Object To study the feasibility of nitrate removal by fixed dinitrifying bacteria in an eutrophic lake and search for a new resolution of in situ bioremediation of eutrophic lakes.Methods Heterotrophic denitrifying bacteria immobilized with Polyvinyl alcohol(PVA) were cast into simulating eutrophic water environment for denitrification and degradation of organic pollutants.Results 40 days later, 57.5% of the ammonia in control environment were transferred into nitrate by nitrosobacteria and nitrobacteria, however denitrification capability of native denitrifying bacteria was limited. Total inorganic nitrogen(TIN) removal rate was about 6.7%. Fixed denitrifying bacteria could use part of the organic materials in lake water as carbon sources to reduce nitrate successfully. TIN removal rates of high and low concentration environment were 62.9% and 38.8%, respectively. The COD consumption rate were 29.5% and 21.9%, respectively.Conclusion Fixed denitrifying bacteria may play an important role in in situ remediation of an eutrophic lake.


Rockwell Hanford Operations (Rockwell) activities general solid, liquid and gaseous wastes that must be discharged to the environment or stored or disposed of onsite. The quantities of solid, liquid, or gaseous wastes buried or discharged during calendar year 1984 are tabulated. No liquid or solid wastes are discharged offsite. In calendar year 1984, no effluents exceeded DOE-HQ limits. 8 refs., 1 fig., 13 tabs.


When a traffic storm occurs in an open flow network, a frame which causes the storm is destroyed on a per-flow basis, and an indiscriminant destruction of frames, or a shut down of a port itself is not performed. Specifically, a controller detects the increase of traffic in a short period of time, on the basis of periodically acquired statistical information regarding respective switches controlled by the controller. When the increase is detected, the controller activates a storm detection mode. In the storm detection mode, packets are randomly extracted as sample packets from a relevant switch for a predetermined period of time. The controller determines whether any one of a broadcast storm, a multicast storm, and a unicast storm occurs, on the basis of the sample packets. When any one of the storms occurs, it is assessed that a traffic storm occurs. When a traffic storm occurs, a rule (matching condition) indicating a packet which causes the storm, and an entry in which an action to destroy the packet is defined, are set in a relevant port of a relevant switch by a "FlowMod" message, on the basis of the information of analyzed sample packets.


Meeting with gender-related expectations can be stressful for the individual. The aim of this study is to develop Masculine Gender Role Stress Scale (MGRSS) in Turkish culture. For this purpose, firstly qualitative research was conducted with 201 male university students. Items were prepared for MGRSS considering the themes in this study. The scale has been applied to 595 undergraduate and graduate male students. MGRSS's validity was evaluated through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Also, the convergent validity of the scale was tested. Content validity were also tested. MGRSS's internal reliability was tested through the Cronbach's alpha (Alpha= ,90) and test retest reliability was tested through correlational analysis (,91). These results revealed that MGRSS is a valid and reliable instrument to measure gender role stress level of men in Turkish culture.


In this paper, a new adaptive PID-type iterative learning controller (ILC) is proposed for a class of repeatable nonlinear systems with unknown nonlinearities. The initial state errors are allowed to be nonzero and varying for each iteration. The main structure of the adaptive PID-type ILC is constructed based on a time-varying boundary layer which is designed to overcome the problem of initial state errors and further eliminate the possible undesirable chattering behavior. Although the optimal gains of PID-type ILC for a best approximation are generally unknown, adaptive algorithms with projection mechanisms are derived between successive iterations to ensure the stability and convergence of the learning system. It is shown that all the adjustable parameters and the internal signals remain bounded for all iterations, and the norm of tracking error vector at each time instant will asymptotically converge to a tunable residual set.


The focus of the study is to provide a detailed
account of how various strategy-specific or composite hedge fund indices have
performed in the past. The study analyses returns (monthly) of different hedge
funds. The study selected popular categories of Hedge fund index against DJIA
(Dow Jones Industrial Average) and Credit Suisse Hedge Fund Index. The Data is
taken from January 1994 to December 2018 and is taken from Credit Suisse Hedge
fund database. The study finds that most hedge fund indices witness a drop in
returns over time, and most hedge funds do not provide additional
diversification benefits with respect to
traditional asset class. On a risk-adjusted basis, majority of hedge
fund indices out-perform the broader equity market, risk-adjusted performances
of various hedge fund strategies, does not change drastically with use of
different risk-adjusted measures. As opposed to prevalent studies like Atil,
Bali and Demirtas [1] [2], indicating Equity market neutral hedge fund index as
the best performer in terms of risk-adjusted returns, the current study finds
Event Driven Distressed hedge fund Index as the best performer.


Abstract. Effects of ocean acidification and warming on marine primary producers can be modulated by other
environmental factors, such as levels of nutrients and light. Here, we investigated the
interactive effects of five oceanic environmental drivers (CO2, temperature, light,
dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphate) on the growth rate, particulate organic carbon (POC) and particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) quotas of the cosmopolitan coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi. The population growth rate increased with increasing temperature (16 to
20 ∘C) and light intensities (60 to
240 µmolphotonsm-2s-1) but decreased with elevated pCO2
concentrations (370 to 960 µatm) and reduced availability of nitrate (24.3 to
7.8 µmol L−1) and phosphate (1.5 to 0.5 µmol L−1). POC quotas were
predominantly enhanced by the combined effects of increased pCO2 and decreased
availability of phosphate. PIC quotas increased with decreased availability of nitrate and
phosphate. Our results show that concurrent changes in nutrient concentrations and
pCO2 levels predominantly affected the growth, photosynthetic carbon fixation and
calcification of E. huxleyi and imply that plastic responses to progressive ocean
acidification, warming, and decreasing availability of nitrate and phosphate reduce the population
growth rate while increasing cellular quotas of particulate organic and inorganic carbon of
E. huxleyi, ultimately affecting coccolithophore-related ecological and biogeochemical
processes.


We extend the notion of fragile topology to periodically-driven systems. We demonstrate driving-induced fragile topology in two different models, namely, the Floquet honeycomb model and the Floquet $\pi$-flux square-lattice model. In both cases, we discover a rich phase diagram that includes Floquet fragile topological phases protected by crystalline rotation or mirror symmetries, Floquet Chern insulators, and trivial atomic phases, with distinct boundary features. Remarkably, the transitions between different phases can be feasibly achieved by simply tuning the driving amplitudes, which is a unique feature of driving-enabled topological phenomena. Moreover, corner-localized fractional charges are identified as a ``smoking-gun'' signal of fragile topology in our systems. Our work paves the way for studying and realizing fragile topology in Floquet systems.


The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a highly conserved serine-threonine kinase belonging to the phosphatidylinositol kinase-related protein kinases family, which plays a central role in regulation of cellular metabolism, growth, and proliferation (Figure (Figure1A)1A) (Wullschleger et al., 2006; Laplante and Sabatini, 2012). The PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling axis is also one of the most commonly activated pathways in human cancers (Vivanco and Sawyers, 2002; Zoncu et al., 2011). A growing body of evidence identifies activation of mTOR signaling as a common occurrence in human cancers (Menon and Manning, 2008). Recently, activating mutations of mTOR itself have been identified through mining of human cancer genome databases (Hardt et al., 2011). Hyper-activation of mTOR signaling makes it an attractive target for therapeutic intervention and has driven the development of a number of mTOR inhibitors, many of which have progressed to clinical trials (Chiang and Abraham, 2007).


Ayurveda has quite a sophisticated classification of medicinal plants, as per the dominant pharmacological/ therapeutic activity on mental functions etc. These need to be systematically evaluated by a multidisciplinary effort. The most interesting leads of CNS-active medicinal plants, which have emerged, besides Rauwolfia serpentina are (1) Mucuna pruriens for Parkinson's disease (2) Withania somnifera, as anxiolytic (3) Centella asiatica and Bacopa monniera for learning and memory disorders (4) Acorus calamus as anxiolytic and (5) Ocimum sanctum as an antistress agent. The interface of molecular psvchiatrv and the active principles of some of these plants will be a major field for new developments in neuropharmacology and CNS-active drugs.


The competition of modern volleyball is more intense,techniques and tactics become various."Comprehensive" and "stereoscopic" has become leading of attack tactics.Reasonable,concise,practical "fast-changing" play is the development trend of volleyball technique and tactics.By using methods of video observation,statistics,logical analysis to analyze the winning and losing point of serving,first passing,blocking,smashing and defending in the 11th National Games men's volleyball finals.The results indicate that the segment of the team's active scoring is mainly smash,scoring means single;Serving and spiking offensive is not strong,stability has to be raised;Storm blocking success rate is low.


The performance of two adaptive algorithms, the LMS and the adaptive delay algorithm, for measuring the actual delay between two blood volume pulse (BVP) signals is studied. Results are obtained from an experimental setup examined with several test signals as well as pairs of BVP signals for a subject's three different cardiovascular conditions.


We present a novel mechanism to enhance participatory crowdsensing for smart transportation by integrating privacy-preserving data filtering, aggregation and incentive-driven dissemination. Our mechanism filters out inaccurate data before computing the aggregate statistics (e.g., mean, variance) that will be disseminated as incentives to only the users, who contribute useful data to their computations in a privacy-preserving manner. Based on efficient homomorphic cryptosystems, our privacy-preserving mechanism achieves satisfactory data accuracy and privacy simultaneously.


A tremendous amount of individual-level data is generated each day, of use to marketing, decision makers, and machine learning applications. This data often contain private and sensitive information about individuals, which can be disclosed by adversaries. An adversary can recognize the underlying individual's identity for a data record by looking at the values of quasi-identifier attributes, known as identity disclosure, or can uncover sensitive information about an individual through attribute disclosure. In Statistical Disclosure Control, multiple disclosure risk measures have been proposed. These share two drawbacks: they do not consider identity and attribute disclosure concurrently in the risk measure, and they make restrictive assumptions on an adversary's knowledge by assuming certain attributes are quasi-identifiers and there is a clear boundary between quasi-identifiers and sensitive information. In this paper, we present a novel disclosure risk measure that addresses these limitations, by presenting a single combined metric of identity and attribute disclosure risk, and providing flexibility in modeling adversary's knowledge. We have developed an efficient algorithm for computing the proposed risk measure and evaluated the feasibility and performance of our approach on a real-world data set from the domain of social work.


