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Star sensor could work independently ignoring the outside interference, but the disadvantages of star sensor are low output frequency and the limitation in cloudy or rainy day. SINS/CNS integrated navigation system exactly makes up for the deficiencies. However, the practical environment of the surface ship with SINS/CNS integrated navigation system is complicated. It will make the star spots in the star image which is captured by star sensor blurred when the ship is in high dynamic motion condition, especially in the rotation motion. This special environment will results in the inaccurate identification of star image and decrease the gesture determination accuracy of star sensor. At the same time, the reliability of SINS/CNS integrated navigation system is much lower than that in static state. To solve this kind of problem, this paper sums up the previous methods and technologies of image processing, considers the complex and special environment where the SINS/CNS integrated navigation system works actually, and proposes a new improved algorithm which is based on one-dimensional Wiener Filter (1DWF). Through the analysis based on the designed experiment, the attitude and position output accuracy of the star sensor is as high as wiener filter. The result of the experiment demonstrates that the new developed algorithm based on 1DWF could be applied to the SINS/CNS integrated navigation system successfully.

Stachybotrin G (1), a new sulfate meroterpenoid possessing a unique farnesylated [1,3]diazepino[2,1-a]isoindole skeleton, was discovered from sponge derived fungus Stachybotrys chartarum (MXH-X73). The structure was elucidated on the basis of NMR spectroscopic data and X-ray analysis.

The DAMA/LIBRA experiment, running at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of the I.N.F.N. in Italy, has a sensitive mass of about 250 kg highly radiopure NaI(Tl). It is mainly devoted to the investigation of Dark Matter (DM) particles in the Galactic halo by exploiting the model independent DM annual modulation signature. The present DAMA/LIBRA experiment and the former DAMA/NaI one (the first generation experiment having an exposed mass of about 100 kg) have released so far results corresponding to a total exposure of 1.17 ton yr over 13 annual cycles. They provide a model independent evidence of the presence of DM particles in the galactic halo at 8.9 sigma C.L.. A short summary of the obtained results is presented and future perspectives of the experiment mentioned., 12 pages, Proceed. of the 15th Bled Workshop "What Comes Beyond Standard Models" (December 2012), Vol. 13, No. 2

Tight sand gas is the main type of unconventional natural gas. According to the geologic characteristics of large-scale tight sandstone gas reservoirs discovered in China in recent years, tight sand gas reservoirs can be classified into three main types, multi-layer lens overlaid tight sand gas reservoir, multilayered tight sandstone gas reservoir and massive tight sand gas reservoir. A series of development technologies for the first 2 types of reservoirs have been formed, focusing on improving individual well producing rate and reducing development cost. They drive the scale development of tight gas. As to multi-layer lens overlaid tight sand gas, the specific technologies include well location optimization, multi-stage sand fracturing, down hole choking and low-pressure surface gas gathering system. As to multilayered tight sand gas, the specific technologies include sweet-spot prediction and evaluation, integrated horizontal well development technique, and drainage gas recovery technique. There are still great challenges in tight gas development from several aspects, such as the enhancement of reserve deployment ratio and recovery ratio, the improvement of individual well producing rate, the development of new and difficult-to-produce reserves as well as the rate maintenance, and gas well management in its later stage of life cycle. Key words: tight sand gas, classification and evaluation, development technology series, technology challenges

An ethyl acetate extract from the barks of the ethnic Chinese medicine Daphne tangutica Maxim. exhibited antihepatocellular carcinoma activity against HepG2 and Hep3B cell lines. By using high-performance liquid chromatography based activity profiling in combination with offline liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry and NMR analysis, we rapidly identified ten major components of the extract, including seven active principles, coumarins (1-4) and biscoumarins (7, 8, 10), along with three inactive flavonoids (5, 6, 9). This study demonstrated that our combined protocol can be used as an important strategy for chemical profiling, dereplication as well as the identification of bioactive compounds from herbal medicines.

