Background Patients (pts) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) have personal fears related to their disease which can impact therapeutic strategy.1 We previously reported high levels of fears in RA and axSpA pts in a French multicenter survey.2 Objectives To identify factors associated with high levels of fears in RA and axSpA pts. Methods This national cross-sectional study was performed in 2014–2015 in France.2 Rheumatologists recruited 6–20 pts with RA (ACR/EULAR criteria) or axSpA (ASAS criteria). Pts self-completed the "Opinions and fears of pts with chronic inflammatory rheumatism" (QOC-RIC) questionnaire2 comprising 44 items including 23 questions on pt fears; each scored between 0–10 (10 = "totally agree"). Eighteen questions related to progression and consequences of the disease and 5 questions related to treatment. For each fear, descriptive analysis explored the percentage of pts with scores ≥7/10. A cluster analysis was run on the whole population to identify homogeneous groups (clusters) of pts according to their fears and beliefs (hierarchical ascendant classification). A multivariate multinomial logistic regression model using backward selection and multiple missing data imputation explored the variables (eg. epidemiological, socioeconomic, clinical) with p<0.05 on differences between clusters. Results Overall, 672 pts recruited by 100 rheumatologists were analyzed (432 RA, 240 axSpA). For RA and axSpA pts respectively, 74.0% and 45.2% were female, average age was 58.3 (±13.1) and 47.0 (±13.2) years, and 77.3% and 72.7% were treated with biologics. Mean Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28[ESR]) in RA pts was 2.64 (±1.24) and mean Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) in axSpA pts was 3.3 (±2.2). Four pt clusters were identified corresponding to very high (31.6%), high (21.9%), moderate (32.7%) or low (13.8%) levels of fears (Figure). Variables related to the highest fear cluster were gender (female vs male; OR=2.38, p=0.013), high Pt Global Assessment of Disease Activity (PtGA [VAS]; >60 vs ≤30; OR=3.03, p=0.029), anxiety (HADS, anxiety score; >10 vs <8; OR=4.55, p<0.001) and depression (HADS, depression score; ≥8 vs <8; OR=3.23, p=0.011). Socioprofessional and family status did not have an associated p value <0.05 between populations with lowest and highest fears. Conclusions Pts with the highest fears were most likely to be women with higher PtGA and anxiety/depression scores. Fears may reflect overall psychological distress in this population of pts and interventions to decrease these fears should be further assessed. References Nestoriuc Y. Arthritis Care Res 2010;62:791–9; Gossec L. Ann Rheum Dis 2015;74(S2):323 Acknowledgement The authors acknowledge Costello Medical Consulting, funded by UCB Pharma, for writing and editorial assistance. This study was funded by UCB Pharma and Arthritis Foundation Olivier Courtin. Disclosure of Interest L. Gossec: None declared, P. Chauvin: None declared, C. Hudry: None declared, M. Poussière: None declared, T. de Chalus Employee of: UCB Pharma, V. Saulot: None declared, F. Russo-Marie: None declared, J. Joubert Employee of: UCB Pharma, A. Saraux: None declared, F. Berenbaum: None declared


Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiologic agent of COVID-19, can cause severe disease with high mortality rates, especially among older and vulnerable populations. Despite the recent success of vaccines and approval of first-generation anti-viral inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2, an expanded arsenal of anti-viral compounds that limit viral replication and ameliorate disease severity is still urgently needed in light of the continued emergence of viral variants of concern (VOC). The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is the major non-structural protein required for the processing of viral polypeptides encoded by the open reading frame 1 (ORF1) and ultimately replication. Structural conservation of Mpro among SARS-CoV-2 variants make this protein an attractive target for the anti-viral inhibition by small molecules. Here, we developed a structure-based in-silico screening of approximately 11 million compounds in ZINC15 database inhibiting Mpro, which prioritized 9 lead compounds for the subsequent in vitro validation in SARS-CoV-2 replication assays using both Vero and Calu-3 cells. We validated three of these compounds significantly inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication in the micromolar range. In summary, our study identified novel small-molecules significantly suppressed infection and replication of SARS-CoV-2 in human cells.


Abstract: The family has a leading and strategic role in the formation of a child's personality, basic character or character. Islam places the family as the first and first basic educational institution. So great and the magnitude of the influence of the family in the education of children, so that Rasulullah SAW connected it with the values of faith. Parents have the first and foremost responsibility in the education of their children. Children are seen as a tabula rasa, where parents are responsible for developing them, both in terms of language development, cultural traditions, and moral beliefs and practices. It is parents who play a role in developing good character in the lives of their children later in life. Ethical education, dialogue and assignment to educate children are excellent and effective methods of implementation. Children are a gift from God who will later grow up independent and free from parental supervision, therefore children must be equipped with strong faith and firm rules in carrying out their lives later. In general, parents and educators only make psychology books or parenting books for guidance in educating children. Rarely do they make the Al-Quran and Sunnah as a reference in implementing education. Islam is a religion of rahmatan lil alamin which has specific methods and methods for improving and educating children. The way of educating is of course adapted to the age level and maturity of the child's thinking. The conclusion from the results of the research that the author conducted shows that the concept of educating children with ethics, dialogue and giving assignments from an Islamic education perspective can be relevant not only in the family environment but also in the school and community environment.


Racism is attitudes and discriminatory behavior toward people of given race. It means giving discriminative attitude and unequal treatment toward certain people because of race. It may make certain race feel considered superior or inferior because of the discrimination and unequal treatment. In this study, Men of Honor film became the object of the study because this film depicted discrimination and unequal treatments gotten by Negroes in the navy.

The objectives of this study were to describe racism toward Negroes in the Men of Honor film, to explain the reaction of Negroes toward discrimination in racism, and to know the effect of discriminative attitude toward Negroes on White Americans in the Men of Honor film.

The research design of this study was descriptive qualitative research, because this study deals with human behavior in social phenomena, in this case is racism in Men of Honor film. This study used literature sociology approach. In collecting the data, the writer watched the Men of Honor film directed by George Tillman Junior for several times, chose the data dealing with the problems that would be investigated, namely racism, identified which data were categorized into racism, selected the data which were related to the purpose of the study, and rewrote all of the data about racism depicted in the film.

The finding showed that racism toward Negroes in this film could be seen from the discriminative attitude or treatment between white Americans and Black American or Negroes, such as: different day for swimming and different occupations in the navy. It also could be seen from the refusals which were accepted by Negroes, such as: refusal in the diving school and refusal to enter bar. In this film, there were two kinds of reaction done by Negroes toward discrimination in racism, namely: they were only accepted the racism toward them, and sometimes they struggled against racism toward them. And the effects of discriminative attitude toward Negroes on White Americans were that some White Americans became to feel superior, and some had pity on Negroes.


Air-sea and air-sea-ice fluxes in the Southern Ocean play a critical role in global climate through their impact on the overturning circulation and oceanic heat and carbon uptake. The challenging conditions in the Southern Ocean have led to sparse spatial and temporal coverage of observations. This has led to a "knowledge gap" that increases uncertainty in atmosphere and ocean dynamics and boundary-layer thermodynamic processes, impeding improvements in weather and climate models. Improvements will require both process-based research to understand the mechanisms governing air-sea exchange and a significant expansion of the observing system. This will improve flux parameterizations and reduce uncertainty associated with bulk formulae and satellite observations. Improved estimates spanning the full Southern Ocean will need to take advantage of ships, surface moorings, and the growing capabilities of autonomous platforms with robust and miniaturized sensors. A key challenge is to identify observing system sampling requirements. This requires models, Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs), and assessments of the specific spatial-temporal accuracy and resolution required for priority science and assessment of observational uncertainties of the mean state and direct flux measurements. Year-round, high-quality, quasi-continuous in situ flux measurements and observations of extreme events are needed to validate, improve and characterize uncertainties in blended reanalysis products and satellite data as well as to improve parameterizations. Building a robust observing system will require community consensus on observational methodologies, observational priorities, and effective strategies for data management and discovery.


In this paper, a method is proposed for the control of a quadrotor based on sliding mode control by using Chebyshev neural networks. The proposed approach is a combination of the sliding mode controller and the Chebyshev neural network approximator that the neural network weights are tuned in real-time by using robust adaptive techniques. In this research, the dynamic model of the quadrotor is divided into two subsystems for the purpose of the position and orientation tracking control: a fully-actuated subsystem and an underactuated subsystem. For the former, the sliding surfaces are designed by using one state variable, and for the latter, the sliding manifolds are defined by a linear combination of two state variables. In this paper, the system stability is analyzed by Lyapunov theory-based techniques and the accuracy of the controller performance will be illustrated by the simulation results.


The discourse of literary analysis is dynamic and ideological, shifting as writers navigate conventions and practices to meet their rhetorical purposes in particular contexts. While scholars have engaged ideological analyses of students learning to write literary analysis essays in university contexts, few studies have documented student writers' experiences of disciplinary enculturation in secondary English language arts classrooms. In this case study, we address this absence by using the concept of stance to examine how the identity of one student—Katarina—informed her interactions with the discourse of literary analysis as it was understood and instantiated by her teacher. In our analysis of essay drafts, field notes, artifacts, and interview transcripts, we found that the convergence of Katarina's identity as a creative and emotional person and writer with the possibilities for selfhood afforded to her in this context contributed to her stance toward the discourse. We examine points of tension across two of Katarina's essays that illuminate her ideological struggles as she navigated the discourse of her classroom. Our findings point to the utility of stance as a conceptual tool for researchers and educators to take a critical perspective on students' writing processes in the context of the ideologically laden, authoritative demands of secondary classrooms.


