Journal articles on the topic 'Con-trast'

SEM users are familiar with two forms of contrast in SEM images: topographic contrast and atomic number contrast. We can now add a third form of contrast. Contrast can arise due to the different orientation of grains in the sample. However, in normal operation this con trast is very weak, since in the SEM the beam includes a range of incident angles. This has the effect of averaging out diffraction contrast from the different orientations of the grains. This contrast is generally much stronger when the trast is very weak, since in the SEM the beam includes a range of incident angles. This has the effect of averaging out diffraction contrast from the different orientations of the grains. This contrast is generally much stronger when the incident beam is an ion beam rather than an electron beam — contrast between the grains is strong in ion-beam images but not in normal SEM images.

This study investigates the differences in the perceived approaches to productivity improvement between domestic-owned and Western-owned companies in Singapore. Although the differences found in the scores are small, which may imply support for the culture-free thesis, analysis of the pattern of significant correlations between the two samples suggests otherwise. There is a sharp con trast in the pattern of significant interrelationships.

From the prospective of the theory of chaos and self-organization it is necessary to define a finite quasi-attractor and move into the area of phase space where it is located. Not each motion is evolution, since evolu-tion means shifting center of quasi-attractors. The participation of each element of the system is necessary, otherwise the evolution will not. In the human body there are organs that are guidelines and may stop the evolu-tion of the organism (in the form of aging) or delay fatal, although death teleologically for us is defined in con-trast to the society.

Peculiarities of pathogene sis of Helicobacter pylori (HP)-associated gastric ulcer (GU) in Khakas se s are investigated. It is found that, in con - trast to Caucasian s, the activation of the Т-cell and humoral parts of the immune response in Mongoloids with GU is accompanied by the high con - tent of CD4 +- and CD20 +-lympho cytes in the muscou s coat of stomach. Changes revealed in the peripheral blood in GU patients were character - ized by a decrease in the magnitude of CD4 +- and CD8 +-lympho cyte subpopulations compared to patients with chronic gastritis. The detected pos - itive correlation between the АА-251 genotype of interleukin-8 and the risk of GU development in Khakssses indicated in favor of the existence of immuno-genetic regularities of GU development. The reasonability of determining population risk and protective genotypes of development of HРassociated GU in Khakasses is discussed.

This paper examines how Danish Headquarters (HQ) use different global integration modes to integrate one business function, i.e., the accounting function, of their Estonian subsidiaries. The study analyses the use of four specific integration modes: people, information, formalization, and centralization. 14 HQs in Denmark with corresponding Estonian subsidiaries were addressed with questionnaires eliciting their integration mode strate- gies. Prior to the HQ survey, the accounting functions in the corresponding subsidiaries had been interviewed regarding integration modes with the Danish HQ. The structure of accounting activities calls for the use of the formalization-based mode and the information-based mode, and therefore these modes were expected to be prevailing. The findings were consistent with our expectations, but also the centralization-based mode was extensively used. The people-based integration mode was not used extensively, but more than expected. Finally, coordination of the accounting function is not an emphasis of the HQ’s. Control but not coordination is in con- trast to earlier theory and findings on the relationships between HQs and their subsidiaries.

The availability of efficient and reliable simulation tools is one of the mission-critical technologies in the fast-moving field of computational neuroscience. Research indicates that higher brain functions emerge from large and complex cortical networks and their interactions. The large number of elements (neurons) combined with the high connectivity (synapses) of the biological network and the specific type of interactions impose severe constraints on the explorable system size that previously have been hard to overcome. Here we present a collection of new techniques combined to a coherent simulation tool removing the fundamental obstacle in the computational study of biological neural networks: the enormous number of synaptic contacts per neuron. Distributing an individual simulation over multiple computers enables the investigation of networks orders of magnitude larger than previously possible. The software scales excellently on a wide range of tested hardware, so it can be used in an interactive and iterative fashion for the development of ideas, and results can be produced quickly even for very large networks. In con-trast to earlier approaches, a wide class of neuron models and synaptic dynamics can be represented.

