The dynamics of sexual identity and sexual behavior over time were explored in a convenience sample of 516 self-identified lesbian or bisexual women attending a gay pride festival held in Milwaukee Wisconsin (US) in 1995. Respondents were largely White educated urban women in their early 30s. 372 women (72.1%) identified as exclusively lesbian 94 (18.2%) as primarily lesbian 43 (8.3%) as bisexual and 7 (1.4%) as primarily heterosexual. 75% of respondents had had sex with a man at some point in their life and 25% had had one or more male partner since self-identifying as lesbian. In general sex with a man preceded sex with a woman by 4-5 years. 76.3% of women who identified themselves as exclusively lesbian had first been bisexual while 63.6% of current bisexuals had first been lesbian. The mean numbers of male and female lifetime sexual partners were 6.8 and 7.8 respectively among exclusive lesbians; 10.7 and 7.0 respectively among those primarily lesbian; 13.4 and 3.3 respectively among bisexuals; and 12.2 and 2.3 respectively among those primarily heterosexual. The finding that sexual identity and sexual behavior are not always congruent has important implications for HIV/AIDS prevention programs. It cannot be assumed that lesbians are at negligible risk for HIV through unprotected heterosexual intercourse unless a thorough sexual history is taken.


Polycrystalline and epitaxlal films of a layer-structured ferroelectric Bi4Ti3O12 in perovskite phases have been deposited on sapphire substrates by ECR plasma sputtering using a sintering ceramic target. The substrate temperature higher than 550°C is necessary to grow Bi4Ti3O12 films in the perovskite phase without post-thermal annealing. Bi4Ti3O12 films were epitaxially grown on C, A and R surfaces of a sapphire single crystal. Refractive indices of Bi4Ti3O12 films were determined from measurements of the Brewster angle, and the dielectric constant was measured at 1 kHz using an ADEX-221A LCR meter.


Efforts to identify biological correlates of internalizing symptoms in childhood have involved examinations of HPA-axis functioning, namely Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR). However, research has not assessed the relationship between CAR and internalizing problems among children younger than 8 years. Findings with older samples have been somewhat equivocal, perhaps due to high rates of co-occurring externalizing symptoms during childhood and/or due to age-related differences. This cross-sectional study examined CAR in an at-risk sample of children aged 22 months to 8 years at various levels of risk for internalizing symptoms. Internalizing symptoms were associated with blunted CAR, but only after controlling for externalizing problems. The relationship between CAR and internalizing symptoms disappeared with age. Results demonstrate that a negative association between CAR and internalizing exists during early childhood and illustrate the importance of accounting for comorbid externalizing disorders and developmental stage when assessing the HPA-internalizing link.


The electrical double layers (EDLs) in the mixtures of room-temperature ionic liquids and water play an important role in many applications but have only begun to receive widespread attention recently. Here, we report the molecular dynamics simulations of EDLs near rigid polyanion nanorods immersed in electrolytes containing ionic liquids [C2mim][TfO], water, and Na+ ions. When the water content in bulk electrolyte is high, the EDLs near the rods are similar to those in aqueous electrolytes except that TfO– ions accumulate notably near the cation layer adsorbed on the rods. When the water content in the bulk electrolyte becomes very low, even though water is greatly enriched in the interfacial region, the microenvironment in the region offers weak dielectric screening and the EDL exhibits features common to those in neat ionic liquids, e.g., charge overscreening. Na+ ions are readily adsorbed on the sulfonate groups of the polyanion rod in the range of water contents explored here but can experience an en...


In this paper, we have developed a system to recommend to a person the contents in which he might be interested. The recommendation is based on the time of stay and it is calculated by the system adopting cameras and azure cognitive services. This system was demonstrated in the real exhibition and the analysis results are given in this paper. This system can be utilized such place as the shopping mall where analysis of customer's pattern is helpful.


Crispin Wright has argued that truth and warranted assertibility are coincident but non-co-extensive norms of assertoric practice and that this fact inflates deflationary theories of truth. Wright`s inflationary argument has generated much discussion in the literature. By contrast, relatively little has been said about the coincidence claim that is the focus of this paper. Wright`s argument for the claim that truth and warranted assertibility are coincident norms is first presented. It is then suggested that the argument trades on an ambiguity in justified' and warrantedly assertible'. Finally, it is argued that, once the ambiguity is removed, there is reason to reject the claim that truth and epistemic warrant are coincident norms of assertoric practice. One important result is that no epistemic theory of truth can satisfy what Wright takes to be a key platitude about assertion.


Refractory status epilepticus is a pediatric neurological emergency and associated with high morbidity and mortality.Refractory status epilepticus is commonly defined as status epilepticus resistant to adequate first- and second-line antiepileptic drugs.Most opinions recommend intravenous anesthetic drugs for treatment-refractory status epilepticus to induce total seizure suppression, or therapeutic coma with an electroencephalography burst-suppression pattern.However, there is no consensus regarding the best agent or level of sedation by which to accomplish seizure control, and risk-benefit ration of therapeutic coma induced by continuously administering intravenous anesthetic drugs in this setting is unclear.This calls for caution in the straightforward use of anesthetics in treating status epilepticus.In this overview, we introduced the use of general anesthesia drugs for intravenous infusion in pediatrics, the rational and the conflicting clinical implications of anesthetic drugs in patients with treatment-refractory status epilepticus are discussed.

Key words:
Anesthetic drugs; Refractory status epilepticus; Treatment,


The ability to perform an action mentally makes possible foreseeing the results of that action if and when it becomes external. This is so important that no one can deny the significance of the question of the formation of mental actions, i.e., under what conditions they are formed correctly, what causes possible aberrations in them, and by what means these aberrations can be eliminated. But the opinion is still often encountered that the significance of this question is nonetheless still limited to two areas: first, to the sphere of exclusively mental, intellectual processes and, second, to the interests of pedagogy and, even more restrictively, to the method by which these mental actions are taught.


Growing demands imposed on passenger car producers concerning the reduction of exhaust emission to the environment are forcing a search for new materials and design solutions. One of the most-important factors that can reduce this emission is the low mass of a vehicle, leading to a decrease in its average fuel consumption. A reduction in weight can be obtained by the use of aluminum elements instead of steel; e.g., in air conditioning pipes, decreasing the specific weight of the construction by nearly three times. In the present study, the influence of the SWAAT corrosion test on A/C piping made from 3xxx, 5xxx, and 6xxx series aluminum alloys was investigated. The study focused on changes in the mechanical properties of samples before and after a SWAAT test determined by a tensile test and Vickers hardness measurements. Additionally, microstructure examinations were performed with the use of optical and scanning microscopy. Corrosion products on the surface of pipes were identified by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy. Pipes made from the EN AW 6063 alloy revealed an almost 50% decrease in its strength properties after the tests. The largest decline in plastic properties was observed in pipes made from the EN AW 6060 alloy.


The model of quasi competition put forward in 1967 is reinvestigated under the aspect that only large (N ∞) populations are considered. Under this new angle the conclusion that myomas develop from single cells seems better justified than the original discussion indicated.


Progeny arrays obtained from crosses involving tetraploid wheat landrace genotypes which differed in their isozyme phenotypes, were assayed for the enzyme systems: Aconitate hydratase (Aco), esterase (Est), and cathodal peroxidase (Prx). The observed segregations fitted the expectations for monogenic Mendelian segregations in most of the cases, and the chi-square goodness of fit tests confirmed that the isozyme phenotypes in all the activity zones of aconitase, esterase, and in one zone of peroxidase, are controlled by different loci with codominant alleles. Concerning the phenotypes in the other two zones of peroxidase, evidence for monogenic segregation with dominance was found. Generally, the different regions of activity in each enzyme correspond to separate loci, which showed the presence of two aconitase, three esterase, and three peroxidase loci in the parental landrace genotypes. Joint segregation tests revealed that five locus pairs are linked and the extent of linkage between two pairs is tight while that between the remaining ones is moderate to loose. The distribution of these loci in the different chromosomes makes them potentially useful genetic markers in tetraploid wheats. Zygotic stage selection was believed to be responsible for the aberrant segregations observed.


Eight Mongrel pups of about 10 weeks age (body weight, 5.2 kg) were distributed in two equal groups to study the effect of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, strain-15) (phase 1) and increased fiber level (phase 2) on their nutrient utilization and growth performance in two consecutive periods. The dogs were fed on complete diet (biscuit) ad libitum. The biscuit contained 25 per cent and 18–20 per cent DCP, 89 and 81–89 per cent TDN with a calculated ME: DCP ratio of 13.89 and 17.3–17.6 kcal/g DM during the two phases, respectively. Lactobacillus supplementation stimulated appetite and induced higher daily gain (119g vs 105g) in animals up to four months age, which became insignificant in the later period. In phase 2, an increase in fibre level (8.2% vs 3.5%) did not have any adverse effect on voluntary feed intake of animals. A significant reduction in digestibility and energy components of the diet decreased its ME value (3.17 vs 3.44 kcal/g DM), which ultimately affected the live weight gain (49 vs 62 g/day) in animals on high fibre diet. The pattern of DM intake during first 9 weeks of experiment was doubles that of DM requirement for adult maintenance type does and then it declined to reach 22–30 g/day during the later part of experiment. It may be concluded that supplementation of L. acidophillus has beneficial effect in growing DUDS up to 4–5 months age and a fiber level of up to 8 per cent is not adverse to voluntary feed intake and thus may be advocated in the diet of adult dogs.