We present the heterogeneous integration of GaAs a single-junction solar cell (SC) on copper (Cu) via electroplating and epitaxial lift-off. We characterized the layer quality and the residual strain of the transferred SC layer through X-ray diffraction measurements and Raman spectroscopy. These results indicated that the fabrication process of SCs was quite stable, providing a high-quality film with a relatively small residual compressive strain. The SC transferred on Cu showed a highenergy conversion efficiency of 19.6% at 1sun illumination. In addition, we obtained a peak energy conversion efficiency of 20.8% at 2.5 suns in a solar concentrator.


Introduction: The gel emulsion form of zoledronate bisphosphonate has been proven to increase the number of osteoclasts via apoptosis when applied topically. The gel form is commonly used for topical application in the oral cavity. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the physical stability of zoledronate bisphosphonate in its gel form to assess its suitability for clinical application. Material and methods: The gel formulation was prepared using carboxymethylcellulose, glycerine, and sodium benzoate in a dosage form of 40 μg of zoledronate per 25 mg of the gel. The prepared gels were stored at 25°C and 40°C for 28 days and evaluated for viscosity, pH value, spreadability, adhesive strength, and drug content on days 1, 7, 14, and 28 of incubation. Results: Throughout the study, at 40°C of storage, the gel demonstrated significantly increasing viscosity and adhesive strength, but decreasing spreadability. However, the pH and drug content decreased at 25°C and 40°C. Conclusion: Zoledronate bisphosphonate gel showed stability in physical characteristics and drug content when stored at 25°C for 28 days.


Recent advances in neural implantable systems have paved the way for neuroscience and neurosurgery research and clinical practice. Conventional tethered neural implants use physical wires for power supply and signal transmission, which impose many restrictions on the subjects. Untethered, wireless power solution has been one of the widely recognized engineering goals for neural implants. The past decade has witnessed significant technical advancement on how to achieve wireless neural implants and how to solve the wireless power delivery challenge. This paper briefly reviews and discusses the recent advances in wireless neural implantable systems based on existing power supply techniques, including batteries, electromagnetic power transfer, photovoltaic device, ultrasound power transfer, and self-powered energy harvester. Finally, future opportunities and challenges of wireless neural implantable systems are discussed.


We examine how chief executive officer (CEO) narcissism influences the interorganizational imitation of corporate strategy. We theorize that narcissistic CEOs are influenced more by the corporate strategies they experienced on other boards and less by the corporate strategies experienced by other directors. These effects are strengthened if the other firms to which the CEO has interlock ties have high status and if the CEO is powerful. Through longitudinal analyses of Fortune 500 companies' decisions (from 1997 to 2006) related to the acquisition emphasis of a firm's growth strategy and the firm's level of international diversification, we show that narcissistic CEOs are influenced by corporate strategies that they witnessed at other firms much more than other CEOs. In addition, relatively narcissistic CEOs not only strongly resist the influence of other directors' prior experience but also tend to demonstrate their superiority by adopting corporate strategies that are the opposite of what fellow directors' prior experience would suggest. Our theory and results highlight how CEO narcissism limits directors' influence over corporate strategy and influences CEOs' learning and information processing in making strategic decisions.


This article describes the authors' experience in designing a hospital orientation program for newly recruited Filipino nurses. The nursing department's educational and administrative efforts helped to orient the newly recruited nurses to the hospital and to nursing practice in the United States and prepared them to pass the NCLEX examination. Specific classes included in the orientation are presented. Topic title, time frame, facilitator, components, and rationale for each class are discussed. Suggestions for timing of recruitment and clinical orientation assignments are given. Staff preparation to Philippine culture and nursing practice is also reviewed. The authors believe this information would assist other nursing departments prepare for recruited Filipino nurses on their staff.


Rigid body disentanglement puzzles are challenging for both humans and motion planning algorithms because their solutions involve tricky twisting and sliding moves that correspond to navigating through narrow tunnels in the puzzle's configuration space (C-space). We propose a tunnel-discovery and planning strategy for solving these puzzles. First, we locate important features on the pieces using geometric heuristics and machine learning, and then match pairs of these features to discover collision free states in the puzzle's C-space that lie within the narrow tunnels. Second, we propose a Rapidly-exploring Dense Tree (RDT) motion planner variant that builds tunnel escape roadmaps and then connects these roadmaps into a solution path connecting start and goal states. We evaluate our approach on a variety of challenging disentanglement puzzles and provide extensive baseline comparisons with other motion planning techniques.


pany as it does on a study of the plays and performances themselves. The final chapter does, however, provide some analysis of a variety of the company's productions, and goes well beyond the often discussed The Cheviot, the Stag, and the Black, Black Oil, offering an examination of productions which include The Catch, Out of Our Heads, and Boom. While much of this is solid and thorough rather than inspirational in its writing, it does provide a useful corollary to the more personal accounts of McGrath and MacLennan. But the contribution of the book is not limited to the history of 7:84 (Scotland). In her introduction, DiCenzo attempts to frame the book in two ways firstly as an attempt to expand the vocabulary of analysis to include popular political traditions; secondly, as an attempt to find a methodology for analyzing and depicting the work of theatre companies, thereby redressing the overemphasis on individual writers and texts. It is in these areas where the book is strongest and can serve as a useful addition to debates surrounding these issues.


We used Northern and S1 nuclease analyses to identify a nuclear RNA species of the structure predicted for an intron excised from the precursor of adenovirus 2 E2A early mRNA. The structure of this excised intron demonstrated that the splicing of E2A mRNA can involve the removal of the intron sequences as single intact molecules. The concentration of the excised intron is 30 copies per nuclei, comparable to the levels of E2A polyadenylated splicing precursors, but 30-fold less than nuclear E2A mRNA. Late in infection, when the production of E2A early mRNA is dramatically elevated (Goldenberg et al., J. Virol. 38:932-939, 1981), the excess intron was not detected, indicating that either its stability or the mechanism of splicing is altered. We also identified a spliced nonpolyadenylated E2A nuclear RNA species with a structure similar to the mRNA, indicating that splicing may normally occur in the absence of polyadenylation.


Mental health courts (MHC) are treatment oriented court diversion programs that seek to redirect individuals with severe mental illnesses (SMI), such as those with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression, who have committed a crime, into court mandated treatment programs instead of the criminal justice system. It is believed that individuals with SMI commit and re-commit offenses as a result of their illness and if directed to the appropriate treatments, would be less likely to offend. Currently, there are over 150 MHCs nationally operating in at least 35 states, yet a gap remains in the scientific literature concerning their ability to reduce recidivism and clinical outcomes. To determine their effectiveness in reducing recidivism and improving clinical outcomes, the first meta-analytic study of these courts was conducted. A systematic search of the literature through May 2008, as well as an e-mail survey, generated 23 studies representing 129 outcomes with over 11,000 MHC participants. Aggregate effects for recidivism revealed a mean effect size of -0.52. MHCs had a small to medium positive effect of 0.28 on a participant's quality of life. Among quasi-experimental studies, there was a small effect size of - 0.14 for clinical outcomes indicating a positive improvement. Based on this analysis, MHCs are effective interventions for reducing recidivism and improving clinical and quality of life outcomes.


The effect of a steamwise pressure gradient on the decay of a skewed turbomachinery wake is considered. These pressure gradients are generated by the overall radial equilibrium and by the blade boundary layer separation mechanism at the blade trailing edge. The existence of a separation bubble near this trailing edge is shown to exist and gives rise to a pressure rise in a free stagnation point. The ensuing downstream streamwise pressure gradient influences the decay rate of the wake and the transverse pressure gradient influences the momentum thickness. The streamwise velocity defect can be accurately predicted by taking this pressure gradient into account if a profile shape is assumed and with an eddy viscosity concept. The velocity defect of the axial and tangential velocity profiles can be derived from the streamwise velocity profile parameters.Copyright © 1982 by ASME


Abstract The surface properties of a biomaterial play an essential role in protein adsorption, which in turn determines the cellular response to the adsorbed surface. In order to obtain a surface that would yield favourable protein adsorption for successful cellular response, the surface properties of a biograde stainless steel were modified by CO2 laser treatment. An investigation of the CO2-laser-modified surface properties and the effects thereof on the adsorption of human serum albumin (no-cell adhesive) and human plasma fibronectin (cell adhesive) was conducted. It was found that the thickness of the adsorbed fibronectin layer increased with increasing CO2 laser power density, while the thickness of the adsorbed albumin layer decreased with increasing CO2 laser power density. The surface roughness and wettability characteristics contributed to the observed changes in protein adsorption. The wettability characteristics of the biograde stainless steel were found to be the predominant mechanism governing the observed change in protein adsorption. Since the wettability characteristics of the biograde stainless steel can be modified in an efficient and controllable way with the CO2 laser, it is believed that this work presents a demonstrable alternative to the techniques currently available for enhancing the biocompatibility of biograde stainless steels.


Faults in rock mass have strong influences on the behaviors of rock structure such as rock slope, tunnel and underground space. Thus, it is very important to analyse for the characteristics of fault rocks in design for tunnel. But, due to the limitation of geotechnical investigation in design stages, tunnel engineers have to carry out the face mapping and additional geological survey during tunnel excavation to find the distribution of faults and the engineering properties of faults for support and reinforcement design of tunnel. In this study, various geological survey and field tests were carried out to analyse the characteristics of the large thrust fault zone through the large sectional tunnel is constructed in mica-schist region. Also, the distribution of structural geology, the shape of thrust faults and the mechanical properties of fault rock were studied for the reasonable design of the reinforcement and support method for the highly fractured fault zone in the large-span tunnel.


