VI Series Research Articles

Representativeness of the types of vegetation in the management units for the conservation of wildlife (UMA) in Mexico

The method of analysis of gaps and conservation omissions (GAP) are tools to identify conservation gaps or areas ofunderrepresentation in the current reserve system. This study focused on evaluating the extent to which the management units forthe conservation of wildlife (UMA) contribute to conservation of biodiversity in Mexico. UMA in the country cover 37,000,000million ha, equivalent to 17.1% of the national territory, however, there are only geographical references for 1,761 UMA(9,803,319 ha = 5.05%) of which it was determined with the method of analysis of gaps and conservation omissions (GAP), howthese contribute to the conservation of the types of natural vegetation, of the VI series (INEGI, 2017). Other results indicate that theUMA are located, mainly, in sites with the presence of xerophilous scrubs, which constitute 46.9% (45,182,741 ha) of the country'sprimary vegetation with 10 vegetation categories. If the UMA are considered as elements equivalent to the Natural Protected Area(ANP) in the conservation of biodiversity, they would cover 9 categories of vegetation that are conservation omissions in the ANPnetwork. However, they would not include 16 categories of secondary vegetation, which are both conservation gaps in the currentANP network; which represents a conservation gap at the national level of 72,891 ha (0.17%). However, to contribute to theconservation of biodiversity, the management of both conservation instruments must be improved.

A generalized model to predict large-scale crop yields integrating satellite-based vegetation index time series and phenology metrics

Convenient and reliable large-scale crop yield prediction is needed when formulating administrative plans and ensuring food security, especially under changing climate and international conditions. In this study, we explored Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) vegetation indices- and phenology-based yield prediction generalization model taking the US Corn Belt as an example. We calculated the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and 2-band enhanced vegetation index (EVI2) time series, which were adjusted using greenup dates derived from the Land Cover Dynamics product MCD12Q2. Based on the adjusted VI (NDVI, EVI2) time series, the VI change rate (dVI) time series was calculated, which represents crop growth rate. The first step was to cluster the adjusted VI and dVI time series, called ‘greenup groups’, according to corresponding greenup dates with a five-day interval. Then in different greenup groups, we constructed empirical univariate models with VI having the maximum correlation with crop yield, and multivariate models with VI and dVI, which were also used to construct the generalized model. After clustering, the days with maximum VI correlation gradually decreased as greenup days increasing, and the univariate VI model and multivariate VI and dVI model performances in different groups improved. The generalized models with specific VI and dVI variables in each group predicted yields of corn and soybean with R2 values mainly ranging from 0.55 to 0.75 and 0.55 to 0.70, while RMSE mainly ranging from 1000 to 1500 kg/ha and 300 to 400 kg/ha for both NDVI and EVI2 from 2008 to 2018 with leave-one-year-out cross-validation for all groups. The model using MODIS data was convenient and scalable with limited data requirements and date-determined variables after greenup, and offered a generalized method to predict crop yields at a large scale before harvest with good performance.

Evaluating Habitat of Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis Undulata) Through Trending of Vegetation Activity in Cholistan Desert of Pakistan

In the present study, the habitat of Houbara Bustard was evaluated in Lal Suhanra National Park (LSNP) of Cholistan desert, Pakistan using remote sensing data of LANDSAT-5 and MODIS hyper-temporal vegetation index data of 2000-2012 period. Trend analysis of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index was performed using seasonal Mann-Kendall test to understand the distribution and projected status of the habitat. Over 76% area of the LSNP comprising of sand dunes, sandy/open shrubs, sandy (barren) and open shrubs was identified as the most suitable habitat for Houbara. Majority of the LSNP area exhibited stable trend in land cover/vegetation activity, e.g. about 7% land cover indicated progressive and 4% regressive trend, while 89% land cover exhibited stability (significant at p<0.05) in the LSNP. The progressive trending was likely because of increase in rainfall, while the regressive trending was due to increase in sunlight. The <1% regressive trend observed in classes like sand dunes, sandy/open shrubs, sandy (barren) and open shrubs points toward sustainability of the habitat in the LSNP. The MODIS based VI and time series proved useful in inferring trends in the vegetation activity in this region. Seasonal changes in the habitat of Houbara need regular monitoring and an in-depth research in context of future changes in climate and land use. A participatory approach based on concerted efforts would be effective in conserving this precious bird and its habitat on long-term basis in the region in future.

