This paper relates the results of a post-doctoral research study with as its objective, the function of the supervisory framework of first-line management in France and in Quebec. What in France are referred to as "agents de maitrise" or "maitrises" (also "contremaitres" in the industrial sector), the persons who exercise this "maitrise" function are, according to Quebecois terminology superviseurs, contremaitres or gestionnaires de premier niveau, and in the English language, first-line managers or supervisors. This refers to the first level of supervision in work organizations, those exercising a responsibility between the second-level manager (with associate status) and the technician or operator. In permanent contact with the field and in direct relationship with higher management, their functions are at the operational centre of the business. In proximity with the workers, employees and managers, or the owner/boss-entrepreneur of small structures and organizations, the role of the supervisors is to guarantee the smooth daily running of the workplace at the social, organizational and technical levels. This supervisory personnel is at the heart of workplace relations and the accomplishment of the work: at the place where operating personnel and second-level managerial staff come together and are sometimes in confrontation. Responsible for supervising personnel, this person assumes various activities (leader, technical, management...) and complex interface and regulatory roles, essential in work relations, between different actors such as the operating personnel, second-level managers, the department heads, the unions. In France and in most countries, the supervisors are often neglected in social and professional current events. They have rarely been the focus of in-depth scientific research. No France-Quebec comparison has been made of this supervisory role. Subsequent to having analyzed this function and its evolution in France, it appeared necessary for us to analyze it from an international comparative perspective.We carried out a comparative France-Quebec research study in the framework of first-line management, by questioning its status, its roles, its professional identities and its evolution in different corporate contexts. In Quebec as in France, this supervisory personnel is undergoing important transformations in its work. We did research in France and in Quebec, with in-depth field surveys in two comparative enterprises in the field of the public urban transportation of travelers (in Paris and Montreal). In each enterprise, we benefited from a wide-range access to the field and were able to develop a "research-action" in a partnership framework. In the end, we analyzed an important corpus of data (quantitative and qualitative), gathered from all sectors of the enterprises and from many salaried employees.In a comparative perspective, our research consisted in analyzing the problematic identities of this function, among other things. Our first hypothesis is that the fundamental regulatory roles at this level of supervision are similar in France and in Quebec. Our second hypothesis is that the socioprofessional and identity configurations are slightly different in this context. In analyzing these two enterprises, we are comparing several professional dimensions of this first level of management: their status, their activities and their roles, their skills (managerial, technical...), their hierarchical positioning, the evolution of their work. We analyze the ways in which this personnel reacts and adapts to ongoing transformations. We demonstrate that the requested changes correspond not only to evolutions of their roles, their skills and their profiles, but in fact require identity transformations in their work. A strong element of our analysis is the usage, as a comparative tool, of the typology of identity postures of first-level supervisors, built in our prior research (Gillet, 2005) by a thematic and lexical analysis, and a factorial analysis of the numerous interviews, supported and processed by an information system. This typology reveals the different action logic used by supervisors, drawn from a diversity of professional activities, modalities to accomplish the work and representations of the work. It encounters a variety of complex sociological variables and demonstrates the adaptation and innovation modes that this supervisory level personnel develops when facing the socioprofessional transformations it knows. The description of each type is, in fact, an "ideal-type" (Weber, 1922) never present in a pure state. Our approach favours working on the "configurations" (Elias, 1993) underlining the systemic coherences of types (Schnapper, 1999). We have thus constructed a typology (Schnapper, 1999) with four distinct types of supervisors: "managerial," "technical-organizational," "negotiation," "managerial and sales." This typology was constructed with theoretical links: establishing the perspective using the logic of three actors (Becker, 1963; Goffmann, 1968; Alter, 2000), four types of identity in the workplace (Sainsaulieu, 1977; Sainsaulieu et al., 1995) and four types of professional identities (Dubar, 1991). At play behind the logic of the actors and the identities in the workplace is the way in which to be positioned when facing the transformations of one's work. We compare our typology of the logic of identities of supervisors constructed in France with the identity configurations of the supervisors in Quebec.Our analyses validate our hypotheses. We have demonstrated that the typology of identity postures of the supervisors in France can be applied in part to Quebec in this business, thereby underlining the heterogeneity of this professional group in these two national contexts.


This study investigated the technologies and tools used to support upper-level elementary students' engineering design and problem-solving activities in a bridge design and building challenge. The study was conducted in an eight-week after-school program with a total of 36 4th to 6th grade students in small groups of four to six students. Analysis of students' group work based on video recordings revealed the use of a variety of technologies and tools. The results show that the use of technology was engaging and critical for helping students solve the engineering design problem and complete the design challenge. The use of disciplinary tools such as shake tables which are typically used by professionals also allowed students to perform certain tasks like professional engineers. Student focus group interviews showed students enjoyed the use of various technologies and tools during the design challenge. The study has implications for using technology to support K-12 students' engineering design and problem-solving activities, which include the authentic use of technologies and tools can transform learning and support critical problem solving and design thinking. The study also provides an example for instructors on how to use various technologies to engage and motivate students in hands-on engineering design tasks.


Widespread adoption of learning analytics for risk prediction faces different challenges at low-income secondary schools than at post-secondary institutions, where such methods have been more widely adopted. To leverage the benefits of learning analytics for under-resourced communities, educators must overcome the barriers to adoption faced by local schools: internet access, data integration, data interpretation, and local alignment. We present the case study of an enhanced reporting tool for parents and teachers, the Bridge Report, locally designed to meet the needs of a low-income secondary school in New York City. Parent and Teacher focus groups suggest that addressing local obstacles to learning analytics can create conditions for enthusiastic adoption by parents and teachers.


We propose a zero-knowledge interactive proof based identification and signature scheme. The protocol is based on Euler's totient function and discrete logarithms over the ring Z/nZ, and can be applied to smart cards. A prover keeps a signed subgroup generator provided by a trusted center as its secret information. Our scheme has symmetricity in the sense that the same computational complexity and the same hardware both for Prover and for Verifier are required. Also, it requires minimal amount of computation and communications for secret information. The protocol is versatile enough to be applicable to digital signature scheme, multiple digital signature scheme and key exchange protocol. We outline those protocols to show the versatility of our protocol.


in most of the digital signal processing operations such as linear convolution, circular convolution, cross correlation, auto correlation, discrete Fourier transform, fast Fourier transform etc multiplication operation takes large time for computation. The multiplication is also time consuming process in microprocessor and microcontroller arithmetic and logical operations. The computational time of multiplication operation depends on the speed of adder circuit which is affected due to the carry propagation delay. In this paper the Tabulation method of multiplication is discuss. The tabulation method of multiplication reduces the complexity of multiplication and its computational time. This will improve the computational time, latency and throughput.


Success in the performance of construction projects can be substantially enhanced if plans are formulated more realistically, ahead of time. Planning includes identifying project activities, required resources, interdependencies, and also recognizing the uncertainties in the duration of activities. Inherent features of construction projects, such as high repetition, complexity and uniqueness on the one hand, and advances in technology and methodologies on the other, create more difficulties in planning construction delivery. This is true for bridge operations. This study presents an innovative incremental beam launching method with twin truss gantry. This construction method has significant advantages in terms of cost and speed of performance, but increases the level of planning and management required for the bridge operation. Further, because of the newness of the method, no specific Work Breakdown Structure nor conceptual framework has been developed as yet. The aim of the current study is to explore the use of a simulation-based tool (EZStrobe) to facilitate the planning and management of a bridge construction operation (case study). The process followed in the development of a conceptual framework for the case study project is described. An Activity Cycle Diagram is produced alongside the conceptual framework and process models, with the intent of illustrating the key steps in the simulation modelling method. The developed models could assist in scheduling and controlling inherent construction features such as uncertainties, complexities, and repetitions in bridge construction projects, consequently improving their delivery.


This experimental and numerical study aims to evaluate the penetration depth of contaminated water in the concrete structures involved in the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear powerplant. The influence of the mortar mixture on water absorption was investigated by varying the composition: mortars containing aggregates from river sand and crushed limestone sand were compared, and 15% of the cement in the mixture was substituted with fly ash. The effect of temperature in nuclear conditions is also significant; therefore, water uptake at temperatures of 20 and 60°C was considered. Finally, pre-drying conditions were studied by drying the sample at two different conditions: at 105°C and at 40% RH (relative humidity) and 20°C. Water uptake was monitored using x-ray computed radiography in combination with mass measurements. In all cases, anomalous sorption, or a nonlinear relationship between penetration depth and the square root of exposure time was observed, with the sorption curves showing bimodal behavior. The aggregate type had no significant effect on the water uptake results. However, the samples containing fly ash clearly had lower water uptake rates, which can be explained by the differences in the calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) structures. With increasing temperature, the penetration was slightly accelerated at the beginning of the experiment, with the rate of penetration then decreasing rapidly. The densification of C-S-H at higher temperatures could contribute to this phenomenon. Microstructural rearrangements can also explain why the highest uptake rates occurred for samples that were exposed to severe drying conditions (105°C). The experimental results were consistent when the microstructural rearrangement was considered, further confirming these conclusions.