Clinical assays for factor XII determination are based on measurements of coagulation time in a mul tifactorial assay requiring the availability of factor XII deficient plasma, and the determination is affected by the presence of heparin. Another way of determining the amount of functionally active factor XII in plasma is to measure the amidolytic activity of factor XIIa in a chro mogenic assay. We describe such an assay, which in con trast to previously described chromogenic assays, is in dependent of the presence of prekallikrein. To prevent kallikrein from interfering with the assay, soy bean trypsin inhibitor was added to the plasma. Factor XII was autoactivated by addition of ZnCl2 and sulfatide. Sul fatide could be exchanged with acidic phospholipids but not with dextran sulfate. Linear standard curves were obtained whether the plasma was diluted with factor XII deficient plasma or a physiological buffer. The presence of a pharmacologic concentration of heparin did not affect the assay. In 37 plasma samples from healthy donors, a linear correlation was found between factor XII activity and the amount of factor XII antigen. Key Words: Factor XII—Hageman factor—Determination—Plasma.

Studies related to intellectual capital, particularly in banking sector, are basically focused on the relationship between intellectual capital performance and bank performance. In con¬trast to previous studies, this study analyzes the intellectual capital performance of regional development banks throughout Indonesia to develop performance through management of efficiency and productivity. The population and sample in this study consist of 26 regional development banks in Indonesia for the period 2007–2013. The management of efficiency is measured using the ratio of operating expense to operating income (BOPO), while the management of labor productivity is measured using the ratio of labor expenses to total operating expense and income level. At the theoretical level, this study is expected to fill the gap for the assessment of intellectual capital performance of banking institutions with unique characteristics such as regional development banks. To analyze intellectual capital performance, VAICTM method developed by Pulic (1998, 2000, 2004, 2008) is applied. The findings show that the intellectual capital performance of regional development banks is in the category of common performers. Finally, regional development banks need to focus on the importance of strengthening intangible resources directly affecting banking management in terms of strengthening information technology, positioning, and management competence, as well as organizational culture and working climate.

It is generally agreed that immunological mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease; however, regulation of these mechanisms has hitherto received scant attention. Regulatory net works exist at both a cellular and a molecular level. At the cellular level, the existence of helper (T4-positive) and suppressor (T8-positive) T lymphocytes, the expression of Class II major histocompatibility complex antigens, and the heterogeneity of macrophage subpopulations are central to an understanding of the regulatory mechanisms involved. It is only recently that studies of these separate components, in both humans and experimental animals, have begun to provide a basis for understanding the complex interactions occurring in periodontal disease. Studies using the human experimental gingivitis model have shown an immunoregulatory picture consistent with a controlled immunological reaction with an essentially normal T4:T8 ratio of 2.0. In con trast, studies utilizing cells extracted from adult periodontitis lesions have shown a reduced T4:T8 ratio (approximately 1.0) and an inability to respond in, or to stimulate, an autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction. Animal studies using athymic nude rats have supported the concept of a central role for T-cell control in periodontal disease and the possibility of an imbalance in this control with disease progression. These results are reviewed and areas of future research explored.

