Summary

Reconstructing individual growth history from analysis of increments in otoliths, scales, or spines can provide information on past growth responses to environmental variation, which in turn can be useful for predicting population-level response to climate change. The objective of this study was to examine correlations between body length and different metrics of otolith size for Micropterus dolomieu. Three metrics corresponding to commonly-used microstructural and ultrastructural otolith dimensions were measured using image analysis of digital micrographs from a sample of 214 M. dolomieu ranging from 115 to 438 mm total length collected in 2011–2013. It was found that anteroposterior length of whole otoliths provided much improved regression relationships with body size as well as ease of data collection and faster sampling throughput compared with microstructural measures from polished sections. When applying these metrics to reconstruct growth history the biological intercept model generally produced more reasonable back-calculated estimates of length-at-age, although this was not consistent across all otolith metrics. Results suggest that whole otolith measures should be employed due to efficiency of data collection and greater reliability for reconstructing growth history in M. dolomieu.


The molecular structure of the title compound, C16H11BrN2O4S, is very similar to that of the previously reported fluoro analogue [al-Rashida et al. (2010 ▶). Acta Cryst. E66, o2707]. The mean planes of the bicyclic chromone system and the benzene ring of the benzothiadiazine derivative make a dihedral angle of 58.23 (8)°. An intramolecular N—H⋯O hydrogen bond occurs. In the crystal, molecules are linked into layers by N—H⋯O and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, generating an infinite two-dimensional network.


Line positions and strengths of HN03 from 850 to 920 cm−1 have been retrieved from room temperature spectra recorded at 0.00265 cm−1 resolution using the FTS at Kitt Peak and flowing gas samples.


Studies were conducted in an attempt to determine the hemolytic potential of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on normal intact red blood cells (RBCs). ASA (25 mg/100 ml) did not impair RBC G6-PD, glutathione peroxidase or catalase activity, glutathione stability, or hexose monophosphate shunt activity. Hemolysis was not observed after incubation with ASA alone but was quickly noted after exposure to ASA (25 mg/100 ml) and Hz02 (1.2%). Hemolysis did not occur with Hz02 alone but was directly proportional to the ASA concentration. Hemolysis was preceded by peroxidation of membrane lipid and was inhibited by the presence of the antioxidant, thymol. With ASA and Hz02 a marked reduction in membrane phosphatidyl ethanolamine occurred with oxidation of 20:4 and 226 fatty acids. No effect on phospholipids or fatty acids occurred with either ASA or Hz02 alone. Salicylic acid, singly or with HzOz, does not exhibit these effects.


Kernel-based modeling of dynamic systems has garnered a significant amount of attention in the system identification literature since its introduction to the field. While the method was originally applied to linear impulse response estimation in the time domain, the concepts have since been extended to the frequency domain for estimation of frequency response functions (FRFs), as well as to the estimation of the Volterra series in time domain. In the latter case, smoothness and exponential decay was imposed along the hypersurfaces of the multidimensional impulse responses, allowing lower variance estimates than could be obtained in a simple least squares framework. The Volterra series can also be expressed in a frequency domain context, however there are several competing representations which all possess some unique advantages. Perhaps the most natural representation is the generalized frequency response function (GFRF), which is defined as the multidimensional Fourier transform of the corresponding Volterra kernel in the time-domain series. The representation leads to a series of frequency domain functions with increasing dimension.


An ultra-wideband low-profile platform-conformable omnidirectional antenna based on the mode-0 SMM antenna has been developed. Its 10:1 gain bandwidth is slightly larger than that of the well-established conical monopole, yet its height is less than half that of the monopole. Compared with other well-known low-profile omnidirectional antennas with a gain bandwidth over 2:1, its gain bandwidth of 10:1 is much larger. Further size reduction improvement and performance enhancement for this new antenna are highly feasible.


In 1993–1994, we investigated nest success and productivity of Ferruginous Hawks (Buteo regalis) in north-central Montana. The 171-km2 study area contained a variety of habitats, a high density of ...


Empirical studies on agglomeration have focused on the identification of its productivity-enhancement effects. A reduction in marginal costs due to agglomeration economies increases the operating profit of firms, which enables them to employ more inputs to produce higher-quality products. This study examines such effects of agglomeration on product quality by using plant-product-level data for Japanese manufacturing. Empirical findings confirm that product quality increases with the market size of regions, suggesting that agglomeration-inducing polices are effective for increasing firms' profits by improving both productivity and product quality. Stated differently, our results indicate that the benefits of agglomeration on profits are underestimated in previous studies by ignoring its contribution to quality upgrading.


One hundred fifty seven germplasm lines of okra including some wild related species were evaluated for resistance against yellow vein mosaic disease under natural epiphytotic conditions. Three accessions of A. tetraphyllus, three accessions of A. ficulneus and one accession each of A. manihot ssp manihot, Hibiscus panduraeformis and H. vitifolius were observed to be completely free from the disease. Most of the accessions of A. esculentus and all the five accessions of A. tuberculatus were highly susceptible to the yellow vein mosaic disease.


A number of drawbacks in previous electronic voting schemes are analyzed in this paper. A new voting protocol is proposed. As results, giving up voting rights is allowed, low computational complexity is achieved and wide application is embodied. In the end, the security of the protocol is proved.


Abstract : Mass screening programs, coupled with genetic counseling, hold the promise of the elimination of sickle cell disease, leaving successive generations of black Americans progressively healthier. A rational screening method must be based on an understanding of the principles and limitations of currently used diagnostic tests and an analytical appreciation of the molecular pathology of hemoglobin S. Initial screening of the population at risk is undertaken by the automated dithionite test and only positive specimens are further studied by hemoglobin electrophoresis. This two-phase technique yields all necessary and pertinent data for diagnosis and genetic counseling at the lowest possible cost. The principle of the dithionite test is based on the easy detection of hydrophobic-bond-dependent nematic liquid crystal systems formed by hemoglobin S. The automated dithionite test can process 960 whole blood specimens per technician-day at a reagent cost of 2 cents each. An accelerated version, currently in extended field trials, processes 1,200 whole blood specimens per technican-day at a reagent cost of 0.1 to 2 cents each. (Modified author abstract)


This Use Case study investigates the distribution division of a company, Food Manufacturing Company (FMC), focusing on the potential impact an Auto-ID implementation may have on process and systems. While the use case takes a broad look at the different processes within distribution, of particular concern for FMCDistribution (FMCD) is the final process in which goods are placed onto trailers for transportation. An Auto-ID implementation solution for this concern is detailed as a possible pilot. The analysis is based on interviews and discussions held with FMCD staff, utilising a Use Case approach that entails: 1. finding a representative use case for process improvement in terms of current processes, issues, and implementation possibilities; 2. contrasting associated processes with proposed ones, and, 3. identifying the additional data and transactions required in related information systems. Based on the analysis of any potential impact on processes and systems, the study concludes that opportunities exist to promote initial implementations of Auto-ID technologies. While Auto-ID may be considered disruptive it is possible to envisage an incremental approach for implementation strategies. Importantly, it should be remembered that Auto-ID implementations, particularly initial ones, would have to be executed within the constraints of existing processes and systems.


Objectives and Background Initiatives to improve teacher quality and student achievement in math and science are increasingly focusing on the role that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) faculty play in the teacher preparation process (NSF 1996; NRC, 2000). Since pre-service candidates must take prescribed sequences of STEM courses, the quality of these courses plays a direct role in these students' future knowledge of the STEM disciplines. However, deficiencies in graduating students' content knowledge and high rates of attrition among undergraduate science majors indicate the need to improve STEM undergraduate education as a part of broader reforms to K-12 education (e.g., Handelsman et al, 2006; Seymour & Hewitt, 1997). In addition to the traditional focus on technical systems, in recent decades researchers have focused on the importance of the subjective, non-rational qualities of Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) as an important mediating variable that may inhibit or support reform initiatives (Birnbaum,1988; Tobias, 2000; Seymour 2001; Henderson & Dancy (in press); Walczyk, Ramsey, & Zha, 2005). For example, Seymour (2001) highlights the important role that departmental values and practices play in determining how faculty view their instructional practices.


Two books published in 1995, with curiously similar yet contrasting titles, Craig A. Monson's Disembodied Voices and Embodied Voices, a collection of essays edited by Leslie C. Dunn and Nancy A. Jones, approach the same subject from an intriguingly opposite perspective: female expression throughout modem Western civilization's male dominated culture. Dunn and Jones' book considers the topic of female presence, among other subjects, in the use of music in the works of Dante, Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Eliot and others. Monson's singularly focused history of a seventeenth century Bolognese convent attempts to show the methods of personal and communal expression available to women in even the most restricted of environments. Both books consider modem feminist issues and strive to dispel misconceived notions of female subjugation throughout history. At the center of Disembodied Voices: Music and Culture in an Early Modem Italian Convent is the musical work of Lucrezia Orsina Vizzana (15~1662), who entered the convent of Santa Cristina della Fondazza at the age of eight, and in the year 1623, had published her Componimenti musical de motetti a una a pui voci (Musical Compositions in the Form of Motets for One or More Voices). Vizzana was the only woman musician among the 150 or more singers, organists and composers sheltered in the city's convents to risk public and patriarchal criticism for appearing in print, even though by the year 1631, nuns comprised nearly fourteen percent of the Bolognese female population (p. 6). But Monson's book is about much more than the craft of Vizzana's talents. As a matter of fact, little is known about the life of Vizzana after her publication other than some accounts of her struggles with insanity (p. 180), and she faded from prominence in the cloistered community of Santa Cristina as well as from the pages of Monson's book. However, the convent itself, throughout the rest of the