Introduction: Buffalo and cow milk have a great affinity for strong bones, healthy teeth and in various heart diseases. The study was carried out on Kundi buffalo to assess the outcomes of bypass fat on dry matter, milk output, milk contents, body mass gain, nutrient digestibility, and production costs. Methodology: 12 buffaloes of early third and fourth lactation were selected, divided into two groups (six each) for ninety days experiment. In the test animals, additional 300 mg bypass fat was given with balance ration containing 16% of crude proteins, while in control group only balance routine ration was provided. The data was statistically evaluated using a one-way analysis of variance in a completely randomized design (CRD), and differences were assessed using a t-test. Results: The results indicated that mean values in group-A regarding the dry matter intake (DMI) was significantly elevated (P<0.05) (14.29±1.42 kg) as compared to control group (13.65 ± 2.174 kg). At the end of experiment the mean of daily milk production (7.73±1.115 liters/day) was also reported higher (P<0.05) in group-A. The milk yield of Group-A was raised up to 15.39% than the control group. Though, the buffaloes under bypass fat treatment were not found significantly higher in weight gain, but the milk contents in context of solids not fat, fat and total solids presented as P<0.05 between the treatments. Conclusion: Therefore, it is concluded from the conducted study that, bypass fat can be employed to produce milk both quantitatively and qualitatively at a reasonable cost.


The theory of atmospheric magnetic noise is reviewed and we discuss how it impacts magnetoinductive communications systems. Magnetic noise measurements are then conducted to obtain quantitative values of the noise levels at both indoor and outdoor locations. The measurements, using an industrial-grade magnetometer, are compared with results from Comité Consultatif International des Radiocommunications (CCIR) measurements conducted using an electric antenna, and then converted via the E-H relationship in vacuum. Both measurements are in agreement other than in a small frequency range, whereas the CCIR electric measurements show pessimistic minimal values, possibly due to electrical interference.


Elaborated the flame-resistance processing craft of small rugs according to the manufacturing process, compared and optimized the flame-resistance process. Based on a discussion of various factors influencing the flame-resistant effect, the paper proposed the method of integral spray pump.


The authors define the Santiago de la Espada Formation and show its distinghishings characteristics. The limits and contacts as well as its observed shape and dimensions are described. The possible correlations with neighbouring sectors are pointed out. A detailed sedimentological study of de Formation materials is included in this paper. Finally, the deposition environment and the origin of the materials are discused.


The gravel-workings at Broom, on the borders of Devon and Dorset near Axminster, are well known for their yield of palaeolithic implements, made of the distinctive local West Country chert. The gravels are those of the river Axe, and their most famous exposure is in the old railway ballastpit at Broom (actually in Hawkchurch parish, Devon), the literature of which is summarized by John Evans in his Ancient Stone Implements (1897), 639, by Reginald Smith in The Sturge Collection, Britain (British Museum, 1931), 109 ff., and by Mr H. St. George Gray in Ant.jf., vn (1927), 71.


Aim. To study ozone therapy effects on blood biochemistry (NO metabolites, NOn-), pro6oxidant and anti-oxdant  systems in arterial hypertension (AH) patients. Material and methods. The study was focused on ozone therapy effects on metabolic activity of vascular endothelium and lipid peroxidation (LP) activity in 126 patients with stage I-II AH. The levels of NOn- in serum, malone dialdehyde in plasma and superoxide dismutase in red blood cells were measured. Results. In Stage I-II AH, NOn- concentration was reduced, especially in Stage II AH. After one-month combined treatment, plasma NOn- level was similar to that in controls. As early as after first 7 days, ozone therapy resulted in significant LP activity reduction and increased antioxidant potential (AOP), comparing to standard treatment group. Conclusion. Ozone therapy facilitates normalization of vascular endothelium NO-producing function, decrease in LP activity, and AOP restoration.


This paper describes the realization of novel multilayer miniaturized and high performance passive components, covering a wide frequency range (RF to millimeter-wave), and a highly compact millimeter-wave subsystems at a low cost using advanced multilayer ceramic based photoimageable thick film technology. The multilayer miniaturized passive components have been designed using meander-line and lumped-distributed approach, and characterized covering IF (2GHz) as well as RF (> 80 GHz) frequencies for a complete system. At the same time compact and high-Q multilayer lumped components have been designed and modeled up to mmW frequency with excellent performance. Lumped element filters have remarkably low pass band loss with high stop band attenuation and miniaturization. These performances are better than most of the reported results from conventional multichip module (MCM) technologies. Further, using a new integration technique, where IC mounting cavities are formed from trench-vias and have precise dimensional control, a mmW modules are realized onto a single substrate integrating MMICs with RF (V-band) SIW components and embedded lumped element (IF) low-pass filter and other passives in bias network with high performance and compactness.


Examining Police Officer Satisfaction with Mental Health Resources by Jessica R. Burke MS, Capella University, 2015 BS, University of Phoenix, 2013 Proposal Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Forensic Psychology


Nearly 40% of IPO firms redact information from their SEC registration filings. These firms exhibit characteristics consistent with the need to shield proprietary information from potential rivals. They experience greater underpricing, but pre-IPO insiders reduce underpricing-related wealth transfers by selling proportionately less of the firm's shares at the IPO, raising more equity financing in later seasoned equity offerings, and selling their own holdings at a relatively slow pace. The information environment of redacting firms reflects proportionately more private information than that of non-redacting firms post IPO, but this difference abates by the fourth year. Consistent with the view that redacted proprietary information provides competitive advantages, redacting firms exhibit superior financial performance post IPO. The results illustrate tradeoffs in balancing firms' needs to protect proprietary information with their capital needs, investors' needs for information to price securities, and pre-IPO owners' liquidity needs.


Cyclopropylmethylcarbinylamine and cyclopropylmethylcarbinol
were resolved and their configurations related.
The former was deaminated with aqueous nitrous acid to give
the latter with 0-4% net inversion of configuration. The
solvolyses of several N-methyl-4-alkoxypyridinium salts
were investigated. Solvolysis rates for N-methyl-4-
(cyclopropylcarbinyloxy)-pyridinium iodide and perchlorate
in water and in 80% ethanol and of N-methyl-4-(cyclopropylmethy1carbinyloxy)-pyridinium iodide in water were measured. The first-order rate constant for the hydrolysis of N-methyl-4-(cyclopropylmethylcarbinyloxy)-pyridinium iodide at 30° was calculated to be 6 x 10^3 times that of N-methyl-4-(cyclopropylcarbinyloxy)-pyridinium iodide. The hydrolysis of optically active N-methyl-4-(cyclopropylmethylcarbinyloxy)-pyridinium iodide produced cyclopropylmethylcarbinol with 4.4 ± 1.5% inversion of configuration.

The stereochemistry of the deamination of cyclopropylmethylcarbinylamine and of the hydrolysis of N-methyl-4-(cyclopropylroethylcarbinyloxy)-pyridinium iodide and the ratio of rate constants for the cyclopropylroethylcarbinyl and cyclopropylcarbinyl pyridinium salts are discussed with respect to the possible intervention of non-classical carbonium-ion intermediates in these reactions.


Grain size analysis of three cores of sediment from Beilun Estuary were combined with 14C and 210Pb dating data to evaluate their grain size distribution.The results revealed that the sediment types of core KL1 were silty sand,sandy silt,medium-fine sand and fine-medium sand and the grain size of the sediments from the bottom to the surface followed a fine-coarse-fine sequence.Additionally,the deposition in core KL1 had undergone two changes.The sediment of core KL2 consisted entirely of fine-medium sand.The sediments of core KL3 from the bottom to surface were gravel,sandy gravel,coarse-medium sand,fine-medium sand,gravel sand,silt sand,clayey silt,and sand-silt-clay i.e.in increasingly finer terms,and the core was near to the provenance at the early stage.The sediments of these three cores have bad sorting,reflecting a powerful water dynamic effect or a nearness to the sources at that time.The sediments were deposited from the Late Pleistocene period during the Last Ice Age and showed two sedimentary cycles in this area from the Late Pleistocene.


Rare earth element (REE) concentrations have been determined in terrigenous, siliceous (nodule barren and nodule bearing), calcareous, and red clay from the Central Indian Basin. The bulk distribution of REE, and in particular the relative cerium fractionation, in these surface sediments has been studied in relation to bottom water conditions. REE fractionations within a single depositional environment are found to be characteristic for each sediment type, with flat shale-normalized patterns associated with terrigenous sediments, positive Ce anomalies with siliceous sediments, negative Ce and positive Eu anomalies with calcareous sediments, and LREE-depleted patterns with pelagic red clays. There is no relation of any REE fractionation to bottom water redox conditions. Our results indicate that the REE signatures in marine sediments are not only related to depositional setting, but also to the lithological variations, and surficial diagenetic processes. Therefore, these further constraints on understanding REE behaviour indicate that REE fractionations for paleotectonic and paleoredox reconstructions should be used with caution.


Practicol work is considered important for leorning science, by teachers and science educotors. This acceptance though, hos been reported as based on intuition rather than evidence (Atkinson & White, 1981 ). A significant proportion of class time is occupied with doing pro ct i ca 1 work. It is evident that in a majority of situations, students commence laboratory octivities unsure of their oim, the procedure they ore going to corry out, or that experimentotion is o way of forming knowledge (Moreira, 1980; Novak & Gowin, 1984). Vee-maps (Novak & Gowin, 1984) are one way of making laborotory work more meaningful. That is, by tying new knowledge to exisitng schemata students wi11 1earn more effectively. Vee-maps concentrate students· attention on the focus question, the event to be observed, and direct students to interpret results in terms of relevant prior knowledge. In this project the teacher was taught vee-mapping and then incorporated this into his pre-1 ab oratory and post-1 aboratory discussion. A one-group pre-test-post-test design wos used for this study where, all students (N= 13) were pre-tested after troditional instruction, and post-tested ofter o four week treotment progrom. Subjects for this study were an existing cla�s of Veor 11 Biology students ot o Western Australian Senior High School. ii Two types of instruments were designed and used for the pre-test ond post-test. These instruments gothered informotion obout students understondings of o porticulor loborotory, ond their perceptions of pre-1 aboratory and post-1 aboratory discussions. Observations were made of the teacher's presentation and he was interviewed for his perceptions of student changes and opinion of implementation. The results of the study showed that students believed they had gained more from both the pre-laboratory and post-laboratory discussions after the vee-mapping strategy had been implemented. There was a significant gain in their ability to identify pre-requisite concepts of an experiment. However there was no increase in their ability to identify the purpose or the experimental outcomes of a laboratory exercise. The teacher found the vee-mapping strategy easy to implement into the pre-1 aboratory and post-1 aboratory discussions.