Disaster management is a multidimensional and multistage process. It broadly includes preparedness, rescue, relief rehabilitation and mitigation. Disaster mitigation is an integral part of disaster management. In fact, it is an act of pre disaster stage. It involves the material and social activities to convert disaster-prone areas into disaster resilient one. Disaster mitigation requires proper vulnerability mapping and funds to carry out disaster specific mitigative activities. It is for this reason that Disaster management Act 2005 provides for creation of Disaster Mitigation Funds at national, state and district levels. Irrespective of the consistent demands from states various finance commissions did not recognizing mitigation as an integral part of disaster risk funding as mitigation was left up to the centrally sponsored schemes. However, this task was performed by 15th Finance Commission by creating and allocating the disaster mitigation funds. The FC-XV replaced the earlier expenditure based allocation of funds and devised a new formula based on physical and socio-economic factors like vulnerability of a state to selected disasters like flood and drought and its ratio of poverty. It is under this background that the present research article makes a modest attempt to explore the financial perspective of disaster mitigation in India. Methodologically speaking this paper applies qualitative and qualitative research tools. It is analytical and descriptive in approach and exploratory in its findings. Major part of the present research is based on the primary sources like reports and acts of government of India and texts of international agreements. In addition, it also includes secondary sources like books and journals.


Word sense disambiguation is the way to compute the correct sense of a word. It is considered as one of the important subtasks in natural language processing, machine translation and information retrieval. WSD found improving the overall performances of these systems. The job of WSD is to eliminate all senses of a word except the appropriate one as per the given context. The work in Tamil linguistics domain for information retrieval or natural language processing is very less. WSD can be performed in supervised and unsupervised manner. Here, we have proposed an unsupervised approach to disambiguate Tamil words in a given context using the context words and their dictionary gloss definitions. We have proposed two variants of our approach. The first approach uses the number of word overlapping between the glosses of context words whereas the second one uses the similarity between the glosses of context words with that of the ambiguous word. The second one found best among the two. For our approach, we have used Tamil Indo-WordNet, Oxford Tamil Dictionary and English WordNet dictionary glosses. Our method achieves better result in recognising correct senses in Tamil text.


Students in Engineering, Computer science and Information systems often experience problems when writing the final examination theses. This paper reports on two cases, applying different strategies, with the ambitions to improve the students' possibilities to write, evaluate and verbally present scientific reports. The first strategy presented concerns using a specific course and the second strategy involves a revision of an entire programme. Using constructive alignment and curriculum theory the two strategies are compared with the purpose of extrapolating specific and general guidelines for how to incorporate scientific communication components in engineering programmes.


Objective To investigate the changes of insulin resistance-related indicators in patients with hypertension before and after the treatment of captopril plus levamlodipine.Methods 35 primary hypertension patients with impaired glucose tolerance from our hospital during 2007 and 2009 were collected.These patients underwent the combined therapy of captopril and levamlodipine.The following parameters were monitored before and after the treatment respectively: systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,fasting glucose,insulin,insulin antibodies and insulin resistance index.Then the results were checked by the t test.Results All the levels of measured markers in post-treated patients were significantly lower than those in pre-treated ones(P0.01 or P0.05).Conclusion Combined therapy of captopril and levamlodipine in patients with primary hypertension will significantly reduce the levels of parameters related to insulin resistance.


This paper is based on a verbatim transcript of a paper presented at a Caldecott College Study Day of the same title. It summarises the principles on which therapeutic communities are based, drawing on relevant literature and the first hand experience of the author who is head of a therapeutic community.


This paper discusses the role of learned societies in knowledge exchange and dissemination. It attempts to 'map' the organisations that are considered to reside under the term and discusses how they have developed through history. In doing so, it seeks to highlight that whilst several types of organisations inhabit the landscape of learned societies, they all share a commitment to knowledge exchange and dissemination. The paper then discusses the modern learned societies that were founded in twentieth‐century Britain and now exist alongside their organisational predecessors. It raises questions of whether these organisations exist for the benefit of their members or wider society. The paper then discusses change and development in learned societies in relation to its case study, the Regional Studies Association. The paper concludes by arguing that 'learned society' is an umbrella term for knowledge exchange and dissemination organisations whose functions are contextually specific and inextricably tied to the needs of their respective discipline, sub‐discipline or field of intellectual enquiry.


A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of an exogenous protease added to diets having soybean meal (SBM) from two geographic areas in Brazil (South or North). Evaluation was conducted on energy utilisation and nutrient digestibility using 224 slow feathering Cobb × Cobb 500 male broilers. Birds were fed a common starter diet to d 15. Semi-purified experimental diets containing 555 g/kg SBM and 408 g/kg maize starch plus minerals and vitamins were provided afterwards until 24 d. Diets had 0.1 g/kg phytase and 10 g/kg Celite (indigestible marker). Birds were randomly distributed in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of the two SBM with or without protease supplementations (0 or 15,000 protease units/kg) from 17 to 24 d. Excreta were collected from 21 to 23 d and ileal content was collected from all birds. Samples of feed, excreta, and ileal content were analysed for determination of total tract retention and ileal apparent digestibility. No interactions between SBM and protease were observed. Broilers fed semi-purified diets formulated with South SBM had lower (P < 0.05) ileal digestibility of crude protein and also from most amino acids (AA) when compared with birds fed North SBM. Ileal digestible energy was increased (P < 0.01) by 0.51 MJ/kg when birds were fed the diet supplemented with protease. Indispensable and dispensable AA digestibility also increased (P < 0.05) with protease supplementation. Ileal digestibility coefficients of Met, Lys, Thr and Val were increased (P < 0.05) by 3.1%, 3.1%, 4.8%, and 3.3%, respectively when birds were fed the diet supplemented with protease. Results from this experiment show that utilisation of energy and AA from SBM depends on its origin, but protease supplementation improved their utilisation regardless of the SBM source. © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).


A method for group information automatic synchronizing of the clustering end. The method comprises the following procedure: Step S102, PTT registration of the terminal is performed when the machine is started, the comparison of the group information is performed in the system side during the registration process, to determine whether the group information is consistent; and S104, the system side judges whether the synchronizing request transmitting to the terminal is required according to the confirmation result. The cluster terminal can maintain the group information content simply and rapidly through the method.


This paper is concerned with discrete-time mean-field linear-quadratic (LQ) control problem. A thorough solution to the problem is given for the first time. The sufficient and necessary condition for the solvability of mean-field LQ control problem is firstly presented in analytical expression based on the maximum principle developed in this paper, which is compared with the results obtained in literatures where only operator type solvability conditions were given. The optimal controller is given in terms of a coupled Riccati equation which is derived from the solution to forward and backward stochastic difference equation (FBSDE). The key techniques adopted in this paper are the maximum principle and the solution to the FBSDE obtained in this paper. The derived results in this paper will provide us the insight to solve the mean-field control problem for continuous-time systems and other related problems.


of the trend to support learning through innovation to further support a future that includes technology-enabled medicine.9 For instance, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is widely used in many disciplines of medicine including "internal medicine, emergency medicine, obstetrics, critical care, sports medicine, surgery, and rheumatology."10 Drake et al.10 cite that there is no statistically significant difference between instruction delivered using tele-ultrasound and instruction offered using in-person methods. These findings are useful to support the growing need to train for using technology-enabled diagnostic and procedural techniques but also training for the growing need for communicating effectively across platforms. In addition to tele-ultrasound education and training, remote simulation is another example of technology-enabled training in medical education that has shown to be both feasible and effective. Findings presented by Pennington et al.12, show that virtual simulation training, even over a very long distance, and across languages, can improve team performance during a simulated patient crisis. Utilizing the TEAM metric, Team Emergency Assessment Measure, nine teams were evaluated preand post-CERTAIN trailing simulation for improvements in the team composure and control during a simulated crisis, the ability to complete tasks on time, and communication effectiveness In t r o d u c t I o n


The invention relates to an apparatus for determining the dew point of a measurement gas, comprising a light guide, one arranged on the light guide condensing surface whose reflectivity depends on the condensation of the gas to be measured, a light source for emitting light through the light guide to the condensation surface, a light sensor for detecting the of the condensation surface in the light guide back reflected light intensity and means for adjusting the temperature of the condensation surface, the condensing surface is formed semihydrophob.


Provided are a base station side and user side device and method for wireless communication. The device comprises: a sending unit configured to send instruction of an unauthorized frequency band detection to a user equipment (UE) served by the cell where the device is located; a receiving unit configured to receive from the UE a signal representing occupancy status of the unauthorized frequency band; and a determination unit configured to determine based on the signal received by the receiving unit whether to use the unauthorized frequency band for communication, the unauthorized frequency band occupancy status comprises occupied/idle status and the type of the occupying system, and the type of occupying system comprises an unauthorized communication system and an authorized communication system.


We have conducted a direct numerical simulation study of dilute turbulent particulate flow in a vertical plane channel by considering thousands of finite-size rigid particles with resolved phase interfaces. The particle diameter corresponds to approximately 11 wall units and their terminal Reynolds number is set to 136. The fluid flow with a bulk Reynolds number of 2700 is directed upward, which maintains the particles suspended on average. Two density ratios were simulated, differing by a factor of 4.5. The corresponding Stokes numbers of the two flow cases were O(10) in the near-wall region and O(1) in the outer flow. We have observed the formation of large-scale elongated streaklike structures with streamwise dimensions of the order of eight channel half-widths and cross-stream dimensions of the order of one half-width. At the same time, we have found no evidence of significant formation of particle clusters, which suggests that the large structures are due to an intrinsic instability of the flow, whic...


