Image focus analysis is an important technique for passive autofocusing and 3D shape measurement. Electronic noise in digital images introduces errors in this techniques. It is therefore important to derive robust focus measures that minimize error. In our earlier research, we have developed a method for noise sensitivity analysis of focus measures. In this paper we derive explicit expressions for the root-mean square (RMS) error in autofocusing based on image focus analysis. This is motivated by the autofocusing uncertainty measure (AUM) defined earlier by us as a metric for comparing the noise sensitivity of different focus measures in autofocusing and 3D shape-from-focus. The RMS error we derive by us has the same advantage as AUM in that it can be computed in only one trial of autofocusing. We validate our theory on RMS error and AUM through experiments. It is shown that the theoretically estimated and experimentally measured values of the standard deviation of a set of focus measures are in agreement. Our results are based on a theoretical noise sensitivity analysis of focus measures, and they show that for a given camera the optimally accurate focus measure may change from one object to the other depending on their focused images.


One of the most pervasive findings in attribute framing research is the valence consistent shift; that is, positively valenced frames (e.g., 95% natural ingredients) are preferred over semantically equivalent but negatively valenced frames (e.g., 5% artificial ingredients). Despite the robustness of this finding, it has primarily been observed in judgments of prospective or hypothetical consumption. When valenced frames are presented during or immediately prior to an actual consumption experience, evidence for the valence consistent shift is weaker and less conclusive. In the present research, we propose and show that individuals' susceptibility to a valenced frame encountered around the time of a related consumption experience depends on whether they focus primarily on their cognitions or their emotions during the experience. Specifically, five experiments provide evidence that the valence consistent shift is attenuated in visual, auditory, and (simulated) gustatory consumption contexts when individuals are prompted to rely more on affective (vs. cognitive) inputs. Implications for both theory and practice are discussed.


We investigate the effect of new redox molecular switches based on oligothiophene deposited on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as thin electroactive layers in the 5–80 nm thickness range. In doing so, we compare systems based on physisorbed electroactive layers (weak electronic coupling) with those based on covalently bonded layers (strong electronic coupling), and we investigate orientation and thickness effects. Two different deposition methods were used. The first is based on bithiophene electropolymerization and the second on diazonium salt electroreduction. In both cases, redox switching of the electroactive layer makes is possible to tune the plasmonic properties of the AuNPs, and the layer thickness has a strong impact on the amplitude of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) modulation. LSPR modulation upon redox switching also depends on the electronic coupling regime between the AuNP and the organic layer. Indeed, the apparent real part of the dielectric constant seen by the AuNP is larger w...


Based on the theory of wavelet transform, the application of wavelet decomposition and wavelet filter for the signals of pile integrity testing is introduced. Combining with engineering examples, bior5.5 is chosen which is a wavelet base of biorthogonal series that are biorthogonal spline wavelet with linear phase. By comparing with the normal analysis methods, both advantages and defects of them are discussed.


It provides compositions and methods for preventing and treating oral health-related diseases. In one general embodiment, the compositions and methods of the present disclosure, aspiration pneumonia, community-acquired pneumonia, and reduce the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia, reduces more the gingivitis and plaque, improved by providing a tongue flora, it is possible to improve oral health. The compositions and methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure, by utilizing probiotics naturally present in the oral cavity or gastrointestinal tract reduces the anaerobic gram-negative bacilli, increasing the presence of resident flora can. By preventing and treating problems associated patient in oral health, it is possible to prevent or alleviate post-health problems, it makes it possible to reduce the future medical expenses of a patient. .BACKGROUND


Acknowledgements The research team are indebted to NHS South West for making this evaluation possible. We are also grateful to all the staff and students who worked on the CPD modules and who helped in the evaluation. We would like to thank especially the Project Leads, the Steering Group members, module leaders and the students who participated in our Advisory Group. Special thanks to Charlotte Prowle for administrative support and excellent minute-taking. Contents Summary 4 Introduction 9 The curriculum development project The national context Definition of e-learning terms Aims and objectives of the evaluation 11 Research approach and methods 12 Findings: analysis of applications and completions data 14 Findings: the staff interviews 16 Findings: the student questionnaire 26 Findings: the student interviews 34 Conclusions 44 Recommendations 50 Bibliography 53 Appendices 1 Topic guide for staff interviews 2 Student questionnaire 3 Student interview guide 54


Politics and development without reforms are pointless. In their absence, social and economic turmoil collectively provide a backdrop to justify armed struggle. Of biological resources and their conservation processes, it decimates human resources and their productivity, with many forms of community impairment. This has happened in Nepal. The purpose of this paper is to describe the state of insurgency in Nepal that may endanger linkages of biodiversity conservation.


I have written clinical and technical papers, journal articles, chapters and textbooks for over 40 years, but none ever created the pain I felt in writing this chapter It was written in late April and May 2020 when the SARS-CoV-19 pandemic was ramping up and the deaths were dramatically mounting When I wrote the paragraph on mortality rates in April 2020, total deaths in the U S were 1371 As I write this abstract now in late May, the total U S deaths have reached 104,000 souls, a 76-fold increase I wept This chapter will help you understand the clinical and technical aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic It will provide a clear understanding of the background, the pathogenesis, the clinical aspects and the AI applications for COVID-19 (albeit dated by the time you read this), but it can't begin to convey the pain we're all sharing from this human tragedy


Now in its second decade, the opioid epidemic has claimed more than 800 000 lives in the US, more than the combined total of all deaths in all US wars and armed conflicts from the Revolutionary War to the present. Starting in approximately 2013, with the introduction of substantial quantities of the inexpensive and highly potent synthetic opioid fentanyl, the opioid epidemic entered a particularly lethal phase, with the death rate increasing more than10-fold. In 2020, the most recent year for which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently reports, the death toll from opioid overdose was the worst ever, at more than 100 000.1 In this issue, Whitley and colleagues2 have reported the possibility of using clinical drug test results from substance use disorder clinics to document time patterns in the frequency of drug detection via urine samples submitted for clinical testing. Spanning 2013 to 2020, their results provide a clear picture of the evolution of synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl) into their position of dominance in the US illicit drug supply. The rapid increase in death rates associated with this proliferation of fentanyl is largely a consequence of the drug being approximately 50 times more potent than heroin, thus putting the unsuspecting user in great jeopardy of unintentional overdose.3 Fentanyl is also being found in the nonopioid drug supply and being sold with stimulants and even cannabis. This issue is especially concerning for patients whose intent is to use one of these nonopioid agents because they may be opioid naive. As also clearly seen in the data presented by Whitley et al,2 methamphetamine detections have increased in parallel with those observed for synthetic opioids since 2013. The reasons for the emergence of methamphetamine over this period and the concurrent increase in methamphetamine-related deaths are complex and not completely understood. There has traditionally been a subset of opioid users who prefer to simultaneously use a stimulant, typically cocaine, together with an opioid in what has been colloquially referred to as a speedball. This combination was popularized by the belief that the resulting euphoria, or rush, would be intensified, and the posteuphoric central nervous system depression induced by the opioid would be reduced. There is also an unfounded belief that co-use of stimulants will counteract opioid-induced respiratory depression. Most recently, this concept has been applied to the simultaneous use of fentanyl and methamphetamine in a combination known as a goofball. It is likely that there are several reasons for the parallel patterns in the detection of synthetic opioids and methamphetamine reported by Whitley et al2 and other researchers.4 While some cases are the result of intentional simultaneous use of stimulants with opioids, others are due to the inadvertent use of stimulants that have been contaminated or adulterated with opioids in the drug supply. People may also choose to use these drugs in combination to overcome the sedating effect of fentanyl.5 However, it cannot be concluded from urine drug test results that the presence of both a stimulant and an opioid in a urine sample signifies that there was co-use given that sequential use of these drugs would yield similar urine drug screening results. Knowledge of the most current drug use patterns is important for many reasons. First, it allows clinicians to accurately counsel patients regarding the risks of drug use based on the effects of substances known to be currently present in the drug supply. Second, it informs testing and treatment decisions. Third, it forms the basis for public policy decisions, such as a need to increase access to harm-reduction techniques, including naloxone distribution, test dosing, staggered administrations, safe injection sites, or fentanyl testing strips. + Related article


A multiplicativity conjecture for quantum communication channels is formulated, validity of which for the values of parameter $p$ close to 1 is related to the solution of the fundamental problem of additivity of the channel capacity in quantum information theory. The proof of the conjecture is given for the case of natural numbers $p$.


This report reviews the Expectation Maximization EM algorithm and applies it to the data segmentation problem yielding the Expectation Maximization Segmentation EMS algorithm The EMS algorithm requ ...


IN THE FIELD OF SLURRY TRENCH WALL CONSTRUCTION, RECENT RESEARCH AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS HAVE LED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A TECHNIQUE COMBINING DRILLING AND FILLING IN ONE OPERATION. THIS TECHNIQUE CONSISTS IN USING A GROUT WHICH CAN BE UTILIZED AS A DRILLING FLUID AND WHICH CAN, LATER, REACH THE REQUIRED DEFORMABILITY AND STRENGTH PROPERTIES, EVEN UNDER VERY HIGH HYDRAULIC LOADS. THIS REPORT PRESENTS PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF SOME TESTS ON BENTONITE-CEMENT MIXTURES AND OF A SERIES OF STATIC ANALYSES WITH A VIEW TO INVESTIGATING THE MAJOR FACTORS INFLUENCING THE SUCCESS OF THE TECHNIQUE. SEE IRRD ABSTRACT NO.100334.