Chip multiprocessing has become an exciting new direction for system designers to deliver increased performance by exploiting CMOS scaling. We discuss key design decisions facing the system architect of a chip multiprocessor and describe how these choices were made in the design of the Cell Broadband Engine.An important decision is whether to base system performance on thread-level parallelism alone, or to complement thread-level parallelism with other forms of parallelism. Depending on workload characteristics, providing parallelism at the processor core level may increase overall system efficiency.Parallelism is also a key to utilize available memory bandwidth more efficiently, by overlapping and interleaving multiple accesses to system memory. By interleaving the access streams of multiple threads, memory level parallelism can be increased to allow better memory interface utilization. In addition, compute-transfer parallelism (CTP) offers a new form of parallelism to initiate memory transfers under software control without stalling the requesting thread.We describe how the Cell Broadband Enginetmuses parallelism at all levels of the system abstraction to deliver a quantum leap in application performance, and how the Cell Synergistic Memory Flow engine exploits compute-transfer level parallelism by providing efficient block transfer capabilities.


: Boron nitride quantum dots (BNQDs) are of high interest with their excellent photophysical and structural characteristics. BNQDs can be synthesized through hydrothermal synthesis methods with different nitrogen precursors; however, until now, the optical properties of BNQDS synthesized with different nitrogen precursors have not been compared in details yet. In this study, BNQDS were synthesized through hydrothermal synthesis methods by using urea, melamine, and thiourea as nitrogen precursors and optical properties of BNQDS were compared by comparing emission and excitation characteristics of each BNQD synthesized by different nitrogen precursor. Structural properties of BNQDs were compared through infrared spectrum of each BNQDs. Our results revealed that the change in nitrogen precursor causes significant differences in photophysical and structural properties of BNQDs.


During the early part of the Covid-19 pandemic, national and local governments introduced a number of policies to combat the spread of Covid-19. In this paper, we propose a new approach to bound the effects of such early-pandemic policies on Covid-19 cases and other outcomes while dealing with complications arising from (i) limited availability of Covid-19 tests, (ii) differential availability of Covid-19 tests across locations, and (iii) eligibility requirements for individuals to be tested. We use our approach study the effects of Tennessee's expansion of Covid-19 testing early in the pandemic and find that the policy decreased Covid-19 cases.


Introduction Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of death in smokers, particularly in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) are required for endothelial homeostasis, and their dysfunction contributes to CVD. DNA damage has been recognised as an important contributor to CVD. Our aim was to investigate whether EPC from smokers and COPD patients are dysfunctional, and the role of DNA damage pathways in mediating endothelial dysfunction in these patients. Methods To investigate EPC dysfunction in smokers, we isolated and expanded blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOEC) from peripheral blood samples of healthy non-smokers, healthy smokers and COPD patients. Endothelial senescence was measured by senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity. Expression of sirtuin (SIRT)-1, p16, p21, γ-H2AX and 53BP1 were measured by Western blotting and/or immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. SIRT1 activity was measured using a SIRT1 fluorescent activity assay kit. To investigate angiogenesis in vivo, BOEC were labelled with Vybrant DiI Cell-Labelling Solution, mixed with Matrigel and injected subcutaneously into the back of NOD. CB17-Prkdcscid/NcrCrl mice. Seven days later, the mice were sacrificed and the plugs were cryosectioned. Results BOEC from smokers and COPD patients showed increased DNA double-strand breaks (measured by γ-H2AX, 53BP1) and senescence (senescence associated-β-galactosidase activity, p16 and p21 levels) compared to non-smokers. Senescence negatively correlated with sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) expression and activity, a protein deacetylase that inhibits DNA damage and cellular senescence. Inhibition of DNA damage response by silencing of ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) kinase resulted in up-regulation of SIRT1 expression and decreased senescence. Interestingly, treatment of BOEC from COPD patients with the SIRT1 activator resveratrol or a selective ATM inhibitor rescued the senescent phenotype. Using the in vivo Matrigel plug assay, BOEC from COPD patients displayed reduced angiogenesis (capillary-like structures) and increased DNA damage, senescence and apoptosis (measured by 53BP1, p16, TUNEL and cleaved-caspase 3 staining) compared to non-smokers. Conclusions BOEC from smokers and COPD patients show reduced angiogenesis in vivo and display increased DNA damage and senescence, associated with reduced SIRT1 expression. These defects may contribute to endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular events in smokers and COPD patients and could potentially constitute therapeutic targets for intervention.


Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 45, 2004

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PCGEM1 is a novel class of prostate specific, androgen regulated gene that lacks protein-coding capacity, and may function as a non-coding RNA riboregulator. Evaluation of PCGEM1 expression in laser microdissected paired normal and tumor cells of 90 prostate cancer (CaP) patients revealed significantly elevated PCGEM1 expression levels in CaP cells of African- American patients (p=0.0002), suggesting potential roles for PCGEM1 in CaP biology. The objective of this study was to determine the cell biologic functions of PCGEM1 . LNCaP cells overexpressing PCGEM1 exhibited a marked growth advantage compared to vector control both in cell proliferation and in colony formation assays. Stably transfected LNCaP cells overexpressing PCGEM1 were used to assess biochemical mechanisms underlying its cell growth promoting effects. The effect of PCGEM1 overexpression in LNCaP cells on the phosphorylation state of key proteins involved in cellular pathways related to cell cycle, cell proliferation, and apoptosis was assayed. Protein lysates from exponentially growing cells were subjected to Western blotting and assayed using a panel of 36 phospho-specific antibodies. In LNCaP cells overexpressing PCGEM1 , a significant increase in phosphorylation of three out of 36 proteins, Rb(Ser807/811), GSK3beta(Ser9), and p38MAPK(Thr180/Tyr182) was detected. The phosphorylation of specific sites on these key signaling proteins induce specific downstream events currently under investigation in our laboratory. We conclude that overexpression of PCGEM1 promotes cell proliferation/colony formation of LNCaP cells and the underlying mechanisms may involve at least three different major pathways: the Rb, GSK3beta and p38MAPK pathways. These novel observations warrant future studies aimed at PCGEM1 functions, and its potential as therapeutic/biomarker target of CaP development especially in African-American patients.


The Internet of Things (IoT) aims to create a global infrastructure that provides a variety of value-added services resulting from the interconnection of a large number of heterogeneous devices from different domains. Web of Things (WoT) enables to implement this vision by relying on the Web to virtualize and interconnect IoT objects in a transparent way. The IoT systems often operate in dynamic, unpredictable, and mobile environments with limited resources. Therefore, virtualized IoT objects on the Web need autonomous reasoning and decision-making capabilities to adapt their behaviors to their context. In this paper, we propose to extend virtual objects with reasoning mechanisms based on semantic models. The goal is to adapt their actions to the context of their environment. This extension is called Autonomous Avatar. It provides an artifact of a real-world entity on the Web while providing multiple features, such as standalone reasoning, context management, and collaboration capabilities. Based on the concept of autonomous avatar, we propose Fog based architecture for IoT Systems. This architecture is a pillar for defining IoT approaches for services delivery.


Host 1 was designed and synthesized as a fluorescent sensor for 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (BPG, 3). The design features a tris-functionalized triethylbenzene core to preorganize binding groups. The three cationic moieties, a tetra-N-oxide bipyridine-europium complex and two ammonium groups, were included to complement the three anionic functionalities on the guest. Beyond acting as a binding site, the europium complex was used to signal binding of the guest through modification of the charge transfer emission. A 1:1 complex with BPG was determined in 50 % methanol/acetonitrile with a K(a) of 6.7 x 10(5) mol(-1) by monitoring the reduction of the fluorescence signal upon guest addition. In the titration of related glycolytic intermediates lacking a second phosphate (4-6) into host 1, 2:1 host to guest binding was observed. Similarly, control compound 2, which lacks the ammonium groups, binds BPG and 4-6 in a 2:1 fashion. Also, phenylphosphate 7 binds to host 1 in a 1:1 stoichiometry with a K(a) over three times less than 3.


Individual insurance purchase prediction can help effectively and accurately advertise to maximize sales. Most current insurance purchase prediction model only considers whether a customer will buy certain insurance. In this way, the prediction will be time-consuming with the rapid growth of the number of insurance products. In order to provide more effective and efficient marketing methods for insurance companies, this work proposes a K-Partition Ensemble Multi-Label classification model to predict the customer's possible future insurance purchase. First, by transforming the insurance purchase prediction problem into a multi-label classification problem, the balance between features and labels of data division in the insurance purchasing dataset is explored. Second, a k-partition ensemble multi-label classification model is introduced, where each distinct label constitutes in the training set as a new category of a single-label classification task, and the random forest is used for multi-class classification. The empirical test is carried out using the Insurance Company Case data from CoIL Challenge 2000. We find prediction classifiers perform the best when the number of labels is around 20. Empirical evidence indicates that our model manages to improve substantially over other 3 classical multi-label classification algorithms with relatively little time, especially in domains with a large number of labels. The research results also provide a new idea and useful reference for the application in specific fields construction of data models based on the multi-label evaluation.


The title compound, formed by the reaction of acetophenone with 3-diethylamino-1-propylamine and sulfur, crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P212121 (Z = 4) with lattice constants a = 818.1(2) pm, b = 1225.1(2) pm and c = 1622.4(4) pm. The characterization of the molecule as a zwitterion is established by the observed bond parameters. Both spectroscopic investigations and the results of the X-ray structure determination show that a hydrogen atom is bonded to the amino nitrogen rather than to the imino nitrogen.