Analysis of strength and deformativity of glass plate joints under static loading

The weak point of any structure is always the elements junction node. This article presents the results of a study of the adhesion of glass plates interconnected over the entire surface by means of adhesive materials and triplex technology under the action of static loading. The bearing capacity and deformability of such joints was established. For the research purposes there were designed, manufactured and tested 6 series of prototypes. Thus, the object of the study is 6 series of test specimens for testing the adhesion of glass plates to each other. The prototypes consisted of three glass plates, each 10 mm thick, interconnected by means of triplex technology and various adhesive materials. Before bonding, the glass plates of the prototypes of I–V series were cleaned of dirt and degreased. The adhesive was applied to the entire surface of one plate. Then, the glass plates were firmly interconnected with the help of the vise and held for 5–10 minutes. The curing time depended on the adhesive materials. The curing of the glue of the prototypes of the fourth and fifth series was done under the rays of an ultraviolet lamp. The plates of the sixth series prototypes were interconnected by triplex technology, where EVASAFE polymer film (Bridgestone, Japan) was inserted between the plates and the prototypes were heated to 130 ºC and held for 30 minutes.An experimental research program was developed. The test rig consisted of a stand for static structural strength tests. The external load N was applied by means of a hydraulic jack and was performed step by step. The magnitude of the load was 1.0 kN and was monitored using dynamometer for the I–V series prototypes and a ring dynamometer for the VI series prototypes until the complete destruction of the prototype. At each load stage a 10 minutes exposure was performed followed by gauge reading. On the basis of the obtained results, an analysis of glass plates adhesion was performed and an averaged dependency graph of shear deformations and tangent stresses τ=N/A for the series of the prototypes was constructed. This provides the ability to obtain strengths and deformations for a series of prototypes.

THE EFFECT OF CARBOPLATIN CHEMOTHERAPY REGULATION ON HEARING FUNCTIONS IN PATIENTS OF NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA

Introduction:
 The incidence of hearing loss after treatment with carboplatin-based chemotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients were evaluated, and relationships of loss with host factors, treatment-related factors were investigated.
 Objective:
 To evaluate the effect of giving a carboplatin chemotherapy regimen for 6 times chemotherapy (serial chemotherapy) on hearing function in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The incidence of hearing loss after treatment with carboplatin-based chemotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients were evaluated, and relationships of loss with host factors, treatment-related factors were investigated.
 Method:
 Thirty NPC patients were treated with carboplatin chemotherapy from 2015 to 2017 were analyzed. Pure tone audiometry and Distortion Product of Otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) were performed during the follow-up period, with a median time of 36 months, ranging from 24 to 36 months. Correlation of SNHL at frequencies (pure tone average, 0.5-8 kHz) with a series of factors was analyzed.
 Results:
 Among 30 participant (60 ears), using the Wilcoxon test, the mean threshold after series III was significant (p=0,000) and the mean of after series VI and significant (p= 0,000). The relationship between DPOAE results and pure tone audiometry was also carried out in the early stages of series III. Kaplan Meier's survival analysis improvement from post-III series (6 weeks) of participants who survived as many as 23 participants (76.67%) and in the post-chemotherapy evaluation of VI series (15 weeks) participants who survived as many as 8 participants. Bivariate statistical analysis using the Spearman non-parametric correlation test, there was a significant relationship between the mean dose and the decrease in the hearing threshold. p=0.00 (<0.01).
 Conclusion: 
 For NPC patients treated with carboplatin chemotherapy, There was an effect on the hearing function of the administration of carboplatin chemotherapy regimen for 6 series chemotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Effect of Coupling Agent and Silica Content for Polyimide/Silica Composited Materials

The polyimide precursor, poly(amic acid) (PAA) (II), was synthesized from 4,4'-oxydiphthalic dianhydride (ODPA) and 4,4'-bis(4-aminophenoxy)biphenyl (I). Two polyimides/silica composites with covalent (V series) and non-covalent bonds (VI series) were then prepared and compared in this study. V series used the coupling agent of 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APrTMOS) to form the PAA-silane precursor (III). Finally, the covalent bonds characteristics of V series were prepared from III and tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) via a combination of thermal imidization and sol–gel process. The resulting V series hybrid films showed mechanically robust and optically transparent even at high silica content (40 wt %). In addition, excellent thermal stability (10% weight loss temperature in excess of 550°C, and char yield higher than 60% under nitrogen at 800°C). In addition, the non-covalent bonding hybrid films prepared from II and TMOS were also conducted and compared in this study.

