-(acry lamido)-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, N-(2-methacryloxy ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl amine, N-(3-methacrylamido-propyl)N,N-dialkyl-N-methyl ammonium halides and N-(2-meth acryloxyethyl)-N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium chloride. Such monomers may be mixed with a minor amount of crosslink ing monomer such as divinyl benzene, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and trimethylol propane trimethacrylate. Preferably any amine moieties in the resulting interpolymer membranes are converted to quaternary ammonium groups.


Two siblings are presented, both with classic androgen-insensitivity syndrome (AIS). Endocrine testing was carried out and then gonadectomy was performed. Studies in these patients with AIS revealed low control serum FSH. In these patients serum FSH was not significantly suppressed by intravenous estrogen nor adequately stimulated by FSH-LH-releasing hormone but rose normally after castration. The various studies are interpreted in the light of the known kinetics of pituitary gonadotropins and their modulation by gonadal steroids. A third sibling is also presented.


The effect of high temperature on photosynthetic and chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics in different wheat varieties(emi-spring wheat cultivar: Huaimai 30, semi-spring wheat cultivar: zhengmai 9023, and semi-winter wheat cultivar: Yannong 19) was studied at the 7th and 15 th day after anthesis. The results showed that after the seedlings were exposed to the high temperature(24℃/ 34℃,night/ day) at the 7th day after anthesis for 3 days, the net photosynthetic rate(Pn), stomata conductance(Gs), maximum quantum yield of PSII(Fv/Fm), photochemical quenching(qP), non-photochemical quenching(qn), and acyclic photosynthetic electron transfer rate of PSII(ETR) of Yannong 19 were significantly higher than those of Huaimai 30 and Zhengmai 9023(P0.05) and the Pn, Ci and Fo of Zhengmai 9023 were significantly higher than those of Huaimai 30, while the intercellular CO2 concentration(Ci) of Yannong 19 was significantly lower than that of Zhengmai 9023 and Huaimai 30. In addition, intercellular CO2 concentration(Ci), photochemical quenching(qP) and non-photochemical quenching(qn) of Huaimai 30 were significantly higher than those of Zhengmai 9023. After exposure to the high temperature(26℃/36℃, night/ day) at the 15 th day after anthesis for 3 days, Pn, Gs, Ci, Fv/Fm, qP, qn and ETR of Yannong 19 were significantly higher than those of Huaimai30 and Zhengmai 9023(P0.05), while Fo of Yannong 19 was significantly lower than that of Huaimai 30 and Zhengmai 9023. In addition, Pn, Gs, Ci, Fv/Fm, qP and EYR of Zhengmai 9023 were significantly higher than those of Yannong 19. However, Fo of Zhengmai 9023 was significantly higher than that of Huaimai 30, and Fo of Huaimai 30 was significantly higher than that of Yannong 19. Therefore, under the high temperature stress at the 7th and 15 th day after anthesis, semi-winter wheat cultivar(Yannong 19) had the highest photosynthetic activity and the best self-protection mechanism, followed by spring wheat cultivar(Huaimai 30), and semi-spring cultivar(Zhengmai 9023).


NEO DOMINO RESEARCH IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS, a Brazilian consulting team, is developing for CELESC (ELECTRICAL CENTRALS OF SANTA CATARINA) an integrated computational simulator based on some general concepts of the GridLAB-D, an open source platform developed for the US DoE (Department of Energy of United States) by several research centers, to simulate the virtual and progressive deployment of automation components in smart grids of medium voltage. This computational platform will subsidize the preliminary planning studies to identify the technical and economic viability aspects, as well as the operational efficiency desired, already during the design of electrical networks aimed at optimizing physical and subsequent implementation.


Triton spectra from 'He-induced reactions on "Al, "Co, "Nb, and '"Au targets at E3",= 130 MeV have been measured in the 7.5' & 8L (24' angular range in 1.5' steps. The spectra exhibit a broad structure; the centroid energy E, and the full width at half maximum I' of this "bump" are found to be independent of the target mass number A. Their average values are E, = 87 MeV and I' = 48 MeV with estimated errors of about +2 MeV in both cases, Within the error bars the bump cross section is found to be consistent with A '" proportionality and tends to decrease exponentially with angle; however, A '" dependence cannot be excluded. In addition, the angular distributions possibly show indications for a weak oscillation pattern.


A dose-response experiment with five lysine levels (0.65, 0.80, 0.95, 1.10, and 1.25%) was conducted to evaluate the lysine requirement of male White Pekin ducklings from 7 to 21 days of age. Two hundred and eighty, 7-day-old, male White Pekin ducklings were allocated to 5 experimental treatments, each containing 8 replicate pens with 7 birds per pen. Feed and water were provided ad libitum from 7 to 21 days of age. At 21 days of age, weight gain, feed intake, feed/gain, breast meat weight, and breast meat yield relative to body weight of ducklings from each pen were all measured. As dietary lysine level increased, weight gain, feed intake, feed/gain, breast meat weight, and breast meat yield of ducklings were all improved significantly (p<0.05). According to broken-line regression analysis, the lysine requirement of male White Pekin ducklings from 7 to 21 days of age for weight gain, feed/gain, breast meat weight, and breast meat yield was 0.84, 0.90, 0.97, and 0.98%, respectively. Considering that Pekin duck production is directed to meat production, the lysine requirement of male starter Pekin ducklings during this period is suggested to be 0.98%.


Objective To compare the occurrence of YMDD mutations in patients with HBeAg positve and HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis. Methods Two hundred and forty seven chronic hepatitis B patients who received lamivudine treatment were followed up.Liver function tests and hepatitis B virological tests including YMDD mutant analysis,HBV DNA quantitation and HBV serological marker analysis were performed regularly. Results YMDD mutants were detected in forty two patients.The cumulative rate of occurrence of YMDD mutation increased with the duration of lamivudine treatment.The mutation rate was significantly higher in pretreatment HBeAg positive patients than that in HBeAg negative patients.The ALT flare was more evident after emergence of YMDD mutants in pretreatment HBeAg positive patients than that in HBeAg negative patients.Conclusions The cumulative rate of occurrence of YMDD mutation was higher in pretreatment HBeAg positive patients than that in pretreatment HBeAg negative patients.


Cobalt chromium molybdenum alloy and highly cross-linked polyethylene are selected as the counterpairs in this study to carry out friction and wear testing over different ellipse motion paths to explore the influence of ellipse motion path on friction and wear of prosthesis materials. Here, the analytical methods for the periodic friction coefficient and special point wear are proposed to investigate the relationship between motion paths and tribological properties. The damage mechanism model of high cross-linked polyethyleneunder ellipse motion paths was established, which revealed the connection among material composition, motion paths and friction and wear mechanism. The results show that the friction coefficient and wear morphology are directly affected by changes in motion paths. The friction coefficient decreases with increasing aspect ratios, and the wear profile depth increases with increasing aspect ratios. The spatially resolved friction coefficient curve distinctly exhibits periodic "W"-type variation in elliptical motion paths. The friction coefficient shows maximum values at the long-axis endpoints and minimum values at the short-axis endpoints. There are different wear morphologies in different characteristic areas over the elliptical wear paths. The wear profile depth and width at the long-axis endpoints are larger than those at the short-axis endpoints, and the wear morphology is also more serious.


As we approach the millennium, one question in the minds of most observers of Cuban politics is when and how will the transition to pluralism unravel in the island? At a practical level, this preoccupation is based on the fact that only a handful of Communist regimes survived the end of the Cold War. From a more philosophical perspective, the question begs our attention because the Castro regime has managed to survive four decades of numerous political threats, social deprivation, economic chaos, and geographical proximity to its most formable adversary.


Cooling water of the units of Xiaoguanzi Hydropower Station is supplied from spiral case by gravity with pressure reduction.Due lots of trashes are available in water for power generation,the water strainer of the cooling water supply of the station is easily blocked.During March,2009 —March,2010,technical updating was carried out for solving the strainer blocking of 4 units of the station respectively.After this updating,the strainers have never been blocked and a satisfied effect is obtained.The issue of the strainer blockage which has haunted the station for a long time is solved completely.The updating scheme is that one trash inclosure specially designed is applied to replace the existing net-type transhrack at water intake in the spiral case for the cooling water supply system of the units.This updating scheme is with lower cost,easy implementation and good updating effect.It can be popularized for similar hydropower stations and is with higher practical value.


