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The characteristics and distribution of clay minerals and their effects on reservoir quality in the Huagang sandstones in the Xihu Sag, East China Sea Basin were studied by using X-ray diffraction, casting thin-sections, scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe analysis, fluid inclusion analysis, constant-rate mercury injection and nuclear magnetic resonance. Clay minerals consist of kaolinite, chlorite, illite and illite–smectite mixed layer (I/S); kaolinite forms from dissolved feldspars, chlorite occurs as clay coatings that are transformed from clay precursors owing to the flocculation of suspended detrital clays or the crystallisation of pore fluids, and illite forms from the illitisation of detrital smectite, authigenic kaolinite and K-feldspars. Clay distribution is controlled by sedimentary environments, burial history and lithologies. Typical reservoirs in the western sub-sag are thin and developed in braided river facies at relatively shallow burial depths with clays dominated by kaolinite. However, typical reservoirs in the central inversion tectonic zone are thicker and developed in a braided delta front facies at deeper burial depths with clays mainly consisting of chlorite, illite and I/S. High-quality reservoirs are characterised by coarse granularity, high quartz content and low clay content with widespread development of chlorite coatings that inhibit quartz cements at low temperatures. At higher temperatures, the high-quality reservoirs develop more pores providing growth space for quartz cements and result in the coexistence of chlorite coatings and quartz cements. The high-quality reservoirs are controlled by their lithological characteristics rather than chlorite coatings. Illite and I/S clays create severe damage to reservoirs by reducing the size and connectivity of pore-throats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The permutation flow-shop scheduling problem (PFSSP) is a typical combinational optimization problem, which is of wide engineering background and has been proved to be strongly NP-hard. In this paper, an effective hybrid algorithm based on differential evolution (DE), namely HDE, is proposed for permutation flow-shop scheduling with limited buffers between consecutive machines to minimize the maximum completion time (i.e. makespan). First, to make DE suitable for solving PFSSP, a largest-order-value (LOV) rule is presented to convert the continuous values of individuals in DE to job permutations. Second, after the DE-based exploration, an efficient local search, which is designed according to the landscape of PFSSP and the generalization of the block elimination properties, is applied to emphasize exploitation. Thus, not only does the HDE apply the parallel evolution mechanism of DE to perform effective exploration (global search), but it also adopts problem-dependent local search to perform exploitation well (local search). Furthermore, the convergence property of HDE is analyzed based on the theory of finite Markov chain. Simulations and comparisons based on benchmarks demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed HDE, and the effect of one key parameter on the performance of HDE is investigated as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major performance measurements for wafer fabrication system comprise WIP level, throughput and cycle time. These measurements are influenced by various factors, including machine breakdown, operator absence, poor dispatching rules, emergency order and material shortage. Generally, production managers use the WIP level profile of each stage to identify an abnormal situation, and then make corrective actions. However, such a measurement is reactive, not proactive. Proactive actions must effectively predict the future performance, analyze the abnormal situation, and then generate corrective actions to prevent performance from degrading. This work systematically constructs artificial neural network models to predict production performances for a semiconductor manufacturing factory. An application for a local DRAM wafer fabrication has demonstrated the accuracy of neural network models in predicting production performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the genetic effects of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGFR-2) on feather maturity in the Qingyuan partridge chicken, Guangxi sanhuang chicken and Princess chicken. 2. Both SSCP-PCR and qPCR were employed to detect the polymorphism and gene expression of the VEGF and VEGFR-2 genes. 3. Four SNPs were identified in the VEGFR-2 gene. Exon10-A69G was associated with feather maturity (P < 0.01). Princess chickens with the genotype EF had higher feather maturity scores (P < 0.01). Higher expression levels of VEGF and VEGFR-2 were detected in the immature feather group of Qingyuan partridge chickens, especially in the skin. 4. The VEGF and VEGFR-2 genes play critical roles in feather maturity. In addition, exon10-A69G and genotype EF in the Princess chicken could potentially be utilised as genetic markers to improve efficiency in breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The twofold look-ahead search (TLAS) was proposed as a general purpose search technique, and applied to single-criterion job shop scheduling. In the present study, this method is applied to multi-criterion scheduling problems with some modification, and illustrated by bi-criterion scheduling with mean tardiness and mean flowtime. Application circumstances are divided into two situations according to the scheduling objective, and TLAS is tested for each situation. From the computational results, the proposed method is found to generate higher performance schedules in comparison with other methods. Its algorithmic features and