Exact analysis of Burgers equation on semiline with flux condition at the origin

The initial boundary value problem for the Burgers equation in the domain x greater-or-equal, slanted 0, t > 0 with flux boundary condition at x = 0 has been solved exactly. The behaviour of the solution as t tends to infinity is studied and the “asymptotic profile at infinity” is obtained. In addition, the uniqueness of the solution of the initial boundary value problem is proved and its inviscid limit as var epsilon → 0 is obtained.

Deutschland, Deutschland über alles : Tysk föreningsverksamhet i Finland och Sverige 1910-1950

The voluntary associations dealt with in this dissertation were ethnic clubs and societies promoting the interests of German immigrants in Finland and Sweden. The associations were founded at the end of the 19th century as well as at the beginning of the 20th century during a time in which migration was high, the civil society grew rapidly and nationalism flourished. The work includes over 70 different associations in Finland and Sweden with a number of members ranging from ten to at most 2, 500. The largest and most important associations were situated in Helsinki and Stockholm where also most of the German immigrants lived. The main aim of this work is to explore to what extent and how the changes in government in Germany during 1910 to 1950 were reflected in the structures and participants, financial resources and meeting places, networks and activities of the German associations in Finland and Sweden. The study also deals with how a collective German national identity was created within the German associations. The period between 1910 and 1950 has been described by Hobsbawm as the apogee of nationalism. Nationalism and transnationalism are therefore key elements in the work. Additionally the research deals with theories about associations, networking and identity. The analysis is mostly based on minutes of meetings, descriptions of festivities, annual reports and historical outlines about the associations. Archival sources from the German legations, the German Foreign Office, and Finnish and Swedish officials such as the police and the Foreign Offices are also used. The study shows that the collective national identity in the associations during the Weimar Republic mostly went back to the time of the Wilhelmine Empire. It is argued that this fact, the cultural propaganda and the aims of the Weimar Republic to strengthen the contacts between Germany and the German associations abroad, and the role of the German legations and envoys finally helped the small groups of NSDAP to infiltrate, systematically coordinate and finally centralize the German associational life in Finland and Sweden. The Gleichschaltung did not go as smoothly as the party wanted, though. There was a small but consistent opposition that continued to exist in Finland until 1941 and in Sweden until 1945. The collective national identity was displayed much more in Sweden than in Finland, where the associations kept a lower profile. The reasons for the profile differences can be found in the smaller number of German immigrants in Finland and the greater German propaganda in Sweden, but also in the Finnish association act from 1919 and the changes in it during the 1920s and 1930s. Finally, the research shows how the loss of two world wars influenced the associations. It argues that 1918 made the German associations more vulnerable to influence from Germany, whereas 1945 brought the associational life back to where it once started as welfare, recreational and school associations.

