Carrier's liability under international maritime conventions and the uncitral draft convention on contracts for the international carriage of goods wholly or partly by sea

The UNCITRAL Draft Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea was approved on Thursday, 3 July 2008 and would then be presented to the General Assembly of the United Nations for endorsement later this year. Many innovative features contained in the Draft Convention fill the perceived gaps in existing transport regimes. Carrier's liability compared with international maritime conventions and the Draft Convention as well as China Maritime Code is discussed in the paper. It is pointed out that although the Draft Convention plays a very important role in the development of international private maritime law regime, the entry into the force of the Draft Convention is not optimistic. First published online: 27 Oct 201

Radio Polarization of BL Lacertae objects

In this paper, using the database of the university of Michigan Radio Astronomy Observatory (UMRAO) at three (4.8 GHz, 8 GHZ, and 14.5 GHz) radio frequencies, we studied the polarization properties for 47 BL Lacertae objects(38 radio selected BL Lacertae objects, 7 X-ray selected BL Lacertae, and two inter-middle objects (Mkn 421 and Mkn 501), and found that (1) The polarizations at higher radio frequency is higher than those at lower frequency, (2) The variability of polarization at higher radio frequency is higher than those at lower frequency, (3) The polarization is correlated with the radio spectral index, and (4) The polarization is correlated with core-dominance parameter for those objects with known core-dominance parameters suggesting that the relativistic beaming could explain the polarization characteristic of BL Lacs.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, 1 table. PASJ, in pres

Flood risk in a range of spatial perspectives – from global to local scales

The present paper examines flood risk (composed of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability) in a range of spatial perspectives – from the global to the local scale. It deals with observed records, noting that flood damage has been increasing. It also tackles projections for the future, related to flood hazard and flood losses. There are multiple factors driving flood hazard and flood risk and there is a considerable uncertainty in our assessments, and particularly in projections for the future. Further, this paper analyses options for flood risk reduction in several spatial dimensions, from global framework to regional to local scales. It is necessary to continue examination of the updated records of flood-related indices, trying to search for changes that influence flood hazard and flood risk in river basins

Lanthanum Oxyhalide Monolayers: An Exceptional Dielectric Companion to Two-Dimensional Semiconductors

Two-dimensional (2D) layered dielectrics offers a compelling route towards the design of next-generation ultimately compact nanoelectronics. Motivated by recent high-throughput computational prediction of LaO$X$ ($X$ = Br, Cl) as an exceptional 2D dielectrics that significantly outperforms HfO$_2$ even in the monolyaer limit, we investigate the interface properties between LaOX and the archetypal 2D semiconductors of monolayer transition metal dichacolgenides (TMDCs) $M$S$_2$ ($M$ = Mo, W) using first-principle density functional theory simulations. We show that LaO$X$ monolayers interacts weakly with $M$S$_2$ via van der Waals forces with negligible hybridization and interfacial charge transfer, thus conveniently preserving the electronic properties of 2D TMDCs upon contact formation. The conduction and valance band offsets of the interfaces exhibit a sizable value ranging from 0.7 to 1.4 eV, suggesting the capability of LaO$X$ as a gate dielectric materials. Based on Murphy-Good electron emission model, we demonstrate that LaOCl/MoS$_2$ is a versatile dielectric/semiconductor combinations that are compatible to both NMOS and PMOS applications with leakage current lower than $10^{-7}$ Acm$^{-2}$, while LaO$X$/WS$_2$ is generally compatible with PMOS application. The presence of an interfacial tunneling potential barrier at the van der Waals gap further provide an additional mechanism to suppress the leakage current. Our findings reveal the role LaO$X$ as an excellent dielectric companion to 2D TMDC and shall provide useful insights for leveraging the dielectric strength of LaO$X$ in the design of high-performance 2D nanodevices.Comment: 10 pages, 4 Figures, 3 Table

Edge Intelligence : Empowering Intelligence to the Edge of Network

Edge intelligence refers to a set of connected systems and devices for data collection, caching, processing, and analysis proximity to where data are captured based on artificial intelligence. Edge intelligence aims at enhancing data processing and protects the privacy and security of the data and users. Although recently emerged, spanning the period from 2011 to now, this field of research has shown explosive growth over the past five years. In this article, we present a thorough and comprehensive survey of the literature surrounding edge intelligence. We first identify four fundamental components of edge intelligence, i.e., edge caching, edge training, edge inference, and edge offloading based on theoretical and practical results pertaining to proposed and deployed systems. We then aim for a systematic classification of the state of the solutions by examining research results and observations for each of the four components and present a taxonomy that includes practical problems, adopted techniques, and application goals. For each category, we elaborate, compare, and analyze the literature from the perspectives of adopted techniques, objectives, performance, advantages and drawbacks, and so on. This article provides a comprehensive survey of edge intelligence and its application areas. In addition, we summarize the development of the emerging research fields and the current state of the art and discuss the important open issues and possible theoretical and technical directions.Peer reviewe