Observational evidence for black hole spin down has been found in the normalized light curves of long gamma-ray bursts in the BATSE catalog. Over the duration T{sub 90} of the burst, matter swept up by the central black hole is susceptible to nonaxisymmetries, producing gravitational radiation with a negative chirp. A time-sliced matched filtering method is introduced to capture phase coherence on intermediate time scales, {tau}, here tested by the injection of templates into experimental strain noise, h{sub n}(t). For TAMA 300, h{sub n}(f){approx_equal}10{sup -21} Hz{sup -1/2} at f=1 kHz gives a sensitivity distance for a reasonably accurate extraction of the trajectory in the time-frequency domain of about D{approx_equal}0.07-0.10 Mpc for the spin down of black holes of mass M=10-12M{sub {center_dot}} with {tau}=1 s. Extrapolation to advanced detectors implies D{approx_equal}35-50 Mpc for h{sub n}(f){approx_equal}2x10{sup -24} Hz{sup -1/2} around 1 kHz, which will open a new window to rigorous calorimetry on Kerr black holes.


Problems of the gray spot phenomenon,the primary image border information can not be saved in component and the detail lose of the primary image caused by the jump-characteristic of image border exist in the traditional bidimensional empirical mode decomposition method. A method was proposed to overcome the former problems which used weighted least squares estimation to extract basal image and then made the bi-dimensional empirical mode decomposition. The experiment results prove that the proposed method can keep details and border information commendably and weaken the gray spot phenomenon enormously.


Abstract Arid zones are characterized by high evaporation, low and uneven rainfall, undulated topography, presence of salt layers at shallow depth in the soil and poor-quality ground water. Under these conditions an innovative farmer in the district of Pali in the state of Rajasthan, India explored options for farm diversification under hot-arid conditions at his farm. His motivation brought him to the ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) where he was trained in various basic aspects of rain water harvesting. KVK, Pali studied the methods and innovative ideas utilized by the farmers and the subsequent gain in yield and income by adoption of rainwater harvesting at his farm on a yearly basis. Initially he constructed a small rainwater harvesting structure by which he was able to store substantial quantities of water for longer duration. As a result of constant motivation, he constructed a concrete rainwater storage structure (40M x 40M x 3.5M) and explored further options to increase production at his farm. Also, development of goat farming, intercropping, raising fodder crops and grasses, and developing a fishery, all from the gains of water harvested from rains, gave him confidence and added to the prosperity of his farm. Presently, on farm productive activities, family labour mobilization and diversification provide him with a stable income. This experiential learning also led to new knowledge emerging from interactions among a hitherto powerful scientific hierarchy and served as role model for other farmers' adoption of innovative techniques.


We have evaluated the bacterial resistance to several antibiotics from 1996 to 2007 using the antibiogramas of urinary tract infections (UTI) from the Academic Asistance Service of Clinical Analysis (SAAAC). The analysis has choosen the three most prevalent bacterium; Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes and Hafnia alvei (ex Enterobacter hafniae) while we have selectioned those antibiotics that had remained force during the period of study and it was clustered in six periods. The Study has showed the most prevalent germ was Escherichia coli that has presented sensitivity to cetriaxone , amikacin and nitrofurantoin besides has showed high resistance to nalidixic acid , norfloxacin, amoxicillin, sulfamethoxazole /trimethoprim and pipemidic acid.
The another two bacterial species were sensitivity to ceftriaxon and amikacin while were resistance to amoxicillin, sulfamethoxazole /trimethoprim, acid nadilixic and acid pipemidic.
Therefore it was concluded that ceftriaxon , amikacin and nitrofurantoin are antibiotics that have been most effective during the study period and statistically it projected its effect in the next two years .Moreover the amoxicillin , sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim , nadilixic acid and pipemidic acid are antibiotics that no longer reaches the minimum efficiency that allow them to remain employed in the empirical therapy of UTIs acquired at the community level.


4-Alkylphenyl 4-(4-vinyl-, methacryloyloxy-, and methacrylamido-benzoyloxy)benzoates have been synthesized by the reactions of 4-alkylphenyl 4-hydroxybenzoates with the corresponding substituted benzoyl chloride in pyridine. The mesomorphic ranges of these novel monomers are highly dependent upon the type of substituent at both ends of the molecules.


Reply on RC2: Thank you for reviewing our article and your positive and good comments. Below the response to your comments. Line 73: I know this device is described in the listed references, but would be better to include more description in this text, also, I think. Something just a little more detailed than lines 75-80. 10 Lines 81-85: At what flow rate(s)? Indeed, the description is very brief, the text will be improved. Below the more detailed description including the flow rate(s) used in Line 81-85.


This study aims to simulate the 3 dimensional (3D) model of Keum-man connection canal using geographic information system (GIS) as well as considering design in viewpoint of engineering. The canal connects from Keumkang to Mangyungkang in order to supply fresh water into Saemankeum lake. This study used 3 dimensional spatial planning model (3DSPLAM) process to generate the 3D model, which has not only several planning layers in actual process, but also their corresponding layers in modeling process to simulate 3D space of rural villages. The discharge of the canal is on slope of 1/28,400 in the canal length of 14.2km, which consists of pipe line and open channel. This study surveyed the route of the canal and its surrounding environment for facilities to make images in the 3D graphic model. Besides, the present study developed data set in GIS for geogrphical surface modeling as well as parameters in hydraulic analysis for water surface profile on the canal using HEC-RAS model. From the data set constructed, this study performed analysis of water surface profile with HEC-RAS, generation of digital elevation model (DEM) and 3D objects, design of the canal section and route on DEM in AutoCAD, and 3D canal model and its surrounding 3D space in 3DMAX with virtual reality. The study result showed that the process making 3D canal model tried in this study is very useful to generate computer graphic model with the designed canal on the surface of DEM. The generated 3D canal can be used to assist decision support for the canal policy.


Boehmite and Al-oxyhydroxide gels sorb ReO4-, a non-radioactive analogue of TcO4- from NaNO3 solutions. Sorption appears to be substantially electrostatic (though there appears to be a specific preference for ReO4- over NO3-) and is most effective at pH < 8. Measured Kd´s lie between 5 and 105 ml g-1, depending on the solid, pH, and ionic strength. ReO4- and TcO4- are both partially removed from high pH Hanford-type acid waste simulants upon neutralization and formation of Al-rich sludges. We therefore propose that sequestration of Tc by boehmite limits dissolved Tc levels in the near and sub-surface environment and for that purpose boehmite might be relied on as a backfill, or reactive barrier, to limit environmental transport of Tc.


This project deals with the design, synthesis and evaluation of ink jet dyes to bind to inorganic oxide surfaces particularly that of aluminium oxide. Alumina is applied as a coating on ink jet paper for use in the high added value markets. Chapter 1 provides an overview on the ink jet printing industry but focusing mainly on printing on paper, ink development, papers required for printing, dyes and adsorption isotherms. 'Simple' azo dyes are considered in chapter 2 and binding of these dyes to aluminium trihydroxide [Al(OH) 3 } is examined. Synthetic routes to novel phosphonic acid azo dyes were developed. Isotherm studies demonstrated that phosphonic acid dyes bind much more strongly to Al(OH) 3 when compared against sulfonic, carboxylic, boronic, arsonic and phosphinic acid analogues. Dyes with different acidic functional groups were applied to different papers via ink jet method and the prints were analysed for their light, ozone and humidity fastness properties. It was found that on changing the functional group of the dye, the humidity fastness was greatly affected. Other ink jet properties such as ozone and light fastness were more dependent on factors such as paper type and the percentage of inorganic oxide coated on the paper. In chapter 3, more complex phosphonic acid azo dyes were designed and synthesised to analyse both binding properties and ink jet properties In chapter 4, adsorption isotherms are reported on dyes in the presence of cyclodextrin to examine the effect of cyclodextrin on binding strength and surface coverage of the dyes. ROESY NMR studies were undertaken to provide conclusive evidence of the inclusion complex, dye-cyclodextrin and UV/Vis and NMR studies were performed to determine the strength of these complexes. Analysis of the isotherm results indicate that the ternary complex, cyclodextrin-dye-Al(OH) 3 is formed on the surface and is thought to be thermodynamically more stable than dyesurface or cyclodextrin-surface interactions. Ink jet tests results on dyes with cyclodextrin showed improved the light fastness properties. Preface and Declaration Since graduating from the University of Edinburgh in 2000 with BSc(Hon) degree in Chemistry, the author has been engaged in full time researcher under the supervison of Professor P. A. Tasker and Dr H. McNab at the university of Edinburgh and Dr P. Wight at Avecia (Blackely, Manchester). No part of the work referred to in this thesis has been submitted in support of an application for another degree or qualification from this or any other university or other institute of learning.


Objective:To analysis the relationship between left ventricular cavity volume(LVCV) etc.and LVEF.Methods:42 patients with DCM was divided into 3 groups:mild abnormal EF group(EF=44 5±2 39),12 cases;moderate abnormal EF group(EF=32 8±3 8),24 cases;severe abnormal EF group(EF=17±3 28),6 cases;health control group(EF=65 6±2 97),15 cases;LVCV and all parameters were measured by echocardiogram and calculated by Simpson's formula.Results:LVCV of 42 patients with DCM was increased compared with which of control group( P 0 05~0 01);LVCV of severe and moderate abnormal EF group were markedly increased compared with mild one and LVCV of severe abnormal EF group was increased compared with moderate one (both P 0 01).Conclusion:The results indicate that LVCV may have negative effects on LVEF.This suggests that the LVCV may as parameter of heart on function in rehabilitative cardiology. Author′s address The 175th Hospital of PAL,Zhangzhou,Fujian,363000


Mirror symmetric surfaces of a topological crystalline insulator host even number of Dirac surface states. A surface Zeeman field generically gaps these states leading to a quantized anomalous Hall effect. Varying the direction of Zeeman field induces transitions between different surface insulating states with any two Chern numbers between -4 and 4. In the crystal frame the phase boundaries occur for field orientations which are great circles with (111)-like normals on a sphere.


