Techniques for transforming a legacy network into a Software Defined Networking (SDN) enabled network are provided. In one embodiment, a route server can receive one or more routing protocol packets originating from a network device, where the one or more routing protocol packets are forwarded to the route server via a cross connect configured on a network router. The route server can further establish a routing protocol session between the route server and the network device based on the one or more routing protocol packets, and can add a routing entry to a local routing table. Upon adding the routing entry, the route server can automatically invoke an application programming interface (API) for transmitting the routing entry to a Software Defined Networking (SDN) controller.


The article examines the topos of sophism and its content in written and visual texts of the late 15th - first half of the 16th centuries, primarily on the basis of dialogues and dramaturgical works, which occupied a special place in the urban communica-tion of the Reformation period. The first half of the article gives an overview of the general ideas about sophism, which were formed among humanists and reformers under the strong influ-ence of Platonic dialogues (Ficino, Erasmus, Luther). A positive reception of the rhetorical heritage of sophism was also present in the culture of the era, but in general, a negative perception of the sophists was typical. Sophistry was opposed to true philoso-phy and was considered in an actual, anti-scholastic key. In the second part of the article, specific embodiments of the topic of sophism in specific works of Christian humanists and reformers were considered. Among them are different dialogues and dra-mas: "Cordus" (1485) by Johann Kerkmeister, "Comedy about the good education of young men" (1501) by Heinrich Bebel, "Gallus pugnans" (1514) by Joachim Vadian, "Council of theolo-gians" (1520) by Crotus Rubian, "Eccius dedolatus" (1520) by Willibald Pirckheimer, "Karstgans" and "Pammachius" (1538) by Thomas Naogeorg. In general, the analysis showed that in humanistic satire, sophists are shown as carriers of university scholastic culture, which is opposed to the practice of Christian piety. They were ridiculed in a rather narrow academic context. In reformist propaganda, the topic loses its specific content: since the evangelical satire was addressed to a much wider audi-ence than humanistic neo-Latin texts. In these works, the theme of the university world is only nominally stated - at the level of the character's social identity. And these representatives of the university, scholastics and teachers, are ridiculed on more gen-eral grounds, ridiculed for immorality, depraved lifestyle, intel-lectual squalor.


Sand production from a friable sandstone begins when fluids are produced at excessive rates. The maximum fluid pressure drawdown before formation sand fails and subsequently is produced depends on properties of the formation sand. This article focuses on procedures for determining in situ mechanical properties of formation sand. New research results make it possible to update previously developed procedures. Emphasis is placed on use of well log data to calculate elastic modulus values and Poisson's ratio. Examples for use of such data include: In situ strength of cementation between sand grains can be estimated from modulus values; Modulus values can be converted into strength plots for the sands; Sand strength plots and Poisson's ratio are among values used to calculate maximum possible fluid pressure draw-down for sand-free production of reservoir fluids.


【Objective】 Purine content in common dried legumes and legume products in China were determined to utilize them in the dietary care of hyperuricemia and gout patient. 【Methods】 The HPLC analysis was carried out on Waters Atlantis T3( 4.6mm×250mm×5μm),10. 0mmol /L NH4COOH( pH3. 6) and CH3OH( 99% /1%) were used as the mobile phase. The flow rate was l. 0mL /min. The column temperature was 30℃,and the detection wavelength was at 254 nm. 【Results】 Purine content in different kinds ofdried legumes and legume products were significantly different. The content of purine in dried legumes was higher than that in legume products. Content of broad bean was the highest in legumes and so was soybean powder in legume products. 【Conclusion】 The content of purine varied significantly among different kinds of legumes and legume products. The content of purine in dried legumes was higher than that in legume products.


Automatic operations control system of urban rapid-transit systems is described by taking an example of an underground railway using microcomputers for decentralized data processing. The task complex is divided into an information processing section with safe signaling characteristics, and a processing section without safety functions. The safety side of the system is implemented by a network of fail-safe microcomputer while the non-safety-oriented work is accomplished by process-control computers suitable for handling large volumes of process-control data. Each microcomputer is allocated a certain share of the tasks. This modular arrangement, while increasing the hardware outlay, restricts any failure to just one part of the control center's functions.


The utility model relates to a technical field of machinery equipment, in particular to an automatic digital control paint injecting device for coating paint to productions. A connecting seat of an injection lance is movably arranged on a movable frame, the movable frame crosses an injecting zone of a socket and is guided by smooth rods at the two sides of the socket, and the two side ends of the movable frame is movably sheathed on the smooth rods via a linear bearing. With the guiding of the smooth rods, the moving of the movable frame is steadier and more accurate in order to match with the paint injecting work of the injection lance, so the paint thickness injected on the productions is uniform and multi-directional, so the quality of the finished product can be increased, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Meanwhile, flowing water is arranged under an injecting station in order to timely recycle the paint fallen under the lower part of the injection station and bring to the wasted paint recycling zone for recovery and utilization, so the waste of the paint can be reduced, the pollution of the paint injecting environment can be released with better environmental-protection.


Introduction: Techniques to mitigate the potential threat to Earth of an approaching Near Earth Object (NEO) will require knowledge of the composition and structure of the body. In particular, information on the density, strength, and cohesiveness of the NEO will be necessary. Active seismology appears promising as a method of accomplishing such measurements. By "active" we mean a source (i.e. an impactor, thumper, or explosive) initiates a disturbance that propagates though the body and is detected by several sensors located on the body's surface. We have considerable experience in analyzing and modeling seismic signals in small bodies [1]; this study deals with methods of producing and recovering the seismic signals. Versions of active seismology were used successfully on the moon during the Apollo 14, 16, and 17 missions. In fact, most of what we know about the interior of the moon was obtained in this manner. Note that although such other techniques as radio tomography from an orbiting or flyby spacecraft can also provide some aspects of internal structure this method is not useful for metallic objects. Lander Packages: In the case of an NEO the difficulty of seismology lies in how to deliver and attach the sensors to such a low gravity body with a surface of a probably unknown nature. Providing a good acoustic contact between the surface and the sensor is a particular problem to solve. We have initiated a research program consisting of 1) Developing small lander packages and 2) Studying possible techniques for anchoring and providing good acoustic contact for these packages. We assume that the sensors and explosive signal source are launched to the body from an orbiting parent spacecraft, which also telemeters a source initiation signal and receives the seismic signals from the lander packages. Each package of our current baseline design consists of a commercial, off-the-shelf MEMS-based multi-axis seismometer together with a battery, associated electronics, and a telemetry system for sending the seismic signals to the orbiting parent. Since the MEMS-based sensors are very small and require very little power the package can be made small in size and low in mass. Thus several packages can be carried by the parent spacecraft. Figure 1 shows a diagram (taken from the Applied MEMS Inc. specification material) of the MEMS seismometer we plan to use. Attachment/Coupling Studies: The difficulty indesigning a strategy for attaching the sensor packages and providing adequate acoustic coupling is exacerbated by the likelihood that the nature of the asteroid surface may be unknown unless preliminary observations by a "scout" spacecraft is possible.


The Democratic Impulse and the Movement Toward Democracy: An Introduction The Mainstream Democratic Vision The Nomination Process: Factionalism as a Force For Democratization Change and Democratization in One-Party Systems Building Pluralist Democracy in Africa Democracy and Economic Liberalism: The Foundations of Hope in Africa Totalitarianism, Authoritarianism, and the Pursuit of Democracy: Lessons From Taiwan and China Democracy and the Market in East Central Europe: The Hard Choices Gorbachev's Democratic Revolution: Coping with Pluralism in Soviet and Post-Soviet Politics Ethnic Cleavages and Democracy in the Independent Baltic States Conclusion: Devising Democracy Appendix Back to the Future: An Introduction to Contemporary Political Parties in the Russian Federation Contemporary Political Parties in the Russian Federation Notes and References


A process by which a flexible polyurethane foam reduced in resilience and resonance transmissibility can be produced without using any foam stabilizer. In producing a flexible polyurethane foam, use is made of: one or more isocyanates comprising TDI as a major ingredient; and polyols including 20-50 mass% polyol (A) obtained by causing propylene oxide to undergo ring-opening addition polymerization with an initiator with the aid of a composite metal cyanide complex catalyst and further causing ethylene oxide to undergo ring-opening addition polymerization therewith with the aid of an alkali metal compound catalyst or phosphazenium catalyst, the polyol (A) having an oxyethylene group content of 10-20 mass% and a hydroxyl value of 15-56 mg-KOH/g.


