This present study is to develop statistical model that might be used to predict the wear properties of Cu - 4Cr - xZrC (x = 0-8 wt. % of ZrC) composites have faith in densification of the powder throughout compaction and sintering. The influence of the reinforcement, sliding distance and load on Specific Wear Rate (SWR) and Coefficient of Friction (COF) were studied using pin-on-disc machine. L27 orthogonal array was selected for investigating the full factorial design using three factors with one replicate. Based on the main effects plots and interaction plots obtained through design was studied. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to explore the influencing input parameters on SWR and COF. The hardness of the composites will increase because of the increase in wt. % of ZrC. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), pin on-disc system, Four point probe tester and Rockwell hardness tester were used to evaluate the characterization, tribological properties, electrical resistivity and hardness respectively of Cu-4Cr-xZrC composites respectively. The level of each parameter is fixed at three totally different levels, namely low, medium and high. Mathematical model was applied by design expert software so as to precise the influence degree of the most wear variables like reinforcement, sliding distance and load on SWR and COF respectively. The results indicate that the reinforcement is more dominant factor affecting SWR and COF mainly. The reinforcement plays an important role than sliding distance and load. The morphology of the worn out surfaces was analyzed to know the wear mechanisms.


Part I of this paper contains the results obtained with regard to the SPECULAR REFLECTION and DIFFUSE SCATTERING of LIGHT by HUMAN HAIR FIBERS as studied by means of GONIOPHOTOMETRY. Such data provide a means of measuring the luster of hair fibers. For evaluating the LUSTER of HAIR, the method chosen employs white light polarized perpendicular to the plane of incidence and incident at 30 o with observations being made from 0 o to - 75 o through an analyzer which is aligned with the polarizer. The integral of the trace of intensity versus the angle of observation yields the specular reflection (S) and diffase scattering (D). The luster (contrast gloss) value is (S-D)/S. Numerical values extend from zero for bleached hair in very poor condition to - 0.85 for dark hair in excellent condition. Using 3 evaluations per sample, luster values have a 90 per cent confidence limit of -+2.5 per cent of the mean value.


The problem of the computational complexity of the structure covariance EM algorithm is considered. Ordinarily this algorithm requires O(N/sup 3/) floating point operations, per iteration, for the estimation of an N-point power spectrum. However, if the linear model relating the observations to the underlying variables is sparse, the computational burden can be reduced to O(N) operations. This sparsity can be achieved approximately by a data preprocessing step that causes the effect of each underlying variable to be seen in only one component of the preprocessed observation vectors. An illustrative example involving a rotating linear array as the sensor and a Chebyshev filter bank as the preprocessor is given.


The present invention belongs to the field of measurement technology, will provide an underwater projector cursor structure given method. Comprising the steps of: at least three positions taken in the same plane in the water target and the projected target image pair; at the camera coordinate system to calculate the surface normal vector and the projection target three-dimensional coordinates, single-view model preliminary calibration of the projector and Structure parameters, the projection target three-dimensional coordinate transformation to the projector coordinate system as a reference value; in the projector coordinate system, the establishment of the projection target of the incident light and refract light model, calculating the projection-target three-dimensional coordinates; to calculate the projection target three-dimensional coordinates and the distance between the reference value of the objective function, recursively optimize all parameters. The present invention contemplates the transmission of light from the projector to the medium of air refraction behavior can occur when the aqueous medium and the optical axis of the projector waterproof device window vector normal circumstances are not parallel, to meet the needs of underwater projector calibration.


Contact lithography with i-line (365 nm) or DUV (248 nm) is widely used in laboratories for prototyping. The achievable line width of 300 nm is sufficient for photonic wires, but a process with larger line width is more controllable. The sidewall roughness induced by the lithography and by the following etching steps results in high optical losses. Thermal oxidation is known to smoothen the silicon surface. The oxidation also consumes silicon, so that the photonic wire will shrink and a wider lithography linewidth can be applied. The silicon dioxide is used as a low loss cladding, which further reduces the refractive index contrast, so that the remaining roughness causes less losses. Single mode silicon nanowires with 500nm by 200nm cross section and optical losses of 2dB/cm were produced. The index contrast is still high enough for small bending radii for highly integrated photonic devices. Sharp branches used in Y-couplers can not be fabricated by this oxidation technique, due to the waveguide shrinkage. 3dB-couplers are easily realized by multimode interference (MMI)-couplers, with the output branches sufficiently apart. Using such couplers, Mach-Zehnder interferometers were fabricated. For electric contacts, the SiO2-cladding is locally removed and ZnO and Al electrodes are applied. The c-axis of sputtered ZnO grows preferentially perpendicular to the surface, which allows to utilize the electro optic effect.


The impact of the world financial crises on geoeconomic transformations starting with the first international crisis of 1825 till the last crisis of 2007–2009 is considered in the article. The main indicator reflecting major qualitative and quantitative changes in the ratio of economic power among the states and civilizations is considered to be gross domestic product, its scale and growth rate. The most essential transformations of geoeconomic area proved to occur owing to financial crises of 1929–1933, 1974–1975 and 2008–2009. The necessity of forming new paradigm of global wealth distribution due to the change of certain countries' role (China, India) in the creation of global product and the impact of the world financial crises on these processes is proved.


Abstract The recent advances in artificial intelligence, coupled with the popularity of personal computers, have led to its widespread application in different domain problems. This paper describes the development of a prototype knowledge-based expert system—an advanced technique of artificial intelligence—as a tool of knowledge transfer and training for personnel in water resources planning and management. Details and a description of the application of the knowledge-based system on design of river network in Hong Kong are also presented.


Different facilities, working in the industrial or metallurgical industries, process gaseous mixtures, which are normally flamable or which could become it at certain stages of the processing


Objective To find out the species and distribution of rodents and their parasitic fleas at the Dulata Port, as well as the trend of change in amount of the different species, and to provide evidence for prediction and prevention and control of the plague at Port. Methods Route hole group method and clip catch method for rhombomys opimus and clip night method for small rodents were used. Results A total of 304 rodents were collected and subjected to 3 families 8 genera 10 species, 2 215 flea specimens were collected and subjected to 5 families 12 genera 13 species at Dulata Port. Mus musculus、cricetulus migratorius and apodemus sylvaticus were the major species in residential area; Meriones erythrourus was the major species in the road, in the field and around the ditch; Rhombomys opimus was the major species in the wilderness abounded with vegetable layer of bush. The phenomenon occurred that meriones erythrourus and rhombomys opimus live together and the flea parasitizing in them exchange each other. Xenopsylla minax was the major parasitic fleas in rhombomys opimus . No Plague F1 antibody was detected. Conclusion Rat plague was not found in the Port. It is significant to conduct surveillance on rat plague epide miolopy in the Port,As NaturaI Rat Plague Focus exist in the wilderness southeast Balkhash Lake within Kazakhstan; the epidemic focus of rhombomys opimus plague was found in Junggar Basin of Xinjiang in 2005. further more, the Port and the border of Kazakhstan are similar in the ecological condition for rat survival. It is necessary to strengthen the surveillance and prevention on plague in the Port area, especially the surveillance among rhombomys opimus.


Prison (restraint) is a room derived from the society's interpretation and experience in order to rehabilitate, remedy, retribution, normalize, and social reintegration. This is a practical explanation of the concept of justice and democracy. The available room is export room. The delegated room to the number of authoritative subjects represents the entire communities to rehabilitate the deviate person from expectations and in order to normalize the morality. It is likely to say not only that those who under control are those whose no place in social area, but also that the authorities in this project may feel fettered due to becoming the thrown-people attendant directly. "Rooming" means self-isolation and restriction from the general forms of social service, while, for either prisoner or student at traditional Muslim school, it means to survive in any such a room it is, including having to create the imaginary rooms.


Telecommunication systems dematerialize the information that they transmit and, thereby, detach the flow of information from the movement of material carriers such as people or goods. The immediate effect of such a dematerialization is a substantial gain in transmission speed, which has often been styled as the principal characteristic of telecommunication. Of far greater
significance – at least from an analytical perspective – is, however, the relative gain in information transmission speed as against the speed of movement of people or goods. Flows of dematerialized information work along a completely
new logic. It is one essential constituent of this logic that wherever telecommunication networks reach information outpaces material transport and can, therefore, be used to efficiently coordinate, control and command such material
movement. The telegraph as the first fully-fledged telecommunication system pioneered this qualitative change and introduced a new rationale to global communication – and, therefore, ultimately to globalization processes of the
nineteenth century.


Abstract: A phylogenetic study using DNA sequences of the nuclear ribosomal large subunit from 38 species is used to infer the phylogeny of species currently placed in Topeliopsis. The genus is shown to be polyphyletic; monophyly of previous and current circumscriptions of the genus are rejected using two alternative hypothesis tests. Topeliopsis meridiensis is shown to be closer to Chapsa than Topeliopsis, but additional studies are necessary to understand the circumscription of Chapsa. The new genus Melanotopelia Lumbsch & Mangold is described to accommodate T. toensbergii and T. rugosa. These species were previously regarded as aberrant in Topeliopsis because of their thin-walled ascospores and dark pigmented proper exciple. The new combination Graphis mexicana (Hale) Kalb, Lücking & Lumbsch is proposed and Graphis muscicola and Topeliopsis globosa reduced to synonymy with this species.


The research put forward a new synthetic method of cyclopropyl carboxylic acid, theimportant intermediate of ciprofloxacin. The reaction was started with 2,4-dichloro-5-fluoroacetophenone, via oxalylation, etherificahon, alnination, cyclization, hydrolysis and decarbonylation,The reaction temperature was moderate and the operation was easily controlled. Addtional, four newcompounds were synthesized by the suggested method.


