Objective:To study the CT appearances of retroperitoneal neurogenic tumor and to improve the abilities in the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant retroperitoneal neurogenic tumors.Methods:CT features of 23 patients with retroperitoneal neurogenic tumors proved surgically and pathologically were analyzed retrospectively.Results:Among the 23 cases,there were 13 cases of benign tumors and 10 cases of malignant tumors respectively.Most of the benign ones showed round or oval masses with homogenous density and smooth edge.Spotty calcification was often seen in myoschwannoma and ganglioneuroma.The malignant ones usually presented as relatively big masses with irregular shape,heterogeneous density and rough edges.All tumors showed a homogenous or heterogeneous enhancement.The accuracy in characterization and in evaluation for the histologic type of the lesions was 78% and 60.9% respectively.Conclusion:It is valuable in differentiating benign and malignant lesions by combining the location of the tumor and CT fectures of the retroperitoneal neurogenic tumors,but is limited in evaluating histologic types.


Abstract Increased international trade with frozen semen and embryos has greatly underlined the necessity to extend evaluations of genetic material beyond their original areas of use. Problem areas in evaluations of sire proofs across countries are briefly discussed and include the effects of different ways of expressing genetic merit, level of production, choice of base for evaluation, data for analyses, and variable reliability of proofs. Recent results from conversion of North American Holstein sire proofs into European Friesian populations are reviewed. Generally agreement has been good between converted proofs and the original ones of the native countries provided these were reasonably accurately estimated. A simulation study performed within the framework of INTERBULL 1 1INTERBULL is a joint venture between the International Dairy Federation, the European Association for Animal Production, and the International Committee for Recording Productivity in Milk Animals (ICRPMA). concluded that estimates of intercepts and regressions for a formula proposed by the International Dairy Federation for conversion of sire proofs were accurate when deregressed proofs of the importing country were used for analysis. Future considerations involve further studies on the methodology to convert proofs, analyses of more data to investigate possible heterosis, or genotype×environment interactions for more traits and breeds. So far, most investigations are limited to milk production traits in various Friesian populations.


Contents: International social work practice and education in a globalized postmodern world Globalization, postcolonialism and postmodernism: conflicts and connections Critical reflection to promote contextual social work practice and education Racism, social exclusion and cultural translation Knowledge production: what is valid knowledge? Social work's identity in postmodern agencies and universities Piloting through the challenges of globalization Exchanges and cross-national activities: broadening the mind Technology-based social work education and practice Conclusion Bibliography Indexes.


Abstract: Non-dependent elderly people take the decision to move into intermediate housing for the elderly (residential homes, retirement homes and villages, shared housing, intergenerational housing, etc.). Studies have shown that the reasons driving individuals' decisions to move are based on facts affecting their current situation. Above all, these include moving to be closer to family and friends, to feel less isolated, to feel safer by being in housing that is better adapted to their needs and/or providing possibilities of personal care and support, and to a lesser extent, to be in a pleasant environment. The aim of this article is to show that the decision is based on life-span factors. Biographical accounts of people living in this type of housing reveal that their decision was influenced by their social trajectory. It appears that the decision to move close to family and friends varies according to the importance played in the past by family activities in relation to other socially significant activities (professional and community activities, etc.). These variations depend mainly on social position, gender, and marital status


Presents a collection of slides covering the following topics: advanced ATM communication services; ATM data and voice communication; SWIM deployment; voice and data integration; distributed multiple independent layers of security; system decomposition; spanning nodes; time-triggered Ethernet; D-MILS verification; communication relations; signaling delay and voice latency; data integrity.


The Compton Gamma Ray Obsservatory and its complement of four scientiic instruments has completed over six years of outstanding on-orbit operation. In this paper we summarize the capabilities of the four CGRO experiments. The enhanced capabilities that have been achieved since the beginning of the mission are discussed. Recently, the spacecraft has been re-boosted to a higher orbit that could extend the mission lifetime for another ten years. This will enable continued monitoring of the hard X-ray sky by BATSE, continued mapping of the Galaxy across the gamma ray spectrum, the capability to observe rare events such as extragalactic supernove, and solar are observations during the next solar maximum by all instruments. The instrumental capabilities for an extended mission are discussed.


Aim. To compare the effectiveness of poststernotomy mediastinitis treatment in 41 patients who underwent vacuum-assisted closure or closed irrigation treatment. Methods. A retrospective analysis of 41 cases of sternal wound infection identified in patients who underwent cardiac surgery between 2007 and 2012. 18 patients (the first group) were treated using closed irrigation, 23 patients (the second group) - using vacuum-assisted closure. We compared the time interval for wound healing and drainage, serum levels of C-reactive protein and blood leukocyte counts on admission and at different time points until discharge. Results. In patients who were treated using vacuum-assisted closure, wound debridement and healing were achieved at shorter terms, and lower rate of complications were observed. There were 8 (44.4%) relapses requiring repeated surgery and debridement in the first group compared to 3 (13%, p=0.01) in the second group. C-reactive protein level decreased more rapidly in patients who were treated using vacuum-assisted closure (p <0.02). The duration of hospital stay was 67±4.1 days in the first group compared to 29.6±8.4 days in the second group (p=0.019). Moreover, patients who were treated using vacuum-assisted closure did not experience any significant discomfort and stayed active. Histological examination of the soft tissues showed marked lymphoid and plasma-cell reaction and neoangiogenesis by the end of the second week of vacuum-assisted closure. Conclusion. The use of vacuum-assisted closure shortens the term of wound debridement, granulating tissue formation and the duration of hospital stay compared to closed irrigation treatment.


Word Version
 October 21, 2013
 TO THE ADMINISTRATOR ADDRESSED
 Subject: Compliance with Kindergarten Reading Assessment Data Submission (TEC §28.006)
 Pursuant to Texas Education Code (TEC) §28.006 (Reading Diagnosis) the superintendent, or a designee, of each school district and open-enrollment charter school is required to electronically report each kindergarten student's raw score on kindergarten beginning of the year (BOY) reading instruments each year. The kindergarten data collected under this provision will be used to provide state, regional, district and local aggregate reports of prekindergarten and kindergarten programs and certain federal or government-subsidized child care and education programs. Historically, TEA collects the kindergarten BOY data in the October-December timeframe. For the 2013-2014 school year, TEA is in the process of integrating the data collection internally to further streamline the process. At this time, TEA requests that districts and open-enrollment charter schools retain their data for a collection at a later date. Districts administering one of the reading assessments below will be required to provide data electronically:
 • TPRI
• Tejas LEE
• ISIP
• DIBELS
• IDEL
• DIBELS Next
• AIMSweb TEL
• AIMSweb MIDE
• Children's Progress Academic Assessment(CPAA)
• Diagnostic Assessments of Reading, 2nd Edition(DAR-2)
• Fox in a Box
• ISIP™ Espanol Assessment
• Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening(PALS)
• STAR Reading Enterprise
• Vital Indicators of Progress(VIP)
 Districts using assessments other than those listed above as the kindergarten student diagnostic should notify TEA of their choice of diagnostic by email and retain the assessment data for TEA collection at a later date.
If you have additional questions about the requirements of Texas Education Code §28.006, please contact Howard Morrison at 512-936-2546 or email@example.com.  Sincerely,
 Monica Martinez
Interim Associate Commissioner
Standards and Programs


A top tread for aluminum ladder includes a splice aluminum member (1) assembled by two or more aluminum single elements and two side plastic members (3) and a metal tube assembly (2). The front and the rear end of the splice aluminum member (1) are equipped with side skirts (111,131) which are set downwardly. The upper and the lower end of the side plastic members (3) are equipped with an upper and a lower covering edge (31,32) by which the two side plastic members (3) can clamp the two sides of the splice aluminum member (1) or the two sides of an assembly unit formed by the metal tube (2) and the splice aluminum member (1),and the upper and the lower covering edges (31,32) can clamp the two side interspaces between the front and the back side skirt (111,131) at the same time.


ABSTRACT This article examines frame theory, popular culture, and environmental values. Reviewing frame theory across journalism, communication studies, linguistics, and fine art, it will examine in particular 'cultural framing'. Radical thought is invariably associated with the avant-garde, yet narrative or genre innovations in popular culture can also trigger 'deeper' cognitive shifts, potentially transforming 'common culture'. Citing comics, films, and animation, the main example is popular music and how Björk and British Sea Power have subverted generic and acoustic conventions (e.g. melody), and music's habitual romantic narratives, to re-frame human–nonhuman relationships ecologically. By stretching and manipulating frames, popular culture can adapt and engender environmental narratives for mass consumption.


A novel Mn-derived catalyst was prepared starting from the biomass of Mn-hyperaccumulating plants growing on metal-rich soils. Recovery of this biomass as value-added "ecocatalyst" provides incentives for the development of phytoextraction programs on soils degraded by mining activities. Characterization of the resulting plant-based catalyst Eco-Mn by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) demonstrated the presence of unusual polymetallic complexes of Mn(II) in the catalyst, along with Fe(III). Incorporation of these species into montmorillonite K10 as solid support provided a supported Eco-Mn catalyst, whose properties were investigated for alkene epoxidation with H2O2 (30 wt %)/NaHCO3 (0.2 M) as a green terminal-oxidizing reagent. The supported Eco-Mn catalyst demonstrated a high efficiency for styrene epoxidation, with only 0.31 mol % Mn, a much lower content of Mn than in previous...


The use of a k.p band model based on strong transverse coupling across small energy gaps at the L-point gives fairly consistent agreement with a variety of experimental results for GeTe and SnTe. (1) Ce travail a Bte prBsent6 oralement au Colloque. Les conclusions et les details des calculs sont publies dans les Comptes Rendus du 9 e Congres International sur la Physique des Semi-conducteurs (Moscou, 1968). Article published online by EDP Sciences and available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/jphyscol:1968409


Impact of substrate temperature, fuxes of As2, P2 and Ga on the layers composition of solid solution GaPxAs1-x(001) during molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE) was experimentally investigated. The experimental data obtained for a wide range of growth conditions were analyzed. The analysis results are represented in the form of the kinetic model describing the formation process for composition of GaPxAs1-x(001) solid solution during MBE. The model can be used for the choice of growth conditions of GaPxAs1-x(001) at a given phosphorus fraction.