A method of removing the masking effect caused by strong target echoes in a noise radar is presented. Signal processing in noise radar is based on the calculation of the correlation between transmitted and received signals. Strong echoes of nearby targets produce relatively high sidelobes in the correlation function, thus masking weak echoes of far targets. The classical method of masking effect removal, taking into consideration only the Doppler shift of target echoes, does not remove the strong target echo completely when targets migrate between range resolution cells in the integration time. The method proposed, based on signal stretch processing and a point target model, shows an improvement over existing methods and allows for the detection of weak targets also in the presence of the fast and strong ones.


Plasma levels of FFA, TG and CHOL were measured in 21 premature infants (gest. age 26-35 wks.), aged 1-8 days, maintained on total parenteral nutrition with heparin (1 U/ml) and given 1, 2 and 3 g IL/kg/day (over 15 h) on day 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Blood samples were drawn before and at the end of IL administration.In all infants there was a transient, dose dependent increase in TG and a cumulative increase in CHOL. A significant positive correlation between FFA and TG levels (r = 0.65, p<.001) at 15 hr of TG infusion suggests that plasma TG at that time is a mixture of IL and VLDL newly synthesized from the released free fatty acids. A significant positive correlation between FFA and CHOL levels (r = 0.58, p<.001) at 15 hr of TG infusion suggests that the CHOL is also newly synthesized from FFA-derived acetyl-CoA. During the following 9 hours, the removal of the excess TG was adequate, but the cumulative increase in CHOL necessitates further study. (Supported by NIH grants HD-15631 and RR-00240).


Inferring reciprocal effects or causality between variables is a central aim of behavioral and psychological research. To address reciprocal effects, a variety of longitudinal models that include cross-lagged relations have been proposed in different contexts and disciplines. However, the relations between these cross-lagged models have not been systematically discussed in the literature. This lack of insight makes it difficult for researchers to select an appropriate model when analyzing longitudinal data, and some researchers do not even think about alternative cross-lagged models. The present research provides a unified framework that clarifies the conceptual and mathematical similarities and differences between these models. The unified framework shows that existing longitudinal models can be effectively classified based on whether the model posits unique factors and/or dynamic residuals and what types of common factors are used to model changes. The latter is essential to understand how cross-lagged parameters are interpreted. We also present an example using empirical data to demonstrate that there is great risk of drawing different conclusions depending on the cross-lagged models used. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).


This paper describes a novel technique for promoting sparsity in the modified filtered-x algorithms required for active noise control. The proposed algorithms are based on recent techniques incorporating approximations to the l0-norm in the cost functions that are used to derive adaptive filtering algorithms. In particular, zero-attracting and reweighted zero-attracting filtered-x adaptive algorithms are developed and considered for active noise control problems. The results of simulations indicate that the proposed techniques improve the convergence of the existing modified algorithm in the case where the primary and secondary paths exhibit a degree of sparsity.


ABSTRACT Zhang, M., 2020. The traditional settlement and architectural space form of Hainan based on marine climate. In: Li, L. and Huang, X. (eds.), Sustainable Development in Coastal Regions: A Perspective of Environment, Economy, and Technology. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 112, pp. 15-18. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. The study of traditional marine settlements and architectural space forms has important practical value for the scientific and reasonable development and management of Hainan tourism resources, and is conducive to promoting the heritage and protection of Hainan traditional settlements and architectural space. Based on this, this paper first analyzes the inheritance and protection of the construction techniques of traditional settlements and architectural space, then studies the differences between the marine climate and environmental conditions of Hainan and the spatial forms of traditional settlements in Hainan, and finally gives the causes of the differences in the spatial forms of traditional settlements in Hainan.


We present a model suitable for use in a vector control algorithm for synchronous reluctance machines with solid conducting rotors. The model takes the rotor flux dynamics into consideration. It is similar to an induction machine model, yet includes a magnetic saliency of the rotor. Here, we discuss techniques for parameter extraction and suggest a modification of the model to incorporate the nonlinear magnetic phenomena. We also investigate the influence of nonlinear magnetics on the model-based controller. Our model yields improved performance for a fast-changing torque command compared to the conventional model when utilized in a current regulator. Experimental results on a 120 kW, 55\thinspace 000 rpm machine in a flywheel energy storage system validate the performance of the proposed model .


Ratios of Fourier function coefficients to their analogous orthogonal function coefficients are proposed as purity indices during spectrophotometric analysis. Hence, a1/p2(where a1= coefficient of cosx and p2 is the coefficient of P2) calculated for a set of absorbances is independent of concentration and is sensitive to the presence of interferents. The concentration of tetraenes in amphotericin B has been determined by this ratio, calculated from absorbances measured at 6-nm intervals from 264 to 294 nm.


Lymphopoietic cells require interactions with bone marrow stroma for normal maturation and show changes in adhesion to matrix during their differentiation. Syndecan, a heparan sulfate-rich integral membrane proteoglycan, functions as a matrix receptor by binding cells to interstitial collagens, fibronectin, and thrombospondin. Therefore, we asked whether syndecan was present on the surface of lymphopoietic cells. In bone marrow, we find syndecan only on precursor B cells. Expression changes with pre-B cell maturation in the marrow and with B-lymphocyte differentiation to plasma cells in interstitial matrices. Syndecan on B cell precursors is more heterogeneous and slightly larger than on plasma cells. Syndecan 1) is lost immediately before maturation and release of B lymphocytes into the circulation, 2) is absent on circulating and peripheral B lymphocytes, and 3) is reexpressed upon their differentiation into immobilized plasma cells. Thus, syndecan is expressed only when and where B lymphocytes associate with extracellular matrix. These results indicate that B cells differentiating in vivo alter their matrix receptor expression and suggest a role for syndecan in B cell stage-specific adhesion.


Self-broadening of the neon lines lambda 585.2 nm and lambda 667.8 nm at 77 K and 300 K has been studied by the linear absorption technique using a tunable laser. The natural mixture of neon isotopes was excited in a weak DC discharge. The broadening is expected to be due mainly to the resonance interaction since the lower level of both lines is the strong resonance level 1s2. The radiation width of this level was derived from the Lorentzian widths of the lines extrapolated to zero density, leading to a resonance oscillator strength of 0.158(10). The measured broadening constants of lambda 585.2 nm and lambda 667.8 nm respectively were, in units of 1023 MHz m3 atom-1, 77 K: 205(5), 204(9) and 300 K: 186(11), 191(6), where the quoted errors represent only statistical uncertainty. Pure resonance broadening would give the value 188(7). A slight curvature was detected in the broadening of both lines at the lower temperature.


The CLIC structures are designed for operating at XBand, 2π/3 traveling wave mode with a loaded 100 MV/m gradient. Mechanical tolerances, at the submicron level, are required to satisfy the RF design constraints and beam dynamics and are reachable using ultra-precision diamond machining. However, inherent to the manufacturing process, there is a deviation from the nominal specifications and as a result; incorrect cavity dimensions produce a less efficient linac. Moreover, the assembly process increase the difference from the original geometry. As part of a cost and manufacturability optimization of the structures for mass production, this study aims to identify a correlation between frequency deviations and geometrical errors of the individual discs of the accelerating structures caused by the production process. A sensitivity analysis has been carried out to determine the most critical parameters. Cell frequency deviations have been monitored by bead pull measurements before and after bonding. Several accelerating structure prototypes have been tested to determine our assumptions and to assess if the assembly process preserves the tight tolerances achieved by machining. INTRODUCTION CLIC baseline accelerating structure (AS) stack is composed by a variable quantity of discs of the prototype being produced. The cavity formed by the disc represents the RF zone. The geometry of the disc depends on different parameters and each of these parameters contributes differently to satisfy the RF design. Sub-micrometre tolerances are needed to reach the accelerating gradient goal of 100 MV/m if no tuning is applied and if no temperature correction is allowed to the AS [1]. However, the normal variability of the manufacturing processes makes that the disc presents discrepancies with respect to the nominal design. This paper aims at identifying the most critical design parameters through the means of a sensitivity analysis of the geometrical effects on the AS regular cells. For this purpose, six AS of two different prototypes are analysed: T24 N4 and N5 (Figure 1.a) and TD26 N1 to N4 (Figure 1.b). GEOMETRICAL PARAMETERS RF designs of both T24 and TD26 discs has been completed by ANSYS High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) software. The T24 prototype consists of 24 undamped cells with a weak tapering of the irises [2]. The geometry of the standard cell is illustrated in Figure 2.a: b represents the inner radius; a is the iris aperture and h the height of the cell. The TD26 prototype also consists of 26 tapered cells with integrated coupling cells [3]. The TD26 cells have more complicated RF design compare to T24 cells because they include damping waveguides as illustrated in Figure 2.b (design with symmetry plane) where a, b, L, w and HW represents iris aperture, inner radius, height, width and length of the damping part of the cell. Figure 1: (a) T24 and (b) TD26 regular disc. Figure 2: Geometrical parameters of (a) T24 and (b) symmetry plane of TD26. SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS In a sensitivity analysis, each geometric parameter is varied slightly around the design value to determine the sensitivity of the return loss to that parameter. The analysis was performed using ANSYS HFSS. The results for both T24 and TD26 included the first, middle and last cells (only first cell is shown) with ±10 μm interval around the nominal design value. According to the simulation results, the most sensitive geometrical parameter to the frequency change is the inner radius b for T24 cells, followed by the iris diameter a (Figure 3). Figure 3: Frequency sensitivity of T24 cell. The same behaviour of the cell parameters to frequency change is still valid for TD26 cells. The most sensitive geometrical parameter to frequency change is the inner radius b as T24, followed by the iris diameter (Figure 4). -10 -8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10 11.98 11.985 11.99 11.995 12 12.005 12.01 nominal ±10 (μm) F re q u e n c y (G H z ) T24 First Cell


Determining limitations on poleward range expansion is important for predicting how climate change will alter the distribution of species. For most species, it is not known what factors set their distributional limits and the role dispersal limitation might play if range-limiting factors were altered. We conducted a transplant study of three related and cooccurring Lomatium species at their northern range limits to test competing hypotheses of range limitation. We added seeds to experimental plots inside and outside the species' geographic range (a regional treatment) in a replicated design with vegetation intact and vegetation reduced (a disturbance treatment) and with herbivore access and herbivore exclusion (an herbivory treatment). Germination and reemergence were measured through two growing seasons, along with community-level variables. A fully-crossed linear mixed model revealed that Lomatium survivorship outside the current range was as good or better than survivorship within the range, at least when the vegetative community remained intact. This suggests that the species are dispersal limited. Germination often was improved in the presence of an intact vegetative community, but this potentially facilitative effect was absent in second-year reemergence. Plots exposed to herbivory had slightly, but significantly, reduced germination, though reemergence did not differ between herbivore treatments. Lomatium dissectum, a rare species, had significantly lower survivorship than its congeners, suggesting that range shifts in rare taxa may be particularly difficult. Seed additions beyond species' range limits may be a strategy for overcoming dispersal limitation and assisting species in poleward migrations.