Analysis of data on road accidents collected from different sources brings forth important characteristics related to the nature of accidents. Based on this, the fatality index (FI) is defined as the ratio of fatalities to injuries in accidents. An increase in FI is indicative of fatalities in accidents. High FI is observed to correlate positively with difficult terrain, slow response and poor medical facilities. FI therefore represents an important indicator for planning initiatives to reduce fatalities related to road accidents.


In our brains, neural maladaptive networks with traumatic information coexist with adaptive information networks where pleasant memories and resources are stored. When something unpleasant happens to us, this system of information processing makes disturbing memories connect with more adaptive and functional networks, so that we can face and overcome difficult experiences. Humans naturally tend toward health.


This qualitative in-depth interview study conducted in participants' homes documents the daily lives and types of home care needed by 75 chronically ill elderly people in three cities in the People's Republic of China. It examines the severity of their illnesses and the problems experienced by their caregivers. The nature and impact of this caregiving on these family members are explored and questions are raised about this caregiving role, given the increased numbers of older people and the now smaller extended families in China.


ANSI/ISA-84 is one of the most influential standards in functional safety and has been a driver for instrumented process safety improvements over the last 20 yr. It is a comprehensive norm covering a wide range of aspects related to functional safety in process industries, including the entire life cycle of designing, implementing and operating safety systems. Originally released in 1996, it was expanded, updated and harmonized with IEC 61511 in 2004, which is its current version. It has three parts: • Part 1: Framework, Definitions, System, Hardware and Software Requirements • Part 2: Guidelines for the Application of ANSI/ISA84.00.01-2004 Part 1—Informative • Part 3: Guidance for the Determination of the Required Safety Integrity Levels—Informative. Many resources are available online that cover this standard and its use. This article's focus is more specific, concentrating on recent changes to the technical report, ISA-TR84.00.07-2018, Guidance on the Evaluation of Fire, Combustible Gas, and Toxic Gas System Effectiveness,1 which addresses fire and gas system (FGS) design.


The study aimed to evaluate the prescription of parenteral nutrition in hospitalized patients. Prospective study of character, analytical and quantitative, was held in a public hospital in Fortaleza, Ceara, in the period from January to May 2011. Data were collected through semi-structured form with the analysis of records of patient. Of the 18 patients studied, 56.0% were female and 66.7% were aged between 41 and 70 years. The main indications for the use of NP were post-surgical procedures with 74.0% of patients, 39.0% used PN for a period of 7 to 10 days. All were the kind of nutritions and total administered via central. As for evolution, 39.0% of patients died and 39.0% presented complications, infection of the catheter being the most prevalent. Conformities were found in all prescriptions, at least one of the three types of macronutrients. Drug-nutrient interactions occurred in 33.0% of prescriptions. Biochemical tests were requested more potassium and total calcium (100.0%), glucose, sodium, magnesium, urea and creatinine (94.0%). You can see the need for reassessment of the formation and interaction of the multidisciplinary team at the hospital, with the implementation of clinical protocols to better meet patients using parenteral nutrition and comply with Brazilian legislation.


ABSTRACT Smoothened (Smo), a GPCR family protein, plays a critical role in the reception and transduction of Hedgehog (Hh) signal. Smo is phosphorylated and activated on the cell surface; however, it is unknown whether Smo can be intracellularly activated. Here, we demonstrate that inactivation of the ESCRT-III causes dramatic accumulation of Smo in the ESCRT-III/MVB compartment, and subsequent activation of Hh signaling. In contrast, inactivation of ESCRTs 0–II induces mild Smo accumulation in the ESCRT-III/MVB compartment. We provide evidence that Kurtz (Krz), the Drosophila β-arrestin2, acts in parallel with the ESCRTs 0-II pathway to sort Smo to the multivesicular bodies and lysosome-mediated degradation. Additionally, upon inactivation of ESCRT-III, all active and inactive forms of Smo are accumulated. Endogenous Smo accumulated upon ESCRT-III inactivation is highly activated, which is induced by phosphorylation but not sumoylation. Taken together, our findings demonstrate a model for intracellular activation of Smo, raising the possibility for tissue overgrowth caused by an excessive amount, rather than mutation of Smo. Highlighted Article: The interruption of the intracellular trafficking of Smo before it undergoes lysosome-mediated degradation leads to a high level of Smo accumulation, which is activated independently of ligand stimulation.


In this paper, we focus on the problem of pose estimation using measurements from an inertial measurement unit and a rolling-shutter (RS) camera. The challenges posed by RS image capture are typically addressed by using approximate, low-dimensional representations of the camera motion. However, when the motion contains significant accelerations (common in small-scale systems) these representations can lead to loss of accuracy. By contrast, we here describe a different approach, which exploits the inertial measurements to avoid any assumptions on the nature of the trajectory. Instead of parameterizing the trajectory, our approach parameterizes the errors in the trajectory estimates by a low-dimensional model. A key advantage of this approach is that, by using prior knowledge about the estimation errors, it is possible to obtain upper bounds on the modeling inaccuracies incurred by different choices of the parameterization's dimension. These bounds can provide guarantees for the performance of the method, and facilitate addressing the accuracy–efficiency tradeoff. This RS formulation is used in an extended-Kalman-filter estimator for localization in unknown environments. Our results demonstrate that the resulting algorithm outperforms prior work, in terms of accuracy and computational cost. Moreover, we demonstrate that the algorithm makes it possible to use low-cost consumer devices (i.e. smartphones) for high-precision navigation on multiple platforms.


The MATERIAL project at Yale seeks to construct a reliable search engine for English queries to return results in lowresource languages. This engine must make some determination about the proper number of documents to return specific to each query. In this paper, I put forward a method for determining document cutoff such that relevant documents are returned and irrelevant documents are left out. To do this, I construct a neural network that trains on AQWV scores from known query/document pairings in order to predict optimal cutoffs on test data. The network deduces cutoff scores based on input features like document score, document length, and query word embeddings. Over a series of trial runs, I found that the optimal network employs two hidden layers of different sizes. Ultimately, though cross-lingual training proved difficult, the network improved on previous AQWV score estimations when trained and tested on different sets in the same language.


Objective To explore the effect of Tangweikang(TWK,a TCM compound) in treating gastric peptidergic nerve of diabetic gastroparesis(DPG).Methods Experimental rats were divided into normal,model,large dosage of TWK,small dosage of TWK,and Weifu'an (WFA)group.Rats were sacrificed 4 weeks after gastrogavage.Tissues in gastric antrum were taken out to determine and analyze the area and optical density of peptidergic nerve.Results Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP),nerve area of calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP)and optical density (OD)all significantly reduced in the model group when compared with those in the normal control group(P0.01).VIP,nerve area of CGRP and OD were obviously enhanced in large and small dosage TWK when compared with those in the model group (P0.01 or P 0.05).However,there was no obvious change in WFA group.Conclusion TWK could significantly improve gastric peptidergic nerve in DPG rats.


For centuries scientists have looked to nature for inspiration for novel and efficient solutions to engineering problems. Recently, research on fish and other marine mammals has shown their ability to efficiently extract energy from both steady and unsteady flows. Our research uses this previous work as motivation for experimentally examining the hydrodynamic performance of flapping foils to extract energy in a twodimensional flow. We focused on identifying the effects that foil motion parameters had on the hydrodynamic energy extraction efficiency and resolving the wake structure downstream of the foil. The primary foil motion parameters investigated were the non-dimensional flapping frequency of the foil, the non-dimensional excursion amplitude of the foil, and the profile of the foil path during a typical energy extraction cycle. The heave and pitch of the fin was approximated by a NACA 0012 foil heaving and pitching sinusoidially 90' out of phase at a Reynolds number of 13,800. Energy extraction efficiencies of up to r = 0.45 were found within a very small parametric region for small oscillation amplitudes while broad regions of appreciable efficiency were found at large oscillation amplitudes. The highest efficiency regions were all found to exhibit the same 2P vortex shedding mode. Further, the similitude between experiments for varying oscillation amplitude was not consistent when parameterized by the Strouhal number. This study shows parameterizing the flapping frequency by the reduced frequency results in vortex modes and efficiency contours aligning between varying oscillation amplitudes. Thesis Supervisor: Michael S. Triantafyllou Title: Professor of Mechanical and Ocean Engineering Acknowledgments First and foremost, my advisors, Professor Michael Triantafyllou and Professor Franz Hover, have been incredibly helpful in this entire process and I cannot thank them enough for their time and guidance over the last two years. They have been incredible advisors and have always given their time for random and last minute questions and advice along with encouragement, which is infinitely appreciated. The people who I worked with in the MIT Towing Tank lab were also amazingly helpful in this entire process and I owe much to them. Jason Dahl was always around for sanity checks and invaluable experimental advice as well as last minute questions. He also proved to be a formidable bocce ball opponent during lunch lab breaks which were great. Stephen Licht also helped out a great deal with advice on experiments and data techniques, as well as building a pretty great robotic turtle which was fun to play with while it was swimming. Ricky Galvao as well helped throughout the two years and proved a semi-good bocce ball opponent.