BAS 110 … W and BAS 111 … W are introduced as new triazole-type plant growth regulators. Most probably, the principal mode of action of both compounds consists in reducing the endogenous levels of biologically active gibberellins, thereby inducing shorter stems. The risk of lodging can be reduced in particular by BAS 110 … W in cereals and by BAS 111 … W in oilseed rape. Apart from this, pronounced increases in seed yield are obtained which are most probably due to the following effects: improved canopy structure, delayed senescence of leaves, improved partitioning of assimilates, enhanced root growth, reduced fungal infections and a lowered susceptibility to low temperatures and drought.


Congenital kyphosis is a less common spinal malformation, which can progress and cause neurological deficits. The treatment of severe cases is complicated. There are several techniques of surgical intervention for the correction of kyphosis, but the selection of surgical methods is entirely dependent on the patient's condition. This article reports a 14-year-old girl with severe congenital kyphosis, who underwent hemiepiphysiodesis at age 2. Last year, her neurological deterioration began and led to paraplegia over a couple of months. To treat her, we performed 2-stage multi-level vertebral column resection (Schwab type 6). First, she underwent anterior T12-L1-L2 complete corpectomy and cord decompression. Then, the resection of posterior elements from T12 to L2 and posterior fusion with instrumentation from T8 to L5 were performed. However, concerning this kind of severe deformity, we suggest using 3D planning, which facilitates the operation.


This paper aims to study the application of a 3-D simulation mining ventilation software for mining air curtain selection.It differs from the current methods both at home and abroad in that the calculation in the method we have proposed can be done through a theoretical derivation,which is more convenient. To achieve this purpose,what we have to do is to collect the data that can be used in the process of the network calculation and simulation in accordance with the actual mining situation. And,then,we have established an underground mine ventilation system model by using a mining ventilation system software. Integrating all the problems that we wish to solve in the mine itself,we have made a comprehensive evaluation and the optimal mining ventilation system so as to decide the installation conditions for the mine air curtain. At the same time,we have determined the installation site for the air pressure and airflow. Through the input modules of the software's fan parameters,query calculation results module,etc.,we have chosen the fans that can be well-matched with the mining air curtains,which helps to carry out the air curtain selection successfully. What is more,based on the analysis of the selection principle and theory of mining air curtain selection,we have classified the different types of mining air curtain and elaborated the methods we have chosen as we apply the software. And,finally,we have chosen a case study sample for simulating the operation effects of the mine air curtain by using a 3-D simulated ventilation system software. The above studies have enabled us to determine the selection parameters and influential factors of the mine air curtains,which is favorable for laying a reliable foundation for designing the mine air curtain. The results of our selection prove to be consistent with the theoretical derivation. What is more,this method has fully reflected the actual situation of the mining condition consistent with its original ventilation characteristics. Hence,the new selection method we have developed is beneficial for developing the mining air curtain which will bring us about great convenience for the mining engineers and conducive to promoting the safe work in the underground mining condition.


A semiconductor circuit and a phase-locked loop is disclosed for reducing the reference spurs. Semiconductor circuit according to the present invention includes a loop filter and a current supply control section. The loop filter receives the input current and generates a control voltage. A current supply control unit supplies or blocks the input current to the loop filter, and randomly determines the supply / interruption of the input current. Wherein the loop filter is not only can be implemented with a variable capacitor unit or RC filters, it may be implemented in various forms of filters.


This paper aims at investigating barrier to sugarcane production information access via ICT among the Swaziland sugar industry stakeholders as perceived by extension officers and smallholder sugarcane farmers. The study was a census involving all active smallholder sugarcane farmers (N=172) in Swaziland and their extension officers (N=17). Quantitative data were collected through personal interviews using a valid and reliable structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were applied to analyse the data using SPSS version 20 statistical software. The results of the study revealed that sugarcane farmers do not perceive any of the barriers to be a hindrance to information access via ICT. However, extension officers differed regarding some of these barriers. The study also revealed that gender, educational level and Original Research Article Dlamini and Worth; AJAEES, 21(2): 1-13, 2017; Article no.AJAEES.37095 2 respondents' job category had a significant influence on the perceptions of the respondents. Therefore, these demographic variables must be considered when planning the introduction of ICTs to enhance information access among the sugar industry stakeholders. The results of this study could provide guidance to the government or relevant organisation when considering barriers that may hinder the use of ICTs for information access.


Continuously growing needs for Internet applications that transmit massive amount of data has led to the emergence of high speed network. Data transfer must take place without any congestion and hence feedback parameters must be transferred from the receiver end to the sender end so as to restrict the sending rate in order to avoid congestion. Even though TCP tries to avoid congestion by restricting the sending rate and window size, it never announces the sender about the capacity of the data to be sent and also it reduces the window size by half at the time of congestion therefore resulting in the decrease of throughput, low utilization of the bandwidth and maximum delay. In this paper, XCP protocol is used and feedback parameters are calculated based on arrival rate, service rate, traffic rate and queue size and hence the receiver informs the sender about the throughput, capacity of the data to be sent and window size adjustment, resulting in no drastic decrease in window size, better increase in sending rate because of which there is a continuous flow of data without congestion. Therefore as a result of this, there is a maximum increase in throughput, high utilization of the bandwidth and minimum delay. The result of the proposed work is presented as a graph based on throughput, delay and window size. Thus in this paper, XCP protocol is well illustrated and the various parameters are thoroughly analyzed and adequately presented.


A new algorithm for copy,move forgeries (repeated, dimensionally distributed image parts) automatic detection is proposed in this paper. The algorithm is based on usage of image features in, variant to geometrical and intensity transforms, which are calculated on the basis of Fourier, Mellin transform. There are also described the comparison of developed algorithm and existing solutions and the advantages and disadvantages of proposed method in the paper.


31 Little is known about the capacity of lower vertebrates to experience itch. A screen of itch32 inducing compounds (pruritogens) in zebrafish larvae yielded a single pruritogen, the 33 TLR7 agonist imiquimod, that elicited a somatosensory neuron response. Imiquimod 34 induced itch-like behaviors in zebrafish distinct from those induced by the noxious TRPA1 35 agonist, allyl isothiocyanate. In the zebrafish, imiquimod-evoked somatosensory neuronal 36 responses and behaviors were entirely dependent upon TRPA1, while in the mouse TRPA1 37 was required for the direct activation of somatosensory neurons and partially responsible 38 for behaviors elicited by this pruritogen. Imiquimod was found to be a direct but weak 39 TRPA1 agonist that activated a subset of TRPA1 expressing neurons. Imiquimod40 responsive TRPA1 expressing neurons were significantly more sensitive to noxious stimuli 41 than other TRPA1 expressing neurons. Together, these results suggest a model for selective 42 itch via activation of a specialized subpopulation of somatosensory neurons with a 43 heightened sensitivity to noxious stimuli. 44 45 Introduction 46 Itch is an unpleasant sensation that elicits a scratch behavior in terrestrial vertebrates. In 47 mammals, chemically-induced itch is thought to be mediated by pruritic receptors on 48 somatosensory neurons1,2. These receptors are typically G-protein coupled receptors 49 (GPCRs) that, upon activation, prompt the opening of downstream transient receptor 50 potential (TRP) channels, facilitating activation of the neuron3,4. This coupling of pruritic 51 3 receptors to TRPA1 or TRPV1 is especially intriguing in that these TRP channels also serve 52 as nociceptors, mediating responses to algogenic (painful) stimuli5,6. 53 54 Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have proven to be a valuable tool in the study of nociception7. The 55 zebrafish ortholog of Trpa1, trpa1b, is required for nociceptive responses to aversive 56 pungent chemicals8. Orthologs of genes involved in mammalian itch transduction are also 57 present in the zebrafish9-11. Studying how these itch genes operate in the somatosensory 58 system of zebrafish could reveal conserved itch transduction mechanisms, providing 59 insight into the evolution of itch. 60 61 Results 62 Imiquimod evokes itch in zebrafish. 63 In an effort to determine if pruritic stimuli are capable of eliciting somatosensory activity in 64 zebrafish, we screened five compounds known to both induce acute pruritus in mammals 65 and act on receptors expressed by zebrafish12-16, excluding pruritogens that act on 66 receptors that do not have a zebrafish ortholog, such as MRGPR agonists. Allyl 67 isothiocyanate (AITC), a known algogen and TRPA1 agonist8,17, was used as the positive 68 control. We evaluated somatosensory neuronal responses to pruritic compounds using 69 transgenic larvae that pan-neuronally express the neuronal activity indicator CaMPARI 70 (elavl3:CaMPARI), a fluorescent protein that permanently photoconverts from green to red 71 in the presence of calcium and 405 nm light18. Using this approach, we were able to view 72 trigeminal neuronal activity in 3 day post fertilization (dpf) larval zebrafish following the 73 application of each pruritogen (Figure 1A-H). Of the pruritogens screened, only imiquimod 74 4 (IMQ) significantly (p < 0.05) activated zebrafish trigeminal ganglia (TG) neurons (Figure 75 1I). 76 77 78 79 We have previously reported that noxious stimuli evoke locomotion in larval zebrafish7. 80 When 5dpf larval zebrafish were exposed to individual pruritogens, only IMQ elevated 81 baseline locomotion (p < 0.001), producing a dose dependent increase (Figure 1-figure 82 supplement 1A). When coupled with our findings in CaMPARI transgenics, these results 83 indicate that IMQ likely acts through somatosensory neurons to evoke behavioral 84 responses. While 5-HT did produce a reduction in locomotion, it did not activate 85 somatosensory neurons (Figure 1I, J). Given the limited sensitivity of the locomotor assay 86 we were unable to differentiate nocifensive behavior elicited by AITC from potentially 87 pruritic behavior elicited by IMQ. To address this issue, we employed an adult zebrafish 88 behavioral assay19,20. Injection of IMQ into the lip elicited a lip-rubbing behavior that may 89 constitute a form of itch-scratch response in zebrafish, a behavior that was absent in sham90 injected control fish (p < 0.001) (Figure 1K, L; Supplemental Videos) and distinct from 91 previously described zebrafish nocifensive, escape, or exploratory behaviors21-23 . 92 Consistent with studies of nocifensive behaviors, injection of AITC produced freezing 93 behavior (p < 0.01) (Figure 1-figure supplement 1C) as well as a significant decrease (p < 94 0.05) in velocity not observed in control or IMQ injected fish (Figure 1-figure supplement 95 1B). Such distinct behavioral responses imply that zebrafish are capable of experiencing, 96 and responding differentially to, discrete stimuli analogous to itch and pain in mammals. 97