Synthesis and optical properties of semi-fluorinated poly(ether imide)s derived from non-fluorinated 1,4-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)benzene dianhydride (HQDPA) and trifluoromethyl-substituted diamines

Abstract

Colorless and high organosoluble polyimides from 2,5-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)- t-butylbenzene dianhydride and aromatic bis(ether amine)s bearing pendent trifluoromethyl groups

A series of polyimides III a– h characterized by colorlessness, high transparency, high solubility, and good mechanical property, was synthesized from the aromatic dianhydride, 2,5-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)- t-butylbenzene dianhydride (I), and various aromatic diamines ( II a– h ) with pendent trifluoromethyl group via polyaddition, chemical imidization, and direct cast films. The III series showed more colorless than the polyimides ( V and VI series) of 2,2-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane dianhydride (6FDA) contained, the VI series was synthesized from the II with 6FDA. These films III had cut-off wavelengths between 371 and 376 nm, as well as b* value (a yellowness index) ranging from 3.0 to 4.7. In fact, it is so far the most colorless aromatic polyimide in our systematical researches. The III series had inherent viscosity ranging from 0.72 to 1.33 dL/g and showed excellent solubility in a variety of organic solvents. They were soluble in a concentration of 5–10% in the amide polar solvent, ether solvent, and chlorinated solvent. These films showed strength tensile of 97–123 MPa, dielectric constants of 2.78–3.28 (1 MHz), and moisture absorptions of 0.11–0.36 wt%. The glass transition temperature of the III series was recorded at 214–259 °C, the 10% weight loss temperature was over 468 °C, and the residue was more than 47% at 800 °C in nitrogen.

Synthesis and Properties of Novel Fluorinated Poly(amide-imide)s from the 4,4′-Bis(4-trimellitimido-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)biphenyl and Aromatic Diamines

A novel fluorinated diimide dicarboxylic acid, 4,4′-bis(4-trimellitimido-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)biphenyl (III), was synthesized from the condensation of 4,4′-bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)biphenyl (I) and trimellititc anhydride. A series of soluble poly(amide-imide)s (PAI) Va–h having inherent viscosities of 0.56–0.97 dL/g were prepared from reacting III with an equivalent amount of diamines by direct polycondensation using triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as condensing agents. The polymer V series afforded tough, transparent, and flexible films. They had tensile strengths ranging from 88 to 112 MPa, elongations at break from 8 to 31%, and initial moduli from 1.9 to 2.7 GPa. The glass-transition temperature (Tg) of the polymers was recorded at 235–300 ○C. They had 10% weight loss at a temperature above 502 ○C and left more than 54% residue even at 800 ○C in nitrogen. In comparison with the nonfluorinated PAI VI series, the fluorinated V exhibited better solubility.

Synthesis and properties of phosphorus-containing PEN and PBN copolyesters

Copolyesters ( V a − V d and VI a - VI d ) derived from 2-(6-oxido-6 H-dibenz〈c,e>〈l,2>oxaphosphorin-6-yl)-1,4-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy) phenylene ( II ) and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) naphthalate ( III ) or bis(4-hydroxybutyl) naphthalate ( IV ) were synthesized and characterized. Copolyesters V a - V d , VI a - VI d had been characterized by inherent viscosity, solubilities, t.g.a., d.s.c., X-ray diffraction, 1 H n.m.r., 31 P n.m.r., UL-94 and d.m.a. D.s.c. and X-ray diffraction show that the VI series of copolyesters were crystalline polymers and the crystallinity decreased with the increase in II content, whereas the V series copolyesters were amorphous polymers. The inherent viscosity of these copolyesters ranged from 0.53 to 0.68 dl g −1. The T g values of the V series copolyesters ranged from 118 to 126°C and those of the VI series copolyesters were in the range 68–77°C; these were higher than the T g values of polyethylene naphthalate (PEN, T g: 116°C) and polybutylene naphthalate (PBN, T g: 67°C). The T d values (10%) for the V series of copolyesters in nitrogen ranged from 450 to 470°C and those for the VI series copolyesters were in the range 410–415°C; these values were also higher than that of PEN ( T d: 449°C) and PBN ( T d: 410°C). UL-94 V-0 grade could be achieved with a phosphorus content as low as 0.48 wt% for the V series and 0.97 wt% for the VI series copolyesters. T.g.a. kinetics also indicated that the V and VI series copolyesters had higher activation energies of degradation than did PEN and PBN. When these copolyphosphates were treated with fire for 10 s, intumescence is observed on the surface of copolyphosphates which retards further flaming of the polymers. DMA showed that all copolyphosphate esters have good mechanical properties ( G′: 10 8−10 9Pa) before glass transition temperatures.