A thermoeconomic optimization analysis is presented yielding simple algebraic formulae for estimating the optimum number of feed water heater and optimal area distribution among the feed water heaters for thermal power plants. The P1-P2 method is used in the present study, together with the thermoeconomic analyses of feed water heaters.


The effects of DMC (dl-demethylcoclaurine, higenamine), an active component of aconitum, on cardiac function of normal and experimental heart failure, as well as isolated failing heart in guinea pigs were studied.
The contractile force of the normal heart was increased significantly by intravenous infusion of DMC 2 μg/kg/min for five minutes, as indicated by increases of LVSP and LV dP/dt_(max) to 58±7 and 26±7% of their initial values respectively. During the heart failure of guenea pigs induced by intravenous injection of sodium pentobarbital, the LVSP and LV dP/dt_(max) decreased to 40±5.0 and 31±2.8% of normal values respectively, which returned to 79±14 and 75±10% of the normal values after intravenous injection of DMC.
The cardiac contraction of the isolated failing heart of the guinea pigs were similarly increased by DMC infusion.


Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis and poor prognosis Abstract Background: The aim of the present study was to analyse the expression of Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) specimens, and to evaluate its correlation with clinicopathologic features, including survival of patients with NPC


Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genetic variations associated with adverse drug effects in pharmacogenomics (PGx) research. Yet, interpreting the biological implications of these associations remains a challenge. This review highlights two promising post-GWAS methods for PGx. First, we discuss the polygenic architecture of the PGx traits, especially for drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Their experimental modelling using multiple donors' human primary hepatocytes and human liver organoids demonstrated the polygenic architecture of DILI susceptibility and found biological vulnerability in genetically high-risk tissue donors. Second, we discuss the challenges of interpreting the roles of variants in non-coding regions. Beyond methods involving expression quantitative trait locus analysis and massively parallel reporter assays, we suggest the use of in silico mutagenesis through machine learning methods to understand the roles of variants in transcriptional regulation. This review underscores the importance of these post-GWAS methods in providing critical insights into PGx, potentially facilitating drug development and personalized treatment. (149 words).


Theoretical predictions for $pp\to 2 \Upsilon+X$ cross section at $\sqrt{s}=8$ TeV for the LHCb and ATLAS kinematical conditions are obtained. A possibility to observe the new hypothetical particles containing two valence $b$-quarks and two valence $\bar{b}$-quarks is discussed.


Objectives: To determine the psychosocial working conditions and identify the level of conflict, psychological violence and psychological harassment at work, in trainees and technical workers in anatomy pathologic and cytology in different laboratories in Madrid. Material and methods: non-experimental, transversal and descriptive study. The FPSICO was administered and the "Inventory of violence and psychological harassment at work, IVAPT-E-R".


Objective:To investigate unreasonable use of antibacterial drugs for injection in respiratory outpatients in our hos-pital.Methods:With retrospective analysis methods the irrational antibiotic prescriptions were analyzed.Results:There were 861 prescriptions using antimicrobial drugs among 2 706 intravenous infusion prescriptions,with 181 unreasonable prescriptions,occupied 21.03%.Conclusion:The rational use of intravenous infusion about antibiotic drugs in respiratory outpatients still needs to be improved.


Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using second generation cryoballoon (CB) ablation has become an established treatment for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) patients. On the other hand, PVI with radiofrequency (RF) has been an established treatment for non-PAF patients, in addition to PAF patients.

 The data on second generation CB ablation for non-PAF patients is limited. We assessed the application of PVI with CB for non-PAF patients and compared the outcomes of success rate, radiational time, and procedural time.

 A total of 2632 AF patients (age 64±10; 1873 males) underwent initial PVI from September 2014 to June 2018. Second-generation CB was employed to 1587 patients (CB-PAF: 80%, CB-non-PAF: 20%) and RF using irrigation-tip catheter was employed to other 1045 patients (RF-PAF: 40%, RF-non-PAF: 60%). In CB group, PV touch-up ablation with RF was needed for 113 patients (7%) (CB-PAF: 6%, CB-non-PAF: 13%; p<0.001). After PVI, additional ablation for non-PV foci was undergone after the induction by using ISP infusion and rapid atrial pacing.

 AF free survival rate was almost equivalent in both non-PAF group (2-years Kaplan-Meir event rate, CB-non-PAF 66.3%, RF-non-PAF 69.8%; log-rank p=0.297). There was significantly difference in procedural time (CB-non-PAF 132±56min, RF-non-PAF: 189±52min, p<0.001), and radiation time (CB-non-PAF: 47±40min, RF-non-PAF: 75±31min, p<0.001). The percentage of patients with non-PV foci was significantly higher in CB group (CB-non-PAF 41%, RF-non-PAF 54%, p<0.001), and after excluding the patients with non-PV foci, AF free survival rate was almost equivalent in both group (2-years Kaplan-Meier event rate, CB-non-PAF 75.4%, RF-non-PAF 78.8%; log-rank p=0.577). On the other hand, in patients in CB, AF free survival rate was significantly superior in PAF group (2-years Kaplan-Meir event rate, CB-PAF 83.3%, CB-non-PAF 65.2%; log-rank p<0.001). There was significantly difference in procedural time (CB-PAF: 117±47min, CB-non-PAF: 132±56min, p<0.001), and radiation time (CB-PAF: 38±22min, CB-non-PAF: 46±27min, p<0.001). The percentage of patients with non-PV foci was significantly higher in non-PAF group (CB-PAF 30%, CB-non-PAF 41%, p<0.001), and after excluding the patients with non-PV foci, AF free survival rate was also significantly superior in PAF group (2-years Kaplan-Meier event rate, CB-PAF 85.1%, CB-non-PAF 69.8%; log-rank p<0.001).

 For non-PAF patients with PV triggers, PVI with CB might be non-inferior to PVI with RF. Our study showed the efficacy of CB in terms of the shortening of procedural time, and the reduction of radiational exposure. PVI with CB for non-PAF patients was inferior to that for PAF patients.


COVID-19 has had a huge impact on many industries around the world. Internationally-funded enterprises have been greatly affected by COVID-19 prevention and control measures, such as border controls. However, few studies have examined the impact of COVID-19 on internationally-funded enterprises. To this end, this paper considered 12 of China's industrial parks situated in Southeast Asia, while comparing the operation status before and after the outbreak of COVID-19 based on remote sensing of nighttime lights (NTL). The NTL is generally used as a proxy for economic activity. First, six parameters were proposed to quantify and monitor the operation status based on NTL data. Subsequently, these parameters were calculated for the parks and for 10 km buffer zones surrounding them to analyze the differences in operating conditions. The results showed that (1) despite the negative impact of COVID-19, 9 out of the 12 parks had a mean NTL greater than 1, indicating that these parks are in better operating condition in 2020 than 2019; (2) 7 out of the 10 km buffer zones around the parks showed a decline in mean NTL. Only three parks showed a decline in mean NTL. The impact of COVID-19 on surrounding areas was greater than the impact on parks.


In the title compound, C16H13FO2S, the 4-methylphenyl ring makes a dihedral angle of 29.53 (4)° with the mean plane of the benzofuran fragment [r.m.s. deviation = 0.004 (1) Å]. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of weak C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers that stack along the a axis.


The website for a traditional travel agency is important as it is assumed that customers make purchases through a travel agency website, they trust for their tourism products and services. A pleasant website design may lead the online customers to continue to be loyal. This leads to the purpose of this study which is to understand further the relationship between website design on the customers' e-loyalty. An online survey was completed by 87 Malaysians who have made travel-related purchases on any traditional travel agency website in Malaysia. Analyses of reliability and descriptive analysis were performed on all scales. Testing research hypotheses was done using regression analysis. Results showed that website design and its factors were positively related to customers' e-loyalty. Information design, navigation design, and visual design were these predictors' order of significance in relation to each other. Information design was found to have the strongest relation whereas visual design was found to have the least relation towards customers' e-loyalty to the traditional travel agency website. The findings of this study prove that it is crucial to assist the traditional travel agencies to improve their website design in order to achieve the desired outcome for the agency


A catalyst based on (S)-proline and (1S,2S)-diphenylethylenediamine proved to be an excellent catalyst for aldol reactions between ketones and aromatic aldehydes.


In this paper we propose a component-based architecture template for adaptive system design. This template aims to provide developers with some design guideless that help them obtain efficient adaptive system implementations. Different variants of the template are proposed together with a selection criterion to help designers decide which alternative better fits (or better balance) their system reconfiguration and efficiency requirements. In order to demonstrate the feasibility and the benefits of our proposal, a case study regarding the design and implementation of a self-adaptive robotic system is presented.


American Yale Plan,initiated in 1971,is the first Income-contingent Student Loan and university-based student loan program.This article summarized the basic characteristic of Yale Plan and analyzed the reason why Yale Plan stopped.Furthermore,the paper summarized the lessons: higher education institution is not a good option to collect the student loan;income tax collection system could be used as an important role in collecting student loan;institute the various repayment to reduce the graduate repayment burden.