Role of CIP2A in carcinogenesis

Worldwide and notably in the developed countries, cancer is an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality, being the second most common cause of death after ischemic heart disease. Now and in the future new cancer cases need to be diagnosed earlier. Prognostic factors may be helpful in recognizing and handling those patients who need more aggressive therapy, and it is also desirable to predict treatment response accurately. Cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A) is an oncoprotein predominantly expressed in malignant tissues and inhibiting protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity; it is a promising target for cancer therapy. The aim of this thesis was to evaluate the prognostic role of CIP2A in solid cancers, and for this purpose to explore expression of CIP2A, and investigating regulation of CIP2A in order to gain insight into signalling pathways leading to alteration in prognosis. Patients diagnosed with gastric, serous ovarian, tongue, or colorectal cancer at Helsinki University Central Hospital were included. Tumour tissue microarrays assembled from specimens from these patients were prepared and stained immunohistochemically for CIP2A protein expression. Associations with clinicopathologic parameters and other biomarkers were explored, and survival analyses were done according to the Kaplan-Meier method. Study of the role of CIP2A in intracellular signalling in vitro involved gastric, ovarian, and tongue cancer cell lines. We found CIP2A to be highly expressed in gastric, ovarian, tongue, and colorectal cancer specimens. CIP2A was associated with clinicopathologic parameters characterizing an aggressive disease, namely advanced stage, high grade, p53 immunopositivity, and high proliferation index. CIP2A led to recognition of gastric, ovarian, and tongue cancer patients with poor prognosis, however, with a cancer type-specific cut-off level for prognostic significance. In tongue cancer, it served as an independent prognostic marker. In contrast, in colorectal cancer, CIP2A provided no prognostic value. In cancer cell lines, CIP2A was highly expressed at both protein and mRNA levels, and promoted cell proliferation and anchorage-independent growth. In gastric cancer, we demonstrated with a MYCER construct in mouse embryo fibroblasts that activation of MYC led to increased CIP2A mRNA expression, and hence we suggested that a positive feedback mechanism between CIP2A and MYC may potentiate and prolong the oncogenic activity of these proteins. We demonstrated in ovarian cancer an association between CIP2A and EGFR protein overexpression and EGFR gene amplification. In ovarian and tongue cancer cells we showed that depletion of EGFR downregulates CIP2A expression. In conclusion, high CIP2A expression occurred frequently among patients with aggressive disease. CIP2A may serve as a prognostic marker in gastric, ovarian, and tongue cancer and thus may help in tailoring therapy for cancer patients. The positive feedback mechanism between CIP2A and MYC, as well as the positive regulation of CIP2A by EGFR, are a few signalling pathways regulating and regulated by CIP2A. These and other mechanisms need to be studied further, however. CIP2A is a potential target for therapy, and its potential role as predictive marker and as a tumour marker in serum requires exploration.

Modeling and control of unified power flow controller for transient stability

FACTS controllers are emerging as viable and economic solutions to the problems of large interconnected ne networks, which can endanger the system security. These devices are characterized by their fast response, absence of inertia, and minimum maintenance requirements. Thyristor controlled equipment like Thyristor Controlled Series Capacitor (TCSC), Static Var Compensator (SVC), Thyristor Controlled Phase angle Regulator (TCPR) etc. which involve passive elements result in devices of large sizes with substantial cost and significant labour for installation. An all solid-state device using GTOs leads to reduction in equipment size and has improved performance. The Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) is a versatile controller which can be used to control the active and reactive power in the Line independently. The concept of UPFC makes it possible to handle practically all power flow control and transmission line compensation problems, using solid-state controllers, which provide functional flexibility, generally not attainable by conventional thyristor controlled systems. In this paper, we present the development of a control scheme for the series injected voltage of the UPFC to damp the power oscillations and improve transient stability in a power system. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improved algorithm for optimum reactive power allocation

An improvised algorithm is presented for optimal VAr allocation in a large power system using a linear programming technique. The proposed method requires less computer memory than those algorithms currently available.

Methodology for alleviation of voltage excursions in large power systems

This paper presents a method for minimizing the sum of the square of voltage deviations by a least-square minimization technique, and thus improving the voltage profile in a given system by adjusting control variables, such as tap position of transformers, reactive power injection of VAR sources and generator excitations. The control variables and dependent variables are related by a matrix J whose elements are computed as the sensitivity matrix. Linear programming is used to calculate voltage increments that minimize transmission losses. The active and reactive power optimization sub-problems are solved separately taking advantage of the loose coupling between the two problems. The proposed algorithm is applied to IEEE 14-and 30-bus systems and numerical results are presented. The method is computationally fast and promises to be suitable for implementation in real-time dispatch centres.