[Objective]To analyze the distribution characteristics and epidemiological trend of hand-foot-mouth disease(HFMD) in Nanning City from 2009-2011,provide a scientific basis for making HFMD prevention measures.[Methods]The data of HFMD cases from the Disease surveillance information management system and HFMD aggregation epidemic from the Public health emergency management information system were analyzed with descriptive epidemiology.[Results]A total of 90246 HFMD cases were reported in Nanning City from 2009-2011,there were 449 severe cases and 32 death cases,and the annual reported incidence rate was 215.11/lakh,602.70/lakh and 538.89/lakh,respectively.The peak season was April to June,and the cases were found in all 12 counties(districts).The reported incidence rate in males was higher than that in females.95.57% of patients were children under 5 years old.The scattered children and nursery children respectively accounted for 67.79% and 28.95%.Among 991 cases confirmed by laboratory examination,32.80% were positive for enterovirus 71(EV71),41.88% were positive for coxsackie virus A16(CoxA16),and 25.33% were positive for other enteric virus.[Conclusion]HFMD control can not be ignored in Nanning City.It is suggested that HFMD control among scattered children and nursery children should be strengthened,so as to reduce HFMD outbreak.


Rachmat Septian Rosa, 2011; Influence of Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Performance against the firm value In Manufacturing Companies Listed on the Stock Exchange The Period 2008 To 2009.
This study aimed to influence members of empirical evidence on corporate social responsibility and corporate performance against the company. The data used in this study is secondary data taken from financial statements on a manufacturing company.This study used purposive sampling as a data collection techniques. The number of samples used are 25 companies manufacturing the period 2008 to 2009. Data processed using SPSS version 16.
The results showed that the partial social responsibility peruahaan affect firm value by calculating the value of T corporate social responsibility has a value greater than T table (8225> 0681) and the value of sig. under 5% or 0.05 (0000 0.05). ROE does not affect the firm's value with the value of T calculated for the ROE variable has a value smaller than T table (0531 0.05). While simultaneously corporate social responsibility, ROA, and ROE affect the value of a firm with a value Ftabel Fhitung = 32 448 = 2.82, Value Fhiung> Ftabel = 32 448> 2.82. This research model has a significance value of 0.000a and well below the 0.05 or 5%.
This study aims to determine the effect of corporate social responsibility, ROA and ROE of the company. If a firm issued a social cost (CSR) at no charge followed by a good earnings or financial performance is good then the value of companies have increased.


Smart cities development relies on information and communication technologies (ICTs) to improve all urban aspects, including governance, economy, mobility, and environment. The development is usually associated with several challenges and negative effects. This study relies on revealing ICTs challenges by firstly conducting a comprehensive literature review to identify the challenges that are most associated with ICTs. Then, a questionnaire survey was distributed among the Saudi population to study their expectations, perceptions, and concerns on the smart city concept and services. The questionnaire also investigated ICTs challenges identified from the literature review, including information security risks, privacy violation, incompatibility, and digital skill gaps. Consequently, semi-structured interviews were conducted to perceive the reasons for the incompatibility between different systems and digital skill gaps between the public. The findings show that the most likely challenges are information security risks and privacy violations, which are due to the increase in vulnerability, potential attacks, and lack of public awareness regarding personal data protection. The incompatibility between different systems and services in smart cities arouses worries among the public due to the expected high cost and difficulty of adaptation and utilization. Moreover, digital skill gaps arises between members of the population that have a low education level or are elderly persons.


The cerebral activity is an intangible physiological process difficult to apprehend, especially for children. With the aim of providing a new type of educational support, we studied the pedagogical potential of an interactive tangible interface (Teegi) designed to be used in educational context. This interface aims at enabling children to discover the relation between the brain activity and the human body functions. We propose in this study a methodology to evaluate its pedagogical potential in real context of use, considering the specificities of the children. This study, carried out with 29 pupils, highlights the strengths of this system, both in terms of its usability and its impact on learning. Moreover, the results provided by this methodology revealed possible improvements for a greater pedagogical effectiveness. This type of interactive interface, as well as the evaluation method proposed, paves the way for the pedagogical use of new interactive and tangible devices at school.


We propose here a new way to look for evidence of fertility control. Most previous studies have relied on age-specific patterns of marital fertility which do not provide sensitive measures of the timing of "stopping" behavior and do not consider "spacing" at all. We show that both stopping and spacing can be identified in birth interval survival curves. Analysis of data from nineteenth-century Belgium finds that changes in both stopping and spacing were at work. The fertility transition was characterized by an increase in stopping but there was also a decrease in spacing which began earlier and continued while stopping was spreading. We also introduce a statistical technique known as the "cure model" which allows us to estimate the effects of covariates on stopping and spacing separately. (authors)


We perform a phylogenetic analysis to test the affi nities of 'Dorcatherium' from Arrisdrift (early middle Miocene, Sperrgebiet, Nami bia). Our results show Arrisdrift 'Dorcatherium' included in a clade of Miocene African forms that also contains ' D.' pigotti and 'D.' iririensis. This clade is not related to the true Dorcatherium-clade which includes the type species D. naui. Although we are not taking taxonomic decisions at the genus level until more data are used in future analyses, it is clear that the Arrisdrift form is a distinct new species that we name ' Dorcatherium' namaquensis .


Two new species of Ascotaiwania, A. persoonii and A. hughesii, collected from submerged decorticated wood in lotic and lentic habitats, are described and illustrated. The anamorph for A. hughesii, Helicoon farinosum, is confirmed by cultural studies. Ascotaiwania hsilio is reported for the first time from North America.Key words: Amphisphaeriaceae, aquatic, lignicolous, taxonomy.


Abstract A total of 83 dust samples were collected from the streets of Urumqi city in NW China and analyzed for the concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn elements. The spatial distribution, contamination levels, main sources, and potential health risks of these trace elements were determined based on geostatistical analysis, geo-accumulation index, multivariate analysis, and the health risk assessment model introduced by the USEPA, respectively. The obtained results indicate that the average concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn exceed the corresponding background values determined in Xinjiang soils by factors of 2.0, 1.35, 1.38, 8.24, 1.28, 2.09, and 3.26, respectively. The spatial distribution patterns of the nine trace elements in street dust were found to be substantially heterogeneous, and the contamination level decreased in the following order: Hg > Zn > Pb > Cd > Cr > Cu > As > Ni > Mn. Based on the identified concentrations, the collected dust samples were found to be moderately polluted by Hg, and not polluted by As, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Ni. The remaining elements, Cd, Pb, and Zn lie on the borderline between non-pollution and moderate pollution levels. Furthermore, it was shown that Mn and Zn in street dusts originate from both, natural and anthropogenic sources, while As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Pb are mainly produced by anthropogenic sources. Overall, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks of the analyzed elements, instigated primarily by oral ingestion of street dusts, were found to be within the acceptable range for both, children and adults. As and Cr are the main non-carcinogenic elements, whereas Cr is the major carcinogenic element among the investigated dust-bound metals in the study area.


Proteins of the Sac10b family, which is highly conserved among hyperthermophilic archaea, have been regarded as DNA‐binding proteins. Based on their in vitro DNA‐binding properties, these proteins are thought to be involved in chromosomal organization or DNA repair/recombination. We show that Ssh10b, a member of the Sac10b family from Sulfolobus shibatae, bound with similar affinities to double‐stranded DNA, single‐stranded DNA and RNA in vitro. However, the protein was exclusively bound to RNA in S. shibatae cells, as revealed by in vivo UV cross‐linking and co‐immunoprecipitation. Ribosomal RNAs were among the RNA species co‐immunoprecipitated with Ssh10b. Consistent with this observation, Ssh10b was co‐purified with ribosomes under low salt conditions. Furthermore, we demonstrate by UV‐cross‐linking hybridization that, when the cells were irradiated with UV, Ssh10b became cross‐linked to 16S, 23S rRNAs and mRNAs. Our data indicate that RNA is the physiological binding target of the Sac10b family.


. We prove the sharp domain of dependence property for solutions to subelliptic wave equations for sums of squares of vector fields satisfying H¨ormander bracket condition. We deduce a unique continuation property for the square root of subelliptic Laplace operators under an additional analyt-icity condition.


New dithienothiophene (DTT)-containing conjugated polymers, such as poly(2,6-bis(2-thiophenyl-3-dodecylthiophene-2-yl)dithieno[3,2-b;2′,3′-d]thiophene, 1 and poly(2,6-bis(2-thiophenyl-4-dodecylthiophene-2-yl)dithieno[3,2-b;2′,3′-d]thiophene, 2 have been successfully synthesized via Stille coupling reactions using dodecyl-substituted thiophene-based monomer, bistributyltin dithienothiophene, and bistributyltin bithiophene. The main difference between two polymers is the substitution position of dodecyl side chains in a repeating group. The semiconducting properties of the two polymers have been evaluated in organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Two conjugated polymers are also well mixed with methanofullerene [6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) for fabricating bulk heterojunction PV devices. As a result, the polymer solar cell devices made of polymers 1 and 2 had the best preliminary results with an open-circuit voltage of 0.43–0.44 V, a short-circuit current density of 5.95–5.96 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 0.34, offering an overall power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 0.9%.


Bouncebackability is a recent formation, coined originally to describe a football team's averting defeat in a particular match in 2004. Football fans subsequently picked up and generalized the neologism. Associated online communities even started campaigning for its inclusion in "the dictionary". There were also signs of natural spread, with a broadening interpretation, beyond the formation's original domain. However, various Web-searches indicate that the initial "success" of the formation is not lasting, and that it may already be dropping out of use. Subconscious resistance against the formation's 'odd' morphological make-up is suggested as a reason for this lack of lasting institutionalization.