The computational and storage resources of Wind Plant couldnt be fully utilized is a problem worth paying attention.The remote falut diagnosis center of wind turbine can integrate the data of each Wind Plant together, but the large amounts of data generated by the Wind Plant increase the cost of the enterprise. The Cloud Computing Platform which was built on the computing clusters with commodity machines can fulfill the demand of the mass storge and large-scale computing, and improve the real-time fault diagnosis evidently. With the web interface of the Cloud platform application, the accending personnel can look over the failure analysis results, inspection reports, and failure prediction system at the first time to prevent accidents and minimize the damage of the Wind Turbines.


We report the structural and electrical transport properties of Fe1–x Cu x Se (x = 0, 0.02, 0.05, 0.10) single crystals grown by a chemical vapor transport method. Substituting Cu for Fe suppresses both the nematicity and superconductivity of FeSe single crystal, and provokes a metal–insulator transition. Our Hall measurements show that the Cu substitution also changes an electron dominance at low temperature of un-doped FeSe to a hole dominance of Cu-doped Fe1–x Cu x Se at x = 0.02 and 0.1, and reduces the sign-change temperature (TR ) of the Hall coefficient (R H).


A multidimensional model of a transverse discharge HgBr laser has been developed. Laser energy scaling is examined as a function of preionization electron density distribution, electrode shape, and stored electrical energy. Maintaining preionization electron density profiles and electrode contours to a maximum variation of 10% will minimize constriction of the discharge and maximize laser intensity uniformity.


Citrus Sinensis, a citrus fruit commonly known as sweet orange that, when processed at a small scale or industrial level, produces a massive amount of waste after processing. Over the years, citrus peels that are rejected for exports are used as natural fertilizers with the benefit of minimizing citrus peel waste. The methods used to reduce waste in this industry remain inadequate. This study introduces an environmentally safe approach that utilizes peels from rejected oranges for biopolymers. The objective of the study is to create a system that will capture the surface color of oranges and classify if the fruit can be used for extraction of biopolymer using image processing by converting the RGB image to HSV color space in OpenCV. The probability distribution function method was used as a basis for color classification and produced an accuracy of 92%.


In some countries head injuries remain the most common cause of mortality in paediatric patients,4,5 whilst traumatic dentoalveolar injuries are generally considered as a serious public dental health problem amongst young children.1,4 Facial fractures do occur less frequently in children than in adults,7 and paediatric patients are more likely to sustain greenstick or incomplete fractures and fractures that are less likely to have multiple communications.7,8


The aims of this study is to examine influence of corporate governance mechanism and earnings management on liquidity. Independent variables used in this study is corporate governance and earnings quality. Corporate governance was measured by proportion independent commisioner, composition of audit committee, meetings of audit committee and institutional. Earnings quality was measured by earnings management. Dependent variable in this study is stock liquidity, it was measured by trading volume.
Population in this study is non-financial companies listing in LQ 45 index in 2011-2013. Samples are obtained by purposive sampling method with a total of 90 companies in three years observation. Hypothesis testing method used is multiple regression analysis.
Result of this research indicates is composition of audit committee and earnings management had a significant positive effect to trading volume. Institusional ownership had a significant negative effect to trading volume. Meanwhile, proportion of independent commisioner and meetings of audit committee had not significant effect to trading volume.


We present a family of four-dimensional Lorentzian manifolds whose invariant classification requires the seventh covariant derivative of the curvature tensor. The spacetimes in questions are null radiation, type N solutions on an anti-de Sitter background. The large order of the bound is due to the fact that these spacetimes are properly CH2, i.e., curvature homogeneous of order 2 but non-homogeneous. This means that tetrad components of R, ∇R, ∇(2)R are constant, and that essential coordinates first appear as components of ∇(3)R. Covariant derivatives of orders 4, 5, 6 yield one additional invariant each, and ∇(7)R is needed for invariant classification. Thus, our class proves that the bound of 7 on the order of the covariant derivative, first established by Karlhede, is sharp. Our finding corrects an outstanding assertion that invariant classification of four-dimensional Lorentzian manifolds requires at most ∇(6)R.


Abolitionism, as an important trend in history of American literature, reflected in various forms. Among them, the novel is one of the most important forms. This paper mainly studies the two most significant and representative anti-slavery novels: Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852) and Roots: The Saga of an American Family (1976). In this paper, the author mainly discusses the two novels in their theme, the historical background, social impact, and literary values. Though they are quite different in some aspects, especially the historical background, they share the same theme and both of them bring about great impact to the society and have remarkable literary values. They are indeed the most representative works in the history of black literature.


Refugee camps are set up under crisis conditions in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) with Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) installed as a matter of course. However, in general, little account is taken of surface-water drainage or greywater management until the camp floods or greywater streams become an environmental or health issue. This article reports on the construction of a sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) management train in a refugee camp with the community and local non-governmental organizations to address excess surface water and lack of greywater management in this most challenging of environments. There is thus potential to influence policy, at the first stages of planning, to encourage the installation of drainage as well as WASH. SuDS mimic nature by percolating water into the ground, storing it and allowing slow conveyance to reduce the storm peak, improve water quality and provide space for amenity for residents and for biodiversity. By encouraging the water to infiltrate, polluted standing water between dwellings and on the street is reduced, so that human and environmental health is improved, with the potential to address nuisance-insect-breeding sites. Site walkovers, workshops and meetings engaged residents in the design process from the very beginning. The design produced by the community was professionally drawn up and passed to the UNHCR and local management engineers for comment and approval; this article describes the process of designing and constructing the first SuDS-management train to be built in a humanitarian setting.


Background Thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) are devastating cardiovascular diseases with a high rate of disability and mortality. Lysine succinylation, a newly found post-translational modification, has been reported to play an important role in cardiovascular diseases. However, how succinylation modification influences TAAD remains obscure. Methods Ascending aortic tissues were obtained from patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA, n = 6), thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) with pre-existing aortic aneurysm (n = 6), and healthy subjects (n = 6). Global lysine succinylation level was analyzed by Western blotting. The differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were analyzed by tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling and mass spectrometry. Succinylation-related proteins selected from the literature review and AmiGO database were set as a reference inventory for further analysis. Then, the pathological aortic sections were chosen to verify the proteomic results by Western blotting and qRT-PCR. Results The level of global lysine succinylation significantly increased in TAA and TAD patients compared with healthy subjects. Of all proteins identified by proteomic analysis, 197 common DEPs were screened both in TAA and TAD group compared with the control group, of which 93 proteins were significantly upregulated while 104 were downregulated. Among these 197 DEPs, OXCT1 overlapped with the succinylation-related proteins and was selected as the target protein involved in thoracic aortic pathogenesis. OXCT1 was further verified by Western blotting and qRT-PCR, and the results showed that OXCT1 in TAA and TAD patients was significantly lower than that in healthy donors (p < 0.001), which was consistent with the proteomic results. Conclusions OXCT1 represents novel biomarkers for lysine succinylation of TAAD and might be a therapeutic target in the future.


In the course of dissection the authors revealed several—from 2 to 8—perforating branches in the peroneal artery instead of only 1 as stated in the text-books. These branches,after perforating the interosseous membrane, supplied the extensor muscles of the leg and might form anastomosis with the anterior tibial artery.On the other hand,the anterior tibial artery was also found to send twigs to perforate the interosseous membrane, anastomosing with the peroneal artery or supplying the muscles of the back of the leg. These communications might be explained by the change in the course of the arteries of the leg during embryonic development.Any failure in the disappearance of the horizontal communications between the embryonic longitudinal vessels would result in a feature as found by the authors.


With the rapid improvements in hardware, software and networks, the computing paradigm has also shifted from mainframe computing to ubiquitous or pervasive computing, in which users can focus on their desired services rather than specific computing devices and technologies. However, the emerging of ubiquitous computing has brought many challenges, one of which is that it is hard to allow users to freely obtain desired services, such as heterogeneous OSes and applications via different light-weight devices. We have proposed a new paradigm, called Transparent Computing, to store and manage the commodity programs including OS codes centrally, while stream them to be run in non-state clients. This leads to a service-centric computing environment, in which users can select the desired services on demand, without concerning these services' administrations, such as their installation, maintenance, management, upgrade, and so on. In this paper, we introduce a novel concept: Meta OS to support such program streaming through a distributed 4VP+ platform. Based on this platform, a pilot system has been implemented and it supports Windows and Linux environments. We verify the effectiveness of the platform through both real deployments and testbed experiments. The evaluation results suggest that 4VP+ platform is a feasible and promising solution for future computing infrastructure in ubiquitous computing.


Today, the Korean society is fast becoming a multi-cultural society. In view of this, it is not ideal for Korea to pursue a single-race nation. A...


We demonstrate that the two major complementary pictures of large N_c baryon resonances--as single-quark orbital excitations about a closed-shell core [giving SU(2N_F) x O(3) multiplets], and as resonances in meson-baryon scattering amplitudes--are completely compatible in a specific sense: Both pictures give rise to a set of multiplets of degenerate states, for which any complete spin-flavor multiplet within one picture fills the quantum numbers of complete multiplets in the other picture. This result is demonstrated by: (i) straightforward computation of the lowest multiplets in both pictures; (ii) a study of the nature of quark excitations in a hedgehog picture; (iii) direct group-theoretical comparison of the constraints in the two pictures.


One of the aspects of a successful program for inclusion of students with special needs in the regular class is the readiness of the teachers to cater to their individual needs. Studies show that general education teachers tend to use techniques intended for the class as a whole and integrate minimal or no modifications based on students' needs. The purpose of this case study, conducted during the third quarter of school year 2015, was to establish how competent the teachers from the Integrated School of De La Salle Lipa feel about addressing the needs of children with special needs (CSN). One hundred eighteen teachers from the elementary and high school departments participated in the study. Collection of data was done through administering a questionnaire and conducting focus groups. The two-page questionnaire intended to draw responses from the teachers was administered to discover the degree to which they facilitate meeting the needs of CSN. Through this study, a formal program for training teachers in the Integrated School was proposed to enable them to recognize modified instruction by giving them detailed approaches and procedures which can be employed for different kinds of students mainstreamed in the regular classroom set up.