Translocation of rock lobsters involves shifting lobsters from places where they grow slowly to places where they grow faster livestock. Translocation is a way of increasing production in th yield from our limited number of juvenile lobsters. The technique has been explored for several years through research projects at IMAS, supported by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and the Aust commercial operations run by the Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fishermen's Association. Previous projects had shown that Southern Rock Lobster translocation could be used to address several problems that affect the Tasmanian Southern Rock Lobster fishery. Some areas of the fishery are "growth overfished", meaning that larger harvests would be sustainable if lobsters were able to grow to a larger size before being caught. At the other extreme, large areas i water off the remote west coast are under limit is too large. These areas are however good areas for juvenile lobsters to settle from the plankton and grow as juveniles. Density of lobsters in thes average catch of over 30 per pot in our research sampling. Although lobsters are numerous, the contribution of the average individual to the harvest is less than elsewhere because their growth is slow. In 2005, we moved 1000 tagged animals onto reefs that should have been productive but had been depleted by fishing. Within months fishers started catching tagged lobsters that had grown remarkably fast. Fishers were also excited because these lobsters had changed co premium grade quality for markets. Larger scale translocations were conducted over the following years with 30,000 lobsters shifted to different locations around Tasmania. In each case lobsters increased their growth rate, usually by five location. Growth of females was especially rapid and was often double that of local lobsters (we don't understand the physiology involved here). – it's the same process that farmers use on land with droving of e fishery because it increases the


stage where the cells started to die and entering the death phase. The overall profile of the growth rate appears sigmoidal curve [10]. One of the most important parameters of the growth curve is µ max (or µ m ). In biological systems, this value is used to develop secondary models such as the effects of product, pH, temperature, substrate on growth rate of the organism. The µ max or µ m is usually given by the slope of the line at the exponential phase [11]. The most popular method in estimating this value is through conversion of the exponential phase to a linearized form usually via transforming the y values into logarithm or natural logarithm and then determining the slope of this curve using linear regression. A better method, but often neglected, is ABSTRACT The mistletoe fig ( Ficus deltoidea ) is frequently found in several areas of the world, and primarily functions as houseplant or an ornamental shrub. The plant is discovered indigenous generally in Asia tropical region for example Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand. Scientific studies on the effect of plant growth regulators on cells production from this plant are vital as optimization of cells production may result in effective production of secondary products characterization and output. The growth of cell suspension cultures from this plant shows sigmoidal property. In this work, we model the effect of the plant growth regulator 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) on the growth kinetics of the cells from this plant according to the modified Gompertz model. The coefficient of determination showed good agreement between experimental and predicted data with values ranging from 0.97-0.98. The results showed that 2,4-D at 2 mg/L was optimal for achieving the highest cells growth rate. It is anticipated that the growth parameter constants extracted from the modelling exercise will be helpful in the future for additional secondary modelling on the effect of media conditions as well as other factors on cells growth. rate ( µ m ), lag time ( λ ) and maximal cell production ( Y max ). The results showed


This paper Description of Fluid characters is concerned with the study of motion of fluid. Either fluid mechanics is the study of fluids in motion or at rest and Fluid dynamics a branch of Fluid mechanics is the study of behaviour of fluids when they are in motion. This paper is intended to provide a survey of basic concepts in fluid dynamics as a preliminary to the study of dynamical meteorology. The scope of fluid mechanics is vast and has numerous applications in engineering and human activities. This paper designed to explain the fundamentals of fluid mechanics in the areas of properties of fluids. Fluid is a substance, which can flow. Technically the flow of any substance means a continuous relative motion between different particles of the substance The analysis of the behavior of fluids is based on the fundamental laws of mechanics which relate continuity of mass and energy with force and momentum together with the familiar solid mechanics properties. This paper begins with some basic characteristics of fluids, which are subsequently found useful in understanding various conceptual ideas of Fluid Mechanics.


14. Trench Diarrhoea. REMLINGER AND DUMAS (Rei'. dlihyqiine ct de police sanita ire, Marlch 20th, 1915) say that the termi11"trench dliarrhoea" covers some very different conditions: infections by typhoid and paratyphoid bacilli, mucomeinbranous enteritis, diarrhoea connected with improper action of the stomaelr. In most cases it is simply a more or less acute form of dysentery-a coinplaint fromi which no troops in the field are exempt. Diarrhoea and dysentery have l)revailed wvith particular severity among the troops in the Argonne. They appeared at the end of the hot weather, when hostilities began in that district, and were but little checked by the cold of winter. Of the several hundred cases, some were dyspeptics of long standing, others were cases of muconmemiibranous enteritis, easily produleecl by the coarse army diet, consistIng largely of meat, independently of any staiy in the trenches. Another was a case of paratyphoid. In most of the cases, however, the patient had never suffered fronm gastric or intestinal trotuble. Soon after he entered the trenehes, where he felt the fatigue and cold intensely, the diarrhoea appeared, beginning with four or five soft yellowish stools in the twenty-four hours. Gradually the number increased, especially at night; the faeces became more liquid and clear, and greenish instead of yellow. At the same time colicky pains preceded defaecation, which produced no feeling, of relief. Tenesmuis suLpervened, and the number of stools increased to twelve or fifteen, some of theim greasy or bloody, and two-thirds of them at least occurring durinig the night. There was never any fever, buit sliglht constittutional disturbance in the way of loss of strength and appetite, slight fronital lheadache, and sometimnes nausea and vormliting. The only treatment required was to keep the patient warm and (luiet in bed, when a few days effected a complete cure in the majority of cases. In a few cases serious, but rarely fatal, dysentery occurred. In the fatal cases the autopsy showed lesions of the large intestine and hypertrophy of the mesenteric ganglia. The small intestine was healthy, and Peyer's patches were nieither ulcerated nor hypertrophiedl. The spleen was lhard and shrutnlken, tllus excluding all action by Eberth's bacilluts or laratyplhoi(d bacilli. Microscopic examiniation of the stools showed the features characteristic of dlysentery, andcl animal parasites, such as the eggs of ankylostomnata, were never found. The causes of trench diarrhoea are said to be exposure to cold and wet, and to the w ant of warm foocl. In the case of the large numbers of men unaccutstonied to much meat, the fact that the rations consist almiiost exclusively of beef was certainly a contribtutory cause. Few of the patients attribtuted their malady to water. Although a few admitted they had drunlk w-ater fromn shell holes or from sources of doubtfuLl purity, Imlost of them said that the cold enabled them to a large extent to do without (drinkinig anythiing but wvine, tea, or coffee. Now, all the cauises above mentioned must be regarded as predisposing only. The presence of a special bacilluis is essential, buit it seems to have little effect alone, as it has been fouind in the faeces of men who lhave not been exposed to the predisposing conditions, and wlho lhave reilmained in perfect health. The bacilluts seems to be derived fronm the trench mud contaminatedl w%ith faecal mlatter. This gets on to the boots, tlhence on to the hands and(I the food. In the summer duLst and flies also carry the infection. Moreover the infection, even if it does niot occuIr in the treniches, may take place in the villages hard by where the men go to rest, after five or teni days in the trenclhes, for about an equal period. The result is that the villages are crowded, and it is impossible to secure proper sanitary precautions. Further, most of the food for the men in the trenclhes is coolked in these villages, so that the bacilli may also be carried to the trenches from the kitchens. What is now called "trench liarrlhoea "has always been rife iii tlhe Argonne, and presented no clifference of character in the suramer of 1914 from what it has beeIn in previous summers.


Significance Uncontrolled reduction of fat tissues can cause an array of diseases that include diabetes but mechanisms remain to be fully defined. Autophagy, a cellular self-eating process, takes part in regulating the health of fat tissues. We investigated the role of an autophagy-participating factor named PIK3C3 in fat cell health and related metabolic diseases. We have found that the absence of PIK3C3 in fat cells of mice causes defects in the differentiation, survival, and function of fat cells, resulting in compromised body temperature control, abnormal blood lipid levels, fatty liver, and diabetes that resemble the abnormalities seen in patients with lipodystrophy. These findings reveal a crucial role for PIK3C3 in fat tissues, with potential therapeutic implications.


We investigate Selmer groups of Jacobians of curves that admit an action of a non-trivial group of automorphisms, and give applications to the study of the parity of Selmer ranks. Under the Shafarevich-Tate conjecture, we give an expression for the parity of the Mordell-Weil rank of an arbitrary Jacobian in terms of purely local invariants; the latter can be seen as an arithmetic analogue of local root numbers, which, under the Birch-Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture, similarly control parities of ranks of abelian varieties. The core of the paper is devoted to developing the theory of Brauer relations and regulator constants in the context of Galois covers of curves.


The sympathetic Inrush current that occurs in series and parallel transformers can cause the creation of two major problems in the protection of power transformers. The main problem is that the peak of the inrush current for this case is more severe rather than common inrush current that the protection system may mal-operate. Besides, when a common protection system is designed for parallel transformers, the line input current, the vector summation of the input currents, will be detected as a single-phase fault that can cause the incorrect operation of the protection system. For this purpose, this paper presents a novel approach based on Lissajous of current signal for detection of inrush current phenomenon. The proposed method detects the faults very quickly; as well as, this method has appropriate operation under noisy conditions, like white Gaussian noise. This method is evaluated using a network consist of 230 to 63 kV parallel transformers with vector group ynd11. The results show that the proposed method performs better than conventional industrial schemes, such as second harmonic, zero-crossing, and waveform analysis method.