Neural network based power system damping controller for SVC

The development of a neural network based power system damping controller (PSDC) for a static VAr compensator (SVC), designed to enhance the damping characteristics of a power system network representing a part of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) system is presented. The proposed stabilising controller scheme of the SVC consists of a neuro-identifier and a neuro-controller which have been developed based on a functional link network (FLN) model. A recursive online training algorithm has been utilised to train the two networks. The simulation results have been obtained under various operating conditions and disturbance cases to show that the proposed stabilising controller can provide a better damping to the low frequency oscillations, as compared to the conventional controllers. The effectiveness of the proposed stabilising controller has also been compared with a conventional power system stabiliser provided in the generator excitation system

Neural network based power system damping controller for SVC

The development of a neural network based power system damping controller (PSDC) for a static Var compensator (SVC), designed to enhance the damping characteristics of a power system network representing a part of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) system is presented. The proposed stabilising controller scheme of the SVC consists of a neuro-identifier and a neuro-controller which have been developed based on a functional link network (FLN) model. A recursive online training algorithm has been utilised to train the two networks. The simulation results have been obtained under various operating conditions and disturbance cases to show that the proposed stabilising controller can provide a better damping to the low frequency oscillations, as compared to the conventional controllers. The effectiveness of the proposed stabilising controller has also been compared with a conventional power system stabiliser provided in the generator excitation system.

Fuzzy Expert Approach with Curtailed Controllers for Improved Reactive Power Dispatch

This paper addresses the problem of curtailing the number of control actions using fuzzy expert approach for voltage/reactive power dispatch. It presents an approach using fuzzy set theory for reactive power control with the purpose of improving the voltage profile of a power system. To minimize the voltage deviations from pre-desired values of all the load buses, using the sensitivities with respect to reactive power control variables form the basis of the proposed Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC). Control variables considered are switchable VAR compensators, On Load Tap Changing (OLTC) transformers and generator excitations. Voltage deviations and controlling variables are translated into fuzzy set notations to formulate the relation between voltage deviations and controlling ability of controlling devices. The developed fuzzy system is tested on a few simulated practical Indian power systems and modified IEEE-30 bus system. The performance of the fuzzy system is compared with conventional optimization technique and results obtained are encouraging. Results obtained for a modified IEEE-30 bus test system and a 205-node equivalent EHV system a part of Indian southern grid are presented for illustration purposes. The proposed fuzzy-expert technique is found suitable for on-line applications in energy control centre as the solution is obtained fast with significant speedups with few number of controllers.

Histone H3K9 acetylation level modulates gene expression and may affect parasite growth in human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum

Three-dimensional positioning of the nuclear genome plays an important role in the epigenetic regulation of genes. Although nucleographic domain compartmentalization in the regulation of epigenetic state and gene expression is well established in higher organisms, it remains poorly understood in the pathogenic parasite Plasmodium falciparum. In the present study, we report that two histone tail modifications, H3K9Ac and H3K14Ac, are differentially distributed in the parasite nucleus. We find colocalization of active gene promoters such as Tu1 (tubulin-1 expressed in the asexual stages) with H3K9Ac marks at the nuclear periphery. By contrast, asexual stage inactive gene promoters such as Pfg27 (gametocyte marker) and Pfs28 (ookinete marker) occupy H3K9Ac devoid zones at the nuclear periphery. The histone H3K9 is predominantly acetylated by the PCAF/GCN5 class of lysine acetyltransferases, which is well characterized in the parasite. Interestingly, embelin, a specific inhibitor of PCAF/GCN5 family histone acetyltransferase, selectively decreases total H3K9Ac acetylation levels (but not H3K14Ac levels) around the var gene promoters, leading to the downregulation of var gene expression, suggesting interplay among histone acetylation status, as well as subnuclear compartmentalization of different genes and their activation in the parasites. Finally, we found that embelin inhibited parasitic growth at the low micromolar range, raising the possibility of using histone acetyltransferases as a target for antimalarial therapy.