K+, Ca2+ and H+ flux profiles were studied around the surface of germinating wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Machete) seeds using a non-invasive microelectrode technique. The seed surface was scanned every 500 µm along the longitudinal axis, and net ion fluxes were measured 2 min and 1, 4 and 24 h after seed rehydration com-menced. Functionally different seed zones exhibited different ion exchange patterns, which also changed differently with time. One h after seed rehydration, the peak of H+ extrusion was observed in the embryo-scutellum region. By 24 h this peak had shifted towards the region of radicle emergence, and its magnitude had increased 5-fold. By con-trast, H+ activity in the endosperm region decreased noticeably during this period. At the same time, Ca2+ flux shifted from initial net influx to efflux in the embryo and scutellum zones. Most striking were K+ flux profiles, with large K+ efflux observed at each end and almost zero flux near the geometrical center of the seed. Significant K+ extru-sion from the embryo end was observed for as long as 24 h after seed rehydration and was not related to the loss of membrane integrity. Seed treatment with metabolic inhibitors (vanadate and tetraethylammonium) caused signifi-cant changes in both H+ and K+ fluxes suggesting that at least part of the measured fluxes originated from activities of plasma membrane transporters. We discuss possible mechanisms responsible for the observed regularities and question whether the seed coat in wheat caryopses is as ion-impermeable as previously believed.

Inversion of the fundamental mode of the Rayleigh wave dispersion curve does not provide a unique solution and the choice of the parameterization (number of layers, range of velocity, and thickness values for the layers) is of prime importance for obtaining reliable results. We analyzed shear-wave velocity profiles derived from borehole tests at 10 sites where soil layers overlay bedrock in various geologic contexts. One to three seismic layers with linear velocity laws could model all of them. Three synthetic models defined from this preliminary study were used to understand the influence of parameterization on the dispersion curve inversion. This analysis resulted in the definition of a two-step inversion procedure for sites exhibiting a strong impedance con-trast. In the first step, the dispersion curve is inverted with an increasing number of layers over half space. The evolution of the minimum misfit and bedrock depth with number of layers allows the estimation of the true bedrock depth range. In the second step, this information is introduced in inversions with linear velocity laws. Synthetic tests showed that applying this procedure requires the dispersion curve over a frequency range from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the site resonance frequency. The strategy was tested on two real cases for which Rayleigh wave dispersion curves were measured over this frequency range using passive and active seismic methods. The strategy was successful at the first site, while the bedrock depth was overestimated by 15% at the second site, probably resulting from the existence of a higher mode affecting the dispersion curve at low frequency.

Summary Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of specific hoof lesions on the locomotion score (LS) as well as the effect of early detection and treatment on duration and prevalence of lesion-specific lameness. Material and methods: In a dairy herd in Lower Saxony, Germany, with 144 lactating cows, claw trimming was performed by a professional claw trimmer at the beginning and the end of a 41-week trial period. Weekly a veterinarian assessed the LS according to Sprecher et al. (1997) in 99 cows. The front and hind claws of cows with an LS > 1 were examined and treated within 5 days. For individual diagnoses, the duration of lameness was calculated as the number of weeks from first treatment until recovery (LS = 1).Results: In total, 580 examinations and treatments were performed on 94 cows. There were 189 new lameness cases with a total of 290 diagnoses. At the first treatment, 81.0% of the cows displayed an LS of 2. Cows with digital dermatitis (DD), heel horn erosion and white line disease (WLD) more often had an LS > 2 compared to cows with Rusterholz’ sole ulcer, interdigital hyperplasia or inadequate claw length/posture (p < 0.05). Cows with only one affected leg, more often had an LS > 2 than cows with several affected legs (p < 0.1). Lameness caused by WLD and arthritis/ periarthritis remained for the longest time period. The prevalence of sole haemorrhages and/or double soles, WLD, interdigital dermatitis and interdigital hyperplasia decreased significantly during the test period. Prevalence of sole ulcer (sole ulcer and Rusterholz’ sole ulcer) and DD remained unaffected. Conclusion and clinical relevance: Locomotion score was affected by the type of claw/limb disorder and the number of diseased limbs. Regular locomotion scoring and continuous treatment of cows with an LS > 1 is associated with a decrease in the prevalence of several claw lesions. Therefore, prevalence of severe claw lesions like WLD, which was associated with a long duration of lameness, can be reduced. In con trast, for decreasing prevalence of digital dermatitis more than weekly treatment of every cow with LS > 1 is required. Preventive measures like footbaths or improved hygiene should accompany the individual animal treatment.

