The max-bisection problem is to find a partition of the vertices of a graph into two equal size subsets that maximizes the number of edges with endpoints in both subsets. We obtain new improved approximation ratios for the max-bisection problem on the low degree k-regular graphs for 3 less than or equal to k less than or equal to 8, by deriving some improved transformations from a maximum cut into

High-speed laser diagnostics was utilized for singlecycle resolved studies of the formaldehyde distribution in the combustion chamber of an HCCI engine. A multi- YAG laser system consisting of four individual Qswitched, flash lamp-pumped Nd:YAG lasers has previously been developed in order to obtain laser pulses at 355 nm suitable for performing LIF measurements of the formaldehyde molecule. Burst

Three experiments were conducted to investigate the impact of affect on moral judgment. Participants read stories describing morally questionable actions and made judgments of wrongness. Judgments were affected by morally irrelevant disgust, and the effect was moderated by individual differences in disgust sensitivity and preferred processing mode. More specifically, the effect was stronger for pa

One of the main problems in using parabolic concentrators with standard photovoltaics (PV) cells is the highly non-uniform illumination of the cells. The non-uniform irradiation causes high resistive losses in the standard cells due to their relatively high series resistance. This results in a considerably lowered efficiency. To solve the problem, we introduce three different structured reflectors

Systemic sclerosis, scleroderma (SSc) is a disabling condition that shortens life expectancy. Disease heterogeneity and difficulties separating SSc from SSc-like conditions make classification an important issue. Limited cutaneous and diffuse cutaneous SSc, with different severity and survival, have been recognized for several years as distinct subsets. Some authors have suggested an intermediate

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The carabid beetle Harpalus rufipes has been examined with respect to food preference and food quality. Three different experiments were performed to clarify the role of weedy seeds and insects as food for H. rufipes: 1) adult's food preference, 2) fecundity dependent on diet, and 3) larval development dependent on diet. No direct relation between food preference and food value was found. The seed

OBJECTIVE—Insulin detemir is a soluble long-acting basal insulin analog designed to overcome the limitations of conventional basal insulin formulations. Accordingly, insulin detemir has been compared with NPH insulin with respect to glycemic control (HbA1c, prebreakfast glucose levels and variability, and hypoglycemia) and timing of administration. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—People with type 1 d

The effect of multivariate adjustment including folate on the strong protective effect of fiber in foods on colorectal cancer risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition was investigated in 1,721 cases identified in the latest follow-up. The inclusion of an additional 656 cases confirmed our previously published results, with a strong and significant reduction in color

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The importance of risk characteristics of human capital for the design of tax and education policy is explored. Wages are uncertain and education, while increasing the expected wage, may increase or decrease wage variance. The government has strong reasons to encourage human capital formation in the latter case, partly due to the insurance effect of human capital, and partly due to the way the ind

The vapour-liquid partition of various VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) in a number of industrial black liquors was investigated. The information can be used to determine the distribution of VOC in different condensate and gas streams in a kraft mill. Batchwise evaporation of weak black liquors was performed on a lab scale. The evaporation was carried out at atmospheric pressure up to over 90% dry

Background The study was designed to evaluate the analgesic effect and possible adverse effects of acupuncture for pelvic and low-back pain during the last trimester of pregnancy. Methods Following individual informed consent, 72 pregnant women reporting pelvic or low-back pain were randomized during pregnancy weeks 24-37 to an acupuncture group (n = 37) or to a control group (n = 35) at three mat