This paper describes a X-ray data acquisition method in industrial CT.X-ray is converted into a linear weak current signal.The relative intensity of the X ray can be detected by the measurement of the weak current signal.According to the X-ray dose intensity,the parameters of the current detect circuit can be flexibly changed,so it can detect different energy levels X-ray.This X-ray data acquisition method has been applied in industrial CT successfully.


BACKGROUND
Animal and human laboratory studies suggest marijuana may cause hyperthermia. However, there are no clinical case reports of life-threatening hyperthermia associated with use of marijuana alone.

CASE REPORT
We report a patient who developed severe hyperthermia after smoking a marijuana cigarette and jogging on a warm day. He presented with delirium; hot, red, dry skin; and a rectal temperature of 41.7 degrees C. Historical and laboratory data indicated he had used cannabinoids and no other drugs. This is the first report of life-threatening hyperthermia temporally associated with use of marijuana alone.


In this paper, the amplify and forward (AF) cooperative technique for one- and two-way relays has been implemented for underwater optical wireless communication (UOWC). UOWC suffers from scattering, absorption, and turbulence effects. The distance of communication between UOWC devices is typically within the range of 100 m. So relay-based UWOC has been proposed to improve the performance of device-to-device (D2D) based UWOC by increasing the effective link range. Performance analysis of unidirectional and bidirectional relay-based systems has been carried out in terms of outage probability and average symbol error probability (ASEP) for log-normal underwater fading channels. The analytical results have been validated by means of Monte Carlo simulations. Closed form expressions for ASEP have been obtained by using a mixture of gamma distributions, which was not possible using log-normal distributions. It has been observed that bidirectional relays, even though they have a better data rate than unidirectional relays, suffer in terms of outage probability.


Historically, social research methodologies have been construed as being less significant in their contribution to social change. This perception emanates from those who view social research methodologies as an accessory to the natural sciences. Contrary to this view, this article, on the schooling experiences of children who have been left behind by their parents in Zimbabwe, is used to contribute to the debate. It seeks to present our experiences in the application of social research methodologies, including challenges and their contribution to social change. However, this change remains a contested issue in research because there is no consensus on how to measure it. The study followed a qualitative research approach, using an interpretive phenomenological study design. A purposive sampling strategy was used to select 12 secondary school children (12–18 years old). Data were constructed through two methods, interviews and document analysis. The overall finding of the study revealed that social sciences methodologies can make a contribution to social change. This was illustrated by the fact that when social methodological approaches were used, children were enabled to confidently express their lived experiences by creating a child-friendly environment such as child-centeredness, democratic participation and inclusivity. Consequently, the findings have shed some light on the way in which policy makers should develop policies with regard to left-behind children (LBC). On the basis of these findings, the article argues that social research methodologies can make a difference in social change, despite challenges that may emerge. The findings may have implications for social researchers and for our study. For example, the findings could minimise hermeneutics injustice by mediating what the marginalised groups, such as children, may express despite scepticism about their authenticity which is important for social change.


Organizing corporate social responsibility (CSR) on a collective, rather than on the individual firm level, results in a set of specific challenges for organizations. The aim of this article is to assess these challenges inherent in collective CSR and to conceptualize trust as an organizing principle within these networks. To do so, we explore and outline the chief challenges faced within horizontal cooperation between inter-organizational actors aiming to realize CSR efforts collectively. Subsequently, we draw from the literature on trust as an organizing principle in inter-organizational networks and go on to develop mechanisms through which trust can address these challenges. This article contributes a new analytical framework that informs future studies on the role of trust in collective CSR. It enables a differentiated analysis of the potential, but also the pitfalls, of trust-based CSR at the network level.


The utility mode relates to health-care hydrogen and oxygen supply equipment, which comprises an electrolysis unit, a filter unit and a control unit, wherein the electrolysis unit comprises at least one positive plate and at least one negative plate; hydrogen and oxygen mixed gas produced after electrolysis of aqueous solution in an electrolysis chamber by the positive plate and the negative plate can be filtered by the filter unit and then discharged; and a hydrogen-oxygen proportion adjustment and control interface of the control unit is used for adjusting voltage of the positive plate and the negative plate to change the proportion of the produced hydrogen to the produced oxygen. The proportion of the produced hydrogen to the produced oxygen can be adjusted by the hydrogen-oxygen proportion adjustment and control interface, so that the requirement of health care can be met. In addition, the discharged hydrogen and oxygen mixed gas can be filtered through the filter unit, so that the purity of the hydrogen and oxygen mixed gas respired by a human body is guaranteed.


Marmarek, in 1895, and Moser, in 1903, produced scarlet fever antistreptococcus serums. Lately, Dochez and the Dicks have introduced their antitoxins or serums. The older therapeutic agents (Moser and Marmarek) were long since discredited because of the intense reactions associated with or following their injections. In this report, we detail our experiences in the use of the recently introduced antitoxins. METHODS AND MATERIAL We have used all types of antitoxin—Lilly's unconcentrated, Lilly's concentrated, Dick's antitoxin (received through the courtesy of the Dicks), Lederle's, Squibb's, Parke, Davis and Company's and U. S. Standard Products in more than 700 cases. Because of insufficiency of records, because many of the treated patients were not severely ill, and because many of the patients were treated after the third day of their illness, the records of only 283 patients (moderately or severely ill) are analyzed and compared with 60 normal untreated patients of the same


N-methylacridinium salts are Lewis acids with high hydride ion affinity but low oxophilicity. The cation forms a Lewis adduct with 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine but a frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) with the weaker base 2,6-lutidine which activates H2, even in the presence of H2O. Anion effects dominate reactivity, with both solubility and rate of H2 cleavage showing marked anion dependency. With the optimal anion, a N-methylacridinium salt catalyzes the reductive transfer hydrogenation and hydrosilylation of aldimines through amine-boranes and silanes, respectively. Furthermore, the same salt is active for the catalytic dehydrosilylation of alcohols (primary, secondary, tertiary, and ArOH) by silanes with no observable over-reduction to the alkanes.


We developed a flexible model to predict the spread of the EAB in recently colonized sites. This model is structured as a coupled map lattice built around an interchangeable "phloem grid", which consists of a matrix of cells with estimates of the available phloem in each cell.


BACKGROUND
Few studies have investigated an association between CD4 counts, viral load (VL), WHO staging and caries among HIV-positive (HIV+) children on HAART therapy (> 12 months).

AIM
To determine the strength of association between CD4 counts, WHO staging, VL and dental caries.

DESIGN
This cross sectional analytical study comprised of 355 HIV+ children, aged of 4-12 years, attending a hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Demographic & clinical data such as decayed (d,D), missing (m,M) , filled teeth (f,F) [dmft/DMFT], CD4 counts and WHO staging were collected. Correlation and Regression analyses were done to test for associations.

RESULTS
Caries prevalence for this cohort of children was 57%. The dmft scores for the primary dentition was 4.36 (SD 4.87) and DMFT for secondary dentition was 0.58 (SD 1.49). Pearson Correlation analyses showed significant association between VL and CD4 count (p=0.003) and VL and WHO stage (p=0.007). Weak associations were noted between Caries (d, D) and VL, CD4 count and WHO stage of disease for correlation and regression analyses.

CONCLUSION
There appears to be no substantial evidence of any significant association between the presence of caries among HIV+ children and CD4 counts, viral load and WHO clinical stage of the disease.


A new bonding technique of titanium and zirconium conducted at low temperatures was developed utilizing the hydrogen-induced transformation. Hydrogen charge treatment of the faying surfaces of titanium and zirconium was conducted with varying the charging time between 3.6-700ks prior to diffusion bonding. Diffusion bonding of hydrogen-charged titanium and zirconium was carried out at 600-800°C for 0.6-1.8ks applying the bonding pressure of 5-10MPa in vacuum. Titanium and zirconium hydrides were formed at faying surfaces after hydrogen charge treatment. The β-transus temperature at faying surfaces of titanium and zirconium was reduced to approx. 450-550°C with hydrogen-charging. The bond layer was phase transformed to a bcc structure (β) at the bonding temperature due to the hydrogen diffusion during bonding process. Grain growth across the prior bond interface was observed in the joints bonded at 750-800°C after hydrogen-charging for 300-500ks. Tensile strength of titanium joints bonded at 800°C attained approx. 70% of the base metal strength (approx. 1.6 times as high as non-charged joints), and corrosion resistance of the joints was comparable to that of the base metal. Furthermore, tensile strength of zirconium joints bonded at 800°C was approx. 1.7 times as high as non-charged joints. It follows that the solid-state bondability of titanium and zirconium at low temperatures was improved compared to the conventional diffusion bonding (direct bonding without hydrogen-charging).


In the paper, the computation of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of polynomial eigenvalue problem via standard eigenvalue problems is presented. We also establish orthogonality relations between the eigenvectors of matrix polynomials. A numerical example is given to illustrate the applicability of the obtained theoretical results.


A halftone watermarking methodofhighquality, robustness, and capacity flexibility ispresented inthis paper. Anobjective halftone imagequality evaluation method based onthehumanvisual system obtained byLeast-Mean-Square isalsointroduced. Intheencoder, theKernels-Alternated ErrorDiffusion (KAEDF)isapplied. This scheme isable tomaintain thecomputational complexity atthesame level asanordinary error diffusion. Compared withHel-Or using ordered dithering, theproposed KAEDFyields abetter imagequality through usingerrordiffusion. Moreover, theHaarWavelet Transform (HWT)decoding isemployed instead ofLookupTable (LUT),so as toreducethecomputational complexity. As documented intheexperimental results, this technique isableto guard against degradation duetotampering, cropping, rotation, as well asprint-and-scan processes inerror-diffused halftone images. IndexTerms-Halftoning, error diffusion, watermarking, HWT, LUT


During the last decades, the importance of Urban Planning's role to safeguard green areas and to build green chains gradually increased. The latter played not only an ecological function to requalification the city's environment quality, but it becomes also an occasion to find social space. In particular the approach changed, from a quantitative to a qualitative point of view. The first procedure reaches to achieve a minimum standard while the second one aims to satisfy ecological and environmental necessities. The overcoming of a wrong punctual approach and the use of a new reticular one has origins in territorial scope where the new model is used to maintain and improve the ecological network. The latter encourages the ecological exchanges within different natural areas, which in this way, are not converted to island, avoiding a massive loss of species, both plant and animal (Bennett, 1991; Forman, 1995; Jongman, Pungetti 2004). The transposition of the ecological network into an urban dimension led to the green chain beginning. This new model is not completely implemented by regulations even if often it has been part of the urban planning practices (Angrilli, 2002; Peraboni, 2010). In the present proposal paper a dissertation about the different approaches to the green chain is proposed. Indeed Master


This paper presents a relatively new and less known alternative of the classical neural network architectures – Support Vector Machines (SVM) and their usage for binary data classification. After a brief description of the Statistical Learning Theory – the framework of SVM, we explore the ways to build an error-tolerant binary classifier for linearly and non-linearly separated data. A comparison between SVM and some other neural network types is performed. To illustrate the paper, a demonstration software is provided.