In the eyes of many attorneys, the trier of fact, not the evidence presented, is the key factor in determining the outcome of a trial. Thus, attorneys have long sought to learn as much as possible about those deciding the fate of their clients. While information has been readily available about judges who have established reputations and regularly decide cases, one cannot say the same for jurors who are randomly drawn from the community to hear one case. Traditionally, attorneys had to expend significant time and resources to discover information about jurors. The Digital Age, however, has changed this. Attorneys can now discover information about jurors in seconds or minutes as people place more and more personal information online.


During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have placed lockdowns that forced teachers to perform online education exclusively and therefore online testing became, from an additional evaluation tool, the main evaluation method of student performance. There are multiple factors that can influence a test result and some of them can be exacerbated in an online environment compared to an in person testing environment. This paper reviews and analyses the factors that influence test results and places accent on factors related to test design quality (validity and reliability): test length, question length, question complexity, question order, blocking the possibility to go back to previous questions, etc. and presents the implementation of an open-source Azure cloud-based web application for testing their influence. The code of this platform is free (https://github.com/manuelcore/onlinetestingfactors) with GPL license and will allow further developing and testing to be completed in the future. Problems related to solution implementation are discussed and cloud web app constraints.


The invention discloses a method and device for displaying user health parameters. The method comprises following steps: obtaining user health data which is within a preset number of days; according to a mapping relation between the health data and display object expressions, obtaining information of the display object corresponding to the health data; presenting the display object corresponding to the information of the display object to a user. Through the user's personal health data to show the pet growth and real-time status, the device and method provide a vivid and exaggerated way to reflect the people's own health and movement condition to encourage users to pay more attention to life health and sports, while giving users continuous exercise to maintain healthy life motivation.


A high concentration of deuterium atoms was implanted into palladium and indium targets by means of a 60 keV, 100 μA beam. The motivation was to simulate the Utah electrolysis experiment in a nonequilibrium situation not involving heavy water as the intermediate material. The assumption was that the formation of a high concentration of deuterium nuclei in the surface region of the target material was a prerequisite for the demonstration of the so-called "cold fusion" effect. In experiments performed at the Accelerator Centre of the University of Manitoba, significant neutron production was observed for palladium and indium targets into which an excess of 1019 deuterons were implanted. Despite some initial surprise at the flux of neutrons generated at such low energies, the numbers observed seem consistent with known fusion cross sections and warm fusion calculations.


Secrecy capacity of a multiple-antenna wiretap channel is studied in the low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regime. Expressions for the first and second derivatives of the secrecy capacity with respect to SNR at SNR = 0 are derived. Transmission strategies required to achieve these derivatives are identified. In particular, it is shown that it is optimal in the low-SNR regime to transmit in the maximum-eigenvalue eigenspace of Φ = H<inf>m</inf>† H<inf>m</inf> − N<inf>m</inf>/N<inf>e</inf> H<inf>e</inf>† H<inf>e</inf> where H<inf>m</inf> and H<inf>e</inf> denote the channel matrices associated with the legitimate receiver and eavesdropper, respectively, and N<inf>m</inf> and N<inf>e</inf> are the noise variances at the receiver and eavesdropper, respectively. Energy efficiency is analyzed by finding the minimum bit energy required for secure and reliable communications, and the wideband slope. Increased bit energy requirements under secrecy constraints are quantified. Finally, the impact of fading is investigated.


Restructured sardine meat was prepared from a mixture of washed pulverized sardine meat and sardine oil by adding NaAlg and dialysing against CaCl2 Solution. We tried to shorten the time of dialysis and to prevent quality deterioration in this process. The dynamic rigidity G' and dynamic loss G″ were measured to examine the theological state of the mixture before dialysis. Jelly strength and breaking deformation of the products were measured to observe the progress of the alginate-calcium reaction during the dialysis process. The G' and G″ of the mixture with both sardine oil and water were much smaller than those of the mixture using sardine oil only. The jelly strength and breaking deformation of the products with both sardine oil and water were much larger than those of the products with sardine oil only. It was concluded from the above findings that the smaller the G' and G″ were, the faster the alginate-calcium reaction proceeded. In the sensory evaluation, raw and cooked products with 0.8% NaAlg, sardine oil and water were better than those with 2% NaAlg, sardine oil and water about their texture. The large breaking deformation of both raw and cooked products with 0.8% NaAlg may be related to the good scores.


In this work, we investigate on an analytical solution for an alternative of modified gravity theory, viz., the $f(R,T)$ gravity for two different eras, i.e., matter and dark energy dominated accelerating universe from completely geometrical and mathematical point of view with the help of the well-known Raychaudhuri equation. To develop the construction of $f(R,T)$ gravity model, we consider the functional form of $f(R,T)$ as the sum of two independent functions of the Ricci scalar $R$ and the trace of the energy-momentum tensor $T$, respectively, under the consideration of a power law expansion of the universe. In this study, the viability, stability and all the energy conditions have been examined. The strong energy condition is not satisfied for our model, which is obvious for the present scenario of the universe.


This article has been retracted by IOP Publishing following an allegation that this article may contain tortured phrases [1]. IOP Publishing has investigated in line with the COPE guidelines. During the investigation, the authors admitted that a paraphrasing tool was used in the creation of this paper and were unable to demonstrate they performed the work described. IOP Publishing has also been unable to verify that any peer review was conducted on this article. Given these issues, the journal has lost confidence in the validity of the findings presented and agree this article should be retracted. IOP Publishing wishes to credit PubPeer commenters [2] and the Problematic Paper Screener for bringing the issue to our attention. The authors neither agree or disagree to this retraction. [1] Cabanac G, Labbe C, Magazinov A, 2021, arXiv:2107.06751v1 [2] https://pubpeer.com/publications/EDD0BB483D37A9FF6A6DEFC68DE0A0 Retraction published: 11 August 2022


Abstract : Tactical computing includes all computations necessary to provide shared situational awareness among geographically dispersed forces in a digitally connected battlespace. Cloud computing, which builds on grid computing, service-oriented computing, and virtualization technologies, is an enabler for building the globally distributed system-of-systems necessary for accomplishing the ultimate goal of net-centric warfare. Moreover, secured and robust tactical communications are essential for the optimum use of cloud techniques to distribute data and processing over the tactical environment. This report presents two high-level use cases to understand how cloud computing can play a role in supporting spectrum management--an important component of tactical communications--and presents key challenges and possible approaches to address the challenges in making the cloud-based system timely, robust, trustworthy, and interoperable, as well as a means to validate and verify such systems.


A comparative analysis suggests that the conversion of natural gas to diesel fuel is more attractive thermodynamically and economically than construction of a pipeline, liquefaction, combustion and expansion through a turbine to produce electricity, or conversion of the natural gas to methanol or gasoline. The particular process examined consists of the conversion of methane and steam to H2 and CO by partial oxidation using an ion-transport membrane, the reaction of these products by the Fischer-Tropsch process to produce a mixture of long-chain hydrocarbons (paraffinic wax) that is then converted to shorter and branched chains by hydrocracking, and finally the separation of that mixture into fuel gas, naphtha, kerosene, diesel fuel, and heavy oil by steam-distillation. The heavy-oil fraction is recycled to the hydrocracker. Some of the high-pressure steam, which is a byproduct of the Fischer-Tropsch process, is recycled to the ion-membrane reactor and the excess may be used to generate electricity. The diesel fuel, which is the primary product, is of premium grade and can be used for blending with poorer grades because of the absence of sulfur and aromatics. The unique characteristic of this process is the use of the ion-transport membrane, thereby avoiding the need for cryogenic separation of O2 from air. It is superior to steam reforming or dry reforming by virtue of the production of the optimal 2/1 ratio of H2 and CO for the Fischer-Tropsch reaction. The economic advantage of the process can be considered to be a consequence of a lesser loss of exergy than that for the alternatives.


The brick manufacturing industry in Vietnam is developing rapidly to meet rising demand from construction activities. Production is mainly small‐scale and without emission control measures, and hence can bring about severe health and environmental impacts including effects on agricultural crops. In this paper, we analyse the current production situation of a brick‐making commune in Vietnam and the effects on air quality. A combination of the 'command and control' (such as enforcement of control devices or fuel quality standards) and 'market‐based instruments' (such as emission fees) would stimulate the industry to adopt cleaner production measures that would benefit both economy and the environment.