Intelsat's new generation

The author gives a brief history of the Intelsat satellites and then discusses the requirements for the seventh generation of satellites. These satellites are needed in the Pacific Ocean region and the Atlantic Ocean region. The main coverage features are briefly discussed. The Intelsat VII series are smaller than the Intelsat VI series and have fewer transponders. The main components and construction of the satellites is discussed.

Infrared Spectroscopy of TeF 6

Fourier transform and grating IR spectrometers and tunable diode lasers have been used to record the IR spectrum of TeF 6. The isotopic structure in the stretching fundamental ν 3is resolved, revealing a tellurium isotope shift of approximately 0.68 cm −1 amu −1. Some of the rotational structure in the P and R branches of ν 3 of 99.3% 130TeF 6 is also resolved and analyzed to yield a Coriolis constant ζ 3 = 0.225. Integrated absorptivities are reported for ν 3 and for the stronger combination bands. The isotope shifts and Coriolis constants are used to fix the general quadratic symmetry and valence force fields, and the force constants of the Group VI series SF 6, SeF 6, and TeF 6 are compared and discussed.

CD-15 antigen detected by the VIM-D5 monoclonal antibody for prediction of ability to achieve complete remission in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia.

The prognostic value of cell differentiation antigens detected with the monoclonal antibodies of VI series was studied in 242 cases of acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL) treated in 7 cooperating centers. A significantly higher complete remission rate was observed in patients with a higher expression of CD-15 antigen detected by VIM-D5 antibody than in those with lower values. These significant differences were proved when comparing subgroups with VIM-D5 positivity of blastic cells less than 15 and much greater than 15% (p less than 0.01) as well as in the subgroups with values less than 50% (median value) and greater than or equal to 50% (p less than 0.02). Our studies suggest the VIM-D5 positivity of ANLL cells to be favourable prognostic factor predicting the ability to achieve complete remission. Further studies are needed to establish whether the expression of the VIM-D5-defined antigen may serve as a prognostic factor related to survival.

Access to information resources: The developmental context of the space WARC

The first session of the Space WARC to be convened in August 1985 is concerned with ‘principles, technical parameters, and criteria for planning’. This article argues that the actual agenda is much greater: it concerns equitable access to the tools of the information revolution. The author proposes an agenda for action including modification of the INTELSAT VI series and measures to ensure access to terrestrial facilities. The author believes that failure to view the Space WARC in a developmental context could result in an impasse at the conference and perpetuation of inequitable access to information resources.

Intelsat VI. A new satellite generation for 1986–2000

AbstractFollowing three years of conceptual studies, and a competitive procurement contract, construction of the INTELSAT VI series of satellites is now under way. The design represents a major step forward in satellite size and technical complexity. Sixfold frequency reuse and on‐board satellite switching are particularly important developments.

Tissue metabolism in experimental toxemia of pregnancy

Pregnant rats fed a diet containing 5 per cent of fractions V, VI, VII-H, and VIII recovered from the molecular distillation of oxidized cod liver oil. Experimental toxemia of pregnancy was produced in the animals ingesting fraction VII-H and in 2 animals of the fraction VI series. Measurements of oxygen uptake and of rates of anaerobic glycolysis revealed placenta slices of the toxemic rats to have depressed metabolic rates. Slight depressions of splenic metabolism were found, while kidney slices from toxemic rats functioned similarly to the control kidneys. In the presence of 10−4M succinate slices of placenta from the toxemic VII-H series were caused to have an uptake of oxygen similar to that of the controls. It is postulated that one or more sites of metabolic inhibition exist, which cause the observed depressed function in toxemic placenta. The depressions of placental function correlate with the observation that the earliest histologic changes of this disease are in the placenta.