Catalytic exchange reactions have been studied by means of a mass spectrometer between deuterium and cycloZopentane over palladium and cycloZohexane over rhodium, palladium, tungsten, platinum, nickel, oriented nickel and oriented rhodium. Activation energies, frequency factors and distributions of initial products were determined. The reactions involved multiple exchange by repeated second-point adsorption. Half the hydrogen atoms were readily exchanged, and a study of the temperature-dependence of the product distributions showed that it required an activation energy of 4 to 8 kcal/mole in excess of that for adcorption-desorption before the remaining half could be exchanged. Considerations of molecular geometry revealed that in order to exchange the second half of the hydrogen atoms the molecule had to 'turn over' on the surface, and for cycloZopentane the process for turning over must require second-point adsorption by the same carbon atom, but with cyclohexane there is the alternative process of exchanging two adjacent equatorial hydrogen atoms. Theories are developed which account satisfactorily for the observed initial product distributions. The pressure-dependence of reaction rate was determined for cyclohexane over palladium. Deuterium was strongly adsorbed and cyclohexane weakly adsorbed. Exchange of cyclohexane over oriented films of nickel and rhodium showed marked differences in distribution compared with unoriented films, suggesting different catalytic activity of different crystal planes. Only exchange was observed with benzene over nickel, but there was simultaneous exchange and deuteration over palladium. The initial product pattern over palladium showed that a redistribution reaction (in the sense of Wagner et al, (1952)) did not occur during deuteration and that benzene was adsorbed mainly as phenyl radicals during the exchange reaction. The reaction between cyclopropane and deuterium was examined over rhodium and simultaneous exchange and deuteration were observed. As determined by the temperature range for reaction the order of reactivity in exchange was cyclopropane > cyclopentane > cyclohexane, and the order of catalytic activity of the metals was similar to that observed previously for the exchange of other saturated hydrocarbons.


This study aimed to understand how secondary mathematics teachers engage with learners during the teaching and learning process. A sample of six participants was purposively selected from a population of ordinary level mathematics teachers in one urban setting in Zimbabwe. Field notes from lesson observations and audio-taped teachers' narrations from interviews constituted data for the study to which thematic analysis technique was then applied to determine levels of mathematical intimacy and integrity displayed by the teachers as they interacted with the students. The study revealed some inadequacies in the manner in which the teachers handled students' responses as they strive to promote justification skills during problem solving, in particular teachers did not ask students to explain wrong answers. The teachers indicated that they did not have sufficient time to engage learners in authentic problem-solving activities since they would be rushing to complete syllabus for examination purposes. On the basis of these findings, we suggest teachers to appreciate the need to pay special attention to the kinds of responses given by learners during problem-solving in order to promote justification skills among learners.


Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder manifesting in early life. These children are more vulnerable to sexual abuse as victims and offenders. This is a case report of a teenager with previously undiagnosed ADHD presenting with an alleged act of sexual offending. Case report: According to the 14-year-old accused, he has engaged  in  penetrative  anal  intercourse  with  another schoolmate. that similar past incidents had involved a teenage male relative and insertion of foreign bodies to his anus repeatedly by him. On assessment the accused had features of inattention, such as difficulty in sustaining attention, failing to finish work and features of impulsivity, such as difficulty waiting for his turn and intruding on others. He was diagnosed with ADHD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental disorders (DSM 5) clinical criteria which were supported by the Sinhalese adaptation of the Swanson, Nolan and Pelham questionnaire. The assessment of the non-verbal intelligence was in the normal range, but his school performance was far below the average. Discussion:  Undiagnosed ADHD contributes to academic impairment and inappropriate sexual behaviour. It is possible that the described adolescent ' s impulsiveness and inattention contributed  to his academic failure and risky sexual behaviour. Early detection and proper management of this disorder may have reduced the risk of such behaviour in him.


A major motivation for cold atom experiments is the search for quantum ground states such as antiferromagnets and d-wave superfluids. The primary obstacle to this task is the difficulty of cooling to sufficiently low temperatures. We propose a way to achieve very low temperatures and entropies ($\sim 0.03k_B$ per particle) by trapping fermions in a corral formed from another species of atoms. The Fermi system can then be used as a heat sink, or it can be adiabatically evolved into other desired states. In particular, we suggest methods for generating antiferromagnetism using this technique.


A new method is presented to design dual-band, high- directivity, EBG-resonator antennas using simple, single-resonant, single-layer partially re∞ective surfaces (PRS). The large, positive gradient of the re∞ection phase versus frequency curve of partially re∞ecting surfaces, observed only close to the resonance frequency of the PRS, is exploited for this purpose. An example single-resonant PRS, based on a frequency-selective surface (FSS) composed of a printed slot array, was designed. Then it is used to design an EBG- resonator antenna to demonstrate the feasibility of achieving dual-band performance. Cavity models are employed, together with the re∞ection characteristics of the PRS, to understand the operation of the device at critical frequencies such as cavity resonance frequencies and the PRS resonance frequency. Antenna simulations and computed results conflrm the dual-band operation of this very simple, single-layer, low- proflle EBG-resonator antenna. It resonates in two bands centered at 10.5GHz and 12.3GHz. The peak directivity in each band is 18.2dBi and 20.5dBi, and the 3dB directivity bandwidth of each band is 7.5% and 8.7%, respectively.


Background: Junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET) after congenital heart disease (CHD) surgery is often self-limiting but is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Contributing factors and impact of time to achieve rate control of JET are poorly described. Methods: From January 2010 to June 2015, a retrospective, single-center cohort study was performed of children who developed JET after CHD surgery . We classified the cohort into two groups: patients who achieved rate control of JET in ≤24 hours and in >24 hours. We examined factors associated with time to rate control and compared clinical outcomes (mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care unit [ICU], and hospital stay) between the two groups. Results: Our cohort included 27 children, with a median age of 3 (interquartile range: 0.7-38] months. The most common CHD lesions were ventricular septal defect (n = 10, 37%), tetralogy of Fallot (n = 7, 25.9%), and transposition of the great arteries (n = 4, 14.8%). In all, 15 (55.6%) and 12 (44.4%) patients achieved rate control of JET in ≤24 hours and >24 hours, respectively. There was a difference in median mechanical ventilation time (97 [21-145) vs 311 [100-676] hours; P = .013) and ICU stay (5.0 [2.0-8.0] vs 15.5 [5.5-32.8] days, P = .023) between the patients who achieved faster rate control than those who didn't. There was no difference in length of hospital stay and mortality between the groups. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that time to achieve rate control of JET was associated with increased duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay.


Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors (gliptins) decrease hyperglycemia by inhibiting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) cleavage. Gliptins can also improve stroke outcome in rodents independently of GLP-1R. However, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) is a DPP-4 substrate and CXCR4 agonist that promotes beneficial effects in injured brains. However, SDF-1α involvement in gliptin-mediated neuroprotection is unproven. We aimed to determine whether gliptins improve stroke outcome via SDF-1α/CXCR4 and identify additional targets behind the efficacy. Adult, male C57bl6/j mice (n=101) underwent transient focal cerebral ischemia. Linagliptin was administered for 3 days or 3 weeks. The CXCR4-antagonist AMD3100 was administered starting a day before ischemia. Stroke outcome was assessed by measuring upper-limb function and brain tissue damage. Levels of active GLP-1, gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and SDF-1α were quantified by ELISA in serum and brain. Mass spectrometry was used to identify additional gliptin-mediated effectors in brain tissue samples. Sustained, post-ischemic treatment with linagliptin reduced motor impairment (p003C0.01) and tissue damage (p003C0.05). Linagliptin increased serum levels of GLP-1 (p003C0.0001), GIP (p003C0.05) and SDF-1α (p003C0.05). However, only SDF-1α levels were increased in the brain (p003C0.001). Linagliptin also decreased the presence of neurogranin-derived peptides and peptides from an isoform of myelin basic protein (MBG, p003C0.05). The inhibition of SDF-1α/CXCR4 pathway diminished the positive effects of linagliptin on stroke outcome (not different from vehicle). We propose a gliptin-mediated neuroprotective mechanism via SDF-1α, which could affect Ca2+ homeostasis, altering neurogranin and MBG processing and potentially decreasing calpain activity. These results provide new insights into restorative gliptin-mediated effects against stroke. Disclosure F. Chiazza: Other Relationship; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. H. Tammen: Consultant; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. H. Pintana: Other Relationship; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. G. Lietzau: Other Relationship; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. M. Collino: None. T. Nystrom: Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca. Advisory Panel; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk A/S. Speaker9s Bureau; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. T. Klein: Employee; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. V. Darsalia: Other Relationship; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. C. Patrone: Other Relationship; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH.