Abstract Intramolecular exchange interactions in bis(arylnitrene)s obey the Borden-Davidson disjointness criterion, although variations in the size of the interaction occur as functions of conformation and -X- in the structure: N-Aryl-X-Aryl-N:.


Background: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a frequently observed disease in neurosurgical practice. Although first snowfall has been considered to increase the onset of CSDH, few reports have assessed the relationship between snowfall and CSDH. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between CSDH onset and first snowfall events. Methods: This retrospective study was based on the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination inpatient database from July 1, 2010, to March 31, 2016, and on the global observation of snowfall events in Japan obtained from the Japan Meteorological Agency. We used a binomial approximation to evaluate the average number of CSDH patients after first snowfall events compared with that before first snowfall events. We calculated the odds ratio of CSDH onset on the first snowfall. Results: We identified 8526 CSDH patients from the database. A total of 5573 (65.4%) were observed before first snowfall events, and 2953 (34.6%) after first snowfall events. The first snowfall of winter was significantly associated with a reduction in the occurrence of CSDH (odds ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval; 0.51–0.55). In subgroup analysis, only the first snowfall in October was not associated with reduction in the occurrence of CSDH. Conclusion: First snowfall events did not affect the onset of CSDH in Japan.


The paper introduces the basic thinking for the economic central city to develop logistics,and points out conditions and impetus for Guangzhou to construct PRD regional logistics hub.Then it gives out the thinking and approach.


Objective: To investigate the pathological roles of postnatally up-regulated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) expression in ZBTB20 knockout mice in postnatal growth retardation, metabolic dysfunction, and pre-mature mortality. Methods: ZBTB20 and AFP knockout mice were generated by crossbreeding ZBTB20 knockout mice with AFP knockout mice. The postnatal growth, survival rate, and blood glucose of ZBTB20/AFP double knockout mice were observed and compared with those of ZBTB20 knockout mice. Results: There were no significant differences in postnatal growth, survival, and glucose homeostasis between ZBTB20/AFP doube knockout mice and ZBTB20 knockout mice. Conclusion: The postnatally upregulated liver AFP in ZBTB20 knockout mice is not associated with the growth retardation, hypoglycemia, or pre-mature mortality.


This article reviews definitions and frameworks for sustainability in higher education by examining a set of major national and international declarations and institutional policies related to environmental sustainability in universities. It identifies emerging themes and priorities, and discusses how these declarations and policies are affecting various institutions in how they frame the central task of becoming sustainable and how they perceive their own commitment to sustainability.


The ovaries of 3 groups of Merino ewes were examined for corpora lutea by laparoscopy every 17 days between 28.3.74 and 16.6.75. During the 1974 breeding season the mean body weight of the ewes was maintained at 37 kg. Between the 1974 and -1975 breeding seasons the nutrition of the ewes was varied to give groups of ewes with mean body weights of 37, 41 and 46 kg; groups of ewes of low, medium and high nutritional status, respectively. These groups were maintained throughout the 1975 breeding season.


Thermodynamic cycles are not only the core concepts of thermal science, but also key approaches to energy conversion and utilization. So far, power cycles and refrigeration cycles have been the only two general classes of thermodynamic cycles. While diverse types of systems have been developed to perform thermodynamic cycles, no new general classes of thermodynamic cycles have been proposed. Based on the basic principles of thermodynamics, here we propose and analyze a new general class of thermodynamic cycles named class 1 heating cycles (HC-1s). Two basic forms of HC-1s are obtained by connecting six essential thermodynamic processes in the proper order and forming a thermodynamic cycle. HC-1s present the simplest and most general approach to utilizing the temperature difference between a high-temperature heat source and a medium-temperature heat sink to achieve efficient medium-temperature heating and/or low-temperature cooling. HC-1s fill the gaps that have existed since the origin of thermal science, and they will play significant roles in energy conservation and emission reduction.


Diagnostics capability of combat systems shall be compatible with the Army Diagnostic Improvement Program. Present systems are capable of performing health monitoring and health checks using internal embedded resources. They employ standard sensors and data busses that monitor data signals and built-in test (BIT). These devices provide a comprehensive source of data to accomplish an accurate system level diagnostics and fault isolation at line replaceable unit (LRU) level. Prognostics routines provide capability to identify the cause of predicted failure and corrective action to prevent unscheduled maintenance action. Combat system's health status and prognostic information are displayed to operator, crew, and maintenance personnel. Present systems use common data/information interchange network in accordance with standards defined in the Joint Technical Architecture (JTA) to provide access to vehicle's health data. The technologies utilized in present systems include embedded diagnostics, combat maintainer, schematic viewer, etc. Implementation of these technologies significantly reduced maintenance hours of combat systems. Health monitoring, diagnostics and prognostics of future systems will utilize federated software and probes approach. Gauges will determine if the system operates within acceptable performance bands by monitoring data provided by the probes. Health monitoring system will use models of missions to make intelligent choices considering tasks criticality.


Abstract Various 2′,3′-dideoxy-L-nucleoside analogues, 6-amino-9-(2,3-dideoxy-β-L-ribofuranosyl) purine (19), 2-chloro-6-amino-9-(2,3-dideoxy-β-L-ribofuranosyl)-purine (20), 2-chloro-6-amino-9-(2,3-dideoxy-4-thio-β-L-ribofuranosyl) purine (21), 2,6-diamino-9-(2,3-dideoxy-β-L-ribofuranosyl) purine (26), 2,6-diamino-9-(2,3-dideoxy-β-thio-β-L-ribofuranosyl)-purine (27), 2-amino-6-chloro-9-(2,3-dideoxy-β-L-ribofuranosyl) purine (28), 6-chloro-9-(2,3-dideoxy-4-thio-β-L-ribofuranosyl) purine (29), and 6-amino-9-(2,3-dideoxy-4-thio-β-L-ribofuran-osyl) purine (30) have been synthesized by coupling of the sodium salt of 2-amino-6-chloropurine (1), 6-chloropurine (2), and 2,6-dichloropurine (3) with 1-O-acetyl-5-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-2,3-dideoxy-L-ribofuranose (4) or 1-O-acetyl-5-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-2,3-dideoxy-4-thio-L-ribofuranose (5) in anhydrous MeCN in the presence of either EtAlCl2 or Et2AlCl followed by separation of the α/β-anomers and deprotection of the blocking groups. However, the synthesi...


Due to the recent Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELG) regulations and local water quality standards being implemented throughout the United States (U.S.), many utilities are searching for the best solution to meet their wastewater treatment needs. Although a range of technologies will be implemented across various facilities, one possible solution is elimination of the wastewater by spray drying. This paper discusses some facilities currently using this technology along with experimental work for wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater treatment applications.


A research project has been carried out for AVV (Transport Research Centre) of the Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management to establish monetary values for transport time and reliability in goods transport in The Netherlands. In The Netherlands, cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is considered an indispensable tool in evaluating transport infrastructure projects. A research programme on the effects of infrastructure (OEI) was launched in 2000, resulting in guidelines about the way CBA needs to be calculated and presented. The time savings from an improvement in transport infrastructure are an important direct effect in the cost-benefit analysis of an investment in infrastructure and in a recent evaluation of the OEI guidelines it was advised to further improve the quality of input values for the main direct effects. Reliability benefits are currently not included in the cost-benefit framework used in The Netherlands, but the possibilities of including these are being studied.


We survey some recent developments in the direction of the Yau-Tian-Donaldson conjecture, which relates the existence of constant scalar curvature K\"ahler metrics to the algebro-geometric notion of K-stability. The emphasis is put on the use of pluripotential theory and the interpretation of K-stability in terms of non-Archimedean geometry.


The aim of this article is to evaluate trends in the development of the evidence-base for the effectiveness of massage therapy. For this purpose, a comparison of two systematic reviews was conducted. The first related to the evidence-base in 2000, the second to 2005. Both employed the same methodology and criteria for evaluation. The results indicate that, in several areas, the evidence has become more solid and, for anxiety and back pain, it has become more positive. For a host of other indications, the evidence seems encouraging, but more studies are required to test the effectiveness of massage therapy as well as its use for specific conditions.


(2,3-Epoxypropyl)dimethyl-ammonium chloride(DMAC) was synthesized with N,N-dimethyl dodecylamine and epichlorohydrin as raw material in this article.Secondly,(2-hydroxy-3-lauryl acyloxypropyl)dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride(HDAC) was prepared by the DMAC with laurie acid.Through the orthogonal experiment,the optimal preparation condition was investigated:using isopropanol as the solvent,n(DMAC)∶n(LAC) was 1∶1.2,reaction time was 6 h,reaction temperature 50 ℃,the yield was higher than 90% and Krafft point was-4.52 ℃.The structure of HDAC was characterized by elementary analysis,FTIR spectrum,time-of-flight mass spectrometry and 1HNMR.The surface activities of the product were measured;their surface tension was 34.12 mN/m,critical micelle concentration(CMC) 8.91×10-4 mol/L.The results showed that quaternary ammonium salt cationic surfactants with dilaurate groups exhibited a higher surface activity.