Forecasting and time series modelling plays a vital role in the data analysis process. Time Series is widely used in analytics & data science. Forecasting stock prices is a popular and important topic in financial and academic studies. A stock market is an unregulated place for forecasting due to the absence of essential rules for estimating or predicting a stock price in the stock market. Therefore, predicting stock prices is a time-series problem and challenging. Machine learning has many methods and applications instrumental in implementing stock price forecasting, such as technical analysis, fundamental analysis, time series analysis, statistical analysis. This paper will discuss implementing the stock price, forecasting, and research using prophet and LSTM models. This process and task are very complex and involve uncertainty. Although the stock price never is predicted due to its ambiguous field, this paper aims to apply the concept of forecasting and data analysis to predict stocks.


The most clinically relevant risk factor for Clostridioides difficile-associated disease (CDAD) is recent antibiotic treatment. Though most broad-spectrum antibiotics significantly disrupt the structure of the gut microbiota, only particular ones increase CDAD risk, suggesting additional factors might increase the risk from certain antibiotics. Here we show that commensal-independent effects of antibiotics collectively prime an in vitro germ-free human gut for CDAD. We found a marked loss of mucosal barrier and immune function with CDAD-associated antibiotic pretreatment distinct from pretreatment with an antibiotic unassociated with CDAD, which did not reduce innate immune or mucosal barrier functions. Importantly, pretreatment with CDAD-associated antibiotics sensitized mucosal barriers to C. difficile toxin activity in primary cell-derived enteroid monolayers. These data implicate commensal-independent host changes in the increased risk of CDAD with specific antibiotics. Our findings are contrary to the previously held belief that antibiotics allow for CDAD solely through disruption of the microbiome. We anticipate this work to suggest potential avenues of research for host-directed treatment and preventive therapies for CDAD, and to impact human tissue culturing protocols.


A method of manufacturing a pattern on a substrate web is disclosed, comprising: providing a production tool having a surface relief structure of elevations and depressions, the elevations corresponding to the desired pattern to be applied to the substrate web. A curable material is applied to the elevations of the surface relief structure on the production tool. The applied curable material on the surface relief structure is brought into contact with a substrate web at a first location. The substrate web and surface relief structure are transported together in contact from the first location to a second location, the first and second locations being spaced from one another along the transport direction of the substrate web. The substrate web is separated from the surface relief structure at the second location whereupon the curable material forming the pattern is affixed to and carried by the substrate web. The curable material on the substrate web is cured by exposure to at least one curing energy source, either while the substrate web and surface relief structure are in contact between the first and second locations and/or after the substrate web has been separated from the surface relief structure at the second location.


STOCKLIN, J., 1992. Differences in the location of subcotyledonary buds among Epilobium angustifolium L., E. dodonaei Vill. and E. fleischeri Hochst. (Onagraceae) and effects on architecture and population structure. Morphological and architectural features in the two closely related pioneer plant species Epilobium dodonaei and E. fleischeri are examined in cultivation and in the field and compared with E. angustifolium. In E. angustifolium, the aerial shoot system is renewed every year from buds on horizontal roots and results in a horizontal spread and a clonal growth form. In E. dodonaei, bud formation is restricted to the hypocotyl and in larger plants to the transitional region between root and shoot. Consequently this species shows no vegetative mobility and develops a shrub-like habit. The alpine E. fleischeri combines the habit of E. angustifolium and E. dodonaei and may either develop successive generations of shoots from the transitional region between root and shoot and/or exploit new areas by horizontal roots and the formation of shoots from root buds. The simple difference in the location of renewal buds is accentuated by cumulative growth. The study shows that E. dodonaei and E. fleischeri, which often are considered as subspecies, are separated by fundamental differences in their architectural models. The ecological and demographic implications of these differences are discussed.


Casing design and the associated load assumptions have evolved considerably over the last 30 years. The objective of this paper is to trace the history, evolution and future of casing design by means of the type of load cases and the assumptions made for them as it evolved from the early 1960's to the modern load case requirements for wells drilled in the 2020's. The vast majority of tubular failures in oil & gas wells are not attributable to computational errors in calculating design loads, but rather are due to a shortfall in considering the appropriate load scenarios. One common shortfall includes making incorrect or oversimplified assumptions for the initial and final temperature and pressure conditions. There is no industry standard for casing or tubing design loads, but there is an industry accepted standard process for the calculation of the stress on tubulars once the load cases are determined. Each operating company may use a different set of load assumptions depending on the well type and risk assessment.
 This work also keeps in view the major computational tools used during each step change of the casing design evolution: slide rule/nomographs, HP 41C calculators, PC DOS and Windows programs, and the latest Cloud-Native paradigm with REST API's within a microservices architecture. A REST API (also known as RESTful API) is an Application Programming Interface (API) that conforms to the constraints of Representational State Transfer (REST) architectural style commonly used in current Cloud computing technology. The scope will also include ongoing research and development to address shortcomings of previous load case assumptions and calculations for extended reach and HPHT wells, closely spaced wells, and geothermal wells.
 Modern wells and modern casing design load cases are in a constant state of evolution and casing failures will occur unless engineers and their tools also evolve.


SUMMARY There is a long history of exploitation of pelagic sharks by European fisheries. Fisheries for basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) and porbeagle (Lamna nasus) were well established in northern areas (e.g. off Norway) in the early 20 th century. Although targeted fisheries for basking shark have now ceased, porbeagle is still taken in locally important directed fisheries in the Celtic Sea. Tuna and billfish fisheries, which expanded in recent decades, harvest shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus), blue shark (Prionace glauca), and a variety of other pelagic sharks, with some of these fisheries targeting sharks at certain times/areas. Prior to the late 1990s, most European nations reported catches as "sharks not elsewhere identified", and only in recent years has species-specific data become available. There is currently little biological sampling of commercial pelagic shark catches by fisheries laboratories, although there are some tag and release programmes for sharks. In recent years, the ICES Working Group on Elasmobranch Fishes has begun to collate available data on landings and from other data sources, and a brief overview of progress to date is given. RESUME


In present study the effect of sulphur on carbothermal reduction of barite was investigated. The results show that after admixingsulphur in matrix for the carbothermal reduction of barites, yields have been found to increase to the order of 57 percent. This may contribute a lot to the economy of the barium industry.


In this work we present test methods, devices, and preliminary results for the mechanical characterization of the small bowel for intraluminal mobility. Both active and passive forces that affect mobility are investigated. The active forces are generated by the migrating motor complex and the movement of muscular organs within and surrounding the peritoneal cavity. Passive forces develop from the biomechanical response of the tissue, the tribology of the mucosa, mucoadhesion, and the orientation and mass of surrounding tissue. Four investigative devices and testing methods to characterize the active and passive forces are presented in this work. These are: 1) A novel manometer and a force sensor array that measure forces generated by the migrating motor complex; 2) A biaxial test apparatus and method for characterizing the biomechanical properties of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum; 3) A novel in vitro protocol and device designed to measure the force required to overcome mucoadhesion; 4) A novel tribometer that measures in vivo coefficient of friction between the mucus membrane and the robot surface.Copyright © 2010 by ASME


Social facts, such as conflict, cannot be explained by natural facts, such as the environment, but only by other social facts. The question is really whether people living in environmentally degraded areas can come to perceive such degradation as a threat to their way of life (e.g. nomadism) or to their very survival: for example, in times of severe drought, either as a temporary or a permanent turn for the worse in the natural life-support systems, and what mea-


Rainfall runoff from urban and non-urban stormwater often contains significant quantities of organic chemicals and metal elements. These constituents can adversely affect surface water and groundwater resources. Infiltration basins are best management practices (BMPs) that are designed for passive treatment and are increasingly used to control runoff and reduce stormwater contaminants in surface waters. However, the large amount of percolation in such BMPs over an extended duration can adversely affect groundwater quality by eventual delivery of stormwater contaminants to the water table. Moreover, the existence of naturally occurring colloids and the deposition of air-born colloids in stormwater can enhance the transport of highly sorbing constituents to the groundwater. Due to high surface area of fine colloids, contaminants with high affinity to the solid phase can bind to colloidal particles and therefore the colloids can act as a vehicle for transport of contaminants in the porous media. In this research a colloid-facilitated transport model is developed to predict the effect of such colloids on fate and transport of multiple metal contaminants in infiltration basins. Richard's equation is used to model unsaturated flow and a colloid transport module is developed based on the Langmuir surface jamming approach. The effects of colloid entrapment and release on hydraulic conductivity and the porosity of the porous media are incorporated into the model. The concept of entrapment of colloidal particles onto air-water interface is used to model retardation effects due to unsaturated conditions. Sorption and desorption of contaminants to the colloids and soil matrix are assumed to be kinetically controlled and the effect of competition for sorption sites is taken into account using the Langmuir approach. The model is applied for prediction of transport of several metals in two infiltration basins with different soil types and a sensitivity analysis is done to investigate the effect of various parameters on the fate and transport of metals.


Dyes having formula (I), in which R stands for halogen, cyano or thiocyanato; R stands for possibly substituted C1-C8-alkyl or possibly substituted phenyl; R stands for a 5- or 6-membered aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic residue; and L stands for nitrogen or a residue having formula CH or CH=CH-CH, are used in non-linear optics. Also disclosed are polymers derived from these dyes, their use in non-linear optics, new methine dyes, thiazolaldehydes as their intermediate products and a process for producing the same.