Evaluación de pollitas Hy-Line variedad Brown, en etapa de inicio a rompimiento de postura, bajo manejo tradicional

Se evaluó el comportamiento productivo de pollitas Hy- Line var. Brown, durante las primeras diecisiete semanas de desarrollo con la guía de manejo comercial para estas aves. Se utilizó un lote de 4,591 aves distribuidas en dos galeras. Se muestreó el 4% de la población de forma aleatoria y sin reemplazo, registrando peso, alimento consumido y mortalidad. Se realizaron los cálculos de consumo, uniformidad de peso, mortalidad de lote y se registraron las prácticas sanitarias de la granja. El consumo total obtenido fue un 15.6% inferior al reportado por la guía de manejo (803 g), viéndose afectado por cambios en el manejo del alimento, el que fue suministrado de acuerdo al peso vivo y no a la edad de las aves. El peso de las aves resultó 9.3% inferior al estipulado por la guía de manejo. La uniformidad del lote fue del 80% con una variación de ±10% igual al esperado para este tipo de aves. La mortalidad de la granja fue inferior al 0.04% expresado por la guía de manejo comercial. La aplicación del plan sanitario sufrió alteración en el tiempo de ejecución, sin embargo no tuvo efecto sobre la mortalidad de la granja. El manejo zootécnico de la granja está dentro de lo esperado en granjas de pequeños productores avícolas en condiciones tropicales.

Influencia de la rotación de cultivos y control de malezas sobre la dinámica de las malezas, el crecimiento, desarrollo y componentes del rendimiento del cultivo de maíz (Zea mays L.)

Con el fin de determinar la influencia de diferentes métodos de control de malezas y rotaciones de cultivo sobre el crecimiento, desarrollo y rendimiento del maíz (Zea maya L.) var. NB-6, se realizó de Junio a Agosto de 1990 un experimento con un diseño de bloques completos al azar en parcelas divididas con 4 réplicas, en los predios del Instituto Nacional "Rigoberto López Pérez" de Managua; cuyos suelos pertenecen a la serie Nejapa (NI). Luego de finalizado el experimento, los resultados demostraron que los diferentes métodos de control de malezas y cultivos antecedentes no presentaron diferencias significativas, sobre la mayor parte de las variables en estudio; no obstante se encontró que el cultivo antecedente SOYA y el control de malezas LIMPIA PERIODICA produjeron efecto significativo en algunas de las variables del crecimiento y rendimiento (altura de planta, diámetro, número de hojas, número de granos por hilera y longitud de mazorca) del maíz.

Evaluación del rendimiento agronómico de seis cultivares de repollo (Brassica oleracea L.) en la Estación Experimental "San José de las Latas", Jinotega

En el presente trabajo se evaluó el rendimiento agronómico de seis cultivares Brassica oleracea L. var. caPitata; Summer Autumn, Mighty YR, Perfect Ball, Mighty, Yessen #-631-4, Yessen # 33-18. El ensayo se estableció en la estacion las " Latas " Ubicada en Jinotega a 1, 400 m.s.n.m. con una precipitación media anual de 2.291 mm, y una temperatura promedio 21.86 ºC. La siembra se realizó en época de primera del año 1990. Empleándose un diseño Bloques al Azar (BCA) Con De los resultados obtenidos, se encontró cultivares que presentaron mayor crecimiento y desarrollo estuvo en primer lugar el cultivar Summer Auttumn, en segundo la linea Yessen # 631-4, y en tercer lugar la linea Yessen # 33-18. Respecto a la calidad del producto comercial, sus variables se mantuvieron estadísticamente sin diferencias significativas a pesar de diferir en cultivares que no presentaron buen desarrollo. El cultivar Summer, menor consistencia, seguida de la línea Yessen # 33-18. Al evaluar el rendimiento, se encontró que el cultivar Summer Autumn y la linea Yessen # 631-4 obtuvieron los mejores promedios. Seguidos por el cultivar Mighty YR y la línea de Yessen # 33-18, aunque Mighty YR presento baja tolerancia a la bacteriosis (Xanthomonas campestris P.).