Since Ayres (1969) first introduced the theory of sensory integration, occupational therapists have understood and appreciated the role that sensation plays in daily life activities. Sensory processing involves reception, perception, and interpretation of sensory stimuli as well as generation of both observable and unobservable responses. Observable responses may be motor, emotional, cognitive, or regulatory in nature. For example, the tactile stimulus caused by a stray hair laying on one's arm alerts the individual and may cause them to look at the hair then brush it away. Responses that are not readily observable can include sympathetic nervous system activation, emotional experiences, and a change in homeostasis. These non-observable responses often lead to maladaptive behavior. For example, for some individuals, the stray hair lying across the arm may lead to increased heart rate, a sense of anxiety, and a state of fight or flight. Sensory processing is a natural function of the nervous system and is foundational for adaptive behavior (Ayres, 1972; Watling, Miller Kuhaneck, Parham, & Schaaf, 2018). When dysfunction occurs within the chain of events that comprise sensory processing, the intensity, duration or topography of the resultant behavior is incongruous with the sensory stimulus . These resulting maladaptive behaviors can impact well-being of others, the individual or the environment. Given the relationship between sensory processing and behavior, it is important to understand the occurrence of sensory processing dysfunction in populations in which maladaptive behavior is common, including children with Down Syndrome (DS). Will et al. (2019) examined sensory processing patterns and maladaptive behaviors as well as the relationships between them for a sample of 49 children with DS with and without co-morbid autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yielding important findings for clinical practice. A primary finding of the Will et al. (2019) study is the evidence for a relationship between the sensory processing pattern identified as Under-responsive/Seeks Sensation and maladaptive behaviors of Disruptive/Antisocial and Self-Absorbed in their sample. This finding suggests that sensory processing patterns may underlie at least some of the maladaptive behaviors reported by caregivers of children with DS. In light of these findings, occupational and physical therapy practitioners should systematically assess sensory processing and maladaptive behavior for their clients who have DS with or without co-morbid ASD. Assessment findings should be interpreted with an eye


The International Space Station electrical power system utilizes nickel-hydrogen (Ni-H2) batteries as part of its power system to store electrical energy. The batteries are charged during insolation and discharged during eclipse. The batteries are designed to operate at a 35% depth of discharge maximum during normal operation. Thirty-eight individual pressure vessel Ni-H2 battery cells are series-connected and packaged in an orbit replacement unit (ORU). Two ORUs are series connected, a total of 76 cells, to form one battery. The International Space Station will be the first application for low Earth orbit cycling of this quantity of series connected cells. The Space Station Photovoltaic Electronics Team, consisting of NASA and Rocketdyne personnel, began a unique test program at the Power Systems Facility at the NASA Lewis Research Center. The test plan was created to evaluate near- and long-term performance as a battery as well as charge management characteristics. The testing would also validate the ORU configuration including the ORU box and thermal interface design. This article describes the test program and the results of the 3000 LEO cycles on a Space Station engineering model battery.


AbstractA system of spin-injection emitters employing magnetic junctions based on an array of parallel nanodimensional wires has been studied. Manufacturing technology and possible variants of the nanowire structure are discussed. Conditions of the formation of a new type of spin-injection emitters of terahertz radiation on this basis are considered. The design of the experimental setup is described, and the results of experiments are analyzed. It is established that signals in a 16–18 THz range can be generated by passing high-density current through the proposed nanowire array.


1 Carleson measures for the Hardy spaces Let 1 ∈ (1,∞). A positive Borel measure μ on D is a Carleson measure for H(D) if the imbedding i : H(D) → L(μ) is everywhere defined and continuous. If such is the case, we write μ ∈ CM(H). We let ‖μ‖CM(Hp) to be the norm of i. Theorem 1 A measure μ is Carleson for H(D) if and only if there is C > 0 such that μ(S(z)) ≤ C|I(z)|, ∀z ∈ D. (1) Moreover, the least constant C for which (1) holds is comparable with ‖μ‖CM(Hp). Theorem 1 will follow almost immediately from the analogous statement for the harmonic Hardy spaces. Recall that


We describe the incremental value of live/real time three‐dimensional (3D) echocardiography over the 2D technique in the assessment of ruptured right sinus of Valsalva into the right ventricle associated with an adjacent perimembranous ventricular septal defect in an elderly patient.


Pulse is the perceptual phenomenon in which an individual perceives a steady beat underlying a complex auditory rhythm, as in music. The neural mechanism by which pulse is computed from a complex rhythm is a topic of current debate. Neural Resonance Theory (NRT) predicts that synchronization itself is the neural mechanism of pulse perception and is supported by studies that demonstrate neural entrainment to complex rhythms. Here we report a behavioral and an EEG study of stimulus rhythms that have no spectral energy at the perceived pulse frequency. A dynamical systems model based on NRT predicts that endogenous oscillation will emerge at the "missing" pulse frequency. We observed 1) strong pulse-frequency steady-state evoked potentials (SS-EPs) to isochronous and missing pulse rhythms, but not to a random control; 2) strong coherence between model-predicted SS-EPs and brain responses for all rhythms; 3) differing pulse-frequency activation topographies for missing pulse rhythms versus isochronous and random controls; and 4) differing frequency-following response (FFR) amplitudes for events in missing pulse rhythms versus isochronous and random rhythms. These observations support the theory that the perception of pulse results from the entrainment of emergent population oscillations to stimulus rhythms.Pulse is the perceptual phenomenon in which an individual perceives a steady beat underlying a complex auditory rhythm, as in music. The neural mechanism by which pulse is computed from a complex rhythm is a topic of current debate. Neural Resonance Theory (NRT) predicts that synchronization itself is the neural mechanism of pulse perception and is supported by studies that demonstrate neural entrainment to complex rhythms. Here we report a behavioral and an EEG study of stimulus rhythms that have no spectral energy at the perceived pulse frequency. A dynamical systems model based on NRT predicts that endogenous oscillation will emerge at the "missing" pulse frequency. We observed 1) strong pulse-frequency steady-state evoked potentials (SS-EPs) to isochronous and missing pulse rhythms, but not to a random control; 2) strong coherence between model-predicted SS-EPs and brain responses for all rhythms; 3) differing pulse-frequency activation topographies for missing pulse rhythms versus isochronous and ran...


Abstract "Blindness separates from things; deafness separates from people." This quote attributed to the deaf-blind author and activist Helen Keller (1880–1968) indicates the importance of proper hearing for social interaction in our society which is largely driven by acoustic communication. A major cause for auditory dysfunction lies in our genome with currently more than 100 genes linked to hearing loss. One example is the microRNA gene Mir-96 of the microRNA-183 family. MicroRNAs are small regulatory RNAs involved in the finetuning of gene expression. Analyses of transgenic mouse models established this microRNA family as a major regulator for the function of the inner ear as well as synaptic transmission in the auditory brainstem. The microRNA-183 family might therefore play an important role in coordinating the development of the peripheral and central auditory system and their specializations.


The eighth conference on Advances in Wound Management, held recently in Madrid, has confirmed the ever-increasing interest in this specialty. International conferences provide a forum for the exchange of knowledge, research and innovations in practice between experts in the field. All healthcare professionals, not just the great and good in wound care, welcome this opportunity to broaden their knowledge and improve their practice.


We build a stochastic discount factor—SDF— using information on US domestic financial data only, and provide evidence that it accounts for foreign markets stylized facts that escape SDF's generated by consumption based models. By interpreting our SDF as the projection of the pricing kernel from a fully specified model in the space of returns, our results indicate that a model that accounts for the behavior of domestic assets goes a long way toward accounting for the behavior of foreign assets prices. In our tests, we address predictability, a defining feature of the Forward Premium Puzzle—FPP— by using instruments that are known to forecast excess returns in the moments restrictions associated with Euler equations both in the equity and the foreign markets.


A southwest region of the Carina Nebula was observed with the Suzaku observatory for $47\:$ks in 2010 December. This region shows distinctively soft X-ray emission in the Chandra campaign observations. Suzaku clearly detects the diffuse emission above known foreground and background components between 0.4–$5\:$keV at the surface brightness of $3.3\times 10^{-14}\:$erg$\:$s$^{-1}\:$arcmin$^{-2}$. The spectrum requires two plasma emission components with $kT \sim 0.2$ and $0.5\:$keV, which suffer interstellar absorption of $N_{\,\rm H} \sim 1.9 \times 10^{21}\:$cm$^{-2}$. Multiple absorption models assuming two-temperature plasmas at ionization equilibrium or non-equilibrium are tested but there is no significant difference in terms of $\chi ^{2}/$d.o.f. These plasma temperatures are similar to those of the central and eastern parts of the Carina Nebula measured in earlier Suzaku observations, but the surface brightness of the hot component is significantly lower than those of the other regions. This means that these two plasma components are physically separated and have different origins. The elemental abundances of O, Ne, and Mg with respect to Fe favor that the diffuse plasma originates from core-collapsed supernovae or massive stellar winds.


"Socrates, what do you mean? I would have you consider that the word which you have uttered is one at which numerous persons, and very respectable persons too, in a fi gure pulling off their coats all in a moment, and seizing any weapon that comes to hand, will run at you might and main, before you know where you are, intending to do heaven knows what; and if you don't prepare an answer, and put yourself in motion, you will be 'paired by their fi ne wits', and no mistake" [473d-474a].


Objective
To explore the influence of Ramaze's pain relief delivery combining noninvasive midwifery on puerperae's delivery pain and complications.

Methods
select 66 puerperae taking natural delivery at our hospital were selected as study objects and were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 33 for each group. The control group routinely delivered and the observation group took Ramaze's pain relief delivery and noninvasive midwifery. The clinical indicators after delivery, pain score, and incidence of complications were compared between these two groups.

Results
The time for off-bed activity and hospital stay were shorter and the pain score was lower in the observation group than in the control group, with statistical differences (P< 0.05). The incidence of maternal perineal laceration was 54.54% in the control group and was 30.30% in the observation group, with a statistical difference (P< 0.05). The incidences of maternal postpartum hemorrhage, perineal infection, urinary retention, etc. were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group, with statistical differences (P< 0.05).

Conclusions
Ramaze's pain relief delivery combining noninvasive midwifery can reduce puerperae's pain and trauma and complications, shorten hospital stay, and make puerperae have good delivery experience, so it is worth being clinically generalized.