Objective. Vascular endothelial growth factor‐C (VEGF‐C) and VEGF‐D promote both endothelial and lymphatic vascularization during embryonic development. We studied their presence in amniotic fluid (AF) and maternal plasma during pregnancy. Design. Descriptive study. Setting. University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. Samples. AF at 14–20 weeks (n = 20) and 38–41 weeks' of gestation (n = 20), serial plasma samples (n = 38) from 16 healthy pregnant women during 8–40 weeks of pregnancy, and plasma from 15 non‐pregnant controls. Methods. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Main outcome measures. Concentrations of VEGF‐C and ‐D in AF and maternal plasma. Results. VEGF‐C concentrations in AF decrease as pregnancy advances (p = 0.002) and are about 10‐fold lower than in plasma at the corresponding gestational age (p = 0.001). Plasma VEGF‐C concentrations are higher in the first trimester (p = 0.014) and the early second trimester (p = 0.016) than in non‐pregnant women. VEGF‐D is not detectable in AF, but in plasma its concentrations become higher at term compared with non‐pregnant women (p = 0.039). Conclusions. VEGF‐C and ‐D are present in high concentrations in maternal plasma, while only VEGF‐C can be detected in AF.


This study examined parental demand for early childhood education (ECE) in relation to choice and access to early childhood programmes in Tanzania. Extensive analyses of both Government and privately written documents over the past decade were used to determine parental demand, choice and access to ECE. The literature revealed that although parents in Tanzania have a high demand for ECE, they have limited choices for their children's education despite existence of the early childhood programmes. Despite problems associated with quality, access was found to be in favour of older children and those in urban areas. The article argues that unless parents have a wider range of choices informed by thorough knowledge about programme operations, the programmes attended by children will merely serve as "hostage camps". In the light of this, the article concludes that parents in Tanzania hardly find early childhood programmes suited to their expectations. Policy implications are drawn.


The control of granular materials, showing up in many industrial applications, is a challenging open research problem. Granular material systems are complex-behavior (as they could have solid-, fluid-, and gas-like behaviors) and high-dimensional (as they could have many grains/particles with at least 3 DOF in 3D) systems. Recently, a machine learning-based Graph Neural Network (GNN) simulator has been proposed to learn the underlying dynamics. In this paper, we perform an optimal control of a rigid body-driven granular material system whose dynamics is learned by a GNN model trained by reduced data generated via a physics-based simulator and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). We use Differential Dynamic Programming (DDP) to obtain the optimal control commands that can form granular particles into a target shape. The model and results are shown to be relatively fast and accurate. The control commands are also applied to the ground-truth model,(i.e., physics-based simulator) to further validate the approach.


Abstract Objective: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has required healthcare systems and hospitals to rapidly modify standard practice, including antimicrobial stewardship services. Our study examines the impact of COVID-19 on the antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist. Design: A survey was distributed nationally to all healthcare improvement company members. Participants: Pharmacist participants were mostly leaders of antimicrobial stewardship programs distributed evenly across the United States and representing urban, suburban, and rural health-system practice sites. Results: Participants reported relative increases in time spent completing tasks related to medication access and preauthorization (300%; P = .018) and administrative meeting time (34%; P = .067) during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the pandemic. Time spent rounding, making interventions, performing pharmacokinetic services, and medication reconciliation decreased. Conclusion: A shift away from clinical activities may negatively affect the utilization of antimicrobials.


The compound of 2,4,6-trioctylthio-1,3,5-triazine (TOTT) as additive in rapeseed oil was examined with four-ball machine. The results show that the additive greatly increased the load-carrying capacity of the base oil. The typical elements chemical status of worn surface of the lubricated steel ball were analyzed by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron micros copy(SEM). And the paper studied the change of tribological process of TOTT in hexadecane by a LC-MS. The results show that the TOTT decomposed in the tribological process, the S-containing branch connecting with triazine ring was off, reacted with the freshly steel ball surface, to form a protective film containing ferric sulfide, ferric sulfate, organicsulfur compound and organicnitrogen compound on the rubbed surface. The protective film contributed to the increase in the wear resistance and friction reduction.


Higher education should cultivate talent and gain achievement.It undertakes the mission of teaching and scientific research.Understanding the correct position of university correctly and the accelerating action of scientific research for teaching is the key to deal with the relation of teaching and scientific research correctly.The paper expounds points for attention about dealing with the relation of scientific research and teaching correctly.Dealing with the relation of scientific research and teaching correctly can improve the quality of education and promote the construction of higher education.


Abstract Using ideas developed recently in the theory of understanding language, an analysis is given of the process of understanding mathematical concepts. An analysis also is given of procedural knowledge in mathematics, based on recently developed theories of problem solving including production systems and automaton models. A suggestion is made as to how these theories might be synthesized to provide an analysis of performance of mathematical skills with understanding. Two examples of such performance are described, in the form of theories that are realized as computer programs, and there is discussion of ways in which these theories succeed and fail in representing procedural knowledge with understanding.


The resurgent interest in infant motor development is being fueled by theories and experimental data that emphasize the potent interactive relationships between the infant and the environment. Quantifying the complex and changing dynamics of infant movement behavior can provide a window for observing the elemental states of the sensorimotor system and how they change, the emergence of new forms of action, and the processes that engender change. We are engaged in a multidisciplinary research program that is probing the details of infant's limb movements through the combined use of kinematical, dynamical, and electromyographical analysis. Here, we highlight movement dynamics of spontaneous kicks of infants to reveal the self-organizing qualities of the developing neuromotor system, and we examine the movement dynamics in the transition from spontaneous arm waving to reaching behavior to show how intention can be mapped onto these self-organizing qualities


Abstract : After completing the basic technical Logistics Readiness Officer (LRO) course, the LRO returns to their assigned base and begins core competency on-the-job training. In order to become qualified, the LRO must be assigned to at least one proficiency in each of the three core competencies (material management, distribution management, and contingency operations) for at least twelve months and complete all training tasks for each proficiency. The foundation of technical knowledge and skills gained through core competency training will guide the LRO in future assignments to include being an effective operations officer and a squadron commander. However, the current high operations tempo and demand for LROs in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom along with the high mission demands at base level are negatively affecting completion of LRO core competency training. Also disrupting the completion of core competency training are the many career broadening opportunities, i.e., executive officer, instructor, 365 day TDYs that often pull the LRO away from core competency training. The objective of this study is to gather expert opinion on LRO core competency training and qualification from a panel of experts, the current operations officers and squadron commanders, who are responsible for managing, training and qualifying LROs. These experts know firsthand the challenges and issues affecting the training progress of LROs. Results from this research will be provided to ACC?s Logistics Readiness Division, the study?s sponsor, who is responsible for LRO force development.


Obstetric acute renal failure (OARF) remains a frequent and serious complication that engages the maternal and fetal prognosis. The objective of our work is to develop a predictive model of obstetric acute renal failure in the intensive care setting.

 To meet our objective we conducted a retrospective comparative and analytical study spread over a period of 7 years, from January 2014 to September 2021 within the obstetric resuscitation department of ABDERRAHIM HAROUCHI hospital of CHU Ibn Rochd of Casablanca. We have thus distinguished two groups of parturients:
  • Group 1 " OARF + " : parturients with ARF (n = 863)
  • Group 2 " OARF -" : parturients without ARF (n = 1856

 During this period 2719 obstetric admissions in intensive care were collected including 863 cases of ARF that we classified according to the KDIGO classification with a percentage of stages I, II and III respectively of 45.2%, 28.5% and 25.3% of cases. The average age of our OARF+ sample was 28.6±5.4 years. 40% of the parturients in this group were primiparous and 60% were multiparous, with the majority of cases occurring between 20 and 28 weeks' gestation (32%). OARF was associated with pre-eclampsia in 57% of cases, hemorrhagic shock in 37.19% of cases and severe sepsis in 31.74% of cases. Extra renal purification was necessary in 148 parturients (17.2%) and the mortality rate in the OARF+ group was 26.18%.
  In univariate analysis, the clinico-biological risk factors for the occurrence of obstetric ARF were haemostasis disorders (p < 0.001), hypertension (p < 0.001), oligo-anuria (p = 0.002), severe anaemia (p < 0.001) and thrombocytopenia (p < 0.001). As for the etiological factors, our analysis allowed us to retain pre-eclampsia (p < 0.001), hemorrhagic shock (p < 0.001), sepsis (p < 0.001), Hellp Syndrome (p = 0.002) and DIC (p = 0.002).

 Pre-eclampsia, pre- and postpartum hemorrhage, and sepsis represent the main etiologies of obstetric ARF, which is a frequent obstetric complication in the ICU setting and responsible for significant maternal morbidity and mortality. The determination of the risk factors for the occurrence of such a complication allowed us to detect and prevent the patients at risk.


Bone density of broiler chickens fed diets with different amino acid and calcium levels during the during final phase. Two experiments were carried out aiming at evaluating the effects of different dietary amino acid and calcium profiles on bone characteristics of two chicken strains (Avian Farms and Cobb) from 42 to 49 days of age. At the end of each experiment, two chickens of each replication were sacrificed and their tibiae were collected for analysis of bone characteristics: bone measurements (weight, length and thickness of the compact and spongy layers) and bone density (bone density). A total of 540 birds were used in each experiment, divided into fully randomized blocks with a 3 x 2 factorial scheme, that is, three amino acid profiles (methionine, lysine and threonine - 100%, 125% and 150% of NRC recommendations, 1994) and two calcium levels (75% and 100% of NRC recommendations, 1994), with 30 birds per replication. There were not interactions between the two factors. The amino acid or calcium levels did not affect bone density and tibia variables in both strains.


The paper presents selected aspects of corrosion protection testing of machine elements. The salt spray chamber is discussed, which is used in the method of checking anti-corrosion coatings. Sodium chloride was sprayed into the chamber. Its task is to show which coating meets the requirements and which should be further refined (find the reason causing the negative test result). This is a test that is performed at 35°C and 5% NaCl in the atmosphere. Tests in atomized neutral brine (NSS) are carried out according to PN-EN ISO 9227 and ISO 3574. The paper presents test results of sample measurements which were divided by surface preparation technologies, shot blasting, paint manufacturer, coating thickness and degree of detachment.