Introducción y evaluación del parasitoide Diadegma semiclausum (Hellen) para el manejo de la palomilla dorso de Diamante plutella xylostella en Nicaragua

Con el propósito de evaluar a Diadegma semiclausum (Hellel\), como una alternativa biológica (parasitoide) en el manejo de Plutella xylostella (L.) se introdujo a Nicaragua un pie de cría. Se realizaron estudios relacionado a saneamiento del pie de cría traído desde Taiwán (Cuarentena), al comportamiento biológico del insecto a condiciones de laboratorio y establecimiento en campo de repollo, realizándose los dos primero estudio en el laboratorio de parasitoide de la Universidad Nacional Agraria (Managua) y el último en campo de repollo ubicado en el Departamento de Estelí. Las condiciones que se mantuvieron en el laboratorio en los dos primeros estudio fueron de 21"C de temperatura y 65% de humedad relativa en promedio. La fase de saneamiento consistió en evaluar la idoneidad de los parasitoide enviado desde Taiwán. Se identificó cada uno de los insectos (Adultos) proveniente del pie de cría de las tres primeras generaciones en etapa de cuarentena Durante este período no se encontró insecto atípico a Diadegma semiclausum. Otra variable evaluada fue la relación hembra: macho, la que comenzó con 1:7 del pie de cría mejorándose hasta 1:2 al final de la etapa de cuarentena. La biología se separó en periodos de huevo - larva; pupa y adulto obteniendo valores promedio de 10.15 días; 5.72 días y 14.83 días respectivamente, para un ciclo total de 31.42 días. El porcentaje de parasitismo registrado durante las dos primeras fase logró alcanzar un promedio de 90% en condiciones de laboratorio. Se colocó una parcela de repollo (Brassica oleoreacea var. Capitata) en el campo para conocer la incidencia de D. semiclausum (Hellen) sobre su huésped bajo condiciones ambientales no controladas, al final se encontró que en el periodo de cosecha del cultivo el porcentaje de parasitismo fue de 70 % asociando la incidencia del parasitoide nativo de la región Diadegma insulare (Cresson). junto al parasitoide introducido, aportando D. semiclausum un 11 % de parasitismo en sobre Plutella xylostella

Producción de frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) variedad DOR-364, en dos épocas de siembras y tres sistemas de labranzas: efecto sobre la dinámica de la maleza, el rendimiento y el beneficio económico

Durante las épocas de primera y postrera en los años 1994, 1995 y 1996, se establecieron los experimentos de campo en la finca experimental La Compañía, localizada en San Marcos, Carazo, con el propósito de evaluar los efectos de épocas de siembra (primera y postrera), y sistemas de labranza (cero, mínima y convencional), sobre la dinámica de las malezas y el crecimiento y rendimiento del fríjol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) var. Dor-364. El diseño experimental utilizado fue de parcelas sub-divididas, arreglados en bloques completos al azar (BCA). La combinación de los factores contiene un total de seis tratamientos, los cuales fueron replicados en cuatro oportunidades. Para efecto de conocer el efecto del tiempo, los años del estudio fueron incluidos en el modelo estadístico, con el propósito de conocer la variación de los tratamientos en el tiempo. Los resultados obtenidos en los tres años en estudio indican que tanto en la abundancia como en la biomasa (peso seco total) el sistema de labranza que permitió mayor acumulación de parte de la maleza fue labranza cero (538.5 peso seco/Grupo de planta). El sistema de labranza convencional (86.09 individuo por especie) en este estudio resulta ser el mejor método para la reducción de la abundancia de maleza y dominancia de la maleza. La época que mostró la mayor abundancia de maleza en los tres años en estudio fue la postrera en comparación con la época de primera. El rendimiento de grano de fríjol común y el beneficio neto económico se vieron influenciados por los sistemas de labranza. Labranza mínima {l654.2 kg/ha) permite el mayor rendimiento, por otro lado, labranza cero permite mayor acumulación de malezas a lo largo del tiempo, en cambio labranza mínima muestra un comportamiento opuesto al reducir las malezas y mantener su producción. El beneficio económico (28 $ ha) del fríjol se ve afectado por las condiciones climáticas preponderantes en cada uno de los años, lo que está íntimamente relacionado a calidad y cantidad de la producción y al precio que alcanza el producto en el mercado.