Vectograph describes images and patterns.Its storage is much smaller than that of the bitmap of the same image.Big color block images are often used in the textile industry.Since the jacquard image is a big color block and the outline is clear,the chain-codemethod is adopted to trace the outline of every big color block and get the outlines of them.Then,the beeline and curve method is used for fitting the contours.Beeline fitting can keep the part of linearization and the acute angle of outlines of previous color blocks.For fitting the curve part,the least-squaremethod using three cubed Bezier curves is used.And good effect is achieved.


A new approach of classification of short duration power quality disturbances using generalized S-transform and fuzzy pattern recognition is proposed.First,the generalized S-tranform is utilized to produce module matrixes of disturbances and then 4 simple statistical features are extracted from the matrixes.Finally,a fuzzy pattern recognition system is used for the classification of distrubances in which the maximal membership value is adopted.The simulation results show that the proposed classification method is an effective technique for building up a pattern recognition system of power disturbance signals and technique is feasible for real applications for its significant accuracy and immuning to noise.


Poor power quality is really becoming an increasing phenomenon. Studies revealed that most companies, particularly multinationals in Nigeria, do not pay enough attention to the effects of poor power quality on their plant and equipment, and let the economic implications alone. The result is high production and maintenance cost. Findings also revealed that these companies loose an average of $50,000 annually owing to equipment damage (such as variable speed drives) caused by poor power quality. This paper focuses on the need for continuous monitoring and management of poor power quality disturbance parameters and the cost for economic implications of no addressing power quality issues.


How efficient a processor power supply operates is determined by several factors: PCB layout, inductor design, and device switching performance. The low threshold voltage and low Rds(on) MOSFET introduces a new challenge in designing an efficient power regulator. Within this paper, we will review the MOSFET's conduction and switching behavior in a high current environment. With a clear understanding of device operations, designers can better combat the potential problems associated with low power MOSFET technology. We will examine which parameters that need focus and what are the tradeoffs in order to minimize the power dissipation of the MOSFETs.


Modern quantum cryptography networks such as the DARPA Quantum Network and SECOQC examined. Modern protocols and business solutions for customers with higher requirements for information security overviewed and software developed for practical study of quantum cryptographic protocols models described


Involvement of the centre median nucleus (CM) of the thalamus in the central mechanisms of somatosensory system including pain sensation was investigated in the anesthetized cat. Extracellular multi-unitary discharges were recorded simultaneously from the thalamic ventrobasal complex (VB) using the multimicroelectrode system. The effects of CM stimuli with single shocks and pulse train on VB neuronal activities were examined. The VB neurons were characterized according to their responsiveness to mechanical stimuli, and then classified into nociceptive and non-nociceptive neurons. The effects of pulse train stimulation were more pronounced than those of single shocks. Of 86 units tested, the effects of pulse train CM stimulation were observed in 45 units including 31 nociceptive and 14 non-nociceptive units. The VB neurons were divided into four classes according to the response types to pulse train CM stimulation. Of the 86 units, 20 were classified as class 1 which exhibited inhibition of spontaneous discharges followed by excitation. Thirteen units were class 2 which exhibited only excitation, and 12 were class 3 which showed only inhibition of spontaneous discharges. The remaining 41 units were class 4 which did not respond to CM stimulation. Differences in response to CM stimulation were observed among simultaneously recorded units even when the receptive fields and recording sites were in close proximity. Response to single shocks with a short latency of approximately 1.5 ms was observed in several VB neurons. Further inhibitory effects of pulse train CM stimulation on discharges evoked by stimulation of the receptive field were also observed.Thus, the CM appears to modify neuronal activities in the VB. However, the CM exerts not only an inhibitory effect but also excitatory on the VB neuronal activities. The effects are also observed on non-nociceptive units in the VB.


At present, the Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) program at the U.S. Census Bureau estimates state, county, and school district poverty and state and county median household income (MHI). The current county models of child poverty are Empirical Bayes models where the direct survey estimates of poverty and MHI are shrunk with weightedregression model-based estimates of poverty and MHI, respectively. 1 These weighted regressions assume that direct Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC) estimates of county poverty and MHI are a function of administrative record and survey data. We address a fundamental assumption of regression models that is violated in this application: that the predictors are measured without error. Practical experience, as well as past research (Gee, 2001) suggests that the data for small areas like counties are often measured with error for many reasons. Recent developments in experimental SAIPE countylevel poverty models (Fisher, 2003) derive a measure of "true" poverty as a function of several independent measures of poverty, all of which are assumed to possess non-negligible variances; i.e., an "errors-in-variables" model. We adapt the method in Fisher (2003) to estimating the county number of related children


The Field and Service Robotics (FSR) conferences are biennial events that foster interaction and discussion among participants. With a small selection of papers, the conference is held in a single track that emphasizes the high quality of the contributions. This special issue contains a selection of papers that were originally presented at the Ninth International Conference on Field and Service Robotics FSR'13, held over November 9–11, 2013, in Brisbane, Australia. Previous events have been successfully held in Canberra, Australia (1997); Pittsburgh, USA (1999); Helsinki, Finland (2001); Mount Fuji, Japan (2003); Port Douglas, Australia (2005); Chamonix, France (2007); Cambridge, USA (2009); and Sendai, and Japan (2012). The most recent FSR conference was held in Toronto, Canada (2015). The goal of the FSR conference is to report and encourage the development of field and service robotics. These are nonfactory robots, typically mobile, that must operate in complex and dynamic environments. Typical field robotics applications include mining, agriculture, building and construction, forestry, cargo handling, and so on. Field robots may operate on the ground (on Earthv or on planets or moons), under the ground, underwater, in the air, or in space. Service robots are those that work closely with humans, importantly the elderly and sick, to help them with their lives. We are delighted to present six extended versions of selected papers presented at the conference. These papers were invited based on the conference review scores, quality of presentation, and discussion among the technical program committee. These papers describe the diversity, complexity, and maturity of field robotic systems. The first paper, "Visual–Inertial Combined Odometry System for Aerial Vehicles," by Zhang and Singh, addresses the problem of aircraft navigation in GPS-denied environments. Their approach targeted full-scale aircraft equipped with high-end inertial navigation systems (INS) and combines vision and the INS for odometry estimation. The approach virtually rotates the camera by reparametrizing features with their depth direction perpendicular to the ground. This helps to minimize the drift in the position estimation that it is initially caused by the INS high-frequency noise. The second paper by Underwood et al., "Lidar-Based Tree Recognition and Platform Localization in Orchards," is in the field of precision agriculture. Their objective is to build precise maps in orchard environments for tree recognition and localization. These environments present challenges for GPS-only navigation due to satellite occlusion. Appearance descriptors and hidden Markov models are used to associate new observations with an existing map of the orchard, similarly, in the third paper by Bargoti et al., entitled "A Pipeline for Trunk Detection in Trellis Structured Apple Orchards." Their approach addresses the gathering and processing of data that can be related to the state and performance of a crop over time. The algorithm is aimed at identifying individual trees in a trellis-structured apple orchard by using the Hough transform on LiDAR data. They also report the use of pixel-wise classification on images and hidden Markov models to perform the detection from contextual information provided by the repetitive structure of an orchard. The fourth paper, "Autonomous Aerial Water Sampling" by Ore et al., presents a complete system for water sampling using unmanned aircraft. They report on their system for the capture of water samples, altitude sensing over the water and the software components that analyze sensor data, and control the aircraft, all while they manage the risk. They validate the system in the lab and present results from outdoor experiments with good performance under moderate windy conditions. The fifth article by Warren et al., "An Automated Emergency Landing System for Fixed-Wing Aircraft: Planning and Control," addresses the problem of online replanning and control for a fixed-wing aircraft in case of an onboard emergency in zero-thrust conditions. The proposed system entitled automated emergency landing system (AELS) uses a trochoid-based path planner that computes feasible approachable trajectories online and a control system that executes the required maneuvers to guide the aircraft toward a landing site. The system automates the process from failure to touchdown and shows nearly 100% success rate in guiding the aircraft to within proximity of a predefined keyhole. Finally, the paper by Nuske et al., "Autonomous Exploration and Motion Planning for a UAV Navigating Rivers," describes two algorithms for exploration and threedimensional (3D) planning, respectively; 3D exploration is achieved by using an algorithm that uses multiple layers of information to maximize the length of the river during exploration. In terms of 3D planning, they present an algorithm called SPARTANlite that exploits geodesic properties on smooth manifolds of a tangential surface around obstacles to plan rapidly through free space. This approach is used to navigate rivers purely with onboard sensing, with no GPS and no prior map. Their application targets navigation and mapping of small rivers with dense vegetation that otherwise would be a challenge using satellite imagery.


