Simultaneous fractionation of multiple classes of polyphenols from honeybush tea using solid-phase extraction

The structural diversity of polyphenols and the inherent limitations of current extraction techniques pose a challenge to extract polyphenols using a simple and green method. Hence, in this study, a method was developed to simultaneously fractionate multiple classes of polyphenols by only varying ethanol-water solutions. Honeybush tea, which is rich in polyphenols, was selected as a model for this study. Solvent extraction followed by solid-phase extraction (SPE) was developed to obtain a polyphenol-rich fraction from six honeybush samples. Based on a gradient elution programme (10%, 30%, 50%, 70% and 90% (v/v) ethanol-water solution) of SPE, the Strata X cartridge showed a better recovery of most targeted polyphenols under 0.9 mL of the drying volume and 1 mL min⁻¹ of the dispensing speed. The elution programme for fractionating most polyphenols was as follows: single elution with 50% ethanol, followed by twice elution with 70% ethanol. The antioxidant capacity was used to analyse the differences among the polyphenol-rich fractions from six honeybush samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that unfermented C. genistoides (GG) has the greatest antioxidant capacity among the honeybush species studied. Additionally, mangiferin, isomangiferin and vicenin-2 were the main contributors to the antioxidant capacity in six honeybush fractions according to the correlation study.     

Defocusing image to pattern contact holes using attenuated phase shift masks

The patterning of contact holes by selecting out-of-focus image plane (defocus) using attenuated phase shift masks (APSM) has been studied. Defocus is found to enhance the image modulation at low partial coherence for contact holes with negative local average of mask function. Semi-dense holes up to 130 nm in 8% APSM have been printed by 0.5 μm defocus at a partial coherence of 0.31 using KrF scanner with highest numerical aperture of 0.68. However, these holes were closed with in-focus imaging. Defocus is also found to be beneficial for patterning the pitches that have extensive side lobes with in-focus imaging.     

A refined algorithm for multisensor image registration based on pixel migration.

Multimodality image registration via pixel migration is a powerful approach. However, it suffers from a serious problem--the global maximum on the sum of squared gradient magnitude (SSG) surface does not correspond to the correct solution of registration. To solve the problem, we partition the search space into feasible and infeasible regions. The genetic algorithm (global optimizer) is used to obtain a good initial estimate of registration parameters and followed by a fast refining with Powell's approach (local optimizer). The experimental results demonstrate that the use of this modified pixel migration algorithm on multisensor image registration is very effective.     

CMV colitis masquerading as colon cancer--an unusual presentation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

To determine whether there is any correlation between sudden decrease in barometric pressure and onset of labor, a non-experimental, retrospective study at a 948-bed tertiary care hospital was done. Pregnant patients of 36 weeks gestation or more who presented with spontaneous onset of labor during the 48 hours surrounding the 12 occurrences of significant drop in barometric pressure in 1992 were included in the study. Significantly more occurrences of onset of labor were identified in the 24 hours after a drop in barometric pressure than were identified in the 24 hours prior to the drop in barometric pressure (P < 0.05). Therefore, the overall number of labor onsets increased in the 24 hours following a significant drop in barometric pressure.     

用仿真工具优化车辆动力系统(一)

在本文的第一部分，介绍了一种理想的车辆动力系统的计算机辅助开发过程。它显示了现代仿真技术在产品持续发展过程中的作用，该技术采用硬件回路作非在线的仿真，并通过现代化的试验手段对车辆进行匹配。特别重要的是提供了将电控变速器和发动机控制单元综合的可能性。接着是在线仿真在诸如发动机和变速器模式方面的应用和发展，它是上述开发过程的基础。根据上述的方法论，本文论述了仿真技术已取得的成绩和将来的应用可能性。     

Adaptive motion control using neural network approximations

In this paper, we present a new adaptive technique for tracking control of mechanical systems in the presence of friction and periodic disturbances. Radial Basis Functions (RBFs) are used to compensate for the effects of nonlinearly occurring parameters in the friction and periodic disturbance model. Theoretical analysis, such as stability and transient performance, is provided. Furthermore, the performance of the adaptive RBF controller and its non-adaptive counterpart are compared.     

我国“十五“电力供需预测分析

分析“十五”期间我国电力需求预测和电力预测中的不确定因素,提出建议采取的措施。