High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a mixture of complex particles mediating reverse cholesterol transport in the human body and several cytoprotective activities. Despite its relevance for human health, many aspects of HDL-mediated lipid trafficking and cellular signaling remain elusive at the molecular level. During HDL's journey throughout the body, its function is mediated through interactions with cell surface receptors on different cell types. Using four different cellular model systems HDL is interacting with, we comparatively analyzed their surfaceomes to define the HDL receptome. Surfaceome analysis of EA.hy926, HEPG2, foam cells, and human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) revealed the main currently known HDL-receptor scavenger receptor B1 (SCRB1), as well as 154 shared cell surface receptors representing potential HDL interaction receptor candidates. Since vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) was recently found as a regulatory factor of transendothelial transport of HDL, we next analyzed the VEGF modulated surfaceome of HAEC using auto-CSC technology. VEGF-A treatment led to a remodeling of the surfaceome of HAEC cells including the previously reported higher surfaceome abundance of SCRB1 upon treatment. 165 additional receptors were found on HAEC upon VEGF-A treatment representing SCRB1 co-regulated receptors potentially involved in HDL function. Using HATRIC-based ligand receptor capturing (HATRIC-LRC) technology on human endothelial cells, we specifically aimed for the identification of other bona fide (co-)receptors of HDL beyond SCRB1. HATRIC-LRC enabled, next to SCRB1, the identification of the receptor tyrosine-protein kinase Mer (MERTK), which we show is directly contributing to endothelial HDL binding and uptake. Subsequent proximity ligation assays (PLA) demonstrate furthermore the spatial vicinity of MERTK and SCRB1 on the endothelial cell surface. The data shown provide direct evidence for a complex and dynamic HDL receptome and that receptor nanoscale organization may influence functional HDL binding and uptake. List of human gene and protein names discussed in the paper ABCA1: Phospholipid-transporting ATPase ABCA1 (ABCA1) ABCA7: Phospholipid-transporting ATPase ABCA7 (ABCA7) ABCG1: ATB-binding cassette G1 (ABCG1) ACVR2A: Activin receptor type-2A (AVR2A) APOA1: Apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1) APOB: Apolipoprotein B (APOB) APOC3: Apolipoprotein C-III (APOC3) APOH: Beta-2-glycoprotein 1 (APOH) APOM: Apolipoprotein M (APOM) ATP5MF: Ecto-F1-ATPase (ATPK) CD4: T-cell surface glycoprotein CD4 (CD4) CD14: Monocyte differentiation antigen CD14 (CD14) CD36: platelet glycoprotein 4 (CD36) EGFR: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ITGAM: Integrin alpha-M (ITAM) ITGAV: Integrin alpha-V (ITAV) KDR: Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VGFR2) KIT: Mast/stem cell growth factor receptor Kit (KIT) MEGF8: Multiple epidermal growth factor-like domains protein 8 (MEGF8) MEGF10: Multiple epidermal growth factor-like domains protein 10 (MEGF10) MERTK: tyrosine-protein kinase Mer (MERTK) MRC2: C-type mannose receptor 2 (MRC2) MSR1: Macrophage scavenger receptor types I and II (MSRE) PCDHAC1: Protocadherin alpha-C1 (PCDC1) PLTP: Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) S1PR1: sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) S1PR2: sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) S1PR3: sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 3 (S1PR3) SCARA3: Scavenger receptor class A member 3 (SCAR3) SCARB1: Scavenger receptor B1 (SCRB1) SLC8A3: Sodium/calcium exchanger 2 (NAC2) TF: Transferrin (TRFE) TFRC: Transferrin receptor protein 1 (TFR1) VEGFA: vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) Significance statement A molecular understanding of the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) receptome would provide the rational basis for modulating reverse cholesterol transport. Here we used cellular model systems mimicking tissues involved in HDL-trafficking and reverse cholesterol transport to define the HDL receptome. The receptor tyrosine-protein kinase Mer (MERTK) was identified as a novel mediator of HDL binding and uptake in human aortic endothelial cells. Endothelial MERTK resides within the surfaceome proximal to SCRB1 representing a potential co-receptor. The molecular nanoscale organization of the cell-specific surfaceome may influence cellular HDL interactions and functionality.


This paper outlines the technical and operational principles for flywheel energy storage, and details the applications of flywheel energy storage at the electrical grid levels and customer levels, also there are advantages and disadvantages of flywheel applications.


UiO-66(Zr) has been widely used for many applications due to its high surface area and excellent chemical and thermal stabilities. Conventionally, UiO-66(Zr) has been prepared in an autoclave by solvothermal synthesis, which requires a lengthy reaction time (typically 24 h) while only producing a small amount of product. In this work, a larger quantity of UiO-66(Zr) was rapidly produced in a continuous tubular reactor under microwave irradiation. The metal salt and organic linker precursor solutions were continuously introduced into the tubular reactor by a microfluidic syringe pump system. The results showed that UiO-66(Zr) was produced with a high yield, porosity, and crystallinity within a short reaction time of 10 min. The characteristics of UiO-66(Zr) were affected by the reaction temperature, residence time, and modulator concentration. The UiO-66(Zr) prepared under the optimum conditions was evaluated for gaseous toluene adsorption at various temperatures.


There is renewed interest in fodder beet ( Beta vulgaris L.) production in Syria. However, recommended agronomic practices for maximizing productivity are limited. A field experiment was conducted in season 2011-2012 to study the effect of autumn and winter sowing on yields and its components of four fodder beet cultivars. The experiment was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in split plots arrangement with three replicates, sowing dates were assigned to the main plots and fodder beet cultivars (Jamon, Splendids, Starmon and Vermon) were allotted to the sub plots. The results of T-Test exhibited the superiority of autumn date as compared with winter date, but in a small percentage. Sowing dates and varieties exhibited highly significant (p?0.05) differences in most of the studied characteristics (shoot weight.plant-1, root/shoot ratio, root and shoot yield (t.ha-1). Varieties affected all of the production traits significantly (p?0.05). Vermon surpassed the other cultivars in terms of the production studied traits. The conclusion is to sow fodder beet in autumn time in Al Raqqa, Syria, to attain the highest yield and yield components traits. Also The study recommends further trials identify optimum agronomic practices especially harvesting date, soil type, land preparation, fertilization and spacing in the other sites in Syria. International Journal of Environment Volume-4, Issue-3, June-August 2015 Page: 121-129


The aims of this research are accelerate finishing time and improve the accuracy of manufacture of the engraved contour products on work pieces such as soft metals, acrylics, and wood. Methods of these researches were designed, manufacture, and experimented based on work of the machine. Components of the mini CNC router machine are designed by autodesk inventor software, its dimensions 60 x 60 cm. Furthermore, the calculation and selection of materials, manufacture of machine components, calibrated by mach3mill software and testing the performance of the engine in the three-axis movement mode; manual mode, MDI, and automatic third axis X, Y, and Z using the NC program. The results obtained show the accuracy and precision of the three X, Y and Z axis trajectories according to the permissible tolerance values, 0.01 mm, 0.01 mm and 0.05 mm respectively. The suitability of the program made and the machining results on the contour of the workpiece engraving do not show significant deviations, 0.1 mm for the X and Y axis, and 0.3 mm for the Z axis . Making engraving products on workpieces by using a CNC Router machine is faster and more efficient than manual manufacturing. Research output of this CNC router machine will be used in the practicum jobs for the NC basic programming practice course


An analysis is mead of the records of 19 lepromatous cases who were discharged from a Leprosarium in 1949. All cases were M/I before treatment, and became negative after treatment with one or more of three sulphones, viz. Promin, Diasone, and Sulphetrone. The duration of treatment varied from 29 to 53 months, the average duration of treatment being 41 months. The average amount of drugs given in this time was 297 g of Promin, 263 g of Diasone and 157 g of Suophetrone(AU)


Concrete plays an important role in every construction. This paper is an experimental investigation to study the mechanical properties of the concrete with partial replacement of cement by dolomite powder and fine aggregate by copper slag. So, in this investigation, by usage of Dolomite powder in concrete on one side improves density and other side improves strength and hardness. Copper slag also increases density of concrete and toughness of concrete. The cement content replaced with dolomite and fine aggregate replaced with copper slag from 5% to 25% at regular intervals of 5%. In the designed mix proportion of M30 grade concrete is 1:2.17:2.95. The Superplasticizer Master Rheobuild 920SH of 0.5% dosage used as chemical admixture is added to the concrete to maintain 0.45 the water-cement ratio. The concrete cubes, cylinders were casted. The different mechanical properties like compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength were tested after 3 days, 7 days and 28 days of curing from 5 to 25% at regular intervals of 5% replacement of cement with dolomite powder and 10% to 50% at regular intervals of 10% replacement of fine aggregate with copper slag.


Consider the optimal time path of a tax on capital income, the proceeds of which are transferred to labor in a lump sum. It is known from earlier open-loop formulations that, if the optimal rate of tax converges to a point, it converges to zero, implying that, in the long run, a tax on capital income can do nothing for social welfare. It is now shown that the optimal rate of tax need not converge to zero and, in the case of feedback formulations, that it may converge to a positive or negative number or to a limit cycle. Copyright 1993 by Economics Department of the University of Pennsylvania and the Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association.