Abstract Biomass is a renewable and abundant feedstock that is poised to become a future alternative to petroleum as the understanding and technology surrounding catalytic biomass conversion and biorefineries progresses. A relevant research avenue explored in recent years deals with biomass deconstruction into simpler compounds (platform chemicals) by overcoming its recalcitrant and complex structure and subsequently converting these building blocks into value-added chemicals, fuels and materials in a similar way to that of current refineries. This contribution is aimed at providing a short overview of biomass processing chemistry by illustrating some relevant examples of catalytic strategies for biorefineries.


Universities and colleges in Flanders (Belgium) were established with different missions but this binary system is now under pressure. Tendencies like the 'vocational drift' of universities and the 'academic drift' of colleges seem to be bringing the two tiers closer together. The new governmental legislation does not entirely prevent such developments. Examples in other countries do not point at a general trend towards a unified structure of higher education. On the basis of a survey of students on informatics courses in Flanders, the authors conclude that the profiles of university and college courses in Flanders are still different.


A platform matches agents from two sides of a market to create a trading opportunity between them. The agents subscribe to the platform by paying subscription fees which are contingent on their reported private types, and then engage in strategic interactions with their matched partner(s). A matching mechanism of the platform specifies the subscription fees as well as the matching rule which determines the probability that each type of agent on one side is matched with each type on the other side. We characterize optimal matching mechanisms which induce truthful reporting from the agents and maximize the subscription revenue. We show that the optimal mechanisms for a one-to-one trading platform match do not necessarily entail assortative matching, and may employ an alternative matching rule that maximizes the extraction of informational rents of the higher type. We then study an auction platform that matches each seller to two agents, and show that the optimal mechanism entails the combination of negative and positive assortative matching.


The present work is concerned with the verification and validation of a variant of the eigenfracture scheme of Schmidt et al. (2009) based on element erosion, which we refer to as eigenerosion. Eigenerosion is derived from the general eigenfracture scheme by restricting the eigendeformations in a binary sense: they can be either zero, in which case the local behavior is elastic, or they can be equal to the local displacement gradient, in which case the corresponding material neighborhood is failed or eroded. When combined with a finite‐element approximation, this scheme gives rise to element erosion, i.e., the elements can be either intact, in which case their behavior is elastic, or be completly failed, or eroded, and have no load bearing capacity. We verify the eigenerosion scheme through comparisons with analytical solutions and through convergence studies for mode I fracture propagation, both in two and three dimensions and for structured and random meshes. Finally, by way of validation, we apply the eigenerosion scheme to the simulation of mixed modes I–III experiments in poly‐methyl methacrylate plates. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


• Do similarities between creatures prove that they had a common ancestor (evolved)? • Is human and chimp DNA very similar? • Do human embryos go through animal stages as they develop? • Do we have useless left-over bits of animals in us? • What about 'apemen'? Similarities? W E are similar in many respects to animals, especially the apes, and evolutionists argue that therefore we are related to them; we must have a common ancestor with them. What does the Bible say? In Genesis 1 we are told that God made mankind, a man and a woman, specially: And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. (Gen. 1:26) God created mankind in His image, not in the image of animals. Furthermore, man was to rule, have dominion, over the animals. 1. See Chapter 1 for some evidences for creation. 2. Known technically as 'homologies' when they fit an evolutionary story, but 'homoplasies' when they don't.


We ask if and how the large-scale structure of a turbulent flow depends on anisotropies introduced at the smallest scales. We generate such anisotropy on the viscous scale in a paramagnetic colloid whose rheology is modified by an external, uniform magnetic field. We report measurements in a high Reynolds number turbulence experiment ( $R_{{\it\lambda}}=120$ ). Ultrasound velocimetry provides records of tracer particle velocity. Distinct changes in the velocity statistics can be observed from the dissipative scales up to the mean flow topology.


The invention relates to a heat exchanger to heat amelioree.L'echangeur pipe connecting structure comprises a reservoir portion (4) defining a fluid inlet path (34) and a fluid discharge path (35 ) for conducting a heat transfer medium, an inlet portion formed integrally with said barrel portion (4) for communicating with said fluid inlet path (34), said inlet portion being adapted to be connected to a fluid inlet pipe (70) for introducing said heat transfer agent in said fluid inlet path (34) and an outlet portion formed integrally with said portion tank (4) for communicating with said fluid exhaust path (35), said discharge portion being adapted to be connected to a fluid discharge pipe (71) for discharging said heat transfer agent l Adite fluid discharge path (35).


This paper discusses the resource management mechanisms and theoretical models in the virtual organization(VO)-based grid computing environment.The model of credibility was introduced in the resource management system of Grid based on virtual organizations and the category management of resources was achieved.Buyya's broker-based cost-time optimization scheduling algorithm which did not consider the transmission time of task was improved.The simulation results show that the resource management system can assign resources reasonably according to the deadline,budget and requirements of credibility of user and achieve utility-driven resource management and assignment.


This article explains and demonstrates how to first and second injection moulding influence to shrinkage effect of polypropylene composites with talcum and cutting glass fiber. Results show that the longitudinal and transverse shrinkage changed by differend parameters of injection moulding. It was observed shrinkage compensating effect occurring at composite molded parts with a high glass fiber content. Recycling process has reduced the shrinkage and tensile strength. Caused an increase in elongation, but it has not noticed any major changes in the hardness of injection molded parts.


Lactobacillus has been associated with beneficial effects in human and animal health. Oral administration of probiotic bacteria must resist gastrointestinal transit, in order to colonize the intestinal mucus and offer an antagonistic effect against pathogenic microorganisms. The aim of this work was to select Lactobacillus strains isolated from small intestine of piglets based on the characteristics of resistance to low pH and bile salts, surface properties and antagonistic effect against Escherichia coli K88. To identify Lactobacillus species, a fragment of 16S rRNA gene of the strains was sequenced. Low pH, bile salts resistance and antagonistic activity were quantified by viable count in plates. Surface properties were measured using a spectrophotometer at 600 nm. Sixty-two Lactobacillus strains were isolated from small intestine of piglets. Species Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus mucosae were identified. We found that 20 Lactobacillus strains resisted low pH and bile salt, 8 of them were adherents and they inhibited in vitro the growth of E. coli K88. In conclusion, our results showed that 8 strains have potential probiotic value, according resistance to gastrointestinal tract, surface properties and antagonistic characteristics. Lb. salivarius was the species that fulfilled the criterion to be identified as a possible probiotic microorganism.


Radiation therapy efficiently eliminates cancer cells and reduces tumor growth. To understand collateral agonistic and antagonistic effects of this treatment on the immune system, we examined the impact of x-ray irradiation on human T cells. We find that, in a major population of leukemic Jurkat T cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, clinically relevant radiation doses trigger delayed oscillations of the cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration. They are generated by store-operated Ca 2+ entry (SOCE) following x-ray – induced clustering of Orai1 and STIM1 and formation of a Ca 2+ release – activated Ca 2+ (CRAC) channel. A consequence of the x-ray – triggered Ca 2+ signaling cascade is translocation of the transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) from the cytosol into the nucleus, where it elicits the expression of genes required for immune activation. The data imply activation of blood immune cells by ionizing irradiation, with consequences for toxicity and therapeutic effects of radiation therapy.


Instability of faults and weak joints of rock mass is affected by underground three-dimensional loading conditions as well as hydrostatical fluid pressure within pores and cracks. This paper presents a direct shear testing method to characterize the shear behavior of Kimachi sandstones under various pore pressures and joint roughnesses. The direct shear test was conducted under three mutually perpendicular loads and with various levels of pore pressure through effective utilization of a true triaxial loading system. An overview of the experimental method, its advantages, and results showing the usefulness of the experiment were presented. Sample permeability in the direction parallel to the joint was measured during the shear test.


In recent years, as supervisory and control systems software for steel plants is getting more and more complicated, it has been the most important issue to build the system low cost and efficiently. As the programming environment for plant systems, the graphical language such as the function block diagram is widely utilized. This kind of language contributes to the improvement of software productivity, while the view point of reuse is focused on programs. In order to aim at further improvement, it is required to promote the reuse from the view point of plant level design. In this paper, we propose an engineering model such that reusable parts is build from the view point of plant level design of plant equipment and operation functions. We also introduce the engineering tool based on the model. An evaluation result of partial application of the tool for a real plant system shows that 70% of developed parts can be estimated to be reused in the future application and half of inter-connections among software parts can be automated.


