Search

Abstract: A theoretical estimate of the explicit time dependence of the drainage water in shallow lakes is proposed as an important contribution for understanding the lake dynamics. This information can be obtained applying the mathematical techniques largely used in fitting experimental data, as a sum of Lorentzian functions. These functions were chosen because their centre and width yield a good description of the water basin behaviour. The coefficients of these functions are extracted using results of calculated data for the state variables describing the shallow West Lake, Hangzou. This procedure can also be applied to other shallow lakes generating information about their drainage basin, one of the most important parameters to describe their micrometeorological behaviour. One concludes this work emphasizing the relevance of the explicit time dependence of the drainage variables. This is important to simulate the state functions. It is also necessary to have measured data to validate this approach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this work the variational Roth's approach previously developed by the present authors to describe cuprate systems is extended to include the superconducting properties. We extend the Beenen and Edwards approach by including the d–p hybridization. The role of the d–p hybridization in modifying the values of superconducting order parameter is then studied in terms of the adopted values of the parameters defining the Hamiltonian of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic moment of the Mn impurities was obtained from magnetization measurements of Y ( Ni 1 - x Mn x ) 2 B 2 C as a function of the concentration x less than 0.15. Using the coherent potential approximation and starting from 3 d density of states, obtained from the first principles calculations, the magnetic moments are obtained within a two sublattice model. For adequately estimated values of the Coulomb interactions U, the position of the energy level of Mn and adopting values for the intersublattice hybridization term, a qualitative agreement with the observed experimental data is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the ankle range of motion during neuropathic gait and its influence on plantar pressure distribution in two phases during stance: at heel–strike and at push-off. Methods: Thirty-one adults participated in this study (control group, n =16; diabetic neuropathic group, n =15). Dynamic ankle range of motion (electrogoniometer) and plantar pressures (PEDAR-X system) were acquired synchronously during walking. Plantar pressures were evaluated at rearfoot, midfoot and forefoot during the two phases of stance. General linear model repeated measures analysis of variance was applied to investigate relationships between groups, areas and stance phases. Findings: Diabetic neuropathy patients walked using a smaller ankle range of motion in stance phase and smaller ankle flexion at heel–strike (P =0.0005). Peak pressure and pressure–time integral values were higher in the diabetic group in the midfoot at push-off phase when compared to heel–strike phase. On the other hand, the control group showed similar values of peak pressure in midfoot during both stance phases. Interpretation: The ankle mobility reduction observed could be associated to altered plantar pressure distribution observed in neuropathic subjects. Results demonstrated that midfoot and forefoot play a different role in subjects with neuropathy by receiving higher loads at push-off phase that are probably due to smaller ankle flexion at stance phase. This may explain the higher loads in anterior areas of the foot observed in diabetic neuropathy subjects and confirm an inadequate foot rollover associated to the smaller ankle range of motion at the heel–strike phase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A model to simulate myccorhizal fungi-induced interaction between three plants is presented and discussed. We have constructed this three plant model starting from Thornley’s model for an isolated plant growth. We introduce then a coupling between the three plants, mediated by the hyphae. The role played by microorganisms is focused in phosphorus transfer between plants and this is thus the main ingredient of this extended model. We introduce a criterion of the conservation of the transferred phosphorus masses associated to the fungi action. The results show that the time to saturate the biomass of one of the plants can be reduced, keeping unchanged the saturation time for the others. Another possibility is that the coupling can redistribute the biomass among the plants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]