Key words:
Ramaze's pain relief delivery; Noninvasive midwifery; Delivery pain; Complications


Background: Biomechanical studies have shown that dynamic stabilization restores the neutral zone and stabilizes the motion segment. Unfortunately, there are limitations to clinical measurement of lumbar motion segments when using routine radiographs. Radiostereometric analysis is a 3-dimensional technique and can measure the spinal motion segment more accurately than techniques using plain film radiographs. The purpose of this study was measure and compare the range of motion after dynamic stabilization, posterior lumbar fusion (PLF), and lumbar discectomy. Methods: Four patients who underwent lumbar decompression and dynamic stabilization (Dynesys; Zimmer Spine, Inc., Warsaw, Indiana) for treatment of lumbar spondylosis were compared with 4 patients with a similar diagnosis who were treated by PLF and pedicle screw fixation (PLF group) and 8 patients who had undergone lumbar microdiscectomy (discectomy group) for treatment of radiculopathy. During the surgical procedure, 3 to 5 tantalum beads were placed into each of the operative segments. The patients were followed up postoperatively at 1 month, 1 year, and 2 years. At each follow-up time point, segmental motions (flexion, extension, and total sagittal range of motion [SROM]) were measured by radiostereometric analysis. Results: Flexion, extension, and SROM measured 1.0° 0.9°, 1.5° 1.3°, and 2.3° 1.2°, respectively, in the Dynesys group; 1.0° 0.6°, .1° 0.9°, and 1.5° 0.6°, respectively, in the PLF group; and 2.9° 2.4°, 2.3° 1.5°, and 4.7° 2.2°, respectively, in the discectomy group. o significant difference in motion was seen between the Dynesys and PLF groups or between the Dynesys and discectomy groups in extension. ignificant differences in motions were seen between the PLF and discectomy groups and between the Dynesys and discectomy groups in flexion P .007) and SROM (P .002). There was no significant change in the measured motions over time. onclusions: In this study a significantly lower amount of motion was seen after dynamic stabilization and PLF when compared with iscectomy. A future study with a larger cohort is necessary to examine what effect, if any, these motions have on clinical outcomes. 2012 ISASS International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


In order to improve water and fertilizer use efficiencies in sandy land,the experiments of stage irrigation and fertilizer coupling were carried out in Tongxu county of Henan province.The results showed that the coupling of stage irrigation and fertilization could significantly improve the yields of wheat and corn compared to the control,and the yield of wheat increased by 2.10%~24.67%.When irrigation amount was 1 200m3/hm2,the yield under stage irrigation increased by 3.02%~7.55%than that under irrigation once.The best improving effect of wheat yield appeared with irrigation amount of 1 500m3/hm2 and irrigating twice.Irrigation water utilization efficiency under stage irrigation was improved by0.15~0.38kg/m3 than that under irrigation once when irrigation amount was 1 200m3/hm2.The composite yield of wheat and corn increased by 4.40%~24.50%,and the improving effect of yield appeared in the treatment of 750+750m3/hm2.When irrigation amount was 1 200m3/hm2,the yield under stage irrigation increased by 2.58%~7.89%than that under irrigation once,and water use efficiency of wheat-corn increased by 0.9~1.65kg/(mm·hm2).Therefore,600+600m3/hm2 is the best irrigation mode in sandy land.


This paper addresses the problem of learning to 'divide and conquer' by meaningful hierarchical adaptive decomposition of temporal sequences. This problem is relevant for time-series analysis as well as for goal-directed learning, particularily if event sequences tend to have hierarchical temporal structure. The first neural systems for recursively chunking sequences are described. These systems are based on a principle called the 'principle of history compression' . T his principle essentially sayl As long as a predictor is able to predict future environmental inputs from previous ones, no additional knowledge can be obtained by observing these inputs in reality. Only unexpected inputs deserve attention. A focus is on a class of 2-network systems which try to collapse a self-organizing (possibly multi-level) hierarchy of temporal predictors into a single recurrent network. Only those input events that were not expected by the first recurrent net are transferred to the second recurrent net. T herefore the second net receives a reduced discription of the input history. It tries to develop internal representations for ' higher-level' t emporal structure. These internal representations in turn serve to create additional training signals for the first net , t hus helping the first net to create longer a nd longer 'chunks' for the second net. Experiments show that chunking systems can be superior to the conventional t raining algorithms for recurrent nets.


Using a new assay to detect lymphoid cells actively secreting immunoglobulin (Ig), we have evaluated blood and tonsil from normals and blood from patients with immunodeficiency for the presence of lymphocytes secreting IgG, IgA, IgM and IgE. Ig secreting lymphocytes (IgSL) were enumerated using a "reverse plaque" assay which detects cells secreting Ig by the lysis of sensitized indicator erythrocytes in the presence of developing antisera specific for each Ig class. Normal blood contained a mean (N=20) of 179 IgG-SL, 148 IgA-SL and 159 IgM-SL per 106 lymphocytes. Tonsils were found to contain significantly more IgSL with a mear (N=11) of 3311 IgG-SL, 571 IgA-SL, 642 IgM-SL, and 19 IgE-SL per 106 lymphocytes. Five patients with the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome had normal numbers of IgSL for each class despite abnormal serum Ig levels. Four patients with selective IgA deficiency had normal IgG and IgM-SL but no detectable IgA-SL either fresh from the blood or after 6 days of culture with pokeweed. 14 patients with hypogammaglobulinemia had essentially no Ig-SL for any class. However, several of these patients developed a normal Ig-SL response following culture with pokeweed. Measurement of Ig-SL provides a useful tool to study the differentiation of B lymphocytes and their disorders in human disease.


Th is paper presents the stability analysis of equilibriu m po ints of a model involving co mpetition between three species subject to a strong Allee effect which occurs at low population density . By using the software of MAPLE 10, we prove that, under certain conditions, the model has at most twenty seven nonnegative equilibriu m points and, via Lyapunov function, we derive criteria for the asymptotical stability of the unique positive equilibriu m point.


Multi-path effect is the main error source for GPS high precision positioning in near distance differential circumstance. This paper presents a novel method for vehicle navigation in the situation. The current state vector of a vehicle can be used to estimate the state vector in the next interval. Then residual error vector can be computed by using the estimated state vector and the state vector measured by GPS. Finally, two nerve cells are introduced to guarantee real-time estimation reliability: one nerve cell can real-timely distinguish whether the GPS signal includes multi-path error using residual error vector; the other real-timely diagnoses the current precision of vehicle state vector. Vehicle Experiments in the field show that nerve-cell based real-time estimation method can effectively eliminate the effect of GPS multi-path error on positioning precision.


This study was part of the formative research conducted for the children's educational TV program, Zhima Jie, a Chinese adaptation of Sesame Street. Our particular goal was to examine the cultural basis and relevance o f Zhima Jie as a learning tool for Chinese children. Four hundred children aged 3-6 drawn from representative backgrounds participated in the study. Data were collected on relevant aspects of the Zhime Jie curriculum: preschoolers' desires for books and learning materials, and their reasoning and affect about learning. Results showed that the vast majority of children desired books and learning materials with a number of them also articulating reasons for that desire. While differences in gender and mother's education were small and inconsistent, disadvantaged children were more likely to desire books and learning materials than their peers from more advantaged backgrounds. Children also showed a greater tendency for such desires and expressions as their age increased. These findings reflected Confucian beliefs about learning, and they provided support for the cultural relevance of the educational efforts of Zhima Jie in China.


This study aimed at determining how high leadership style and lecturers' performance on students' achievement in STIKes Muhammadiyah Palembang. This study used a quantitative survey by using questionnaire to collect the data. The data were analyzed by using SPSS for Windows. The results obtained indicate that there is no effect of visionary leadership toward students' achievement, but there is an effect of lecturers' performance toward students' achievement. While tested simultanously, the visionary leadership style and lecturers 'performance toward students' achieved had significant effect.


The main reasons of accidents in chlor-alkali production were analysed. Six safety line of defenses for safety production were established, including exact and scientific monitoring method, establish interlock, alarm device, treatment system of accidents and emergency mechanism.


In this paper, we surveyed the implementations of genetic algorithm within networks, whether it is computer network, transportation network, and other fields that have networking context. Their feasibilities are discussed along with our suggestions for potential improvements. Genetic algorithm can also be an alternative to other optimization methods/algorithms. In some cases, it even outperforms other methods. However, the choice of genetic algorithm might be influenced by some concerns, such as execution time and problem size. Generally, genetic algorithm process will accomplish according to its parameters sizes. Finally, the success stories prove the applicability, adaptability, and scalability of genetic algorithm, specifically for almost-any network optimization.


A gradual downdrift of fundamental frequency (F0) and intensity (IL) during speech utterances has been observed in almost all languages. Because both F0 and IL are related to subglottal pressure (Psg) and because Psg is supposed to decrease as the air supply in the lungs decreases, it has been hypothesized that this downdrift, usually called declination, is a passive process. In utterances where declination is absent, like in some types of questions, active countermeasures would then be necessary. In this research, Psg, airflow, electroglottogram, speech signal, and EMG activity of the cricothyroid, sternohyoid, and vocalis muscles have been recorded, while linguistically naive subjects sustained vowels on a fixed F0 and IL and produced a number of sentences with different intonation patterns. Results indicate that there is no direct relation between air supply in the lungs and Psg, and that Psg, F0, and IL can be kept on a desired level without active involvement of the muscle systems that control intona...


We analyze how individual happiness is affected over time by nine major life events using a panel of British individuals. Our aim is to test for the existence of adaptation and anticipation effects. Adaptation effects are found for all the life events considered with the possible exception of unemployment. Anticipation effects precede events that are easily predicted such as marriage, separation and the birth of a child.


: Thermo elasticity is the change in size and shape of a solid object as the temperature of that object fluctuates. The principles of thermo elasticity have affected the way engineers design a number of different objects. The patent is a limited legal monopoly granted to an individual or firm to make, use and sell its invention and to exclude others from doing so. According to section 3 (k) of Indian patent act, mathematical methods are nonpatentable because these are considered to be acts of mental skill. However, any application of mathematical formula may be patented if it satisfies the qualifications of "invention." This paper reviews recent and important patents related to applications of thermo elasticity within different fields.