There is much to be learned about mathematics education by focusing on the development of cross cultural knowledge between two countries. However, in order to do this, we must find ways to bridge the time and space gap with effective methods that encourage communication.


The invention relates to a method and device for assessing the tolerance of a coherent system to frequency deviations. The method comprises the following steps: setting the frequency deviation of any of a first narrow-line-width laser and a second narrow-line-width laser as 0; finely adjusting the frequency deviation of the other of the first narrow-line-width laser and the second narrow-line-width laser, and recording a bit error rate corresponding to each frequency deviation value; and when the bit error rates are greater than a defined threshold, recording corresponding frequency deviations, and determining the tolerance of the coherent system to the frequency deviations according to the frequency deviations. According to the method and device, a maximum frequency deviation value to which the coherent system can be tolerant is judged by the change of the bit error rate of the coherent system along with the frequency deviation values, so that the tolerance of the coherent system to the frequency deviations can be assessed easily, conveniently, feasibly and reliably.


In todays' world where cut throat competition exists in almost every industrial sector, construction industries in both developed as well as developing countries are no exception. Slow economic growth particularly in developing countries like India , tough competition and sometimes restructuring of construction industry puts a great deal of pressure on construction companies for the continuous improvement in the productivity as well as performance . All these factors have created a demand for virtual construction and modeling so as to avoid costs failure and risks associated with them. Building Information Modeling or BIM is getting popular even in developing countries because of the numerous benefits it provides to the architect, contractor or designer associate with architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. However quantification of successful implementation of BIM is not an easy task. Various metrics associated with different aspects of BIM can be recognized. Present study therefore aims to identify a set of metrics that can be used by construction executives particularly in developing countries in assessing the success or failure of BIM implementation. Nine important identified metrics have been used further to study the inter-relationship amongst them using ISM methodology.


Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous, behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder. Patients with ASD might also have co-morbid disorders such as intellectual impairment, epilepsy, and anxiety. Findings from questionnaire studies have revealed the existence of several sleep problems in pediatric patients with ASD. However, few studies have analyzed the relationship between these disturbances and Polysomnographic (PSG) findings. On the other hand, about a third of people with autism also suffer from epilepsy. For this reason, long-duration electroencephalograms including an adequate amount of slow wave sleep should be carried out in order to detect epileptiform activity. The aim of this work is to describe the sleep characteristics and to detect EEG anormalities in ASD patients using polysomnographic recordings. Methods: Polysomnographic recordings were carried out in 12 autistic children for two consecutive nights and compared to those of the age and sex-matched controls. Sleep efficiency as well as percentages of each sleep phase were obtained from the two groups of participating children. Distribution of SWS and REM sleep throughout the night was also obtained and compared between both groups. Simultaneously, EEG characteristics were analyzed and compared. Results: ASD children presented low sleep efficiency, fragmented sleep and reduction in both SWS and REM sleep. Epileptifom brain activity was observed in 50% of ASD children. Conclusion: ASD patients presented quantitative and qualitative sleep disturbances as well as EEG abnormalities. IntroductIon Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous, behaviorally defined, neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs in 1 of 150 children [1]. Individuals with autism have deficits in social interaction and verbal and nonverbal communication, as well as in restricted or stereotyped patterns of behavior [2]. These patients might also have co-morbid disorders such as intellectual impairment, epilepsy, and anxiety. Epilepsy is associated with pathology of multiple brain regions, among which the cerebral cortex, amygdale, cerebellum, and hippocampal formation are included. These brain regions have also been implicated in autism [1]. Postmortem and magnetic resonance imaging studies have highlighted the frontal lobes, amygdale, and cerebellum as pathological regions in autism. Despite these findings, no unambiguous and consistent pathology has emerged for this neurodevelopmental disorder. Additionally, recent studies emphasize that disturbances in the time course of brain development are fundamental in ASD [3]. It has been suggested that the heterogeneity of both the core and co-morbid features is related to the heterogeneous pattern of the neuropathology observed in ASD patients. In this context, defined phenotypes in larger samples of children and well-characterized brain damage are indispensable to elucidate the neuroanatomy of ASD. The neurological and social deficits observed in autistic patients contribute to varying levels of impairment. Recent advancements in autism research have improved the understanding of the disorder; however, numerous questions about the pathophysiology of ASD remain without precise answers. The expression of ASD is extremely heterogeneous due to the complex interactions between genes, the central nervous system, and the behavior throughout development. Therefore, some researchers refer to 'the autisms' or ASD rather than a single autism phenotype [4]. *Corresponding author Fructuoso Ayala-Guerrero, Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Autonomous University of Mexico, University Avenue, Ciudad City, CP 04510, Mexico, Tel: 5622-2222 #41243; Email: Submitted: 26 February 2014 Accepted: 17 March 2014 Published: 24 March 2014 Copyright © 2014 Ayala-Guerrero et al.


There is provided a method, apparatus and computer program product, the method, apparatus and computer program product for a client device such as a mobile terminal notifies the upcoming change of the streamed session configuration, making it possible in an efficient manner implements a stream subsequent configuration change transmission session. Even when streamed session depending on the case where the non-permanent connection session control server, the method, apparatus and computer program product may also be configured to influence the configuration change of the streamed session.


The updating of existing origin-destination traffic surveys represents a big problem. Methods are lacking to follow up these surveys made with great expenditure of time and money by means of minor sample traffic surveys of the travel behaviour and traffic counts. The present report describes such an estimating method. According to the "principle of minimum gain of information" an origin-destination traffic matrix obtained some years ago can be updated and calibrated at small costs with the aid of actual sample traffic surveys. It is possible to incorporate in this estimation the distribution models of the modal split and the traffic assignment. The method is described in detail. All information available from traffic counts, behaviour studies on the mobility, the modal choice and the routing split are considered in the estimation. With the use of the respective distribution models the latter information can be incorporated in the estimation. The estimation itself is not based on empirical data: it is a mathematical-statistical method satisfying the actual information on the travel behaviour as limit conditions and choosing the "most probable solution" from that limited margin of solutions. The method has been successfully used in the practice. (TRRL)


Human activities have been diminishing greater rhea Rhea americana (Linnaeus, 1758) populations
throughout their natural distribution. The reintroductions of captive-born greater rheas have been tried but
without success; since the individuals reintroduced were killed by predators. Captive-born animals that have been
isolated from predators for many generations can lose their predator recognition abilities. To enhance the survival
rates of the reintroduced animals, researchers are now using antipredator training techniques. We studied the
response of 15 zoo-borne greater rheas to antipredator training. The animals were divided into three groups: two
test groups and one control group. We ran 15 antipredator tests and four control testes with each group. Antipredator
tests consisted of pairing a taxidermized predator model or a real predator (domestic dog) with a simulation of a
capture procedure. Control tests consisted of presenting the predator model (jaguar) to the birds, after training but
not associating it with an aversive event and recording behavioural responses. All tests were video-recorded and
analysed a posteriori. Results showed that the trained rheas responded appropriately to the predators, becoming
more vigilant and that there was considerable individual differences in response to antipredator training. The
results demonstrated that antipredator training is effective and therefore an invaluable tool for reintroduction
projects involving greater rheas. Furthermore, the methods employed in this research project should be applicable
to other species of flightless birds.


As the power density of power module increases, the components have to be placed more and more closely and the near field coupling will become more obvious. An integrated coupling inductors scheme had been introduced by utilizing their near field coupling effects among inductors for multi-phase VRM application. Some considerations were taken such as component distance, height, air gap layout and partial magnetic path. Moreover, the near-field coupling concept was extended to general applications with multiphase topology and coupling structures of ladder and cluster type had also been proposed. Finally, experiment had been carried out for verification.


This paper proposes a novel Self-Supervised Intrusion Detection (SSID) framework, which enables a fully online Machine Learning (ML) based Intrusion Detection System (IDS) that requires no human intervention or prior off-line learning. The proposed framework analyzes and labels incoming traffic packets based only on the decisions of the IDS itself using an Auto-Associative Deep Random Neural Network, and on an online estimate of its statistically measured trustworthiness. The SSID framework enables IDS to adapt rapidly to time-varying characteristics of the network traffic, and eliminates the need for offline data collection. This approach avoids human errors in data labeling, and human labor and computational costs of model training and data collection. The approach is experimentally evaluated on public datasets and compared with well-known ML models, showing that this SSID framework is very useful and advantageous as an accurate and online learning ML-based IDS for IoT systems.


Clavariadelphus griseoclavus sp. nov . is described and illustrated from North China. Morphologically, the new species is distinguished from other Clavariadelphus species by its grey to greyish basidiomata. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on ITS sequences is provided and supports the establishment of the new species.


also become the focus of attention. Theoretically, according to the theory of "green competitive advantage", many scholars believe that the fulfillment of corporate environmental responsibility is a source of competitive advantage and a good reputation of environmental responsibility can enhance the commercial value of the enterprise [1, 2]. According to the research results, there is a significant negative correlation between the disclosure level of environmental information of listed companies and the cost of equity capital, and good disclosure of environmental information reduces the investors' risk expectations, thus reducing the rate of return need for investment [3]. According to the existing research results, we can ask the following questions: What is the effect of environmental information disclosure strategy on enterprise, and whether there is a correlation between them? In response to above problems, this paper selects 19 representative enterprises in the pharmaceutical industry from 2012 to 2015 as the research objects, and makes an empirical analysis of the correlation between the quality of environmental information disclosure on pharmaceutical enterprise and the profitability of pharmaceutical companies. The main contribution of this paper lies in following three points. Firstly, Relationship between enterprise environmental information disclosure, an independent variable, and the level of corporate profitability, dependent variables, are studied. Thus filling the study in sectors related to corporate environmental information disclosure and corporate profitability. Secondly, because most researches in China focus on the comprehensive research of heavy pollution industries at present, there are few researches on the subdivided industries. This article takes the pharmaceutical industry as the research object and complements the vacancy of the research on the subdivided industries. Thirdly, in view of the serious frustration of the profitability of the pharmaceutical industry at present, this paper puts forward some related suggestions on environmental information disclosure, in order to provide some references for the development of pharmaceutical


Consumption of fossil fuels (primarily CO2, CH4, and N2O) for energy production, agriculture, transportation, and industrial applications is accelerating climate change as we speak. Since the effects of climate change aren't immediately evident, there's a lack of awareness about it in a huge portion of the global demographic. An increase in temperature, changes of precipitation patterns, strengthening of natural extremities, rising of sea-level and melting of ice in the arctic region may very well hamper our economy as a civilization. There's even the probability of large-scale migration of people in severe scenarios. The following figure shows the predicted temperature increase due to GHG emissions.