cope The number of people with diabetes is increasing rapidly in the world. In the present study, the hypoglycemic activity and potential mechanism of ergosterol (ERG), a phytosterol derived from the edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus are investigated in vitro and in vivo. Methods and results ERG is isolated from Pleurotus ostreatus and identified by NMR spectra. The effects of ERG on the glucose uptake, glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation, GLUT4 expression, and the phosphorylation of AMPK, Akt and PKC in L6 cells are evaluated. ERG enhances glucose uptake and displays a GLUT4 translocation activity with up-regulating GLUT4 expression and phosphorylation of Akt and PKC in L6 cells. In vivo, antidiabetic activity of ERG is examined. The phosphorylation of Akt and PKC in different tissues from KK-Ay mice is assessed. ERG significantly improves insulin resistance and blood lipid indices while reducing fasting blood glucose levels and protecting pancreas and liver in the mice. Moreover, the phosphorylation of Akt and PKC is increased in different tissues. Conclusion The results suggest that ERG may be a potential hypoglycemic agent for the treatment of T2DM with the probable mechanism of stimulating GLUT4 translocation and expression modulated by the PI3K/Akt pathway and PKC pathway.

EAS (extensive air shower) thermal neutron measurement gives advantages to study energy and mass composition of primary cosmic rays especially in the knee region. After the success of the PRISMA-YBJ experiment, we build a new EAS thermal neutron detection array at Tibet University, Lhasa, China (3700 m a.s.l.) in March, 2017. This prototype array so called "PRISMA-LHAASO-16" consists of 16 EAS EN-detectors ("EN" is abbreviation for electron and neutron) measuring two main EAS components: hadronic and electromagnetic ones. Different from PRISMA-YBJ, these detectors use a thin layer of a novel type of ZnS(Ag) scintillator alloyed with natural boron compound for thermal neutron capture. PRISMA-LHAASO-16 will be moved to the LHAASO site in the near future. In this paper, we introduce principle of the detection technique, deployment of the array, and the test results of the array.

The Ordos Basin is a large cratonic basin with an area of 250,000 km2 in central China. Upper Paleozoic coals and shales serve as gas source rocks with peak generation and migration at the end of the early Cretaceous. Recent exploration has verified the huge gas potential in the “basin-centered gas accumulation system” (BCGAS). However, the mechanism for the gas accumulation is controversial. With an integrated approach of thin-section petrography, ultra-violet fluorescence microscopy, fluid inclusion microthermometry, Raman microspectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffractometry, we identified diagenetic trapping and evaluated the diagenetic history of sandstone reservoirs in the Yulin Gas Field in the central area, where structural, stratigraphic and/or sedimentary lithologic traps have not been found. It was revealed that three phases of diagenesis and hydrocarbon charging occurred, respectively, in the late Triassic, late Jurassic and at the end of the early Cretaceous. In the first two phases, acidic water entered the reservoir and caused dissolution and cementation, resulting in porosity increase. However, further subsidence and diagenesis, including compaction and cementation, markedly reduced the pore space. At the end of the early Cretaceous, the bulk of the gas migrated into the tight reservoirs, and the BCGAS trap was formed. In the updip portion of this system, cementation continued to occur due to low gas saturation and has provided effective seals to retain gas for a longer period of time than water block in the BCGAS. The mechanism for the gas entrapment was changed from water block by capillary pressure in the BCGAS to diagenetic sealing. The diagenetic seals in the updip portion of the sand body were formed after gas charging, which indicates that there is a large hydrocarbon exploration potential at the basin-centered area.

In the updip portion of the Yulin Gas Field in the Ordos Basin, there are no any structural, stratigraphic and sedimentary lithologic seals. Using thin-section petrography, ultraviolet fluorescence microscopy, micro-thermometry and Raman microspectrometry, this paper finds out the diagenetic trap and studies the diagenetic history of this field. It was revealed that three phases of diagenesis and hydrocarbon charging happened in late Triassic, late Jurassic and the end of early Cretaceous respectively. In the first two phases, acid geofluid entered the reservoir and caused dissolution and cementation. Although the porosities had been increased, further compaction accompanying re-subsidence resulted in tight sandstone and conglomerates. Till the end of the early Cretaceous, bulk of gas migrated into the tight reservoir. Cementation, however, kept on in the updip portion of this field due to low gas saturation and formed the diagenetic trap. The mechanism for gas accumulation was changed from deep basin gas to diagenetic trap, which offers a sealing condition that can retain gas for much longer time.