An air - bis solar source synchronous hybrid heat pump device, which comprises a solar collector, the heat storage section gas - liquid heat-source-synchronized double hybrid solar pump portion, wherein the solar collector, the heat storage portion comprises a solar collector (4) heat storage tank (5), live tank (6) and the heat exchange coil (17), a first circulating pump (7), a second circulating pump (8) and the connecting piping, valves composition; composite solar assisted heat pump includes a compressor section (1), the composite fin tube type heat exchanger (2), the user-side heat exchanger (3), a first capillary tube (13), a second capillary tube (14), the check valve (15) four-way valve (16), connecting pipes and valves, etc; the heat exchanger (2) comprises an outer sleeve (22), through the inner sleeve means (23) in the outer sleeve, and a jacket fins (21) combining the tube wall; annular space between the inner sleeve and the outer wall of the outer tube wall which constitutes one medium passage (19), the lumen of the inner sleeve constituting another medium passage (18), constituting the third medium passage (20) between the outer sleeve and the outer wall of the fins.


This article defines and categorizes the forms and histories of political dependence in Poland. It explores the consequences of prolonged subjugation and assesses its impact on the Polish mentality, considering especially the specific ways of understanding patriotism and its relation to the institutions of power. Advocating a considered use of certain postcolonial paradigms to central Europe and its specific situation of fluctuating dependencies, the article illustrates this with particular reference to Poland, which played both the role of the dominating (colonial) party, and was itself subject to colonial domination by various imperial forces throughout two centuries. In order to examine the discourses of resistance that these complex histories of dependence have generated, the article proposes the framework of post-dependence studies – a critical reflection that uses some of the concepts and methodologies of postcolonialism, whilst reworking their interpretive potential to fit a different political, historical, cultural and geographical context. The Polish Complex, a novel by one of the most important contemporary Polish prose writers, Tadeusz Konwicki (first published as Kompleks polski in 1977), serves to illustrate the close link between the discourse of empire and the counter-discourse subverting it, developed by the oppressed who are aware of their situation of debasement. The contours of this opposition are almost always blurred, however; there is a constant slippage of the counter-discourse (expressive of a desire for self-elevation) into grotesque forms of complicity with the system.


Objective:To raise the diagnos and treatment level of Rathke′s cleft cysts.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed data collected on Rathke′s cleft cysts between 1993 and 2002, 33 patients presenting symptoms were treated by transsphenoidal surgery. Before the operation, headache was present in 78.8%, pituitary dysfunction in 62.4% and visual interference in 27.3%,enlargement of the sella turcica on plain x-rays in 15.2%. CT showed high density lesion in 61.5%,and MRI showed high intensity on T1 weighted images lesion in 63.6%,iso-intensity in 15.2%, low intensity in 12.1%,and others in 9.1% and no enhancement in all of cases. All patients were treated by a transsphenoidal surgery.Results: Postoperative visual disturbance improved in 100% of patients,headaches were resolved in 84.6%,Amenorrhea recovered or improved in 72.7%.Conclusions: Results of the present study indicate: 1)The incidence of pituitary dysfunction in patients with Rathke′s cleft cyst is higher than suspected.2).When a non-enhancing cyst-like structure in the sella turcica with CT showed high density and MRI showed high intensity or low intensity on T1 is demonstrated,the possibility of Rathke′s cleft cyst should be considered.3).Most Rathke cleft cysts can be treated by a transsphenoidal surgery and in most cases surgical intervention improves pituitary function and the clinical status of the patient.4).Surgical treatment is recommended even when the patient has only mild symptoms or signs, including pituitary dysfunction, to prevent irreversible panhypopituitarism.


Postoperative pain within 24 hours after surgery is 41% lower when robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy is performed at 12 mm Hg insufflation compared with 15 mm Hg. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether decreasing insufflation pressure reduces postoperative pain and opioid use in women undergoing robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy. METHODS: In a single-blinded randomized trial, women with pelvic organ prolapse underwent robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy at either 12 mm Hg (experimental) or 15 mm Hg (standard) insufflation pressure. The primary outcome was pain rating on a visual analog scale (VAS) on postoperative day 1 within 24 hours of surgery. Secondary outcomes included VAS pain rating at outpatient follow-up, inpatient and outpatient use of opioids, operative time, and estimated blood loss. A margin of 15 mm was considered clinically different on the VAS, and at 80% power, a sample size of at least 64 participants was needed to show significance. RESULTS: From April 27, 2021, to May 17, 2022, 80 women were enrolled, with 41 in the experimental group and 39 in the standard group. All participants underwent surgery as planned and attended a 2-week postoperative follow-up. Participants in the experimental group had less pain on postoperative day 1 with median VAS of 17.0 mm (interquartile range 26.0) compared with 29.0 mm (interquartile range 32.0, P=.007) in the standard group. No differences were noted in the secondary outcomes of operative time, estimated blood loss, or length of stay. Participants in the experimental group were noted to use fewer opioids while an inpatient (P=.04) and outpatient (P=.02). In multivariable analyses, lower insufflation pressure and increasing age were negatively associated with postoperative VAS scores. CONCLUSION: Lowering insufflation pressure (12 mm Hg) during robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy safely reduced postoperative pain and opioid use compared with standard pressure (15 mm Hg). CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinialTrials.gov, NCT 04858438.


AIM
The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of trauma in primary incisors in a sample of preschool Brazilian children living in a low-income area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

METHODS
For the study 527 dental records of a Municipal Children's Hospital were evaluated, and the following related factors were recorded: gender age, tooth affected, type and cause of trauma. Data were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis (chi-square test).

RESULTS
There were no significant differences in the prevalence of injuries among boys and girls. Children 10 to 24 months-old were the most affected (p < 0.05). The maxillary central incisor was the most affected tooth (p < 0.05), with predominance of lateral luxation and concussions (p > 0.05). The most common cause of trauma was associated with child's own-height fall (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION
Based on the results, it was concluded that the high incidence of incisor trauma in deciduous teeth should be viewed with concern, requiring the implementation of health policies aimed primarily at the prevention of such accidents.


UDP-GlcNAc acyltransferase (LpxA), the first enzyme of lipid A biosynthesis, catalyzes the transfer of an acyl chain activated on acyl carrier protein (ACP) to UDP-GlcNAc. LpxAs are very selective for the lengths of their acyl donor substrates.Escherichia coli LpxA prefersR-3-hydroxymyristoyl-ACP toR-3-hydroxydecanoyl-ACP by a factor of ∼1000, whereasPseudomonas aeruginosa LpxA prefers the opposite. E. coli G173M LpxA and the reciprocal P. aeruginosa M169G LpxA show reversed substrate selectivityin vitro and in vivo, demonstrating the existence of precise hydrocarbon rulers in LpxAs.


The invention relates to the field of plant protection and the insect raising technology, in particular to an orius sauteri raising method adopting drosophila carcinophila as feedstuff. The method changes the traditional method of adopting aphid or frankliniella occidentalis as feedstuff, the defect of the orius sauteri raising caused by the problems of the two kinds of feedstuff per se is changed, the characteristics of short growth period of the drosophila carcinophila and low production environment requirement are utilized, the feedstuff basis is provided for the large-scale raising of the orius sauteri, and in addition, the feeding effect is very excellent.


Varietal thiols are highly aroma active compounds, responsible for the tropical flavor of wines. These compounds have been identified as a varietal impacting compounds in Sauvignon blanc wines, but they are also found in many other wine varieties. Among varietal thiols, 4-mercapto-4-methylpentan-2-one (4MMP), 3-mercaptohexyl acetate (3MHA) and 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol (3MH) have been identified as key molecules of young wines, exhibiting pleasant odors such as blackcurrant bud, passion fruit and grapefruit. These compounds occur at very low concentrations in wines (ng/L), and to be quantified require optimized sample preparation techniques and sensitive and accurate analytical methods. The aim of present work was to determine varietal thiols in Posip (Vitis vinifera L.) wines. Prior to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), thiols were extracted from wine with dichloromethane and the obtained extract was further purified by the combination of the thiols with p-hydroxymercurybenzoate, fixation of the resulting complex in an anion exchange column, and finally releasing of the thiols with cysteine. Results obtained showed the presence of all three varietal thiols in analyzed wines, but 3MH and 3MHA are expected to be involved in varietal aroma of Posip wine, since they are present in concentrations above their perception thresholds (60 and 4 ng/L).


ABSTRACT The usage of foreign direct investment (FDI) is a crucial element in the economic growth literature focusing on sustainable development. In the case of the aerospace sector, security considerations restrict FDI flows and the market-based creation of multi-national enterprises (MNEs), even more than they restrict trade. The role of the government is instrumental as such industries as they exercise significant control over structure and performance through procurement and regulatory aspects. Moreover, there are countries like the US whose aerospace is a leading exporting sector, while significant government expenditure flows impact through fiscal policy the economy at large. The analysis in this paper applies a sectoral analysis of economic development based on the ownership-location-internalization (OLI) theoretic framework for MNE activity for the case of the aerospace industry combined with the strategic trade and macroeconomic implications. The behavior of the government is examined within the macroeconomic, strategic economic and security framework towardidentifying a comprehensive framework of analysis.


Whitefly, Dialeuropora decempuncta (Quaintance rind Baker) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) has attained the major pest status in mulberry, causing 24% crop loss by sucking the leaf juice and manifesting leaf curl, chlorosis and sooty mould desease during monsoon season in West Bengal, India. The assessment of economic threshold revel is an essential component for formulating the management practices. Experiments were carried out by inoculating five different densities of whitefly viz.,10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 adults on covered mulberry plants in glass houses. From the findings, it was observed that irrespective of released density, no crop loss was observed in the initial period. But with the passing of days, the percent crop loss was increased rapidly. The linear relationship between percent crop loss and number of adults released was established to highlight the significance of economic threshold. The statistical analysis in the linear form of equation showed that initial population of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 whiteflies/plant causes 3%, 12%, 21%, 30% and 40% crop loss in a period of 28 days which is equivalent to 57 kg, 247 kg, 437 kg, 626 kg and 816 kg leaf/acre. Execution of management practices (spray of 0.01% monocrotophos) are economical to the farmer whenever the loss is above 247 kg/acre, but below which application of control measures is not economical. From this study, it can be inferred that the economic threshold level far whitefly is 20 individuals/plant beyond which a farmer has to take appropriate control measures.