applicability to other problems are also discussed based on several experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the hexagonal ferrite Sr1 − xLaxFe12 − yZnyO19magnetic powder and magnets were prepared by the solid state reaction method. In order to study the formation of hexaferrite phase, the X-ray diffraction analysis was carried out, and it was discovered that a single magnetoplumbite phase was formed in the calcined powders withx/yof 1.2 and 1.4, and for other calcined powders, the secondary phase was observed. A field emission scanning electron microscopy was used to characterise the images of the magnets. The magnets have formed the hexagonal structures, and the grains are distributed homogeneously. Magnetic properties of the magnets were measured by a magnetic properties test instrument. The remanence and maximum energy product of the magnets first increase withx/yfrom 0.8 to 1.2 and then decrease whenx/ycontinues to increase. However, the intrinsic coercivity and magnetic induction coercivity of the magnets decrease withx/yfrom 0.8 to 2.2. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Hexagonal ferrite Sr0·68La0·32Fe11·7Zn0·30 − xCoxO19(0 ≤ x ≤ 0·30) magnetic powders and magnets have been synthesised by a ceramic process. The phase compositions of the calcined powders were analysed using X-ray diffraction. All the X-ray diffraction peaks belong to the single hexagonal ferrite. The micrographs of the magnets were characterised using a field emission scanning electron microscopy. The hexagonal ferrite magnets have formed the plate-like hexagonal structure. Magnetic properties of the magnets were measured at room temperature using a permanent magnetic measure equipment. The remanence and maximum energy product of the magnets first increase tillx = 0·10 and then decrease with increasingxfrom 0·10 to 0·30. However, the intrinsic coercivity and magnetic induction coercivity of the magnets increase with the increase ofxfrom 0 to 0·30. The ratio ofHk/Hcjdecreases gradually with the increase ofxfrom 0 to 0·30. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with the dataset of industrial products, ocean datasets have several distinct characteristics, such as large quantities and being multi-source, multi-dimension and multi-type. Based on the acceptance quality level (AQL) and limit quality level (LQL), we designed an acceptance sampling plan of quality inspection for ocean datasets (ASP-OD), used this plan to inspect ocean dataset quality, and evaluated its advantage. ASP-OD has a consistent and stable discriminatory power independent of lot size, which solves the problem of ‘strictness for large lot size, toleration for small lot size’ in the percent sampling plan. ASP-OD establishes a relationship between lot size and sampling size, and provides a plan for a given lot size. This plan overcomes the deficiency of ISO 2859-based sampling plans, different lot size corresponding to the same sampling plan, in the quality inspection of ocean datasets. Collectively, this study suggests that ASP-OD is a suitable sampling plan for the inspection of ocean dataset quality. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: In this study, curcumin was designed into the nanoformulation called cubosome with piperine in order to improve oral bioavailability and tissue distribution of curcumin. Methods: The characteristic of the cubosome was studied by using scanning electron microscope (SEM), Infrared spectrum and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques. Tissue distribution of cubosome was measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method in mice. Results: The characteristic of the cubosome was demonstrated that the curcumin and piperine were encapsulated in the interior of the cubosome and the crystal form was Pn3m space. The pharmacokinetic test revealed that the cubosome could improve the oral bioavailability significantly compared to the suspension of curcumin with piperine and be mainly absorbed by the spleen. Conclusion: These findings provide the reference to a preferable choice of the curcumin formulation and contribute to therapeutic application in clinical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this study, a novel andrographolide (AG) preparation formulation, niosomes, was prepared to improve the bioavailability and tissue distribution of AG. Methods: The niosomal formulation of AG was prepared by film hydration/sonication method and tissue distribution was measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method in mice, and anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (anti-HCC) activity was examined by MTT method in HepG2. Results: Entrapment efficiency, drug-loading ratio and average particle size of AG niosomes were 72.36%, 5.90% and 206 nm, respectively. The tissue distribution in mice demonstrated that the AG niosomes were absorbed in liver much more than the free AG. Furthermore, the anti-HCC activity in HepG2 cells showed that there was no significant difference between free AG and AG niosomes. Conclusion: The present results suggest that AG niosomes may have a significant potential of liver targeting, which is valuable in chemotherapy of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the results of an experiment that determined the importance of an information disclosure policy in job search behaviour. We controlled the level of employment information disclosed after every experimental round. When we announced the subjects’ wage levels, which at that point they had accepted along with their counterparts in a social network, the subjects’ average reservation wages increased significantly according to their initial preference. However, when this information was not revealed, the reservation wage remained the same despite the availability of the social network. We suggest that the green-eyed monster effect may be significant in explaining these results. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