Background : Orthopedic Trauma exerts a holistic influence on survivors' physical health including a range of mental health problems that interfere with survivors' recovery. Psychiatric disorders and behavioral disturbances are reported to be 3-5 times more common among people with injuries and are a predictor of poor outcome and ongoing disability. Assessing psychological distress among orthopedic trauma patients plays a pivotal role to implement further intervention. Methods : Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted at Tikur Anbessa specialized hospital. Hospital anxiety and depression scale was used to assess psychological distress by using face to face interview. A systematic sampling technique was used to select a total of 407participants. Data has been analyzed using SPSS 20. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was done to identify associated factors. Variables with p-value <0.05 have been considered as statistically significant. Result: prevalence of psychological distress was 35.4%. independent variables like being female (adjusted odd ratio (AOR)=1.65 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.89,3.04)), poor social support (AOR=3.51 95%CI (1.39,8.88)), moderate social support (AOR=2.75 95%CI (1.13,6.72)), having chronic medical illness (AOR=2.24 95%CI (1.16,4.32)), presence of amputation (AOR=2.90 95%CI (1.97,8.73)) and having severe pain (AOR=2.50 95%CI (1.20,5.18)) found to have significant association at p–value <0.05 with psychological distress. Conclusion and recommendation; the prevalence of psychological distress was high. Being female, having poor social support, having a chronic medical illness, the presence of amputation and having severe pain were significantly associated factors with psychological distress. It is good if clinicians give emphasis to orthopedic patients especially for females and with chronic medical illnesses.


The paper introduces the performance of the water additive automatic sprinkler system. The system not only enlarges the application scope of automatic sprinkler system (class B fire or class AB fire), but also greatly improve its efficiency of fire suppression.


A novel shape recognition method is presented.The proposed approach is based on the fact that the distribution of geometric features of a shape is invariant to rotation and scaling.An even-grid-polar mapping is applied to the shape and two invariant projections(one is up to circle-shift) are performed in the sampling plane.Thus,two extreme point vectors of the projections are collected.Then,corresponding weight vector features are calculated based on extreme point's style and scope to reduce the instability of the projections caused by geometrical deformation.The position of each element in the weighted vector illustrates the distribution of local parts with higher/lower pixel density in a shape and the magnitude is related to the pixel density.After analyzing the range of variations of the weight vectors caused by geometrical deformation,special templates and special matching scheme based on reparametrization are exploited so as to make this method invariant to rotation,scaling,translation(RST) and small non-rigid deformation.Experimental results show that the proposed method is valid.


Previous studies on the karst reservoirs of Maokou Fm, Middle Permian in the Southern Sichuan Basin mainly concentrate on sedimentary facies, reservoir characteristics and controlling factors, gas accumulation patterns and gas–source correlation, and well location deployment is carried out with faults as the focus. Due to the limitation of seismic data quality and other factors, this set of reservoirs are less analyzed qualitatively and predicted quantitatively. In this paper, the seismic response characteristics of high yield gas wells in karst reservoirs were analyzed based on the above mentioned traditional research achievements, combined with the 3D seismic data in the Hebaochang area of the Southern Sichuan Basin. Then, qualitative analysis, quantitative prediction and hydrocarbon detection were carried out on the karst reservoirs of Maokou Fm, Middle Permian by means of forward modeling, amplitude attribute analysis, hydrocarbon detection and other methods. Finally, the favorable areas for the development of karst reservoirs were predicted. And the following research results were obtained. First, the Maokou karst reservoirs in the Hebaochang area are vertically stratified and high yield intervals are mainly developed at the upper sections within 50 m from the top of Maokou Fm. The events of high yield intervals, i.e., top Maokou Fm and the lower part, present the seismic response characteristics of "weak peak & weak and wide valley". The quantitative prediction of amplitude index attribute and the hydrocarbon detection results show that both of them are coincident and there are 3 high-quality reservoir development zones in this area. And their coincidence with the actual wells is up to 80%. It is concluded that besides the favorable reservoir areas developed along the faults in the Hebaochang area, 3 favorable karst reservoir areas are developed far from the fault belt, the total area of which is 79 km2 . The research results are of great significance to guiding the oil & gas exploration and well location deployment in the structural slope and


Purpose

Driven by motivation of quality enhancement and brand reputation promotion, automotive industries try to improve product quality and customer satisfaction by performing quality pilot programs continuously. The purpose of this paper is to develop a dynamic model to select the improvement quality pilot program from competitive candidates based on dynamic customers' feedback.

Design/methodology/approach

An extended dynamic multi-criteria decision-making method is developed by embedding dynamic triangular fuzzy weighting average operators into fuzzy VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method, and the novel evaluation indicator "ζ" is introduced to reflect prioritization performance.

Findings

The two evaluation indicators (Q and "ζ" ) assist quality managers to identify the best program with respect to multiple conflicting criteria and the best choice based on these two indexes shows high conformity. Besides, ranking sequences obtained by "ζ" can avoid the dilemma that there are several candidates with top priority calculated by comprehensive group utility value Q.

Practical implications

The dynamic MCDM method has been applied into the quality improvement procedure in Chinese domestic auto factories and contributes to highly efficient promotion.

Originality/value

Few dynamic models on pilot program selection for quality improvement based on dynamic customers' feedback, this study deals with the dynamic promotion by an extended fuzzy VIKOR method and presents a case application.


SuperScaling model (SuSA) predictions to neutrino-induced charged-current π+ production in the Δ-resonance region are explored under MiniBooNE experimental conditions. The SuSA charged-current π+ results are in good agreement with data on neutrino flux-averaged double-differential cross sections. The SuSA model for quasielastic scattering and its extension to the pion production region are used for predictions of charged-current inclusive neutrino- nucleus cross sections. The contribution of two-particle-two-hole vector meson-exchange current excitations is also considered within a fully relativistic model. Results are compared with the T2K experimental data for inclusive scattering.


Background. The aim of the study was to compare blood
pressure values detected with the use of mercurial sphygmomanometer
at home and during clinical visit with ABPM in
type 2 diabetic patients with hypertension.
 Material and methods. 35 type 2 diabetic patients with
arterial hypertension were enrolled in the study (group 1).
35 hypertensive patients without diabetes constituted control
group (group 2). "Office blood pressure" values during
clinical visits with the use of mercurial sphygmomanometer
were determined. In all patients 24 h ambulatory blood pressure
monitoring (ABPM) was performed. The mean blood
pressure values measured at home and during medical
visit with the use of mercurial sphygmomanometer and with
values in ABPM were compared.
 Results. Lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) values detected
by ABPM. Were observed in group 1 as compared
with values of this studied parameter detected with sphygmomanometer
at home (P = 0.03) and during clinical visit (P = 0.02). In group 2 lower SBP values detected by ABPM
as compared with values measured at home (P = 0.02)
and during clinical visit (P = 0.02) were observed. Diastolic
blood pressure (DBP) values measured at home, during
clinical visit with the use of mercurial sphygmomanometer
and by ABPM were comparable in each studied group
(P > 0.05). There were no difference between both studied
groups in selected blood pressure values measured with the
use of various methods (P > 0.05).
 Conclusions. Systolic blood pressure values estimated by
ABPM were lower than blood pressure values measured with
the use of mercurial sphygmomanometer during clinical visit
and at home. DBP values estimated by ABPM were comparable
to blood pressure values measured with the use of mercurial
sphygmomanometer during clinical visit and at home.


This paper reports onaresearchofphenomenaassociated with core loss due to tooth ripple flux in smooth laminated poles for the open circuit condition in ac machines. A model for investigation of the phenomena is described, incorporating a calorimetric technique for determination of loss location. There is also described a method for evaluating losses by utililizing a mathematical model which encompasses materials characteristics of the lamination material. Loss prediction and experimental results are in excellent agreement.


Objective To explore the role of gene expression of BMP in the pathogenesis of senior osteoporosis by observing changes in the content of BMP 2 mRNA and BMP 7 mRNA in the cancellous bone of patients with senior osteoporosis.Methods We chose 8 patients as the experiment group according to their X ray photography, BMD in distal end of radius and biochemical tests.The control group was composed of 8 healthy males between 20 and 30 years old. We extracted total RNA from each one's cancellous bone in the femur head and made dot blot hybridization by using BMP 2,7cDNA as probes , then compared the results by imaging analysis.Results The content of both BMP 2 and BMP 7 was lower in the group of patients with senior osteoporosis compared with control group.Conclusion The low expression of BMP 2 and BMP 7 mRNA in the cancellous bone of patients with senior osteoporosis might be one of the pathogeny of senior osteoporosis.