Bronchiectasis presents a significant burden of disease for patients, their families and healthcare services, with recurrent hospital admissions and poorer health-related quality of life, in addition to higher rates of fatigue, depression and cardiovascular disease [1–3]. The increasing prevalence and burden of bronchiectasis is recognised worldwide [3–6]. Patient education is a fundamental part of long-term management planning, as highlighted in the new European Respiratory Society guidelines, yet there is a lack of information available to patients in comparison to other chronic respiratory conditions. Improvements in information for those living with bronchiectasis should use patient-driven co-development processes http://ow.ly/vWCB30iCn2M


Objective To differentiate different heart sounds through energy spectrum of heart sounds,and provide the auxiliary diagnosis for heart disease treatment.Methods The energy spectrum of heart sounds signal was extracted by using Cohen's Time-Frequency Distribution based on LabVIEW8.6.Results We can see obvious difference between normal person and Mitral stenosis patient in time-frequency energy spectrum through analysis of different samples of those people.Conclusion Result shows that this method can efficiently distinguish normal heart sounds from abnormal heart sounds and reveal the variation process of frequency along with time,besides it also make good for aided diagnosis of heart disease.


The diversified lifestyle of people not only increases the amount of domestic sewage discharged, but also tends to complicate the nature and composition of sewage, making the environmental water bodies that are already under great pressure continue to deteriorate. This article analyzes the current situation and development trend of urban domestic sewage treatment technology and explores feasible solutions. However, the resulting sewage can be discharged arbitrarily without proper treatment, which can easily cause secondary water pollution and serious environmental pollution, seriously damaging the urban environment and people's health. This article mainly analyzes the current situation and main problems of urban domestic sewage treatment technology, and studies the development trend of urban domestic sewage treatment.


Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are the materials which can replace certain amount of cement in concrete. In this way, they not only enhance the properties of concrete but also assist in reducing several environment-related issues. This review article presents the various SCMs that have proven beneficial in replacing cement in concrete. In this regard, the various SCMs discussed are fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF), metakaolin (MK), limestone filler, granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) and nanoparticles (NPs). Further, among the various NPs, nano-TiO2 (NT) and its addition in concrete and benefits were explained briefly. This article also highlights the NT-based photocatalytic degradation of the various contaminants of the environmental media i.e., water and air. Subsequently, the emphasis was also given on the discussion of its practical usage and then the various structures, comprising NT, built all around the world were also presented. This article concluded that more comprehensive review articles need to be published to encourage the developing nations also adopt the NT-based concrete structures. In this way, impacts associated with the various air pollution sources i.e., stubble burning, vehicular pollution etc., can be mitigated.


A theoretical scheme is used to investigate atomic and electronic structures of the growth of gallium oxides on the GaAs(001) surface and GaXO/GaAs interface. Using first principles molecular dynamics, it is found that oxygen and surface As-As dimer have a mutual diffusion when Ga2O3 molecular species gradually precipitate on the GaAs(001)-β2(2 × 4) surface until the surface is fully covered by one monolayer. One Ga-Ga dimer and a Ga atom with low coordination are observed. These bondings lead to gap states located in the upper half region of the GaAs bandgap. Further partial charge analysis shows that these gap states arise from Ga-dangling bonds and the low-coordinated Ga atoms which are removed by the subsequent Ga2O growth. Moreover, further Ga2O growth results in the formation of unsaturated As-O. Consequently, gap states are introduced in the lower part of the GaAs gap. In both cases, F assists in eliminating unsaturated Ga- or As-related bonds and shows a significant passivation effect, i.e., remov...


Introduction In the modern world, undergraduates are now expected to graduate not only with great technical knowledge and understanding of their subject, but also with skills that make them more employable. These skills include organisation, decision-making, presentation, and teamwork (McCorkle et al. 1999). Group work – an assessed task where a group of students work together over multiple timetabled sessions, that also requires work to be completed outside of the normal class meeting – has long been thought of as an effective method of developing such skills (Jacques, 1984).


FT-Raman spectra for three covalently linked porphyrin-nitrobenzene compounds have been acquired using near-infrared (1064 nm) excitation. The relative intensities of several Raman bands are found to depend on the substitution pattern of the porphyrin macrocycle and on whether the covalent linkage is through single or double bonds. Spectra are interpreted as indicating that ground-state electronic coupling between the porphyrin and nitrobenzene moieties occurs by way of a through-bond mechanism


Leveraging knowledge from electronic health records (EHRs) to predict a patient's condition is essential to the effective delivery of appropriate care. Clinical notes of patient EHRs contain valuable information from healthcare professionals, but have been underused due to their difficult contents and complex hierarchies. Recently, hypergraph-based methods have been proposed for document classifications. Directly adopting existing hypergraph methods on clinical notes cannot sufficiently utilize the hierarchy information of the patient, which can degrade clinical semantic information by (1) frequent neutral words and (2) hierarchies with imbalanced distribution. Thus, we propose a taxonomy-aware multi-level hypergraph neural network (TM-HGNN), where multi-level hypergraphs assemble useful neutral words with rare keywords via note and taxonomy level hyperedges to retain the clinical semantic information. The constructed patient hypergraphs are fed into hierarchical message passing layers for learning more balanced multi-level knowledge at the note and taxonomy levels. We validate the effectiveness of TM-HGNN by conducting extensive experiments with MIMIC-III dataset on benchmark in-hospital-mortality prediction.


1. Preparation of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles using microfluidics and their application for transmembrane transport Summary: In the EMNS laboratory, vesicles prepared from natural lipids (liposomes) are used as models for cell membranes to study processes like transmembrane transport and cell targeting. With standard procedures, vesicles with diameters of up to 200 nm are easily made, but the preparation of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs, ~10 μm) is still a challenge. The TIPS laboratory is specialized in microfluidics, which can be used to prepare droplets and vesicles. The aim of this collaborative project is to develop a method to prepare GUVs as membrane model system by microfluidics. You will use a home-made 3D-printed micro-emulsion generator to produce double emulsions and screen the conditions (fluid viscosities, lipid solutions and concentration, flow rates, geometry) to identify the optimal regime for generating stable GUVs, with minimal organic solvent present. You will then characterise these GUVs and use them to study transmembrane transport by fluorescence microscopy.


Objective:To observe the effects of Lian-Yu decoction on blood pressure and cardiac function in Spontaneous Hypertension Rats.Methods:24 SHR were randomly divided into model group(Model)、nifedipine group(Nif)、Lian-Yu decoction group,8 normal Wky rats were used as control(WKY),(n=8,in each group).WKY and Model group were given normal saline,Nif group was given nifedipine,LY group was given Lian-Yu Oral Liquid by continuously gavages,after 4 weeks,Blood pressure and cardiac function were measured.Results:Contrast with Model group,the blood pressure was significantly decreased(P0.01),LVEDP was significantly decreased(P0.01),LVSP and ±dp/dtmax were increased(P0.01 or 0.05) Conclusion:Lian-Yu decoction can significantly reduce blood pressure,and protect cardiac function in Spontaneous Hypertension Rats.


Under the background of global financial crisis,the upsurge of staff reduction appears in many industries.A normalized procedure will offer help for human resource administrators to carry out staff reduction effectively.The operation includes three stages such as preparation,implementation and management.Every stage involves several specific steps.This article puts forward the staff reduction management stage that extends to manage laid-off workers and in-service staff for the first time.


Armenian has a prefixed dental negative in t-, for which there have been several attempts at etymology: Skt. dus-, a negative prefix, and Lat de 'down from, concerning.' The former cannot be justified on phonemic grounds, the latter on semantic grounds. This paper argues for a source in the Proto-Lezgian negative dental stop. There are numerous loans from ProtoLezgian demonstrated in Armenian. The phonology is perfect, and the semantic fit is solid. In addition, there are other parallel negative suffixes in Armenian of Proto-Lezgian origin: tara-, torand ta-. There is also material which suggests that the standard Armenian stand-alone negative of oc', for which there is no satisfactory etymology, might somehow be related to this system. In a phenomenon solely confined to Armenian and the Lezgian group 1 of the North-East Caucasian (Daghestani) languages, the morpheme t- (in Armenian) or a dental stop (in the Lezgian languages) produces the negative 2 . In Armenian, the particle is attached to the beginning of the word. It can appear with words of many origins, attached to substratum vocabulary (thas 'unripe' [has 'ripe']), to Iranian words (tgoyn 'colorless' [MP gon 'color']), and to words of Indo-European origin (tget 'ignorant' [get 'knowledgeable,' IE *weid- 'know, see']). This negative is well established in Armenian with either verbs, adjectives or nouns, having the negating t- appear before words that are consonant-initial only (curiously, I have found no example of a vowel-initial word taking a t-prefix). These negated words appear at the oldest level of the Armenian language, from the pre-literate period, and are found written in 1


Attempts to analyse authoritarianism in China tend towards a static focus on the state that is homogeneous across time. We argue for a more nuanced approach that captures the dynamism and contours of state–civil society relations, and state–labour relations, in particular, in authoritarian states. Taking state–labour relations as a bellweather, we conceptualize 'shades of authoritarianism' as a framework for better understanding the complexities and evolution of state–society relations in authoritarian states. We illustrate this through the case of China, distinguishing different shades of authoritarianism in the Hu‐Wen era (2002–2012) and in the current regime of Xi Jinping


Our previous study showed that aramid fibers (AFs) could significantly enhance the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) composites; for example, the tensile strength of PP/AF composites with 30 wt % AF increased by 65.6%, whereas the Izod notched impact strength was almost five times that of pure PP. However, the fire performance of the PP/AF composites was not ideal. In this study, decabromodiphenyl ethane and antimony trioxide [Sb2O3; decabromodiphenyl ethane–antimony trioxide (D–S)] were introduced to improve the flame retardancy of PP/D–S/AF composites. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to investigate the possible chemical reaction between the phosphate coupling agent and AFs. The mechanical properties of the PP composites were evaluated by tensile, flexural, and impact tests. The flame retardancy was characterized by limiting oxygen index and UL-94 burning tests. The thermal properties of the PP composites was also investigated by combined thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis. The results show that good interfacial adhesion between the fibers and the PP matrix was formed in the presence of the phosphate coupling agent. The flame retardancy and mechanical properties of the PP/D–S/AF composites were significantly improved by the incorporation of AFs and D–S. The sample containing 30 wt % D–S and 20 wt % AF reached V-0 in the UL-94 test. The maximal char residue of PP/D–S/AF was up to 15.5%, which was 115% higher than that of PP/D–S. A possible synergism of the flame retardancy between the AFs and D–S is proposed and discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013


In this paper, we study one class of commutative operads, namely, the operads of multidimensional (hollow) cubes in Euclidean spaces and their generalization. We describe the varieties of universal algebras rational equivalent to the varieties of algebras over commutative operads.