The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of a chewing gum containing 70% xylitol and 0.23% Curcuma xanthorrhiza extract to remove dental plaque and reduce gingivitis when used as a supplement to daily toothbrushing for 3 weeks. The study group consisted of 75 adults with moderate gingivitis. Participants were divided into 3 groups(control 1 group - Gum base, control 2 group - 70% Xylitol, experiment group - 70% xylitol and 0.23% xanthorrhizol) and instructed to chew the study gum for 3 times daily for 3 weeks in addition to regular daily toothbrushing. Chewing xylitol/xanthorrhizol gum significantly reduced plaque index with significant difference by week 3(p<0.01). Gingival index and bleeding on probing were decreased in xylitol/Curcuma xanthorrhiza extract group by 35.9% and 31.65% each in the same period. No adverse effects on the oral tissues were observed in any of the participants for the duration of the study. In conclusion, regular use of a chewing gum containing 70% xylitol and 0.23% Curcuma xanthorrhiza extract appears safe and effective for the removal of dental plaque and reduction of gingivitis when used in conjunction with daily toothbrushing KEYWORDS. Xanthorrhizol; Xylitol; chewing gum; plaque; gingivitis


The three-dimensional solid modeling is built based on some Automobile gearbox Product, the dangerous working conditions of static load are analyzed. On the basis of ADAMS, transient dynamic loads of gearbox at different working gears are found out. The finite element analysis modeling of gearbox casing is built. The static displacement and the stress distribution of gearbox casing are obtained, and the static strength and stiffness are evaluated. The eigenvalues of vibration of gearbox casing are solved, the coupling relationship of the excitation frequency and the gearbox casing natural frequency is analyzed. Based on the transient dynamic analysis of gearbox casing at the first gear and the reverse gear, the evaluations of the dynamic strength and dynamic stiffness are obtained and the weak position of structure is found out, which provides the beneficial information for the further study on the design of the fatigue and reliability of gearbox casing.


Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) can be used to shift a laser frequency to a different spectral region. SRS in Ba(NO3)2 crystals has been demonstrated previously using nanosecond1 and picosecond5 excitation pulses.


Objective To investigate the difference between actual and expected professional competence of nursing students. Methods The expected professional competence was investigated among 97 clinical instructors, head nurses and directors of nursing department;the self-rating and other-rating actual professional competence was rated by 132 nursing students and 132 clinical instructors, respectively. Results The hospitals showed higher expectation in occupational psychological quality,clinical practice competence and clinical management competence, while lower expectation in clinical teaching ability and clinical research ability. The hospitals rated higher scores on the expectation of undergraduate nursing students than associate nursing students in clinical practice competence, communication ability,clinical research ability and clinical teaching ability(P0.05); the actual professional competence of undergraduate and associate nursing students was significantly lower than the expected professional competence(P0.01). Conclusion The actual professional competence of nursing students can't meet the requirement of hospitals. It is suggested to strengthen the training of nursing students' occupational psychological quality and clinical practice competence,and highlight the advantages of undergraduate nursing students.


The present invention relates to a method for operating an energy storage device with a switching device (1) between a terminal (2) of an energy accumulator (3) and one to the connection of an electrical component (30) provided for the output terminal (4) comprising the steps of applying an electrical signal whose signal level changes at least once abruptly, to the output terminal (4); an at least partially capture a step response to the abrupt change in the electrical signal; an evaluation of at least partly detected step response based on a comparison of the sensed step response with an expected step response of the electrical component (30) and an immediate interruption of the application of the electric signal to the output terminal (4) when the at least partly sensed step response not to corresponds to the expected step response of the electrical component (30). The inventive method can be dispensed with additional plug-in contacts, wiring, or a interlock and open connections at the output terminal (4) can be detected yet.


Method: A prospective study of the endemicity and pattern of bacterial infections of the lower respiratory among patients attending the General Outpatient Clinic of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, using the WHO guideline for clinical diagnosis for patients selection.
Result: A total of 112 patients were enlisted during the period giving an incidence of 76 per 1000 outpatient attendance. Out of this number, 80 (71.4%) had bacterial isolates in their sputa. The commonest bacterium isolated was staphylococcus aureus (38.7%) followed by streptococcus pneumoniae (36.4%), haemophillus influenzae (12.5%) pseudomonas aerogenosa and klebsiella pneumoniae , 5% each while haemophillus parainfluenzae was seen in only 2.5%. The mean age was 47.0 years with a range of 16-74 years. The peak incidence was in the 7th decade of life, M:F was 1.2:1.
Conclusion: There was evidence that the patients with sterile sputa had taken some antibiotics before presentation. This may have suppressed the growth of the causative organisms. This brings to fore the enormity of antibiotic abuse and its consequences in our environment. Tropical Journal of Medical Research 2004;8(2):40-43


The article 4 clause two of tort liability law establishes tort liability priority principle,which has great significance to the maintenance of private rights.Tort liability priority essentially related to the competing issues among tort liability,administrative liability and criminal liability.The main reasons of establishing tort liability priority include: reflect the priority of private rights,realize the values of law,and maintain the market economic order and transaction security.


Offshore structures are exposed to risks of vessel collisions and impacts from dropped objects. Tubular members are extensively used in offshore construction, and thus, there is scope to investigate their crashworthiness behaviour. Aluminium, glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) and hybrid aluminium/GFRP circular tube specimens were fabricated and then tested under quasi-static and dynamic axial loading conditions. Two hybrid configurations were examined: external and internal layers from respectively aluminium and GFRP, and vice versa. The material impregnated with epoxy resin woven glass fabric was allowed to cure attached to the aluminium layer to ensure interlayer bonding. The quasi-static and dynamic tests were conducted using respectively a universal testing machine at a prescribed crosshead speed of 10 mm/min, and a 78 kg drop hammer released from 2.5 m. The non-hybrid configurations (aluminium and GFRP specimens) outperformed their hybrid counterparts in terms of crashworthiness characteristics.


SLEEP, Volume 40, Abstract Supplement, 2017 TBI+PTSD, or Neither. Sleep was staged by two individuals blinded to group according to AASM criteria. EMG tone was classified as low (50% below median EMG tone), medium (50 to 80%) or high (EMG values 80% and above) and analyzed within each sleep stage. Group and individual differences were analyzed using chi-square and oneway ANOVA. Results: A surprisingly high number of Veterans self-reported a high rate of dream enactment and nightmares: 37% TBI, 63% PTSD, 76% TBI+PTSD, 27% controls for dream enactment (p<0.001; X=57.9), and 26% TBI, 78% PTSD, 81% TBI+PTSD, 14% controls for nightmares (p<0.001; X=247). The percentage of epochs classified with high EMG tone during REM sleep was 3.0% in TBI, 5.6% in PTSD, 7.8% in TBI+PTSD, and 4.2% in controls (p=0.049; F (3,284) =2.64). Veterans with TBI spend significantly more time in N3 sleep (p=0.087 & 0.015) than controls and have a trend towards more restless sleep than subjects without TBI (p=0.085; t=-1.72), as measured by body position transitions. Otherwise, sleep staging did not differ between groups. Conclusion: Veterans exposed to trauma have a high rate of dream enactment behavior, nightmares, and elevated EMG tone during REM sleep. Further analysis is underway to determine whether EMG data meets clinical criteria for RSWA and REM behavior disorder, which may have important implications for long-term neurodegeneration. Support (If Any): VA CDA # IK2 BX002712, VA OAA Nursing Fellowship, Portland VA Research Foundation


In this article two areas are examined relating to discourse reference in Xhosa oral narrative: demonstrative reference and word order. It is argued that demonstrative reference serves to encode thematic rather than spatial proximity of discourse entities. This indicates that the proximate demonstrative may, in certain contexts at least, be losing its deictic significance and becoming a thematic marker. As far as word order is concerned VS (Verb Subject) word order appears to be controlled by a principle of event flow while SV (Subject Verb) order tends to occur at breaks of event continuity. It is argued that a number of complex factors may influence word order in Xhosa discourse more generally, and that it is not possible to reduce word order variation to a single principle.


This research included in the research field (Field Resarch) are purely qualitative. As for the subject of the study i.e. principals, Islamic education, Teachers and students of class X SMA NURUL IMAN Palembang. While the collection of data in this study using the method of observation, in-depth interviews and documentation. The analysis in this study uses data reduction techniques, presentation of data and verification.
The results of this research is to 1). There is a positive and significant role of competence education teachers of Islamic religion in fostering social attitude 2). The attitude of Social discipline and cooperation of students is already good, disciplined students already in the school and the role of Teacher Education coupled with the religion of Islam to be quite good. 3.) factor endowments in the cultivation of the social attitudes of HIGH SCHOOL students at NURUL IMAN Palembang was school rules or code of conduct compulsory school students observe, the teacher shows a great attitude towards students, teachers reprimand students whenever students are less invited to well, as well as the teacher always invites students to cooperate in maintaining and cleaning up the environment of the school.


We derive a sufficient condition for a radially symmetric function K(x) which is positive somewhere to be a conformal curvature on R2. In particular, we show that every nonnegative radially symmetric continuous function K(x) on R2 is a conformal curvature. In this paper, we consider the prescribing Gaussian curvature problem. Let (M, g) be a Riemannian manifold of dimension 2 with Gaussian curvature k. Given a function K on M , one may ask the following question: Can we find a new conformal metric g1 on M (i.e., there exists u on M such that g1 = e g) such that K is the Gaussian curvature of g1? This is equivalent to the problem of solving the elliptic equation ∆u − k +Ke = 0 (0) on M , where ∆ is the Laplacian of (M, g). This problem has been considered by many authors. In case M is compact, we refer to [6] for details and references. In case M = R, equation (0) becomes ∆u+K(x)e = 0 (1) and this problem is well understood if K(x) is nonpositive; in particular, if |K(x)| decays slower than |X |−2 at infinity, then equation (1) has no solution (see [11], [13]). However, if K(x) is positive at some point, the situation is totally different. If K(x0) > 0 for some x0 ∈ R, R. C. McOwen [10] proved that, for K(x) = O(r−l) as r → ∞, equation (1) has a C solution, where l is a positive constant. Also, it is not difficult to see that equation (1) has solutions for every positive constant K(x) = C. Since there is no known nonexistence result for K ≥ 0 on R, one may propose the following Problem 1. Is it true that every nonnegative function (smooth enough) on R is a conformal Gaussian curvature function? Received by the editors May 10, 1996. 1991 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 58G30; Secondary 53C21.