The channeling effect of low energy ions along the crystallographic axes and planes of NaI(Tl) crystals is discussed in the framework of corollary investigations on WIMP Dark Matter candidates. In fact, the modeling of this existing effect implies a more complex evaluation of the luminosity yield for low energy recoiling Na and I ions. In the present paper related phenomenological arguments are developed and possible implications are discussed at some extent., 16 pages, 10 figures, preprint ROM2F/2007/15, submitted for publication

Two new highly oxygenated hexacyclic cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) alkaloids, speradines B and C (1 and 2), together with one new related tetracyclic oxindole alkaloid, speradine D (3), were isolated from the sponge derived fungus Aspergillus flavus MXH-X104. Among them, speradine C (2) possesses unprecedented 6/5/6/5/5/6 hexacyclic ring system and 4-oxo-1, 3-oxazinane ring. The structures including absolute configurations of 1–3 were deduced from the spectroscopic data, X-ray diffraction analysis and the computational method including the calculation of the chemical shifts and the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra.

Two new isobenzofuran-aspochalasin heterodimers, spicarins A (I) and B (II), are isolated along with two new related isobenzofuran dimers, spicarins C and D (III).

To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of the serum procalcitonin (PCT) level in the non-acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) immunocompromised critically ill patients suspected to have infection.A retrospective study was conducted in the non-AIDS immunocompromised patients who were admitted to Department of Critical Care Medicine of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University during January 2011 to December 2014. Demographic characteristics, underlying disease, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHEII) score at admission, and clinical records including baseline and peak levels of temperature, white blood count (WBC), PCT, and survival rate within 28 days, infection focus, infectious agents (bacterial, fungi or mixed infection), and the severity of infection (sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock) were recorded. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted, and the diagnostic and protective value of above parameters was evaluated.A total of 98 patients (43 male and 55 female) were enrolled in the study with a median age of 44 (28, 52) years old and a median APACHEII score of 17 (11, 20); 47 with malignant hematological tumor, 45 with autoimmune diseases, and 6 post solid organ transplantation. Among them 53 patients (54.1%) died within 28 days. Twenty-seven patients were diagnosed as systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) without infection. Among 71 patients with infection, 45 were diagnosed as bacterial infection, 10 with fungal infection, and 16 with mixed infection. Sepsis was diagnosed in 7 patients, severe sepsis in 32 patients, and septic shock in 32 patients. (1) There was no statistical significance in the baseline and peak levels of PCT and WBC, or baseline level of temperature between the groups of SIRS patients without infection and infected patients. The peak level of temperature was significantly higher in the patients with infection as compared with that of the SIRS without infection patients [centigrade: 39.4 (38.9, 40.0) vs. 38.8 (37.8, 39.2), Z=-3.268, P=0.001]. It was showed by subgroup analysis that in patients with hematological malignant disease or autoimmune diseases, higher level of body temperature was found in infection group compared with non-infection SIRS group [centigrade: 39.5 (39.0, 40.0) vs. 39.0 (38.4, 39.4), Z=-2.349, P=0.019; 39.0 (38.4, 39.5) vs. 38.2 (37.0, 38.9), Z=-2.221, P=0.026]. (2) The baseline level of PCT (μg/L) were 0.54 (0.20, 4.19), 2.78 (0.50, 9.54), 1.00 (0.45, 6.89), and 0.22 (0.07, 1.86) in non-infection SIRS patients or the patients with bacterial, fungal, and mixed infection, respectively. The peak level of PCT (μg/L) were 4.19 (1.95, 13.42), 12.37 (3.82, 45.89), 1.82 (0.49, 17.86), and 5.14 (2.66, 12.62), respectively, in each subgroup. When the comparison was conducted among the patients with different infectious agent, the baseline level of PCT in patients with bacterial infection was significantly higher than that in SIRS patients without infection (P=0.026) and mixed infection patients (P=0.001), and the peak level of PCT was significantly higher than that in the SIRS patients without infection (P=0.009) and the patients with fungal infection (P=0.016). ROC curve showed that the higher value was found in the baseline and peak levels of PCT for diagnosis of septic shock in all patients [ area under ROC curve (AUC) of baseline level=0.681±0.054, P=0.001; AUC of peak level=0.690±0.054, P=0.002], and the same value was also found in the baseline and peak levels of PCT for diagnosis of bacterial infection in the patients with malignant hematological tumor (AUC of baseline level=0.687±0.080, P=0.008; AUC of peak level=0.697±0.079, P=0.021). (3) The peak level of PCT (μg/L) were 4.05 (0.53, 31.22), 5.78 (2.14, 16.68), and 11.64 (2.94, 58.14) in subgroup of patients with sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock, respectively, and they showed no statistical significance among subgroups (P0.05). A high serum level of peak PCT strongly indicated the presence of septic shock (AUC=0.646±0.060, P=0.019), especially in the subgroup of patients with systemic autoimmune disease (AUC=0.689±0.081, P=0.035). (4) The peak level of PCT (μg/L) in the APACHEII18 group (38 cases) was significantly higher than that of APACHEII≤18 group [ 60 cases, PCT (μg/L): 11.64 (3.36, 39.39) vs. 4.42 (1.32, 14.70), P=0.016]; there was a certain correlation between the peak level of PCT and the severity of the disease. (5) The peak level of PCT in death group was significantly higher than that of the survival group [μg/L: 9.07 (3.05, 33.09) vs. 4.19 (1.26, 14.61), P=0.043]. ROC curve showed that the peak level of PCT might be valuable in predicting the prognosis in immunocompromised patients (AUC=0.619±0.057, P=0.043).The serum level of PCT is found to be a reliable marker for the diagnosis of bacterial infection in immunocompromised critical patients, especially in those with hematologic malignancy. Additionally, PCT provides a useful tool for evaluating the severity of infection and the prognosis of critically ill patients.