Determining the factors which are effective on total factor productivity (TFP) increments include the productivity of all factors in the production process and making improvements for these factors via policies have importance concerning speed the potential growth rate up in the long term and making this sustainable. The mediumlong term determinants of TFP are examined in this research for the 1994-2015 period as econometric within the scope of new generation panel data analysis on the OECD countries who are classified as OECD-1 and OECD-2 by their income levels. From this aspect, purposed in this research that to reveal the primary determinants which cause the differentiations between OECD-1 and OECD-2 countries in terms of their long-term economic growth performances and/or income levels. Determined as a result of the research that the effect of the variables which are used to determine the medium-long term determinants of the TFP on OECD-1 and OECD-2 groups parallelly increased and decreased as long as enhancing the representation degree of the knowledge, innovation and technological development level of the variables. These results show that the differentiation of countries in OECD-1 and OECD-2 groups in terms of long-term economic growth and/or income levels is majorly rooted in indicators which are used on behalf of knowledge, innovation, and technological development.


This paper proposes a delay-time suppression technique in a DC/DC buck converter with voltage mode PWM control for fast response to its load change. Sudden load current change is detected through a high pass filter at the converter output, which turns on the power transistor switch in a DC/DC converter instantaneously. Then the control time-delay is suppressed and quick response is realized. Our circuit simulation shows that using the proposed circuit, the undershoot/overshoot voltage at the output is suppressed significantly, compared to the conventional circuit. We have compared the undershoot/overshoot voltages with multi-phases, and the sudden load current changes with frequency. Furthermore, we have compared undershoot/overshoot voltages with load current.


Purpose:  This study examines the effect of leverage, investment opportunity sets, and managerial ownership on firm value with dividend policy as an intervening variable in manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange.

Theoretical framework: The general framework of this research includes two theories on it firstly, Signaling Theory which is an action taken by management to guide investors about how management views the company's prospects in the future (Taleb, 2019), and secondly, Dividend Policy Theory is part of the company's spending decisions, primarily related with the company's internal spending, this is because the size of the dividends distributed will affect the size of retained earnings. Retained earnings are one of the company's internal funding sources (Lumapow & Tumiwa, 2017).
Methodology:   We use a quantitative approach with a survey approach. The population in this study are all manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during 2018-2020. In this study, the sample was taken using a purposive sampling method. The purposive sampling method limits the selection of sampling based on specific criteria.
Findings:  This study found a positive and significant relationship between leverage and investment opportunity sets on company value in manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2018-2020. Meanwhile, managerial ownership and dividend policy have a positive and insignificant effect on the company's corporate value in manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2018-2020. Leverage does not have a significant adverse impact on firm value through dividend policy.
Research, Practical & Social implications:   This study analyzes and evaluates the Effect of Leverage on Firm Value. That is, companies that have a high level of leverage can increase firm value because investors assume that the value of companies that have high debt are large-scale companies and the influence of dividend policy on substantial value, namely the use of debt, can increase the firm value if the profits are more significant than costs. Used at the time of use of debt.

Originality/value: The findings show a positive and significant relationship between leverage and investment opportunity sets on company value in manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2018-2020. Influence does not have a significant adverse effect on firm value through dividend policy. Dividend policy cannot mediate the impact of power on solid value.


The aim of this conceptual paper was to redefine the concept of e-Government. Therefore, given the nature of the present study, this paper leaned on a desktop inquiry only and no empirical research was conducted. Consequently, in our review, the current study taught that e-Government needed to be defined in a more comprehensive sense than just being defined solely by Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and service delivery. Therefore, to conceptualize the new notion and definition of e-Government, the present study proposed a new conceptual frame, resting mainly on the following six concepts; (a) ICT platforms, (b) government processes, (c) information and service delivery, (d) digital society, business environment, and other governments, (e) public participation and involvement, and (f) accountability and transparency. Therefore, with reference to the above concepts, the following definition resulted "e-Government is the use of ICT platformsto digitalize and integrate internal government processes, improve informationand service delivery mechanisms for the digitally disrupted society, the business environment and other governments, and encourage electronic public participation and involvement in government policy formulation and decision-making processes, as well as driving governments to be more accountable and transparent in all administrative processes".


In the present experiments the cDNA coding for a truncated form of the β1,6N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase responsible for the conversion of linear to branched polylactosamines in human PA1 cells was expressed in Sf9 insect cells. The catalytic ectodomain of the enzyme was fused to glutathione S-transferase, allowing effective one-step purification of the glycosylated 67–74-kDa fusion protein. Typically a yield of 750 μg of the purified protein/liter of suspension culture was obtained. The purified recombinant protein catalyzed the transfer of GlcNAc from UDP-GlcNAc to the linear tetrasaccharide Galβ1–4GlcNAcβ1–3Galβ1–4GlcNAc, converting the acceptor to the branched pentasaccharide Galβ1–4GlcNAcβ1–3(GlcNAcβ1–6)Galβ1–4GlcNAc as shown by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, degradative experiments, and 1H NMR spectroscopy of the product. By contrast, the recombinant enzyme did not catalyze any reaction when incubated with UDP-GlcNAc and the trisaccharide GlcNAcβ1–3Galβ1–4GlcNAc. Accordingly, we call the recombinant β1,6-GlcNAc transferase cIGnT6 to emphasize its action atcentral rather than peridistal galactose residues of linear polylactosamines in the biosynthesis of blood group I antigens. Taken together this in vitro expression of I-branching enzyme, in combination with the previously cloned enzymes, β1,4galactosyltransferase and β1,3N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase, should allow the general synthesis of polylactosamines based totally on the use of recombinant enzymes.


Penetrating orbitocranial trauma is fortunately an uncommon type of injury. 1,2 Intracranial extension of a foreign body can damage vascular and neural structures. Close cooperation between ophthalmologists and neurosurgeons is essential to maximize visual potential and minimize the risk of devastating neurologic complications. We report an unusual case of penetrating orbital injury with a foreign body extending deeply into the cranium. Report of a Case. —An 11-year-old boy presented with a penetrating orbital injury. While playing with a sled, a cord fabricated to pull it consisting of a length of rubber tubing ensheathing a shorter segment of steel rod gave way after a vigorous tug and was thrust into the right orbit. On examination a 5-cm portion of metal rod covered with rubber tubing was protruding from the area of the right medial canthus (Fig 1). Visual acuity was 20/200 OD with an 8-mm pupil with minimal light reactivity; however,


This document specifies a way to complement IP Flow Information Export
(IPFIX) Data Records with Management Information Base (MIB) objects,
avoiding the need to define new IPFIX Information Elements for
existing MIB objects that are already fully specified. Two IPFIX
Options Templates, as well as a method for creating IPFIX Options
Templates that are used to export the extra data required to fully
describe Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) MIB objects in
IPFIX, are specified herein.


SAN DIEGO—Far from being simple on-off switches, neurons can "rewire" themselves, changing the way they respond to incoming signals as the properties of their membranes change. But which properties are important for which responses? Answers are emerging from a synapse between two disciplines: mathematical analysis of differential equations describing this activity.


Screen-printing (thick-film) technology is well identified as a reliable technique for fabrication of electrodes which can be used as transducer in biosensor, with several advantages including low cost, design flexibility, process automation, good reproducibility and a wide choice of materials. However, the immobilization of antibody molecules is a decisive factor for successful fabrication of immunosensors. Besides, the ability to measure human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is important in establishing the diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease and germ cell tumors. Moreover, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) recently has been being chosen as a main detection method because it is label-free, less destructive to the activities of biomolecule and very sensitive with comparable detection limits as optical-based sensor. In this work, a sensitive label-free impedimetric hCG-immunosensor was constructed by using a commercial screen-printing carbon ink electrode (namely Disposable Electrochemical Printed chip) as a basis. The hCG antibody was immobilized via the entrapment technique on the carbon ink electrode of DEP chip using functional molecule, 1-pyrenebutanoic acid, succinimidyl ester. The experimental results exposed that the designed immunosensor is more sensitive than other previously reported immunosensors, in the case of detection limit and linear range for antigen detection. With optimal fabrication parameters, the detection limit for ?-hCG was 33 pg/mL in 10mM phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution containing 1% bovine serum albumine (BSA). Furthermore, the use of inexpensive DEP chip as a basis for these immunosensors will allow simple instrumentation, disposable and portable at low cost. This work also demonstrates a new approach to develop a sensitive and labelfree impedimetric immunosensor based on screen-printed electrode for applications in clinical diagnosis.


Based on a description of a selection of ethnographical cases, this article states that there are two perspectives for understanding literacy as a social practice: Universalistic and relativistic. Universalistic perspective assumes that literacy has by itself cognitive and cultural effects, and that it is possible to generalize its forms, taking as a starting point the Western tradition. In contrast, relativistic perspective assumes that literacy acquires its meaning in connection with local contexts, and its forms depend on particular events. In this paper, both perspectives are used for interpreting two cases observed in Colombia: First, an adult literacy program in El Codito (a peripheral neighborhood in Bogota) in which the curriculum was adapted to the relativistic perspective; second, a reading club for young people in Guatavita (a village close to the same city) based on dialogical and critical pedagogies. At the end, it is argued that universalistic and relativistic perspectives coexist in both of the observed cases.


In this work we propose the use of random superimposed codes as sequences for collusion-resistant fingerprints. This approach seems to be more suitable in comparison with the use of some other regular sequences (as WBE-sequences) against watermark removal attacks. Sphere decoding algorithm is used for tracing traitors. The performance evaluation of the proposed method is presented. Simulation results show a good efficiency of the proposed codes.