Darcy's Law flow in a permeable medium, consisting of uniform parallel evenly spaced fractures, is used to elucidate how thermoelastic effects may modify the permeability and flow in fracture-controlled hydrothermal systems. Some simple permeability models are then used to investigate whether black smoker venting can result from focussing of low velocity porous flow into fractures at shallow depths (≃ 100 m.). The models indicate that: (a) thermoelastic processes may be important in controlling the temporal evolution of hydrothermal upflow zones; (b) permeability structure, not just the bulk value of the permeability, may be critical for the formation of black smokers; (c) a small zone extending to a depth of ≃ 100 m containing a few fractures a factor of 2 or more wider than average may be sufficient to focus upflow into discrete vents provided thermoelastic and chemical effects seal parts of the upper crust.


The finding of cleft lip and/or palate, congenital sinuses of the lower lip, popliteal pterygium, and genital anomalies in any combination was first termed Popliteal Pterygium Syndrome (PPS) by Gorlin and Pindborg in 1964. Rintala and Lahti (1970), on the basis of the term not being fully descriptive, suggested the eponym facio-genito-popliteal syndrome. Nevertheless, it is the original term which is commonly used. The pathogenesis of the syndrome is obscure, though it has been suggested that the hereditary factor involved predisposes to developmental arrest. In some publications the names of Fevre and Languepin are used as an eponym. A more descriptive term suggested for the condition, on the basis of incomplete expression of the features of the syndrome, is 'facio-genito-popliteal syndrome'. However, the most widely used term for this disorder is 'popliteal pterygium syndrome'. Autosomal dominant inheritance with highly variable expressivity and incomplete penetrance is widely accepted


Literature and herbarium studies of Chinese and Taiwanese orchids has revealed a variety of new and noteworthy data pertinent to the floras of China and Taiwan. Three new combinations are proposed, viz. Anoectochilus baotingensis, Oberonia sinica and Odontochilus nanlingensis.


The objective of this manuscript was to present the e-Synch system, integrating an intravaginal electronically controlled hormone delivery and sensing device with an IoT platform for remote programming and monitoring. Secondary objectives were to demonstrate system functionality and cow responses to e-Synch. External components of e-Synch include a 3D-printed case with retention wings, a flexible wideband antenna, and silicone membrane for pressure balancing. Internal components include a central control board, battery, wireless charging coil, and two silicone hormone reservoirs connected to individual peristaltic pumps. An accelerometer and a high-accuracy temperature sensor are integrated in the custom printed circuit board (PCB). The IoT platform includes a gateway consisting of Raspberry PI 3 and a CC1352 radiofrequency module that collects sensor data at 915 mHz. Data is transferred to the Google Cloud utilizing the IoT Core service through TCP/IP, and then is pulled by the Pub/Sub service. After routing to a BigQuery table by the Dataflow service, data visualization is provided by Data Studio. Drug delivery protocols are selected using an IOS device app that connects to e-Synch through Bluetooth. Experiments with lactating Holsteins cows were conducted to demonstrate proof-of-concept system functionality and evaluate cow responses. Despite unstable communication and signal discontinuity because of signal strength attenuation by body tissue, devices (n=6) communicated with the IoT platform in 89% (24/27) of use instances. Temperature and accelerometer data were received for at least one 15 min period during an 8 h insertion period from all devices that communicated with the IoT platform. Variation in accelerometer data (± 8.565 m/s2) was consistent with cow activity during experimentation and mean vaginal temperature of 39.1 °C (range 38.6 to 39.5 °C) demonstrated sensor functionality. Hormone release was confirmed in all instances of device use except for one. Cow behavior evaluated through signs of discomfort and pain, and tail raising scores was mostly unaltered by e-Synch. Vaginal integrity and mucus scores also remained unaltered during and after device insertion. In conclusion, the e-Synch device integrated with a controlling app and IoT platform might be used to automate intravaginal hormone delivery and sensing for controlling the estrous cycle of cattle.


The 002 and 222 multiple diffraction patterns of diamond, originally recorded by Renninger [Z. Phys. (1937). 106, 141-176.], have been reexamined using high-resolution techniques. Several previously unreported features of these patterns have been observed and are discussed.


On-off intermittency in chaotic dynamical systems refers to the situation where some dynamical variables exhibit two distinct states in their course of time evolution. One is the ''off'' state, where the variables remain approximately a constant, and the other is the ''on'' state, where the variables temporarily burst out of the off state. Previous work demonstrates that there appears to be a universal scaling behavior for on-off intermittency. In particular, the length of off time intervals, or the length of the laminar phase, obeys the algebraic scaling law. We present evidence that there are in fact distinct classes of on-off intermittency. Although the statistics of their laminar phase obeys the algebraic scaling, quantities such as the average transient time for trajectories to fall in a small neighborhood of the asymptotic off state exhibit qualitatively different scaling behaviors. The dynamical origin for producing these distinct classes of on-off intermittency is elucidated. @S1063-651X~96!08907-6#


ABSTRACT This thesis is entitled implementing critical incident technique to enhance the students' writing ability in recount text (a collaborative classroom action research to the first year students of MAN Gandapura). This research was done because many of the students in MAN Gandapura would unable to make a good paragraph of writing although for one paragraph because of that the researcher needed form this research to increase the students' ability in writing, especially in writing recount text. The researcher conducted the collaborative classroom action research as research methodology and referring to qualitative research. The object of this study was the students at the first year of MAN Gandapura; which consists of thirty students. The researcher found the analysis were the result of this research in MAN Gandapura sufficiently improving recount text through observation checklist, field notes, test and questionnaires as instrument to get the data from the research. The first data collected from observation checklist which the mean score of the observation sheet was increasing through each cycles. Second, the data collected by using field notes which record all the teaching and learning process in both of cycles; cycle 1 and cycle 2. Third, the average score of the students in doing pre-test in the first meeting in cycle 1 was 49, 06 and the average score of the post- test for the cycle 1 was 65,3 and cycle 2 was 72, 7 which more than 70 as criteria of success. The last was questionnaire analyzing of the students responded toward implementation of the critical incident (CI) technique. The result of students score to mark the item in the questionnaire was 80%. It meant the students motivate of using critical incident technique in writing recount text. After the researcher did all steps of the research (cycle 1 and cycle 2). The researcher concluded that the implementation of the critical incident (CI) technique in teaching and learning process could increase students' ability in writing recount text and got 'agree' students' response when implementing the critical incident technique in the classroom. Key words: Writing, Recount Text and Critical Incident (CI) Technique INTRODUCTION Writing is an activity to write the ideas and the feeling of the item which is displayed in mind. When talking about teaching writing commonly deal with kinds of writing and teaching strategies. There are control writing, guide writing and free writing. The teaching of control writing is usually for the beginner or for the students of senior high school. In this relation, writing is the attention of control composition is usually much right. The teachers' job is to prove relax control is having the students write what they have the teacher will prove whether the students cable to write and practice it. According to School Base Curriculum of MAN Gandapura, teaching writing to the first year students is hoped the students are able to express the meaning in short functional written text, simple essay like as Recount text, Narrative text, and Procedure text in real life context. The students are able to express the meaning and rhetoric procedures accurately, fluently, and acceptable by using several written languages in real life context like recount, narrative, and procedure.


The Ci of Lingnan rose from early Qing Dynasty,and the three Ci poets of Qu Dajun,Liang Peilan,and Chen Gongyin were most excellent.Qu Dajun expressed the sorrowful feeling and the emotion of longing for home country.The style of his Ci was virile,and the realm was wide.In addition,he has great imaginative powers.Li- ang Peilan' s was vigorous and cold,and Chen Gongyin has profound meaning.They were supereminent too.It had become a vogue for the poets of Linguan to indite Ci since then,which is of extraordinary significance in the devel- opment of Ci in Qing Dynasty.There were interaction of Ci between Qu Dajun,Liang Peilan and the Ci poets in other areas,and it was important to expand the influence of the Ci of Lingnan.Some scholars bring forward the viewpoint of Ci school of Lingnan,and this is mistake.


The goal of this research are to see information about the showed that the performance of the functions of the School Committee. The population is 37 people from School Committee and the sample is 37 people that taken by research population. The instrument of this research is question with Likert Scale Models that had tested for validity and reliability. Data analyzed using mean score and performance level. The result of this research are the showed that the performance of the functions of the School Committee in SMP Negeri Se- Kecamatan Bayang Kabupaten Pesisir Selatan stay in good enough category. Keyword : School Committee


This work deals with the design of a new feed and deposition head for a robotized cell able to manufacture complex shape parts in composite material by means of the filament winding technology. The adopted criteria aim to increase both the filament winding efficiency and the composite part quality by designing a system able to control the process parameters, such as the roving tension, the winding speed and the winding trajectory through a very compact and flexible frame, that presents in a single solution the pinboard, the roving tensioner, the roving-guide system and the deposition head. Moreover, the same frame is able to satisfy manufacturing and assembling requirements. Finally, the new proposed system has been designed in such a way as to be easily adaptable to every robot or machine used to wind, since it has a flange that may be easily connected with the robot end-effector by warranting a high precision and a high repeatability of the roving locating during the winding process. The new head working and its interaction with the most critical process parameters have been evaluated through experimental tests. This work belongs to a research project aiming to develop an integrated environment for winding complex shape parts through a robotized cell.Copyright © 2002 by ASME


The article considers internationally accepted mechanisms directed at promotion of export of national producers. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the systems of tax credit for exporters on VAT and VAT refund. Approaches for their perfection are formulated. The urgency of fighting corruption in the VAT refund sphere is noted and measures of its limitation are suggested.