The purpose of this study is to determine the predictive effects of personal and environmental characteristics on the development of adolescents and young adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Examples of predictors that were examined are: coping style, optimism, parental overprotection and social support. Social functioning outcome variables include educational level, labour participation, leisure activities, loneliness, experienced competence, friendships and intimate relations. Preliminary analyses of the present five-year follow-up study indicate that, regarding social functioning, growing to maturity for young IBD patients is in general more problematic compared to healthy controls, but in adulthood most differences on the functional level have disappeared. The first global predictive analyses show several correlations between environmental and personal factors on the one hand and social participation outcome measures on the other hand. In the IBD group these relations are stronger than in the controls. Especially coping style and optimism are more important for the development of young people suffering from IBD than for their healthy counterparts. Further analyses will be carried out in order to investigate the multivariate predictive value of these factors, controlling for the T1- levels of all outcome variables. Conclusion: Suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can have severe consequences for the daily life functioning of young patients, although many of the young IBD-patients we followed seem to catch up rather well in young adulthood. Personal characteristics like coping style and optimism seem to play a role in the extent to which these young patients succeed in overcoming these problems and finding a way into adulthood and the accompanying societal and interpersonal roles. Recognizing and identifying possible social restrictions and risk factors in time is the first step to support children, adolescents and their parents in order to optimize their opportunities in later life.(aut. ref.)


It is well recognized that hydrostatic pressure loading can significantly affect the mechanical properties of solids. One of the strongest effects of pressure is the increase in elastic properties of solids. In this article, we address the effect of high pressure on plastic properties through typical examples of the effect of hydrostatic pressure on dislocation core properties of solids.


Ridge-shaped optical waveguides are promising structures to provide broadband characteristics for LiNbO3 (LN) based optoelectronic devices. In this regard, electron cyclotron resonance plasma etching with fluorocarbons have been commonly applied in the preparation of ridge waveguides, 3–5 μm in height, but certain fabrication problems need investigation and clarification. The etched LN surface was found to be covered with LiF leading to a weak adhesive strength for the overlayer, such as a SiO2 film, over the ridge waveguides. When CF4 etchant was used, a notch appeared along the foot of the ridge waveguides. The notch was a possible origin for the chipping of the waveguides. Such an undesirable notch was found to be prevented by the use of a CHF3 etchant. Here, these inevitable problems during the plasma etching of the LN were presented and discussed.


The evolution towards a finite-time singularity of the Navier–Stokes equations for flow of an incompressible fluid of kinematic viscosity $\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}$ is studied, starting from a finite-energy configuration of two vortex rings of circulation $\pm \unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$ and radius $R$ , symmetrically placed on two planes at angles $\pm \unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}$ to a plane of symmetry $x=0$ . The minimum separation of the vortices, $2s$ , and the scale of the core cross-section, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}$ , are supposed to satisfy the initial inequalities $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}\ll s\ll R$ , and the vortex Reynolds number $R_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}}=\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}/\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}$ is supposed very large. It is argued that in the subsequent evolution, the behaviour near the points of closest approach of the vortices (the 'tipping points') is determined solely by the curvature $\unicode[STIX]{x1D705}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F})$ at the tipping points and by $s(\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F})$ and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F})$ , where $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}=(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}/R^{2})t$ is a dimensionless time variable. The Biot–Savart law is used to obtain analytical expressions for the rate of change of these three variables, and a nonlinear dynamical system relating them is thereby obtained. The solution shows a finite-time singularity, but the Biot–Savart law breaks down just before this singularity is realised, when $\unicode[STIX]{x1D705}s$ and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}/\!s$ become of order unity. The dynamical system admits 'partial Leray scaling' of just $s$ and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D705}$ , and ultimately full Leray scaling of $s,\unicode[STIX]{x1D705}$ and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}$ , conditions for which are obtained. The tipping point trajectories are determined; these meet at the singularity point at a finite angle. An alternative model is briefly considered, in which the initial vortices are ovoidal in shape, approximately hyperbolic near the tipping points, for which there is no restriction on the initial value of the parameter $\unicode[STIX]{x1D705}$ ; however, it is still the circles of curvature at the tipping points that determine the local evolution, so the same dynamical system is obtained, with breakdown again of the Biot–Savart approach just before the incipient singularity is realised. The Euler flow situation ( $\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}=0$ ) is considered, and it is conjectured on the basis of the above dynamical system that a finite-time singularity can indeed occur in this case.


Coherent Doppler LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) has been widely used to provide measurements of several boundary layer parameters such as profiles of wind speed, wind direction, vertical velocity statistics, mixing layer heights and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE). An important aspect of providing this wide range of meteorological data is to properly characterize the uncertainty associated with these measurements.With the above intent in mind, the Lidar Uncertainty Measurement Experiment (LUMEX) was conducted at Erie, Colorado during the period June 23 rd to July 13 th , 2014. The major goals of this experiment were the following: Characterize sampling error for vertical velocity statistics Analyze sensitivities of different Doppler lidar systems Compare various single and dual Doppler retrieval techniques Characterize error of spatial representativeness for separation distances up to 3 km Validate turbulence analysis techniques and retrievals from Doppler lidars This experiment brought together 5 Doppler lidars, both commercial and research grade, for a period of three weeks for a comprehensive intercomparison study. The Doppler lidars were deployed at the Boulder Atmospheric Observatory (BAO) site in Erie, site of a 300 m meteorological tower. This tower was instrumented with six sonic anemometers at levels from 50 m to 300 m with 50 m vertical spacing.A brief overview of the experiment outline and deployment will be presented. Results from the sampling error analysis and its implications on scanning strategy will be discussed.


Objective To observe the activity of brain functional areas evoked by electroacupuncture with blood oxygenation level dependent-functional magnetic resonance imaging,(BOLD-fMRI). Methods There were 30 healthy subjects in this study. Taixi point and Zhongzhu point was selected as the acupuncture points to be tested. The contrast experiment was performed on the areas near the two points. The acupuncture stimulation was executed with a specialized electroacupuncture instrument. Frequency was 2 000Hz,intensity of electric current was just below the level of duration threshold of each subjects. Block design was adopted in functional magnetic resonance imaging with stimulation duration 1 000ms,interstimulus intervals 1 000ms. Results For electric acupuncture at Taixi,Zhongzhu acupoints,significant activations was observed in bilateral primary and secondary somatic cortex,superior temporal gyri,middle temporal gyrus,occipital lobes,supramarginal gyri,superior frontal gyri,inferior frontal gyri,anterior cingulate gyrus,precentral gyri and cerebellums. Similar cortexes were activated during electric acupuncture at peri-acupoints. Compare the cortex evoked by electric acupuncture at Taixi,Zhongzhu acupoints and at peri-acupoints,bilateral secondary somatic cortex,superior temporal gyri,supramarginal gyri,left occipital lobes,and right cerebellum show more intensive in acupoints than that in periacupoints. Conclusion For healthy subjects Taixi and Zhongzhu point stimuli elicited more activation than peri-acupoint somatic stimuli. This finding can but contribute to the special effect of acupoint. As there is more intensive activation at auditory cortex in acupuncture,the curative effect of these acupoints in clinic may be achieved through central nervous system.


It is known that the Gaussian ensembles describe the statistical features of the energy levels of quantum chaotic systems, i.e. the stationary aspects of quantum chaos. We show that the Gaussian ensembles (GE) of Random Matrix Theory (RMT) can be obtained from the quantum mixing level of the quantum ergodic hierarchy. Moreover, our derivation allow to connect the decoherence of a relevant set of observables and the RTM through the quantum mixing level.


The low-IF receiver is very attractive, because the need for an analog image rejection filter is avoided. Instead, the image rejection is realized by I/Q signal processing. However, unavoidable imbalances between the I- and Q-branch in the analog part of the receiver result in a limited image attenuation. In previous work a blind I/Q imbalance compensation scheme for low-IF receivers was presented and its performance was analyzed. However, the impact of the analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) was not taken into consideration. In particular, the quantization noise, which is unavoidable in practical implementations, has been neglected. In this paper this blind I/Q imbalance compensation scheme is analyzed regarding to its sensitivity to an imperfect ADC. It can be shown by means of analysis as well as simulation, that the compensation scheme is robust against ADC effects.