In T. S. Eliot's "Portrait of a Lady" (1910–11), the lady in question is hardly that in the jaundiced eyes of the speaker. Like "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," the poem dramatizes a hypothetical situation, set in the near future. Both characters anticipate but also dread a potentially sexual encounter. In this case, a younger version of Prufrock suspects an older woman of scheming to entrap him. After a concert, as he imagines it, she will lure him to her parlor, revamped as a love nest for the occasion. "I've saved this afternoon for you," she will purr, casting him as Romeo in a scenario contrived to recall "Juliet's tomb": one calculated to evoke, as she confides, "all the things to be said, or left unsaid." Either way, these things will include what Prufrock professes to desire, as the women come and go talking of Michelangelo; that is, a proposition. In "Portrait of a Lady," the woman will speak instead of Frédéric Chopin:


This report summarises a numerical investigation of a wing-tailplane interference configuration for testing at transonic Mach numbers in the DNW-TWG.
In the configuration investigated, a 2D airfoil with the NLR7301 profile was mounted upstream of the swept, tapered Aerostabil wing.
The wing-tailplane interference effect generated by this geometry and the effect of the wind tunnel side-wall boundary layer on the models was investigated.
It was found that the side-wall interference effect
on a 2D airfoil is amplified by the formation of separations in the corners between the wall and the airfoil. This causes the airfoil to have changes in the pressure distribution, similar to if it were
at a lower angle of attack than expected by assuming that the airfoil is truly 2D.
The computations on the Aerostabil wing showed that the side-wall interference effect and the wing-tailplane interference effect are of the same order of magnitude, with the ratio between the two effects not changing
significantly with Mach number. Increasing the angle of attack of the NLR7301 increases the wing-tailplane effect relative to the side wall effect. It is clear that choosing test conditions in which
the two effects can be separated will be important for experimenters on this configuration.


Local branching has been presented as a new solution strategy for hard to solve mixed integer problems. Research has recently been done on using local branching as a way to generate optimality cuts in the case of Benders decomposition. In this paper, local branching is used to produce a new type of valid inequalities for the case of the 0-1 integer L-shaped algorithm. Numerical tests were conducted on a series of stochastic routing problems. Results prove the usefulness of these new inequalities.


In stroke, diagnosis and identification of the infarct core and the penumbra is integral to therapeutic determination. With advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, stroke visualization has been radically altered. MRI allows for better visualization of factors such as cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), lesion and penumbra size and location, and thrombus identification; these factors help determine which treatments, ranging from tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), anti-platelet therapy, or even surgery, are appropriate. Current stroke diagnosis standards use several MRI modalities in conjunction, with T2- or T2FNx01- weighted MRI to rule out intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for thrombus identification, and the diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) mismatch for penumbral identification and therapeutic determination. However, to better clarify the neurological environment, susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) for assessing oxygen saturation and the presence of CMBs as well as additional modalities, such as amide proton transfer (APT) imaging for pH mapping, have emerged to offer more insight into anatomical and biological conditions during stroke. Further research has unveiled potential for alternative contrasts to gadolinium for PWI as well, as the contrast has contraindications for patients with renal disease. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as an exogenous contrast and arterial spin labeling (ASL) as an endogenous contrast offer innovative alternatives. Thus, emerging MRI modalities are enhancing the diagnostic capabilities of MRI in stroke and provide more guidance for patient outcome by offering increased accessibility, accuracy, and information.


This volume contains selected papers presented at the summer school on semiconductor physics in Szeged (Hungary). They cover the areas of multilayer growth technology, theory of electron states, transport theory, defect related effects and structural properties of semiconductors. The book addresses physicists as well as engineers.


Simplified method of ground settlement under negative pressure is studied,which the deformation mechanism under vacuum preloading is considered.Observation of settlement for vacuum preloading engineering shows that the practical settlement is smaller than the predicted one based on the National Code of China.The settlement correction factors for vacuum preloading and vacuum combined surcharging preloading are established based on theoretical derivation.It is concluded that the scope of ground settlement correction factor ms may be 0.55 to 1.20 for vacuum preload engineering;and 0.70 to 1.30 for vacuum combined surcharge preloading with layer wise summation method.


A series of insect sex pheromones and structurally related olefins have been synthesized with high stereoisomeric purity by two sequential cross-coupling reactions. Starting with (Z)- or (E)-1-bromo-2-phenylthioethene, (1) and (2), and Grignard reagents in the presence of nickel or palladium catalysts, two types of compounds have been prepared: (i) 1,2-dialkylethenes and (ii) alkenyl acetates. In the synthesis of the Z-isomers, the first step involves a cross-coupling reaction of compound (1) with the appropriate Grignard reagent in the presence of a catalytic amount of [PdCl2(PPh3)2]. The second cross-coupling reaction is performed on the intermediate (Z)-phenylthioalkenes using a different Grignard reagent in the presence of [NiCl2(dppe)](dppe = Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2) as a catalyst. In the synthesis of E-isomers both steps are cross-coupling reactions of Grignard reagents in the presence of [NiCl2(dppe)] as a catalyst, the first step involving compound (2) and the second step involving the intermediate (E)-phenylthioalkenes obtained. The Grignard reagents used in the synthesis of the alkenyl acetates derive from protected ω-halohydrins.


Second Language vocabulary acquisition research is a new sub-field of SLA. This paper raises three issues in the study of this field for discussion. They are as follows: (1) the importance of vocabulary in SLA research; (2) differences between L1 and L2 vocabulary acquisition; and (3) some issues in L2 vocabulary teaching.


The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of preemptive administration of pentoxyphylline (PTX) on cytokine response to intraperitoneal (IP) administration of acetic acid. Thirty two male albino rats divided into 4 equal groups: Negative control group (C1 group) received IP injection of 2 ml saline, Groups PTX-1 and PTX-2 received IP injection of PTX in a dose of 0.8 and 1.6 mg/kg, respectively, in 2 ml injection volume and Positive control group (C2 group) received no preemptive medication. Thirty minutes after priming, IP injection of acetic acid was conducted for PTX-1, PTX-2 and C-2 group. Two venous blood samples, the 1 st as baseline sample for all groups and the 2 nd sample was obtained from PTX and C-2 groups 4-hours after IP injection of acetic acid for estimation of serum levels of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a. Serum levels of all studied cytokines estimated at 4 hrs after IP injection of acetic acid was significantly higher in PTX-1, PTX-2 and C-2 groups compared to their baseline levels. Four-hours serum levels of TNF-a and IL-6 were significantly higher in group C-2 compared to PTX-1 and PTX-2 groups with significantly higher levels estimated in PTX-1 compared to PTX-2 group. However, 4 hrs serum levels of IL-10 were significantly lower in group C-2 compared to PTX-1 and PTX-2 groups with significantly lower levels estimated in PTX-1 compared to PTX-2 group. Definite dose- dependency was evident in the obtained study and was manifested as a negative significant correlation between serum TNF-a and IL-6 and injected dose of PTX, while serum IL-10 showed positive significant correlation with injected dose of PTX. It is concluded that preemptive administration of PTX attenuates release of IL-6 & TNF-a and


The invention relates to the field of photocatalysis, and particularly relates to a visible-light-driven photocatalyst for degrading dye in wastewater, and preparation and application thereof. The visible-light-driven photocatalyst for degrading dye in wastewater is characterized in that mesoporous silicon dioxide of which the framework contains Ti atoms is used as a carrier, the mesoporous silicon dioxide carrier carries graphitic carbon nitride, and bivalent Cu ions are doped on the graphitic carbon nitride, wherein the graphitic carbon nitride with the doped cupric ions serves as a main catalyst, and the element Ti serves as a cocatalyst. The Ti atoms contained in the framework of the mesoporous silicon dioxide directly react with H2O2 in a photo-Fenton-like system to produce hydroxyl free radicals, thereby obviously improving the photo-Fenton-like reaction activity. The photocatalyst provided by the invention catalyzes degradation of methyl orange and/or rhodamine B in wastewater, and degradation can be performed at room temperature under the irradiation of visible light, thereby enabling the photocatalyst to have the advantages of mild reaction conditions, low cost and easy implementation; and the photocatalyst can be easily regenerated, and still has excellent photocatalytic performance after being regenerated many times.


Abstract. Foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.) is an ideal crop for changing climates and stressed environments due to its short duration, high photosynthetic efficiency and good level of resistance to pest and diseases. Soil salinisation is an increasing problem, with 23% of the global cultivated land already affected. Foxtail millet has potential as a crop for salt-affected soils, with its high tolerance to salinity. The foxtail millet core collection (n = 155) was screened in a soil saturated once with 100 mm NaCl and in a non-saline control in 2008 and a subset (n = 84) in 2009 in a partly controlled environment using Alfisol to identify the best salt-tolerant germplasm. Plants were grown in pots and protected from rain. The salinity response was measured as grain yield per pot. Genotype and salinity × genotype interaction effects were significant for most traits, and there was a large range of yield and biomass variation across accessions. Salinity delayed panicle emergence and maturity, and reduced shoot biomass by 24–41% and grain yield by 7–30%. Salinity did not reduce the harvest index. Among the plant components, stem biomass was reduced most by salinity. There was a large variation in grain yield and other traits among the genotypes in the saline pots. The yield loss by salinity was associated with duration of crop growth, and grain yield loss was highest in the early-maturing accessions. All accessions were grouped into five sets based on grain yield under saline conditions, and the most highly tolerant group had 13 accessions. The salinity-tolerant accessions can be useful parents once their performance is confirmed under saline field conditions.