With the help of literature consultation,video observation and mathematical statistics and other research methods,this article made comparative research on the strong jump serve technical application effect between the Chinese and foreign women's volleyball team based on three competitions in 2006FIVB World Championship:China——Cuba,China——Russia,and China——Italy.The results are as follows:Chinese women's volleyball team strong jump serves of scoring was higher than foreign women;there is no obvious difference in the ability to destroy the opponents' attack;the mistakes of Chinese women's volleyball team were significantly lower than the foreign women.


Sensation and perception undergo intensive development during the first years of an infant's life. One of the sensory processes that is earliest to take shape is phonemic hearing.


Proficient communication between trainer and trainee is a critical component of surgical education. Efficient communication improves safety by limiting misunderstandings, as demonstrated in aviation. In line with this concept, some specialities in medicine have developed a common language of instructions that reduces the risk of miscommunication during the learning process. The set of twelve commands implemented by the Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy for the purpose of endoscopy training in the UK is a good example.


We revisit the arguments underlying two well-known arrival-time distributions in quantum mechanics, viz., the Aharonov–Bohm–Kijowski (ABK) distribution, applicable for freely moving particles, and the quantum flux (QF) distribution. An inconsistency in the original axiomatic derivation of Kijowski's result is pointed out, along with an inescapable consequence of the 'negative arrival times' inherent to this proposal (and generalizations thereof). The ABK free-particle restriction is lifted in a discussion of an explicit arrival-time set-up featuring a charged particle moving in a constant magnetic field. A natural generalization of the ABK distribution is in this case shown to be critically gauge-dependent. A direct comparison to the QF distribution, which does not exhibit this flaw, is drawn (its acknowledged drawback concerning the quantum backflow effect notwithstanding).


120 mollusc species (50 % of the Czech Republic mollusc fauna)
were recorded from the Rychlebske Hory (Czech Republic,
Silesia), as a result of the recent malacological research of
33 sites, combined with earlier published and unpublished data.
The most diverse communities were those of forest valleys and
old limestone quarries. New isolated sites of Helicella itala
(the easternmost occurrence) and Chondrina clienta were found.
Based on the revision of Helicellinae species of this region we
think that Cernuella neglecta should be deleted from the list
of Polish gastropods. The previous single record was a result
of confusion with Helicella itala.


The solubilities of quartz in pure water at elevated temperatures and pressure are given. Water, under these conditions, difierentially etches or corrodes the quartz and gives a solution or suspension that is not homogeneous. It is concluded that silica "dissolves" or disintegrates to give a colloidal suspension. Quartz crystals contain discontinuities on a different scale. A cementing material of the same composition but of difierent physical properties from the bulk of the crystal is postulated to exist which holds the various lineage and mosaic elements together. The cementing material is thought to be preferentially removed during etching to produce some of the features observed. Some geological consequences of this argument are given. A model is suggested to account lor both the disintegration and regrowth of quartz.


Three pilot‐scale primary‐facultative waste stabilisation ponds were constructed at Esholt sewage‐treatment works, Bradford. Each pond received screened sewage at different BOD loading rates over a two‐year period. Concentrations of BOD, SS, amm. N and chlorophyll‐a were measured weekly in summer and bi‐weekly in winter, and sludge accumulation was measured after 3, 9, 15 and 20 months. BOD and SS removals were consistently high, although they were lower in summer than in winter due to high levels of algae. The removal of amm, N was generally much better in summer than in winter ‐ the removal mechanism being most likely related to algal activities. Sludge accumulation rates were very low.


The Mn12Ac single-molecule magnet has been converted for the first time into a form that contains non-carboxylate ligands. Reaction of Mn12Ac with diphenylphosphinic acid converts it into the title compound in which eight of the acetate (Ac) groups have been replaced with Ph2PO2 (P) groups. The Mn12AcP product retains the S=10 ground state and single-molecule magnetism properties of Mn12Ac, and displays hysteresis loops containing steps due to quantum tunneling of the magnetization. The crystal structures show that Mn12AcP can exist in three Jahn-Teller isomeric forms differing in the relative arrangement of the Mn(III) Jahn-Teller distortion axes.


The modern publishing world is more often than not captive to its market-place, thus the prospective reader of a new biography of Edith Wharton is treated to giddy recommendations on its back cover. 'A rich new life of a great novelist', 'first biography of Edith Wharton by a British woman writer', 'challenges the accepted view'. All very irritating. The first suggests that former biographers had scant insight into her intricately layered life, the second that the respected biographer Hermione Lee needs to be identified as a woman rather than simply a British writer, and the third that there is some accepted view of the remarkable Wharton, a kind of cuckoo in a brownstone nest, that needs to be challenged. Not so. The phenomenon of Edith Wharton, a writer more celebrated in her day than her friend Henry James (a fact he chafed at), was dissected by R.W.B. Lewis in his Pulitzer Prize-winning biography published in 1975. It was a miracle of compression, insight and graceful writing, and would always be a difficult act to follow, as this new biography by Lee demonstrates.


Inter- and intramolecular cyclopropanations of a series of diazo Weinreb amides and trans-allylic diazo Weinreb amide derivatives have been achieved using chiral ruthenium(II)-Amm-Pheox catalyst to give the corresponding chiral cyclopropyl Weinreb amides in excellent yield (up to 99%) with excellent enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee). The chiral products could easily undergo useful synthetic transformations to give the corresponding aldehydes, alcohols and ketones in high yields and enantioselectivities.


For gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) born in a stellar wind, as the reverse shock crosses the ejecta, usually the shocked regions are still precipitated by the prompt MeV γ − ray emission. Because of the tight overlapping of the MeV photon flow with the shocked regions, the optical depth for the GeV photons produced in the shocks is very large. These high energy photons are absorbed by the MeV photon flow and generate relativistic e ± pairs. These pairs re-scatter the soft X-ray photons from the forward shock as well as the prompt γ − ray photons and power detectable high energy emission, significant part of which is in the sub-GeV energy range. Since the total energy contained in the forward shock region and the reverse shock region are comparable, the predicted sub-GeV emission is independent on whether the GRB ejecta are magnetized (in which case the reverse shock IC and synchrotron self-Compton emission is suppressed). As a result, a sub-GeV flash is a generic signature for the GRB wind model, and it should be typically detectable by the future Gamma-Ray Large Area Telescope (GLAST). Overlapping also influence neutrino emission. Besides the 10 15 ∼ 10 17 eV neutrino emission powered by the interaction of the shock accelerated protons with the synchrotron photons in both the forward and reverse shock regions, there comes another 10 14 eV neutrino emission component powered by protons interacting with the MeV photon flow. This last component has a similar spectrum to the one generated in the internal shock phase, but the typical energy is slightly lower.


Background A conversation about sexuality is most likely to encourage healthy and positive sexual practices while reducing risky sexual behaviour among adolescents. Traditionally, sexuality is discussed in hushed tones in proverbs and is reserved for adults. On the other hand, adolescents must be well informed about their sexuality to assist them to make informed decisions about their sexual behaviour. Objectives The study determined parents' views regarding challenges of sexual health communication among secondary school learners in the Limpopo province. Method A qualitative, exploratory-descriptive and contextual approach was employed for the study. Fifty-six parents were purposively selected, resulting in five focus group discussions that had 8–12 members. One central question was asked, and based on the participants' responses, probing questions followed. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Trustworthiness and ethical considerations were ensured. Results Three themes, namely communication concerns, role shifting in imparting sexuality education and poor parent–child relationships, and eight subthemes emerged from the data. Conclusion This study identified that communication concerns influence parent–child dialogue on sexuality education. Therefore, there is a need to address factors hindering communication such as cultural barriers, role shifting in imparting sexuality education and poor parent–child relationships. This study suggests that parents should be empowered in dealing with children's sexuality. Contribution Parents should be equipped with reproductive knowledge to enable them to talk freely about sexuality with their children. This should be complemented with broader programmes aimed at promoting sexual health education within the traditional family institution.


The generators of Poincare and coordinate transformations in Poincare gauge theory developed previously depend critically on the choice of the set of independent field· variables. For the choice {ljJk, Akp, Akip, .pa}, the asymptotic form IjJk~ pe(O)\x"+ IjJ(O)k is examined. For {ljJk, ekp, A kip, .pa}, the dynamical energy·momentum density vanishes identically. For both choices, corresponding special relativistic limits are considered.


RP-HPLC with DAD was applied to the identification of components of blue ink of ball pens.The Xterra MS C18 column(3.9 mm×150 mm,5 μm) was used as stationary phase,and a mixed solution of 0.01 mol·L-1 NH4HCO3 solution and acetonitrile mixed in the ratio of 35 to 65 by volume was used as mobile phase with a flow rate of 0.8 mL·min-1.A total of 88 kinds of blue ink of different categories were taken as testing samples,and based on their different components,including crystal violet,methyl violet,tetramethyl pararosaniline,victoria blue B,victoria blue BO,sulfonated copper phthalocyanine,rhodamine B,the ink samples were divided into 9 groups.The identification of brands of among these groups was proposed based on relative peak area of the components of ink.


We introduce the {\it growth partition function} $Z_{\Gamma,G}(t)$ associate with any cancellative infinite monoid $\Gamma$ with a finite generator system $G$. It is a power series in $t$ whose coefficients lie in integral Lie-like space $\mathcal{L}_{\Z}(\Gamma,G)$ in the configuration algebra associated with the Cayley graph $(\Gamma,G)$. We determine them for homogeneous monoids admitting left greatest common divisor and right common multiple. Then, for braid monoids and Artin monoids of finite type, using that formula, we explicitly determine their limit partition functions $\omega_{\Gamma,G}$.