Edge Intelligence : Empowering Intelligence to the Edge of Network

Edge intelligence refers to a set of connected systems and devices for data collection, caching, processing, and analysis proximity to where data are captured based on artificial intelligence. Edge intelligence aims at enhancing data processing and protects the privacy and security of the data and users. Although recently emerged, spanning the period from 2011 to now, this field of research has shown explosive growth over the past five years. In this article, we present a thorough and comprehensive survey of the literature surrounding edge intelligence. We first identify four fundamental components of edge intelligence, i.e., edge caching, edge training, edge inference, and edge offloading based on theoretical and practical results pertaining to proposed and deployed systems. We then aim for a systematic classification of the state of the solutions by examining research results and observations for each of the four components and present a taxonomy that includes practical problems, adopted techniques, and application goals. For each category, we elaborate, compare, and analyze the literature from the perspectives of adopted techniques, objectives, performance, advantages and drawbacks, and so on. This article provides a comprehensive survey of edge intelligence and its application areas. In addition, we summarize the development of the emerging research fields and the current state of the art and discuss the important open issues and possible theoretical and technical directions.Peer reviewe

Electromagnetic induced transparency and slow light in interacting quantum degenerate atomic gases

We systematically develop the full quantum theory for the electromagnetic induced transparency (EIT) and slow light properties in ultracold Bose and Fermi gases. It shows a very different property from the classical theory which assumes frozen atomic motion. For example, the speed of light inside the atomic gases can be changed dramatically near the Bose-Einstein condensation temperature, while the presence of the Fermi sea can destroy the EIT effect even at zero temperature. From experimental point of view, such quantum EIT property is mostly manifested in the counter-propagating excitation schemes in either the low-lying Rydberg transition with a narrow line width or in the D2 transitions with a very weak coupling field. We further investigate the interaction effects on the EIT for a weakly interacting Bose-Einstein condensate, showing an inhomogeneous broadening of the EIT profile and nontrivial change of the light speed due to the quantum many-body effects beyond mean field energy shifts.Comment: 7 figure

Tumour suppressor function of MDA-7/IL-24 in human breast cancer

Introduction Melanoma differentiation associated gene-7 (MDA-7), also known as interleukin (IL)-24, is a tumour suppressor gene associated with differentiation, growth and apoptosis. However, the mechanisms underlying its anti-neoplastic activity, tumour-specificity and efficacy across a spectrum of human cancers have yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, the biological impact of MDA-7 on the behavior of breast cancer (BC) cells is evaluated. Furthermore, mRNA expression of MDA-7 is assessed in a cohort of women with BC and correlated with established pathological parameters and clinical outcome. Methods The human BC cell line MDA MB-231 was used to evaluate the in-vitro impact of recombinant human (rh)-MDA-7 on cell growth and motility, using a growth assay, wounding assay and electric cell impedance sensing (ECIS). Localisation of MDA-7 in mammary tissues was assessed with standard immuno-histochemical methodology. BC tissues (n = 127) and normal tissues (n = 33) underwent RNA extraction and reverse transcription, MDA-7 transcript levels were determined using real-time quantitative PCR. Transcript levels were analyzed against tumour size, grade, oestrogen receptor (ER) status, nodal involvement, TNM stage, Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI) and clinical outcome over a 10 year follow-up period. Results Exposure to rh-MDA-7 significantly reduced wound closure rates for human BC cells in-vitro. The ECIS model demonstrated a significantly reduced motility and migration following rh-MDA-7 treatment (p = 0.024). Exposure to rh-MDA-7 was only found to exert a marginal effect on growth. Immuno-histochemical staining of human breast tissues revealed substantially greater MDA-7 positivity in normal compared to cancer cells. Significantly lower MDA-7 transcript levels were identified in those predicted to have a poorer prognosis by the NPI (p = 0.049) and those with node positive tumours. Significantly lower expression was also noted in tumours from patients who died of BC compared to those who remained disease free (p = 0.035). Low levels of MDA-7 were significantly correlated with a shorter disease free survival (mean = 121.7 vs. 140.4 months, p = 0.0287) on Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Conclusion MDA-7 significantly inhibits the motility and migration of human BC cells in-vitro. MDA-7 expression is substantially reduced in malignant breast tissue and low transcript levels are significantly associated with unfavourable pathological parameters, including nodal positivity; and adverse clinical outcomes including poor prognosis and shorter disease free survival. MDA-7 offers utility as a prognostic marker and potential for future therapeutic strategies

Giant Bilateral Adrenal Myelolipomas in Two Chinese Families with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is one of the most prevalent, and potentially severe, genetic inborn errors of steroid synthesis directly affecting metabolism. Most patients are diagnosed and treated at an early age. There have been very limited reports of adults with CAH-associated adrenal myelolipomas. We aimed to analyze two families with CAH-associated giant adrenal myelolipomas caused by defects in CYP21A2 and CYP17A1 genes. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A total of 14 individuals from two unrelated families were identified with either CYP21A2 or CYP17A1 mutations. Of note, 5 patients were found with adrenal myelolipomas. Total DNA isolated from the peripheral blood of the two probands was screened for potential mutations in the following susceptibility genes of CAH: CYP21A2, CYP11B1, CYP17A1, HSD17B3, HSD3B2, ARMC5, and STAR using Target Capture-Based Deep Sequencing; and Sanger sequencing was conducted for the family members to detect the potential mutations. RESULTS: In family 1, molecular genetics sequencing revealed a compound heterozygous mutation (c.293-13C\u3eG / c.518T\u3eA, p.I173N) in CYP12A2 in the patient and his brother. In family 2, all three female patients with adrenal myelolipomas were found to have a compound heterozygous mutation (c.1118A\u3eT, p.H373L / c.1459_1467del9, p.D487_F489del) in CYP17A1. CONCLUSION: To avoid giant CAH-associated adrenal myelolipomas in adults, it is important to identify CAH early so appropriate treatment can be initiated to interrupt the chronic adrenal hyperstimulation resulting from increased ACTH. Genetic testing and counseling could be useful in CAH