Digital image correlation (DIC) has proven to be an efficient technique for non-contact full-field strain measurement. Nevertheless, there have been no previous examples of using this technique to analyse strain in flexible textile fabrics. In this paper, a novel approach is developed based on DIC to monitor strain in textiles. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that DIC can be used to obtain full field strain maps from textile. The challenge is to use the weave of textile as the device for correlation. This can allow the technique to be applied to monitor strain in valuable textiles, such as historic tapestries.


We model the severity distribution of operational loss data, conditionally to some covariates. Indeed, previous studies suggest that this distribution might be influenced by firm-specific factors. We introduce a conditional Generalized Pareto model for the tail of the severity distribution, where the shape parameter is an unknown function of a linear combination of the covariates. More precisely, we rely on a single-index assumption to perform a dimension reduction that enables to use univariate nonparametric techniques. Hence, we suffer neither from too strong parametric assumption nor from the curse of dimensionality. We apply this methodology on a novel database provided by the bank UniCredit. We use firm-specific factors to estimate the conditional shape parameter. Our analysis suggests that the leverage ratio of the company and the proportion of the revenue coming from fees have an important impact on the probability of suffering from large operational losses.


The coupling between seismic and electromagnetic waves in a fluid-saturated porous medium is essentially controlled by the electrokinetic effect. The inverse effect of the seismoelectric conversion, the electroseismic conversion, is investigated experimentally in the laboratory. The electric field induces movement of the ions in a pore fluid relative to the solid matrix. The interaction between the pore fluid and the solid matrix generates acoustic waves known as electroseismic waves. Our studies confirm experimentally that the electroseismic conversion at ultrasonic frequencies is the electrokinetic effect in nature. In measurements with a homogeneous rock cylinder, Pand S-wave transducers receive, respectively, the Pand Scomponents of the extensional and flexural waves generated by an electric pulse with ring or parallel electrodes when the electrodes are on the surface or inside a porous medium. The electroseismic waves are measured in layered models, made of sandstone or artificial materials, to determine the area where the electroseismic waves are generated. Further experiments with the layered model investigate the relationship between electroseismic conversion and the conductivity of the fluid-saturated medium or the pore fluid. When fluid conductivity increases, the amplitude of the electroseismic wave increases. Experimental results show that electroseismic conversion is different from the piezoelectric effect of quartz grains in sandstone and is closely related to the relative motion between the fluid and the solid. The results also eliminate the possibility that the electroseismic wave is generated by a spark of a high-voltage pulse. Electroseismic waves can be generated at low voltage and increased continually with the voltage, without a big voltage jump similar to the spark in an isolated material. Our results confirm the existence and measurability of electroseismic conversion in porous formation at ultrasonic frequency ranges. Therefore, electroseis-


Mid- to late-Miocene continental arc volcanism on the North Island of New Zealand is found in the Coromandel Peninsula, the Kiwitahi volcanic chain, and the Taranaki Basin (Kora volcano) offshore of the western margin of the North Island. Coeval oceanic arc volcanism is also found along the offshore Colville Ridge/Kermadec Ridge north of New Zealand. This Pb-Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic study aims to evaluate mantle sources and potential crustal contaminants along these sections of the Miocene arc system. The Colville/Kermadec Ridge and Kora lavas have the lowest Sr (0.7029–0.7045) and highest Nd (0.51305–0.51292) ratios; the Coromandel and Kiwitahi lavas overlap (Sr = 0.704–0.706; Nd = 0.51268-0.51296). The Colville/Kermadec Ridge, Kora, and Coromandel/Kiwitahi rocks form three distinct arrays on Pb-Pb plots, all above the NHRL, but none trend towards local Mesozoic basement greywackes. Isotopic and trace element ratio variations suggest that subducted sediments are a component in Coromandel/Kiwitahi mafic lava sources. The younger, southern Kiwitahi lavas have more depleted mantle source than that for the older, northern Kiwitahi chain. Evolved lavas commonly have interacted with Waipapa basement rocks. Kora rocks have compositions similar to back-arc lavas and have been emplaced as sills in a rift environment above a distinct subduction-modified mantle.

 Supplementary material at
 https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6706281


Many monitoring tools that help developers in analyzing the run-time behavior of their applications share a common shortcoming: they require their users to have a fair amount of experience in monitoring applications to understand the used terminology and the available analysis features. Consequently, novice users who lack this knowledge often struggle to use these tools efficiently. In this paper, we introduce the guided exploration (GE) method that aims to make interactive monitoring tools easier to use and learn. In general, tools that implement GE should provide four support operations on each analysis step: they should automatically (1) detect and (2) highlight the most important information on the screen, (3) explain why it is important, and (4) suggest which next steps are appropriate. This way, tools guide users through their analysis processes, helping them to explore the root cause of a problem. At the same time, users learn the capabilities of the tool and how to use them efficiently. We show how GE can be implemented in new monitoring tools as well as how it can be integrated into existing ones. To demonstrate GE's feasibility and usefulness, we present how we extended the memory monitoring tool AntTracks to provided guided exploration support during memory leak analysis and memory churn analysis. We use these guidances in two user scenarios to inspect and improve the memory behavior of the monitored applications. We hope that our contribution will help usability researchers and developers in making monitoring tools more novice-friendly by improving their usability and learnability.


This thesis addresses a transmission energy problem for wireless sensor networks. There are two types of wireless sensor networks. One is single-hop sensor network where data from each sensor is directly transmitted to a fusion center, and the other is multihop sensor network where data is relayed through adjacent sensors. In the absence of a moving agent for data collection, multihop sensor network is typically much more energy efficient than single-hop sensor network since the former avoids long distance data transmission. Progressive data fusion is a distributed fusion method that fuses data as they hop through sensors, which is effective to further reduce the energy cost. With the knowledge of a routing tree and all channel state information, the transmission energy allocated for each sensor can be pre-determined to even further reduce the energy cost while satisfying a pre-determined performance. In this thesis, we develop several energy planning algorithms for the above purpose. Specifically we designed two energy planning algorithms for progressive estimation with digital transmissions between sensors and one energy planning algorithm for progressive estimation with analog transmission. We also show that digital transmission is more efficient in transmission energy than analog transmission if the available transmission time-bandwidth product for each link and each observation sample is not too limited.We also study energy cost for consensus estimation which is a distributed fusion method for peer-to-peer multihop sensor networks. The impact of fusion weights and energy allocation for each sensor is also investigated. We demonstrate that to achieve an approximately same performance, the total energy cost for consensus estimation can be much higher than that for progressive estimation, but the peak energy for the former is less thanthat for the latter.


Voice search applications encourage users to "just say what you want" in order to obtain useful mobile content such as automated directory assistance (ADA). Unfortunately, when users only remember part of what they are looking for, they are forced to guess, even though what they know may be sufficient to retrieve the desired information. In this paper, we propose expanding the capabilities of voice search to allow users to explicitly express their uncertainties as part of their queries, and as such, to provide partial knowledge. Applied to ADA, we highlight the enhanced user experience uncertain expressions afford and delineate how we performed language modeling and information retrieval. We evaluate our approach by assessing its impact on overall ADA performance and by discussing the results of an experiment in which users generated both uncertain expressions as well as guesses for directory listings. Uncertain expressions reduced relative error rate by 31.8% compared to guessing.


Power systems are becoming increasingly more complex due to the interconnection of regional system and deregulation of the overall electricity market. At present owing to the increase in power demand, power system has become more complex and heavily loaded, and is subjected to unstable or insecure operations. For secure operation, it is required to enhance the level of a security margin of the power system. In this paper sensitivity analysis based Voltage collapse proximity Indicator (VCPI) is proposed to select the optimal location of Static VAR Compensator (SVC). An Optimal Power Flow using BAT algorithm is carried out in order to find the optimal size of SVC which minimizes the total real power generation cost. Power System security is assessed using Line security index and voltage security index for IEEE 14 and IEEE 30-bus system using MATLAB Simulation. The results are presented and analyzed for BAT Algorithm based Optimal Power Flow without and with SVC and compared with Genetic Algorithm (GA).


Sensor node life-time limitation in wireless sensor networks has long become an issue, preventing it to become a reliable ubiquitous network. In this paper, a new concept called wireless grid, which includes a fusion of wireless sensor network and wireless power transmission is introduced. By doing this, battery life-time problem can be avoided, hence, providing high network reliability. Wireless power transmission scheme adjusted to the sensor network operating environment is proposed to satisfy power requirement at the sensor nodes. Simulation results show that by using the proposed schemes, two power transmission nodes can supply the energy required for sensor nodes operating in a square room of 25m2 with 99% reliability.


In Dancer in the Dark (2000), Icelandic popstar Bjork portrays the main character of Selma. Lars von Trier, the director, described his film as an exercise in emotionally manipulating the audience. Drawing on Philip Auslander's concept of the "musical persona," this study argues that the decision to cast a popstar, in combination with the structure of the film, serves von Trier's purpose of intensifying the film's manipulative potential, by evoking an impression of shocking realism or authenticity. This study furthermore places the presentation of the filmic character in conversation with Bjork's popstar status, critical reception of the film, as well as reception of her performance within it. Extending Auslander's concept of persona through a transmedial approach provides new perspectives on Bjork's performance, Dancer's polarized reception, and analytical models for performers' public reception.