Functionalized N-alkyl-2-pyridones and 2-aminopyridines are useful precursors for the synthesis of various heterocyclic compounds of therapeutic importance. In this paper we have delineated and illustrated a direct methodology for the synthesis of 6-aryl-N-hydroxyethyl-4-methylsulfanyl-2-pyridones through the ring transformation of 6-aryl-3-cyano-4-methylsulfanyl-2H-pyran2-ones by ethanolamine. Surprisingly, the analogous reaction with 6-aryl-3-cyano-4-piperidin-l-yl-2H-pyran-2-ones afforded 2-aminopyridines in high yield instead of the corresponding 2-pyridones.


Applications of soil sections' morphometric analysis to pore space studies are discussed. The diagnostics of aggregate structure on the bases of void shape evaluation is shown to be a promising technique for loamy soils. The structural organization of virgin podzolic, gray forest soils, and chernozems at the aggregate-horizon level is considered in terms of morphometry. Shape and orientation of macrovoids in various soil structures is characterized from the viewpoint of morphometry.


The aim of GEOSTAR project is the design, construction and test of an autonomous deep-sea station for seismology and oceanography data collection. The role of the communication system (CS) is to give periodical information on the state of the station and on collected data. The CS is built around a set of releasable data storing vehicles, the Messengers, which carry data to the surface and are recovered by a ship or transmit data on ARGOS net. The paper examines the functions and architecture of the CS, describes its constitutive parts and reviews the qualification tests.


FCIN2 November 1997. Overwinter Physiology and the Practical Implications for Handling Noble Fir Seedlings. By Helen McKay, Christian Nielson and Colin McEvoy. Noble fir (Abies procera) was intermediate between Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) in its root electolyte leakage, root growth potential and root frost hardiness. However, it differed from most conifer species in having very deeply dormant buds, poor cell wall development around the terminal buds and being very sensitive to desiccation which increased, rather than decreased as expected, during autumn.


As longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) may currently represent as little as 1/30th of its former acreage, restoration within its former range in the southern coastal plain is active. Although the focus of these new plantings is aimed at ecosystem restoration, knowledge of the growth and development of longleaf plantations is essential to allow land managers to evaluate different management options. Stand development in longleaf plantations differs from development of plantations of other southern pines. Longleaf seedlings exist in a grass-stage for a varying period, and longleaf saplings and poles can often exist in an intermediate or suppressed crown class for long periods. Other southern pines do not exhibit this behavior. The consequence of these characteristics is that smooth, unimodal diameter distributions are inappropriate for characterizing longleaf pine stands. We will use alternative methods to describe the diameter distributions of longleaf pine. Depending upon viewpoint, the proposed model structure could be called a nonparametric diameter distribution model, or a diameter class model where a uniform distribution is not employed within a class. The model can also be implemented as an individual tree model, if the user desires. A neural net approach has proved promising for initially allocating trees to diameter classes for unthinned stands. A whole-stand basal area prediction equation ensures consistency between these components. INTRODUCTION Longleaf pine stands were once a major component of the southern coastal plain from North Carolina to Texas. Currently, longleaf pine may represent as little as 1/30th of its acreage in pre-colonial times (Franklin 1997). An aggress ive p lan t ing program has deve loped to res tore the longleaf ecosystem within its former range. Although the focus of that work is aimed at ecosystem restoration, knowledge about the growth and development of longleaf plantations is essential for sound management. Longleaf i s we l l su i ted fo r lower in tens i t y management , pa r t i cu la r l y longer rotation ages. Also, longleaf pine is less susceptible to mos t insec t and d isease p rob lems than o ther sou thern p ines (Boyer 1990) . Longleaf pine provides higher-value products, such as poles and p i l ings , more f requent ly than the more-abundant loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.), and also has a higher specific gravity. Finally, longleaf pine is desirable because a forest of large, old, widely-spaced trees with a grassy understory is "parklike" and visually attractive to visitors. Many of the older (30 years or older) plantations of longleaf pine arose in a restoration context that is different than the current situation. Often, longleaf plantations were established in cutover areas that had been repeatedly grazed and burned. The current context of restoration is afforesting agricultural fields or converting cutover stands formerly dominated by lob lo l l y p ine or mixed p ine and hardwoods. The silvics of longleaf pine distinguish it from other species in the U.S. (Boyer 1990). Three characteristics affect the stand structure of longleaf stands, and hence the structure of a model to describe longleaf plantations. First, longleaf seedlings exist in a "grass stage" for a varying period. The grass stage is a condition where the terminal bud is at or near ground level, and the needles appear similar to a bunchgrass . A l though cur ren t management p rac t i ces can often achieve active height growth of most seedlings in the second growing season, ind iv idua l seed l ings may res ide in the grass stage for five or more years. Second, although longleaf is an intolerant species, saplings and poles can often exist in an intermediate or suppressed crown class for long periods. Other southern pines do not exhibit this behav ior . Suppressed t rees rare ly respond to re lease, although trees with live crown ratios of 30 percent or more in the intermediate crown class do respond (Boyer 1990). Third, prescribed fire is an intrinsic part of longleaf pine management, although current practices restrict fire from plantations of other pine species. Interval between fires is often between 2 and 5 years. Prescribed fire ensures that mortality, though rare, will occur throughout the life of a stand, and will restrict ingrowth of volunteer hardwoods and loblolly pine. There has been little growth and yield modeling done for plantation-grown longleaf pine. A relatively recent model for natural longleaf stands has been provided by Somers and Farrar (1991). The only existing model for plantation-grown 'Principal Forest Biometrician and Computer Specialist, Southern Research Station, Alexandria Forestry Center, 2500 Shreveport Hwy, Pineville, LA 713605500, respectively. Citation for proceedings: Outcalt, Kenneth W., ed. 2002. Proceedings of the eleventh biennial southern silvicultural research conference Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-48. Asheville, NC: US. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 622 p.


A national debate on torture has begun in the United States, initiated in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, fueled by hypothetical "ticking bomb" scenarios, inspired by the attempts of administration lawyers to weaken legal prohibitions, heightened by the ethical dilemmas faced by soldiers, law enforcement officers, and intelligence operatives in the presence of abusive interrogation procedures, and galvanized by public images of the descent into depravity that torture always involves. Rather than remain silent, the churches should now join this national debate and bring to it Christian perspectives relating to moral absolutes, the sacredness of the human person, the sacredness of norms, the requirement of judging means in relation to their ends, the respect due even to those who are guilty of crimes, and the venue that torture always affords for depraved and demonic conduct.


ABSTRACT Automatic edge detection for polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) images plays a fundamental role in various PolSAR applications. The classic methods apply the fixed-shape windows to detect the edges, whereas their performance is limited in heterogeneous areas. This article presents an enhanced edge detection method for PolSAR data based on the directional span-driven adaptive (DSDA) window. The DSDA window has variable sizes and flexible shapes, and is constructed by adaptively selecting samples that follow the same statistical distribution. Therefore, it can overcome the limitation of classic fixed-shape windows. To obtain refined and reliable edge detection results in heterogeneous urban areas, we adopt the spherically invariant random vector (SIRV) product model since the complex Wishart distribution is often not met. In addition, a span ratio is combined with the SIRV distance to highlight the dissimilarity measure and to improve the robustness of the proposed method. The simulated PolSAR data and three real data sets from experimental synthetic aperture radar, electromagnetics institute synthetic aperture radar, and Radarsat-2 systems are used to validate the performance of the enhanced edge detector. Both quantitative evaluation and visual presentation of the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and its superiority over the classic edge detectors.


Previous work on evolving neural networks has focused on single neural networks. However, monolithic neural networks are too complex to train and evolve for large and complex problems. It is often better to design a collection of simpler neural networks that work cooperatively to solve a large and complex problem. The key issue here is how to design such a collection automatically so that it has the best generalisation. This talk introduces work on evolving neural network ensembles, negative correlation learning, and multi-objective approaches to ensemble learning. The links among different learning algorithms are discussed. Online/incremental learning using ensembles will also be presented briefly.


This workshop presentation examines strategic planning in marine transportation from the point of view of the company or provider who reacts to shipper expectations. The discussion responds to two previous workshop presentations that discussed what the shipper expects.


The utility model belongs to daily articles which is a multifunction Luggage van specifically, whose pulling frame and main frame are connected by movable connecting rod or slide block. The pulling frame followed connecting lever or winding pin can be set level as a chair seat by running through main frame. Lengthen protruding supporting fin is used to support pulling frame and underframes. The utility model has the advantages of simple structure, easy fabrication, convenient operation and safety and reliability, which yet can be as side table or couch when being away from computer.


The purpose of this article is to show when and how the dialogical-discursive approach began to serve as a basis for thinking about the language acquisition process in Brazil and abroad especially in France. This theoretical line seeks to analyze the speech of children starting from the discursive movements found in the relationship between the child and his or her interlocutor (other), taking into account the situational contexts, the dialogism, the constitution of the subject in the speech, etc. Thus a) we refer to the authors responsible for this approach, in a retrospective; b) we explain the theoretical aspects mobilized during the data analysis of children's speech; and c) we utilize the methodological aspects involved in this theoretical perspective. Our aim, therefore, is to discuss not only this other way of looking at children's language, but also the theoretical and methodological challenges that this approach brings to this specific field of investigation.


In order to look for a new way of reciprocating seal,the study on the reciprocating seal of piston ring in 2D25W-69/2.2~8.8 compressor is carried out.Firstly the defects of the traditional reciprocating seals and magnetic fluid seal are analyzed and the viewpoint of the combined reciprocating seal structure is proposed.In view of the real work condition of 2D25W-69/2.2~8.8 compressor,three kinds of combined magnetic fluid reciprocating seal structures,three-inclined cut packing rings and magnetic fluid seal,C-shape slip ring and magnetic fluid seal and improved C-shape slip ring and magnetic fluid seal,are designed.Then the magnetic field distribution and the anti-pressure capacity of the above three seal structures are analyzed theoretically.And the test bed of magnetic fluid reciprocating seal is designed and manufactured.Then the seal performances of the three reciprocate seal structures are tested.The test results indicate that the improved C-shape slip ring and magnetic fluid seal structure has certain practical value.