The invention discloses a power supply device and communication equipment. The power supply device comprises a plurality of functional blocks, and at least one of the plurality of functional blocks is connected in parallel with a backup unit with the same function as the functional block; and when the functional block and the backup unit connected in parallel with the functional block work at the same time, or when the functional block fails, the backup unit connected in parallel with the functional block takes over the work of the functional block. The communication equipment comprises the power supply device, and a power supply is arranged on a power supply frame of the communication equipment and used for supplying power to other structures of the communication equipment. According to the power supply and the communication equipment provided by the embodiment of the invention, when one functional block in the power supply is damaged, the parallel backup unit continues working or takes over the work so that the whole power supply device works normally, the reliability of the power supply device is improved, meanwhile the replacement of the whole power supply device is avoided, and the cost is reduced.


Two broad conceptions of mediator style advocate different views of the degree and type of intervention appropriate for a mediator helping disputants negotiate a conflict settlement. These conceptions are congruent with a broad set of values expressed in literature on leadership, negotiation theory, and gender research. This congruence lays the groundwork for postulating "male" and "female" mediation styles. Data from the Cleveland (Ohio) Prosecutor Mediation Program are used to analyze gender and effectiveness at reaching initial and binding settlements. Findings indicate that male and female mediators are equally effective at reaching an initial settlement, but that female mediators are significantly more effective at mediating binding settlements. The greatest gender difference occurs in emotionally charged disputes. The hypothesis that mediator gender and style matter in the effectiveness of mediation is supported.


This work is a study over things that are important for pupil's motivation. What makes the children eager to learn? And how can you as a teacher teach them the importance of the learning for life. ...


The QCA is coupled to BSA as an immunogen by the method of EDC,as well,the coating antigen(QCA-OVA) were produced by the method of MA.The immunogen and coating antigen have been identified by the method of ultraviolet full wavelength scanner.Polyclonal antibodies against QCA have been raised in four rabbits and purified by using a saturated ammonium sulfate method.The sensitivity and cross-reactivity of polyclonal antibody have been demonstrated in ELISA test.The results showed that the QCA antiserum have a very high degree of sensitivity and specificity.


Plants show an incredible wealth of habits and statures ranging from less ramified to highly branched, from small bushes to big trees. Although the architecture is largely determined by genetic factors, an individual plant is also able to adapt its growth in response to the local environment and biotic effects. Thus, shoot branching depends on local nutrients, especially phosphate, but also on biotic factors such as herbivory and infection. An endogenous factor is the growth hormone auxin, which is released by the apical bud and suppresses the growth of subapical lateral shoots, causing apical dominance. Lower concentrations of auxin or removal of the apical bud lead to multiple shoot tips, and the plant becomes highly branched. The effect is impressively documented by newly developing shoots on a recently cut tree. Accordingly, branching and growth of lateral stems is a process that is highly regulated by genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Previously only auxins, abscisic acid, and cytokinins have been assumed to control shoot branching. 3] However, recent studies on a series of mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana, rice (Oryza sativa), and pea (Pisum sativum) with enhanced shoot branching suggested the existence of a novel type of hormone(s) that might be derived from carotenoids. These mutants with similar phenotypes include ramosus (rms) in pea, more axillary growth (max) in Arabidopsis, dwarf (d) or high-tillering dwarf (hdt) in rice, and decreased apical dominance (dad) in petunia. In particular, the genetically well characterized Arabidopsis mutants show substantial branching variation, thus providing an ideal platform for determining the genetic and molecular factors of the shootbranching regulatory network. Two recently published papers by GomezRoldan et al. and Umehara et al. have now presented the first evidence that the long-known strigolactones and related compounds (Scheme 1) might be the first members of a family of apocarotenoid signals that are involved in the regulation of the branching process. 5] Strigolactones were previously known as plant-derived isoprenoids occurring in the rhizosphere. They stimulate the seed germination of obligate parasitic plants like Striga or Orobanche and enhance the seed germination of certain nonparasitic plants. Moreover, upon phosphate depletion, they function as root-derived signals causing elevated hyphal branching and spore germination of symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi, to enhance the uptake of soil nutrients. They are present in the root exudates of monoand dicotyledonous plants (for example, rice and pea) and have additionally been detected in their shoots. 11] Since they are also found in the nonmycotrophic plant A. thaliana, a pivotal role for these apocarotenoids in coordinating plant growth below as well as above ground has been suggested. 13] In particular, work with mutants of pea, petunia, rice, and, especially, Arabidopsis combining enhanced shoot branching with a reduced stature, the max1 to max4 mutants, with defects in carotene degradation and signal transduction (vide infra), revealed the importance of carotene-dioxygenases (CCDs) for the generation of an unknown end product that affects branching. Nine CCDs have been identified in Arabidopsis, of which five are involved in abscisic acid (ABA) synthesis, the others (MAX) have a different target complex. In the mutants rms5/max3/htd1/d17-1 and rms1/max4/d10-1 from pea, Arabidopsis, and rice, 17] the two dioxygenases, namely CCD7 and CCD8, encode for enzymes that degrade carotenoids into a variety of products (Scheme 2). CCD8 can cleave the product of the CCD7-catalyzed reaction, and MAX1, which encodes a cytochrome P450, is assumed


Shapiro time delay is one of the fundamental tests of general relativity. To date all measurements of time delay have been conducted on astronomical scales. It was asserted in 2010 that gravitational wave detectors on Earth could be used to measure Shapiro delay on a terrestrial scale via massive rotating systems. Building on that work, we consider how measurements of Shapiro delay can be made using next-generation gravitational wave detectors. We perform an analysis for measuring Shapiro delay with the next-generation gravitational wave detector Cosmic Explorer to determine how precisely the effect can be measured. Using a rotating mass unit design, we find that Cosmic Explorer can measure the Shapiro delay signal with an amplitude signal to noise ratio (SNR) up to $\sim37$ in 1 year of integration time. By measuring Shapiro delay with this technique, Cosmic Explorer will allow for terrestrial measurements of $\gamma$ in the paramaterized post-Newtonian formalism of gravity with precision of $<1\%$.


By analyzing the main factors of the less drifting blasting efficient problem,it has determined a reasonable cut blasting method and blasting parameters.The construction practice has shown that the efficiency of tunnel blasting has been improved and gained a good economic benefits.


In recent years, nanostructures with hexagonal polytypes of gold have been synthesised, opening new possibilities in nanoscience and technology. As bulk gold crystallizes in the \textit{fcc} phase, surface effects can play an important role in stabilizing hexagonal gold nanostructures. Here we investigate several hetero-structures with Ge substrate, including the \textit{fcc} and \textit{hcp} phases of gold that have been observed experimentally. We determine and discuss their interfacial energies and optimized atomic arrangements, comparing the theory results with available experimental data. Our calculations for the Au-\textit{fcc}(011)/Ge(001) show how the presence of defects in the interface layer can help to stabilize the atomic pattern consistent with microscopic images. The Au-\textit{hcp}/Ge interface with the significant mismatch between two surfaces reveals large atomic displacements, which might indicate that the (111) germanium substrate is not responsible for the formation of the \textit{hcp} phase of gold. Finally, analyzing the electronic properties, we demonstrate that Au/Ge systems have metallic character but covalent-like bonding states between interfacial Ge and Au atoms are also present.


In her article, The acquisition of numeracy, Jenny Young-Loveridge (1999) describes early number foundations as children building ... a rich network of ideas about the patterns and relationships among numbers. Central to this network of relationships is the number concept itself. To understand the richness of ideas surrounding number foundation, she developed a numeracy framework.


Jinda-78 had been irradiated by 60Co-ray,and their descendants M3 were selected as test materials, he band pictures of the fractions of their storage proteins were got with SDS-PAGE electrophoresis.The results showed that subunit compositions of soybean storage protein for parents and hybrid progenies were basically the same,but there was significant variations in the subunit content for different line.The significant negative correlation between 11S globulin and 7S globulin was observed at 0.02 level. The content of 11S negatively correlated with that of 7S,and positively correlated with 11S/7S.Cluster analysis showed the mutants were divided into four groups(average 11S/7S rate 2.6,2.0~2.6, 1.0~2.0 and1.0)according to the rate of 11S/7S. The results provide a basis to improve soybean protein quality and breed high quality variety.


Initial value problems for forced linear and nonlinear partial differential equations are considered where the forcing is assumed to be rapid compared to the unforced dynamics. A multiscale perturbation method is used to derive solutions in the form of asymptotic expansions. For linear problems, these expansions are equivalent to the integral formulas based on Green's function solutions and thus give a method of expanding these integral formulas when the kernel is rapidly varying. For nonlinear problems, the method yields new results for which there are no alternative analytical methods. Several model problems are considered, including the forced Burgers equation for shock-pulse interactions, the Korteweg-deVries (KdV) equation for forced interacting solitons, and the time-dependent Schrodinger equation with rapidly varying potential.