In comparison with existing sensor technologies such as laser scanning and total station, the surveying technique of photogrammetry holds the advantages of being safe, inexpensive, efficient, and ease-to-use. This paper presents the research efforts of applying close-range photogrammetry to model 3D construction graphics, measure geometric dimensions of building products, and visualize changes and progress of dynamic construction sites. The research results demonstrate the potential of the investigated technique in solving construction jobsite problems.


The main features of MPLS technology are: 1.Flux engineering;2.Load balance;3.path backup;4.eliminating stoppage.The main advantages of MPLS technology are: 1.offer an IP business platform of quick deploying and implementing proliferation;2.offer the secret and safety same as the second layer VPN;3;offer seamless integration of the user's inner network;3.own high extensibility;5.offer IP business;6.offer convenient VPN member management.The technology is widely used in prominent network in General Rural Credit Cooprative of Guizhou Province and becomes an important strategy.


Recent legislative reforms concerning precautionary measures had a scattered and frenetic approach. The very
dramatic result of this is a system lacking coherence and a systematic structure, suitable only for pursuing temporary
objectives.


In the Diamond Jubilee year of the Association, reports of present activities and future trends are provided by the Education and Research Board, Practice Development Board, Publicity and Marketing Board and the Trade Union Committee, and by the Professional Affairs Department.


Prolonged mechanical unloading (UN) of the heart is associated with detrimental changes to the structure and function of cardiomyocytes. The mechanisms underlying these changes are unknown. In this study, we report the influence of UN on excitation‐contraction coupling, Ca2+‐induced Ca2+ release (CICR) in particular, and transverse (t)‐tubule structure. UN was induced in male Lewis rat hearts by heterotopic abdominal heart transplantation. Left ventricular cardiomyocytes were isolated from the transplanted hearts after 4 wk and studied using whole‐cell patch clamping, confocal microscopy, and scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM). Recipient hearts were used as control (C). UN reduced the volume of cardiomyocytes by 56.5% compared with C (UN, n=90; C, n=59; P<0.001). The variance of time‐to‐peak of the Ca2+ transients was significantly increased in unloaded cardiomyocytes (UN 227.4±24.9 ms2, n=42 vs. C 157.8±18.0 ms2, n=40; P<0.05). UN did not alter the action potential morphology or whole‐cell L‐type Ca2+ current compared with C, but caused a significantly higher Ca2+ spark frequency (UN 3.718±0.85 events/ 100 µm/s, n=47 vs. C 0.908±0.186 events/100 µm/s, n=45; P<0.05). Confocal studies showed irregular distribution of the t tubules (power of the normal t‐tubule frequency: UN 8.13±1.12×105, n=57 vs. C 20.60±3.174 × 105, n=56; P< 0.001) and SICM studies revealed a profound disruption to the openings of the t tubules and the cell surface in unloaded cardiomyocytes. We show that UN leads to a functional uncoupling of the CICR process and identify disruption of the t‐tubule‐sarcoplasmic reticulum interaction as a possible mechanism.—Ibrahim, M., Al Masri, A., Navaratnarajah, M., Siedlecka, U., Soppa, G. K., Moshkov, A., Abou AlSaud, S., Gorelik, J., Yacoub, M. H., Terracciano, C. M. N. Prolonged mechanical unloading affects cardiomyocyte excitation‐contraction coupling, transverse‐tubule structure, and the cell surface. FASEB J. 24, 3321–3329 (2010). www.fasebj.org


Photo-activated toxicity of a chlorophyll derivative, pyropheophorbidea (P-a) , toward Drosophila melanogasterwas investigated. P-a-treated flies were anesthesized and randomly placed into 20-fly test groups. Appropriate P-aconcentrations were established for different food intake media, and then different treatment methods were tested alongwith light duration and intensity. Beginning light exposure 48 h after P-a intake maximized toxicity, with P-a light-activated toxicity equivalent to that of the dye, erythrosin B. Survival rate of flies pre-fed P-a decreased with increasesin P-a concentration in the feeding medium, longer irradiation time, and the higher irradiation intensity. P-a has excellentphotosensitivity, and its toxic effect requires light.


Foraging by Polybia (Trichothorax) ignobilis (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) on flies at animal carcasses. Proteins for brood nutrition of social wasps are obtained from many prey, including insects (even bees and other wasps), spiders and bits of decaying meat. After being captured and killed, prey are reduced to a shapeless mass and distributed to the brood. Little is known about the foraging activity, especially on this group. Herein we describe the sequence of foraging behaviours of the social wasp Polybia (Trichothorax) ignobilis for hunting flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae and Muscidae) over pig carcasses. To our knowledge, there are few scientific descriptions of prey foraging behaviour on this species.


Through analyzing the problems in university physical education,makes a study of the nature and intention of physical education and establishes guiding ideology to clarify the direction of physical education reform and improve the quality of the reform,and establish completely new system of modern university physical education concepts by breaking traditional ideas.


The common defects in outer surface, inner surface and embedded defects in the wall of urea reactor were pointed out, especially it was pointed out that stress corrosion cracking of layers could occur when there were corrosive impurities in the leak detection steam. Effective detection methods to these defects were also put forward. For the detection of embedded defects, the nondestructive examination method combined with acoustic emission and ultrasonic phased array or ray was recommended. The estimation method of remaining life for urea reactor with defects was presented based on Paris formula and fracture mechanics theory.


Measurements of the filtered electron‐diffraction intensities of polycrystalline gold foils were carried out at different temperatures. The intensities of the primary beam and the low‐order reflections vary strongly with temperature. The dependence of this temperature effect on the diffraction angle and on the electron energy shows quantitative agreement with the results of the dynamical theory.


Plagiochila hyalodermica Grolle & M.L.So, a taxon so far known from Nepal and China, is described for the first time in Indian bryoflora from North district of Sikkim.


As concerns have developed about issues such as global warming, damage to eco-systems, the inequalities between countries around the world, sustainability has become an important issue for governments and companies. Sustainability covering economic, social and environmental aspects of human activities is one of the most important challenges in 21st century. In this circumstance, the Republic of Korea government is moving toward to the sustainable industry with the slogan, 'Low Carbon and Green Growth' based on sustainability. To accomplish the sustainable industry, it is necessary to study on sustainability of the construction industry, which is interrelated with most industries and affects the national economy and employment. As essential sustainability indicators, Eco-Efficiency is fundamental for the sustainability of the nation's construction industry. The sustainability of construction industry can be achieved by means of three perspectives. Frist, an ideology of green responsibility is necessary for life-cycle process. Second, an effort to alter construction waste to ecological resources is necessary. Third, it is needed to publicize the environmental information.


As there exist many problems in management of property rights, management of material objects and management of state owned capital, the current mode of the management of state owned property is not compatible with the development of the university. Therefore, efforts are made to search for solutions from the perspectives of management system, restructuring of internal control system, innovation of property rights and establishment of depreciation system of fixed assets.


Biophysical signals are known to influence cell fate and functions. In particular, topographic cues exert a direct control over focal adhesions positioning and cytoskeletal assemblies. Moreover, the nuclear envelope is directly connected to the cytoskeleton and actin generated stresses can directly impact on nuclear shape and gene matter configuration. However, how topographic patterns might influence the processes above or more generally, cellular and nuclear mechanics is still unclear. The goal of this work is to investigate how the microenvironmental conditions in terms of topographic cues, substrate chemistry and cell-cell contacts may alter the cell morphology, along with cellular and nuclear mechanics. In a first set of experiments we used nanopatterned polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as cell culturing substrates. The patterns consisted of parallel and straight channels having ridge to groove width ratio of 1:1. Pattern features used were 700nm or 350 nm wide with depth of 250nm or 100nm respectively. Additionally, the chemistry of the material surface was modified by performing different functionalization treatments, namely fibronectin or serum coating. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSC) were cultured at low densities on the substrates up to 48h. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was employed to generate elasticity maps of the whole cell body. We then correlated local elastic modulus with cell height in order to discriminate the different cellular regions. Our analysis showed structural and mechanical heterogeneity of the cell body, clearly mediated by topographic and adhesive signal. In particular, the spindle like phenotype observed on the nanopatterned materials generates compressive forces on the nucleus, which increase its mechanical properties. Our results also demonstrated a positive correlation between the expression of lamins A / C, the structural proteins of the nucleus, and the mechanical properties of the nuclear region. Therefore it is reasonable to hypothesize that these proteins have a primary role in dictating the mechanical properties of the nucleus. In a second setup, we used endothelial cells (HUVECs) on flat PDMS substrates to investigate the effect of cell-cell contacts on cytoskeletal assembly and nuclear mechanics. We found that actin is redistributed in the cortical area, freeing the nucleus, which exhibits a mechanical conformation characterized by lower moduli than single cells. Our results pave the way for capturing designing concept to fabricate novel patterned platforms that effectively alters nuclear mechanics and possibly cell fate by tuning the material-cytoskeleton-nucleus crosstalk.


In order to study the damage model of single-sided joint of the RC column-steel beam hybrid structure, commonly-used modified Park-Ang model and stiffness-based non-cumulative damage index model were compared. The single-sided joint specimen of the RC column-steel beam hybrid structure was designed to carry out seismic damage study through low cyclic loading test. Damage models of single-sided joint of the RC column-steel beam,hybrid structure were compared based on the test results. The results indicate that stiffness-based non-cumulative damage index model are in good agreement with the experimental results for such single-sided joint of the RC column-steel beam,hybrid structure that is mainly suffered steel beam bending failure. When hysteretic energy factor β is 0. 05,the modified Park-Ang model can evaluate the damage of joint specimen effectively.