Solar energy is clean source of energy that has a much lower environmental impact than conventional energy. Solar energy has been increasing in a wide range of applications. Even though the wide usages of solar energy, the efficiency is not up to mark. Upon scheffler dish principle in practical the solar panel is parabolic in shape. This paper focuses on low cost dual axis solar tracking system to magnify the use of solar energy. To enhance the efficiency, combination of two types of solar tracking designs are implemented. LDR and servo motor is selected as the driving mechanism of the model. Dual axis is more acceptable as it's efficiency is more. The four active sensors present constantly monitor the sun and rotates the panel towards the direction of maximum intensity obtained. With the implementation the proposed configuration the additional energy generated is around 25% to 30%.there is very less consumption of energy by the system itself. The system have increased efficiency and reduced cost so that it can be implemented mainly in rural area.


coverage could significantly change the estimate of vaccine efficacy in this study, and more detailed research is required to provide an accurate estimate. The rise in the proportion of vaccine failures in Australia is consistent with the Canadian experience 12. However, while 34 cases met the Australian case definition of a vaccine failure, a further 24 cases would meet the United Kingdom vaccine failure definition. In the United Kingdom, where PRP-T vaccine is recommended at two, three and four months of age, a vaccine failure is defined as a case occurring after at least two doses of vaccine given in the first year of life or after a single vaccination given to children at the age of 12 months or more 13. Using this definition, Australia would have had 58 vaccine failures, or 18% of cases under the age of six years. This difference indicates that the PRP-T may be a more immunogenic vaccine than those used in Australia. All the doses of vaccine recommended by the NHMRC appear to be required to prevent a high vaccine failure rate. The HCSS does not provide information on risk factors for vaccine failures. In Canada a number of vaccine failures have been associated with underlying medical problems 12. Immune system defects may also be associated with vaccine failures 14. Clinicians should consider further immunological investigation of Hib vaccine failures if underlying medical conditions are not present. In addition the NHMRC recommends an additional dose of PRP-OMP at six months for premature children who commence on this vaccine 4. The 16 cases of invasive Hib disease which occurred in children who had not completed their course of vaccinations according to the NHMRC schedule, and many cases in unvaccinated children, were potentially preventable. Vaccination providers and parents should remain aware of the need to vaccinate children appropriately and on time against Hib.


The enigmatic life of Finnish-Canadian pioneer Tom (Damianus) Sukanen (1878-1943) is discussed in connection with his steamship Sontiainen, today preserved at the Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village and Museum, outside of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. The article examines details of Sukanen's life and the wide array of plays, novels, films, and musicals that have been made about him since the 1970s. The question of representing heritage through preserved artifacts and museums is explored.


In the emergent field of microfluidics there is the desire to process ever decreasing amounts of analyte. This will challenge our ability to pump, move and mix small volumes of fluid and will require the controlled actuation of various microcomponents. A valuable tool for micromanipulation is optical tweezing. Here the forces due to the reflection and refraction of light at a dielectric interface can be used to pick up, move and rotate microscopic particles. A powerful method of rotating microparticles at high rates in optical tweezers is the use of birefringence. A birefringent particle can be rotated in a standard optical trap simply by manipulating the input light's state of polarisation, however this requires specialist materials that are not easily micromachined. Here we present the modelling, fabrication and rotation of form birefringent microgears. The birefringence comes from the shape of the microgear (a 1D photonic crystal etched into the center of the microgear) rather than the materials intrinsic properties allowing us to use materials convenient for microfabrication. We have demonstrated the orientation of microgears with the direction of polarisation of linearly polarised light and rotation by rotating the direction of polarisation of linearly polarised light and by illumination with circularly polarised light. We have modelled and experimentally measured the magnitude of the birefringence with good agreement. We have also demonstrated that one microgear can be used to rotate a second optically trapped microgear clearly demonstrating how form birefringent microgears could be used to actuate a micromachine such as a microgear pump.


One hundred seventy geotechnical boreholes, two geo-seismic profiles of multichannel analyses of surface waves (MASW), and two geoelectrical cross-sections of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) were carried out in the historical Diriyah urban zone. The borehole samples were analyzed for the geotechnical parameters of the standard penetration test (SPT N-value), the rock quality designation (RQD), and compressive strength (CS). Moreover, P- and S-wave velocities have been calculated. The measured SPT N-value has been corrected to amend the N60 parameter. According to the corrected N60, type, lithological, and soil profiles were divided into five distinct subsurface layers. It is indicated, for all recorded depths, these sediments become denser with depth where the values of N60 increase from 5 to 88 downward. According to grain size distribution, the major part of soil sites is composed of sand and varies from low to medium compressibility. The estimated RQD values range from 5 to 100 indicating rocks with significant variations in their geotechnical and physio-chemical characteristics. Furthermore, the compressive strength varies widely between 152.3 and 1,104.2 kg/cm2, which represents diverse geodynamic behavior under civil engineering constructions. Besides, the range of soil stiffness is indicated by the Shear-wave velocity (Vs) for soil layers, which varies from 171.3 to 456.2 m/s. According to the findings of the MASW profiles, the shear wave velocity is shown to be decreasing in MASW profile 1 between depths of 8 and 14 m, where the values range from 1,000 to 1,500 m/s, indicating a weak zone filled with secondary materials. But line 2 shows how the shear wave velocity decreased from depths of 5 m–11 m, where values ranged from 1,000 to 1,500 m/s, thus indicating a weak zone. The low resistivity zones in ERT cross-sections, which are found at the same depths in MASW profiles, are well associated with these findings. It can be concluded that there are a number of weak zones with varying depths, shapes, and dimensions found in the historical Diriyah urban zone's near-surface deposits that civil engineers, urban planners, and urban developers should consider before undertaking any construction or developmental work involving civil engineering.


This paper is in two parts. The first part describes the foundation seepage cut-off to a new 42 m high gravel fill dam with central clay core. A single 0·8 m wide plastic concrete diaphragm wall, together with adjacent bentonite cement alluvial grouting, provides a seepage cut-off through the 15 m depth of underlying granular alluvium. The discovery of bentonite infill in construction joints in trial panels for the diaphragm wall led to the introduction of alluvial grouting, to inhibit erosion of this bentonite infill into coarse zones in the alluvium. The second part of the paper discusses the main factors governing the effectiveness of diaphragm walls as seepage cut-offs and related dam safety issues, including construction joints, hydraulic gradients and hydraulic fracture. There are a number of issues relating to the use of diaphragm walls as seepage cut-offs that are not well understood, which should be considered in design, construction and monitoring of such walls and where further research is needed.


Larch wood surface is divided into three different lightness areas according to the change characteristics of its wood color,and the change law of four wood color indicators in each lightness area under normal temperature drying conditions is studied.The results show that drying conditions have caused a significant change in the wood color of different lightness areas,but that the change degree is different.


As part of a larger research project into massively open online courses (MOOCs), we have investigated student background, as well as student participation in a physics MOOC with a laboratory component. Students completed a demographic survey and the Force and Motion Conceptual Evaluation at the beginning of the course. While the course is still actively running, we have tracked student participation over the first five weeks of the eleven-week course.


The purpose of this article is to provide a brief introduction to the CHOGM Committee on Co‐operation through Sport, update readers on its recent progress, outline the main thrusts of the Committee's forthcoming Report to Commonwealth Heads of Government in Auckland, and suggest future directions the Committee might take.


In an automatic gain control circuit comprising a black level detecting unit which detects a black level from a video signal, a white level detecting unit which detects a white level from the video signal, and an analog-to-digital converter which adjusts a dynamic range of the video signal based on a difference value between the black level and the white level, a video signal for adjustment including a black level which indicates a minimum brightness of a video image and a white level which indicates a maximum brightness of the video image is input and the dynamic range is adjusted.


The door opened into the little room and a white-coated orderly came in. George greeted me in his usual friendly way. We got on well. Although I was only sixteen he always talked to me as an equal and his manner seemed to ease the puzzled vulnerability I felt as a teenager in hospital. He was carrying a bowl of warm water, towel and soap. 'Your great day', he smiled. I grimaced in mock indifference, but in my heart I was anxious. Today, was my first attendance at the assessment clinic when the 'Great Doctor' would conduct his examination in the presence of his 'Rehabilitation Team'. HE would examine and THEY would discuss, I was told, and then ALL would decide MY future. I had no idea about my future, but I had picked up bits and pieces of information from seeing people on the ward. Some had had operations to correct bladder, limb or spinal defects before starting on the regular physiotherapy programme of exercises for walking (!) with callipers and crutches. I had both a bladder infection and a pressure sore, from my time in the local hospital. I cringed at the idea of people cutting into my body, operating on my innards. I was very anxious.


A segmentation method comprising gray projection, discrete wavelet transform and adaptive segmentation was proposed to realize automatic failure recognition for trouble of moving freight car detection system (TFDS). The correlation between distribution of gray scales and their location were considered when segmented the objects. Calculate the vertical gray projection. Fit the centerline accordingly based on the extreme points which represented the edges of break beam. Considering priori information in the image, rotate a rectangular area in the plane and calculate gray projection along the long axis within the area. Analyze the projection curves and the inclined brake beams could be segmented. Experimental results illustrated that, the technique performed excellently for images which were underexposed, overexposed, local reflex, and blurred.