Soft materials, such as gels and colloidal glasses, often exhibit different rheological properties at bulk and microscopic scales as a result of their complex microstructure. This phenomenon has recently been demonstrated for a gel-forming aqueous dispersion of Laponite® clay [Oppong et al. Phys. Rev. E 78, 021405 (2008)]. For this material, microrheology reveals a significantly weaker gel and a longer gelation time than bulk measurements. By performing multiple particle tracking microrheology experiments with different probe sizes, we show that length-scale–dependent rheology is a general feature of Laponite® gels. Small changes in probe size are accompanied by order of magnitude differences in the observed rheological properties and gelation time. The probe dynamics also exhibit size-dependent spatial heterogeneities that help to elucidate a microstructural length scale in the system. Through analytical theory and Brownian dynamics simulations, we find that the correlations described by previous authors...


In this paper, we present a lifelong learning AR agent that provides the customized assistance with a mobile user at anywhere, anytime, anything. The agent infers a user's characteristics, e.g., preference and personality, based on the context history in environments. It generates the personalized assistance by reflecting the user's characteristics. The agent also shows appropriate responses to environmental conditions where the user actually exists. To show potentials of our agent, we have developed applicable applications how we could apply it to enhance the user's learning experience in smart home environments. Therefore, we expect possibilities for the proposed lifelong learning AR agent to be used as a personalized assistant in edutainment systems 1 . Keywords-lifelong learning AR agent, personalized AR assis- tant, situated assistance augmentation I. INTRODUCTION


One of the practicum courses for the D3 Electrical Engineering study program in the Electrical Engineering Department is Electrical machine control practicum, some of the learning materials are about induction motor control with PLC which in the learning process uses trainers that are already based on PLC and equipped with HMI as teaching aids, but the availability of trainers is not yet equipped with a jobsheet as a guide in the learning process. Induction motor control practicum worksheet with PLC and HMI which is valid, practical and effective. Jobsheet making is done by research method 4D development, namely define, design, develop, and desiminate, and the validity test, practicality test, and effectiveness test have been carried out on the worksheet. The results of the validity test of the induction motor control practicum jobsheet with PLC and HMI are stated in the very valid category, the results of the practicality test of the jobsheet are stated in the very practical category and effectiveness test results josbheet declared effective.


Redox from the holes at the O2p orbitals is a well‐known phenomenon in Li‐rich Mn‐based batteries. However, such an anionic redox process results in the formation of O2, leading to structural instability owing to unstable O2p holes. Herein, a swing‐like non‐isothermal sintering technique is used to stabilize the lattice oxygen by suppressing the formation of O2 during charging. It reduces both the number of intrinsic oxygen vacancies of the Li‐rich Mn‐based oxides and the formation of O2 during charging as compared with traditional constant high‐temperature sintering. Consequently, the number of holes generated during charging in the O2p orbitals increases, whereas the number of unstable O2p holes forming O2 decreases. Therefore, the sample prepared via swing‐like non‐isothermal sintering exhibited considerably slower voltage fading and better cycling stability. This study provides valuable guidelines for stabilizing the lattice oxygen and improving the structural stability of the oxide cathodes for electrochemical energy storage.


Fluctuations in temperature and flow rate of the polymer injected into an injection moulding cavity, as well as changes in the heat transfer, may cause alterations in the cavity pressure profile from cycle to cycle during the filling stage. This is due to the fact that the process is usually fast, time varying, and nonlinear. Thus, considering the time-varying characteristics of this process, a self-tuning-control strategy was selected to control the cavity pressure profile during the filling stage. A first-order model is employed to simplify the controller design. The model parameters are determined on-line using the recursive leastsquares estimation algorithm, and the controller parameters are calculated using the pole location procedure. In order to reduce controller saturation, the self-tuning algorithm is implemented along with a first-order observer and state feedback. Open-loop experimentsare performed to verify the model order, and closed-loop experiments were used to show the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.


The invention relates to a full-automatic high speed bottle unscrambler, comprising a stand, a clamping chuck, a bottle-turning mechanism, a bottle-turning strip, a bottle-standing plate, a control desk, a driving device and a conveying mechanism, wherein the stand is provided with a declining faceplate; the clamping chuck is installed on the declining faceplate and is provided with a radial regulating mechanism and a bottle height regulating mechanism, and a bottle-protecting plate is installed at the periphery of the clamping chuck; the bottle-turning mechanism is used for guiding bottles which do not enter the clamping chuck in accordance with a normal order into a bayonet of the clamping chuck and includes a screening stirring strip installed on the faceplate and located at the opening of one end of the bottle-protecting plate; the bottle-turning strip is installed on the faceplate and used for correctly turning the bottles, the bottle-standing plate is installed at the back of the bottle-turning strip and used for standing the bottle bodies; the control desk is used for man-machine interface operation; the driving device is installed on the stand; and the conveying mechanism is used for guiding out the bottles which are cleaned by the clamping chuck. The full-automatic high speed bottle unscrambler has simple structure and can regulate the arrangement of the bottles with different diameters and lengths of bottle bodies, different diameters of bottle jacks and different sizes and heights of bottle necks within a certain range.


Legal Counseling is carried out by providing clear, directed explanations, so that the meaning and purpose of the authentic deed are easily understood and understood by the parties. Sometimes people only provide explanations and documents without knowing the legal issues. Article 15 paragraph paragraph 2 letter e of Act No. 2 of 2014 explains that, "in addition to the authority as referred to in paragraph (1), the Notary is also authorized to: provide legal counseling in connection with the making of the Deed." Here it is explained that every notary is obliged to explain the responsibility to provide legal counseling to the parties/clients. This research purposed to review and analyze the Responsibilities of the Notary in providing legal counseling to the parties for what he did in the City of Kendari, and to examine and analyze the obstacles and solutions of the notary in providing legal counseling to the parties for what he did. The research approach method used in this research was an empirical juridical research method. The type of data used in this research Primary Data includes Act No. 2 of 2014 concerning Notary Positions and Secondary Data containing books and documentsother supporters. Collecting research data with interview techniques and study of documents or library materials. The data analysis method used in analyzing the data is a qualitative approach in order to obtain descriptive data. The results of the study show that: First, the Notary's responsibility in providing legal counseling is only to provide advice to the parties/clients, it is the client who has the decision in the deed as long as it does not conflict with Article 1320 of the Criminal Code, so that there are no consequences.law in the future. Second, the barriers are competence, clients who do not explain in detail, communication, differences in interpretation, and client characteristics as well as upgrading solutions for notaries, supporting documents, communication skills, discussion for solutions, and psychological approaches.


Introduction: Clinical trials in patients with high risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) have shown that these patients benefit from the available hypomethylating agents 5-azacytidine and decitabine. The majority of these patients display hypercellular bone marrow, but a small proportion despite the excess of blasts, exhibit marrow hypocellularity (<30% cellularity). Data are limited for the efficacy and safety of treatment with hypomethylating agents in this patient subgroup. In the present study we examined the effect of bone marrow cellularity in the overall survival in patients with MDS treated with azacitidine.
 Patients & Methods: This is a retrospective multicenter study from the Hellenic National MDS Registry (EAKMYS) on behalf of the Hellenic MDS Study Group. Between 1.1.2009 and 31.12.2018 a total of 1161 MDS patients who have received treatment with azacytidine have been registered. Complete patient information and follow-up were available for 989 patients, and all these have been included in the final analysis. Statistical analysis was performed and overall survival (OS) was evaluated, using Kaplan-Meier estimates (GraphPad Prism software, CA). A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
 Results: Forty nine patients had a hypocellular bone marrow (hMDS), representing the 4.95% of the whole patient population. Of these patients 39 were men (5.3% of all men included in the study) and 10 were women representing the 2.98% of all women enrolled (male to female ratio 3.9). In the non-hypoplastic group, 750 were men and 358 were women (male to female ratio 2.09). The median age at diagnosis for the hMDS group was 70.8 years, compared to 72.8 years in the non-hypoplastic group. The IPSS-R prognostic risk categorization included 15 hMDS patients in the low group, 9 in the intermediate, 14 in the high and 11 in the very high risk group. Twenty-six patients (53%) of the hMDS group had bone marrow blasts between 10 and 20%, and the remaining 23 (47%) had 5-10% blasts. The patients with hMDS received an average of 10 cycles of azacytidine treatment during the follow-up period (range 2-29 cycles). The outcomes tested were overall survival and progression to AML. The median overall survival of patients with hMDS, following azacytidine treatment start, was not significantly different from the median survival of patients with non-hypoplastic MDS [20 months versus 16 months in the non-hypoplastic group (95% CI of ratio: 0.839 to 1.863). The survival curves were not significantly different between the hMDS and non-hypoplastic MDS group (p=0.32, Figure 1). Progression to AML was also evaluated. Eleven (22.4 %) hMDS patients showed disease progression to AML. Patients with hMDS had significantly prolonged estimated median time to AML transformation, compared to the non-hypoplastic MDS population (31.7 versus 22 months respectively, p<0.001). There were not any major safety issues among patients with hMDS, despite the increased RBC and Platelet transfusion needs. The infectious episodes and the hospitalization courses did not differ significantly between the hMDS and the non-hypoplastic group.
 Discussion and Conclusive remarks: In this retrospective study, in which a large number of MDS patients was analyzed, we showed that bone marrow cellularity does not affect the outcome in patients treated with azacyitidine. Patients with hMDS show statistically significant slower AML progression compared to non-hypoplastic MDS. Bone marrow cellularity should not be a contraindication for using hypomethylating agents as a therapeutic option, and this type of treatment can be used safely, when indicated, also in patients with hMDS.