The problem on the asymptotics for the solution of multidimensional nonlinear Boussinesq equation with respect to a small parameter $\ve$ is considered. The asymptotic expansion of the solution of this problem with respect to $\ve\to0$ for long times $t\sim {\cal O}(\ve^{-2})$ is constructed and justified. The leading terms of the asymptotic solution are defined from the multidimensional nonlinear Schrodinger equation and from the linear homogeneous wave equation.


In this article are introduced the processing technology and technical measures adopted in producing SP/C and CP/R multi-component jacquard check fabric.The mechanical and physical properties of the made fabric are also tested.The product is characteristic of soft and smooth,better drape and silk-like luster.


A wild rat (Rattus norvegicus) killed in the vicinity of a food store in which pathogen-free animal diet was stored, was found to be heavily infected with Capillaria hepatica and Hymenolepis diminuta. Sacks of diet from the store were found to be contaminated with rodent faeces containing eggs of these parasites. The possibility of Capillaria hepatica eggs infecting animals within a specified-pathogen-free or minimum disease unit and the likelihood of detecting such an infection are discussed. Recommendations are made which would reduce the risk of pathogenic organisms entering an animal unit with the diet.


This paper analyzes the Krylov convergence rate of a Helmholtz problem preconditioned with multigrid. The multigrid method is applied to the Helmholtz problem formulated on a complex contour and uses the generalized minimal residual method as a smoother substitute at each level. A one‐dimensional model is analyzed both in a continuous and discrete way. It is shown that the Krylov convergence rate of the continuous problem is independent of the wave number. The discrete problem, however, can deviate significantly from this bound because of a pitchfork in the spectrum. It is further shown in numerical experiments that the convergence rate of the Krylov method approaches the continuous bound as the grid distance h gets small. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


In this paper, we propose a novel DOA estimation algorithm based on the fact that the correlation between the received signals at different antenna elements can be written as a function of DOAs. The computational cost of the proposed method is much smaller than that by MUSIC method. Moreover, the present method does not require the space averaging technique even though the case of correlated incident waves although MUSIC requires it which reduces the practical number of antenna elements. The estimation accuracy and the computational cost are evaluated through computer simulation in comparison of those by MUSIC and Beamformer methods.


Abstract: Numerous agencies and organizations have adopted the concept of ecosystem management as a guiding principle in natural resource management. Despite this widespread interest, no single definition of ecosystem management has been accepted, and there are no specific guidelines or standards by which to apply the concept. I examined how one federal agency, the U.S. Forest Service, is applying the principles of ecosystem management at a local level. I present a case study examining management of giant sequoia (  Sequoiadendron giganteum) in Sequoia National Forest, California, to illuminate the challenges of practicing ecosystem management by associating on‐the‐ground management activities with ecosystem management themes, characteristics, and mechanisms identified in academic, industry, and agency literature. Experience at Sequoia National Forest suggests that the application of ecosystem management is compromised by poor relations between managers and stakeholders, multifarious policy requirements, budgetary uncertainty, and limited ecological research on which to base management decisions. To facilitate successful application of ecosystem management in the future, I recommend that managers (1) build confidence and trust in the process, (2) acknowledge bias, (3) reconcile policy and funding constraints with long‐term planning, (4) invest in scientific research, data collection, and monitoring capacity, and (5) explore the relationship between values and science. These recommendations, although based on the U.S. Forest Service experience, are relevant to natural resource management in general.


A semiparametric time series model through power transformation and not setting the dependency structure and distributional form of its error component is proposed to forecast the volatility in Chinese stock markets.The model is estimated by an extreme value estimator based the two-stage estimation method and this estimation method works fairely well in finite samples.In addition,a bootstrap SPA test is used to evaluate the predicting accuracy for the proposed model and other 6 models.The empirical results show that,under various loss functions,the proposed model is the best model for volatility forecasts among the 6 models in Chinese stock markets.


One of the most remarkable phenomena in the whole realm of vertebrate biology is the regular occurrence of death of all adult Pacific salmons shortly after their first spawning. Other closely related anadromous fishes, the sea-run rainbow trout (steelhead) and the Atlantic salmon are capable of reproducing repeatedly, although most of them fail to return for a second spawning (Robertson and Wexler, '62). Physiological adjustments required in transition from salt to fresh water can be excluded as the principal lethal factor in this fish, since the kokanee (0. nerha kennerlyi), the landlocked offshoot of the blue back salmon (0. nerka nerka), which spends all its life in fresh water, migrates upstream from its resident lake to spawn and dies shortly thereafter . Likewise, physical influences such as stress from long migrations, discussed in a former paper (Robertson, '57) appear to bear no essential relationship to the initiation of the series of progressive degenerative changes which follow the spawning act. The first definite suggestion that variations in the functional activity of the pituitary gland might play an important role in this process came from an observation made by Roger E. Burrows of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service during the course of experiments on artificial acceleration of gonadal maturation in blue back salmon by means of pituitary gland injections. Certain of the injected fish, especially those receiving the larger doses 6 to 8 pituitaries exhibited all of the characteristic changes seen in the spent salmon under natural spawning conditions, e.g., deterioration of the skin with focal necroses and fungus infection, loss of muscular power and balance, and death before full gonadal development had been reached (personal communication). A second finding which pointed to distinctive activity of the pituitary gland at the time of sexual maturity in the adult salmon was the observed difference between the appearance of the precociously mature male king salmon p a r which occasionally occurs before a year of age, and the adult male normally spawning at the end of 4 years. The latter fish are characterized by a hooked jaw, hump back, brilliant coloration and absorption of the scales. The sexually ripe p a n show none of these changes and they survive following expulsion of milt, proportionally much greater in quantity than that expelled by the adult male (Robertson, '57). Presumably the increased pituitary hormone production in the small fish is limited principally to gonadotropins. Thirdly, the occurrence of cellular changes in the pituitary gland of the spawning rainbow and steelhead trout (Robertson and Wexler, '62) indicative of greatly increased functional activity accompanied by evidences of degeneration, suggested that the stress of reproduction had produced an overly intense stimulation of the pituitary. Furthermore, pituitary degeneration was most pronounced in steelhead trout which were held in captivity following spawning. These fish


By averaging over the frequencies of the oscillations, the spacing distribution of the infinite-dimensional harmonic oscillator is shown to be , following the universal behaviour of spacing distributions of integrable systems. For oscillators of finite dimension, n, reasons for the model distribution, , are suggested. Numerical results follow.


It is argued that expert systems have evolved from early forays into the essence of intelligence and from proof-of-concept systems based on toy problems into robust, operational systems, with all of the same problems facing mature software developed conventionally. During this evolution, some architectural concepts have been developed that are still valid and offer methods for general implementation to avoid problems that obstructed the earliest attempts. Some of these systems, their goals and important architectures are described. The sonar expert system (SES) evolution, originating from the HASP expert system begun in 1973, is used as a case study.<<ETX>>


Because the supply of bauxite ores in many countries is becoming deficient, a process of preparing alumina from an alternative resource, namely, kaolin, is proposed in this work. First, kaolin was ...


Tribological studies were conducted on five different polyimide solid bodies formulated from the diamine 2,2-bis 4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl hexafluoropropane (4-BDAF) and the dianhydrides pyromellitic acid (PMDS) and benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid (BTDA). The following polyimides were evaluated 4-BDAF/PMDA, 4-BDAF/BTDA, 4-BDAF/80 mole percent PMDA, 20 mole percent BTDA, 4-BDAF/60 mole percent BTDA. Friction coefficients, polyimide wear rates, polyimide surface morphology and transfer films were evaluated at sliding speeds of 0.31 to 11.6 m/s and at temperatures of 25 C to 300 C. The results indicate that the tribological properties are highly dependent on the composition of the polyimide and on the experimental conditions. Two polyimides were found which produced very low wear rates but very high friction coefficients (greater than 0.85) under ambient conditions. They offer considerable potential for high traction types of application such as brakes.


—We study robust stability of Biological Interaction Networks (BINs) by constructing stability certificates in the form of Robust Lyapunov Functions (RLFs) using graphical methods. Previous works have mainly constructed RLFs by utilizing linear programs or iterative algorithms. Such algo- rithms become tedious or computationally infeasible for large networks. In addition, they do not identify motifs or graph modifications that maintain stability. In this work, we provide several graphical criteria for constructing stability certificates. We characterize a set of stability-preserving graph modifications which include, in particular, the enzymatic catalysis motif. Hence, stability of a class of arbitrarily large networks can be examined by simple visual inspection. We present applications of this technique to Post-Translational Modification (PTM) cycles, Ribosome Flow Model (RFM), and T -cell kinetic proofreading. Index Terms —Nonlinear Systems, Systems Biology, Petri-nets, Lyapunov Functions, Robust Stability, Reaction Networks.


Interview with Oscar Halvarsson, aged 86. The interview was conducted by Tomas Christiansson and Marie johnsson, student of the Swedish School of Library and Information Science in Boras, on Februa ...


Objective: To study the pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of self-prepared methylphenidate hydrochloride(MPH) sustained-release micropellet capsules.Methods: Eight rabbits were given a single oral dose of 18 mg of MPH sustained-release micropellet capsules(test preparation) and MPH controlled-release tablets on the market(reference preparation) in a crossover study.LC/MS/MS method was employed to determine the plasma concentrations of MPH before and 0.5,1,2,3,4,6,8,10,12,24 and 32 h after administration of the medicine.The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated and statistically analyzed.Results: The detection limit of MPH was 0.06 ng/ml.The plasma concentration curves of both the sustained-release micropellet capsules and the controlled-release tablets had two peaks.The main pharmacokinetic parameters of test preparation were as follows:tmax1=(1.02±0.04) h,tmax2=(5.98±0.03) h,cmax1=(0.82±0.22) ng/ml,cmax2=(1.54±0.33) ng/ml and those of reference preparation were as follows:tmax1=(0.50±0.02) h,tmax2=(3.96±0.03) h,cmax1=(0.45±0.12) ng/ml,cmax2=(1.25±0.29) ng/ml,respectively.The cmax and tmax of both peaks of the test preparation were higher or longer than those of the reference preparation.Conclusion: Compared with the controlled release tablets,the self-prepared MPH sustained-release micropellet capsules have better bioavailability.