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) 17, constitutively expressed in alveolar epithelium, is the pivotal shedding enzyme mediating acute lung inflammation. On the other hand, angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7)/Mas signaling has been shown to improve acute respiratory distress syndrome and protect alveolar epithelial cells from apoptosis. In this study, we explored the effect of Ang-(1-7)/Mas signaling on the expression and activity of ADAM17 and assessed its impact on apoptosis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated human alveolar epithelial cells. LPS markedly induced the shedding activity of ADAM17 in alveolar epithelial cells, which was blocked by selective c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125. Ang-(1-7) concentration-dependently inhibited LPS-induced ADAM17 shedding activity, which was abolished by selective Mas blocker A779 and Mas shRNA. LPS and Ang-(1-7) showed no significant effect on the expression of ADAM17. Overexpression of ADAM17 synergized with LPS on increasing the shedding activity of ADAM17 and apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells, counteracting the inhibitory effects of Ang-(1-7). In addition, LPS significantly increased the JNK activity in alveolar epithelial cells; Ang-(1-7) concentration-dependently inhibited LPS-induced JNK activity, which was abolished by A779 and Mas shRNA. In conclusion, this study suggests that Ang-(1-7)/Mas signaling inhibits LPS-induced alveolar epithelial cell apoptosis by inhibiting LPS-induced shedding activity of ADAM17, likely by a JNK-dependent mechanism.

In the present paper the results obtained in the investigation of possible diurnal effects for low-energy single-hit scintillation events of DAMA/LIBRA-phase1 (1.04 ton $\times$ yr exposure) have been analysed in terms of an effect expected in case of Dark Matter (DM) candidates inducing nuclear recoils and having high cross-section with ordinary matter, which implies low DM local density in order to fulfill the DAMA/LIBRA DM annual modulation results. This effect is due to the different Earth depths crossed by those DM candidates during the sidereal day., 22 pages, 9 figures, 1 table; in publication on Eur. Phys. J. C

The results obtained with the total exposure of 1.04 ton x yr collected by DAMA/LrBRA-phase1 deep underground at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS) of the I.N.F.N. during 7 annual cycles are summarized. The DAMA/LLBRA-phase1 and the former DAMA/NaI data (cumulative exposure 1.33 ton x yr, corresponding to 14 annual cycles) give evidence at 9.3 sigma C.L. for the presence of Dark Matter (DM) particles in the galactic halo, on the basis of the exploited model independent DM annual modulation signature by using highly radio-pure NaI(T1) target. The modulation amplitude of the single-hit events in the (2-6) keV energy interval is: (0.0112 +/- 0.0012) cpd/kg/keV; the measured phase is (144 +/- 7) days and the measured period is (0.998 +/- 0.002) yr, values well in agreement with those expected for DM particles. No systematic or side reaction able to mimic the exploited DM signature has been found or suggested by anyone over more than a decade. Some of the perspectives of the presently running DAMA/LIBRA-phase2 are outlined.