This article discusses constructions of the type 'En maar zeuren!' (You keep on nagging), which express a negative attitude of the speaker towards the proposition expressed by the construction. We will argue that 'en' (and) should be seen as a regular conjunction conjoining a phonetically empty clause with an overt infinitival clause: [[O] en [maar zeuren]]. The proposition expressed by the empty clause is determined by the common ground and contrasts with the propositional content of the second clause. This contrast is essential for obtaining the expressive meaning, but is potentially problematic in light of the regular interpretation of 'en'. We solve this by claiming that the contrastive reading is expressed by the conjunction in tandem with the discourse particle maar, which can also be used as a contrastive/oppositional conjunction.


Technology has the power to transform the teaching and learning process, resulting in new roles for faculty and students. This chapter provides concrete suggestions for incorporating information technology into the teaching and advising activities of college student affairs graduate preparation programs.


We define the notion of preGarside group slightly lightening the definition of Garside group so that all Artin–Tits groups are preGarside groups. This paper intends to give a first basic study on these groups. Firstly, we introduce the notion of parabolic subgroup, we prove that any preGarside group has a (partial) complemented presentation, and we characterize the parabolic subgroups in terms of these presentations. Afterwards we prove that the amalgamated product of two preGarside groups along a common parabolic subgroup is again a preGarside group. This enables us to define the family of preGarside groups of FC type as the smallest family of preGarside groups that contains the Garside groups and that is closed by amalgamation along parabolic subgroups. Finally, we make an algebraic and combinatorial study on FC type preGarside groups and their parabolic subgroups.


In today's competitive, and highly changing global economy, there is growing demand especially for service driven firms for practical guidelines in developing a customer focus. Banking institutions across the globe have recognized the importance of competitive strategies to develop and maintain enduring relationship with their customers as two crucial parameters leading to increased business profits once the customers are satisfied. Suggested reasons for this apparent trend include customer needs keep changing and have to be addressed on focus thus competitive strategies are the subject of the day. Many commercial banks have been facing severe competition and major customers' switch off. Banking operations are becoming increasingly customer oriented.  This study therefore sought to establish the effect of competitive strategies on customer satisfaction among commercial banks in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research design aimed at investigating the effect of competitive strategies on customer satisfaction among commercial banks in Kenya. The study population consisted of 42 commercial banks with a sample size of 126 respondents which included management staff and bank customers selected purposively . Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis and content analysis. The study findings indicated that the two competitive strategies studied that included; market focus strategy and differentiation strategy were adopted by majority of the commercial banks in Kenya to enhance customer satisfaction. The commercial banks should build the capacity of its marketing teams to handle different market niches. The commercial banks should promote culture of innovation to ensure that it offers highly differentiated products and services that meet specific needs of its clientele. The management of the banks should allocate more financial and human resources to continuously monitor the highly dynamic customer needs to innovatively create products to match future customer needs. Key Words: Market Focus, Differentiation Strategy, Customer Satisfaction


The modern trend in industry is towards the replacement of simple, reliable, but manually involved procedures by electronic techniques, as soon as the reliability of the latter becomes adequate and they become reasonably competitive. The data highway is one example: it uses time-division-multiplex techniques to reduce operations involving long and costly manual procedures, and is likely to change many of the conventional methods of instrumenting a major plant.


Jean-Claude Mouveaux, Vice Technical Manager, CMD, stresses the importance of choosing the right lubrication system for particular large girth gear applications.


A matrix technique for the repetitive analysis of electrical networks by interconnecting variable network elements with an intermediate fixed solution for the remainder of the network is described.


ZnO was loaded into 13X zeolites with ion exchange method under microwave to prepare the loaded UV-light catalyst. The concentrations of Zn2+ and Na+ in aqueous solution were measured by atom absorbance spectrum and the loaded ZnO was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electric microscopy (TEM). Phenol degradation was used to measure the activity of the loaded catalyst. The results show the loading capacity and rate are significantly improved compared with the normal conditions. The mother liquor concentration of Zn2+ is the most important factor in the ion exchange. XRD patterns prove that the zeolite framework keeps intact even after ion exchange in concentrated mother liquor. TEM images display that ZnO nano-particles are dispersed in 13X zeolites, with an average diameter about 5 nm. Even in as low concentration as 25 mgL-1 of phenol, the activity of the loaded catalyst is similar to that of pure ZnO particles in high concentration solution and the loaded zeolites can be separated for recycling with ease.


Nucleotide metabolism and replication of nucleic acids are processes of fundamental importance. A crucial enzyme in nucleotide metabolism is dUTPase (E.C. 184.108.40.206), that catalyses the hydrolysis of dUTP to dUMP and pyrophosphate. The activity of the enzyme has influence on the outcome of DNA replication and complete loss of enzyme activity is lethal, while a decreased activity promotes increased occurance of uracil in DNA, leading to DNA damage and mutations. Many biological systems, including prokaryotes, eukaryotes and several viruses, encode dUTPase activity. The existence of virally encoded dUTPases emphasises the biological importance of the enzyme and many viruses have been demonstrated to depend on their dUTPase activity for maintenance of optimal virulence, thereby providing means for using the viral dUTPases as targets for anti-viral inhibitors. The crystal structures of the homotrimeric dUTPase from the retrovirus equine infectious anaemia virus (EIAV) have been determined for unliganded and liganded forms of the enzyme. The presence of the substrate analogue and inhibitor dUDP in the structure of the complexed enzyme allowed for identification of the active sites (three per enzyme molecule), positioned at subunit interfaces. Four of the five conserved motifs present in most dUTPases are visible in the structure and they are all located in the active site. The fifth (and invisible) motif is presumed to be contributed by the third subunit and to cover the active site during catalysis. A strontium ion, present in the structure of the complexed enzyme, and located in the active site, indicates the position of the metal ion shown to be essential for efficient catalysis. The mammalian herpes virus dUTPases have a molecular organisation differing from those of prokaryotes, eukaryotes and retroviruses, as they are monomeric and generally of increased size. Additionally, the order of the conserved motifs is rearranged. Protocols for recombinant expression and purification of dUTPases from two herpes viruses (HSV-1 and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)) have been established. The activity and solubility of both enzymes were shown to be influenced by presence of detergent. A kinetic characterisation of the enzyme from Epstein-Barr virus has been initiated and shows the enzyme to have properties similar to the HSV-1 enzyme. Using a stopped-flow technique the KM value of the EBV enzyme was determined to 0.2 micromolar. The dut gene encoding E. coli dUTPase has been recloned and a simplified purification procedure designed, allowing for recovery of 500 mg pure enzyme per litre of bacterial culture. (Less)


Over the life cycle of an IRA, a Roth IRA will produce substantially lower federal tax revenues than will a regular IRA. With the Roth, the tax is only on the contribution; with the regular IRA, the tax is only on the distribution. Over the long time on average between pension contribution (starting in ones teens or twenties) and distribution (lasting into ones 70s or 80s), tax-free compounding of earnings will make the distribution far larger than the contribution. For example, with a 9% rate of return, a contribution will grow 32 fold over 40 years. Thus a tax on distributions will produce far more revenue than will a tax on contributions. In the example, with constant taxes, 32 times as much revenue. Yet mathematically, with constant tax rates, the Roth and the regular IRA are equivalents: The exemption of the distributions in a Roth has the same value to the taxpayer as does the deduction of the contribution in the regular IRA. Thus the substantial reduction in federal tax revenues over the life cycle of a Roth provides no benefit to the taxpayer. The article recommends prospective elimination of the Roth IRA.


Under what conditions can potential contestants avoid conflicts through a peace settlement? This question is relevant to real world situations such as international conflicts and pre-litigation negotiations. In the spirit of Myerson and Satterthwaite [4] on bilateral trade, where information asymmetry is the impediment to mutually beneficial negotiation outcomes, a natural approach to address this question is mechanism design. Different from the settings of bilateral trade, however, the contestants' private information here matters only to their outside options, when negotiation fails to preempt conflicts. Furthermore, the way in which their private information affects the outside options is endogenous, depending on the actions contestants choose based on their posterior beliefs after the failed negotiation. Given such a multistage environment, this paper presents a necessary and sufficient condition, in terms of the prior distributions of the contestants, for there to exist a mechanism that, if employed as the negotiation protocol, admits a perfect Bayesian equilibrium that results in peace settlements almost surely. The finding is based on an analysis of two-player all-pay contests that unifies the methods previously separated by the difference in discrete versus continuous distributions given independent types. The peace condition implies that the prospect of peace is improved when both potential contestants become ex ante stronger.


t Acquiredd and inherited thrombophilic factors increase the risk for (recurrent ) venouss thrombotic disease. However, littl e is known about the pathophysiologica l mechanismss causing these recurrences , or persistenc e of thrombosi s despite adequat ee treatment . Because residual thrombosi s has been associate d with worse prognosti cc outcome, we have studied the prevalence of residual thrombotic lesions alterr anticoagulant treatment in patients with dee]) venous thrombosi s of the leg andd thrombophilia. Thrombotic parameter s as assesse d by ultrasonograph y after aa 12-week course of'anticoagulant s were used. Bothh thrombophilia in general and acquired thrombophilia in particular were foundd to be associate d with the extent of residual thrombosis. Of the individual thrombophilicc factors, protein C deficiency, prothrombi n 20210A mutation, active malignantt disease and lupus anticoagulan t were associate d with increased risk of residuall thrombotic mass. Patient ss with inherited thrombophilia did not differ from patients without any thrombophilicc abnormalit y concerning residual thrombotic mass (RR:1.3 (0.91.8)),, while acquired thrombophilic disorders increased the risk for residual thromboticc mass as compared to patients without any defect (RR: 1.7 (1.2-2.2)). However,, the mechanisms by which various thrombophilic disorders cause persistencee of thrombotic lesions remain unknown, and the usefulnes of thromboticc parameter s for clinical practice will have to be investigated. Introduction n Acquiredd aud inherited thrombophilic factors are associate d with a tendency to developp venous thromboembolis m (VTK) . Although it is known that some (acciuired)) thrombophilic states, lor exampl e the antiphospholipi d syndrome, malignancyy and elevated clotting factor VIII:c , as well as persistenc e ol thrombotic obstruction,, increase the risk for recurrence of VTE, littl e is known about the pathophysiologica ll mechanisms causing these recurrences '"\ Sincee residual thrombosi s may be an important risk factor for recurrent thrombotic disease,, it would be interesting to know whether the presence of thrombophilia influencess the location and extension of thrombotic lesions and their recovery alterr treatment with antithromboti c agent s . One may hypothesise that thrombotic lesionss of thrombophilic patients do not resolve as well as lesions in patients withoutt such abnormalities. Too examine whether thrombophilia is associate d with the extent of residual thrombosi ss after anticoagulant treatment , we used the dataset of a clinical trial on secondar yy prophylaxis of VTE in patients with acute proximal deep venous thrombosi ss of the leg (DVT) '.