By means of the coordinate transformation method, displacement cloaks, which can transform an object into a much bigger illusion elsewhere, were presented and verified. The illusion possesses much stronger scatterings and is at an oblique distance from the object. In this way, detections or attacks are diverted to the non-existent illusion, rather than the true object. Full wave simulations on the basis of the finite element method verifies the designed displacement cloaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current literature has shown that heroin addiction is characterized by long periods of regular use persisting over the life course, whereas the course of stimulant use is less understood. The current study examined long-term trajectories of drug use for primary heroin, cocaine (crack/powder cocaine), and methamphetamine (meth) users. The analyses used data from five studies that collected longitudinal information using the Natural History Instrument, including 629 primary heroin users, 694 cocaine users, and 474 meth users. Drug use trajectories over the 10 years since initiation demonstrated the persistence of use over time for all three drugs, with heroin use at the highest level (13 to 18 days per month), cocaine at the lowest level (8 to 11 days), and meth in between (approximately 12 days per month). Application of growth mixture models revealed five distinctive groups: Consistently High Use (n = 545), Increasing Use (n = 260), Decreasing Use (n = 254), Moderate Use (n = 638), and Low Use (n = 100). Heroin users were disproportionately overrepresented in the Consistently High Use group and underrepresented in the Low Use group; cocaine and meth users were mostly in the Moderate Use group. Users in the High Use group also had earlier onsets of drug use and crime, longer incarceration durations, and were the least employed. Clinical/service policy and practice need to recognize and adapt to the specific patterns and needs of users of different drugs while being mindful of the stage drug users are at in their life course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iris lactea is a perennial herbaceous plant that is rapidly gaining popularity in gardens and for vegetation regeneration in its native northern China. However, its seeds have a high level of apparent dormancy with seedling emergence percentages being <5% under natural field conditions. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of soil temperature on seedling emergence. Treatments involved three soil cover mulches: (1) clear, colourless plastic film; (2) opaque, silvered plastic film; and (3) rice straw. The controls (4) were uncovered. The primary effect of the cover treatments was to increase soil temperature and seedling emergence significantly increased in response. The relatively high soil temperatures under the clear film increased seedling emergence to >60%. Increased soil temperatures not only raised emergence percentages but also shortened the emergence period. However, there were no significant differences in the soil thermal-time requirements for seedling emergence. A second-order polynomial function model was used to describe the correlation between seedling emergence and soil thermal time. The use of a clear film cover is recommended to protect I. lactea seedlings in early April, and to ensure better establishment and survival of the young plants before the onset of cold weather in the autumn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: These case reports document effective treatment using botulinum toxin type-A [BTX-A] in fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS] patients. Outcome measures [including pain scales, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, algometry] were recorded on 25 FMS patients undergoing repeated BTX-A injections [one to five years duration]. Findings: Pain and function were improved in these patients. Muscles injected with good response included the frontalis, corrugators [for headache], levator scapulae, pectoralis minor [neck/shoulder pain], paraspinals, piriformis and sacroiliac ligaments [low back pain]. The BTX-A worked best with biomechanical approaches incorporating postural correction and core stability strengthening. Conclusion: Our clinical experience suggests that pain in FMS patients may be effectively managed with BTX-A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fragrant taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott var. antiquorum] is an important regional plant, with a good taste, from Chongming Island in the southeast of China. Its natural vegetative rate of propagation is relatively low and no research on in vitro propagation of ‘fragrant taro’ has been reported. Thus, an in vitro propagation method for ‘fragrant taro’ was developed, and the effects of thidiazuron (TDZ) and benzylaminopurine (BAP) on shoot-tip differentiation and multiplication were analysed. Shoot-tips were first cultured in half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) semi-solid medium containing different concentrations of TDZ, BAP and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) for 30 d. The best result was found with 1.0 mg l-1 TDZ treatment. Plantlets were then sub-cultured in MS liquid medium for another 90 d. After 30 d, the highest multiplication rate (2.5) was observed in medium with 1.0 mg l-1 BAP and 0.5 mg l-1 NAA. The multiplication rate in medium supplemented with 3.0 mg l-1 BAP and 0.1 mg l-1 TDZ was the highest (4.7) after 90 d of culture. Well-developed shoots were rooted in MS medium solidified with 0.6% (w/v) agar, supplemented with 1.0 mg l-1 BAP, 0.5 mg l-1 NAA and 500 mg l-1 active carbon before transplanting. A protocol for propagating ‘fragrant taro’ in vitro was established in which shoots maintained rapid multiplication for a long time. This protocol can also be used for germplasm conservation and exchange of ‘fragrant taro’. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, radio-frequency ablation has been shown to be a safe and effective method to treat paroxysmal tachycardia with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. The many criteria reported for localizing the sites of accessory pathways from a 12-lead electrocardiogram have not proven adequate to differentiate the correct sites of accessory pathways for all situations. This study trained an artificial neural network to differentiate the varied features needed to localize 10 sites of accessory pathways. One hundred fifty patients underwent successful catheter ablation, with manifest single and antegradely conducting accessory pathways. Using the two electrocardiogram features of polarity of delta wave and R wave's share of QRS complex, an artificial neural network learned the characteristics of electrocardiogram waves for each site of the 10 accessory pathways through 90 learning cases, and an applicable network model was developed for testing. In 58 of 60 test cases (96.7%), sites of accessory pathways were localized correctly by the network. Based on the method employed in the present study, it thus becomes possible to predict the sites of accessory pathways with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome in more detail by using an artificial neural network with a 12-lead electrocardiogram. In the future, when this method is incorporated into a conventional automatic electrocardiogram system which could analyze delta waves and ORS complex, it will become useful to automatically diagnose the locations of the accessory pathways with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine if the physical disabilities of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) would influence the assessment of depression when using the Zung depression scale. Method: Patients with TBI (n = 59) were assessed 1 year after injury for depression by both a psychiatrist and the use of the Zung depression scale. Results: By psychiatric evaluation, seven of 17 (41%) patients with severe TBI and one of 20 (5%) of the patients with moderate TBI were diagnosed with major depressive disorder. With the Zung depression scale, 10 of 17 (59%) patients with severe TBI met the cut-off (scored >55) for depression, whereas none of the patients with moderate (n = 20) or mild (n = 22) TBI did. The mean (SD) scores of the somatic scale were 2.91 (0.93), 2.49 (0.92) and 1.25 (0.43) for each group. The mean scores of the affective scale were 2.58 (0.90), 1.85 (0.79) and 1.24 (0.46). For patients with moderate (p<0.05) and severe (p<0.10) TBI, scores on the somatic items exceeded scores on their affective items. No difference in somatic and affective scale scores was noted for the patients with mild TBI. Conclusion: The increased endorsement of somatic results may be the somatic difficulties associated with traumatic brain injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to develop quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) for the toxicity of mono-cyclic aromatic compounds in the Pseudomonas putida initial oxygen uptake assay. The QSARs were developed using response-surface based on descriptors for chemical hydrophobicity (log?P) and electrophilicity (LUMO). The model (&PlusMinus;0.011)log?P-0.389(&PlusMinus;0.013)LUMO-2.131(&PlusMinus;0.031); n=155,r 2 =0.941,s=0.119,F=1206 led us to conclude that the polar and non-polar narcotics were statistically indistinguishable. Pentafluorophenol, pentachlorophenol and most dinitrophenols classified as weak acid respiratory uncouplers in literature fit well into this model when they were treated as their corresponding phenoxides. This latter result suggests that the action mechanism of these phenols should be reevaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory studies of chemical kinetics and heat transfer in the reduction of iron ore/carbon (coal) mixtures in various forms are reviewed. Therefore, the rate-limiting steps, which are of critical importance in process development, may be identified or suggested for a given set of conditions. Commercial operations using rotary hearth furnace (RHF) for the reduction of iron ore and waste oxide recycling by heating chemically self-sufficient agglomerates and related technical issues will be reviewed and discussed. The development of the next generation of processes based on ore/coal agglomerates, which would have very significant economical and environmental advantages, will be presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses a study which investigated adsorption of 4-hydroxy-6-methyl 1-1, 3, 3a, 7-tetraazaindene (TAI) on a silver surface by means of surface-enhanced Roman spectroscopy (SERS). Relationship between the intensities of SERS and oxidation/reduction cycles; Function of TAI; Importance of adsorption in the photographic activity of stabilizers; Use of SERS.

The article reports that Adult Still's disease patient developed thrombotic microangiopathy with diffuse digital gangrene (AOSD). AOSD is manifested by the appearance of fever, skin rash, arthritis, sore throat, leucocytosis, and hypertransaminasaemia. It is suggested that plasma exchange is useful in treating AOSD.

The article discusses the clinical features and endothelin receptor antagonist in Sjögren's syndrome with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is an unusual complication of primary Sjögren's syndrome which is caused by an immune-mediated mechanism. Some of the effective regimen to treat PAH are Bosentan and aggressive immunosuppressive drug therapy.