The basis for marine lipid-induced milk fat depression (MFD) has not been established yet, but recent reports suggest the putative contribution of shifts in the ruminal metabolism of α-linolenic acid (ALA). To test this hypothesis, an isotopic tracer approach was used in batch cultures of rumen microorganisms with inoculum collected from cannulated ewes fed either a total mixed ration without lipid supplementation (control inoculum) or the same diet supplemented with 2% of fish oil, which is known to cause MFD in lactating sheep (FO-MFD inoculum). The [1-13C]ALA was added at a dose of 1% of incubated dry matter and the proportions of 13C-labeled fatty acids (FA) were examined after 24 h of incubation, using complementary gas chromatography and gas chromatography-combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS) analyses. Expected differences in FA profiles were confirmed between control and FO-MFD inocula (e.g., large decreases in 18:0 and increases in most 18:1 and 18:2 intermediates, particularly trans isomers, to fish oil supply). The biohydrogenation of 13ALA was extensive and yielded multiple metabolites, with a total of 48 chromatographic peaks showing 13C enrichment, regardless of the inoculum type. However, although ALA was biohydrogenated through common pathways under standard or MFD conditions, large changes in the accumulation of 13C-labeled FA suggest important differences in the relative contribution of each specific route. First, increased accumulation of trans-11-containing FA in FO-MFD incubations was accompanied by a general repression of the trans-13/14 pathway (supported by lower trans-13+14 18:1 or trans-11,trans-13 18:2 proportions), together with a lower production of cis FA (e.g., cis-9, -12, and -15 18:1 and some cis,cis 18:2). Results also downplayed the relevance of the trans-11 to trans-10 shift as an effective marker of diet-induced MFD in sheep, and challenged the involvement of some trans-10 intermediates (e.g., trans-10 18:1 and trans-10,cis-15 18:2) in the low-fat milk syndrome in this species. Conversely, increased abundance of most 18:3 intermediates (including some unidentified isomers) might be representative of ruminal alterations related to fish oil supplementation in ewes. Further research is necessary to examine the potential association between these findings and MFD in lactating animals.


Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. In 2013, 5% of US women presenting with de novo Stage IV breast cancer cases were under age 40, and 16% under age 50. The purpose of our study was to analyze changes in demographics and clinical characteristics of patients with de novo Stage IV breast cancer at our tertiary care institution with a focus on younger women. Methods: Our study is a retrospective chart review of 159 female patients who presented with de novo Stage IV breast cancer to our institution during years 2007-2019. Patients with recurrent Stage IV breast cancer were excluded. Charts of patients were reviewed and the following data was recorded: age at diagnosis, race, insurance, menopausal status, symptoms, family history, how cancer was diagnosed, prior breast imaging, genetics testing, tumor histology, and sites of metastasis. Data was further subdivided into younger (under age 50) and older (over age 69) groups. Results: Data analysis revealed median age of 61 and range of 26-92. 14/159 women (9%) diagnosed with de novo stage IV breast cancer were younger than 40. 40/159 (25%) were younger than 50, and 119/159 (75%) were age 50 or older. Over the last decade, proportion of younger women presenting with de novo Stage IV breast cancer did not change, while 86% increase was seen in older age group. Among younger women, 72% were Non-Hispanic Whites, 10% Hispanic and 12% Black. Over the last decade, proportion of non-Hispanic whites younger than 50 with de novo Stage IV disease decreased by 38%, 50% increase was seen in Blacks and four-fold increase in Hispanics. Majority of women noted a breast mass prior to diagnosis, 72% of younger group and 75% older group. 35% of younger group presented with additional symptoms such as bone pain compared to 52% older women. 27% of younger group initially presented with an ulcerated breast lesion compared to 47% older group. Proportion with family history of breast cancer was similar, 57% in younger group and 52% older group. 90% of younger women had invasive ductal cancer. Tumors were hormone receptor positive in 65% of younger women compared to 82% older group. 90% of younger women were insured, compared to 100% older group. 60% of younger group were diagnosed by their primary care physician compared to 42% older group. 17% younger women had prior breast imaging. All women younger than 50 were offered genetics testing, 10% elected to undergo testing. Of those women, 18% under age 40 and 31% under age 50 were found to have deleterious mutations. Conclusion: Our study analyzed the demographics and clinical characteristics of younger patients presenting with de novo metastatic breast cancer over the last 10 years. In our tertiary center serving a suburban area, the proportion of women younger than 40 with de novo Stage IV breast cancer was 9% compared to 5% nationwide. Similarly, the proportion younger than 50 was 25% compared to 16% nationwide. Overall, the proportion of younger women presenting with de novo Stage IV breast cancer has not significantly changed over the past decade. This stability is particularly interesting in view of recent changes in area demographics in which the Hispanic population has increased by 2% over the past 4 years. In our study, the racial breakdown did significantly change with 38% decrease in non-Hispanic whites while 50% increase was seen in Blacks and four-fold increase in Hispanics. Finally, 90% of younger women were insured suggestive of sufficient access to care. In fact, a majority of the younger were initially diagnosed by their primary care physician. However, only a minority had prior breast imaging highlighting the need for increased awareness and education of both community and primary providers in areas of high incidence of premenopausal Stage IV breast cancer. Citation Format: Lea Baer, Adam Khorasanchi, Alison Stopeck, Andrzej Kudelka, Jules Cohen. Need for increased awareness in high incidence areas of premenopausal de novo stage IV breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-11-09.


The disastrous results which sometimes follow simple open drainage of empyemas have induced a number of experimental and practical workers to undertake improved methods of treating such cases. These bad results consist in the failure of healing; in the formation of fistulas leading down to large cavities, often persisting for years after incision and drainage; osteomyelitis of ribs; retracting of connective tissue about the pleura, resulting in distortion of the thoracic viscera; infection with tubercle bacilli; secondary and remoter conditions such as amyloid degeneration and intercurrent diseases; and especially the distortions of the skeleton and the distant musculature due to the contraction and collapse of the chest walls. Most of these consequences are due to the mechanical conditions under which healing has to take place. When the pleural cavity is widely opened the lung, on account of its elastic tissue, retracts immediately toward its root. During expiration there is a


The current state of knowledge and the latest trends and examples of decision support systems (dSSs) are presented in this paper. Special emphasis was placed on a DSS proposal based on post-processed numerical weather forecasts operating in a real time. there is an essential need for decision support systems that can react to any incidents – including those that pose a risk to the natural environment or human activity in general. For this purpose an exemplary system has been prepared, which was – from its conception to implementation – the original idea of the author. the system enables communication with the user via a graphical user interface that controls the operation of the program, the course of the algorithm and the data flow. The system is modular, allowing the connection of other applications to carry out the work of a DSS. A basic view of the operating window and working panels have been designed for proper demonstration of various types of information and visualizations – the substantial products and results of the system. Further research in the field of dSS of this kind should be the implementation within the rIOT system of mechanisms of notification and response to crisis events related to extreme weather phenomena (whirlwinds, intensive rains, strong frosts or heats).


• The incidence of acute respiratory illnesses and the development of neutralizing antibodies are being studied in a comparison between a test group of 4,000 and contratest group of 12,000 naval recruits. Each member of the test group received a single 2-ml. intramuscular injection of a commercially prepared formaldehyde-inactivated APC (adenoidalpharyngeal-conjunctival virus) vaccine, types 3, 4, and 7. The dosage was fixed by preliminary studies in which the vaccine was compared with a placebo, the cause of pain after injection was discovered and obviated, methods of study were tested, and the proportion of recruits to be vaccinated was decided. Laboratory data showed that the vaccine induced a substantial neutralizing antibody response to types 3, 4, and 7 adenovirus. The clinical data of the progress report, which covers only one-third of the experience, showed that the vaccine effected a substantial reduction, estimated at 50 to 75%, of the total expected febrile respiratory illnesses, which in this study were associated mainly with type 4 adenovirus.


In chronic otitis, the use of ear drops has certain advantages over the use of systemic antibiotics. The choice of ear drop depends on the condition of the eardrum, microbial pathogens present and the efficacy of the components of the ear drop. Ototoxicity, contact allergy and the development of bacterial resistance have to be taken into account. Ototoxicity is a rare complication of the application of ear drops, most often described when aminoglycosides were applied. Contact allergy is also most often seen in aminoglycoside-containing eardrops. Evaluation of ear swabs demonstrated a 5% resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to ciprofloxacin. The appearance of resistant strains may impede systemic use of fluoroquinolones. Therefore, this class of antibiotics should be considered as reserve medication only. The first choice in local application of antiseptics in case of an open eardrum is aluminium acetotartrate 1.2% and, of a combination preparation, bacitracin-colistin-hydrocortisone. In case of a closed eardrum (external otitis) aluminium acetotartrate 12%--combination preparations with corticosteroids are advised against in these cases.