The invention belongs to the technical field of micro-nano catalytic materials and relates to an application of tetrahydroxy copper phosphate as an organic wastewater degradation catalyst. Tetrahydroxy copper phosphate is preferably prepared by the following method: 1) mixing a copper ion containing water soluble salt and soluble phosphate in deionized water, and quickly stirring the mixture for 30 minutes, thus obtaining turbid liquid; 2) sealing and reacting the turbid liquid at 180-200 DEG C for 12-20 hours, then cooling the reactant, washing the reactant with ethanol and deionized water twice-three times, and then drying the product at 60-80 DEG C, thus obtaining spherical tetrahydroxy copper phosphate catalyst powder with the average diameter of about 5mu m. The tetrahydroxy copper phosphate catalyst can be applied to degradation of organic dye wastewater and has relatively high catalytic activity.


In this paper, a stochastic delay Gilpin-Ayala competition system under regime switching is proposed and studied. We show that there is a unique global positive solution of the system for any given positive initial value. Moreover, we show that the solution is stochastically ultimately bounded under some conditions. Finally, asymptotic moment estimation of the solution with respect to a large time behavior is derived.


hunting insects on small trees with a trunk diameter of – cm. We also observed galagos both descending to the ground and ascending to the forest canopy at c.  m. In the morning group members made loud incremental calls close to their nest site. The Ngangao group used several tree hollows as daytime sleeping sites, moving every few days. We heard and recorded incremental contact calls irregularly throughout the night. Because of the small size of this population, and predation pressure, its future in Ngangao Forest is bleak. In the larger Mbololo Forest we heard dwarf galagos throughout the fragment, although they were shy and our visual observations were few and brief. Recordings of calls were inconclusive as a diagnostic taxonomic tool as we did not hear incremental calls (a screech was used as a contact call). The taxonomy of the Taita Mountain dwarf galago remains unclear. Dwarf galagos are cryptic, nocturnal species that are most easily recognized from their vocalizations. Our photographs and recordings of vocalizations suggest that the galago of the Taita Hills is related to the Kenya coast dwarf galago Paragalago cocos (Simon Bearder, Thomas Butynski, Yvonne de Yong, Andrew Perkin and Magdalena Svensson, pers. comms). The Kenya coast dwarf galago Paragalago cocos is known only from low elevations (, m), however, and not from montane forests. Our observations suggest the taxon is highly dependent on hollow trees for refuge and as daytime sleeping sites. The remaining forest fragments must be protected to ensure the survival of the Taita Mountain dwarf galago and other endemic animal species. Molecular analysis, ecology and estimates of population size are needed urgently, to facilitate full identification and an assessment of the taxon for the IUCN Red List. This taxon appears to be already on the brink of extinction.


The British government's varied responses to the popular uprisings of the "Arab Spring" have been criticised for being inconsistent and/or selective. British actions ranged from providing substantial military support for the rebels in Libya to offering notably muted reactions to government suppression of protests in Bahrain. On assuming office, the new foreign secretary, William Hague, suggested that Britain would have a networked approach to foreign policy with a greater awareness of the bilateral interests that Britain had with other countries around the world. This analysis offers a provisional examination of the security, economic, and societal networks that Britain holds with states in the Arab world and, in doing so, tests whether these have any correlation with the British government's policy towards protests in the region.


iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This project would never have been possible without the continuing support of my family and friends. Without them, I would have given into my doubts years ago. My fiancée helped me collect data and tolerated my frustration when things did not work out right. My family always gave me the emotional and financial help I needed to ensure that I had the means of conducting the research needed to write this thesis. The support of was essential in my discovering the field of isotope hydrology. Without their help, I would have remained in graduate student limbo indefinitely.


The pop culture genre of "secret look into the lives of the upper class" dominates representations of the wealthy in the United States. In the 1980s, Robin Leach guided us through the "lifestyles of the rich and famous"; now whole swaths of reality TV programming are dedicated to the trials and tribulations of "real" housewives, the roller coaster of luxury real estate, and celebrities behaving badly. These voyeuristic portrayals paint the rich as fundamentally "different from you and me." Their lifestyles are exotic and take place in foreign lands like "Richistan" (the title of Robert Frank's 2008 book on the lifestyles of the "new rich"). These portrayals offer the wealthy as objects of aspiration, in some cases, but also of moral judgment, positive and negative. "Over-the-top" lifestyles seem excessive and materialistic, marked by greed and disdain for the feelings of others. Stories of love and loss, on the other hand, can humanize them, eliciting compassion and empathy. Two recent books, on wealthy Manhattan mothers and Hollywood nannies, are the latest to promise the "inside scoop" on the lifestyles of others. They are similarly marked by ambivalence about the moral worth of upper-class people. In Primates of Park Avenue, Wednesday (née Wendy) Martin recounts her story of struggling to fit in with the other mothers of the Upper East Side after she relocates there from downtown with her husband and young son. The narrative arc is familiar. New girl comes to (up)town; the "mean girls" shun her, and she cannot understand them. These women seem quite superficial, in addition to cold and statusconscious, but Martin still wants them to accept her—mostly, she repeatedly asserts, for the sake of her son. She grows accustomed to their status hierarchies and their fashion requirements, and learns insider tricks about how to buy an apartment, get a child into preschool, and skip the waitlist for an Hermès Birkin bag. But in the end, a tragedy (in this case, her miscarriage) teaches her that these women are generous and caring, as they rally around in her time of need, revealing their own heartbreaks. 639267 NLFXXX10.1177/1095796016639267New Labor ForumBooks and the Arts book-review2016


The Superconducting-DArmstadt LINear ACcelerator (S-DALINAC) is a recirculating electron accelerator with a maximum design energy of 130 MeV operating in cw mode at a resonance frequency of 3 GHz at the university of Darmstadt since 1991 [1]. Polarized [2] or unpolarized electron beams can be accelerated and used as a probe for nuclear and astrophysical experiments. This paper will report on the new PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) based radiation safety interlock system at S-DALINAC installed recently to replace the outdated and not expandable existing, hardware-based system. The new interlock structure consists of a personnel interlock as well as a machine safety interlock. Both subsystems shut down the radio-frequency (RF) of the superconducting cavities and the high voltage of the chosen electron source if one of the necessary conditions of the interlock system for the actual operation mode of the S-DALINAC is broken.


Objective To investigate cognitive and emotional charcteristics of subcortical ischemic vascular disease(SIVD).Methods Detailed clinical interviews,neuropsychological and psychiatric assessments were administrated on ischemic stroke patients who fulfilled the criteria of SIVD.Results Mean age of 50 patients was 70.3±7.7 years old,78% were male,20 patients(40%) were with mild SIVD while the rest 30 were with moderate to severe SIVD.Among 33 patients whom were diagnosed as vascular cognitive impairment(VCI),24(72.7%) were diagnosed as vascular cognitive impairment no dementia(V-CIND),11(33.3%)were with single cognitive domain deficit,and 22(66.7%)were with multi-domain deficits.Executive function and memory were the most prominently impaired domains.Neither language nor spatial function was impaired separately among them.13 VCI patients were depressed(39.3%) while 2 out of 17 SIVD patients with normal cognition were depressed(P=0.043).Delusions,hallucination,elation/euphoria and nighttime behavior disorders were only seen in vascular dementia patients.The proportion of cognitive impairment was significantly higher in patients with moderate to severe SIVD than those with mild SIVD(P=0.002).There was a tendency for more depression among patients with moderate to severe SIVD than those with mild SIVD(P=0.059).Conclusion Cognitive impairments,especially the V-CIND,were common in SIVD patients.Executive function and memory were the most vulnerable cognitive domains.Cognition impairment paralleled with depression among SIVD patients indicates that frontal cortical-subcortical circuit injury might be the mechanism underneath.


High efficiency venturi injectors are commonly used for the mass transfer of various gases into water for a variety of treatment applications. The purpose of this study is to examine the most effective range of operating parameters utilizing high efficiency MAZZEI Injectors for the mass transfer of high concentration ozone ( 4% to 14%) . The objective is to obtain maximum ozone mass transfer efficiency under the conditions of high ozone concentrations, and various gas to water flow ratios, and increased water pressure. The degassing separators facilitate the removal of off gases from the water after the mass transfer process. The mass transfer of ozone with high efficiency injectors and degassing separators is called the GDT process . It can be utilized effectively in both the side stream and in the full stream ozone treatment of water.. This paper focuses on the effects of various operating parameters on ozone mass transfer efficiency under various operating conditions. These data can be used for the selecting of optimum operating conditions for various water treatment applications.


This paper addresses the problem of detecting a known signal in additive correlated nonGaussian noise using the innovations approach. There is no unique specification for the joint probability density function (PDF) of N correlated nonGaussian random variables. The authors overcome this problem by using the theory of spherically invariant random processes (SIRP) and derive the innovations based detectors. The optimal estimators for obtaining the innovations processes are linear and the resulting detector is canonical for the class of PDFs arising from SIRPs.<<ETX>>


PURPOSE: To manufacture a high Tc superconductor having layered structure by epitaxial growth by using a specific monocrystalline substrate. CONSTITUTION: The monocrystalline substrate selected from strontium titanate (SrTiO 3 ) or zirconium dioxide (ZrO 2 ), zinc telluride (Zn 1-x Te x ), zinc selenide (Zn 1-x Se x ), barium fluoride (BaF 2 ), cadmium selenide (Cd 1-x Se x ), cadmium telluride (Cd 1-x Te x ), etc., (where x<1), and a superconducting compound component material are installed in a vacuum chamber and a monoatomic or a monomolecular layer of a prescribed component is epitaxially grown to obtain a superconductive material. For example, a monomolecular layer of lanthanum oxide (La 2 O 3 ) is formed on the substrate at the beginning, a monomolecular layer of octahedron cuprous oxide (Cu 2 O) is grown thereon, further a second monomolecular layer of lanthanum oxide (La 2 O 3 ) is grown thereon and, further, a monomolecular layer of octahedron titanium oxide (Ti 2 O) is grown thereon to obtain a superconductive material of La 2 CuTiO 6 . COPYRIGHT: (C)1990,JPO


The typification of the names Trichera subscaposa var. rupicola, T. subscaposa var. macrotrycha, and Knautia subscaposa var. subintegerrima is discussed. The names are lectotypified using specimens preserved in the Willkomm Herbarium at COI, Carlos Pau Herbarium at MA, and Rouy Herbarium at LY, respectively.