Objectives: This study aimed to develop and validate, through the oral clinical examination, an instrument of oral health assessment for elderly subjects using a telephone interview. Methods: Three hundred four elderly participants of the Multidimensional Elderly Study of Porto Alegre participated in a telephone interview related to their oral health status. After the interview, 80 elderly were randomly invited and 45 effectively came for a dental exam at Institute of Geriatric and Gerontology of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul. The telephonic interview and the oral examination collected information on: the number of teeth, use of prosthesis, satisfaction with the chew and satisfaction with the appearance of teeth. The agreement between the answers of both evaluations was verified by the correlation coefficient (tooth number) and the test of agreement of Kappa (other variables). Results: The correlation of the number of teeth between both exams was of 98%. Use of upper or lower total prosthesis presented perfect agreement in both evaluations (100%), while the agreement on the use of partial prosthesis were slightly lower with of 94,9% for partial superior and 84,7% for partial inferior prosthesis. The validation in related to the satisfaction with the chew and the appearance of teeth had resulted in substantial agreement having been the satisfaction in relation to the chew of 78% and the satisfaction with the 68,7% appearance. Conclusion: The results lead to accept the information as similar, proving that the elderly self-assessment of some oral health aspects can be an effective instrument in epidemiological studies.


In Semitic languages a root containing n often agrees in meaning, wholly or partially, with some weak root. Brockelmann (Grundriss, i, 536) suggests that the Syriac nhp "barefooted", corresponding to the Arabic hfy, shows that Aramaic once possessed a reflexive in n. This explanation will not serve when n comes at the end of the root.


TWENTY-FIVE CASE SUMMARIES OF IN-DEPTH ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION ARE INCLUDED ALONG WITH SEVERAL PAPERS DEALING WITH HUMAN ELEMENTS OF SEVERE VEHICULAR CRASH INCIDENTS. DESCRIPTION OF TEAM ORGANIZATION, DADE COUNTY ACCIDENT DATA, TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES, SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, AND EXHIBITS OF FIELD FORMS ARE INCLUDED. /AUTHOR/


This clinical study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the efficacy of intrathecal bupivacaine, intrathecal bupivacaine with tramadol and bupivacaine with fentanyl for post-operative pain relief in lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries. 90 patients were given either of the three sets of intrathecal drugs randomly so the each group comprised 30 patients. Group A – bupivacaine HCL 15 mg (3ml) 0.5% heavy Group B – bupivacaine HCL 15 mg (3ml) 0.5% heavy and tramadol HCL 25 mg (0.5ml) Group C – bupivacaine HCL 15 mg (3ml) 0.5% heavy and Fentanyl citrate 25 µg (0.5ml) The mean time of onset of


Self help group is a small group of rural people especially women ,who voluntarily form a group which is economically supported by its members to run a small scale activity which further support the members to not only support economically and socially. For a developing country, men and women should have a equal rights for achieving their developmental goals but in India women are deprived of their rights women should be given opportunities to achieve developmental goal. When there is development of women ,family develops, country develops and society develops. According to UNDP (1994) empowerment is a process which enables individuals or groups to change balances of power is social ,economic and political relation in society. SHGs play an important for rural women. SHGS help them to bring about awareness among rural women about savings ,education, health etc. Empowered rural women can bring revolution in rural development as well as country development .The focus of the study was on the socio economic status of the SHGs women in selected place of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh .The study was conducted from November 2015 to April 2016 over a short period of 6 months .Validated questionnaire was used for data collection and appropriate statistical tools were used to analyze the collected data ,simple random sampling technique was used in the selection of 100 SHGs member as the sampling study. The results shows that SHGs has played an important role in betterment of socio economic status of rural women.


CRISMA is a Research and Development project financed by the European Community. Its objective is to develop a simulation-based decision support system, in different domains of the natural or industrial risk (flood, snowstorm, seism, forest fires, accidental pollution, urban accidents). The application in France, coordinated by ARTELIA Eau & Environnement, is devoted to the submersion risk on the Charente-Maritime coast and based on the experience feedback of the storm Xynthia in February, 2010. In this framework, a specific work is in progress through a thesis realized in collaboration between ARTELIA and lNRIA. Its objective is to elaborate a methodology of multi-model coupling which should be effective and applicable for the CRISMA project. These models may differ in several ways, related either to the physics and/or to the numeric concepts. The developed methodology may allow to taking into account more specific areas (urban zone, bridge in charge, …), but also should be able to simplify the simulation by dimension changes of model parts (for example, a 1D model for rivers, and a 2D one for sea). The present work addresses more specifically the problem of coupling models with different spatial dimensions.


Boris Lanin, compiler, David Gillespie, ed. Nineteenth-Century Russian Literature: An Introductory Reader. Russian Texts Series. London: Bristol Classical Press, 1998. vii, 132 pp. L7.95, paper. Nineteenth-Century Russian Literature: An Introductory Reader is geared to students with enough familiarity with Russian grammar and vocabulary to read at least brief fragments in Russian. According to the compilers, the Reader has a twofold goal: to develop awareness of Russian grammar and to build up vocabulary; and to introduce the students to the writers and literature of the Russian "Golden Age." As for its structure, the reader contains twenty-two biographical and literary entries, notes explaining difficult, archaic or colloquial words and expressions, Russian-English glossary, and guide to further reading. In general, the compilers of the Reader have accomplished the second part of their objective. The manual presents an impressive selection of authors, ranging from the well-known names of Pushkin, Lermontov, Gogol, Turgenev, Goncharov, Dostoevskii, Lev Tolstoi, Chekhov and others to the lesser known like the first Russian female writer of considerable talent, Nadezhda Durova, or romantic writer, editor and educator Vladimir Odoevskii. This does not mean, however, that the list of the authors is exhaustive. As Lanin and Gillespie explain in the preface, the selection is justified by their attempt to include those writers who paved a new path for the national literature and those, whose work demonstrate true originality. In general, this approach is not unproblematic. In this particular case, however, the approach has turned out to be apt. My only concern is that from all the poets of the "art for art's sake" school only Fet and Aleksei K. Tolstoi have been selected (each being represented by a sole poem), whereas the poetic voices of Iakov Polonskii, Apollon Maikov or Karolina Pavlova (whose legacy could also throw light on "the woman question" in nineteenth-century Russia, although from a somewhat different perspective than that of Durova) have remained unheard. And yet it was the lyric poets of the "art for art's sake" school who laid the groundwork for the "Silver Age" of Russian poetry at the turn of the century. Admittedly, various genres and forms of Russian creative writing of the nineteenth century have received well-balanced representation: students have a chance to read in Russian prose, poetry, drama, non-fiction, and fairy-tales. Nonetheless, the spectrum of poetic and narrative experiences offered by the Reader could have been expanded. The inclusion of some extra materials written by these writers (i.e., Pushkin and Lermontov's love lyrics, in addition to the fragments of their prose and bigger poetic forms, Turgenev's poems in prose, Leo Tolstoy's children's stories, etc.) would have substantially enriched the content of the Reader and have provided students with a more complete overview of nineteenth-century Russian literature. In my opinion, one of the serious shortcomings of the Reader is the brevity of many passages (some of them do not exceed the preceding biographical introductions in length), which, in fact, do not represent the authors in the way they deserve. It is understandable that a broad panorama of writing styles and manners can by no means be a pursuit of the educational material of this type. …


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In 1690 Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz attacked the archbishop of Puebla in her "La respuesta." Noted for its brilliant defense of the rights of women for education and culture, this document serves doubly as the most (auto)biographical source extant on the seventeenth-century ge nius. In the three hundred years since Sor Juana expressed her outrage, women in Spanish America have made advances in education and culture, but unfortunately not many in finding themselves through lifewriting. This paper is an effort to look at the accomplishments of women in lifewriting in Mexico. The topic is autobiography, i.e., a life of the self written by the self and although this definition may seem redundantly obvious, a type of collaborative testimony realizing the other through the interference of a second party appeared in 1936. Another limitation is that the studied document must be of monographic length or at least fifty pages. Al though Sor Juana would be ignored because of this stricture, it is necessary to exclude the very brief autobiographical essays that surely do not constitute a book. Finally, the women must be Mexican by birth. The criterion excludes the autobiographical writings of several foreign ers such as Fanny Calderon de la Barca, Edith O'Shaughnessy and Princess Salm-Salm.


Description mRNA-based delivery may change the paradigm of hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) gene therapy provides lifelong and substantial benefits for several life-threatening inherited diseases, such as primary immunodeficiencies, storage disorders, and hemoglobinopathies (1). Currently, HSC gene therapy requires harvesting large numbers of a patient's hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), which undergo gene transfer or editing ex vivo. Before infusion, the cell product is qualified to ensure that it meets rigorous safety and efficacy standards, and the patient undergoes conditioning chemotherapy to deplete endogenous HSPCs and make space for the engineered cells to engraft in the bone marrow. However, the need for laborious manufacturing and the toxicity associated with the conditioning regimen limits the broad application of these life-saving treatments. On page 436 of this issue, Breda et al. (2) provide a proof of principle of in vivo genetic engineering of HSPCs in the bone marrow of mice by leveraging transient delivery of mRNA through lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) functionally coupled to antibodies that target HSPCs.