<p> </p><p><span> </span>This paper concerns digital literacy as a main dimension of social literacy in general, and especially as an important aspect of multimodal literacy. The main purpos-es of the paper (on a theoretical level) are the following: a) the definition of the nature and the main aspects and principles of digital literacy, which is regarded as not explicitly and sufficiently defined in an era of information and advanced technology; b) the presentation and analysis of students’ cognitive schemata (formal and content), which are a prerequisite for the cultivation of digital literacy practices, the social and linguistic aspects of digital literacy and the cultural dimension of this kind of literacy; c) the inves-tigation of ways to connect digital literacy and multimodality; d) the description of se-miotic resources and semiotic modes which are the main means for meaning making and meaning making transformation and redesigning, considered within the frame of social semiotic theory; e) finally, the discussion of some dimensions of critical digital literacy in </p><p>educational systems. Additionally, the main aims of the present paper, as a contribution to scientific research in the literacy field, are: a) to investigate the ways digital literacy practices are cultivated in Greek primary and secondary education through content analysis of the Greek language curricula and course books in secondary education and through the critical analysis of educational discourse; b) to present Greek language teachers’ attitudes towards the term and the aspects of multimodality and its location in the Greek educational system (the data about teachers’ attitudes are collected through interviews). The results of the research show that, in Greek education, digital literacy practices are considered to be an intentional process and a system of knowledge and skills (according the autonomous model of literacy) without being viewed in their social and ideological aspects within a communicative and cultural community. The considera-tion of semiotic resources and digital tools as isolated from their social context is in con-trast to language as semiotic mode, which is examined and studied in its social and cul-tural context. Also, language teachers are confused as far as the notion and the aspects of multimodality are concerned. Finally an example is provided of analysing a multimodal text positing an argument, so as to highlight the construction of meaning through a vari-ety of semiotic modes.Using this example, the content and practice of Greek language as an educational subject could be rejuvenated.</p>

The article analyzes the phenomenon of digital bodility in the context of popular culture. In par-ticular, in the aspect of digital body existence in the space of MMORPG. The relevance is due to the apparent inadequacy of the traditional morphology of bodility, which implies the existence of a physi-cal and social body, as well as a transformation of communication strategies, including language prac-tices, which are strongly influenced by the gaming industry. However, if we are talking about the ap-pearance of a new type of bodility that fundamentally changes the whole morphology of the phenomenon, then, automatically, we raise another problem implicit in this phenomenon: these are the mechanisms of self-identification. The purpose of the work is to analyze the phenomenon of the MMORPG, the features of social communication and the specifics of self-identification in the virtual space. Modern foreign studies related to the digital body and the problems of interaction in the virtual world are, as a rule, of an applied nature, and they focus specifically on communication, rather than bodility. So, N. Dachenow, E. Nickell and R.J.Mour were very productively engaged in the study of communication strategies in the MMORPG Star Wars universe. A similar problem was solved by M. Griffits, M. Davis and D. Chapell, who were among the first to point out that it was the possibility of communication in the MMORPG that was the most attractive for users. V. Chen and G. Dach went further and turned to the analysis of the influence on the user of the immersion process in virtual reali-ty, so they came close to the problem of the digital body itself functioning. We point out the need to consider the problem of the digital body functioning in the context of increasing activity of minority cultures. Today, it can be unequivocally asserted that the importance of minority subcultural movements will increase. We are already witnessing a process in which subcul-tural movements are not simply massively entering the forefront of cultural life, but are increasingly asserting their rights to determine the cultural mainstream. The Information Society provided new opportunities and opened new prospects for the development of a very different minority communities. In our research, we define digital bodility as a highly aestheticized artificially and consciously created for the purpose of its further translation into the virtual world, formally divorced from physical sensations and the physical body, but actively interacting with it. Digital bodility determines the psy-chophysiological state of the creator, while bringing him/her closer to immortality, being able, in con-trast to the social body, to survive the death of the physical body. The article provides an analysis of the MMORPG phenomenon and the features of social communication in the space of multiplayer online games. The self-identification of modern man, and sometimes the whole process of socializa-tion, takes place precisely in the virtual space, so it is extremely important to identify the features of this process. Sometimes it seems that digital bodility gives the person many new opportunities. In particular, the possibility of existence in a parallel virtual reality with complete freedom of self-representation and self-identification. However, this is only the illusion of freedom, because both in social networks and in MMORPG the user only chooses an image/model/strategy of behavior from the ones offered to him, he collects his identity from the set of cultural patterns embedded in this program. We found that communication in these games is denser and multidimensional: the user simultaneously (in the literal sense of the word) refers to verbal communication, written communication – chats and sending letters using an alternative language system – and, most importantly, a fundamentally new and an unexplored form of communication, which can be described as “interpersonal visual.” We emphasize once again: if visual communication is actively studied as such, then communication of digital bodies remains outside the field of scientific reflection, and meanwhile, communication of this kind becomes one of the main ones. In other words, the image created in the game / social network determines the quality and success of the interaction of real users. We come to the conclusion that the main achievement of the MMORPG is not in the freedom of self-identification provision, but in the new communication strategies formation and their potential influence on the communication sphere as a whole because of the growing popularity of MMORPG.