With the development of power devices, the thermal reliability of power devices has become a research hot spot. The research object of this paper is the power diode of SMBF package. Through X-ray scanning and resin removal observation, it can be concluded that the excessive thermal stress of SMBF package may be the cause of its failure. Using ANSYS Workbench software simulation, the results show that the reduction of thermal expansion coefficient of resin can reduce the thermal stress. When the coefficient of thermal expansion is reduced from 11*10-6C-1 to 9*10-6C-1, the maximum shape variable of the device is reduced by 80.72%. When the thermal conductivity of the resin is reduced from 4.75W/(m*C) to 5.58W/(m*C), the junction temperature is reduced by 7.76%.


In this paper, the theoretical model of laser self-mixing interference (SMI) is comprehensively analyzed, and the measurement system of laser self-mixing interference is established. For laser interference from mixed signals that contain noise accurately the displacement of refactoring, laser from the mixed interference measurement system is presented in this paper, on the basis of collecting interference signal, denoising using integrated Ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) algorithm, according to the principle of phase unwrapping, puts forward a method of reconstruction of displacement for weak feedback, moderate feedback, strong feedback displacement under different optical feedback level has good reconstruction results. The simulation results are consistent with the theoretical analysis, which proves the effectiveness of this method.


Mineral oils are preferred liquid insulating medium for high voltage power apparatus applications for a long period. However, the search for alternate insulating oil comes in mind of researchers because the mineral oil is non-biodegradable, toxic in nature and non-renewable. Recent times, many research works are being carried out to replace mineral oil with suitable vegetable oil. Partial discharge characteristics play a vital role in determining the long term electrical insulation strength of liquid dielectric medium. However, reports on partial discharge characteristics of vegetable oils, such as extra virgin olive oil and castor oil are scanty. To confirm the suitability of extra virgin olive oil and castor oil as a high voltage insulating medium, it is important to carry out in-depth analysis about their partial discharge activity and characteristics. In this paper, partial discharge tests were performed on extra virgin olive oil and castor oil at different electrode configurations as per IEC test procedures. Partial discharges such as corona discharge and surface discharge activities were simulated in the laboratory experimental setup and the results were compared with the conventionally used mineral oil. Partial discharge inception voltage and phase resolved partial discharge (PRPD) pattern of olive oil and castor oil were evaluated and compared with the mineral oil. Time/frequency map and repetition rate analysis of PD signals were performed. PD source identification was carried out using fuzzy inference engine. Results show that olive oil and castor oil has better PD characteristics than mineral oil and it could be used as an alternate for mineral oils for high voltage insulation applications.


Simultaneous occlusions of multiple coronary arteries in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction are uncommon and lead to a fatal outcome (1). We report a 77-year-old woman with a previous history of chronic angina, who had undergone BMS (bare metal stent) implantation on her left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD, one stent) and right coronary artery (RCA, two stents) 5 days before in another hospital, was admitted to our hospital for acute anterior and inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The patient discontinued dual antiplatelet therapy after the procedure. She was admitted with respiratory distress and cardiogenic shock secondary to acute myocardial infarction. Electrocardiography demonstrated >2 mm ST segment elevation in D 2-3, AVF and V1-6 and D1 leads (Figure 1). The patient was intubated and taken to the catheterization laboratory. Emergent coronary angiography revealed subacute in-stent thrombosis and showed total occlusion of the LAD and subtotal occlusion of the RCA (Figure 2 A and B). A temporary pacemaker was placed through a femoral venous line and an intra-aortic balloon pump was used for hemodynamic support. Percutaneous coronary intervention with drug eluting stent (DES) implantation in LAD artery (Supralimus®, for proximal 2.75x28 mm


We examined the allozyme variation of cottontail rabbits of the genus Sylvilagus from Mexico, and described their genic relationships. Samples of kidney and heart were run in horizontal starch-gel electrophoresis to assess the variation of 23 presumptive loci, and the BIOSYS-l software was used to compute estimates of genic variation. Results showed that 60.8 % of the loci were polymorphic. S. floridanus was the most genically variable rabbit as revealed by mean number of alleles per locus and percentage of polymorphic loci. The fixation index showed genetic differentiation among species. The smallest genetic distance was between S. floridanus and S. brasiliensis whereas the largest one was between S. mansuetus and S. audubonii. A phenogram showed S. mansuetus branching out first, S. audubonii next, and finally S. floridanus and S. brasiliensis together. In conclusion, S. floridanus showed the largest genic variation, S. mansuetus was the most distinctive rabbit, and S. audubonu and S. brasiliensis were the most closely related species.


This updated guide shows marketers and advertisers in manufacturing, service firms, retailing and direct marketing how to examine and maximize every step in the marketing process, to reach customers directly, and seize competitive advantage.


The Economic Study aims at assessing the impact of ICT within the Public Sector (PS) to Public Sector itself and to society. In particular, it provides the theoretical underpinning of the tangible elements presented in the Measurement Framework. The basic tenet of our model is that eGovernment programs result into an improvement of labour productivity in PS and, as a consequence, contribute to a number of intermediate outcomes (better services, cost savings, etc), and to the growth of GDP. Indeed, the contribution of PS to GDP can be adequately estimated as equal to the labour productivity of the public sector multiplied by the total number of public sector employees. As eGovernment represents the focus of our investigation, we make a ceteris paribus assumption and consider productivity increases linked only to the introduction of wider forms of eGovernment. Then we estimate PS productivity as a ratio between public sector output and the number of public sector employees. The model considers 5 main channels through which eGovernment projects increase PS productivity: the Market Enlargement or Smith's Effect, the Substitution or Ricardo's Effect, the Back-Office Reorganization Effect, the Investments-Led or Schumpeter's Effect, and Other Take-Up Driven Effects. Given the large share of PS in European countries' GDP, efficiency in the PAs is an objective per se and a major driver of international competitiveness and economic welfare: the growth of PS productivity is the first channel through which eGovernment enhances GDP growth. Then, two other effects depart from the growth of PS's productivity: on the one hand, publicly provided goods and services contribute to welfare and are part of a country's Gross Domestic Product, hence their growth should be accounted in national accounts (the second channel: growth of PS total output). Also, a more efficient public administration contributes directly to the efficiency of the economy as a whole and to the productivity of the Private Sector in particular, by stimulating innovation and the growth of the most competitive and innovative industries (the first, "indirect", part of the third channel). Finally, eGovernment contributes to GDP growth due to its being part of Aggregate Demand, and its potential impact could further extend to multiplier and accelerator phenomena. Although the model's foundations lie in a microeconomic analysis of single eGovernment projects and PAs, due to data limitations, following a macro approach, we have instead fit our model by aggregate data, so to produce tentative predictions for productivity and GDP behaviour in the next years, while providing a first validation of the proposed economic model. From this point of view, we can affirm that our results are encouraging, though it should be remarked that estimates are only partial, in many relevant theoretical effects could not be taken into account, and they are based on a rather short period of observation, therefore retaining a smaller statistical significance. Our estimates imply rather strong effects of eGovernment expenditure on PS productivity and GDP growth, even if we only consider the direct effect, i.e. we ignore the potential effect of the increased PS efficiency on the productivity of the private sector, and without even considering multiplier and/or accelerator effects. Our estimations imply that the projections on eGovernment expenditure provided by eGEP would lead by 2010 to a cumulative GDP growth at the EU-level of 1.5%. Furthermore, in a second scenario we also developed a simulation exercise to take into account the aggregate impact of both cost savings related to eProcurement and eGovernment expenditure on GDP growth for the period 2005-2010: if we assume that cost savings related to eProcurement would transfer in additional investments by PAs during the period 2005-2007, the overall GDP growth attributable to eGovernment in the period 2005-2010 can be estimated at 2%. Finally, from both the theoretical implications of the Economic Model and the empirical analysis employed in its validation procedure, we established that, in order to exploit eGovernment potential at its maximum level, it is necessary to work in three directions: increasing both the efficiency and the effectiveness of eGovernment inside Public Administrations and with reference to their main stakeholders (policy recommendations 1 to 4); promoting the diffusion of specific tools for performance measurement, together with a favourable cultural background (policy no. 5); setting-up a number of complementary policies, in order to foster the "take-up" effect, and finally promote productivity and growth. We identified five policy objectives connected to these three strategies: to share eGovernment goals, to address eGovernment towards shared objectives, to favour a performance-friendly environment within the Public Sector, to promote accessible and useful eGovernment services, to great a friendly financial framework for eGovernment, to make the performance measurement mandatory.