Abstract : These papers span the entire range of multi-disciplinary studies of transients propagating from the sun through the interplanetary medium and represent a current assessment of theoretical studies and analyses, computer simulation, and in situ measurements of these phenomena. This includes solar phenomena as the source of transient events propagating through the solar system, and theoretical and observational assessments of the dynamic processes involved as these transients propagate through the interplanetary medium. The subjects covered are solar physics, solar radio astronomy, interplanetary scintillation measurements, cometary studies, direct spacecraft observations from Venera 9, Venera 10, Helios 1 and Helios 2, energetic particle propagation in the interplanetary medium and shock-particle interactions. Also included are reports on coronal hole and solar wind studies during STIP Interval I (september-October 1975) and the dynamic solar-Terrestrial events that occurred during STIP Interval II (15 March-15 May 1976).


In this paper, we describe inferences on a school task, which are reconstructed by the mean of two perspectives from argumentation theory: The pragma-dialectical model and Grize's natural logic. Both analyses focus on the same item of mathematics, issued from a PISA survey, in order to discuss their specific contribution in elucidating the actual reasoning involved in both the student's answer and the evaluator's expectations. The mismatch between these two points of view allow us to discuss the potentiality of a situation of misunderstanding.
Investigating how specific tasks in particular contexts are interpreted provides a contribution to methodological approaches treating thinking processes as situated and socially negotiated from a diversity of points of views, as for example Inhelder's (1962) microgenetic approach. In order to extend such analysis to interpretations of discourse, an interdisciplinary approach combining argumentation theory and socio-cognitive psychology is needed.
Here, we observed for instance that students may provide the expected answers and still interpret the question or problem differently from the task's designers (or "teacher"). The meaning of language and other signs, such as graphs or mathematical symbols, cannot be taken for granted when several interlocutors are involved. This issue chiefly concerns argumentation theory, since it raises the question of the integration of specific contexts and points of view in the analysis of argumentation. Therefore, argumentation should be analysed also as a process, and not only as a product; For more detail on this distinction, see for instance Grize (1996) and Kuhn & Udell (2003, 2007).


The mechanistic role of colonic low folate metabolic stress (LFMS) in colorectal cancer (CRC) malignancy development remains unknown. Folate analysis on the 99 paired human CRC tissues localized LFMS to the deep invasive T3/T4 staged tumours with hypo‐methylated sonic hedgehog (Shh) promoter region and amplified expressions of Shh ligand and Gli1 effector, which coincided with deregulated expressions of the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) mediators. Colonic folate levels of CRC were inversely correlated with pluripotent expressions of the SOX2, NANOG and OCT4 markers (p < 0.05). Exposure of human colon adenocarcinoma cells to LFMS microenvironment significantly hypomethylated Shh promoter region, activated Shh signaling, induced transcript and protein expressions of the pluripotent markers, promoted trans‐differentiation as EMT by deregulation of Snail mediator and epithelial marker E‐cadherin, increased MMP2/MMP9 enzymatic digestion on matrix protein for invasion, and promoted self‐renewal capability of anchorage‐independent tumor‐spheroid formation. LFMS‐induced cancer stem cell (CSC) signature and CRC invasion is synergized with inhibition of DNA methylation by 5‐Aza‐2‐deoxycytidine (5AZA) in rewiring EMT genotypes, which can be blockade by the Shh inhibitor (cyclopamine). The in vivo and in vitro data corroboratively identify CSC‐like molecular targets specific to the LFMS‐predisposed invasive CRC through reprogramming DNA methylation‐activated Shh signaling. The study highlights CSC targets specific to LFMS‐predisposed invasive CRC in optimizing folate co‐chemotherapy to minimize tumour metastasis potential of CRC patients.


Stable carbon isotope ratio of 13C to 12C is applied to problems of geochemical correlation of crude oil to source rock on the assumption that isotope ratio of kerogen is heavier by ranging from 0.5 to 3‰ in δ13C values than that of oil when oils and kerogens are genetically related. The accumulated oils have δ13C values ranging from -23 to -22‰ and, consequently, those of source kerogens are expected to be in range from -23 to -19‰ in the Niigata basin. The source kerogens appear at two stratigraphic horizons. One of them is the Nanatani Formation to the lower part of the Teradomari Formation (source "D") and the other is the top of the Shiiya Formation to the base of the Nishiyama Formation (source "S"). The source "S", which is confirmed for the first time using stable carbon isotopes, is distributed in the area of the Niitsu, Minami Aga and Aga Oki oil fields, but it is absent in the area of Higashi Niigata and Matsuzaki gas fields. From this result, it may be inferred that the source "S" contribute to generation of the oils accumulated in the Shiiya and the Nishiyama Formations in these oil fields.


Aims: To enable all parts of Operation Fistula to make data-driven decisions in their work and to use data visualisation to simplify complex processes. Moreover, to effectively use data visualisation to educate the public about Obstetric Fistula and other issues of gender inequality.
Methods: An experienced visual design analyst was hired full time to lead the analytics setup at the organisation and provide training for the team in the use of Tableau Desktop software.
Results: Using a visual representation of data has spread information about Obstetric Fistula in an entirely new way to new audiences. One of our analyses has received over 10,000 views at this time. The use of data visualisation has created powerful partnerships for the organisation that have allowed Operation Fistula to raise significant funds and improve visibility of the cause. Staff members are now empowered to use data in their everyday work to make data-driven decisions.
Conclusions: In a world that is driven by data, it is important that evidence-driven actions are implemented not only in the treatment of obstetric fistula but that we make data central to the everyday operation of our workplaces. Data visualisation is a powerful technique to make unfamiliar topics accessible, gain clarity on complex processes, and garner interest from otherwise unengaged actors. With new developments in commercial tools, data visualisation has become more accessible to every level of the business and is no longer exclusively the realm of data analysts.


Abstract Abundance and length distributions of Corophium insidiosum and Corophium volutator were investigated along littoral transects in Holbsek Fjord, Zealand, Denmark. Corophium uolutator predominate in the innermost and Corophium insidiosum in the outermost part of the transects. A maximum abundance of Corophium insidiosum of 140 000/m2 was recorded in early August. A method of measuring the growth of 'cohorts' of Corophium insidiosum established in situ in growth cages was developed. Maximum length and maturity are reached within one month and the generation time is about 4-5 weeks in early summer. During the summer maturity is progressively reached at a smaller size and the maximum length is reduced. The production is calculated as the sum of size classes, and the specific growth rates of Corophium insidiosum are derived from the growth of the cohorts in the growth cages. Preliminary growth rates of Corophium uolutator are based on the growth ofnatural populations. The production of Corophium insidi...


AIMS: To verify the relationships between the dialysis adequacy index (Kt/V) and nutritional parameters of individuals with chronic renal disease on hemodialysis.METHODS: A retrospective study was performed at a hemodialysis institute. Data on sex, age, biochemical tests, dry weight, height, arm circumference (AC) and triceps skin fold (TSF) were collected from the medical charts. Nutritional risk index (NRI), body mass index (BMI), arm muscle circumference (AMC), corrected arm muscle area (AMAc), Kt/V and urea reduction rate (URR). The Mann-Whitney test and the Spearman correlation were used for the statistical analysis, and a p<0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS: A total of 164 patients were evaluated, with a mean age of 58±14.4 years, of which 96 (59%) were male. The median time on hemodialysis was 35.0 (5-234). Among the 164 patients, 60 (37%) presented nutritional risk. In the evaluation of nutritional status, the mean values obtained were 25.0±4.5 kg/m2 for BMI, 99.0±12.3% for CB adequacy, 86.7±14.5% for WBC adequacy, 122.9±66.8% for CBA adequacy and 1.4±0.4 for Kt/V. The median adequacy for PCT was 107.8% (11.5%-305.4%). There was no correlation of Kt/V with serum albumin, CB, CMB, AMAc and NRI. Kt/V had a low positive correlation with time on hemodialysis (r = 0.2197) and a low negative correlation with PCT (r = -0.1692) and with BMI (r = -01970). The correlation between Kt/V and dry weight was moderate and negative (r = -0.3710) and between Kt/V and URR the correlation was strongly positive (r = 0.81129).CONCLUSIONS: Adequate dialysis efficiency and good nutritional status were observed in most patients of the evaluated sample, with significant correlations between dialysis adequacy and parameters of nutritional status assessment.


M SOST studies in urban climatology have been conducted by measuring traditional parameters, especially air temperature, on a rather small scale.' Apparently no major attempts have been made to determine the energy-balance climatology of cities,2 except for estimates of the ratio of artificial heat generation to natural radiational heat3 and investigations of the relationship between solar radiation and air pollution.4 But with relation to energy-balance climatology, the urban interface and its atmospheric boundary differ from "natural" surfaces in several major aspects. (1) Albedoes are generally higher because vegetation is largely replaced by concrete or other more reflecting surfaces. In winter, however, the high albedo of snow is less prevalent because of melting (owing to the greater heat of the city), removal, and soot cover. (2) The existence of numerous vertical surfaces changes considerably the patterns of incidence


Background: Data on indirect effects of dementia treatment on caregiver burden obtained from naturalistic studies are still lacking. We explored differences between patients with oral and transdermal application of acetylcholine esterase inhibitors regarding caregiver's time burden and psychopathology. Methods: A cross-sectional naturalistic cohort study of 403 patients in outpatient care with three treatment groups (none, oral, and transdermal) was conducted. Assessments included a standardized clinical burden questionnaire and a standardized caregiver interview. Results: Any treatment was associated with lower burden in most measures. Transdermal treatment was superior regarding (1) administration time (p < 0.001); (2) rates of administration problems (p = 0.031); (3) burden in activities of daily living (p = 0.008), and (4) caregiver anxiety (OR 0.25; 95% CI 0.05–0.99). Caregivers did not report better quality of life regarding mental/physical health. Physicians' and caregivers' ratings of patients' improvements were not associated (ĸ = 0.01–0.06). Conclusions: Benefits associated with transdermal treatment do not translate into a better 'generic quality of life' of the caregiver. The substantially different perceptions of patients' improvements need to be considered in future studies.