Broadband mobile communication systems experience fading over a wide frequency band. Most of the existing works on fading channel modelling assume wide-sense stationarity with respect to time and uncorrelated scattering w.r.t. delay. However, due to the time-varying movement of mobile terminals, fading is usually non-stationary w.r.t. time, i.e., the Doppler spectrum is non-stationary. To model non-stationary broadband mobile fading channels, in this project introduces a two-dimensional evolutionary spectrum (2D ES) approach, which is compatible with the power spectral density of a stationary process. Based on the 2D ES, an estimation method to estimate the 2D ES parameters from a trace of a fading process. In this project Nakagami-m fading channels are used which is non-stationary in both time and frequency domain. Developing SUI-3 2D ES based reference models further improves the non-stationary broadband channel modelling performance. This is a new research direction in the channel modelling.


Metabolic syndrome - a cluster of disorders comprising obesity (central and abdominal), dyslipidaemias, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance (or hyperinsulinaemia) and hypertension - is highly predictive of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. In order to improve detection of this


Megestrol acetate was administered as first-line therapy to 152 patients with advanced breast cancer. Forty-three of 136 evaluable patients (32%) obtained an objective response (95% confidence interval, 24% to 40%). Toxicity was minimal, with only 4 patients requiring dose reduction. Megestrol acetate is an effective, well-tolerated agent in previously untreated patients with advanced breast cancer.


Background: Recent basic studies suggest the importance of lymphatic vasculature as a therapeutic target in cardiovascular diseases, whereas clinical investigations of vascular endothelial growth f...


The aim of the Irish food industry is to produce world class competitive products (WCCPs). Stating the obvious: Food and packaging are inseparable and thus WCCP status is a target also for packaging manufacturers in their own right and also as to how packaging assists food companies to achieve their aims.


Abstract 3583 Poster Board III-520 Introduction Adoptive transfer of T-cell receptor (TCR)-transduced T cells may represent an attractive and promising novel approach to specifically treat malignant diseases and has been previously successfully applied in the clinic. This approach promises the availability of sufficient numbers of effector cells with defined specificity for any tumor-associated antigen as also TCR from T cells with specificity for tumor-associated self antigens usually deleted in the autologous host may be isolated from an allorestricted or xenorestricted environment. We have previously identified the HLA-A2-allorestricted T-cell clone (SK22) with specificity for a peptide derived from Formin-like protein 1 (FMNL1) restrictedly expressed in hematopoietic tissue and overexpressed in diverse leukemias and other malignant tissue. SK22 demonstrated specific cytotoxicity against FMNL1-overexpressing cells as EBV-transformed B cells, lymphoma cell lines and native malignant cells derived from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia whereas healthy tissue was mainly spared. The TCR of this T cell clone may therefore represent a suitable tool for the treatment of diverse malignant diseases using TCR-transduced T cells. However, there are different concerns which need to be addressed to further improve this therapeutic approach. First, the formation of heterodimers between endogenous TCR chains and transduced TCR chains derived from receptors with low interchain affinity may abrogate specific TCR function and harbours a particular risk for unknown specificities. Although a number of TCR chain modifications has been previously applied to solve this problem further improvements are necessary. Second, longterm survival of TCR-transduced T cells has been demonstrated to be critical for the effectivity of this approach and novel approaches are needed. Methods and Results We have isolated the TCR-chain genes of the FMNL1-specific T cell clone SK22 and cloned them into the retroviral vector pMP71. Transduction of unmodified TCR-chain genes of SK22 in CD8α-transfected TCR-deficient Jurkat76 cells resulted in multimer-positive cells indicating that correct TCR-chain genes have been isolated. However, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) transduced with these native TCR chains did neither show TCR expression nor specific T-cell function suggesting that TCR SK22 represents a weak TCR with low interchain affinity. Expression and function of this TCR could be significantly improved by current optimization strategies as codon-optimization and murinization of constant chains. Effector cells transduced with these optimized TCR chain genes showed reactivity against transformed cells of different origin whereas non-transformed HLA-A2 positive target cells as lung fibroblasts, embryonic cardiomyocytes, CD4- and CD8-positive T cells as well as activated PBMC were not recognized. However, substantial mispairing persisted despite of murinization of constant chain sequences. Using human TCR chain genes containing murinized chimeric constant βγ-chains previously reported to exert improved signaling in murine T cells and cell lines, we created a hybrid TCR with high functional efficiency after transfer in human effector cells. Moreover, usage of murinized chimeric constant βγ-chains of SK22 clearly reduced the formation of heterodimers in human PBMC. In addition, we observed enhanced in vitro-accumulation of CD8- and CD4-positive cells expressing the transgenic receptor when optimized murinized chimeric constant βγ-chains in comparison to optimized murinized constant β-chains without γ-chain sequences were used. These results could be confirmed after transfer of two alternative TCR with specificities for HER2/neu and GP100 containing murinized chimeric constant βγ-chains. Conclusion These data show that transfer of the optimized TCR SK22 may be an attractive therapeutic tool for the treatment of malignancies of hematologic and other origin. Moreover, the transfer of TCR chain genes containing optimized murinized chimeric constant βγ-chains may have a significant impact on the improvement of safety and efficiency of this therapeutic approach. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Photodissociation efficiency spectrum of anionic oxygen atom produced via ion-pair dissociations of carbon dioxide is recorded by means of the synchrotron radiation excitation (XUV photon energy 17.40–20.00 eV). The present spectrum is assigned as the Rydberg-like excited ion-pair states, i.e., Tanaka–Ogawa and Henning series, C̃2Σg+ (CO+2) vibrational ground-state and excitation series. Three Rydberg series, npσu, npπu, and nfu, converging to C̃2Σg+ (0, 0, 0), show the higher cross sections.


Falanghina must was clarified through five methods: spontaneous settling (SS); spontaneous settling with addition of pectic enzyme (E); filtration of E (EF); fining of E with bentonite, casein, silica gel, and charcoal (EC); and EC treatment followed by filtration (ECF). The concentration of free varietal aroma compounds and glycoconjugates was then investigated. Clarification procedure did not affect the concentration of must terpenols, while a positive correlation was found between the intensity of prefermentative clarification and the content of glycoconjugates of must, as measured by glycosyl-glucose, with a trend of SS > E = EF > EC = ECF. Glycosylated precursors of linalool, geraniol, benzyl alcohol, 2-phenylethanol, and eugenol were significantly decreased by must clarification. In all treatments, fermentation resulted in a large decrease in bound geraniol, benzyl alcohol, and 2-phenylethanol. The decline of bound linalool and eugenol was smaller and varied according to yeast strain and treatment. Only free forms of linalool and benzyl alcohol were significantly increased by fermentation. Since musts with lower contents of glycosylated precursors resulted in wines with lower levels of both these compounds and of some volatiles potentially resulting from their hydrolysis, prefermentative clarification may influence both expression of varietal character and aging potential of Falanghina wine.


Dependence of sputtering yield of Cu (100) and Ni (100) metal surface by bombardment of 200 Ar ions at various energies and angles of projections is investigated in this paper. The sputtering yield has been calculated by performing molecular dynamics simulation and the same is compared with experiments and theoretical predictions wherever possible. Additionally the kinetic energy, velocity and scattering angle distribution for sputtered and incident atoms are also observed. The results obtained from the present molecular dynamics simulations are found to be in good agreement with experimental data and theoretical estimates. It is observed that the sputtering yield increases as the energy of the bombarding ion increases. Furthermore as the incidence angle increases, the sputtering yield increases until a specific angle and then decreases as normal incidence is approached.


The erection of a new polis, Justiniana Prima, on the site of Caricin Grad,
 was part of a larger engineering project in a rural hilly setting of the
 western areas of Dacia Mediterranea, which had also included the
 construction of nearby fortlets. The article presents LiDAR data which has
 provided new information related to their ground-plan and dimensions.
 Located in a 12 km? area around the metropolis, St Elias, Kuliste-Jezero and
 Gornje Gradiste in Svinjarica were LiDAR scanned in 2011, while the Sekicol
 fort, with its 4 km? surroundings, was subjected to the same technology in
 2015. Our analysis of the outer fortifications of Justiniana Prima is based
 on a visualisation of the obtained digital terrain models and field
 observations; in the case of the St Elias fort, we also used the results of
 the 1976 excavations. These fortlets had manifold functions. On the one
 hand, they overlooked the approaches to the city and its infrastructure -
 Kuliste-Jezero was a watchtower - and on the other, they also served as
 shelters for the local population - refugia. In the middle of the St Elias
 fort there was a large three-nave church; this may well have been a
 fortified monastery. Future research of these forts should provide more
 detailed information on their chronology and function, complement the
 outstanding results of the LiDAR and geophysical surveys, and contribute to
 a better understanding of Justiniana Prima itself.


Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) constitutes one of the most frequent child psychiatric disorders. Up to now, it is unclear whether ADHD is a risk factor for later delinquency by itself or only in combination with symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) or Conduct Disorder (CD) respectively. This review focuses on the developmental pathway from ADHD in children to adult criminality. Comorbid ADHD and CD both share a range of biological and environmental risk factors, such as neurocognitive impairment, high parental psychopathology, poor social functioning and further comorbid mental disorders, particularly substance abuse. Treatment programs including medication and psychosocial treatment might be very effective to restore children with ADHD to better functioning in the social and academic domains. Especially data from the Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD (MTA) are presented. Up to now, there is no ultimate evidence that such treatment prevents children with ADHD from engaging in antisocial behaviour in the long-term view.


Fluid circulation through geothermal reservoirs may potentially induce large tensile thermal stresses at the large hydraulic fracture surface thereby produce secondary thermal fractures. These secondary thermal fractures could penetrate deeply into the reservoirs, the fluids may flow into regions of hotter rock, and thus the performance of geothermal reservoirs can be significantly enhanced. In this study, we used an integral equation method to calculate the thermal stresses in a reservoir due to the cooling of the main hydraulic fracture surface. Then the thermal stresses are used in the displacement discontinuity method to analyze the stability and propagation of the secondary thermal fractures. It is found that under the conditions of large temperature differences between the main hydraulic fracture and the initial reservoir temperature, and relatively small in-situ stresses, the secondary thermal fractures could propagate deeply into the reservoirs. The analysis of the secondary thermal fracture interaction reveals that faster cooling rate which is equivalent to the fluid injection rate in geothermal operations results in smaller secondary thermal fracture spacing.


(The statements and opinions contained herein are those of the author and should not be construed as an official action or opinion of the American Gear Manufacturers Association.) Abstract Load-sharing among the teeth of involute splines is little understood. Designers typically assume only a fractionoftheteethareengagedanddistributetheloaduniformlyovertheassumednumberofengagedteeth. This procedure can widely over- or underestimate tooth loads. Anewstatisticalmodelforinvolutesplinetoothengagementhasbeendevelopedandpresentedearlier,which takes into account the random variation of gear manufacturing processes. It predicts the number of teeth engaged and percent of load carried by each tooth pair. Tooth-to-tooth variations cause the clearance between each pair of mating teeth to vary randomly, resulting in a sequential, rather than simultaneous tooth engagement. The sequence begins with the tooth pair with the smallest clearance and proceeds to pick up additionalteethastheloadisincreasedtothemaximumappliedload. Thenewmodelcanpredictthenumber of teeth in contact and the load share for each at any load increment. Thisreportpresentsanextension ofthe newsequential engagementmodel,whichmore completelypredicts the variations in the engagement sequence for a set of spline assemblies. A statistical distribution is derived foreachtoothinthesequence,alongwithitsmean,standarddeviationandskewness. Innovativetechniques for determining the resulting statistical distributions are described. The results of an in-depth study are also presented, which verify the new statistical model. Monte Carlo Simulation of spline assemblies with random errors was performed and the resultscompared to the closed-form solution. Extremelyclose agreementwas found. The new approach shows promise for providing keener insights into the performance of spline couplings and will serve as an effective tool in the design of power transmission systems.


Technological innovation is widely accepted to be a complex learning proces through which firms try to acquire and develop distinctive technological competence. But there is a second dimension to such learning which relates to the ways in which the innovation process is managed, which also involves a developmental, cumulative progress. No all firms have the same level of skill in managing projects, in understanding user needs, in search behaviour, in managing inter-fin relationship, etc.; these are all abilities which are learned over time. This paper reviews the concept of capability development as it applies to the management of technological innovation. It illustrates this with the example of continuous improvement (CI)—a key capability which is associated with high levels of involvement in the innovation process through the contribution of regular incremental improvement ideas from a large proportion of th workforce. CI is a simple concept bus is proving very difficult to implement successful in pract...


The invention discloses an automatic modified atmosphere packaging device of a large yellow croaker. The automatic modified atmosphere packaging device comprises a box body (1) and a box cover (2), wherein a plurality of one-way valves (3) are arranged on the box body (1), a plurality of gas slow release bags (4) are arranged on the inner side of the box body (1), the gas slow release bags (4) are correspondingly connected with the one-way valves (3), and a gas tank (5) is arranged on each one-way valve (3) of the outside of the box body (1). The automatic modified atmosphere packaging device of the large yellow croaker also comprises a pressurizing device (6) for pressurizing the gas tank (5) to enable gas in the gas tank (5) to enter into the gas slow release bag (4) through the one-way valves (3). The invention also discloses an automatic modified atmosphere packaging method of the large yellow croaker. The automatic modified atmosphere packaging device and method of the large yellow croaker are capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere environment for a long time, bring convenience for transportation, and are suitable for modified atmosphere preservation of rarity fishes such as the large yellow croaker.


The study of Algelciras unit, iniciated with the series of Rinconcillo (Ruiz Cruz et al., 1987), is now completed. The mineralogical results of the Punta Tarifa series are analyzed, and are compared with the former studies, and, also conclusions relative to the Algeciras unit are exposed.
The Punta Tarifa series is characterized by the high content of illite-rich interestratified clay minerals (illite-vermiculite; illite-smectite, illite -vermiculite-smectite, illite-chlorite) and the constant presence of chlorites of variable genesis. The differences between these series come from the different content in clay minerals, specially, smectite, palygorskite, kaolinite and chlorite. Differences are related with chemical characteristics of depositional and/or diagenetic environment and, also, with different alteration degree of detritic minerals.


This paper considers the impact of space on the behavior of the national labor market. In reality, workers are constrained to live and work in a limited geographic area at a point in time, and these locations have their own unique attributes and infrastructure. The spatial nature of the economy may affect the efficiency and volatility in the labor market. This paper builds a dynamic spatial equilibrium model of the labor market and demonstrates its use for understanding the dynamics of local labor markets. The model has potential to quantify the extent to which space is a friction in the national labor market.


Currently, volume-averaging approximation is in common use for the description of thermal expansion coefficient of nanofluids in terms of expansion coefficients of their constituents. The accuracy of this method is not, however, so clear since it ignores the dependence of density on temperature in the prediction of thermal expansion coefficient that may not be true in natural convection circumstances. In the current contribution, attention is focused to clarify how predictions of flow and thermal fields as well as heat transfer and entropy generation characteristics during natural convection of nanofluids may be influenced if one adopts the volume-averaging approximation for the description of thermal expansion coefficient. For this purpose, a porous enclosure saturated with several water-based nanofluids is simulated and results of the volume-averaged thermal expansion coefficient are compared with those of a recent correlation that takes into account the dependence of density on temperature.


We describe calculations of the evolution of the band gap as a function of geometry in conjugated polymers based on aromatic rings: polyparaphenylene, polypyrrole, polythiophene. Our results demonstrate that the gap decreases as a function of increasing quinoid character of the backbone and is thus not minimal in the case of zero bond length alternation, in contrast to the situation found in polyacetylene‐like compounds. We stress the consequences of these results for the understanding of the effects of doping and for the design of new organic polymers with small gaps.


Author(s): Sarrao, JL; Immer, CD; Benton, CL; Fisk, Z; Lawrence, JM; Mandrus, D; Thompson, JD | Abstract: (Formula presented) undergoes a first-order isostructural valence transition near 40 K, whereas (Formula presented) is a moderately heavy (γ=250 mJ/mol (Formula presented)) mixed-valence compound. We have succeeded in growing single crystals of these compounds, as well as many intermediate alloys, using flux-growth techniques. The evolution from (Formula presented) to (Formula presented) has been characterized using electrical resistivity, magnetic susceptibility, and x-ray powder diffraction. The data are interpreted in terms of the evolution of the single-impurity Kondo temperature as a function of Ag concentration. © 1996 The American Physical Society.


Some past predictions of the future are discussed, how both in Britain and in France during the nineteenth century illustrated newspapers predicted that by the year 2000 communications between people would involve sending moving pictures from faraway places. A few major technical innovations are envisaged. Most things will just be improved, e.g. full movies will be downloadable in seconds. In the political sphere it is emphasized that apart from a small elite, interest in politics will decline. In most parts of the world people will be happy to accept the word of authorities on any subject. Education will sink to its lowest common denominator.


Nowadays, one of the main concerns of computer architects is choosing an accurate branch prediction scheme. The gravity of the issue is due to the deep pipeline architectures of contemporary processors. It is reflected in the range and variety of the related research which contains many studies of various prediction schemes and in depth analysis of their performance. The aim of this paper is to study a new hybrid scheme, PYTHIA, based on a set of tested and popular branch predictors. The main idea is to combine different predictors which perform better for different patterns of branch behaviors, measure the PYTHIA performance and compare it with each involved standalone branch predictor using the same benchmarks. The basic difference of PYTHIA in comparison to other combined branch predictors is that polling for the best predictor is performed, using shared memory, during a trial period and not on the entire program execution. Afterwards, the most accurate scheme is kept and the others are deactivated. In that way, we choose the best scheme for the specific branch pattern and additionally we can gain from the resources released by the rejected predictors.


The paper presents a comprehensive overview of the issues of the broadly defined audial education (how to listen), with special regard to its meaning in the need of film education. Beginning with comments on the specificity of contemporary audiovisual culture and on the role of education in the matters of listening (including music education) in general as well as professional education, the author analyses the consequences of this state concerning incomplete film perception and interpretation resulting from underestimating the role of its audial layer. In the second part of the article the author points to and describes certain important initiatives aimed at the improvement of the previously shown negative situation.