The objectives of the present study were 1) to evaluate the efficacy of periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (PAOO) when treating severe crowding in patients with Class I malocclusion; 2) to compare orthodontic treatment by modified PAOO approach for crowded cases without extraction versus traditional extraction orthodontic treatment regarding the duration of treatment and changes in the inclination of upper and lower incisors and 3) to study the short-term stability of the results for PAOO technique. A randomized controlled trial was held at the Orthodontic Department of the Dental Faculty, Al-Baath University, Hamah, Syria. Thirty patients (13 males and 17 females) with a mean age of 20.43 years participated in the study. 15 patients were randomly selected to undergo PAOO treatment. During the first week following bracketing and wire activation, labial full thickness flaps were reflected in the maxillary and mandibular arches. Prior to the primary flap closure, a bone grafting/augmentation procedure was performed over the partially decorticated bone. Another 15 patients were randomly selected to undergo conventional treatment for decrowding (extraction of upper and lower first premolars); after first premolars extraction, decrowding and space closure were accomplished. The measured outcomes for the two groups included: duration of the orthodontic treatment, canine to canine width and inter-2nd premolars-width, upper and lower incisor axial inclination, distance between ls-point to the E Line, distance between li point to the E Line, SNA and SNB angles, maxillary and mandibular arch length analysis and maxillary and mandibular incisors irregularity. The orthodontic treatment in the PAOO group was faster than that in the extraction group throughout the experiment (p<0.001). At the end of treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in inter-canines width, but the inter-2nd premolars width was statistically higher in PAOO group than in the extraction group. Compared with traditional orthodontic treatment, the PAOO procedure provides a safe alternative for patients with moderate to severe crowding who desire the benefits of orthodontic treatment in a relatively short duration. Les objectifs de la presente etude etaient: 1) d'evaluer l'efficacite de l'orthodontie acceleree par stimulation osteogenique du parodonte (OASOP) lors du traitement des chevauchements dentaires severes chez des patients ayant une malocclusion de classe I; 2) de comparer la duree du traitement et les changements dans l'inclinaison des incisives superieures et inferieures en appliquant les deux approches (la technique d'OASOP modifiee sans extraction et l'approche traditionnelle d'extraction orthodontique); 3) d'etudier la stabilite a court terme des resultats obtenus en appliquant la technique OASOP. Une etude controlee randomisee a ete entreprise dans le departement d'orthodontie de la faculte dentaire a l'Universite Al-Baath, Hama, en Syrie. Trente patients (13 hommes et 17 femmes) d'un âge moyen de 20,43 annees ont participe a l'etude. 15 patients ont ete choisis au hasard pour subir un traitement OASOP sans extraction dentaire. Les 15 autres patients ont recu un traitement conventionnel avec extraction des premieres premolaires superieures et inferieures. Les variables evaluees pour les deux groupes a differents intervalles du traitement etaient: la duree du traitement orthodontique, la largeur de l'espace inter-canines et de l'espace inter-2emes premolaires, l'inclinaison axiale des incisives superieures et inferieures, la distance entre le point ls a la ligne E, la distance entre le point li a la ligne E, les angles SNA et SNB, la longueur des arcades maxillaire et mandibulaire et l'irregularite des incisives superieures et inferieures. Le traitement orthodontique dans le groupe OASOP etait plus rapide que celui du groupe d'extraction tout au long de l'experience (p <0,001). A la fin du traitement, il n'y avait pas de differences statistiquement significatives dans la largeur de l'espace Inter-canines; cependant, la largeur de l'espace inter-2emes premolaires etait statistiquement plus elevee dans le groupe OASOP que dans le groupe d'extraction. Par rapport a un traitement orthodontique traditionnel, la procedure d'OASOP presente un choix therapeutique sur pour les patients atteints de chevauchements dentaires moderes a graves et qui desirent beneficier d'un traitement orthodontique dans une duree relativement courte.


Abstract From the end of World War II to 1989, a Communist regime dictated political and economic policy in Poland as well as educational curricula. Heavily influenced by Marxist-Leninist ideology, the official state curriculum sought to build support for the Communist system and to promote acquiescence to the Soviet influence in Poland's internal affairs. Yet, the official curriculum contradicted the perspectives of many Poles who recalled the country's historically democratic traditions and lamented its 18th-century partitioning by the Russian, Prussian, and Austrian empires, which resulted in the disappearance of Poland from the map of Europe for 123 years (1795–1918). The resulting inconsistency between the official curriculum and the goals and knowledge of Polish teachers evidenced itself as they attempted to subvert the ideological indoctrination called for by the state. This qualitative study sought to better understand how teachers and students mediated the official curriculum in the classroom. Examination of official curricular documents and interviews with Polish teachers and students yields a portrait of schooling in Communist Poland that is far more complex than the label "indoctrination" allows.


Ground water is a natural resource that is present in bedrock aquifers that underlie much of the Front Range Urban Corridor in Colorado. In 1996, mapping of bedrock-aquifer outcrop and subcrop areas along the western margin of the Denver Basin was undertaken by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Resources, and the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Detailed mapping of outcrop and subcrop areas of the Denver Basin bedrock aquifers was done to better define areas where the aquifers receive recharge directly from precipitation at the ground surface and where they are in direct hydraulic connection with alluvial aquifers. Geophysical logs from oil, gas, and water wells and lithologic logs from exploration borings were used to map the subsurface structure and thickness of the bedrock aquifers. Structural contour maps of the bedrock aquifers then were used in combination with topographic maps of the land surface, information from field observations, and published geologic maps to determine where bedrock-aquifer outcrop and subcrop areas occur. The results of the study indicate that 1) the bedrock aquifers along the western margin of the Denver Basin generally dip gently eastward into the basin and have steepening dips in the vicinity of the mountains of the Front Range and 2) the width of bedrock-aquifer recharge areas varies greatly as a function of dip. The presence of deltaplain paleochannels was inferred from a thickness map of one of the bedrock aquifers. The study demonstrates that geophysical logs can be a useful tool in mapping the subsurface structure of bedrock aquifers, especially in areas where it is difficult to distinguish between formations on the basis of lithology and in areas where bedrock is covered by a thick mantle of unconsolidated sediments.


Ultrawideband (UWB) systems offer high spatiotemporal resolution and are therefore well suited to sensor localization applications. In this paper, we consider the use of UWB signals for positioning and ranging based on fingerprinting using a channel impulse response database. We use indoor measurements to demonstrate the reduction in the location estimation ambiguity and false alarm probability with an increase in the channel bandwidth.


Apomorphine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof in a therapeutically effective amount, including in combination with a carrier containing about 10 wt% to about 95% by weight of the dextran on the total weight of the formulation, of apomorphine delayed release sex (, prolonged release) oromucosal administration for pharmaceutical formulation. In one embodiment of the present invention, dextran molecular weight in the range of between about 5000 Daltons and 100,000 Daltons, for delaying the release of the active pharmaceutical ingredients, the only component in the formulation. In other embodiments, a mixture of microcrystalline cellulose and dextran act as a component for delaying the release of apomorphine.


The growth of the anodic oxide layer and electrolytic behavior of the Pb-0.5%Ag-xCa ( x = 0.4, 0.6 and 0.9mass%) anodes were studied in sulfuric acid solution for the as-cast specimen and the rolled-annealed materials. After 20 days of anodic polarization, the Pb-Ag-Ca ternary alloy anodes were compared with the Pb-1.0%Ag alloy anode conventionally employed in the practical operation of zinc electrowinning.The bath voltage was at similar level or decreased for the ternary alloy anodes compared with the Pb-1%Ag anode without calcium, and systematically reduced with an increasing Ca content.A trend is observed that the coverage of the anode surface mainly with dense layer of beta-PbO2 makes the generation of anode slime less in comparison with the anodes having oxide layer consisting largely of alpha-PbO2. Furthermore, it is noticed that the rolled-annealed alloys were associated by increased generation of anode slime at any calcium content and that the anode oxide layer on these alloys showed strong peaks coming from alpha-PbO2 in their XRD spectra.The observation of the cross section of the anode oxide layer indicated the thick oxide layer on the ternary alloy anodes with reduced generation of anode slime and development of cracks inside the oxide layer.The CaPb3 phase of less resistance against chemical attack was found to be distributed along the boundary of the lead-based alloy grains at 0.4 and 0.6% Ca content and, however, many CaPb3 grains of large size appeared also inside the grains in the 0.9% Ca ternary alloy.The Pb-0.5%Ag-0.4 to 0.6% Ca alloy seems to be most favorable for the reduced bath voltage and the minimized degradation of the anode material. The microstructure control by rolling and annealing the alloys is expected to affect the anode characteristics of the alloys.


Evolutionary programming has been applied to many optimization problems. However, on some function optimization problems its convergence rate is slow. In this paper, swarm directions are embedded in fast evolutionary programming. The swarm direction for an individual supplies its place to be mutated. The experimental results show its effectiveness and efficiency.


is often merely a springboard for lengthy presentations of Barthian theology, or Gershen Kaufman's theory of shame (one of those clothes cluttering the closet). I did not hear very much about how Hunsinger actually worksand puts her ideas into practice. A final quibble has to do with the use of the word "new" in the subtitle: A New Interdisciplinary> Approach. I did not find Hunsinger's contribution to be fundamentally new. It is a particular interdisciplinary approach-one which utilizes a Barthian understanding of the proper relation between human and divine realities. For at least the twenty years I have been in this field, colleagues have been developing methodologies in which the different languages of theology and psychology can be preserved in their integrity while brought usefully to bear upon clinical material. Hunsinger's method is new only in the sense that it is a new particular resolution of the issues involved in functionally relating psychological and theological concepts. I recommend this book. More than once while reading it I found that Hunsinger captured with clarity and precision, like butterflies neatly pinned to velvet, ideas I had but vaguely entertained. Her presentation of method is so clear and so well articulated that it is likely to assist any reader in clarifying and elaborating their own methodology, even though it may differ substantially from hers.


This study focused on literacy-related barriers to understanding the rights of students with disabilities and their parents within the special education system. SMOG readability scores were determined for procedural safeguards documents issued by all state departments of education. The average reading grade level was 16; 6% scored in the high school range, 55% scored in the college range, and 39% scored in the graduate or professional range. Comparisons of national literacy data and national data on the educational attainment of parents of students with disabilities suggest that there is a disproportionate burden of limited literacy among these parents compared to the general population. The significance of results is discussed with respect to relevant regulatory requirements, case law, and evidence from the legal and health literacy fields.


The incidence of glioma has been increasing in recent years, and threatened the human health seriously. Cystine/glutamate antiporter (system xc-) is one of the important glutamate transporters in the central nervous system, both the expression of system xc- and the extracellular glutamate concentration increase in the course of brain tumor's development. Hence system xc- plays an essential role in the process of brain tumor genesis, it has become an important research field in brain tumor in the past decades. Our present review expound the important role of system xc- in the process of glioma genesis and development as well as provide theoretical foundation and new strategies for the clinical treatment and the application of drugs by connecting with anaesthetics and the effects of system xc- on glioma.