 Pappa: Amgen: Research Funding; Gilead: Honoraria, Research Funding; Roche: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene / GenesisPharma: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Vassilakopoulos:Merck: Honoraria; Takeda Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genesis Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Astellas: Honoraria; Winmedica: Honoraria; Servier: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Symeonidis:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; MSD: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Tekeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.


For correct operation, certain analog and digital circuits, such as current mirrors or SRAM, require pairs of MOS transistors that are electrically identical. Real devices, however, suffer from random local variations in the electrical parameters, a problem referred to as mismatch. The aim of this thesis is to understand the physical causes of mismatch, to quantify this phenomenon, and to propose solutions that enable to reduce its effects. In this context, four major areas are treated. The first one focuses on the optimization of mismatch measurement methodologies. A new technique for the measurement of Vt and β mismatch and an ID mismatch model are proposed, analyzed and applied to experimental data for 28 nm Bulk and FD SOI technologies. The second area focuses on the characterization of different configurations of MOS transistors in order to propose design architectures that are optimized for certain applications. Specifically, the possibility of replacing LDEMOS with transistors in cascode configuration is analyzed. The third area focuses on the analysis and modeling of mismatch phenomena in advanced Bulk and SOI transistors. Three aspects are analyzed: 1) the impact of the introduction of germanium in P channel of 28nm BULK transistors; 2) the elimination of the metal gate contribution to Vt mismatch by using 20nm Gate-last Bulk technology; 3) a descriptive study of the principal contributions to Vt, β and ID mismatch in 28 and 14 nm FD SOI technologies. The last area treats the mismatch trends with transistor aging. NBTI stress tests were applied to PMOS 28nm FD SOI transistors. Models of the Vt and β mismatch trends as a function of the induced interface traps and fixed charges at the Si/SiO2 interface and in the oxide were developed and discussed.


Objective:To observe the curative effect of the treatment of occult blood loss of primary osteoarthritis after the knee surface replacement for the first time with tranexamic acid injection.Methods:92 cases undergoing primary single knee replacement were randomly and equally divided into a treatment group and a control group.The treatment group were given an intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid injection(600 mg·6 mL-1) before wound healing and the control group were given a joint cavity injection of sodium chloride injection(6 mL) with 0.9% of the quality score.Drainage tube was detained routinely after operation and closed for 3 hours;opened the drainage tube then to detect the HCT,circumference and diameter of the affected limb,and the dominant amount of blood loss.Calculated the total blood loss and occult blood loss,comparing their results.Both lower limbs were examined by ultrasonography after 7 days' operation.Results:In the treatment group,the total blood loss and the change of circumference and diameter of the affected limb had no significant difference before and after treatment(P 0.05);the total blood loss and the occult blood loss were both less than those of the control group(P 0.05);there were no thrombosis for all the patients.Conclusion:Timely and effective dose of tranexamic acid injection could obviously reduce the occult blood loss of knee joint replacement for the first time and reduce the amount of blood transfusion and transfusion rate,having no obvious effects on the formation of deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity after operation.


Silicon-base ceramics are promising candidate materials for high temperature structural applications such as heat exchangers, gas turbines and advanced internal combustion engines. Composites based on these materials are leading candidates for combustor materials for HSCT gas turbine engines. These materials possess a combination of excellent physical and mechanical properties at high temperatures, for example, high strength, high toughness, high thermal shock resistance, high thermal conductivity, light weight and excellent oxidation resistance. However, environmental durability can be significantly reduced in certain conditions such as when molten salts, H2 or water vapor are present. The oxidation resistance of silicon-base materials is provided by SiO2 protective layer. Molten salt reacts with SiO2 and forms a mixture of SiO2 and liquid silicate at temperatures above 800C. Oxygen diffuses more easily through the chemically altered layer, resulting in a catastrophic degradation of the substrate. SiC and Si3N4 are not stable in pure H2 and decompose to silicon and gaseous species such as CH4, SiH, SiH4, N2, and NH3. Water vapor is known to slightly increase the oxidation rate of SiC and Si3N4. Refractory oxides such as alumina, yttria-stabilized zirconia, yttria and mullite (3Al2O3.2SiO2) possess excellent environmental durability in harsh conditions mentioned above. Therefore, refractory oxide coatings on silicon-base ceramics can substantially improve the environmental durability of these materials by acting as a chemical reaction barrier. These oxide coatings can also serve as a thermal barrier. The purpose of this research program has been to develop refractory oxide chemical/thermal barrier coatings on silicon-base ceramics to provide extended temperature range and lifetime to these materials in harsh environments.


Most citizen satisfaction surveys use filter questions to limit satisfaction responses to only those citizens with direct, personal experience with the service. The resulting small response set is inherently problematic, but no more so than the loss of valuable data on the expectations of service satisfaction from citizens who do not use the service. Borrowing a theoretical framework from the consumer satisfaction literature, this article identifies differences in the mean service satisfaction between inexperienced and experienced users of four common local government services (police, fire, emergency medical, and parks). The authors conclude that both experienced and inexperienced users have important information about service quality for local policy makers, especially when the satisfaction results can be disaggregated by neighborhood. Recommendations for modifying common citizen survey practice follow from the findings.


We examined whether women and men react differently to taboo trade-offs, which involve the sacrifice of sacred values (e.g., the well-being of others, honesty) for secular values (e.g., money and s...


From analyzing the current situations of the purchasing management, equipment management, funds management and the laboratory management exists in the University equipment management departments,we summarized the experience and defi ciency of all kinds of university equipment informatization management systems(UEIMS). Therefore,the development model of the informatization management systems were suggested,that is,the model of which the equipment as the core,departments and users as the involved factors,the equipment life period as the whole process will be the development direction of the UEIMS.


Four of the five types of mammalian mechanosensors are composed of nerve endings and accessory cells. In C. elegans we showed that glia supports the function of nose touch neurons via the activity of glial Na+ and K+channels. We show here that a third regulator of Na+ and K+, the Na+/K+-ATPase, is needed in glia of nose touch neurons for touch. Importantly, we show that the two Na+/K+-ATPase genes are needed for the function rather than structural integrity and that their ion transport activity is crucial for touch. Finally, when glial Na+/K+-ATPase genes are knocked-out, touch can be restored by activation of a third Na+/K+-ATPase. Taken together, these data show the requirement in glia of touch neurons of the function of the Na+/K+-ATPase. These data underscore the importance of the homeostasis of Na+ and K+, most likely in the space surrounding touch neurons, in touch sensation, a function that might be conserved across species.


This paper presents implementation of broken rotor bar faults and vibration faults in induction motor by using the technique of Motor Current Signature Analysis. Here we discuss the basics of Motor Current Signature Analysis and condition monitoring of induction motor. For broken rotor faults we measure current through transformer and for vibration faults we use ADXL 335 vibration sensor. From the current and vibration signal we extract characteristic frequencies and apply Fast Fourier Transform for detection of faults .MATLAB is used for the implementation of FFT algorithm.


The urge to document our lives isn't new, and as readers of this column, you're no doubt well aware of the many new self-tracking technologies-particularly those related to health. A large part of the appeal of health tracking devices stems from their seeming objectivity. Built on sensors and algorithms, these systems appear neutral and consistent, impervious to human frailties and whims. Yet for many, use of these self-tracking techniques and technologies isn't straightforward. Here, we unpack four tensions surrounding self-tracking and discuss the role of quantification in understanding ourselves.


Postcholecystectomy syndrome is a symptom complex that occurs or worsens after cholecystectomy and is a functional and / or organic disorder. It often complicates the post−surgery course of gallstone disease. The presence of symptoms of the disease indicates a deterioration in the quality of life of patients, but the diagnostic examination is not always possible to detect morphological or functional changes. Thus, at present the syndrome is an urgent problem of gastroenterology and biliary surgery. Diagnostic issues with a differentiated approach to the functional or organic nature of postcholecystectomy syndrome are important for the choice of further treatment tactics. In order to improve the diagnostic algorithm taking into account the changes in the area of the major duodenal papilla, a study was conducted in 137 patients. To determine the functional disorders of the sphincter of Oddi there was used the method of ultrasound investigation of hepatobiliary area and Vater's papilla with choleretic loading on Boyden as well as the Grigoriev's methods in the absence of organic obstruction of the terminal choledochus at previous stages of examination. Morphological changes in the major duodenal papilla area were evaluated using the technique of parietal ph−impedancemetry, which was performed on the background of benign mechanical jaundice in the patients after cholecystectomy during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography prior to endoscopic papillosphincterotomy. The obtained results help to perform a differentiated approach to the patients who underwent cholecystectomy, taking into account morphofunctional changes in the area of the major duodenal papilla and allow the implementation of the selected methods to the research algorithm of patients with postcholecystectomy syndrome.

Key words: postcholecystectomy syndrome, functional and organic changes of major duodenal papilla, patency of the terminal choledochus, treatment tactics.