A transaction log stored in a first memory (55) is posted to one of two separate log areas (60, 65), selectively, on a storage system (10) having a plurality of storage media (12) such as disk drives. Posting occurs to a "disk log" area (60) when a page-full status of the first memory (55) transaction log is detected. Alternatively, when a posting request occurs before a page-full status of the transaction log has been detected, then posting occurs immediately to a least busy disk of a "staging log" area (65). Posting occurs to the least busy disk of the "staging log" area by circumventing normal storage system data management and redundancy techniques such that data in the staging log area is not kept redundantly on the storage media. Rather redundancy is maintained by the fact that the transaction log remains with the first memory in addition to being copied to the staging log area. The staging log area includes reserved space on each of the plurality of storage media and is divided into logically separate portions (70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105) on each of the storage media (12). This prohibits two consecutive "force" postings from overwriting the same portion of the reserved area, regardless of which disk is the least busy. Finally, sequence numbers (120) and disk set numbers (125) are associated with data records (110) that are posted to the disk log areas (60, 65) for enabling recovery of the transaction log data from the disk log areas.


Distributed real-time and embedded (DRE) systems are composed of applications with diverse CPU utilization requirements. These applications participate in many end-to-end application flows with diverse network bandwidth requirements. Prior research has advanced the state-of-the-art on (1) bin-packing algorithms, such as first fit decreasing (FFD), to allocate per-application CPU resources, and (2) network-layer quality-of-service (QoS) mechanisms, such as differentiated services (DiffServ), to manage per-flow network resources. Relatively little work, however, has focused on how applications can be deployed and configured to leverage such advances for addressing their end-to-end QoS requirements. This paper provides two contributions to the study of middleware that supports QoS-aware deployment and configuration of applications in DRE systems. First, we describe how our NetQoPE model-driven component middleware framework shields applications from the complexities of lower-level CPU and network QoS mechanisms to simplify (1) the specification of per-application CPU and per-flow network QoS requirements, (2) resource allocation and validation decisions (such as admission control), and (3) the enforcement of per-flow network QoS at runtime. Second, we empirically evaluate how well NetQoPE provides QoS assurance for applications in DRE systems. Our results demonstrate that NetQoPE provides flexible QoS configuration and provisioning capabilities by leveraging CPU and network QoS mechanisms without modifying application source code.


The article compares the results of mathematical modeling by the finite element method (FEM) with the results of bench tests of steel racks of a road fence. The object of the study was a road fence rack made of steel 3, with a cross section in the form of a channel (No. 12). As a result of mathematical modeling, we obtained the dependences of the force in the rack on the movement, as well as the energy absorption of the racks. The obtained parameters were compared with the empirical results of field tests.


The present study concentrated on the possible use of the German Light Drop-Weight device for measuring the mechanical properties of the compacted layers of the pavement formation. The study found that compared with the conventional FWD moduli, LDW moduli (E (sub V1)) are of a smaller magnitude. In the same manner, the adjusted LDW moduli to a second cycle of loading (E (sub V2)) are also of a smaller magnitude compared with the conventional FWD moduli. Obviously, this discrepancy in moduli results requires the use of the most critical values in order to obtain the proper safety-level factor. Thus, if the German Code for a minimum static plate bearing modulus (second cycle of loading) is to be followed (45 MPa measured on the formation of the pavement) an 80 MPa FWD deformation modulus or a 35 MPa LDW deformation modulus of E (sub V1) should also be followed. These moduli requirements are more stringent than those suggested recently by the British TRL. Additionally, the present study revealed a substantial scatter in the in situ LDW moduli-density comparative results in some cases. In other words, in-situ density tests may be compared to in-situ modulus tests only when the material is uniform with respect to a single maximum Modified AASHTO density. The main conclusion of this study stemming from both (a) the transition to mechanistic-empirical pavement-design procedures and (b) the possible variation of the maximum Modified AASHTO density along any tested strip is the need to include stiffness along with density measurements in quality-control and assurance testing. The German LDW can serve as a cost-effectiveness testing device for quality control and assurance during subgrade and pavement-layer compaction. The use of the outputs of this device, however, for the purposes of structural design should be further studied. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD E204173.


In this paper we present an indoor channel measurement campaign from 26 to 30 GHz, using a virtual antenna array. On the receiving side a $3\times 3$ spatial grid, moving in the environment, was considered. On the transmitting side we considered a massive virtual array of $21\times 21$ elements. Multipath components were extracted by means of a high resolution algorithm. The results obtained with the full massive array are compared with those obtained with a small sub-array, in order to investigate the effect of array size in channel modeling.


I MARCH 2007 I 35 as a decade of process improvement, reengineering, Six Sigma and internal service initiatives led to improvements in internal customer service (ICS)? Or have the relentless pressures of cost cutting, centralization of shared services and increased outsourcing sustained low levels of internal service? More importantly, does evidence persist that superior internal service quality is an important differentiator of business success? In 1993, the Metrus Group—a research and consulting firm specializing in strategic measurement and performance excellence—undertook one of the largest ICS studies ever. The national survey uncovered dramatic differences in business performance between companies marked by high and low levels of internal service quality. In general, ICS ratings were low (less than 50% favorable) for all functions. At the same time, 88% of the 841 companies that responded said they believed superior ICS was key to business success, and 76% reported having undertaken a major internal service improvement initiative. To determine what has changed since the original study, ASQ and the Metrus Group collaborated in asking ASQ's members how they view internal service quality and its impact on their businesses today. A Web based survey, announced in the August and September 2006 issues of Quality Progress, received 1,266 responses. More than half (57%) of the respondents were executives or managers representing companies from 35 different industry H


In recent years, teacher professional noticing has become more prevalent internationally. One common definition to distinguish professional noticing from everyday noticing includes the three interrelated skills of attending, interpreting and deciding to respond. We used qualitative analysis to explore prospective teachers' approximations of practice and decisions to respond. Prospective teachers at four universities (n = 89) utilized one of two technological platforms: GoAnimate and LessonSketch to communicate their pedagogical decision through animations or comic-based depictions in response to watching video of a lesson on fractions. Findings indicate prospective teachers most commonly included teacher moves that: (a) explored what the student(s) had already done or suggested, or (b) ensured that the student(s) understood the problem or had an entry point. Notable differences were found in the teacher decisions based on the different platforms, raising questions about the various modalities that may be used to support prospective teachers to communicate their thinking. Findings provide insight about pedagogical decisions to support students' fractional understanding. We suggest that researchers and practitioners may consider extending the noticing framework to include a fourth skill, enactment, so the professional noticing framework would encompass attending, interpreting, deciding to respond and enacting decisions.


Integrated circuit (IC) package assembly and test processes include several industrial steps involving physical contact and/or friction between polymer surfaces of handlers and packages. The trend toward smaller and sleeker gadgets has resulted in a dramatic reduction in the package weight due to thickness and size miniaturization. In this paper, we show that the forces created through triboelectrostatic charging between surfaces of handlers and packages are comparable with the weight of thin and small IC packages. Furthermore, the voltages generated in such triboelectric interactions are rather small - typically below the concern levels set in the IC industry. The results show that for IC packages with a subgram weight, the impact of the triboelectrostatic force on the assembly processes is significant and occurs at low static voltages <;200 V. The data presented in this paper provides valuable insights into the selection of materials for handler designs in contact with IC packages during assembly and test processes.


Background/objectives We investigated whether fat mass (FM) and total adipose tissue (TAT) can be used interchangeably and FM per TAT adds to metabolic risk assessment. Subjects/methods Cross-sectional data were assessed in 377 adults (aged 18–60 years; 51.2% women). FM was measured by either 4-compartment (4C) model or quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR); total-, subcutaneousand visceral adipose tissue (TAT, SAT, VAT), and liver fat by whole-body MRI; leptin, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and triglycerides; resting energy expenditure and respiratory quotient by indirect calorimetry were determined. Correlations and stepwise multivariate regression analyses were performed. Results FM4C and FMQMR were associated with TAT (r4C= 0.96, rQMR= 0.99) with a mean FM per TAT of 0.85 and 1.01, respectively. Regardless of adiposity, there was a considerable inter-individual variance of FM/TAT-ratio (FM4C/TAT-ratio: 0.77–0.94; FMQMR/TAT-ratio: 0.89–1.10). Both, FM4C and TAT were associated with metabolic risks. Further, FM4C/TATratio was positively related to leptin but inversely with CRP. There was no association between FM4C/TAT-ratio and VAT/ SAT or liver fat. FM4C/TAT-ratio added to the variance of leptin and CRP. Conclusions Independent of FM or TAT, FM4C/TAT-ratio adds to metabolic risk assessment. Therefore, the interchangeable use of FM and TAT to assess metabolic risks is questionable as both parameters may complement each other.