A new systematic approach for estimating the section and column efficiencies based on flow profiles and vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) characteristics of binary mixtures exclusively for each tray is proposed. A novel iterative technique for approximating the slope of the VLE curve and the tray efficiency is also developed. For demonstrating the predictive capabilities of the new approach, two case studies are formulated in this work - one with a theoretical column processing selected binary mixtures at total reflux, and the other involving an industrial column whose performance data is acquired from the literature. An in-depth analysis of theoretical column study reveals the superiority of the new approach over the most applied method. In the case study of industrial column, the new approach predicts the section efficiency accurately, unlike the efficiency underestimation from the most applied method. Such an approach would allow a priori calculation of the section and column efficiencies in the tray and ...


The essential oils (E.O.) of two Algerian endemic plants (Ferula vesceritensis Coss.et Dur and Thymus pallescens de Noe) were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The yields were 0.4%, 2.3%, respectively. Chromatographic analysis lead to the identification of 54 components representing 92.2% of F. vesceritensis oil which was characterized by shyobunol (18.1%) and δ-cadinene (14.2%) as the main compounds while 35 components representing 93% of T. pallescens essential oil were identified among which carvacrol (40.2%), thymol (13.5%), α-terpineol (7.0%) and γ-terpinene (6.5%) were the major constituents. Insecticidal activity against rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) by contact and inhalation methods showed appreciable insecticidal property with the essential oil of F. vesceritensis (LD50= 16.4 μl/ml or 0.26 μl/cm; LD90= 53.45 μl/ml or 0.84 μl/cm) and potent activity with T. pallescens oil (LD50= 8.76 μl/ml or 0.14 μl/cm; LD90= 17.15 μl/ml or 0.27 μl/cm). The results suggest that essential oils from the studied plants may be used against Sitophilus oryzae in grain storage.


Increasingly, binocular disparity has become commonplace in telepresence systems despite the additional cost of its provision. Experiments comparing performance under monocular and binocular viewing are often cited as justification for its use. Here we question whether this experimental comparison and provide an important set of data which compares performance on a motor task under binocular, monocular and bi-ocular (where both eyes receive the same view) conditions. Binocular cues were found to be particularly important in the control of the transport component. In the binocular conditions peak velocity scaling with object distance was greater than in the other conditions, and in the bi-ocular condition, where the binocular distance cues conflicted with pictorial information, no scaling was evident. For the grasp component, even in the presence of conflicting size and depth information, grip scaling remained equivalent in all conditions. For the transport component at least, binocular cues appear important and the decrease in performance observed in behavioral studies under monocular conditions is not attributable to lack of information in one eye but rather to the lack of binocular depth cues. Therefore in the design of telepresence systems to be used in telemanipulation tasks, the use of stereoscopic display technology seems justified.


The article presents the results of a qualitative and quantitative determination of toxic and bitter substances in 8 species of plants of Northern Mongolia that are not eaten by cattle. Significant amounts of alkaloids were found in 6 species, tannins in 2 species.


The study empirically
analyzes private consumption in Lesotho over the period 1982-2015 by employing
an Autoregressive Distributed Lag bound test approach to cointegration. The
results show that private consumption is positively influenced by the level of
national disposable income in the short run and long run. The Marginal
Propensity to Consume is highly significant and is less than 1. This proves the
Keynesian consumption theory in Lesotho. The research findings reveal that
increased government expenditure crowds out private consumption in the short
run and long run. A growth in the level of inflation has no effect on private
consumption. An expansion in the rate on deposits positively affects private
consumption in the short run. The policy recommendation given the results of
the study is that the government of Lesotho should implement initiatives aimed
at increasing employment as well as private sector development as espoused in
the country's National Strategic Development Plan.


This paper describes a DLL-based 150MHz-400MHz programmable clock multiplier which achieves lps-5ps RMS jitter and -70dBc reference spur level. The DLL uses a sampling phase detector and employs chopping, autozeroing and various other circuit techniques to reduce static phase offset and crosstalk between the reference and the output clock


This paper presents the method to obtain the shear stress curve of clay from the undrained plane-strain expansion of hollow cylinder triaxial tests. No prior knowledge of the constitutive properties of the material is required. The theory also indicates that when the outer radius of the cylinder is very large compared with the inner radius, the equation used to interpret pressuremeter tests in clay is recovered.Key words: hollow cylinder, expansion tests, clays, plane strain, undrained condition, shear stress curve.


We report the growth and characterization of quaternary AlGaInN. A combination of photoluminescence (PL), high-resolution X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) characterizations enables us to explore the contours of constant-PL peak energy and lattice parameter as functions of the quaternary compositions. The observation of room temperature PL emission at 351 nm (with 20%Al and 5%In) renders initial evidence that the quaternary could be used to provide confinement for GaInN (and possibly GaN). AlGaInN/GaInN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) heterostructures have been grown; both XRD and PL measurement suggest the possibility of incorporating this quaternary into optoelectronic devices.


This text on bipolar and BiCMOS circuits and technology covers: design; performance; fabrication; testing; application; integrated circuits; phenomena; discrete devices; radio frequency design; innovative packaging; device physics, modelling and simulation; CAD tools; and power devices and ICs."


Background: Heme oxygenase, cytochrome P450 reductase, and biliverdin reductase are the key enzymes in heme degradation. Results: Specific electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions form the binding interface between heme oxygenase and cytochrome P450 reductase. Conclusion: Heme oxygenase binds cytochrome P450 reductase dynamically and biliverdin reductase very weakly. Significance: Characterizing interactions among proteins involved in heme degradation are crucial to understanding heme homeostasis. Heme oxygenase (HO) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the O2-dependent degradation of heme to biliverdin, CO, and iron with electrons delivered from NADPH via cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR). Biliverdin reductase (BVR) then catalyzes conversion of biliverdin to bilirubin. We describe mutagenesis combined with kinetic, spectroscopic (fluorescence and NMR), surface plasmon resonance, cross-linking, gel filtration, and analytical ultracentrifugation studies aimed at evaluating interactions of HO-2 with CPR and BVR. Based on these results, we propose a model in which HO-2 and CPR form a dynamic ensemble of complex(es) that precede formation of the productive electron transfer complex. The 1H-15N TROSY NMR spectrum of HO-2 reveals specific residues, including Leu-201, near the heme face of HO-2 that are affected by the addition of CPR, implicating these residues at the HO/CPR interface. Alanine substitutions at HO-2 residues Leu-201 and Lys-169 cause a respective 3- and 22-fold increase in Km values for CPR, consistent with a role for these residues in CPR binding. Sedimentation velocity experiments confirm the transient nature of the HO-2·CPR complex (Kd = 15.1 μm). Our results also indicate that HO-2 and BVR form a very weak complex that is only captured by cross-linking. For example, under conditions where CPR affects the 1H-15N TROSY NMR spectrum of HO-2, BVR has no effect. Fluorescence quenching experiments also suggest that BVR binds HO-2 weakly, if at all, and that the previously reported high affinity of BVR for HO is artifactual, resulting from the effects of free heme (dissociated from HO) on BVR fluorescence.


The Turin manuscript containing the first three books of Oppian' Halieutica was almost completely destroyed in the fire of 1904, but a collation of it has recently come to light. In 1811 the noted classical scholar and Orientalist Vittorio Amedeo Peyron collated the manuscript against Schneider' first edition of the poem (Strasbourg, 1776) and also transcribed the scholia. He sent his results to Schneider for use in the preparation of his second edition (Leipzig, 1813), but they apparently arrived too late. Although the original plan of this second edition called for the inclusion of the scholia, Schneider published only a text of the poem and turned over his materials on the scholia to G. H. Schaefer, including no doubt Peyron' collation of the Turin manuscript. Schaefer never did manage to produce his edition of the scholia and in some unknown way Peyron' collation and some of the other material came on to the open market in 1969.


Biological control is considered as new efficient method that becomes widely used for controlling plant parasitic nematodes, as aim to decrease the extent of environment degradation and the effect of the excessive toxic nematicides. So, this study was done to investigate the role of some bacterial genera as biocontrol agent against Meloidogyne incognita. The results of in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that, all tested bacteria have a greatly significant effectiveness for suppressing M. incognita. In vitro results showed that all biovars of Bacillus thuringiensis and Pseudomonas fluorescens besides, Rhizobium leguminosarum can achieve M. incognita juveniles mortality to 100% at 72 hrs. Mixtures of bacteria genera varied in their effects, with regard to the presence of genus Rhizobium in the bacterial mixture give it an obvious lethal efficacy against M. incognita juveniles. In vivo study exhibited that, the most effective bacterium which can restrict and cease M. incognita reproduction was Pseudomonas fluorescens RR, followed by Rhizobium leguminosarum. Also, an enhancement in plant growth occurs. [Journal of American Science. 2010;6(10):321-328]. (ISSN: 1545-1003).


The loss of HBr from 2-bromobutane radical cation, 1, was investigated by means of mass spectrometry techniques. In the gas phase, the spontaneous unimolecular reaction of metastable ion 1 yields only a C4H8•+ (m/z 56) fragment and neutral HBr. In all the deuterated ions the loss of HBr is always strongly dominant, the loss of DBr remaining under 1%. Ion−molecule reactions indicate that the C4H8•+ ions correspond to a mixture in which ionized 2-butene and methylcyclopropane were detected. These results are discussed in the light of calculations carried out by using high-level density functional theory techniques. For this purpose we have located the relevant stationary points of the [H9, C4, Br]•+ potential energy surface (PES). The geometries and the vibrational frequencies were obtained at the B3LYP/6-31G* level, and for the final energies a B3LYP/6-311+G(3df,2p) approach was used. From these data, it is proposed (i) that the loss of HBr involves 1,3- and 1,4-elimination reactions and several eliminatio...