The limited information processing capacity of individuals forces coaches in various sports to turn their attention to the main and important parts of the movement by providing instructions. One of the most important factors in the effectiveness of instructions is to focus on individual. It is very important to pay attention to this issue in children. By study the effects of instructions of attention on children's free-throwing learning skills, this study will help determine which type of instructions of attention are most useful for children. Tools and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, It is chosen 42 girl students randomly who aged 9 to 11 years old in 18 district of Tehran and divided in three groups: internal focus attention, external focus attention, and control. After introduction the primary instructions and watching instructional movie related to basketball free throw, the participates thrown five times in test way then in acquisition phase, made 100 attempts in two sessions during two sequencing days. Each session included two blocks of 10-attempts and recovery time in 2 minute among blocks. The retention test included two blocks of 10-attempt that token 48 hours after last acquisition session. It is used covariance analysis test (3(group)* 10(throw)) in acquisition phase and LSD test to analyze the data. Resuit: The result showed that the internal focus attention group performed better than the control group in acquisition phase (P = 0.012), there isn't significant difference between external focus attention group's mean (P = 0.084). also there isn't significant difference between internal focus attention group's mean and external one (P = 0.401). In other words, internal focus led to an improvement in basketball throwing performance in children at the acquisition stage. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of focus instructions on motor skills learning in children. The results of free throw performance scores did not show any significant difference between the groups during retention, but showed the advantage of using internal attention in the acquisition stage. A theoretical understanding of how different instructions  can have practical implications for teachers and educators in helping learners  for acquire skills, and changes in performance and learning processes depend on both task and performance, and no definitive conclusion can be drawn as to which The type of focus is useful for children's learning, and educators should take on the role of facilitator in guiding learners, regardless of the type of focus provided in different areas of learning.


Background: Imposed lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the living and working habits of millions, with potentially important implications for physical, mental, and social wellbeing.Objectives: The primary objective was to investigate the impact of the pandemic on remote workers not directly affected by the virus.Methods: This was a correlational cross-sectional study (with an additional qualitative component) of 184 remote workers surveyed during the first COVID-19 lockdown in the UK. Standard measures of mental health (Kessler-6), productivity (IAPT) and physical activity (IPAQ) were used, with respondents further surveyed on changes to their dietary, exercise, smoking, drinking and socialisation habits to produce a 'well-being change index'.Results: Results revealed associations between sedentary behaviour and poorer mental health (τb=.14) and between poorer mental health and low work productivity (τb=-.39). However, both positive and negative lifestyle changes were reported; a self-reported increase in wellbeing (with respect to diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, and socialisation) since the start of the pandemic was associated with both better mental health (τb=-.14) and better work productivity (τb=.14). Of note, we observed rates of moderate (55%) and severe (12%) psychological distress markedly higher than those reported in large pre-pandemic studies, and 70% of our respondents reported more sedentary behaviour, 41% increased their alcohol consumption and 39% their overall food intake. However, 46%, 45% and 52% reported spending more time walking, engaging in more moderate and vigorous exercise, respectively. Qualitative analysis revealed many positive adaptations to lockdowns (e.g., decreased commuting expenses, flexibility) but also a number of structural obstacles to remote working (e.g., lack of support and high expectations from employers, childcare duties).Conclusions: These findings may be of practical importance for policy makers and employers in a world of work involving long-term remote or hybrid employment arrangements; strategies to promote more sustainable remote working are discussed.


This paper is concerned with design and IC implementation of a time interleaved pipelined ADC augmented to provide analog error outputs. The ADC outputs are used in digital-analog hybrid coding which uses residual error voltage transmission along with digital codes in a pipelined system of special design. The fully differential design in standard 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS technology employs a 12 bit, 60 MS/s paralleled-pipelined flash ADC. Such a pipeline ADC is the best candidate for applications where digital bit stream and analog residue both can be derived for hybrid digital-analog coding. Time interleaving provides increased throughput and signals for implementing QAM when necessary. The ADC targeted for achieving a high precision RF sensor telemetry application dissipates 90 mW from a single 1.8 V supply. Special attention has been given to ensuring adequate linearity for this system.. The digital-analog baseband signals are time/frequency multiplexed when transmitted on the RF carrier. The signal is regenerated in the receiver by summing the outputs of the DAC in the digital channel and the analog signal as necessary.


Cholesterol-rich, apolipoprotein B (apoB)-containing lipoproteins are now widely accepted as the most important causal agents of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Multiple unequivocal and orthogonal lines of evidence all converge on low-density lipoprotein and related particles as being the principal actors in the genesis of atherosclerosis. Here, we review the fundamental role of atherogenic apoB-containing lipoproteins in cardiovascular disease and several other humoral and parietal factors that are required to initiate and maintain arterial degeneration. The biology of foam cells and their interactions with high-density lipoproteins, including cholesterol efflux, are also briefly reviewed.


Trees growing in natural systems undergo seasonal changes in environmental factors that generate seasonal differences in net photosynthetic rates. To examine how seasonal changes in the environment affect the response of net photosynthetic rates to elevated CO2, we grew Pinus taeda L. seedlings for three growing seasons in open-top chambers continuously maintained at either ambient or ambient + 30 Pa CO2. Seedlings were grown in the ground, under natural conditions of light, temperature nd nutrient and water availability. Photosynthetic capacity was measured bimonthly using net photosynthetic rate vs. intercellular CO2 partial pressure (A-Ci) curves. Maximum Rubisco activity (Vcmax) and ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate regeneration capacity mediated by electron transport (Jmax) and phosphate regeneration (PiRC) were calculated from A-Ci curves using a biochemically based model. Rubisco activity, activation state and content, and leaf carbohydrate, chlorophyll and nitrogen concentrations were measured concurrently with photosynthesis measurements. This paper presents results from the second and third years of treatment.

Mean leaf nitrogen concentrations ranged from 13.7 to 23.8 mg g−1, indicating that seedlings were not nitrogen deficient. Relative to ambient CO2 seedlings, elevated CO2 increased light-saturated net photosynthetic rates 60–110% during the summer, but < 30% during the winter. A relatively strong correlation between leaf temperature and the relative response of net photosynthetic rates to elevated CO2 suggests a strong effect of leaf temperature. During the third growing season, elevated CO2 reduced Rubisco activity 30% relative to ambient CO2 seedlings, nearly completely balancing Rubisco and RuBP-regeneration regulation of photosynthesis. However, reductions in Rubisco activity did not eliminate the seasonal pattern in the relative response of net photosynthetic rates to elevated CO2. These results indicate that seasonal differences in the relative response of net photosynthetic rates to elevated CO2 are likely to occur in natural systems.


Speech is considered the most important instrument for individuals to express their ideas and thoughts, and language is its most basic part. Even among speakers of the same language, there may be differences in language pronunciation. These differences are called accents. English is considered the most spoken language in the world. For this reason, there are many English speech accents. This study aims to recognize the American accent among six accents: American, British, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Two different machine learning-based algorithms are employed for the accent recognition task: Support Vector Machine (SVM) and k-Nearest Neighbor (k-NN). In both methods, the user-defined hyperparameters are optimized to obtain high-accuracy results. Furthermore, the k-fold cross validation technique is applied to ensure the reliability of the results. Experimental results show that SVM with the Radial Basis Function (RBF) kernel yields the highest accuracy (89 %). As a result, SVM with RBF kernel is a viable option for speaker accent recognition applications.


Cephalopods are endowed with the most sophisticated nervous system among invertebrates and exhibit a repertoire of complex behaviors, such as spatial and observational learning. Cephalopod eyes supply a wide range of information which are utilized for these learning behaviors. Although our understanding of vertebrate physiology greatly benefited from the sub-cellular analysis of cephalopod nervous system, as shown by the discovery of the ionic bases of action potentials and of the Ca2+ requirement for neurotransmitter release Surprisingly, the cellular basis by which the visual system drives the sophisticated repertoire of cephalopod behaviors are still poorly understood. In this review, we will describe the current knowledge about cephalopod phototransduction. Light excites cephalopod photoreceptors by either inducing Ca2+ release from intracellular stores or activating cation-permeable channels by an as yet unknown mechanism. A 92 kDa protein, which is homologous to the Drosophila transient receptor potential (TRP) gene, is the most likely mediator of light-induced currents in cephalopods. A number of models which explain the mechanism whereby cephalopod TRP channel is gated by light will be discussed.


Stacking die within chip scale packages (CSPs) has become commonplace in the hand held portable electronics industry. Size, weight, and cost are the three primary advantages realized when stacking die within a CSP. What started out as the stacking of two memory dice within the same CSP has exploded into a growth industry of multiple die stack configurations that can sometimes exceed six die and may also include side-by-side die stacking variations within the same package. This increasing complexity and integration of stacked die is not only an assembly engineering challenge, but can also raise board level reliability concerns. Overall package flexibility is decreased with increased die stacking, thus further forcing the solder balls to accommodate the bulk of the plastic strain that is generated during accelerated temperature cycling due to the thermal expansion mismatch between the various materials that encompass the overall CSP structures. This issue is further exacerbated by the fact that increased die stacking, coupled with the unrelenting industry push for product miniaturization, has resulted in increased package solder ball input/output (I/O) count requirements, thus driving decreased solder ball pitches and size diameters. The study evaluates the impact on board level solder joint fatigue reliability during accelerated temperature cycling of one, two, three, four, and even five die stacking within the same CSP form factor. Three different CSP form factors are studied which contain the aforementioned 1-to-5 die stack configurations: (1) 8/spl times/11 mm 66-ball 0.80 mm pitch; (2) 15/spl times/15 mm 208-ball 0.80 mm pitch; and, (3) 13/spl times/13 341-ball 0.50 mm pitch. Furthermore, varying mold compound thicknesses, substrate core thicknesses, ball diameters, and die attach materials are investigated to evaluate their impact on solder joint reliability when incorporating the 1-to-5 die stack configurations. Test data is presented, including resulting Weibull analyses indicating 1st failure, mean failure free life (i.e. 50% population failure), and characteristic life (i.e. 63.2% population failure). An advanced three-dimensional finite element analysis methodology is also applied in an effort to improve solder joint fatigue life prediction coefficients. Both time-dependent plasticity (i.e. creep) and time-independent plasticity are accounted for in the finite element simulation methodology. Since the total plastic strain (i.e. time-dependent + time-independent) is a dominant parameter that influence solder fatigue, it was used as a basis for evaluation of solder joint fatigue reliability.