New families of plasmonic particles with on-demand resonance design are obtained by applying 'Evolutionary algorithm'. Other particles were designed to exhibit multipole resonance degeneracy, e.g. collocated dipole-quadrupole, which may be applied as superfilters and superabsorbers.


of hypovitaminosis. The appearance of petechiae, their size and shape are determined by the degree of "vulnerability" to the wall of the capillaries of the dermis.4 In the body there is a strong direct positive relationship between the degree of strength of capillaries and the level of vitamin "C" in the blood.5 We have proposed a method for determining the C-vitamin status of the apparatus by a capillaryresistometer. The principle of the device is as follows. When creating a negative pressure inside a special nozzle applied to the skin of the forearm, petechia of different size and shape appear. The size and shape determined by the degree of petechiae "vulnerability" capillary walls of the reticular dermis, which in turn is closely related to the level of vitamin "C" in the blood.


Organization scholars have long been interested in both collective action and the complexities revealed through dialectical analysis. A diachronic view provides one means of intertwining these concerns by exploring the way durable, systemic changes emerge temporally from ongoing contestation among stakeholders. The author explores this diachronic view through a decade-long multistakeholder conflict concerning the Grand Staircase— Escalante National Monument in the U.S. state of Utah. The case makes evident the historic unfolding of power dynamics: A successful resistance movement becomes a regime of control in an ongoing struggle among groups. The author concludes by discussing the capacity of diachronic analysis to illuminate (a) politics among organizations, (b) transformative potential of dialectics, (c) interplay of symbolic and material spheres, and (d) mutual yet distinct roles of dialectical and paradoxical tensions.


The asymptotic analysis of a linear high-field Wigner-BGK equation is developped by a modified Chapman-Enskog procedure. By an expansion of the unknown Wigner function in powers of the Knudsen number $\epsilon$, evolution equations are derived for the terms of zeroth and first order in $\epsilon$. In particular, it is obtained a quantum drift-diffusion equation for the position density, which is corrected by field-dependent terms of order $\epsilon$. Well-posedness and regularity of the approximate problems are established, and it is proved that the difference between exact and asymptotic solutions is of order $\epsilon ^2$, uniformly in time and for arbitrary initial data.


A precise measurement of the differential cross-sections dσ/d Ω and the linearly polarized photon beam asymmetry Σ 3 for Compton scattering on the proton below pion threshold has been performed with a tagged photon beam and almost 4 π detector at the Mainz Microtron. The incident photons were produced by the recently upgraded Glasgow-Mainz photon tagging facility and impinged on a cryogenic liquid hydrogen target, with the scattered photons detected in the Crystal Ball/TAPS set-up. Using the highest statistics Compton scattering data ever measured on the proton along with two effective field theories (both covariant baryon and heavy-baryon) and one fixed- t dispersion relation model, constraining the fits with the Baldin sum rule, we have obtained the proton electric and magnetic polarizabilities with unprecedented precision: systematic, polarizability dependent and model


Begin with the concept of network architecture, the feature of design and layered architecture about two kinds typical network technology FDDI ATM are analyzed, and FDDI ATM are compared with ISO/OSI reference model,and the nature of network architecture and future of development are pointed out.


Application of self-steering axles to heavy vehicles in an effort to decrease tire wear and increase low-speed maneuverability has the potential to degrade the high-speed directional stability of the vehicle. This degradation comes from the axle developing a steer angle in response to lateral force or aligning torque in such a way as to reduce tire slip angle and thus reduce the lateral force generated at the steerable axle. The effect of replacing a fixed axle with one that possesses a passive self-steering mechanism is investigated analytically using a computer simulation. Variations in parameters of the steering mechanism itself and in the axle location on the vehicle are examined to evaluate their influence on both high- and low-speed maneuvering.


This paper reviews the economic theories of regulation. It discusses the public and private interest theories of regulation, as the criticisms that have been leveled at them. The extent to which these theories are also able to account for privatization and deregulation is evaluated and policies involving re-regulation are discussed. The paper thus reviews rate of return regulation, price-cap regulation, yardstick regulation, interconnection and access regulation, and franchising or bidding processes. The primary aim of those instruments is to improve the operating efficiency of the regulated firms. Huge investments will be needed in the regulated network sectors. The question is brought up if regulatory instruments and institutions primarily designed to improve operating efficiency are equally wellplaced to promote the necessary investments and to balance the resulting conflicting interests between for example consumers and investors.


The condition and incidence of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae of Acer saccharum (sugar maple) in a natural hardwood forest in the Lower Laurentians of Quebec was examined. The effects of forest fertilization on the mycorrhizae were also studied. Microscopic examination revealed VAM structures which included hyphal coils, vesicles, and arbuscules. Vesicles and hyphal coils were the most frequently observed structures, whereas arbuscules were rarely seen. Seasonal differences in the incidence of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae were observed but these differences were not consistent from year to year. Generally, infection rates were lowest in mid-summer. Fertilization of forest soil with a base cation mixture did not appear to affect either the condition or the incidence of VAM.


In order to improve the transmission capacity of renewable energy in multi-region, the operation optimization method of the pumped storage power station and VSC-HVDC power grid is studied. The multi-objective optimal operation model for 96 periods of the day is built to maximize both the delivering power of renewable energy and transmission section, considering the transient power angle stability and safety constraints of the joint transmission system of renewable energy-pumped storage-thermal power units-VSC-HVDC, as well as the operation characteristic of all generation units in the combined power system including the startup and shutdown restrictions. A case study system is designed based on an actual power grid in north China. The results show that the joint adjustment of pumped storage and VSC-HVDC grid operation can effectively reduce the curtailment of renewable energy, improve the level of renewable energy consumption and increase the power transmission capacity of the transmission section.


The role of agricultural sectors in the economic development of a country is undeniable, especially in developing and least-developed ones, ensuring food supply, increasing national income, export earnings and poverty reduction. Vietnam is known as an emerging market, depending directly on agriculture-related activities for their livelihood, in which the issue of rural credit access still remains a confounding problem. The paper focuses on identifying the determinants of credit access in rural areas of Vietnam using Haiphong city as a case study, including formal and informal credit. The paper uses data collected from a survey of 180 rural households in a district of Haiphong city. The probit and linear regression models are applied to investigate the factors that determine household credit accessibility, i.e., the household's decision to borrow and borrowing amounts. Results of this analysis reveal the different significant determinants of formal and informal credit market access. Group membership and connection are found to have significantly strong impacts on formal credit accessibility while informal credit access is strongly influenced by agriculture income and dependency ratio. The implications of these findings for enhancing formal credit accessibility and decreasing the dependence on informal markets are discussed.


CD data of all four diastereoisomers of the permethylaryl ether 3-O-acetyl derivatives of a series of flavan-3-ols permit assignment of the absolute configuration at the stereocentres of the heterocyclic ring.


An exact viscoelastic analogous relation between a periodically layered elastic medium and a homogeneous viscoelastic medium was introduced, based upon which a short-time relaxation function was developed. Both the wave front decay and the spatial attenuation of stress waves in a periodically layered medium were studied. It was shown that the spatial attenuation of long waves propagating in a periodically layered elastic medium describes the attenuation of the wave trailing the wave front, while the spatial attenuation of a short wave characterizes the wave front decay. The effects of thickness ratio of the two constituent layers, their mechanical properties, and the cell thickness on the attenuation of stress wave propagation were examined. The results showed that the use of the short-time analogous relaxation function is valid for the attenuation analysis of stress waves propagating in a periodically layered elastic medium.


published in Aduance ACS Abstmcrs, June 15, 1994. 0095-2338/94/ 1634-0962504.50/0 the analytic procedure alone for several years with satisfactory results. With the dynamic procedure as a tail-end supplement, the results are markedly better. While the two methods are normally used in tandem, a useful application of dynamic repositioning alone is to position a new moleculein a field of other molecules without disturbing the latter. For example, a molecule created by CAMEOS name translation facility can be added directly to the screen, provided there is room for it, thus avoiding a distracting screen refresh. The new molecule is roughly situated in the largest hole and allowed todrift away from theclosest points of contact. To achieve this effect, the preexisting molecules are assigned the special "static" attribute, making them immovable but nonetheless repelling other objects. A common feature of both algorithms is that every molecule is represented as the smallest rectangle that will enclose it. As such the molecules are referred to as "boxes". The dimensions and area of any box are therefore dependent on the underlying molecule's orientation. A margin is added around each box, effectively increasing its molecular size. No matter how difficult the system of boxes, this padding ensures that a certain margin of free space will be left around every molecule. A little extra space is allocated around isolated (nonbonded) atoms in order that they may be distinguished more easily. Margins complicate the analytic algorithm substantially because they destory proportionality; e.g., they do not contribute to the boxes' expansion during scaling operations. 11. ANALYTIC REPOSITIONING ALGORITHM The analytic algorithm consists of four stages (Algorithm I). In the first, the boxes are assigned relative positions such that the least scaling down is likely to be required in order to avert overlap. (Note that the molecules may be too big initially not to encroach on one another. Redrawing, in particular, confers a standard bond length, so that if many or large molecules are present, some will necessarily overlap, as dramatized in Figure 1). Vertical and horizontal scaling components arises as a byproduct of box positioning. In the second stage, a lateral scaling factor is calculated. In the third stage, the actual factor is determined that would bring the molecules just short of coming into contact. Scaling is executed if scaling down is necessary or if scaling up is significant. In the final stage the wall-hugging boxes are moved toward the center of the screen. It is this step that actually puts space between molecules; hitherto they have been packed together. Following is a detailed discussion of the algorithm. (6 1994 American Chemical Society STRUCTURE DIAGRAM POSITIONING J. Chem. Znf. Comput. Sci., Vol. 34, No. 4, 1994 963 Algorithm I. Analytic Reposition Algorithm (I) Create V and H groups and calculate V and H scaling factors (Figure 3) (1) Create boxes to describe molecules. (2) If only one molecule is present, process it separately: scale, translate to center, and exit. (3) Rank boxes by aspect. (4) Assign each box to V or H. Transfer middle box until the V and H scaling factors are as similar as possible. ( 5 ) Place the V-boxes to the right, flush bottom; place the H-boxes to the top, flush left. (11) Calculate the lateral scaling factor and Unified Tangent (1) If only nonbonded atoms are present, for the Unified Tangent use the diagonal (45') line that runs through the screen center; skip to part IV. (2) Calculate the Unified Tangent and lateral scaling factor (Figure 4). (a) Calculate the V tangent lines. (b) Calculate the H tangent lines. (c) For each of V and H, construct an average tangent line. (d) Calculate the Unified Tangent direction. (e) Determine the pair of Vand H-boxes that protrude the most with respect to the Unified Tangent direction. (0 Determine the separation between the V and H tangents. (g) Calculate the V and H scaling susceptibilities. (i) Find the pairs of V and H "reduced" protrusion points: the most protruding boxes when box margins are ignored. (ii) The V (or H) scaling susceptibility is the component of the V (or H) reduced protrusion point vector in the direction normal (iii) Compensate each susceptibility for an imbalance in the number of Vand H-boxes, and provide a minimal value when only to the unified tangent (eq 1). nonbonded atoms are involved. (h) Calculate the lateral scaling factor (eq 2). (i) Calculate the Unified Tangent (eq 3). (111) Scale diagram if necessary (1) The scaling factor is the smallest of the H, V, and lateral scaling factors. Skip to part IV if the scaling factor is greater than, but close to, unity. (2) Scale original structure. (3) Remake box representations. (4) Redeploy boxes to their V and H locations. (IV) Relax boxes toward the Unified Tangent