This paper tackles the subject of managers' pay in listed companies, with particularattention to the newly introduced duty of drafting reports on remuneration,by analyzing multiple pieces of legislation dealing with the matter that have been enactedat various legislative levels in our regulatory environment. The paper briefly reconstructsthe iter through which such regulatory approach has developed and verifies,also in a comparative perspective, the level of adaptation of domestic legislationto EC directives. Moreover, the paper conducts an empirical analysis of some managementremuneration reports recently issued by listed companies operating withinthe financial and insurance industry in Italy, in order to evaluate the degree of implementation of such regulations and to point out the need of further intervention.


oply of other fantastic beings have long haunted the Japanese cultural imaginary. In contemporary discourse, such creatures are generally labeled "yōkai," a word variously understood as monster, spirit, goblin, ghost, demon, phantom, specter, supernatural creature, lower-order deity, or more amorphously as any unexplainable experience or numinous occurrence.1 Such weird and mysterious things emerge ambiguously at the intersection of the everyday and extraordinary, the real and the imaginary, questioning the borders of the human, and challenging the way we order the world around us. Despite its historical longevity, the notion of yōkai is neither monolithic nor transcendent; rather, as has been said of the "monster" in the West, the yōkai "is an embodiment of a certain cultural moment—of a time, a feeling, and a place." 2 That is to say, the meaning of yōkai is always changing—shape-shifting, as it were—to reflect the episteme of the particular time and place. By interrogating this meaning we uncover some of the hidden philosophies and unconscious ideologies of the given historical moment. In the following pages, I focus on some of the yōkai images created by manga/anime artist Mizuki Shigeru (b. 1922), whose work has shaped the The Otherworlds of Mizuki Shigeru


The laser revolutionized production. Compared to resistance spot welding, the machining speed has been increased by more than 50 % and it allows new joining and construction concepts. But whether car body parts are welded or turbine blades are repaired by laser powder cladding, both require the highest process quality and thus optimal adjustment of the laser parameters. From this point of view, the use of laser diagnostic systems, such as the PowerMeasuringModule and the FocusParameterMonitor from Primes, is worthwhile.


The aim of the ATLAS Forward Proton (AFP) detector system is the measurement of protons scattered diffractively or electromagnetically at very small angles. The first arm of the system was installed last year and AFP took data in several commissioning and physics runs. The installation of the second arm has just been completed. The AFP detector will allow measurements of processes with two forward protons: central diffraction, exclusive production, and two-photon processes.


AVDS is a proposition to improve the action of RTO in keeping up and observing vehicles that are damaging guidelines like driving vehicles without legitimate driving permit and related records. Today we are having few of the arrangements which are made on the web and many checking frameworks on national highways and metro urban areas to screen the movement, bolster on crisis and some more. Presently Police division and RTA mutually take many activities and they neglect because of unavoidable situations to put this on-track. This Uncertainty state should be resolved to avoid risk for motorists who are state-of-the-art and right on their records and driving measures. Here the idea is to present a framework that will decrease the undertaking of the legislature and simple the way toward observing general society and subsequently sparing assets. This framework additionally makes the thruways a smart ways.


In all industrialized countries, except those in North America, most babies are delivered by professional midwives who are integrated into the health care system. Canada is the last industrialized country to undertake the legal recognition of midwifery. It was only in the middle of the 1990s that


This position paper describes the challenges related to federated enterprise search over heterogeneous product information sources. It focuses on the aspect of finding relevant information sources w.r.t. the user's information need and identifies core research questions with regards to the design and implementation of a potential solution, based on Semantic Web techniques.


The purpose of this study was threefold: (1) to investigate variables associated with learning and performance as measured by the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), (2) to validate the predictive value of the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) achievement exit exam, and (3) to provide a model that could be used to predict performance on the NCLEX-RN, with implications for admission and curriculum development. The study was based on school learning theory, which implies that acquisition in school learning is a function of aptitude (preadmission measures), opportunity to learn (program length), and quality of instruction (program measures). Participants were 298 graduates of an associate degree nursing program in southeastern U.S. Of the 298 graduates, 142 were Hispanic, 87 Black, non-Hispanic, 54 White, non-Hispanic, and 15 others. The graduates took the NCLEX-RN for the first time (2003–2005). This study was a predictive, correlational design that relied upon retrospective data. Point biserial correlations and chi-square analyses were used to investigate relationships between 19 selected predictor variables and a dichotomous criterion variable, NCLEX-RN. Correlation and chi-square findings indicated men did better than women on the NCLEX-RN; Blacks had the highest failure rates, followed by Hispanics; older students were more likely to pass the exam than younger students; and students who passed the exam started and completed the nursing program with a higher grade point average than those who failed the exam.


PURPOSE
To evaluate the effectiveness of a neutral DOPC nanoliposome system for the delivery of siRNA to tumor cells in an obese murine cervical cancer model.

METHODS
In vitro silencing of E6-E7 mRNA and E7 protein using siRNAE6 or siRNAE7 was analyzed in TC-1 cells by RT-PCR and Western blot. Silencing and antitumor capacities of siRNAE7-DOPC-nanoparticles (NP) were tested in vivo in both normal and obese mice using qPCR. These NPs were administered twice a week for 15 days and tumor volume and weight were recorded.

RESULTS
Levels of in vitro E6-E7 silencing were 90% for mRNA and 60% for protein when siRNAE7 was used. On the other hand when siRNAE6 was used, the levels of silencing were 50% for E6-E7 mRNA and only 20% for protein. In vivo E7 mRNA silencing by siRNAE7-DOPC-NP was similar (60%) in both non-obese and obese mouse models. The therapeutic study showed a 65% decrease in tumor volume and a 57% reduction in tumor weight as compared to the control groups.

CONCLUSION
There was no negative impact of obesity on the antitumor activity of siRNA-DOPC-NP in obese mice.


There exist some problems in such aspects as teaching contents,teaching organization,teaching methods and means for the course on Civil Engineering Surveying.Based on the constantly increasing demand of surveying on civil engineering enterprises,some ideas and ways of teaching reformation are presented in this paper,namely,the teaching contents should be reorganized,the modern teaching means should be adopted and the practice teaching should be strengthened.


The invention discloses a resource distribution method which includes the steps: determining resources types of task requirements, quantity demand and demand period of each resource; determining virtual machines capable of providing service of the resource in the demand period of the task according to any resource demand of the task, and combining the virtual machines into a candidate virtual machine set; selecting one or a plurality of virtual machines from the candidate virtual machine set according to any resource demand of the task. The total quantity of the resource provided by the selected virtual machines is larger than or equal to the demand quantity of the task to the resource. The resources of the virtual machines can be repeatedly used, and resource use ratio of a data center is improved. The invention further discloses a resource distribution system.


A highly sensitive precolumn high performance liquid chromatographic(HPLC) method for the simultaneous determination of free hydroxyproline(Hyp) and proline(Pro) in human urine was developed.Effects of reaction temperature,pH value,time,concentration of labeling reagent,composition of moblie phase,concentration and pH value of buffer,and column temperature were investigated in detail.Under the optimal conditions,the calibration curves showed good linear relationship in the concentration ranges of 5-100 μmol/L for hydroxyproline and 5-250 μmol/L for proline.The correlation coefficients were 0.999 4 for hydroxyproline and 0.999 5 for proline.The detection limits(S/N=3) for hydroxyproline and proline were 0.50 nmol/L and 0.20 nmol/L,respectively.The recoveries(n=5) for hydroxyproline and proline were in the ranges of 95%-99% and 96%-102% with RSDs of 2.1%-4.3%and 2.0%-4.8%,respectively.This method can be used for the qualitative analysis of free hydroxyproline and proline in human urine sample.


In this paper, Auto-tuning method of the controller for static excitation system of the generator with a low time constant is proposed. In order to optimally tune the controller in excitation system, the delay component of moving root-mean-square is equivalently modeled along with the static excitation system. Also, inaccuracy of estimated generator parameters is reduced by compensating fluctuation of acquired field current. The modified auto-tune method is verified through simulations.