In subduction zones, various seismic activities such as large earthquakes, episodic slow slip events, or silent earthquakes are observed. This variation likely reflects spatial variations in frictional properties along the seismogenic portion of plate-boundary megathrusts (e.g., Bilek and Lay, 1998). The frictional properties of materials entering subduction zones are probably different among various materials. Hence, the frictional properties of main oceanic sediments should be revealed. A number of studies revealed frictional properties of clay sediments collected from the Nankai Trough (e.g., Brown, 2003). However, studies on the frictional properties of biogenic sediments are limited (e.g., Ikari et al., 2013; Namiki et al., 2014). In this study, we investigated the frictional properties of the biogenic sediments, and performed a series of friction experiments on silicic to calcareous ooze. To understand what controls the mechanism, we observed the shear structure in the samples by SEM. The samples tested in this study were collected offshore Costa Rica (Site U1381) during IODP expedition 334 and 344. Frictional properties of the silicic to calcareous ooze were different from those of the clay sediments (Namiki et al. 2014). The friction coefficient of the ooze at a constant slip velocity of 0.28 mm/s showed an initial peak at 0.4 to 0.6 and subsequent minor decrease, followed by a gradual increase to attain a constant friction value at 0.6 to 0.8. For friction experiments a rotary-shear friction-testing machine was used with various slip rates according to the radius of the shear area. The slip rate at the center is zero, and the slip rate on the outside is the fastest. In cross-sections near the outside of shear areas, two types of shear structures were observed: (1) shear localized zone (about 50 to 100 μm thick) mainly composed of fine rounded particles which forms parallel to the shear zone and (2) shear distributed zone, in which the silicic and calcareous shells show preferred orientation inclined to the shear zone at an angle within a range of about 30 degrees. Both of the structures were observed in samples, which have slipped until 0.4 rotations or more. A shear distributed zone could only be observed in samples slipped within 0.02 rotations. The particles in the shear localized zone decreased in grain size with larger displacement. In cross-sections through the center of shear areas, a preferred orientation of particles in the shear distributed could not be observed as the analyzed cross-sections are vertical to the slip direction. The shear localized zone was observed only in the outer region of samples, which have slipped until 0.4 rotations. For samples slipped until 3.3 rotations, the shear localized zone could also be observed in the inner region. From these results, displacement is a significant factor to develop shear localization. The observation of cross-sections through the center of shear areas suggests that duration of slip and slip rate seldom affect shear localization. The shear localized zone has formed while the friction coefficient attained a steady-state value after strengthening. The shear localized zone and preferred orientation in the shear distributed zone might correspond to Y-shear and P-shear of Riedel shear, respectively. Thus, Y-shear likely develops with frictional strengthening, and continues to develop during a period while the friction coefficient maintains steady-state value.


The objectives of this study were to improve existing methods and to develop new methods of controlling drifting snow across highways. A literature review, a survey of highway departments and a number of highway site visits were conducted. At 35 test sites, climatic data was collected and analyzed in order to predict snowfall levels and design snowfence height, setback and overlap dimensions. Based on the results, a number of recommendations are made regarding optimum snow fence height and placement. The most difficult aspect in designing snow control devices was found to be the accurate prediction of snowfall levels, and further research into this problem is recommended. Based on the findings of this study, a report entitled "Guidelines for controlling snowdrifting on Canadian highways" (see IRRD 807470) has been prepared for the guidance of highway maintenance personnel. (TRRL)


This exhibition investigates how design and technology will help to create clothes to wear without waste and what we all can do to reduce the impact of throwaway fashion.

Kathryn Round, in collaboration with designer Melanie Bowles, produced a digitally printed garment. Our starting point was a beautiful 1930's vintage dress once owned by a London debutante. Fascinated by its past history we photographed and reprinted it onto a silk crepe de chine and made it into a modern interpretation using bespoke digital textile printing.

Trash Fashion is a continuing exhibition which explores ways in which Fashion and Textile designers are experimenting with issues of recycling and sustainability, running from late 2010 for ten months in the Antenna Gallery of the Science Museum in London.


A rotary washing brush assembly for motor vehicle washing systems comprises a plurality of cleaning elements, each of which comprises a plate body applied to a washing brush central shaft; the plate body having a substantially elongated configuration, extending according to a longitudinal axis thereof, and including a plurality of cut-outs defining a plurality of tapering strips having corner portions including either bevelled or non-bevelled corner portions.


This paper introduces the biological features and functions of the Lonicera japonica,probes into the feasibility of taking the Lonicera japonica as the mainly-planted variety in the suburb district of Yangquan City,and analyzes on the economic benefit of the Lonicera japonica.


We propose a finite element method for the numerical solution of the stochastic Stokes equations of the Wick type. We give existence and uniqueness results for the continuous problem and its approximation. Optimal error estimates are derived and algorithmic aspects of the method are discussed. Our method will reduce the problem of solving stochastic Stokes equations to solving a set of deterministic ones. Moreover, one can reconstruct particular realizations of the solution directly from Wiener chaos expansions once the coefficients are available. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2007


Objective To explore the clinical and CT features of rapid dissolved acute subdural hematoma(ASDH).Methods 17 patients with rapid dissolved ASDH were collected.Brain CT was scanned at least three times within 72 hours in all patients.Results ASDH was dissolved during acute stage in 17 cases.All patients recovered by conservative treatment.Conclusion Prognosis of rapid dis-solved ASDH is good after conservative treatment.Brain CT scan following up is important for the diagnosis and guidance of clinical treat-ment in rapid dissolved ASDH


Presently, the population of this planet follow at least 17 religions. Twelve religions (three dharmic, three Abrahamic, three modern and three ancient), being practiced by approximately 75% of the world's population, are compared on various aspects with an aim to see similarities and differences, if any, regarding the description of God(s). While little differences amongst the religions studied have been observed, several common features have also been noted. A section of the present-day Physicists believes in the existence of superior intelligence (SupInt) to human intelligence (HumInt). Upon comparison, the concept of God(s) in various religions is discussed considering the SupInt. For once, the description of God(s) in different religions matches with the concept of SupInt in Physics. Comparison of the statuses of both genders in the religions studied, was a spin-off. No difference in the treatment meted out with respect to each of the genders in different religions was observed.


Performance Assessment is the tools which give clear indication about the construction status of the project which finds out the strength and weakness of project implementation and examines the effectiveness of technical social and environmental parameters of the Road construction project. Strengthening the National Rural Transport program (SNRTP) is introduce to fulfill the aim of GON to provide all-weather road access to all Village Development Committee (VDC) by gradually upgrading the District Road Core Network (DRCN) and providing proper maintenance. Assessment of the project's measured the project output, budget, time deadlines, quality, deliverables, and specifications. The study was focus on finding out different stage, parameters, process used in road construction project and checking compliance of Technical, social and environmental parameters with prescribed design standard. Geometric parameters, road safety and maintenance, bioengineering and plantation works, implementation on VCDP and GAP was not found as per requirements. Project was completed 18 months behind the original completion date so the project management has failure to control the time overrun.


Anderson Fabry (AF) disease is a X-linked lysosomal storage disorder with multiorgan involvement. Cardiac disease, mainly represented by left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and arrhythmias, is the most frequent cause of premature death. It is well know that specific therapy is less effective after the development of LVH and myocardial fibrosis, therefore early cardiac detection (before LVH) is important. New cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) parametric imaging techniques (T1 and T2 maps) enable myocardial tissue changes associated with AF disease.

 To evaluate the relationship between CMR tissue characterization and clinical and instrumental manifestations of AF disease to find early markers of cardiac involvement.

 31 AF patients (9 males, mean age 49±16 years) underwent ECG, echocardiogram and contrast CMR. TnI, BNP, pro-BNP and serum lyso-Gb3 were dosed. T1 mapping was performed in a pre-contrast acquisition with the modified Look-Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) sequences. CMR results were compared with those of 43 healthy age and gender-matched controls.

 In AF patients native septal T1 values were significantly lower compared to healthy controls (median 949 vs 991 msec, p=0.0137) and were inversely related to Lyso-Gb3 serum levels (p=0.003). Patients with LVH had lower T1 septal values in comparison with patients without LVH (892 vs 981 msec; p=0.0012). Patients with classic form had abnormal low T1 values more frequently than pts with late onset variant (78 vs 23%; p=0.038).
 In AF patients native septal T2 values were significantly higher compared to the control group (53 vs 49 msec; p=0.0004) and correlated with troponin I (p=0.008) and NT-pro BNP (p=0.006) serum levels. No difference was found between pts with and without LVH (53.5 vs 52.5 ms; p=0.797) and the prevalence of abnormal high T2 values was similar between patients with late onset AF and pts with classical form (53% vs 50%; p=1.000). All patients with late onset AF and high T2 values were females.

 CMR T1 (low values) and T2 (high values) mapping are useful tools to detect early cardiac involvement before LVH and to better understand the pathophysiology of cardiac disease in AF patients. Subclinical tissue inflammation, detectable through T2 maps, seems to be an additional pathogenetic mechanism related to the Gb3 storage that contributes to organ damage and precedes LVH, particularly in females patients with late onset phenotype.

 Type of funding source: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital


This paper examines three powerful concepts from nonlinear dynamics, deterministic chaos, complex adaptive systems and complexity theory; they are the logistic equation, cellular automata and agent-based modeling. Some archaeological models based on these ideas will be evaluated and critically discussed.


Here the author outlines only a few nanoscale phenomena that adversely affect thermal conductivity and can complicate heat removal from nanoscale electronic devices. Since progress in the electronic industry is largely associated with device down-scaling, he considers that research on this subject is worth pursuing.