In this paper, we match data on student performance in a multiple-choice exam with data on student risk preferences that are extracted from a classroom experiment. We find that more-loss-averse students leave more questions unanswered and perform worse in the multiple-choice exam when giving an incorrect answer is penalized compared to not answering. We provide evidence that loss aversion parameters extracted from lottery choices in a controlled experiment have predictive power in a field environment of decision making under uncertainty. Furthermore, the degree of loss aversion appears to be persistent over time, as the experiment was conducted three months prior to the exam. We also find important differences across genders; they are partly explained by differences in loss aversion.


It has previously been reported that the RF signal cross-correlation technique gives a lower variance estimate of blood velocity than the conventional baseband auto-correlation technique. This can be explained by the axial averaging used in calculating the cross correlation, which also reduces the spatial resolution. If similar axial averaging is applied to the auto-correlation estimate, it is shown both by theory and experiments, that the two methods are almost identical. Estimation variance is calculated using a theoretical signal model, and results are verified by applying the different algorithms to digitized ultrasound RE-data. Optimum pulse- and receiver bandwidth, as a function of signal-to-noise ratio is discussed


Objective To investigate the effects of psychological intervention on the compliance of early functional training in patients with traumatic fractures.Methods A total of 120 patients with traumatic fractures were randomly divided into experimental group and control group.The two groups received the routine nursing.The experimental group received relevant psychological intervention according to psychological status of patients.The psychological status on admission and discharge and the compliance of functional training after early functional training in both groups were analyzed by comparison.Results Patients with traumatic fractures were observed with psychological anxiety.In the experimental group,the compliance of functional training was higher than that of the control group(P0.05)and the psychological status on discharge was better than that the control group(P0.05).Conclusion The psychological intervention can predominantly elevate the compliance of early functional training and rapidly improve functional recovery for returning to society in patients with traumatic fractures.


In this paper, we present a model to elaborate the sources of randomness in multiple tiling array data. We also propose a new probe score system which integrate the intensity information of a probe and its neighbors. This new score system is obtained by using slide window and median polish strategies. These strategies firstly unify probe affect across probes and the array effect across arrays based on the region-specific fixed values interpreting the transcription levels of regions in probes, then unite these unified information into the region-specific fixed values. And this united information become a new standard to evaluate that probes are or aren't in transcriptional regions. Similar to median method, our method is a way that integrate the information from multiple arrays in the analysis stage rather than the results stage. A classical hidden Markov model (HMM) is used to model the distribution of tilling array probe scores in transcribed and non-transcribed regions and then to predict the transcribed fragments. The priority of the proposed score system is illustrated based on Affymetrix's RNA tiling array data.


This study utilized theory proposed by Mohan, Slater, Luo, and Jaipal (2002) regarding what they refer to as the Developmental Path of Cause to examine issues of AWE score use in classroom contexts. Utilization of this model enabled this study to investigate the accuracy of the AWE scores by comparing them to ratings based on teachers' intuition as well as to scores generated based on existing rubrics. The qualitative data collected from focus group interviews of three experienced teachers' justifications for their intuitive evaluations of essays suggested that the Developmental Path of Cause helped teachers articulate their intuitions, identifying the core features of the model. The quantitative results showed that the grades provided by raters trained to use the Developmental Path of Cause tended to support Criterion scores more strongly than did instructor grades. The findings from this study suggest that AWE scores from Criterion not only closely correlated with teachers' intuitions and with raters trained to use the Developmental Path of Cause, but that the use of the Developmental Path of Cause for teaching may support the use of AWE systems in the classroom context, and would help students focus on the core of a cause-effect essay: appropriateness and sophistication of causal language.


Oxygen content was simultaneously on-line measured by intensity and phase delay detection,based on fluorescence quenching. The oxygen-sensitive membrane was prepared by sol-gel,using tris( 4,7 diphenyl-1,10 phenanthroline) ruthenium( II)dichloride as indicator. The results indicate that the intensity of fluorescence shows linear relationship( R2 0. 99) with oxygen content in region of 0 ~ 100 %. System parameters significantly affected phase delay detection. Via parameters regulation,precision detection of oxygen content could achieve. The theoretical lower limit was 3 ppm.


COST is the acronym for European Cooperation in Science and Technology, a programme that was established in 1971. It serves to support and coordinate research activities in Europe, the research itself supported by national funds. There are presently 36 member states in COST. Action B25, 'Physiologically based Pharmaco-Toxicokinetics and Dynamics' is in the Biomedicine and Molecular Biosciences domain of COST. The Action, which ran from May 2005 to May 2009, comprised 22 European member states and two nonCOST organizations. The Action organized a final Congress in Athens, 26–27 May 2009, to review progress in the field and to identify future research needs, bringing together experts from academia, industry and government agencies. This volume comprises papers reflecting the contributions of the participating scientists. The aim of the Action was to further the development and application of physiologically based approaches in pharmaco ⁄ toxicokinetics and dynamics to improve the safety and effectiveness of drugs and other chemicals. A particular emphasis of the Action was promoting the interaction between pharmacology and environmental toxicology, disciplines which have complementary expertise, but are often unaware of each others' advances. During the congress, the following topics were addressed: absorption and distribution of drugs; kinetics and dynamics of drug delivery to the central nervous system; modelling pharmacological and toxicological effects at target organs; application of mode of action in modelling approaches; physiologically based pharmacokinetic models for extra-hepatic tissues; outstanding issues in physiologically based modelling approaches. As will be apparent from the papers that follow, there have been considerable advances in mechanistic understanding of the processes underlying the kinetics and dynamics of drugs and other chemicals. This has occurred with the development of powerful and sophisticated modelling approaches, allowing unparalleled opportunities for the realistic simulation of biological processes. The ultimate aim is to predict accurately the fate and behaviour of drugs and other chemicals in humans, at their target site. Despite the extraordinary progress that has been achieved, it is apparent that considerable work remains, both in determining the fundamental biology of the systems of interest and in the development and validation of suitable modelling approaches. Validation is not a trivial exercise and whilst perhaps not as glamorous as the more fundamental work required, it is still vital if such approaches are to become credible and widely adopted. The work described in this volume reflects both the progress made and the challenges to be faced in realizing the tremendous potential of physiologically based approaches in pharmaco ⁄ toxicokinetics and dynamics in ensuring the safe and effective use of drugs and other chemicals.


The valuable characters of a new compression standard JPEG2000 for still images were introduced. A basic realizing framework of the image compression system was designed for packaging and printing industry, which provides a realizing method for image compression and transition.


: Coagulation is a process that sanitizes leather effluents. It aims to reduce pollutants such as Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), chloride, sulphate, chromium, suspended solids, and other dissolved solids. The current study aimed to evaluate coagulation efficiency of tannery wastewater by analysing the change in organic matter, odor, colour, ammonium ions, nutrients, chloride, H2S, sulphate, suspended solids, total dissolved solids, faecal pollution, and chromium hexavalent before and after treatment. Effluent samples were treated with coagulants Ca(OH)2 and FeSO4 .7H2O. The best advantages of this treatment included the removal of: COD (81.60%); ammonia ions (98.34%); nitrate ions (92%); chromium hexavalent (75.00%); phosphate (70.00%); chloride (69.20%); and H₂S (50%). Results also indicated a high level of efficiency in the reduction of fecal pollution indicators. Unfortunately, only a modest reduction of sulphate (19.00%) and TSS (13.00%) and an increase in TDS (15.60%) was observed.


In designing and implementing control systems, converting simulation based results to real life systems is often not straightforward and may need adaptation of the control approach to achieve similar performance levels to the simulation results. Such adaptations are usually required due to the fact that sensors and actuators have a number of imperfections such as delays, offsets and inherent noise processes. Here, such a problem in relation to the development of a lane keeping control algorithm is presented. An in-house developed lane keeping controller based on a high-fidelity simulation environment was planned to be transferred to a real demonstrator test vehicle. First tests showed significantly deteriorated and unstable performance results of the corresponding controller, which was due to sensor delays and actuator imperfections. After the diagnosis of the problem, an approach to mitigate these issues was undertaken by predicting the delayed sensor data utilizing a linear Kalman filter and an a-priori predictor. The Kalman filter and a-priori predictor design approach is based on a discrete-time version of the lane tracking model. The approach and the corresponding results were demonstrated using simulation and real vehicle implementation results that were evaluated in real driving conditions.


Background: In addition to physical issues, multiple sclerosis (MS) patients experience many psychological problems that make their living conditions difficult. Objectives: This study aimed at examining the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) group therapy in emotion regulation among MS patients. Methods: This quasi-experimental study followed a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population included all patients with MS who were referred to Sistan and Baluchestan MS Community from December 2017 to February 2018. Among these people, 30 patients were selected as the sample using the convenience sampling method and were randomly assigned to a control group and an experimental group (each including 15 patients). Eight 60-minute sessions of MBSR therapy were conducted on the experimental group. A post-test was carried out after completing all these sessions, and a follow-up was performed a month later. The Self-Regulation Inventory developed by Ibanez et al. was used as the data collection tool. The analysis of covariance was used to analyze the obtained data. Results: The results showed that MBSR group therapy was effective in improving emotion regulation in patients with MS in the post-test and follow-up (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Authorities are suggested employing MBSR group therapy to boost emotion regulation among patients with chronic diseases.