The bond structure of the complex in the alkaline ferric–tartrate system (FeTNa) was examined and related to the cellulose-dissolving ability of the system. The subject of bonding was approached by magnetic susceptibility and absorption spectrophotometric techniques. The magnetic moment of the Fe(III) in the iron–tartrate system was found to depend on the pH of the system. With an iron molarity of 0.1 an iron/tartrate mole ratio of 1 : 3, and 2 moles of NaOH/mole of tartaric acid, a minimum magnetic moment of 3.9 BM was observed. In alkaline media the magnetic moment depended on the Fe(III) concentration and the iron/tartrate ratio. The Fe(III) in the cellulose–solvent FeTNa was found to be in a high–spin state (5.9 BM). With a large excess of tartrate, the absorption spectrum of the alkaline FeTNa was recorded and analyzed in terms of the Tanabe–Sugano determinants. Values of 13200 cm−1 and 0.66 were obtained for the parameters Δ and β, respectively. In addition, it was shown that the Fe(III) in the cellulosesolvent FeTNa is coordinated with less than the maximum possible amount of tartrate. This tartrate deficiency is apparently responsible for the solvent properties of the system. From the use of glycerol as a model for cellulose, it appears that cellulose coordinates with the iron in the solvent FeTNa in much the same manner as does additional tartrate.


The use of asbestos-containing products that are discontinued in the US, such as building materials reinforced with the mineral, will be more difficult under a new Environmental Protection Agency r...


VRML is mainly used to make 3D user interface and to control dynamic display in real-time state. Java is responsible for correspondence between Web browser and VRML scene, also for linkage with other information system section. Paper first introduced default VRML's invisible 3D viewer's avatar modeling. Then mainly discussed VRML and Java combination, including VRML's deficiency in creating real-time data input and output for peripheral equipment; adopting EAI to create Java Applet for the purpose of real-time data correspondence between external application program and VRML scene nodes. EAI technology strategies, EAI operation mechanism, EAI four kinds of possible accessing type and its event transmit mechanism etc. contents are detailed formulated. Finally paper described a typical VRML avatar PROTO definition specification and its concrete avatar citation application example.


This paper presents a research on the key technologies involved in the generafldesign of a new generation of 5 000 t crane and pipe-laying vessels. Through summarizing latest development tendency of huge crane and pipe-laying vessels, it proposes a new solution for balancing its seakeeping capacity, power performance and stability. It provides a scientific basis for improving the overalflperformance and expanding the operating scope of mono-hulflcrane and pipe-laying vessels, and also a reference for the design of other types of of shore vessels.


Background:The phenomenon of epidural "top-up" (increased spread of local anesthetic due to epidural fluid injection) is explained partly by an epidural volume effect. This study was designed to investigate the change in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume and velocity waveform induced by epidural saline injection. Methods:(1) Lumbar epidural catheters were placed in 28 patients. Magnetic resonance images were obtained for measurements of lumbosacral CSF volume and velocity waveform. Saline was injected into the epidural space through the catheter to three groups of randomly assigned patients: 5-ml saline (n = 10), 10-ml saline (n = 9), and 15-ml saline (n = 9) groups. A repeat image series was performed after epidural injection to compare CSF volume and velocity waveform before and after epidural injection. (2) We also examined the time course of dural sac compression after epidural saline injection in a separate series. Seven axial images at disk levels from T11–T12 to L5–S1 were obtained before injection and 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 min after 10-ml saline injection to compare each dural area before and after injection. Results:(1) Saline injected through the epidural catheter compressed the dural sac with variability of the extent of compression, resulting in a significantly decreased CSF volume in all patients (P ≦ 0.001). The mean reductions in CSF volume were 2.0 ± 1.0 ml in the 5-ml group, 4.4 ± 1.4 in the 10-ml group, and 7.2 ± 2.6 in the 15-ml group. There were significant differences among the three groups (P < 0.05∼0.001). After the saline injection, the synchronization between the CSF velocity waveform and the cardiac cycle disappeared in significantly more patients in the 10-ml group (7 of 9 patients) than in the other groups (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant relation between measures of CSF velocity waveform and dural area in any patient. (2) The maximum reduction of the sum of the total of seven disk areas occurred 5 min after epidural saline injection; thereafter, dural compression was gradually restored but did not return to the value before injection for 30 min. Conclusions:These findings indicate that the reduction in CSF volume was injection-volume dependent, dural compression lasted at least 30 min after saline injection, and the changes of the CSF flow dynamics did not correlate with the degree of dural sac compression.


Mental disorders are significant contributors to the global burden of disease (1). While they occur across all levels of socio-economic status, the majority of populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) do not have access to effective psychological and pharmacological interventions (2). Key barriers to sustainable delivery of psychological therapies in LMICs include limited mental health funding and infrastructure, chronic shortage of mental health professionals, lack of treatments adapted to the local context, and challenges associated with training and supervision. Implementation of low-intensity psychological interventions by trained para-professionals is one potential solution to this problem (3,4) which is receiving significant attention as part of global mental health research agendas (e.g.,(5)).

A number of low-intensity interventions have demonstrated clinical benefit and utility in high-income settings. For example, early analyses of the UK's Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme (IAPT,(6)) found a substantial reduction in depression and anxiety in people who attended at least two sessions of low-intensity interventions. Additionally, a recent meta-analysis challenged conventional thinking and provided support for low-intensity interventions as an effective treatment even for individuals with symptoms of severe depression (7).

Evidence for the applicability of psychological interventions by non-specialists in LMICs is mounting (8,9). For instance, group interpersonal psychotherapy facilitated by local para-professionals has been shown to be effective in rural Uganda among depressed adults compared to usual care at six month follow-up (10). In rural Pakistan, Rahman et al (11) found that local community health workers could effectively deliver a locally adapted cognitive-behavioural intervention for perinatal depression. Mothers receiving the treatment demonstrated significant clinical improvement on depression symptoms, showed less disability and better overall and social functioning. Finally, a comparatively more intensive transdiagnostic intervention, the Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA), has shown promising results for the treatment of symptoms of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress in Burmese refugees when delivered by para-professionals (12).

To fill the gap between mental health needs and access to quality care, and extend the current research on low-intensity interventions in LMICs, the World Health Organization (WHO) – as part of its Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) – has begun to develop and test low-intensity psychological interventions. The current paper focuses on one such intervention, named Problem Management Plus (PM+).


As a class of discrete latent variable models, cognitive diagnostic models have been widely researched in education, psychology, and many other disciplines. Detecting and eliminating differential item functioning (DIF) items from cognitive diagnostic tests is of great importance for test fairness and validity. A Monte Carlo study with varying manipulated factors was carried out to investigate the performance of the Mantel-Haenszel (MH), logistic regression (LR), and Wald tests based on item-wise information, cross-product information, observed information, and sandwich-type covariance matrices (denoted by Wd, WXPD, WObs, and WSw, respectively) for DIF detection. The results showed that (1) the WXPD and LR methods had the best performance in controlling Type I error rates among the six methods investigated in this study and (2) under the uniform DIF condition, when the item quality was high or medium, the power of WXPD, WObs, and WSw was comparable with or superior to that of MH and LR, but when the item quality was low, WXPD, WObs, and WSw were less powerful than MH and LR. Under the non-uniform DIF condition, the power of WXPD, WObs, and WSw was comparable with or higher than that of LR.


Objective:To study MRI manifestation in of bone marrow hematological diseases.Methods:We choosed 13 cases of pathologically proved hematological diseases,including 7 cases of AL,1 case of CLL,2 cases of NHL,2 cases of megaloblastic anemia and 1 case of ET.12 cases of them had spinal marrow MRI,1 case of them had left leg MRI.4 cases were diagnosed as hematological diseases after MRI instection,which showed that their signals were not normal.MR imaging was performed with 0.5T superconductive MR scanner.T1weighted imaging with spin echo techniques,T2-weighted imaging with furbo spin techniques,GRE and STIR were performed.Results: These 13 cases all showed homogenous low signal intensity on T1WI,and 10 cases of them showed high signal intensity on T2WI,3 cases of them showed iso-signal intensity.All these 13 cases showed high signal on T2*WI of GRE.On STIR 2 cases of AL and 1 case of NHL showed high signal.1cases of AML-M2's spinal marrow's signal became normal when he completely recovered through treatment,and the soft tissue's infiltration disappeared too.Conclusion:The results suggested that knowledge of the MRI manifestation of hematological diseases were useful for the diagnosis and management of patients.


The alleged existence of quantum with momentum in electromagnetic radiation is disputed, this is within the supposed balance of both Einstein's mass-energy equivalent with Planck's radiation energy, we realize this is untrue, except at one energy state represented by a single frequency, from the whole frequency spectrum; this formula is also analyzed and compared with the balance between kinetic energy and the Planck's radiation energy, the energy as well as the momentum for each is derived and showed to relate to an equivalent radiation energy and momentum equivalent to momentums given by mV and mc, which was coined for particle's mass; a momentum derived from the multiplication of Radiation Magnetic Force (FmR ) and change in time (Δt), designated as Magnetic Momentum (ρM), is related to the Electron Momentum (ρE) and both are in odd with the Compton Momentum (ρC), which showed great discrepancies with momentum of both the ρM and ρE , when plotted graphically; the paper established the condition for radiation momentum to remove electron from atom, which is only fulfilled by the Magnetic Momentum (ρM), rather than Compton Momentum (ρC); thus a conclusion is reached that, the use of the formula by Compton was not justified, it was misleading, and doesn't uphold scientific merit, while the Radiation Magnetic Force (FmR ) embedded in the electromagnetic radiation, is the force gives the proper and logical momentum that ejected photoelectrons and carried different mechanism in Compton Effect and others; this attempt aimed at restoring the common sense to the physical world.