Renaissance scholars agreed that Virgil's canon included poems beyond the "Eclogues," "Georgics," and "Aeneid," but the number of other authentic poems and their value were matters of debate. This article charts competing readings of the "Appendix Vergiliana" by Julius Caesar Scaliger and Joseph Justus Scaliger. Pseudo-Virgilian poems played a key role in J. C. Scaliger's "Poetices Libri Septem" (1561), providing a model of self-quotation and self-emulation for young poets to imitate. In a groundbreaking edition, J. J. Scaliger then discovers a neoteric, Catullan side to Virgil. Their influential readings of the "Appendix" offer radically revised conceptions of the Virgilian poetic career.


Capacitor mismatch and finite op-amp gain are two main error sources for high-resolution pipelined ADCs. This paper presents a high-efficiency digital calibration technique for multi-bit/stage pipeline ADCs. Firstly, capacitor mismatch in multi-bit stage is calibrated in foreground due to its stability to environment. And the mismatching information between different capacitors is memorized. Secondly, the finite op-amp gain is calibrated in background due to its sensitivity to environment. Only one step of the multi-bit DAC needs to be tracked, and the others can be calculated out at a much lower frequency, by the aid of the memorized mismatching information. In this way, the presented technique decreases switching activity of the digital calibration circuit and thus is efficient in power dissipation. For verification, a 14-bit 250-MS/s pipelined ADC is fabricated in a standard 1.8V 180nm CMOS process. Simulation results show that the calibration improves the ADC SNDR and SFDR from 61.57 dB and 67.77 dB to 85.49 dB and 100.86 dB respectively.


Abstract On 24 March 2020, an announcement was made that the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic games would be postponed until 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Athletes and their coaches have experienced a wide spectrum of emotional and cognitive reactions such as disappointment, frustration, confusion, and relief, to name a few. The current article aimed to summarize the athletes' and coaches' reactions related to the repercussions triggered by the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Japan, and discuss how the values of sports and athletes have or are likely to be changed.


Integrated mineralogical and geochemical research of pyrites from magmatic and sedimentary complexes of Crimea Mountain is made with microprobe and precision LA-ICP-MS analyses and traditional techniques. The typomorphic and indicating features of pyrites are determined. According to the data of LA-ICP-MS analyses 48 elements of admixtures are established. The values of indicating relations such as Th/Co La/Sc, Sc Th/Sc, Co/Ni give the opportunity to conclude that magmatic rocks of basic and average composition are the source of elements in pyrites. The composition of endogenic and sedimentary complexes indicates to the geochemical peculiarities of sulfide mineralization as a specific petrographic and lithogenetic factor.


Bamboo was liquefied in ethylene glycol in the presence of sulfuric acid as catalyst,and realtime IR was used to detect the reaction during the whole experiment.The intensities of the bands at 1 720 cm-1 and 1 124 cm-1 strengthened,and that at 3 400 cm-1 weakened with the liquefaction time.The IR results were analysed in detail to describe the degradation and decomposition of bamboo,and the product was separated into several parts which were analysed by GC-MS.It indicated that the cellulose was degraded completely to pentanoic acid ethyl ester,2(3H)-furanone,(acetyloxy)dihydro-5-methyl,and lignin phenylpropane units were also decomposed to hydroxylic,carbnoxylic and aromatic derivatives,and these reactive intermediates could be polymerized to form insoluble residues.


In recent years, food safety incidents occur often, which have negative influence on the enterprise,especially the shares of listed companies. According to the number of news about liquor plasticizer event collected by Baidu, the study did a quantitative research on the relation between media coverage and stock prices. The study found that a large number of persistent reports would make negative effects on stock prices of sample companies during a long time. The conclusion has important significance for the decision-making of public administrative department and firms.


Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a clinical and radiographic syndrome ®rst described by Hakim and Adams in 1965 (Hakim and Adams, 1965) and characterized clinically by gait apraxia (`magnetic gait'), incontinence and dementia, and diagnosed predominantly among people over the age of 60 years. Only a minority of patients present with the complete triad of symptoms, gait apraxia being the most common presenting complaint. On brain imaging, one sees ventricular enlargement without signi®cant cerebral atrophy. The radiographic observation that best distinguishes the ventriculo-megaly of NPH from thèhydrocephalus ex vacuo' of advanced Alzheimer's disease is the degree of dilatation of the peri-hippocampal ®ssures (PHFs). PHFs are normal or only minimally dilated in NPH, and typically markedly dilated in Alzheimer's disease. Thènormal pressure' aspect of NPH is something of a misnomer. While CSF pressure may be within the normal range when measured by manometry at lumbar puncture, continuous CSF pressure measurements reveal waves of increased pressure, particularly during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and CSF infusion studies reveal abnormal CSF circulation. Sceptics may doubt the existence of NPH as a clear-cut clinical±pathological entity (Bret et al., 2002). Among`believers,' most accept CSF shunting as a reasonably effective treatment for the gait disorder of NPH. The effectiveness of CSF shunting as a useful treatment for the dementia of NPH has never been demonstrated, and many doubt that there is a rationale for such an approach among NPH patients for whom dementia is a chief complaint (Thomsen et al., 1986; Vanneste et al., 1992). A better understanding of the physiopathological changes in NPH is needed to guide treatment, an understanding furthered by an excellent paper by Momjian et al. (2004), from the Cambridge group, in this volume. The authors demonstrate signi®cantly reduced cerebral blood ¯ow (CBF) in the deep white matter of patients with NPH, compared with control subjects. The maximal decrease is seen at the ventricular wall, with an increase in CBF as one moves laterally. Among subjects with NPH, a more profound decrease in CBF follows the induction of increased CSF pressure, in a U-shaped distribution: the nadir of CBF shifts laterally from the ventricle by ~9 mm under these conditions, and normalizes as one moves toward the cortex. Cerebral vascular autoregulation was also impaired among subjects with NPH, suggesting less capacity to compensate for increases in CSF pressure. A similar decrease in white matter blood ¯ow has also been observed in experimental …


Novel complexes of Co (11), Ni (11) and Fe (111) with aspirin and paracetamol have synthesized and characterized using infrared, electronic and Hnmr spectral, melting point and conductivity measurements. The two ligands have been found to act as bidentate chelating agents. Aspirin complexes coordinate through the carbonyl oxygen of the carboxyl and the ester groups, while paracetamol complexes coordinate through the oxygen of the hydroxyl and the amide groups. Antibacterial screening of the complexes against Bacillus substilis, Serratia species and Escherichia coli, was also investigated. The metal complexes were found to have varied degree of inhibitory effect against the bacteria.


C-ULTURAL POLICY for temples in India occurs in the context of a fundamental dilemma. On the one hand, India's policy of secularism and its commitment to religious freedom imply that the government must maintain distance between itself and religious institutions. On the other hand, the South Indian state historically has exercised close supervision over Hindu temples-a situation which, if anything, has deepened over the past sixty years. Interactions between the state and temples today are frequent and systematic. Tamil Nadu governments argue that their close supervision of temples does not violate secularism, because it is intended not to interfere with religion but simply to address weaknesses inherent in temple organization. In other words, the state's role is instrumental (to protect South India's cultural heritage), not constitutive (to shape Hinduism as a religion).1 But the concept of secularism unfortunately fails to convey the real complexity of state-temple interactions. The government's role is shaped by political party conflict, and also inevitably affects the vitality, financial stability, and religious character of temples


This paper is devoted to the synthesis of the power control loop for a single-phase resonant inverter controlled by phase shift and used in an induction heating system. It starts from the assumption that, if the inverter control frequency is close to the resonance frequency of the assembly consisting of the compensation capacitor, inductor and heating piece, the current supplied by the inverter contains almost only the active component that determines directly the power transmitted to the inductor. After establishing the structural scheme and highlighting the transfer function, a PI controller is adopted for the control of the current through the inverter. The inverter active current is achieved by a Proportional-Integral controller tuned in accordance with the Modulus Optimum criterion in Kessler variant. Next, different experimental tests are presented in order to determine the performances of the induction heating system. The objectives of the tests were: the verification of the proper operation of the current through inverter control loop, the achievement of zero-current switching, the control of the power transmitted to the load by adjusting the inverter frequency and the determining the efficiency of the converter-inductor-pipe system.