All papers published in this volume have been reviewed through processes administered by the Editors. Reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing. • Type of peer review: Double Anonymous • Conference submission management system: Morressier • Number of submissions received: 98 • Number of submissions sent for review: 62 • Number of submissions accepted: 62 • Acceptance Rate (Submissions Accepted / Submissions Received × 100): 63.3 • Average number of reviews per paper: 2.03 • Total number of reviewers involved: 13 • Contact person for queries: Name: Jie Wu Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Affiliation: Wuhan University of Technology


This thesis presents boundary element formulations for three-dimensional acoustic problems of active (ANC) and passive (PNC) noise control. A new boundary element strategy, referred to as RABEM (Rapid Acoustic Boundary Element Method), has been formulated and implemented for acoustic problems. The assembly time for both the system matrix and the right hand side vector is accelerated using a Hierarchical-matrix approach based on the Adaptive Cross Approximation (ACA). Two di erent H-matrix-GMRES solvers (one without preconditioners and one with a block diagonal preconditioner) are developed and tested for low and high frequency problems including noise emanated by aircraft approaching an airport. A new formulation for solving the ANC based on attenuating the unwanted sound in a control volume (CV) rather than cancelling it at a single point is presented. The noise attenuation is obtained by minimising the square modules of two acoustic quantities the potential and one component of the particle velocity within the CV. The two formulations presented include a single and a double secondary source, respectively. Several examples are presented to demonstrate the e ciency of the proposed technique. A new approach, based on sensitivity analysis, for determining the optimum locations of the CV and the optimum location/orientation of the secondary source is presented. The optimisation procedure is based upon a rst order method and minimises a suitable cost function by using its gradient. The procedure to calculate the cost function gradients is explained in detail. Finally, a PNC strategy applied to the interior of an aircraft cabin is investigated. A lower noise level is achieved through the introduction of a new textile with a higher noise absorbing coe cient than a conventional textile, especially at low frequencies. The so-called bubble concept , which consists of adding cap insertions at the sides of the passenger head, is also investigated.


Adolescent violence and misconduct, especially within schools, is a top sociological and educational concern because of the detrimental effects on adolescent physical health, emotional well-being, and educational progress. Concurrently, public schools in the United States are in the midst of a demographic transformation. More importantly, prior research suggests contextual characteristics are associated with rates of deviant behavior particularly in urban areas where racial and ethnic minorities reside. What remains uncertain, however, is the relationship between social control, intersectionality, and school misconduct. This study utilizes data from the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 and incorporates multilevel modeling techniques to examine how the link between social control and adolescent school misconduct may differ by race, ethnicity, and biological sex in urban, rural, and suburban locations. The results suggest intersectionality may matter when understanding the associations between social control and school misconduct. The implications of how intersectionality may matter in social control are discussed.


This paper considers the current problem of incoming documentation processing and managing in the regional council department. Existing workflow software is considered and confered.


The distribution of water deteriorates when the operating pressure of an impact sprinkler (IS) decreases to some level. The aeration jet method is utilized to form an aeration impact sprinkler (AIS), aiming to improve the uniformity of water distribution under low pressure. Based on the structures of a 20PY2 impact sprinkler, an IS and AIS with the same sprinkler discharge were studied under operating pressures range between 150 and 250 kPa. A square test zone was formed by the four sprinklers, and the combined irrigation experiment was conducted under windless conditions. The results showed that the water loss ranged from 3% to 9.5% in all 18 test schemes. The coefficient of uniformity (CU) and distribution uniformity (DU) were used to quantify the degree of uniformity. The AIS had an approximately 3%–7% greater CU than the IS, which resulted in the CU reaching the specified value in the IS standard when the sprinkler functioned under low operating pressure. A linear relationship was found between the CU and DUlq. The uniformity of water distribution clearly changed with the operating pressure (150 kPa, 200 kPa, and 250 kPa) but decreased slightly with the increase in combination spacing (1 R, 1.1 R, and 1.2 R). In addition, the results of field experiment were compared with those of the simulation developed from a single sprinkler indoor experiment based on the water distribution radial curve. The simulated coefficient of uniformity was highly consistent with the experimental data and had an error of <7%. A sprinkler water jet with the aeration method was proven to be a feasible solution to reduce the operating pressure.


The article discusses the effect of permeability anisotropy on the reduction in piezometric potential between drainage cuts. Numerical model studies and the comparison of results with available data on measurements of piezometric potential between drainage cuts show that the permeability anisotropy effect is significant and should be taken into account in the design of drainage systems. (TRRL)


The transport of multimedia applications over mobile networks with an effective QoS poses a challenge due to noise, high error probability and lower data rates, the factors inherent to mobile environments. Due to better compression techniques and the ability to support wide range of data rates, and its independence from transport, network and physical layer technologies, MPEG-4 (motion picture expert group 4) has become the coding technique of choice for the transport of multimedia applications over mobile networks. This paper reports the work on the performance analysis of the transport of video frames over mobile networks using MPEG-4 video coding techniques


ABSTRACT A method has been proposed for determination of particle size distributions of polymer powders via analysis of the Fickian sorption and desorption kinetics of organic vapors. The basis for this method is a model describing the kinetics of sorption in homogeneous spherical particles having diameters distributed a-mong a finite set of diameters. A computation procedure has been developed for determining the weight fractions of each particle diameter which optimize the fit between the model and experimental sorption data. This procedure has been applied to gravimetric sorption data for several organic vapors in PVC powders ranging in diameter from 0.2 to 80 μm. For samples whose particle structure meets the assumptions of the model, the procedure yields histographic distributions closely approximating the particle size distributions determined by conventional microscopic and sedimentation methods. For porous or agglomerated particles, the method yields an "equivalent spherical size distribution" whi...


Three years after the acclaimed play Dancing at Lughnasa (1990), Brian Friel (Omagh, 1929) wrote Wonderful Tennessee, which premiered at the Abbey Theatre. For many critics the latter was a failed attempt in which the author tried to exploit his previous success in the use of music and dancing on stage. Although the achievements of the former play are unquestionable, Wonderful Tennessee enjoys a well-deserved position in Friel's canon as the meaningful staging of the author's late reflections on ritual and ceremony. Moreover, the play presents a complete rite of passage as described in Victor Turner's anthropological studies. Turner (1920-1983) produced a lengthy and highly influential oeuvre, in which he analyzed and discussed the structure, function and performance of rituals. Basing his work initially on his first field of research, the Ndembu tribe in Zambia, he extrapolated his discoveries to Western society in the last years of his life. In his 1967 book The Forest of Symbols, Turner describes for the first time the liminal period in rites of passage. I will discuss here the location of the characters of Wonderful Tennessee in this phase of the rite, and how they perform their own rituals that, despite their being placed in the twentieth century, mirror humanity's rituals since the beginning of time. This play is also a tribute to Beckett's Waiting for Godot. Its characters are three married couples in their late thirties or early forties who embark on a trip from Dublin to a mysterious island off the shore of the North coast of Donegal, in Ballybeg, the perennial set for Friel's plays. These three couples will wait on an abandoned pier in vain for the archetypical ferryman, Carlin (the mythological Charon), who never turns up. This cul-de-sac situation is Friel's excuse to reflect on those issues that preoccupied him at the time of writing: the power of the irrational over the human being, violence, the passage of time, and, above all, mystery, the yearning of humanity for something which is superior to us but which nonetheless mystifies us. In an interview prior to the Broadway premiere of Dancing at Lughnasa in 1991, the author already advanced the core of his new play, which was going to be called The Imagined Place: "'If Dancing at Lughnasa is about the necessity for paganism', he said, then his next play [Wonderful Tennessee] will deal with 'the necessity for mystery. It's mystery, not religion, but mystery finds its expression in this society mostly in religious practice.' The working title is The Imagined Place" (Murray 1999: 148). This reflection brings to our mind another of Friel's obsessions at that moment. As I have observed in Erase una vez Ballybeg (Gavina 2011), during the 1990's the author sought inspiration in the philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein, whose words Friel paraphrases through the character of Frank, the writer. Following Wittgenstein's ideas about what cannot be expressed with words, Friel makes use of other forms of expression like music, dance, even staging a secular mass, with all the ingredients of a Eucharist disguised as the entertainment of a group of friends. 1. Oilean Draoichta (Island of Mystery) The protagonists in this play are all related: Terry, the leader of the group, is a concert promoter; he is taking the rest of them to this pier from which they will set off to the uninhabited island for the night to celebrate his birthday. Berna is Terry's wife, a solicitor out of practice due to her constant depressions. Angela is Berna's sister, a teacher of classical culture, married to Frank, who, thanks to Terry's patronage, is at the moment working on a book about time measure in the Middle Ages. Angela had been Terry's first love, and, although he married her sister, he is still in love with her. The last couple is composed of Trish, Terry's sister, and her husband George, an accordionist diagnosed with throat cancer, who speaks with difficulty and uses music to communicate with the others. …


The charge sensitive amplifier (CSA) unit is used in processing signals from capacitive sensors such as photo-detectors, pressure sensors, particle and X-ray detectors. Next generation front-end ASICs will use advanced CMOS and BiCMOS technologies including MOSFETs with minimum channel length (of 45 nm and below) and SiGe Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors (HBTs). The most common CSA architecture employed either in CMOS or BiCMOS implementations is the folded cascode amplifying topology due to its low noise performance, the high gain capability and its gain insensitivity to the detector capacitance variations [1]-[4]. While noise optimization methodologies have been proposed for both kinds of CSAs (CMOS or BiCMOS) and plenty of CSA designs were so far presented [1]–[5], none extended research has been performed about the suitability of each process in relation to the application specifications such as detector capacitance, power consumption, noise performance and speed. In addition, other important issues like the main noise contributors and the radiation hardness capability are also not have been extensively addressed. Particularly, four equivalent folded cascode amplifying topologies were designed. The primary concern was the examination of devices noise contribution, firstly the input transitor and cascoded one and secondary the reset device noise contribution. The four structures were: a) nMOS as the input and pMOS as cascode, b) pMOS as input, nMOS as cascode, c) npn BJT as input, pMOS as cascode and d) pMOS as input and npn BJT as cascode. To further isolate these noise contributors, ideal bias current sources and output buffer were used, in all four designs. Feedback was implemented using a capacitance in parallel with a large reset resistor. The structures were designed using specific noise optimization criteria – design methodologies [1], [5]-[6] in two respective processes commercially available by Austria Mikro Systeme (AMS), the 0.35μm CMOS process (2P/3M 3.3/5V) and the 0.35μm SiGe BiCMOS process (2P/3M 3.3/5V). All four folded cascode topologies are depicted in figure 1.