Key words:
Vesicular glutamate transport proteins; Cystine; Glioma; Anesthesia; Review


The present study was undertaken to assess crustacean zooplankton diversity. Work was carried out at Bhatye estuary located at latitude 16058'13.57"north and longitude, 73018'28.10"east, Ratnagiri. Samples were collected using simple conical tow plankton net (65 μm bolting nylon).During present observations 23 species of crustacean zooplankton belonging to 18 families 20 genera from Bhatye creek, were recorded. The results clearly show that species like, Scolecithrixdanae, Acrocalanuslongicornis, Euterpinaacutifrons and Microsetellanorvegica were dominated. The present study revealed that the order wise species distribution as in the following manner, Calanoida> Harpacticoida> Cyclopoida> Poecilostomatoida> Diplostraca> Decapoda in Bhatye creek.


In this study, we analyzed up to 80 detrital quartz grains from four lithic greywackes along the stratigraphic column of the Julian Basin, a synorogenic basin in the southeastern Alps between Italy and Slovenia. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of detrital quartz was used to investigate the sample set with interest to its OH-defect speciation and content of each associated substitution. According to several recent studies, OH-defects in quartz are correlated to petrogenetic conditions of the source material and can be used as a provenance tool. The aim of this study is to compare results based on this method with previous studies that used other methods, to better constrain the palaeogeographical reconstruction of sedimentary fluxes. Detrital quartz within the samples of the basin shows different patterns of OH-defects and water content, indicating substantial petrogenetic differences between the sediment source rocks. For the oldest analyzed sample (ca. 66 Ma), the distribution of OH-defects suggests a mixed source between igneous and non-igneous rocks, with a predominance of metamorphic material supply. Another sample (56 Ma) reveals a great variability of OH-defects and water content, indicating that the magmatic component dominates over the metamorphic component. The distribution of OH-defects in the samples at the top of the sequence (52–53 Ma) suggests an almost solely metamorphic source. These results are in line with previous studies based on heavy minerals and geochemistry.


A 40-year-old gentleman came to surgical OPD with chief complaint of crampy abdominal pain since last 12 days. He had complaint of occasional vomiting. Physical examination was not contributory. On per rectal examination, finger was stained with blood. His past surgical and medical history was not significant. His vitals were normal. After routine investigations, Barium enema was advised and it showed the findings revealed in Figure 1.

Figure 1

Barium enema.(Reproduced with permission from Fundamentals of Operative Surgery by Vipul Yagnik, Published by BI Publications, New Delhi)


Purpose: We were to obtain the basic data for studying kinetic visual acuity through the comparative analysis in kinetic visual acuity, visual acuity, refractive error, pupil size, and hand reaction time for college students. Methods: We had tested the kinetic visual acuity, visual acuity, refractive error and hand reaction time using the kinetic visual acuity tester (KOWA AS-4A), the hand reaction time program and auto-refractometer for thirty-nine male and same female optometry students with more than +0.1 LogMAR visual acuity in both eyes. And the results were examined gender differences of kinetic visual acuity and the factors correlation. Results: In the measured values of male, pupil size were 6.00 mm, hand reaction time 0.23 msec, refractive error −1.66 D, visual acuity −0.07, kinetic visual acuity 0.59 and pupil size 5.86 mm, hand reaction time 0.24 msec, refractive error −2.08 D, visual acuity −0.02, kinetic visual acuity 0.46 in female. It was significant difference for kinetic visual acuity values but other factors were not. The kinetic visual acuity and left visual acuity had the highest correlation, r=−0.406. The kinetic visual acuity indicated more excellent values in the case of increasing visual acuity and decreasing myopia amount. Conclusions : It was able to see that male college students were better than female for kinetic visual acuity and the visual acuity were related to kinetic visual acuity.


We demonstrate that self-induced gain gratings can provide nonlinear optical feedback that results in single frequency selection and passive self Q-switching of a conventional linear laser cavity. An experimental Nd:YAG laser system is described that yields a temporally-smooth 20 ns pulse at 1.064 /spl mu/m. In addition, we show that the feedback has phase-conjugate properties that permit "flower-like" mode formation even though the azimuthal symmetry of the cavity is broken.


decompensation may occur in patients withdisorders ofintermediary meta- bolism during intercurrent illness. Toprevent complications itisnormalpractice tochange thedietto an 'emergency regimen'. The mainstay ofthis isahighcarbohydrate intake, usingsoluble glucose polymer, givenas frequent drinks bydayandduring thenight. Additional therapy isgiven for some disorders. Practical details ofthetreatment areoutlined. (Arch DisChild 1992;67:1387-91) Dietisthemainstay oftreatmentformany inborn errorsofintermediary metabolism.' Patients arestabilised on adiet appropriate for their disorder thatwillprovide themwith sufficient nutrients andenergy to grow and develop normally. Howevermetabolic stress suchasintercurrent infections may precipitate decompensation andcausecomplications. To preventthese itiscommon forthediet tobe changed to an 'emergency regimen'. The purposeofthis paperistooutline theprinciples andpractice ofthese regimens.


AIM: To establish a method to induce dendritic cells(DC)from mobilized peripheral hematopoietic stem cells of patients with solid tumor in vitro and to identify the phenotype and the function of DC. METHODS: After the pretreatment for stem cell mobilization, the blood samples were taken to isolate peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) by Blood Corpuscle Separator. The obtained cells (PBSC) were cultured with rhGM CSF, rhIL 4 and nrhTNF α for 7~9 days to generate DC, which were identified by morphological features, surface antigen expressions and the ability to stimulate T cells. RESULTS: After culture and induction,DC displayed typical morphology with elongated dendritic processes viewed by inversion microscope as well as electron microscope. DC expressed high level surface antigens, including CD1a 38.28%, CD11c 66.77%, costimulatory molecules CD80 51.05%, CD86 67.58% and MHC class II molecule HLA DR 72.09%. The result of mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) showed that DC had the ability to stimulate vigorous proliferation of allo T cells. CONCLUSION: Mature DC could be generated from PBSC of patients with solid tumor, Which presents the feasibility for further clinical application of DC in the immunotherapy of cancer.