Surge arresters, which are used to protect transformers against overvoltages, are an important part of the power system. Overvoltages occur because of switching operations of nearby circuit breakers or as a result of lightning strokes. The behavior of the surge arrester during an overvoltage occurrence depends on the amplitude and the shape of the surge. Therefore, it is important to have an understanding of the behavior of the surge arrester when it is stressed by overvoltages with different shapes and amplitudes. In this letter, the application of a simplified model of a surge arrester is presented. The behavior of the arrester based on its measured volt-ampere characteristic is examined according to the ANSI/IEEE C62.11-1993 standard. The residual voltage of the arrester is calculated for three different current impulses: 8/20 μs, 30/60 μs, and an impulse with a 0.5 μs front-of-wave. The application of the model is presented when it is used for protecting a distribution transformer exposed to voltage escalation and to low-frequency surges. Introduction: As a result of switching in a part of a system or because of occurrence of lightning strokes in high-voltage networks, high overvoltages can occur that sometimes can be several times greater than the nominal voltage of the system. An overvoltage is an unwanted phenomenon that can cause deterioration of the insulation of the equipment and therefore affects the proper functioning of the system in general. The analysis of steep-fronted overvoltages is an important item for the insulation coordination. Therefore, R-C circuits like surge suppressors and surge arresters are applied to protect against high overvoltages. In general, a surge arrester reacts only when its predetermined threshold value is surpassed, and when the amplitude of the impulse tends to increase further, the arrester will limit its value. A major task of the arrester is to protect the equipment against overvoltages that occur during switching operations or during lightning impulses. The application of an R-C circuit reduces the steepness of the surge. This leads to a decrease of the frequency of the transient recovery voltage (TRV) and prevents the occurrence of reignition overvoltages. R-C circuits are applied to protect reactive loads such as motors and transformers. The disadvantage is that their operation is influenced by the ambient temperature and by the environmental pollution. The result is a nonoptimal operation of the R-C circuit. This letter analyses only the application of surge arresters for protecting equipment. A simplified surge arrester model is presented with parameters based on manufacturer data and the residual voltages are studied. The application of the arrester for protection of a transformer against switching surges is also investigated. Surge Arrester Model: The surge arrester model does not take into account the temperature dependency of the nonlinear resistance. This is in fact only important for small currents, which are not observed here. The capacitance of the arrester is considered constant. Also, because of the lack of data, the U-I hysteresis is not taken into account. The resulting surge arresters model is shown in Figure 1. The determination of the surge arrester parameters is described in detail in [1]. According to the IEEE/ANSI C62.11-1993 standard, the maximum value of the residual voltages should be calculated for current impulses with an amplitude of 10 kA and steepnesses of 8/20 μs, 0.5/3 μs, and 30/60 μs. The results of the applied model for different current impulses are shown in Figures 2 through 4. The residual voltages provided by the manufacturer are shown in Table 1. The values for the residual voltages V10 kA are 44 kV and 51.6 kV when the surge arrester is excited by a current impulse 8/20 μs and by a current impulse with a front-of-wave 0.5 μs, respectively. The calculated values by our model are 43.2 kV and 51.8 kV, respectively. The measured value of the residual voltage V500 A with a current impulse 30/60 μs is 32.3 kV and the computed value is 31.7 kV. Note that for very steep surges, the model results in higher residual voltages than those specified by the manufacturer. Therefore, for very steep surges the U-I hysteresis of the transformer must also be taken into account [2]. Practical Application of the Model: The application of the model can be illustrated by the circuit shown in Figure 5. An unloaded transformer is switched off by a vacuum circuit breaker. The circuit breaker 52 0272-1724/02/$17.00©2002 IEEE IEEE Power Engineering Review, September 2002 Figure 1. A simplified surge arrester model Figure 2. Residual voltage of the surge arrester excited by a current impulse 0.5/3 μs Figure 3. Residual voltage of the surge arrester excited by a current impulse 8/20 μs is connected to the transformer by a feeder cable with a length of 30 m. For all system components, frequency dependent models are used [3]. The calculations were done with three surge arresters connected in each phase to ground, and with six surge arresters connected phase to ground and between phases. Figure 6 shows the reignition overvoltage in one phase when no protection is applied and when the protection is provided by surge arresters installed between each phase and ground (first case), and between each phase and ground and between phases (second case). The investigation shows that when using three surge arresters (the first case), the phase to ground overvoltage is limited only to the protection level of the surge arrester while the overvoltage between phases can still remain high. The second case shows that both voltages, phase to ground and phase to phase, are significantly reduced. Another observation is that the duration of the reignition is shorter than in the configuration with three arresters. The application of the model to slow front surges like switching overvoltages when no reignition takes place is shown in Figure 7. The unloaded transformer [4] is de-energized and because of the residual flux and hysteresis, high overvoltages occur. The arrester surges the overvoltage below 30 kV. Conclusion: In this letter, the application of a new simplified arrester model is introduced based on an available measured U-I characteristic of an arrester. The model is appropriate for studies where the current impulses do not reach very high values, such as surges produced by a reignition in the circuit breaker. The application of the arrester is demonstrated on a practical example where an unloaded transformer is switched off by a vacuum circuit breaker. References: [1] M. Popov, L. van der Sluis, and G.C. Paap, "Investigation of the circuit breaker reignition overvoltages caused by no-load transformer switching surges," European Trans. Electric Power (ETEP), vol. 11, no. 6, pp. 413-422, Nov./Dec. 2001. [2] IEEE WG 3.4.11, "Modelling of metal oxide surge arresters," IEEE Trans. Power Delivery, vol. 7, pp. 302-309, Jan. 1992. [3] M. Popov and L. van der Sluis, "Improved calculations for no-load transformer switching surges," IEEE Trans. Power Delivery, vol. 16, pp. 401-408, July 2001. [4] M. Popov, L. van der Sluis, G.C. Paap, and P.H. Schavemaker, "On a hysteresis model for transient analysis," IEEE Power Eng. Rev., vol. 20, pp. 53-54, May 2000. Copyright Statement: ISSN 0282-1724/02/$17.00  2002 IEEE. Manuscript received 17 June 2002. This paper is published herein in its entirety. IEEE Power Engineering Review, September 2002 53 Figure 4. Residual voltage of the surge arrester excited by a current impulse 30/60 μs Figure 5. Circuit for practical analysis of the transients Figure 7. Application of the model against slow surges (no reignition) Table 1. Surge arrester data Nominal voltage (kV) 12


Objective To investigate the effects of wheat germ oil on atherosclerosis in rats and to explore its possible mechanism.Methods Model of AS rats was made by intragastric administration of fat emulsion for four weeks consecutively. Different doses of WGO were given to the rats which were divided into different groups by intragastric administration for 8 weeks. Pathomorphological changes in aortic arch of AS rats were observed by light microscopy( HE staining). Enzyme- Linked Immunosorbent Assay was used to evaluate the sample concentrations of PGI2,TXA2 and ET-1 in rats' serum. Results The pathomorphological abnormalities of AS rats' aortic arch were significantly improved in high dose group of wheat germ oil,which returned to normal state; WGO could also apparently increase PGI2 and reduced TXA2,ET-1 levels( P 0. 05). Conclusions Wheat germ oil can significantly improve the state of atherosclerosis in rats. The mechanism may refer to its good ability to regulate the balance between PGI2 and TXA2,inhibit thrombosis and endothelial damage as well as its strong antioxidant effect.


In the current issue of the Journal, Angela Zagatina et al. of the Saint Petersburg group provide an interesting review of the current state of the art of the assessment of coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) with transthoracic echocardiography [1]. It is a timely topic from a group with extensive experience in the field and internationally recognised for the pioneering contributions demonstrating the feasibility and usefulness of CFVR during semisupine exercise. The article allows to revisit the important concept of coronary flow reserve now brought in the frontline of clinical use. Coronary flow reserve is not anymore only in the private domain of invasive cardiologists or cardio-radiologists with sophisticated, costly, demanding techniques but finally at hand for the clinical cardiologists with transthoracic echocardiography. CFVR is a surrogate of coronary flow reserve and offers information additive and complementary to standard regional wall motion analysis. Step D for Doppler-based CFVR is now an integral part of the comprehensive ABCDE protocol for stress echocardiography [2]. It provides independent and incremental prognostic value over other steps of cardiac functional stress testing: step A (for regional wall motion abnormalities), step B (B-lines for lung ultrasound); step C (left ventricular contractile reserve with volumetric echocardiography); and imaging-independent step E (EKG-based heart rate reserve) [2]. In particular, step D is obtained with the assessment of coronary flow velocity in the mid-distal left anterior descending coronary artery. This approach allows a substantial simplification of training, technology and analysis time compared to myocardial contrast echocardiography for perfusion imaging and, as a result, the technique is now increasingly used for clinical purposes and is the recommended standard for pharmacological stress, yet feasible (with lower success rate) also with semi-supine exercise stress [3]. In the words of Valentin Fuster, editor-in-chief of Journal of the American College of Cardiology and opinion-leader of contemporary cardiology, 'knowing that the technology is quite feasible, I can see a future by which the use of the quadruple imaging (ABCD) protocol may provide a lot of information', allowing the old concept of coronary flow reserve to 'go back to the future with the fullest speed in Europe and United States' [4]. In an editorial comment, a distinguished Canadian cardiologist, dr. Sharon Mulvagh, noticed that 'the current shift towards using stress echo protocols with both known and novel parameters is a new frontier. There has been a reluctance to "go with the flow" on this North-American side of the Atlantic, but perhaps this will change with clear demonstration of feasibility and incremental value of a multiparametric stress echo approach, especially in women, who could benefit greatly from a non-invasive, nonionizing assessment of myocardial microvascular integrity.' [5]. Coronary flow velocity imaging represents a potential breakthrough, and is especially appealing in the era or personalised medicine since coronary microvascular dysfunction can represent a potential selective therapeutic target [6].


Pulsatile signals from the cutaneous blood flow could be informative for evaluating the health condition of an individual. One of the popular optical measuring devices, photoplethysmogram (PPG) is often used to detect the pulse signal from skin. However, the origin of the PPG signal still remains controversial. Benefiting from the non-invasive, label-free, 3D imaging tool, optical coherence tomography (OCT) is able to capture the intrinsic tissue signals at different penetration depth in high spatial and temporal resolution. Periodic pulse signal was observed by taking advantage of the optical microangiography (OMAG) algorithm which is sensitive to the motion of blood flow. The pulsatile pattern from the capillary and arteriole was successfully differentiated and their morphology showed distinct property at different local blood pressure. The pulse signal from the arteriole is more consistent and has similar waveform as the PPG signals. The result indicated that the PPG signal could be deceive by the mixing signal from the capillary bed and arterioles since it measures the total blood volume change in the plexuses. This study may shed some new light on understanding the mechanical property of how blood travel through different types of vasculature networks and elucidate its potential application in disease assessments.