Renal transplant recipients (RTR) have shortened life expectancy, primarily due to premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). Traditional CVD risk factors are highly prevalent. In addition, several non‐traditional risk factors may contribute to the high risk. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of renal dysfunction on mortality and cardiovascular complications in 1052 placebo‐treated patients of the Assessment of LEscol in Renal Transplantation (ALERT) trial. Follow‐up was 5–6 years and endpoints included cardiac death, non‐cardiovascular death, all‐cause mortality, major adverse cardiac event (MACE), non‐fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. The effects of serum creatinine at baseline on these endpoints were evaluated. Elevated serum creatinine in RTR was a strong and independent risk factor for MACE, cardiac, non‐cardiovascular, and all‐cause mortality, but not for stroke or non‐fatal MI alone. Serum creatinine was associated with increased mortality and MACE, independent of established CVD risk factors. Graft loss resulted in increased incidences of non‐cardiovascular death, all‐cause mortality, MACE and non‐fatal MI. In conclusion, elevated serum creatinine is a strong risk factor for all‐cause, non‐cardiovascular and cardiac mortality, and MACE, independent of traditional risk factors, but not for stroke or non‐fatal MI alone.


A method has been developed for the determination of 17 kinds of pesticide residues in grape wine by solid phase extraction-gas chromatography/negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry(GC-NCI/MS).The pesticide residues in wine samples were extracted and purified by C18 SPE column,eluted with ethyl acetate and detected with GC-NCI/MS.The quantification was carried out by matrix-matched external standard curve,the calibration curves showed good linearity within the concentrations of 10 to 200 μg/L.The limit of quantification(LOD,S/N10) were 5~20 μg/L.Recoveries spiked levels of 20 and 50 μg/L ranged from 70.1 % to 119.0 %,with the relative standard deviation of 3.5 %~9.4 %.Such method is simple,fast and sensitive,and is suitable for the determination of pesticide residues in grape wine.


Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) are two new approaches to control a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) whose output is fed to a three-phase induction motor and driving a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt has three sensors are inputs which senses a passing object and carries out the necessary instructions programmed in ladder logic programming of the PLC through the medium of a personal computer (PC). The SCADA software installed in the PC in turn enables the human operator to control the entire operation away from the plant and just by using the virtual inputs designated on his computer screen. The results have been verified with a validating experiment. KeywordsVariable Frequency Drive, Programmable Logic Controller, Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition, RS-Logix, Intouch Software 9.5 __________________________________________________*****_________________________________________________


OBJECTIVE:To study the efficacy and adverse effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy of capecitabine plus taxol for the preoperated patients with advanced gastric cancer.METHODS:From January,2001 to January,2005,84 patients with advanced gastric cancer were randomized into 2 groups:42 cases were treated as a test group with capecitabine 1 650 mg/(m2·d)p.o.for 14 days,taxol 175 mg/(m2·d),intravenous infusion d1 beforeoperation,the two regimens were repeated every three weeks and totally two cycles,and the patients received operation 2-4 weeks after the completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy;42 cases of the control group received the operation within two weeks after confirming by pathological examinations.All the patients received curative resection(D2 lymphadenectomy).RESULTS:All the 84 patients had evaluable lesions.The recurrence rate of patients in the test group was 35.7%(15/42),and the recurrence rate in the control group was 61.9%(26/42).The statistical difference between the two groups was significant,χ2=5.765,P=0.016.The 2-year survival rate of patient in the test group was 59.5%(25/42),and the 2-year survival rate in the control group was 19.0%(8/42);χ2=14.424,P=0.001.The median survival time(MST)in the test group was 24.2 momths,and MST in the control group was 12.6 momths.CONCLUSION:Neoadjuvant chemotherapy of capecitabine plus taxol is effective in the treatment of preoperative patients with advanced gastric cancer.


Through their narrative incorporation in fairytales, song lyrics, in movies and on television shoes have become a 'loaded device' (Pine, 2006: 353) recycled as metonymy for the wearer or as metaphor for experience. Due to such extensive representation this article argues that they have become, in a sense, invisible. In existing academic literature we have tended to see the message rather than the shoe and we become blind to what Miller describes as the 'humility' of the shoe as a 'thing' (Miller 2005: 5). This neglect of the materiality of the shoe itself obscures the highly nuanced and subjective experiences of the wearer. As consumers/wearers, we might fully understand - even aspire to - the cultural connotations of a particular pair of shoes, yet this does not mean we will feel socially comfortable wearing them. Using empirical data gathered from wearers of the culturally significant Clarks Originals brand, this article reveals the co-constitutive relationship between the social identity of the wearer and that of the shoe. By focusing on the materiality of objects, bodies and environments we can overcome subject-object dualisms and really 'see' shoes in terms of the role they and their meanings play in a process of identification, transformation and cultural embodiment.


The authors suggest that robotic technology may be used for pyeloplasty in difficult cases of ectopic position and concomitant stones.


ABSTRACT A molecular phylogeny using mitochondrial cox1 and cox3 and chloroplast atpB, psaA, psbA and rbcL gene sequences revealed that the Japanese endemic brown alga Sauvageaugloia ikomae (Ectocarpales s.l.) is phylogenetically distant from the generitype S. divaricata described from Europe. It also suggests the occurrence of an undescribed species in the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific coast of the Tohoku Region; whereas, S. ikomae is distributed in the Sea of Japan. The new species is genetically distinct from S. ikomae and is morphologically distinguishable in having thicker erect thalli with a more developed subcortical layer. In the phylogeny, the clade of Japanese Sauvageaugloia was sister to Mesogloia, both nesting in the clade of Cladosiphon species. Because ectocarpalean taxa are considered to be oversplit at generic rank compared to genetic divergence within the order, we refrain from describing a new genus for S. ikomae and the new species and instead suggest placing them in Mesogloia. We therefore propose the establishment of the new species Mesogloia japonica and a new combination M. ikomae. We also propose including Liebmannia leveillei in the genetically indistinguishable Mesogloia vermiculata.


Objective  To examine the psychosocial impact of testing positive for high risk human papillomavirus (HPV) among women attending primary cervical screening.


It is inevitable and unavoidable with the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education and teaching, especially in the Indonesian language teaching at the College of the current positive and negative impacts. Various positive and negative impacts that arise when the teaching process eluding and our view of the nature of a teaching. The role of language as a communication tool used by humans both in oral and written communication has a direct impact on the development of the information and communication technology. One of the developments that emerged in the Indonesian language teaching today is the teaching method using e-learning methods and the use of language learning videos. This is what underlies that research into the development of information and communication technology in language teaching in higher education is essential to be explored in more depth. This research is a library that is descriptive with the aim of exposing the role of the development of information and communication technology, the demands of the current era, especially in the Indonesian language teaching, the impact of technological developments to teaching, especially Indonesian in Universities and the future challenges to be faced College particularly in language teaching by utilizing the development of information and communication technology. Based on that analysis can be concluded that the development of information and communication technologies in language teaching time reduces direct contact between faculty and students that influence the psychological side. On the other hand these developments have a positive impact on student memudahan in catching teaching materials, especially in the Indonesian language with visual aids, such as using video media in language learning. Future challenge faced is the need to reform both students and lecturers themselves in mensikapi development of Information and Communication Technology in Indonesian language teaching more wisely and create an Indonesian teaching materials are more humane and friendly towards the development of technology.


• The paper presents a new method of trend extraction in the framework of the Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) approach. This method is easy to use, does not need specification of models of time series and trend, allows to extract trend in the presence of noise and oscillations and has only two parameters (besides basic SSA parameter called window length). One parameter manages scale of the extracted trend and another is a method specific threshold value. We propose procedures for the choice of the parameters. The presented method is evaluated on a simulated time series with a polynomial trend and an oscillating component with unknown period and on the seasonally adjusted monthly data of unemployment level in Alaska for the period 1976/01–2006/09.