Abstract Background Thrombi and sludge in patients with atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter are common. Both thrombus and sludge worses prognosis. Thrombus is a contraindication for cardioversion but further therapeutic guidance is not stated. We focused on: (i) death and stroke risk of patients with thrombus or sludge, (ii) effectiveness of anticoagulation in thrombus resolution and influence of resolution on prognosis (iii) comparison of solid clot and sludge Methods 77 from 267 (29%) patients with persistent AF were diagnosed in TOE with left atrial thrombus or sludge. After the diagnosis 34 of patients (44%) were marked as chronic AF with OAC therapy. 43 patients (56%) were the group of further attempts of cardioversion with 3 methods of anticoagulation (VKA with rigorous control of INR, higher doses of NOAC or therapeutic doses of low molecular weight heparin). Risk of death and stroke was analyzed (i) in thrombus/sludge vs clean appendage, (ii) in chronic AF with standard anticoagulation versus persistent AF with „intensive" anticoagulation, (iii) with regard to method of anticoagulation, (iv) in persistent thrombus/sludge versus resoluted thromboembolic material, (v) in sludge vs clean appendage and (vi) in sludge vs thrombus. Results Annual death risk in patients with thrombus/sludge is high : 17 of 77 (22%). In patients free from thrombus/sludge annual death risk is low: only 3 from 190 (1,6%). Annual risk of stroke in thrombus/sludge is also high: 13 patients (17%); in 6 patients - 46% stroke was fatal. Risk of stroke in patients without diagnosed thrombus/sludge is very low: 2 from 190 (1%); none of the strokes was fatal. More effective in thrombus resolution was LMWH (81% effectiveness) than NOAC (44%) and VKA (43%). Heparin vs OAC, despite better effectiveness, did not yield better survival. Strokes were not significantly less frequent in LMWH group - 9% than OAC - 13%. Incidence of stroke and death in patients with thrombus resolution was not significantly lower: 2 strokes (8%) and 4 deaths (15%) in group of resoluted thrombus and 2 strokes (12%) and 4 deaths (25%) in the group of persistent thrombus. We picked up less cases of deaths and strokes in patients referred to further TOE control versus those not subjected to TOE control but the differences were not significant: 4 patients (9%) of supervised patients had ischemic stroke and 7 (16%) died but in the group with no supervision 7 patients (21%) experienced stroke and 10 (29%) died. There is no statistical difference comparing sludge to clot : 2 patients experienced ischemic stroke (11%) and 3 (16%) died in sludge group and 9 strokes (16%), 16 deaths (24%) occured in clot group. Conclusions Patients with thrombus in LAA are of high risk of death and stroke. Best treatment for thrombus resolution was LMWH. Neither resolving the thrombus nor any treatment method decreases the risk significantly. Sludge is equally threatening as solid thrombus.