The inorganic crystals have been widely used for dark matter direct searching for many decades. However, limited by the crystal growth technique, a lot of small crystals have to be used together for large target mass, which results in a degradation of light collection efficiency. An experiment was built up to study the degradation, and the method of soaking crystals into mineral oil to improve the efficiency as well as reduce the interface effect were proposed and validated. Good data and MC agreements were achieved in the experiment.

A hybrid pixel detector with single photon counting mode has been designed for the High Energy Photon Source in China. It features a pixel size of 150 μm × 150 μm and a frame rate up to 1.2 kHz with 20-bit dynamic range. Six modules were assembled as the first prototype system, covering an area of 9 cm × 10 cm with 360k pixels. Images have been taken using X-ray and synchrotron radiation light, and the preliminary detector performance is presented.

The present study investigated the anti-diabetic activity and potential mechanism of stigmasterol (SMR), which is a kind of phytosterols derived from the edible soybean oil in vitro and in vivo. SMR displayed a mild GLUT4 translocation activity by 1.44-fold in L6 cells. L6 cells were treated with different concentration of SMR, showing significant effects on the enhancing glucose uptake. SMR administrated orally to the KK-Ay mice significantly alleviated their insulin resistance and oral glucose tolerance with reducing fasting blood-glucose levels and blood lipid indexes such as triglyceride and cholesterol. Moreover, the GLUT4 expression in L6 cells, skeletal muscle and white adipose tissue had been also enhanced. In this paper we conclude that, stigmasterol seems to have potential beneficial effects on the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus with the probable mechanism of targeting GLUT4 glucose transporter included increasing GLUT4 translocation and expression., Graphical Abstract

This paper summarizes in a simple and intuitive way why the neutrons, the muons and the solar neutrinos cannot give any significant contribution to the DAMA annual modulation results. A number of these elements have already been presented in individual papers; they are recalled here. Afterwards, few simple considerations are summarized which already demonstrate the incorrectness of the claim reported in PRL 113 (2014) 081302., 11 pages, 1 table

Seven new phenylspirodrimanes, named stachybotrins D-F (1, 3, 4), stachybocins E and F (5, 6), and stachybosides A and B (7, 8), and four known compounds (2, 9-11), were isolated from the sponge-derived fungus Stachybotrys chartarum MXH-X73. Their structures were determined by detailed analysis of spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations of 1-8 were determined by chemical hydrolysis and modified Mosher's and Marfey's methods. All compounds were tested in an anti-HIV activity assay, and compound 1 showed an inhibitory effect on HIV-1 replication by targeting reverse transcriptase. Further study exhibited that 1 could block NNRTIs-resistant strains (HIV-1RT-K103N, HIV-1RT-L100I,K103N, HIV-1RT-K103N,V108I, HIV-1RT-K103N,G190A, and HIV-1RT-K103N,P225H) as well as wild-type HIV-1 (HIV-1wt) with EC50 values of 7.0, 23.8, 13.3, 14.2, 6.2, and 8.4 μM, respectively.

Reserve estimation for hydrocarbon reservoirs can be improved by incorporating values extracted from three-dimensional (3-D) seismic data with those obtained from more conventional data sources of data, such as drill-core and well-log data. An example of this improved method is illustrated by an application to the QW pool located in the Buohaiwan Basin in eastern China. Parameter values extracted from 3-D seismic data extend the knowledge about the spatial distributions of such reservoir parameters as net thickness, porosity, and oil saturation. To assist in the extraction of these values, different pattern-recognition techniques can be applied. The results that are obtained by this method offer a more reliable and more credible approach to reserve estimation and can be applied at every stage of resource extraction from exploration to development.

Discovery process modeling has gained wide acceptance in the Chinese exploration community. In recent years, a variety of discovery process models have been applied to the prediction of undiscovered petroleum resources at the play level in sedimentary basins in China. However, challenging problems have been encountered, particularly when one method alone has been applied to small plays in nonmarine sedimentary basins or in plays with an unusual order of discovery wells. This paper presents results gotten by using the lognormal discovery process model of the Geological Survey of Canada and the geoanchored method for three petroleum plays in basins with different geologic settings. Although the predicted shapes of the parentsize distributions which use these two models, were not always similar, the expected values of the total resources and the number of fields (pools) to be discovered are comparable. The combined use of two discovery process models in the same play compensates for the weaknesses in one method compared with the other and vice versa. Thus, more reliable estimates are the result.