Exciton and charge delocalization across π-stacked assemblies is of importance in biological systems and functional polymeric materials. To examine the requirements for exciton and hole stabilization, cofacial bifluorene (F2) torsionomers were designed, synthesized, and characterized: unhindered (model) MeF2, sterically hindered tBuF2, and cyclophane-like CF2, where fluorenes are locked in a perfect sandwich orientation via two methylene linkers. This set of bichromophores with varied torsional rigidity and orbital overlap shows that exciton stabilization requires a perfect sandwich-like arrangement, as seen by strong excimeric-like emission only in CF2 and MeF2. In contrast, hole delocalization is less geometrically restrictive and occurs even in sterically hindered tBuF2, as judged by 160 mV hole stabilization and a near-IR band in the spectrum of its cation radical. These findings underscore the diverse requirements for charge and energy delocalization across π-stacked assemblies. Charge and energy dynamics across π‐stacked assemblies is of critical importance in biological systems as well in the performance of functional materials.1-3 Various π‐stacked dimers capable of excimer formation and charge-resonance stabilization based upon benzene,4-8 fluorene,9-12 pyrene,13, 14 and other aromatic donors15-18 have served as model systems to gain fundamental insight into key factors controlling charge/energy stabilization. These studies have established that the extent of the cationic charge (that is, hole) and exciton stabilization/delocalization is dependent on the orbital overlap between the chromophores, and is optimal when the π‐stacked assembly adopts a perfect sandwich‐ like arrangement, where orbital overlap and electronic coupling are at their maxima.10, 11 Building upon this work, recent studies comparing a model covalently linked fluorene dimer F2 with the van der Waals dimer of fluorene, (F)2, have shown that the geometrical requirements for hole and exciton stabilization are distinct.10, 11 In particular, while their ionization potentials (IPs) are identical, excimeric emission at the sandwich-like geometries is shifted to longer wavelength in F2 as compared to (F)2. Thus, a slight displacement from the ideal overlap leads to a less stabilized excimer in (F)2, while cation radical stabilization remains unchanged. In the same context, in covalently linked polyfluorenes (Fn, n=2–7) the cationic charge is delocalized over multiple fluorenes,19, 20 while exciton delocalization is limited to two fluorenes.21 Importantly, the dynamics of hole and exciton transfer in Fn is modulated by a low-frequency torsional mode between adjacent units, as evidenced in the broad and largely unresolved band in the gas-phase excitation spectrum of F2.10 Indeed, calculations show that the activation barrier for interconversion between two mirror images displaced conformers of F2 is only 3 kcal mol−1, yet the electronic coupling along the interconversion coordinate varies between 0.0–0.3 eV (Figure 1 A). Figure 1 A) The electronic coupling and relative energy of F2 calculated using B1LYP40-D3/6-31G(d)+PCM(CH2Cl2) along the intrinsic reaction coordinate connecting two displaced conformations. The structure with the maximal coupling and energy is a transition state with the imaginary frequency (i 12.1 cm−1) corresponding to the torsional motion. B) Representation of the torsional mode in F2. Incorporation of a methylene linker (CF2) and substituents (MeF2 and tBuF2) produces various torsionomers of F2. To probe the effect of cofaciality on the hole and exciton stabilization in π‐stacked systems, we synthesized three rigid torsionomers of F2, that is, cofacial bifluorenes that differ by the extent of their cofaciality along the torsional coordinate via methylene linkers or substituents (Figure 1 B). In a cyclophane-like bifluorene CF2, a pair of four-methylene linkers ensures that the relative arrangement of fluorenes is nearly identical to that found in the excimer and dimer cation radical of unsubstituted F2. In contrast, bulky tBu groups in tBuF2 guarantee that the sandwich-like arrangement is highly energetically unfavorable owing to increased steric hindrance. We then compare the redox and optoelectronic properties of the two torsionomers with those of model monomeric MeF1/tBuF1 and model bichromophoric MeF2, the geometrical properties of which are nearly identical to those of unsubstituted F2. The bifluorene RF2H2 precursor was generated by the condensation reaction between readily available22, 23 RF and 0.5 equivalent of paraformaldehyde with potassium tert-butyl oxide catalyst (Scheme 1 A). Desired bi‐ and mono‐fluorenes (that is, RF2 and RF1) are readily produced through the methylation of RF2H2/RF with MeI and potassium tert-butyl oxide as base (Scheme 1 A/B). Synthesis of CF2 was carried out by following the procedure shown in Scheme 1 C. First, the intermediate Br4F2 was generated by condensation of 2,7-dibromofluorene into Br4F2H2 followed by its methylation. The bromide was then converted to a boron ester using Pd(dppf)Cl2 catalyst, which was reacted with allyl bromide to produce Al4F2. Intramolecular olefin metathesis reaction allowed us to prepare the CF2 precursor in good yield, which was then subjected to Pd/C catalyzed hydrogenation, producing CF2 as a final product. The RF2 and CF2 torsionomers and their model compounds RF1 were fully characterized by 1H/13C NMR spectroscopy (Figure 2 A) and X‐ray crystallography (Figure 2 B); see Supporting Information for full details. Figure 2 A) Partial 1H NMR spectra of MeF2, tBuF2, and CF2 in CDCl3 at 22 °C. B) ORTEP diagrams (50 % diagram) of MeF2, tBuF2, and CF2 highlighting varied cofaciality of the torsionomers. Scheme 1 a) 10 % mol KOtBu, paraformaldehyde 0.5 equiv, DMF, 20 °C 2 h; b) KOtBu 3 equiv, MeI 3 equiv, THF, 0 °C 12 h; c) (BPin)2 4.1 equiv, KOAc 4.2 equiv, Pd(dppf)Cl2 5 % mol, 1,4‐dioxane, reflux 12 h; d) Allyl bromide 8 equiv, Na2CO3 10 equiv, Pd(PPh3)4, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, reflux 12 h; e) Grubbs's II 2 % mol, benzene, RT 24 h; f) H2, Pd/C, benzene, 2 h. The characteristic absorption bands in the electronic spectra of CF2, MeF2, and tBuF2 are comprised of similar vibronic features and the wavelength of the absorption maximum is nearly invariant, that is, λmax=272±2 nm (Figure 3). In contrast, emission spectra of F2 derivatives display a strong dependence on the cofaciality between fluorene moieties (Figure 2). First, the emission spectrum of CF2 shows a broad excimeric-like band at 402 nm with the lifetime (τ) of 3.8 ns. While the emission spectrum of MeF2 displays a similar excimeric band at 400 nm (τ=6.5 ns), it also contains a weak band at 325 nm (τ=2.4 ns), which corresponds to the region where emission of MeF1 monomer occurs (Supporting Information, Figure S3). This indicates that two minima must be present on the potential energy surface (PES) of the S1 excited state of MeF2. Indeed, TD-DFT calculations at the benchmarked12, 24, 25 B1LYP40-D3/631G(d)+PCM(CH2Cl2) revealed the presence of two equilibrium structures of MeF2 on the excited state PES, with different exciton delocalization as represented by the transition-density plots in Figure 3. In the global-minimum excimeric sandwich-like structure, the exciton is delocalized over both fluorenes, while in the higher-energy displaced MeF2, the exciton is localized on a single fluorene. Figure 3 Absorption (gray) and emission (colored) spectra of CF2, MeF2, and tBuF2 in CH2Cl2 at 22 °C. Sticks represent the emission wavelength calculated using TD-B1LYP40-D3/6-31G(d)+PCM(CH2Cl2). Transition-density plots are shown for the equilibrium structures of CF2, MeF2, and tBuF2. In contrast to unhindered MeF2, the emission spectrum of sterically hindered tBuF2 displays strong monomeric and weak excimeric bands at 325 and 380 nm, with corresponding lifetimes of 0.4 ns and 1.5 ns, respectively. This suggests that the steric hindrance imposed by the bulky tBu groups must destabilize a sandwich-like conformation in favor of the conformation where two fluorenes are displaced. Indeed, TD-DFT calculations showed the presence of two energetically similar equilibrium structures on the excited state PES of tBuF2, corresponding to a sandwich-like conformation with exciton delocalized over both fluorenes and a displaced conformation with exciton fully localized on a single fluorene (Figure 3). Cyclic voltammograms of CF2, MeF2, and tBuF2 show (Figure 4 A) two reversible oxidation waves, with the first oxidation potential (Eox) increasing gradually from 0.66 to 0.77 to 0.86 V vs. Fc/Fc+, respectively. Comparison with the appropriate model compounds (MeF1 and tBuF1) shows that stabilization of the cationic charge, that is, ΔEox= Eox(RF1)−Eox(RF2), is largest for CF2 (ΔEox=360 mV) and decreases as the concomitant energetic penalty of adopting a sandwich-like arrangement increases in MeF2 (ΔEox=250 mV) and tBuF2 (ΔEox=160 mV). Despite the significant steric hindrance imposed by tBu groups in tBuF2, the hole stabilization of 160 mV remains significant, highlighting our prior finding that a hole can be stabilized even when there is a minimal orbital overlap.10, 11 Figure 4 A) Cyclic voltammograms of 2 mM CF2, MeF2, tBuF2 (solid lines) and their corresponding monomeric model compounds (dashed lines) in CH2Cl2 (0.1 m n-Bu4NPF6) at a scan rate of 100 mV s−1 and 22 °C. B) Electronic absorption spectra of CF2+., MeF2+., and tBuF2+. in CH2Cl2 at 22 °C. Sticks represent excitation wavelength calculated using TD-B1LYP40-D3/6-31G(d)+PCM(CH2Cl2); dark color corresponds to the sandwich-like structure and light color corresponds to the displaced structure of RF2. We generated the cation radicals of MeF2, tBuF2, and CF2 via quantitative26 redox titrations using robust aromatic oxidants [THEO+.][SbCl6−] and NAP+.SbCl6 (see details in the Supporting Information).27 Reproducible spectra of both CF2+. and MeF2+. show a nearly identical intense i


The role of native vitamin D in the bone tissue physiology is clear not only as an essential nutrient able to treat and prevent rickets but also as a regulator of calcium and phosphate homeostasis, as of bone metabolism. A wide spectrum of biological activities has been described, including effects on cardiovascular, central nervous, and immunological systems, in the cellular growth, as in the control of other hormonal systems. Epidemiological evidences have linked vitamin D deficiency with many other diseases as cancer, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, autoimmune diseases, infections and mortality increase. Overall, this information boosted the use of vitamin D in different clinical settings, without strong scientific evidences, even in doubtful clinical situations. However, clinical trials are showing inconsistent results, putting into question the widespread use of vitamin D. This article presents a review about vitamin D and lists some key scientific evidence on the real benefits of supplementation in humans in various conditions. eneficios de sua suplementacao em seres humanos em diversas condicoes.


The reliability of risk measures for financial portfolios crucially rests on the availability of sound representations of the involved random variables. The trade-off between adherence to reality and specification parsimony can find a fitting balance in a technique that "adjust" the moments of a density function by making use of its associated orthogonal polynomials. This approach rests on the Gram-Charlier expansion of a Gaussian law which, allowing for leptokurtosis to an appreciable extent, makes the resulting random variable a tail-sensitive density function. In this paper we determine the density of sums of leptokurtic normal variables duly adjusted for excess kurtosis by means of their Gram-Charlier expansions based on Hermite polynomials. The resultant density can be effectively used to represent a portfolio return and as such proves suitable for computing some risk measures such as Value at Risk and expected short fall. An application to a portfolio of financial returns is used to provide evidence of the effectiveness of the proposed approach.


The utility model discloses an asphalt pavement pit and groove regeneration machine, belongs to engineering machinery. The invention comprises a chassis and a road wheel. The road wheel is arranged on the inferior position of chassis. The tail of the upside of the chassis is provided with a mixing tube. A feeding and discharging port, a feeding and discharging chute stent and a feeding and discharging chute are arranged on the back-end of the mixing tube. A mixing tube driven motor is arranged on the lateral of the mixing tube to cooperate with the mixing tube. An oil burner and an asphalt heat preservation box are arranged on the middle of the upside of the chassis. The asphalt heat preservation box is connected with the mixing tube via an asphalt tube. An asphalt pump, an asphalt pump driven motor and an asphalt nozzle are arranged on the other side of the asphalt heat preservation box. The chassis in front of the asphalt heat preservation box is provided with a generating set. A supporting hook is arranged on the front-end of the chassis. The utility model has advantages of reasonable configuration, simple structure, maneuver and flexibility, convenient operation, reliable performance and reducing environmental pollution, etc.


Glyphosate resistance was first reported in 1996 from rigid ryegrasss in an orchard in Australia. Subsequently, several additional glyphosate-resistant weed populations have been identified: rigid ryegrass in a wheat production system in Australia and in California; Italian ryegrass in Chile; goosegrass in Malaysia; and horseweed (marestail) in the eastern, midwestern, and southeastern United States. The resistance mechanism in goosegrass is due to an altered target site, whereas the mechanism in the other weeds is under investigation.


....................................................................................................................... ii DEDICATION .....................................................................................................................v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................. vii LIST OF TABLES ...............................................................................................................x LIST OF FIGURES ...........................................................................................................xv INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................1 CHAPTER ONE LITERATURE REVIEW......................................................................5 Invasion of the Southern Atlantic United States ..............................................................5 Description and Nomenclature .........................................................................................6 Biology and Life History ................................................................................................12 Medical Importance ........................................................................................................16 Reproduction in Ancestral State Ants ............................................................................17 CHAPTER TWO VERIFICATION OF THE UTILITY OF FOUR MICROSATELLITE LOCI FOUND IN THE PONERINE ANT PACHYCONDYLA CHINENSIS (EMERY) (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE) .........................................2


Field observation of the Manly Beach in the suburb of Sydney in Australia was carried out to investigate coastal zone environment. Coastal zone in this area has a much better environment compared with the Japanese coast, much of which is covered artificially by concrete blocks. One of the utilizations, which is new in Japan, is the natural pool built at the corner of the pocket beach. This is a good idea in order to create safe, natural recreational zone for swimming and it may be introduced in Japan. Improvement method in building gently sloping revetment is discussed.