Rectal temperatures (N = 249) of 2 free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns were measured in all seasons in northeastern Minnesota while the animals were normally resting, standing, walking, feeding, and running. Rectal temperatures remained between 38.2 and 40.1 C despite ambient temperatures of -38 to 34 C. Deer were free to select habitats and activities and showed a narrower range of body temperatures (1.9 C) than has been reported for confined individuals (5.6 C). Seasonal and activity-related variations in rectal temperatures were slight but significant. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 51(1):59-62 Body temperatures of 37.2-42.8 C have been reported for captive or freshly captured whitetailed (Holter et al. 1975, Seal et al. 1978), mule (0. hemionus) (Thorne 1975, Parker and Robbins 1984), and Columbian black-tailed deer (0. h. columbianus) (Leopold et al. 1951, Cowan and Wood 1955). A narrower range would be expected for body temperatures of free-ranging deer if deer select habitats and activity levels that facilitate homeothermy (Verme 1965; Moen 1968b, 1985; Ozoga and Gysel 1972). Published data on body temperatures of free-ranging deer do not exist (Anderson 1981). In this study we measured rectal temperatures of free-ranging deer during various activities not prompted by man or other predators in open and forested habitats. We thank S. Demarais, L. Mason, W. W. Mautz, K. R. McCaffery, M. E. Nelson, and J. M. Sweeney for helpful suggestions on the manuscript.


In this paper I wish to focus on the importance of an edu- cation of our senses and body through sensorial elements for the im- provement of our sensibility for situations and our faculty of judge- ment. This was the key focus of aesthetics in its classical form from antiquity until early 19 th century when aesthetics was, to a large de- gree, a matter of aesthetic education and communication. Important were arts and letters, which still are important but now very much on the defensive also because aesthetics often is a about criticism rather than about the sensorial and bodily aspect of cultural products. I sug- gest we can learn from the early generations within aesthetics not least from Kant when we keep in mind that his investigation of the aesthetic judgement was for the sake of judgement as such, thus for our ability to chose the right conduct of behaviour. The aesthetic judgement is a judgement about our relation to a specific cultural context and our acquisition of it comes from being acquainted with cultural products. Aesthetics is thus closely related to hermeneutics, to how we interpret specific situations we find ourselves in.


Young students of local lore who attend Volokolamsk's school no. 1 are active participants in the work done by the "Literary Life in the Moscow Vicinity" [Literaturnoe Podmoskov 'e] museum which was set up, on the initiative of youngsters preparing for the All-Russian Literary Festival, to mark the 150th anniversary of Lev Tolstoi's birth. The schoolchildren's work encourages us to think that there is a potential for regional literature studies in every district, and that all one needs to do is take a closer look at the area where one lives.


The article says about the history of construction and usage of the first capital bridges across Novosibirsk river Kamenka. The research is based on original plans of 1914 and 1925, which are kept in Novosibirsk state archives.


Cultural tourism is being developed in British Columbia, Canada to help address some traditional tourism problems. Three of the problems which are examined in this study are the authenticity of the product, seasonality, and the spatial redistribution of tourism activity. All three of these issues are addressed in recent examples of cultural tourism developments.


comparing what I had previously written, from looking at photographs and casts, with the actual monuments I was discussing as they are preserved in situ or in the museums of the city of Rome. This proved a most salutary exercise (as indeed I had hoped it would be!) which occasioned a number of significant changes in my manuscript. Needless to say, had I had the chance, I should probably have rewritten the book entirely — responding to the renewed inspiration of the objects in Rome viewed afresh! Secondly, I began research on a long-term project exploring the politics of visual culture in Rome during the period of Christianization in the fourth century AD. I have been particularly struck by the complex ways in which traditional Roman imagery and traditional ways of treating images (such as recutting heads and inserting portraits into mythological reliefs) were both actively employed and fundamentally transformed in a period of profound cultural change in the city. At the same time the Christian arts of the city (especially sarcophagi and catacombs) show an increasing emphasis on images of the Roman saints — especially Peter and Paul — in an effort to bolster the city's Christian history and heritage at a time when it was no longer the seat of the senior emperor and was bereft of the scriptural associations with marked out the Holy Land as sacred. I am happy to say that the first product of my researches in this area, an article on the Arch of Constantine in its late antique visual and cultural context, has been accepted for the Papers of the British School at Rome (to be published in volume 68 (2000)).


Salvinia molesta (native
of south-eastern Brazil) is a free floating aquatic fern that has spread to several
countries around the globe including Uganda. Under optimum growing conditions, the plant is capable of spreading rapidly where it can
have immense environmental, economic and human health impacts. Thick mats of the
weed have been recorded in some parts of Lake Kyoga, Uganda where it hinders the
abstraction of water, docking and boat take-off, bathing and swimming activities.
Therefore this study aimed to determine the extent of S. molesta at selected landing
sites in Lake Kyoga and the influence of anthropogenic activities on the weed coverage
as well as the effect of physico-chemical parameters of the water on the development
of the weed. Quadrats were used to ascertain the coverage of S. molesta while the physico-chemical parameters were determined by standard methods. The results
showed significant positive correlation of S. molesta weed coverage with phosphates
(PO4-P) and negative correlations with pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and
water flow rate. Though statistically insignificant waste sites recorded the highest
overall S. molesta coverage (82.61 ± 21.12 m2) per 400 m2 quadrat followed by boat docks (82.24 ± 19.45 m2), gardens (50.93 ± 11.82
m2) and finally fishing areas (27.94 ± 5.93 m2) respectively.
The overall weed coverage was highest around the shoreline locations of Acholi inn
landing site (101.72 ± 22.89 m2 per 400 m2) followed by Masindi
port (60.39 ± 15.64 m2), Waitumba (41.89 ± 10.55 m2) and the
least in the offshore location at Kayei landing site (39.71 ± 10.17 m2). Salvinia molesta distribution in Lake Kyoga is linked to nutrient (PO4-P)
supply, proximity to the shoreline and the associated anthropogenic activities.
Hence waste sites, gardens and boat docks enhance S. molesta invasion in Lake
Kyoga. Therefore, sources of nutrients (phosphates) into Lake Kyoga that favour
the proliferation of S. molesta should be minimized through adequate
waste treatment and prohibition of cultivation close to the lake. Salvinia molesta coverage along the routes of moving boats should also be contained
so as to reduce the spread of the weed in the lake through boat movements. Furthermore,
eradication efforts of S. molesta weed in Lake Kyoga should be heightened
at the shoreline areas of the lake in the various landing sites within the lake
basin.


ABSTRACT During the COVID-19 pandemic, many universities transitioned to remote instruction, which has potential to both increase access and exacerbate disparities faced by students in higher education. This exploratory study examined barriers faced by students in kinesiology and sport management classes (n = 104), and faculty behaviors that aided and harmed students' ability to succeed. Results suggest two broad categories of barriers: household difficulties (e.g., job loss, illness) and technology access (e.g., internet access, sharing devices). Faculty strategies for success were nuanced, with students indicating a preference for both consistency and flexibility. Given the ongoing nature of the pandemic and likely permanence of online education, strategies and implications for educators are discussed.


Disclosed is a non-halogen low-smoke flame retardant cable, comprising a protective jacket and a shielding line resistance which is sleeved therein. The shielding line resistance comprises an insulation wire core. At least one shielding line resistance is arranged in the protective jacket and at least two insulation wire cores are arranged in the shielding line resistance. The shielding line resistance is further provided with a winding belt which is wrapped around the insulation wire core. A line resistance shielding layer is arranged outside the winding belt and a line resistance winding layer is arranged outside the line resistance shielding layer. A flame retardant layer, a cable winding layer and a cable shielding layer are arranged outside the shielding line resistance in the protective jacket in turn. The utility model has advantages of high insulating resistance constant, high insulating mechanical performance and high flame retardant performance, which can meet the strict technical requirement of the aerospace, nuclear industry and subway departments and is easy for mass production.


Abstract Heat-generating waste provides a number of additional technical challenges over and above those associated with the disposal of ILW. A priority area of work for Radioactive Waste Management (RWM) concerns the effect of heat on the engineered barrier system, and how this may be mitigated through the management of heat (thermal dimensioning) in a UK Geological Disposal Facility (GDF). The objective of thermal dimensioning is to provide a strategy to enable acceptable waste package loading and spatial configurations of the packages to be determined in order to enable high-heat generating waste to be successfully disposed in a GDF. An early focus of the work has been to develop a thermal modelling tool to support analyses of different combinations of package assumptions and other GDF factors, such as spacing of those packages, to assess the compliance with thermal limits. The approach has a capability to investigate quickly and efficiently the implications of a wide range of disposal concepts for the storage of spent fuel/HLW and the dimensions of a GDF. This study describes the approach taken to undertaking this work, which has included a robust appraisal of the key data (and the associated uncertainty); recent thermal dimensioning analysis has been performed to identify constraints on those disposal concepts.


In this essay we make the case for privatization, in general, and, then, apply it to some difficult cases: oceans, roads, heavenly bodies


This paper presents a soft calibration technique for displacement measurement using Linear Variable Differential Transducer (LVDT). The objective of the proposed work is to design a circuit, which will calibrate automatically the output of LVDT based on the range set by the user. The output of LVDT is drawn from both the secondary coils, and is acquired on to the system through the DAQ card (NIElvis). The acquired AC signal is first converted to pure DC by the help of rectifiers and filters. The two secondary coil signals which have been obtained from filters are passed through comparators circuits. The gain of filters and comparator circuits are controlled based on the user choice of range. The circuit once design is tested using practical setup, proposed setup produced accurate results and avoided repeated calibration which otherwise would be needed whenever the range of measurement was changed.