A new search for production of correlated e+e- pairs in the alpha decay of 241Am has been carried out deep underground at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of the I.N.F.N. by using pairs of NaI(Tl) detectors of the DAMA/LIBRA set-up. The experimental data show an excess of double coincidences of events with energy around 511 keV in faced pairs of detectors, which are not explained by known side reactions. This measured excess gives a relative activity lambda = (4.70 \pm 0.63) \times 10^{-9} for the Internal Pair Production (IPP) with respect to alpha decay of 241Am; this value is of the same order of magnitude as previous determinations. In a conservative approach the upper limit lambda < 5.5 \times 10^{-9} (90% C.L.) can be derived. It is worth noting that this is the first result on IPP obtained in an underground experiment, and that the lambda value obtained in the present work is independent on the live-time estimate., 18 pages, 5 figures, 3 tables; version accepted for publication on Eur. Phys. J. A

In our screening for antitubercular agents, five naphtho-γ-pyrones including two new naphtho-γ-pyrones glycosides, indigotides G and H (1 and 2), and two diphenyl ethers were isolated from the extract of a sponge-derived fungus Metarhizium anisopliae mxh-99. Their structures were established on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence. The antitubercular activities of all the compounds were evaluated against Mycobacterium phlei. The known isochaetochromin B2 (6) and ustilaginoidin D (7) exhibited the highest activity with MICs 50.0 μg/mL.

EAS array of novel type have been constructed on the base of ARGO-YBJ experiment (Tibet, China). It consists of the four specially designed scintillator en-detectors capable to measure two main EAS components: hadrons through thermal neutrons (n) and electrons (e). The results of simulation for these arrays using CORSIKA and GEANT4 codes are presented. Simulated thermal neutron and electron lateral distributions are compared with experimental data. Obtained distributions are compared with those obtained by other arrays.

To determine whether central venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide tension difference (Pcv-aCO(2)) could still be used as a goal of fluid resuscitation in septic patients who already had ScvO2 greater than 70% after early resuscitation.A prospective observational study was performed on 56 septic patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in a single University Hospital, who already had ScvO2 greater than 70% after early resuscitation. They were divided into two groups, based on whether the patients' initial Pcv-aCO2 was less than 6 mmHg (low gap group) or greater than or equal to 6 mmHg (high gap group). The following data were collected at 0, 12, and 24 hours (T(0), T(12), T(24)) after study inclusion: hemodynamic indices [mean blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO), central venous pressure (CVP)], perfusion-related indexes [ScvO(2), Pcv-aCO2, serum lactate (Lac), Lac clearance rate], organ function- related indices [oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO(2)), serum creatinine (SCr), creatine kinase (CK-MB)], APACHE II score, SOFA score, and 24 hours amounts of fluid infusion.Twenty patients (42.9%) with initial Pcv-aCO(2) ≥ 6 mmHg were included in the high gap group and another thirty-two patients were included in the low gap group. At T12 and T24, ScvO(2) and CO were significantly higher, and Lac and SCr were significantly lower in low gap patients than high gap patients (P0.05). At T(12) and T(24), Lac clearance rate was significantly higher (P0.05), and 24-hours amounts of fluid infusion was significantly less [(3449.47 ± 695.41) mL vs (4070.66 ± 757.43) mL, P= 0.002] for the low gap group than for the high gap group, as well as the descrease of SOFA score at T(24) (P0.05). There was no significant difference of APACHE II score between the 2 groups (P0.05). CO and Pcv-aCO(2) values were inversely correlated (P0.05).Septic patients targeting only ScvO(2) may still have inappropriate tissue perfusion, especially when Pcv-aCO2 ≥6 mmHg, which indicates insufficient resuscitation. When ScvO(2)70% has achieved after early resuscitation, Pcv-aCO2 can still be used as a goal of fluid resuscitation in septic patients .