Mobile ad hoc netwark is an infrastructureless temporary self-organized network.The routing protocol is an important foundation problem when deployed.Along with traffic development and MAC protocol support,packet can be transmitted with different rate when multi-rate traffic adopted in mobile ad hoc networks.In this paper,AODV routing protocol is simulated with five different rates,i.e.2 Kbps,144 Kbps,1 Mbps,2 Mbps,11 Mbps,and its performance is analyzed.It is showed that AODV routing protocol work well under low rate,and can support high rate traffic.


We read with great interest the article "The importance of detecting anti-DFS70 in routine clinical practice: comparison of different care settings" by C. Bonroy et al. (Clin Chem Lab Med 2018;56(7):1090–1099.) [1]. However, we believe that though the position of antiDFS70 antibodies in the diagnostic algorithm is a hot topic nowadays, it has not been perfectly defined. Interestingly the authors compared the various care settings showing us the different antibodies' frequency in varying proportions. Nevertheless we do not agree with the study design in terms of the methods used to identify the correlation between the anti-DFS70 antibodies and AARD conditions because they started from ANA testing to select the homogeneous-like IIF pattern samples (DFS like). The first studies generated a bias towards the utilized method but in the last decade all studies involving AARD association have taken into account the antiDFS70 specific test and hardly ever the homogenous-like IIF pattern (DFS like) by ANA testing. In fact we found some important limitations stemming from the way the authors approached the selection of the DFS IIF pattern on HEp-2 cells as a first step. First, there are not many patterns different from DFS pattern that may show an anti-DFS70 specificity caused by the mixed ones and the different reactivity of the commercial HEp-2 cells for DFS70 antibodies. Second, Bentow et al. demonstrated a high variability of ANA interpretation even among expert readers [2]. The statement of moderate correlation with AARD conditions may be estimated incorrectly for the mentioned reasons and as the anti-DFS70 positive samples-AARD related after the final stratification is a very small cohort. The authors also showed a moderate concordance (k = 0.75) between the immunoblot (IB) and the chemiluminescence (CIA) methods, while another large study by Bizzaro et al. [3] showed high concordance, therefore we kindly suggest the authors do an additional analysis considering the clear CIA concentration and/or borderline results of the IB and hypothesize the possible reasons for this discrepancy. We believe the most critical point is that the authors make a strong conclusion stating that: "for an ANA-IIF-positive patient, it is rather the absence of AARD-associated ANA and clinical symptoms that contribute to the exclusion of AARD than the presence of antiDFS70". This sounds like a very interesting conclusion but, going against most of the existing literature [4] and with no statistical analysis associated with OR calculations (for example, the absence of symptoms should have a higher OR than the presence of anti-DFS70 antibodies), it is only a speculative conclusion. We strongly recommend considering the several factors causing variability in the anti-DFS70 evaluation: the interobserver reading variability (% of homogeneous-like samples ranging from 7.6% to 26%), the ANA HEp-2 cells dilution titer, the care setting, the specific assay, etc.


Transmission of packets over multiple wireless interfaces is an effective method to improve reliability and reduce the delay of Internet of Things (IoT) transmissions. In this context, Age of Information (AoI) has become a useful metric for many applications, measuring the freshness of the information available on a process that is measured by a remote sensor. In this work, we study the Peak Age of Information (PAoI) of an M/M/2 fork-join system, in which a sensor sends packets simultaneously over 2 separate queuing systems. The first packet to reach the receiver is considered as delivered. We derive lower and upper bounds on the PAoI for systems with finite and infinite buffers based on a low-traffic approximation, and show that the bounds are very tight at the optimal working point, so that the best rate derived from the bounds is very close to the optimum.


Learn how to make your own cheese and other dairy products at the MPO Dairy Expo, at the African Livestock Trade Fair (Alfa) to be held at the AfriDome in Parys from 27 September to 1 October this year.


Based on current status analysis,the barriers against the deep exchange of non-profit organizations between two sides of the Straits are summarized.Meanwhile it is pointed out that the non-profit organizations will play a more important role in the future cross-Straits exchange and cooperation.Development mechanism of non-profit organizations should be established to deepen cross-Straits exchange in the regards of government input,perfect laws,folk exchange,and institution construction.


Curriculum revisions made by Portland Community College's welding technology department seek to attract more students: especially women - to welding occupations.


As the special main body protection from thunder,the field operational ammunition exist some problems of thunder harm.This article analyzed the main action mode,and drew some feasible measures according to the field operations ammunition particularity.The protection range calculating method was applied to the usual thunder preventing establishment such as lightning rod and lightning line.This offers reference for the system and science application on prevention from thunder.


An electro hydraulic gearshift control system was designed based on DSP for the purpose of realizing automatic control of tractors with power shift transmission. The hardware design principle of input module such as pulse signal, analog signal and switching value, and the output drive module of gearshift solenoid valve were investigated. Utilizing the method of modularizing design and the core of real-time and multitask handling system-DSP/BIOS, the operational control process of tractor such as starting, gear shift and braking was investigated, which guaranteed the extensibility of software program. To validate the design, a semi-physical simulation test was tried out. The testing results showed that the control system can realize the automatic shift control based on the tractor speed and the operation of driver, which effectively improved the operating efficiency of tractor.


The sense that the man grants to the nature has depended of the ontoteleological conceptions of every moment and place. The capitalism is the unique regime that has put in danger the existence itself of man and of the nature, on having conceived as "set of resources" at the disposal of man. Depredation and pollution are consubstantial to the dynamics of production of goods for the capital accumulation. Only in the production and massive consumption it is that the capitalist regime is nourished and survives; only a society based on criteria opposed to the capitalist regime can preserve the nature and establish a harmony between it and the man.


The study employed a frailty model to study the determinants of recovery time of diabetic patients from three hospitals in Uganda. It was found that Biguanides work better than Insulin, diet and exercise and Sulphonylureas. Disease duration did not have a significant effect on time to remission. It was concluded that duration of the disease does not have any effect on the effectiveness of the interventions. Time to remission was found to decrease with increase in body mass index and age. Females tend to recover faster than the male and the less or non-educated controlled the disease better than the educated ones. It is concluded that Biguanides are better interventions than Insulin, diet and exercise and Sulphonylureas.


Abstract This research was motivated by the low results of social studies students of class V SDN 10 Surau Tower. The purpose of this study is to improve learning outcomes IPS fifth grade students of SDN 10 Surau Tower by using model Pair Check. This research is a classroom action research (PTK) is conducted in two cycles. The data source is a fifth grade students of SDN 10 Surau Tower totaling 30 people. The instrument used is the teacher activity observation sheet, ratings affective and cognitive assessment. Based on the results of cognitive assessment in the first cycle with the percentage of completeness 52 with an average of 64.6%, increase in cycle II with the percentage of completeness of 76.9 with an average of 74. Ratings affective on the ability of the student's responsibility first cycle with the percentage of completeness 61.08 increase in cycle II with an average percentage of 79.80 completeness. Rate affective on the ability of student discipline first cycle with the thoroughness of 62.18 percentage increase in cycle II with an average percentage of 83.65 completeness. Meaningful indicators in this study succeeded in the implementation of learning by using learning model Pair Check progressing well. Based on the results of this study concluded that the IPS learning through learning model Pair Check can improve learning outcomes fifth grade students at SDN 10 Surau Tower. Keywords : learning outcomes, IPS, Pair Check


Significance Wind turbines generate electricity by removing kinetic energy from the atmosphere. We show that the limited replenishment of kinetic energy from aloft limits wind power generation rates at scales sufficiently large that horizontal fluxes of kinetic energy can be ignored. We evaluate these factors with regional atmospheric model simulations and find that generation limits can be estimated from the "preturbine" climatology by comparatively simple means, working best when the atmosphere between the surface and hub height is naturally well-mixed during the day. Our results show that the reduction of wind speeds and limited downward fluxes determine the limits in large-scale wind power generation to less than 1 W⋅m−2. Wind turbines remove kinetic energy from the atmospheric flow, which reduces wind speeds and limits generation rates of large wind farms. These interactions can be approximated using a vertical kinetic energy (VKE) flux method, which predicts that the maximum power generation potential is 26% of the instantaneous downward transport of kinetic energy using the preturbine climatology. We compare the energy flux method to the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) regional atmospheric model equipped with a wind turbine parameterization over a 105 km2 region in the central United States. The WRF simulations yield a maximum generation of 1.1 We⋅m−2, whereas the VKE method predicts the time series while underestimating the maximum generation rate by about 50%. Because VKE derives the generation limit from the preturbine climatology, potential changes in the vertical kinetic energy flux from the free atmosphere are not considered. Such changes are important at night when WRF estimates are about twice the VKE value because wind turbines interact with the decoupled nocturnal low-level jet in this region. Daytime estimates agree better to 20% because the wind turbines induce comparatively small changes to the downward kinetic energy flux. This combination of downward transport limits and wind speed reductions explains why large-scale wind power generation in windy regions is limited to about 1 We⋅m−2, with VKE capturing this combination in a comparatively simple way.


The structure of ionic solutions is a key‐point in understanding physicochemical properties of electrolyte solutions. Among the reduced number of experimental techniques which can supply direct information on the ion environment, X‐ray Absorption techniques (XAS) have gained importance during the last decades although they are not free of difficulties associated to the data analysis leading to provide reliable structures. Computer simulations of ions in solution is a theoretical alternative to provide information on the solvation structure. Thus, the use of computational chemistry can increase the understanding of these systems although an accurate description of ionic solvation phenomena represents nowadays a significant challenge to theoretical chemistry. We present: (a) the assignment of features in the XANES spectrum to well defined structural motif in the ion environment, (b) MD‐based evaluation of EXAFS parameters used in the fitting procedure to make easier the structural resolution, and (c) the us...


Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) are characterized by an abnormal aggregation of misfolded beta‐sheet rich proteins such as β‐amyloid (Aβ), tau (in AD) and α‐synuclein (in PD). In healthy cells, the correct folding of proteins is controlled by ubiquitously expressed molecular chaperones, which prevent the accumulation of harmful protein species. Our understanding of this quality control machinery and its involvement in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases is, however, very limited. We here describe a novel chaperone‐like function for the neuroendocrine protein 7B2, a highly conserved protein that is widely expressed in the nervous and endocrine systems. In vitro, 7B2 efficiently prevented the fibrillation of Aβ(1–42), Aβ(1–40), tau and α‐synuclein at a molar ratio of 1:10. This anti‐aggregation effect was dose‐dependent and most effective when 7B2 was present as the full‐length (27 kDa) form. Both exogenous application of 7B2 into the medium of Neuro2A cells, as well as endogenous adenoviral‐mediated overexpression of 7B2 blocked the neurocytotoxic effect of Aβ(1–42) and significantly increased cell viability. In the substantia nigra of a human PD‐affected brain, 7B2 was highly colocalized with α‐synuclein, indicating a physiological association. Taken together our results suggest that 7B2 may play a role in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases.


The roles played by thermodynamic stability and precipitable water in the production of rainfall are of prime importance. These two variables have been combined into a "Rainfall Potential" function by the use of multivariate statistical techniques. Data from weather stations in southern New Mexico and southwest Texas were used in the study. The results appear promising for further investigation, possibly in relation to the occurrence of rare but extremely heavy rains


The important role of nuclei on cavitation inception and cavitation development is now well known. Several recent studies have allowed a precise correlation between cavitation inception for different types of cavitation on marine propellers and nuclei distributions (20th ITTC report). In a standard cavitation facility the nuclei distribution will depend on the hydrodynamic operating conditions, and can change during whole cavitation tests. Then, to be able to transpose the model results to full-scale. it is necessary to determine precisely the nuclei distribution corresponding to each cavitation operating point. An illustration is given by analyzing the influence of the operating conditions on a complete cavitation inception «bucket». Moreover, as nuclei govern the whole cavitation process, nuclei measurements are also conducted at sea. The main purpose of all these studies is the accurate prediction of full-scale cavitation behavior from precise transposition laws. This is possible only when nuclei distributions are determined


In the present work, a formulation of acetaminophen syrup was developed, with a dose of 160 mg / 5 ml, aimed at forming part of the basic table of medicines of the University School Hospital of the National Autonomous University of Honduras. An experimental statistical design of D-optimal mixture was carried out to determine the combination of cosolvents that allows solubilizing the dose of acetaminophen. The independent variables were the content of: water, ethanol, glycerin, sorbitol 70% and propylene glycol; while the responses were pH and dissolved drug content. All the variables influenced the dissolution of the pharmaceutically active ingredient (IFA); with a higher incidence of ethanol and propylene glycol. The optimal mixtures were able to initially dissolve the IFA dose, but after fifteen days the recrystallization of the drug occurred. Given this situation, 7% of polyvinylpyrrolidone (K-30) was incorporated, this guaranteed the solubility of acetaminophen, achieving an adequate appearance. Subsequently, sensory tests evaluated by untrained judges 60 were performed, which allowed to select the strawberry flavor (0.2%) and the red color FD & C 40 (0.4%) as the flavor and color correctors, respectively. In addition, the analytical method was validated by High Resolution Liquid Chromatography established in USP 35. The method was linear, precise and selective for the analysis of acetaminophen in the proposed formulation, but did not comply with the accuracy parameter. Finally, the chemical and technological quality control of the elaborated preparations was carried out, at 0 and 90 days and the preliminary microbiological analysis fulfilling the established specifications.


In the article, the essence of such notions as "inclusive education", "inclusive education environment", "inclusive resource center", "a person with special education needs" is disclosed; the main stages in inclusive education development and formation in the word practices are given; the legal framework for inclusive education in Ukraine is considered as well as conditions in terms of which a higher education institution obtains the inclusive status; considerable changes in the regulative -legal framework concerning inclusive education environment improvement at higher education institutions (HEI) in recent period are determined; focused on that a necessary precondition for efficient forming of inclusive environment at a HEI is improvement of theoretical and methodological foundation of inclusive education, raising the training level of the teaching personnel who are to work with persons with special education needs, their material, technical, digital, and methodological support.


Software Defined Networking (SDN) introduces a logically centralized control plane to run diverse management applications. In practice, a logically centralized control plane is realized using multiple controllers for scalability, reliability, and availability reasons. In fact, for various current and future networks of interest, it is practically infeasible to attempt a physically centralized SDN system. As SDN gains popularity, it is important to secure the SDN infrastructure to be resilient to potential attacks. In SDN, controllers can become high-value and attractive targets for an adversary for the following reasons. First, controllers are sinks of information collected from different switches. This includes network topology and flow-counter values. Such information can be privacy sensitive. For example, an organization may wish to protect its internal network topology or hide what type of traffic is being routed through its network. In addition, privacy policies may prohibit information from flowing between one part of the organizational network to another. Second, controllers run full-fledged software stacks including an operating system and management applications. Therefore, they may expose a much larger attack surface than switches. Moreover, threats may arise from multiple sources. In addition to software vulnerabilities that may exist in the controller software stack, malicious insiders who have privileged access to the controllers may leak sensitive information or sabotage network operations. For example, the network operator wants to make sure that traffic flow counters in the controllers stay untouched by an adversary. Manipulation of these counters could allow DDoS


1. It is quite obvious, from the favorable positions accorded childhood, adolescence, and the early years of maturity as contrasted with the negative perspective held toward the later years of life, that both groups of patients generally view old age with a gloomy eye. 2. The degree of mental disturbance in the patients has little seeming effect on their over-all saturnine attitude toward old age. 3. In both the closed ward and open ward patients, there appears to be little association between the age of the patients and their outlook on aging. This agrees with the reported findings in the literature for "normal" groups. It is notable that both groups of patients, with mean ages in the 30's, regard this age period to be most favorable for the aspects of "living a full life," " meaningfulness of life," "job satisfaction," "activity in family affairs," and "clubs and organizations"; also, that many of them felt that for those in this age period the most favorable years for aspects like "happiness," "freedom...


The activity concentrations of Ra, Ra, Th, and K were investigated in drinking water resources in Sidfa and El-Ghanayim of Assiut Governorate, Upper Egypt. Concentrations of radionuclides in a total of nine samples were determined via gamma-ray spectrometer using a reverse electrode high purity germanium(REGe) detector with a specially designed shield.The average activity concentrations 226 Ra, 228 Ra, 232 Th, and 40 K were 257.32±37.63, 68.47±11.48, 78.07±11.20, and 826.30±91.57 mBq L -1 , respectively. The annual effective dose changed from 12.1210 to 79.7510mSvyr with an average valueof 47.5310 mSvyr −1 , from 20.9110 to 14.1210mSvyr with an average value of 83.7310 mSvyr, and from 22.4910 to 11.1610 mSvyr with an average value of 69.4410 mSvyrthe for different age groups infants, children and adults, respectively.The cancer risks due to water consumption during the life time (70 yr) were estimated and they were ranged between 1.3310 and 1.6610.


The Japanese animation industry is very mature, and it has a certain impact on the values of Chinese youth after entering the Chinese market. The courage to pursue dreams in Japanese anime and the determination to challenge difficulties and team awareness have a positive effect on the formation of correct values for adolescents, and the violence and pornography also have a certain negative impact on the formation of adolescent values. In-depth analysis of the reasons for Japanese anime in Chinese youth, objectively discusses the advantages and disadvantages of Japanese animation affecting the growth of Chinese youth, and has a positive effect on the physical and mental growth of contemporary Chinese youth.


This study titled disclosure of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate financial performance. This study aimed to examine the effect of disclosure CorporateSocial Responsibility (CSR) on the performance keuangan.Selain the researchers used the ratio ROS (return on sales), EPS (earnings per share), and stock prices to evaluate the performance of the controls used keuangan.Variabel is leverage , firm size (size), and institutional ownership. Leverage provides information on funding liabilities remain firm and its ability to meet the obligations of this funding. This study describes the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR), leverage, company size, and institutional ownership tehadap financial performance is proxied by the ratio of ROS (return on sales), EPS (earnings per share), and stock prices. The population in this study are all mining and manufacturing companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) in the period 2011-2013 amounted to 105 companies. The method used in the selection of the sample in this research is purposive sampling, with specific criteria, that the financial statements of companies sampled ended December 31, 2011, 2012, and 2013.Based on data analysis, we concluded that the disclosure of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has no effect on the financial performance return on sales (ROS) but positive effect on earnings performance pr share (EPS) and stock prices (HG_SHM). It is therefore not accepted hypothesis 1a, 1b and 1c while the hypothesis is accepted.Keywords: Influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR), leverage, company size, and institutional ownership of financial performance


The present invention discloses an audio signal processing method and apparatus, a method and apparatus for forming difference beam, in order to solve the conventional audio signal processing system while the audio signal processing problems under various application scenarios not. The present invention determines the super-directional differential beamforming coefficients; desired type of output signal according to the current application scenario acquired weighting coefficient corresponding to the current scenario, the weight coefficient using the acquired input audio signal superdirective difference beam forming processing to obtain the current application super directional difference beam signals are formed in the scene; formed signals are processed to obtain a final audio signal required for the current application scenario. By the present invention can meet different requirements of different application scenarios require an audio signal processing mode.


In this thesis we prove the birational non-rigidity of Picard rank 1 Fano 3-folds in codimension 4 having Fano index 1. This is done by explicitly constructing Sarkisov links for these varieties to other Mori fibre spaces. We also consider those Fano 3-folds in codimension 4 and Fano index 1 having Picard rank 2, and we identify a Mori fibre space in its birational equivalence class. In a final short chapter, we begin this program for Fano 3-folds in codimension 4 having Fano index 2 by demonstrating a construction of them as quotients of index 1 Fano 3-folds.