Container for holding and / or line of hot water in a water heater, which has an inner shell of plastic and an outer shell made of plastic, wherein the inner shell is adapted to receive or line of the hot water and the outer jacket supports the inner cladding, characterized, that the inner casing (5) and / or the outer shell (6) by means of internal tension of the respective plastics utilizing at least a dimensional change occurring in the course of an injection molding or die-cast manufacturing process are gap-free manner in one another, said openings and / or passages for input and discharge pipes (28, 31) and heating ducts (18) or flanges (23) with gentle integration into a selected output geometry of the component are integrated using generously sized radii or radii transitions in mechanically soft running sections, and that the inner casing (5) at least from a first plastic of the group polyethylene PE, polypropylene PP or polybutene PB-1 and / or the outer shell (6) as the outer supporting shell of at least one second plastic material of the group of one particular by ...


Being solubilized by treatment with 0.01 M mercaptoethanol, the ovomucin gel(B) was found in free boundary electrophoresis to contain subunits which were consisted of two components. Changes in the physicochemical properties of all the insoluble ovomucin gel(B) and sol(B) obtained from stored egg white were studied after this treatment. The fast moving component of the ovomucin gel(B) in free boundary electrophoresis decreased during storage and disappeared completely after 30 days. On the other hand, the fast moving component of the ovomucin sol(B) increased during storage. The acid mucoprotein concentration of the ovomucin gel(B) in acrylamide gel electro phoresis decreased and that of the ovomucin sol(B) increased during storage, although the protein pattern did not show significant changes. The interaction of the ovomucin gel(B) with lysozyme decreased whereas that of the ovomucin sol(B) increased during storage. By summarizing these results, a model of ovomucin gel structure and a mechanism of egg white thinning were proposed.


Traditional systems typically require different models for processing different modalities, such as one model for RGB images and another for depth images. Recent research has demonstrated that a single model for one modality can be adapted for another using cross-modality transfer learning. In this paper, we extend this approach by combining cross/inter-modality transfer learning with a vision transformer to develop a unified detector that achieves superior performance across diverse modalities. Our research envisions an application scenario for robotics, where the unified system seamlessly switches between RGB cameras and depth sensors in varying lighting conditions. Importantly, the system requires no model architecture or weight updates to enable this smooth transition. Specifically, the system uses a depth sensor in low light conditions (night time) and both an RGB camera and a depth sensor or RGB camera only in well-lit environments. We evaluate our unified model on the SUN RGB-D dataset and demonstrate that it achieves a similar or better performance in terms of the mAP50 compared to state-of-the-art methods in the SUNRGBD16 category and a comparable performance in point-cloud-only mode. We also introduce a novel inter-modality mixing method that enables our model to achieve significantly better results than previous methods. We provide our code, including training/inference logs and model checkpoints, to facilitate reproducibility and further research.


Abstract Two patients had hypoglycemia associated with large and diffuse mesenchymal abdominal tumors. In these, the pattern of changes in blood glucose and free fatty acids after a glucose load or epinephrine injection, high plasma lactate levels, low serum insulin and insulin-like activity and excessive glucose uptake by tumor tissue in vitro indicated that the primary cause of hypoglycemia was enhanced glucose dissimilation by the large mass of the tumor. Deficient compensatory glucogenesis might have been a contributing factor. Divergent patterns of the response of serum free fatty acids to epinephrine injection were related to insulin-dependent and independent hypoglycemia.


Abstract In this study, the interaction of cold fronts with idealized coastal terrain typical of the western United States and Canada is considered. Two issues are examined. First, what are the factors that determine the strength of the coastal winds, and second, what are the orographic effects on the frontal evolution? To address these issues, the authors utilize a two-dimensional, Boussinesq terrain-following coordinate numerical model in which a uniform prescribed flow is forced to move over a plateau. The resultant across-mountain velocities are characterized by a zone of strongly decelerated flow upstream of the windward slope and a train of inertia-gravity waves downstream. A barrier-jet oriented parallel to the mountain is produced by the Coriolis force. The variations of the magnitude of the upstream deceleration and the barrier jet over a wide range of Froude numbers and Rossby numbers are described. Steady, linear theory applied to flow over a plateau shows that the upstream deceleration is dete...


Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Various studies show meaningful relation between ECG change in the rest and CVD mortality. Present study was performed to consider the relation between ECG and CVD risk factors in Iranian community.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 3343 subjects aged ≥ 35 years from three provincial cities of Isfahan, Arak, and Najafabad. Questionnaire including questions on demographic and lifestyle information, as well as weight, height, blood pressure, hip and waist circumference measurement was completed. Laboratory tests including total cholesterol (TC), LDL, HDL, triglycerides (TG) and fasting serum glucose were measured as well. Ischemic criteria of ECG included minor and major changes in ST segment, T wave, conductive disorders, blocks and arrhythmia. Collected data were analysed using SPSS15 software.

Findings: Ischemic changes in women were 1.5 times more than men (P < 0.05). Mean age of Ischemic group was 5 years more than non-Ischemic group. Comparison of lifestyle variables indicated that physical activity reverse to nutrient index, was significantly more in non-ischemic individuals compare to ischemic individuals. Smoking show a significant difference between two groups too (P < 0.05). Anthropometric variables including body mass index (BMI), hip and waist circumference and diabetic and systolic blood pressure in Ischemic group were significantly higher
(P < 0.05). Biochemical factors including TC, HDL-C, LDL-C in ischemic group were significantly higher than non-ischemic group
(P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Considering of ischemic change in healthy individual with unhealthy life style or with risk factors, these points should be considered in evaluating of these individuals.

Key words: Ischemic changes, ECG, Cardiovascular risk factors.


The development of the Bayesian approach to the scientific method represents one of the most suggestive and controversial orientations in modern epistemology. Starting from the assumption that, normally, humans think and operate in uncertain conditions, the Bayesian interpretation aims to identify - on the basis on an appropriate probability of the uncertain - the principles that govern cognitive rationality, practical rationality and the relationship between the two. Though this area of epistemological considerations is particularly rich in intertwined background and foreground components, this contribution will provide the necessary elements to critically understand an approach that is seemingly far from any kind of "rule of correspondence" with empirical reality.


Hybridization using diverse parents results in heterosis, which is of paramount importance in crop improvement. Heterosis can be fixed through different breeding methods in advanced generations and desirable recombinant can be recovered. In the present investigation, diverse parents (desi, kabuli and wild species, Cicer reticulatum acc. EC 556270) were utilized to develop 8 hybrid combinations (4 interspecific crosses:, DCP 92-3 x EC 556270, IPC 98–12 x EC 556270, IPCK 2002–29 x EC 556270 and JGK1 x EC 556270 and 4 desi x kabuli: DCP 92-3 x IPCK 2002–29, DCP 92-3 x JGK 1, IPC 98-12xIPCK 2002–29 and IPC 98-12xJGK1). Heterosis over best parent was observed in various cross combinations for most of the traits besides desirable inbreeding depression in F2 populations. Significant and positive heterosis over best parent with negative inbreeding depression was observed for grain yield in only one cross (DCP 92-3 x IPCK 200229). Exploitation of diallele selective mating system (DSMS) or inter-crossing between desirable segregants in F2 has been suggested as it can be rewarding for genetic enhancement in chickpea for grain yield and its components.


Background—Mechanisms favoring the occurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) are complex and poorly defined. This study was designed to analyze dynamic changes in autonomic tone preceding the onset of PAF in a large group of patients. Methods and Results—Holter tapes from 77 unselected consecutive patients (63 men and 14 women aged 58±12 years) with PAF were analyzed. A total of 147 episodes of sustained AF (>30 minutes) were recorded and submitted to time-domain and frequency-domain heart rate variability analyses; 6 periods were studied using repeated measures ANOVA: the 24-hour period, the hour preceding PAF, and the 20 minutes before PAF divided into four 5-minute periods. In the time-domain analyses, a linear decrease in mean RR interval from 925±16 to 906±16 ms (P <0.0002) was observed before the onset of PAF, together with a significant increase in the standard deviation of NN intervals from 65±4 to 70±4 ms (P <0.02). In the frequency-domain analyses, a significant increase in high-frequency (HF, HF-NU) components was observed before PAF (P <0.001 and P <0.0001, respectively), together with a progressive decrease in low-frequency components (LF, LF-NU) (P <0.0001 and P <0.004, respectively). The low/high frequency ratio showed a linear increase until 10 minutes before PAF, followed by a sharp decrease immediately before PAF, suggesting a primary increase in adrenergic tone followed by a marked modulation toward vagal predominance. No difference was observed in these heart rate variability changes between patients with "lone" PAF and patients with structural heart disease. Conclusions—The occurrence of PAF greatly depends on variations of the autonomic tone, with a primary increase in adrenergic tone followed by an abrupt shift toward vagal predominance.


The quantumscatteringof non-relativisticBPS monopolesis investigatedby supposingthat the hamiltonian is proportional to the covariantlaplacianon the spaceof collective coordinates of the monopolesequippedwith the Atiyah—Hitchin metric. Using a partial-waveanalysisand numerical methods we find a rich quantum mechanical structure, including inelastic and resonancescattering.Quantitativeestimatesof certaincrosssectionsare given.It is pointedout that a similar method couldbe usedto discussnucleon—nucleonscatteringin the Skyrmemodel.


In February, 1932, two samples of apples of the Fallawater variety, one badly affected with blotchy cork (locally known as " bitter-pit ")> the other showing no symptoms of this disorder, were sent to this laboratory for analysis. These samples had been selected from the grading-table in a fruit warehouse and their tree origins were therefore unknown. They were known, however, to have been grown in the same orchard. The samples were analyzed for inorganic constituents and but one apparently significant difference was found, namely, in calcium content. Thus the affected fruit contained 0.052 gm. CaO per 1000 gm. fresh weight; the unaffected, 0.071