This paper gathers arguments and reasons why muons surviving the Gran Sasso mountain cannot mimic the Dark Matter annual modulation signature exploited by the DAMA/NaI and DAMA/LIBRA experiments. A number of these items have already been presented in individual papers. Further arguments have been addressed here in order to present a comprehensive collection and to enable a wider community to correctly approach this point., 26 pages, 9 figures. Few arguments added; version accepted for publication on Eur. Phys. J. C

Micrographs in a 10-m high and 90-mm ID fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst—air fast fluidized bed were taken by a video camera provided with an optical fiber probe inserted radially into the bed to study cluster size and shape in gas—solid suspension. A computer aided (CA) particle image processing system was used to analyze images which were obtained under different superficial gas velocities and solid circulating rates at different radial positions. Cluster size and its probability density distribution were investigated and a simple model was established. A roundness factor was put forward to describe the shape of the cluster. We also discovered that clusters assembled by particles show evident fractal character both in ‘shape’ and ‘fragmentation’. The fractal dimension of clusters at different flow patterns was found to be a function of position.

In order to implement further extension of the network to the users' side, it is proposed that the wireless sensors network at the users' side are constructed using the transmission technology for the next generation of digital cable TV as the main transmission. The physical frame of the network, protocol hierarchical suite, the linking plan for the wireless network and the digital cable TV network, and class of services are designed so as to further develop the service scope of the next generation of digital cable TV network and enhance the value added benefits.

The Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory project is proposed to study high energy gamma ray astronomy ( 40 GeV-1 PeV ) and cosmic ray physics ( 20 TeV-1 EeV ). The wide field of view Cherenkov telescope array, as a component of the LHAASO project, will be used to study energy spectrum and compositions of cosmic ray by measuring the total Cherenkov light generated by air showers and shower maximum depth. Two prototype telescopes have been in operation since 2008. The pointing accuracy of each telescope is crucial to the direction reconstruction of the primary particles. On the other hand the primary energy reconstruction relies on the shape of the Cherenkov image on the camera and the unrecorded photons due to the imperfect connections between photomultiplier tubes. UV bright stars are used as point-like objects to calibrate the pointing and to study the optical properties of the camera, the spot size and the fractions of unrecorded photons in the insensitive areas of the camera., 5 pages, 6 figures, submitted to Chinese Physics C

DAMA/LIBRA is running at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of the I.N.F.N.. Here the results obtained with a further exposure of 0.34 ton x yr are presented. They refer to two further annual cycles collected one before and one after the first DAMA/LIBRA upgrade occurred on September/October 2008. The cumulative exposure with those previously released by the former DAMA/NaI and by DAMA/LIBRA is now 1.17 ton x yr, corresponding to 13 annual cycles. The data further confirm the model independent evidence of the presence of Dark Matter (DM) particles in the galactic halo on the basis of the DM annual modulation signature (8.9 sigma C.L. for the cumulative exposure). In particular, with the cumulative exposure the modulation amplitude of the single-hit events in the (2 -- 6) keV energy interval measured in NaI(Tl) target is (0.0116 +- 0.0013) cpd/kg/keV; the measured phase is (146 +- 7) days and the measured period is (0.999 +- 0.002) yr, values well in agreement with those expected for the DM particles., presented at the Int. Conf. Beyond the Standard Models of Particle Physics, Cosmology and Astrophysics (BEYOND 2010), 1-6 February 2010, Cape Town, South Africa

Experimental observations and theoretical arguments at Galaxy and larger scales have suggested that a large fraction of the Universe is composed by Dark Matter particles. This has motivated the DAMA experimental efforts to investigate the presence of such particles in the galactic halo by exploiting a model independent signature and very highly radiopure set-ups deep underground. Few introductory arguments are summarized before presenting a review of the present model independent positive results obtained by the DAMA/NaI and DAMA/LIBRA set-ups at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of the INFN. Implications and model dependent comparisons with other different kinds of results will be shortly addressed. Some arguments put forward in literature will be confuted., review article, 71 pages, 25 figures, 8 tables; v2: minor modifications. In publication on the International Journal of Modern Physics A

The results of Monte-Carlo simulations of extensive air showers are presented to show the difference of the hadronic component content at various altitudes with the aim to choose an optimal altitude for a PRISMA-like experiment. The CORSIKA program for EAS simulations with QGSJET and GHEISHA models was used to calculate the number of hadrons reaching the observational level inside a circle of 50 m radius around the EAS axis. Then the number of neutrons produced by the hadronic component was calculated using an empirical relationship between the two components. We have tested the results with the ProtoPRISMA array at sea level, and recorded the neutrons which are consistent with the simulation results.