A pathological investigation on the occurrence of poultry diseases in Sylhet region of Bangladesh was conducted during the period from November 2001 to October 2002. A total of 1352 sample of either dead or sick birds were brought from different Upazillas of Sylhet region. Diagnosis of different disease conditions was made on the basis of the history, age of birds, clinical signs, gross and microscopic lesions. The diagnosed diseases included Infectious Bursal disease (IBD) (24.26%), Newcastle Disease (ND) (6.73%), Infectious Bronchitis (0.29%), Omphalitis (2.81%), Fowl Cholera (0.44%), Salmonellosis (6.73%), Colibacillosis (5.17%), Necrotic enteritis (0.44%), Aspergillosis (17.53%), Infectious Coryza (0.37%), Chronic respiratory disease (CRD)/Mycoplasmosis (5.32%), Coccidiosis (9.46%) and deficiency disorders/stress condition (1.03%). In general, the highest number of cases were recorded in the age group of 8-21 days (42.60%), followed by 22-35 days age group (26.62%), 0-7 days age group (26.10%), 36-60 days age group (1.03%) and over 60 days age group (3.62%) of Poultry. Distribution and proportionate incidence of poultry disease of Bangladesh reveals that the poultry diseases occur mostly in rainy season (56.36%), followed by summer (28.11%) and the least in winter season (15.53%).


Objective The testing index of finding and diagnosing nasopharyngeal carcinoma was reserched.Methods The quantitative and quantity tests of EBVCA IgA,Alkalineprotein,Acid solubleprotein,TSA,VEGF were made in 76 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma,52 patients with benign pathological changes and 102 healthy persons.Results Five tumor marker in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients were apparently different from those of patients with benign pathological changes and healthy persons.Conclusions Five tumor marker can be a simple reliable testing index of finding and diagnosing early nasopharyngeal carcinoma.Uniting examination of five tumor marker can raise special and sensitve property of finding and diagnosing nasopharyngeal carcinoma.


Imagine a learning scenario between two humans: a teacher demonstrating how to play a new musical instrument or a craftsman teaching a new skill like pottery or knitting to a novice. Even though learning a skill has a learning curve to get the nuances of the technique right, some basic social principles are followed between the teacher and the student to make the learning process eventually succeed. There are several assumptions or social priors in this communication for teaching: mutual eye contact to draw attention to instructions, following the gaze of the teacher to understand the skill, the teacher following the student's gaze during imitation to give feedback, the teacher demonstrating by pointing towards something she is going to approach or manipulate and verbal interruptions or corrections during the learning process [1], [2]. In prior research, verbal and non-verbal social cues such as eye gaze and gestures have been shown to make human-human interactions seamless and augment verbal, collaborative behavior [3], [4]. They serve as an indicator of engagement, interest and attention when people interact face-to-face with one another [5], [6].


The effect of L-sorbose on growth, morphology, cell wall composition and /3-glucosidase location has been examined with Trichoderma pseudokoningii. Sorbose-grown cultures exhibited a longer lag phase, a tendency to more frequent hyphal branching and showed a decreased cell wall content of fl-l,3-glucan. In sorbose-containing cultures, a significant higher portion of total/3-glucosidase was present in the culture fluid, whereas in sorbose-lacking control cultures the major part of activity was associated with the cell walls. The results support the previous hypothesis (Kubicek, C.P. (1982) Arch. Microbiol. !32, 349-354) that fl-l.3-glucan is involved in cell wall binding of /3-glucosidase in Trichoderma pseudokoningii. that the enzyme is bound to a /3-1,3-glucan cell wall component [4] and can be released by a wall-associated/3-1,3-glucanase [6,7]. In order to gain further evidence for a binding of/3-glucosidase to the wall-fl-1,3-glucan, we have looked for conditions where the level of this polymer is abnormally low. t-Sorbose is known to be paramorphogenic to several fungi [8,9], because it inhibits/3-1,3-glucan synthase both in vivo and in vitro [10] and thereby decreases the cell wall /31,3-glucan content [11,12]. The present paper investigates whether g-sorbose has an effect on the location of /3-glucosidase in Trichoderma pseudokoningii.


The six-level sequence deduced for the odd-odd nucleus {sup 156}Pm in the high-spin studies following spontaneous fission of {sup 252}Cf is shown to constitute the K{sup {pi}=}4{sup +} yrast band having the two-quasiparticle configuration {l_brace}p:5/2[532]+ n:3/2[521]{r_brace}. Spin parities I{sup {pi}=}4{sup +} through 9{sup +} are assigned to the earlier suggested six levels. The location and the decay {gamma}'s of the 10{sup +} level of this band are indicated. It is also pointed out that there are no {gamma} rays common to these postfission high-spin spectra and those seen in the {sup 156}Nd {beta}-decay studies.


This paper investigates consumer preference uncertainty in multiattribute judgment. We investigate preference uncertainty as a function of stimulus characteristics such as attribute conflict (discrepancy among the attributes of an alternative) and attribute extremity (very high or low attribute values). Following the behavioral results reported by Fischer, Luce and Jia (2000) and the simulation results by Fischer, Jia, and Luce (2000), we develop an analytic framework for preference uncertainty in multiattribute judgment. Based on a random additive multiattribute utility model using Dirichlet weights and a one-parameter family of random power attribute utility, we derive formal measures of attribute conflict and attribute extremity and study their effects on preference uncertainty in consumer judgment. We test our models empirically by using the consumer purchase contexts of laptop computers, cars, and vacation tours. The results of our experiments provide support for our measures and models regarding preference uncertainty, and show that greater conflict among attributes leads to larger response error, wider confidence intervals and longer judgment times. Greater attribute extremity results in less response error, smaller confidence intervals and shorter judgment times. (Consumer Choice and Judgment; Preference Uncertainty; Attribute Conflict; Confidence Interval; Decision Difficulty)


We study the implications of flavour-changing neutral currents (FCNC's) in a model with the $SU(2)_l\times SU(2)_h\times U(1)_Y$ electroweak gauge symmetry for several anomalies appearing in $b\to s \ell\bar \ell$ induced $B$ decays in LHCb data. In this model, $SU(2)_l$ and $SU(2)_h$ govern the left-handed fermions in the first two generations and the third generation, respectively. The physical $Z$ and $Z'$ generate the $b\to s$ transition at tree level, leading to additional contributions to the $b \to s$ semileptonic operators ${\cal O}_{9,10}$. We find that although $B_s$-$\bar B_s$ mixing constrains the parameters severely, the model can produce values of ${\cal C}^{\rm NP}_{9,10}$ in the range determined by Descotes-Genon {\it et. al.} in Ref.~\cite{Descotes-Genon:2015uva} for this scenario to improve the global fit of observables in decays induced by the $b\to s \mu \bar \mu$ transition. The $Z'$ boson in this model also generates tree-level FCNC's for the leptonic interactions that can accommodate the experimental central value of $R_K = {\cal B}(B\to K \mu \bar \mu)/{\cal B}(B\to K e\bar e)=0.75$. In this case, the model predicts sizeable branching ratios for $B\to K e \bar \tau$, $B\to K \tau \bar e$, and an enhancement of $B\to K \tau \bar \tau$ with respect to its SM value.


Hypertriglyceridemia is common in diabetic patients and patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia refractory to conventional treatment are occasionally identified. This report describes a diabetic patient with triglyceride levels as high as 18150 mg/dL and concurrent acute pancreatitis. Multiple antilipidemic drugs were prescribed including statin, fibrate, ezetimibe and fish oil in addition to insulin treatments. In the one year follow up period since the time of his initial diagnosis and hospitalization, the patient's triglyceride levels fluctuated from 1000 to 4000 mg/dL, but no further signs and symptoms of acute pancreatitis were experienced. This case serves to relay the various treatment modalities available to diabetic patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia.


Objective Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) are principal enzymes responsible for the metabolism of ethanol. East Asian populations are unique in that they carry both a prevalent ADH1B*2 and a dominant-negative ALDH2*2 allele. A systematic investigation of ethanol-metabolizing activities in normal livers correlated with the corresponding functional allelic variations and protein contents of the relevant isozymes in respective enzyme families has been lacking. Materials and methods To obtain a reasonable sample size encompassing all possible genetic allelotypes of the ADH1B and ALDH2, 141 surgical liver specimens from adult Han Chinese were studied. Expression patterns and activities of ADH and ALDH were determined with stratification of the genetic phenotypes. Absolute protein contents as well as cellular localization of the activity and protein of ADH/ALDH isozymes were also investigated. Results The activities of ADH1B*1/*2 and ADH1B*2/*2 allelic phenotypes were 5–6-fold those of the ADH1B*1/*1, suggesting that ADH1B*2 allele-encoded subunits are dominant over expression of hepatic ADH activity. The activities of the ALDH2-active phenotype were 90% higher than those of the ALDH2-inactive phenotype. Sex and age did not significantly influence the hepatic ADH and ALDH activities with specified genetic phenotypes. The isozyme protein contents were as follows in decreasing order: ADH1, ADH2, ALDH1A1, ALDH2, and ADH3. Both ADH1, but not ADH2/3, and ALDH1A1/2 showed a preferential expression in perivenular hepatocytes. Conclusion Functional correlations of ADH1B*2 and ALDH2*2 variant alleles in the liver provide a biochemical genetic basis suggesting their contribution toward variability in ethanol metabolism as well as susceptibility to alcoholism and alcohol-related diseases in East Asians.


In this letter, we propose an adaptive forward error correction scheme based on low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes to efficiently adjust dimming values in visible light communication (VLC) systems. The proposed code is a quasi-cyclic LDPC code, in which extension and puncturing methods are used to maintain dimming control. The significant advantages of the proposed method are due to the lower number of codes required to support codes with different coding rate and the relatively small performance degradation for dimming control. Simulation results show that our proposed method efficiently maintains the dimming control in VLC systems with LDPC codes.