ABSTRACTThe batch-foaming behavior of multiphase polymer blends and block copolymers was systematically investigated using carbon dioxide as a blowing agent. Three different polymer systems were evaluated: (i) nanostructured triblock terpolymers, (ii) microstructured polymer blends, and (iii) nanostructured polymer blends. In order to obtain nanostructured blends, immis-cible blends of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether)/poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (PPE/SAN) were melt-compatibilised via polystyrene-b-polybutadiene-b-poly(methyl methacry-late) triblock terpolymers. Due to the specific interaction between the respective components, a nanostructured interphase between PPE and SAN was observed. With regard to neat block co-polymers, the self-assembly of solvent-cast SBM triblock terpolymers was exploited in order to produce nanostructured morphologies. In each case, the resulting foam morphology was charac-terized by evaluating the foam density as well as the cell size. Combined with the multiphase structure of the non-foamed material and its thermal as well as physical behavior, relationships between the foaming characteristics and the cellular morphology were established. As an exam-ple for the foaming results, submicro-cellular structures were observed by foaming nanostruc-tured polymer blends, while the cell walls still revealed the nanostructured morphology. In con-trast, batch-foaming of neat triblock terpolymers led to the formation of microcellular foams; however, as highlighted by scanning electron microscopy, the cell walls did undergo some fur-ther expansion and formed additional nano-sized cells. In the light of these results, new routes for preparing cellular polymers are derived by systematically exploiting the multiphase charac-teristics of polymer blends and block copolymers.

Aim: Spectacle wearers often prefer tintedlenses to clear or non-tinted lenses for their protection against harmful radiation, improved cos-mesis, enhancement of visual performance and effects on colour vision. Among the available tinted lenses on the market blue, brown and grey tinted spectacle lenses are popular with varying gradesranging from A to D. Due to reduced transmission of light through such lenses, the optical system of the eyes and the environmental vision may be temporarily altered. Colour vision (CV) and con-trast sensitivity (CS) are important aspects of this altered visual world. This study investigated the effect of spectacle lenses of varying grades of tint on CS and CV.Method: The study adopted a pre- and postest research design and a sample of 90 participants were selected from the University of KwaZulu-Natal student population using convenience sam-ling. Each participant was screened for patholgy, dyschromatopsia, severe dry eyes (TBUT<5 seconds), and the presence of any more than low metropia. Thereafter each successful participant was tested for CS and CV with their habitual precription and then tested randomly with a white clear) lens (placebo) and tinted (blue, brown, and grey) spectacle lenses made of CR39 material each having grades A, B and C over their habitual state. Light transmission was 85%, 75%, and 50% for grades A, B, and C respectively. The Functional Acuity Contrast Test (FACT) chart and American Optical Hardy, Rand, and Rittler (AO HRR) were used for the assessment of CS and CV respectively.Results: The data was analysed using the Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) version18. Compared to the habitual state, contrast sensitivity was enhanced with all the tinted lensesThe greater enhancement was for low spatial frequencies (LSF) and least for high spatial frequencies (HSF). With all tints Grade C had the least enhancement for very HSF. Many subjects showed no change in CV with any of the lensesused. The grey tint showed greater enhancement of CV as the density increases. Blue and brown tints showed a similar trend with grade B enhancing CV the most while grade C resulted in theleast reduction of CV.Conclusion: Grade A, B, and C of blue, brown and grey tinted spectacle lenses do not alter colour vision significantly but for the selected levels of transmission of the tints used, contrast sensitivity can be improved to some extent.