Structures, frequencies and energies, ideal gas thermodynamic properties and values, have been calculated for cyclopentadiene, cyclopentadienols, and a number of radicals derived from them. The necessary molecular information for these calculaions was found by ab‐initio molecular orbital calculations. The gometries, vibrational frequencies and moments of inertia of 8 species are reported. In order to estimate the accuracy of the computations the molecular parameters were compared with known values reported in the literature whenever those were available.


Feature weight auto-learning method for Case-based Reasoning was discussed.Some problems in a existed method of weight auto-learning using Rough Set theory were analyzed and an improved weight auto-learning arithmetic was proposed.The comparison between the two arithmetics was given by some instances.


Microalgae form the basis of the trophic chain of the aquatic environment and they have diverse applications in the pharmaceutical industry. We collect samples of local microalgae from Locumba River, in Tacna, Perú. They were isolated, morphologically described as Ankistrodesmus sp, Tetraselmis striata and Stichococcus sp. Then, they were adapted to the culture technology of the Aquaculture Research Laboratory of IMARPE-Ilo up to 20 L in controlled environment, at 21°C ± 1°C, pH 7.7, 2126 Lux, dissolved oxygen 6.04 mg/L, salinity 35146 PSU, and applying two kinds of nutrient F/2 Guillard and Bayfolan. Specific growth rate (μ), doubling time (tD) and cell density (C.D.) have measured and analysed. The results of one-way ANOVA showed that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the two fertilizers. Bayfolan proved to be more efficient than F/2 Guillard to produce 1000 L of local microalgae to obtain wet biomass that favors the subsequent extraction of secondary metabolites.


This case history presents a treatment procedure for a nine-year-old girl who masturbated in the classroom. A fading procedure within a behavioral management contract was implemented which proved to be effective. One-, three-, six-, and nine-month follow-ups did not show any evidence of relapse or symptoms substitution.


Electrical and electrochemical properties of an amorphous thin-film lithium electrolyte, lithium phosphorous oxynitride (Lipon), have been studied with emphasis on the stability window vs Li metal and the behavior of the Li/Lipon interface. Ion conductivity of Lipon exhibits Arrhenius behavior at {minus}26 to +140 C, with a conductivity of 1.7 {times} 10{sup {minus}6}S/cm at 25 C and an activity energy of 0.50 {plus_minus} 0.01 eV. A stability window of 5.5 V was observed with respect to a Li{sup +}/Li reference, and no detectable reaction or degradation was evident at the Li/Lipon interface upon lithium cycling.


To assess the effect of an electronic health record–based transitional care intervention involving automated alerts to primary care providers and staff when older adults were discharged from the hospital.


Importance: Early reports suggest adverse events following proton therapy (PT) for childhood cancer are more prevalent given the increased number of PT centers and use in clinical trials. Objective: To assess treatment-failure and toxicity events following Pencil Beam Scanning (PBS) PT in children. Design, Setting, and Participants: The single institution Phase IV surveillance trial screened 856 children, of which 528 were eligible for PBS-PT, and 500 enrolled in SJPROTON1 from 2017 to 2020. The median follow-up was 2.1 years (range 1.1-4.4). PBS-RT attributable toxicities were systematically identified, and graded at baseline to four years following PBS-PT. Interventions: All patients underwent PBS-PT or combined photon/PBS PT. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary objective was the CI of >= grade 3 non-hematologic, PBS-PT attributable Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v 4.0. Additional outcomes included PBS-PT attributable hospitalization, toxicity related procedures, and treatment-related mortality. Pre-specified toxicities including necrosis, vasculopathy, neurologic deficits, and fracture/osteoradionecrosis were further characterized (any grade) as a secondary objective. Medical record review augmented in-person visits for failure and adverse event reporting. Competing risk regression was used to evaluate predictors of >= grade 3 PBS PT attributable toxicity. Results: At two years, the event-free survival was 73.2% (95% CI, 68.9%-77.8%). Distant and local failure predominated with a 2-year cumulative incidence (CI) of 16.5% (95% CI 13.1-20.4) and 6.8% (95% CI 4.6-9.5) respectively. The CI of >= grade 3 toxicity events at four years was 24.5%; including necrosis (3.7%), permanent neurologic deficit (2.9%), and fracture/osteoradionecrosis (0.79%). The rates of hospitalization and procedures due to PBS PT-attributable toxicity was 3.9% and 7.6%, respectively. Predictors of an increased event-specific hazard for any >= grade 3 toxicity included baseline total toxicity burden (TTB) (HR 1.043, 95% CI 1.012-1.07, p=0.007), use of mixed photon/PBS-PT (HR 2.62, 95% CI 1.51-4.54, p=0.006) in the CNS population, and treatment of the pelvic body site (HR 4.25, 95% CI 1.08-16.72, p=0.038), and TTB (HR 1.1, 95% CI 1.04-1.16, p=0.002) in the non-CNS population, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance: Children treated with PBS-PT experience a low incidence of toxicity, but subsets may be at increased risk, and experience toxicity that requires additional procedures or hospitalization.


A 70-year-old diabetic woman was admitted with progressive symptoms of the so-called sick sinus syndrome. In addition to these symptoms, she had a history of at least 20 years of periods of hand dermatitis and eczematous reactions to contact with nickel-containing trinkets. For the last'S years, however, she has been free of hand dermatitis. She has an atopic constitution including asthmatic bronchitis and a previous history of atopic dermatitis. Several first degree relatives had a history of atopic dermatitis. 2 days after implantation of a pacemaker, an acute pompholyx-like eruption developed on both hands which only slowly improved. The pacemaker was made by C.P.I. Heerlen, The Netherlands. Its composition was: Casing: stainless steel with 12% metallic nickel and 16% metallic chromium; Insertion tip: platinum and iridium; Wire: stainless steel, covered with a water-impermeable coating. After 2 months, the eruption improved so that patch tests could be performed. The ICDRG series showed a positive reaction to nickel sulphate (5% pet) and a negative reaction to potassium dichromate (0.5% pet). Dermatitis caused by pacemakers has been described by Laugier et al. (I) but without data about the cause. Brun & Hunziker (2) found mercury as the cause in another case. Romaguera & Grimalt (3) reported a case with allergy to epoxy resin. It is curious, that no clear references are available about skin eruptions in nickel-allergic patients having a stainless steel pacemaker. The solubility of nickel from stainless steel in blood, sweat and saline solution has been given by Samitz & Katz (4). These investigators, analysing different stainless steel compositions, found about 10-100 ppm nickel after immersing the materials in blood, sweat and saline solution for I week at room temperature. Menne & Solgaard (5) found considerable nickel release from nickel-containing coins after immersion in synthetic sweat for 24 h, especially when the temperature was elevated to 35°C. In our case, it might be possible that some days after implantation of the pacemaker, a flare-up of hand dermatitis was caused by release of nickel from the pacemaker. The question arises as to whether the nickel pacemaker should be replaced by one without nickel. If the hand dermatitis does not heal quickly, implantation of a pacemaker with a casing of titanium (3) should be considered. It is possible that the pompholyx-like eruption in this patient is an atopic dermatitis, and has nothing to do with her nickel allergy. Only substitution of the nickel pacemaker by one without nickel can provide conclusive evidence on the significance of the nickel allergy. This case is analogous to the patient developing nickel dermatitis after swallowing a nickel coin, which has been described by Boonk & van Ketel (6). In that case, removal of the coin by gastroscopy was followed by healing of the dermatitis.


ABSTRACT Technological innovation forms a continuum with periodic breakthroughs which overcome barriers and extend the frontiers of scientific application. Of all of modern technologies, genetic modification is having the most profound impact and is raising the most public concerns. Emotional debates which started in Europe, have now increased in ferocity and have spilled over into many other regions. The major cause for the present battle for the hearts and minds of the public is two-fold: firstly, a changed social environment in which moral, ethical and safety considerations have gained prominence; secondly, failure of governments, industries and scientists to adequately communicate with the public, politicians and major decision makers. This has left the stage wide open for activists to grab headlines and to blend genuine concerns with pseudo-intellectual information. In addition, a strong under-current has emerged of trade interests and technical trade barriers. South Africa has suddenly been plunged ...


The authors carry out simulation experiment with separate heating and continuous heating, the former is equivalent to sealed system, and the other is equivalent to opened system. Comparing the oil and gas yielding in different systems, we discussed t the relationship of natural hydrocarbon generation process and both of the heating mode. The experiment indicates that total gas yielding and gaseous hydrocarbon yielding in opened system is lower than that in sealed system: and oil quantity and total oil production yielding in opened system is higher than that in sealed system. The natural hydrocarbon process is the status between the opened system and sealed system.


Abstract We calculate the single particle scattering properties of cylindrical particles with the iterative version of the Coupled Dipole Method (CDM), and using these results we discuss the validity regime of the Rayleigh-Gans-Debye (RGD) theory. The CDM includes, contrary to RGD scattering, the higher order intraparticle multiple scattering contributions, which become more important when the dimensions of the rods increase and/or the refractive index difference with the solvent increases. The range of validity of the RGD approximation is assessed from the deviations from the CDM, which becomes exact in the limit of infinitely small distances between the subunits. Systematic calculations are performed for rods with a diameter smaller than one-tenth of and a length smaller than two times the wavelength of the light in the solvent, and a refractive index relative to the solvent that lies between 1 and 1.5.