A comparison is made of the treatments of absorption in the theories of secondary extinction by Werner [J. Appl. Phys. (1974), 45, 3246-3254] and by Becker & Coppens [Acta Cryst. (1974), A30, 129-147]. The Werner approach treats absorption and extinction together, whereas Becker & Coppens assume a prior correction for absorption, and make an approximate allowance for the effect of absorption on the extinction by modifying the parameter representing the effective crystal dimension. By consideration of the form of the corrections for a specially simple crystal shape, it is shown that the Becker & Coppens method predicts slightly greater extinction than does the unified treatment of Werner. However, the difference is small, and likely to be unimportant in practice The Werner solution of the Hamilton-Zachariasen transfer equations is exact, but not easy to use. The Becker & Coppens results are approximate, but they are presented in a form convenient for computation.


Introduction Objectives: The aim of the study is to evaluate possible gadolinium brain deposits on Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI), in patients with localized melanoma receiving repeated doses of a gadolinium based contrast agent (GBCA).


Extensive experiment studies are performed in the evolved process from low-frequency fluctuations to chaos. The low-frequency fluctuations and high dimension chaos with 12.2 correlation dimension are generated experimentally by a DFB semiconductor laser with optical feedback. Meanwhile, the effects of pumping current and feedback strength on the average duration and the peak-peak value of low-frequency fluctuations are experimentally analyzed. Our results show that there exists an obvious critical point for the bias current of the semiconductor laser. When the bias current Ib is set below 1.03Ith, the peak-peak value of the low-frequency fluctuations is increasing at first and then decreasing with the feedback strength decreasing, while its average duration is decreasing but chaos don't appear in the whole performance. However, when the bias current Ib is set above 1.03Ith, the output of the laser can evolutes from low-frequency fluctuations chaos with the feedback strength decrease. Moreover the peak-peak value of the low-frequency fluctuation is increasing continually and its average periodic time is decreasing with the decrease of the feedback strength.


Fast and effective land monitoring is particularly important in and and semiarid lands where changes in water resources alter the landscape on a large scale. In previous work, we have used Landsat TM data and Spectral Mixture Analysis to successfully estimate vegetation live cover to +/-4.0% live cover (%LC). In this paper we compare estimates of %LC derived from Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) Advanced Land Imager (ALI) data to estimates derived from field based analyses. Results show that ALI estimates of %LC had similar precision to estimates derived from ETM+ data; these values were +/-5.61 %LC for ETM+ and +/-6.15 and +/-6.44 %LC for ALI using all 9 bands and only 6 bands, respectively. The only significant difference sensor performance, was the quality of multispectral band registration. ALI was found to be internally inconsistent in that each of the four SCA image swaths were co-registered to varying precision. This feature is most significant in regions of high vegetation variability and would also be problematic for studies of annual vegetation change.


Short-tailed voles know the area of their range in detail and this knowledge is maintained by regular exploratory activity, which occurs at frequent intervals in familiar surroundings as well as in new situations. Observations of this behaviour in voles, suggest that is is an instinctive behaviour pattern. There is an exploratory drive present for the animal to know the topography of its surroundings. The appetitive phase of the drive, called reconnaissance behaviour, takes the form of more or less random movements through the range, during which the animal reacts to anything different from that previously experienced and confirms old objects, so that memory is refreshed. The presence of a "new object" elicits investigation which may follow a set pattern. In the vole this is approach, nose and touch with withdrawals at some stage. The drive is satisfied by reception of sensory stimuli from objects or situations after a certain time of exposure to them. The periodic recurrence of reconnaissance behaviour is believed to be due to a fading of the effects of the sensory stimuli on the animal.


A degenerate four_wave mixing interferometry with the photo_refractive crystal LiNbO_3∶Fe was discussed. The interferograms included of the transmission and reflection fringes formed on the surface of the transparent plate objects tested with the interferometry were described. The contrast of the fringes changes as time going on,because of the dielectric characteristic of photorefractive crystals. Mathematic formulas to calculate the phase variations from the numbers and locations of those fringes are introduced. The experimental principle and device for real_time testing of the variations of the phases of optical transparent plate objects were presented. The experimental characteristics of the crystal were analyzed. Some quantitative results of the non_uniformities of refractive indices and thickness of a glass plate sample were given.


Abstract Lean premixed industrial gas turbine combustors are susceptible to flame instabilities, resulting in large unsteady pressure waves that may cause the discharge nozzle to experience excessive vibration levels. A detailed aeroelasticity analysis, aimed at investigating possible structural failure mechanisms, was undertaken using a time-accurate unsteady flow representation, a simplified combustion disturbance and a structural model of the discharge nozzle. The computational domain included the lower part of the combustor geometry as well as the nozzle guide vanes (NGVs) at the HP turbine inlet. A pressure perturbation, representing the unsteadiness due to the combustion process, was applied below the tertiary fuel inlet and its frequency was set to each structural natural frequency in turn. The propagation of the pressure perturbation through the combustor nozzle, its reflection from the NGVs and further reflections were monitored using two different models. The first one, the so-called "open" system, ignored the reflections from the upper part of the combustion chamber while the second one, the "closed" system, assumed full reflection with an appropriate time shift. The calculations have shown that the imposed excitation could generate unsteady pressure shapes that were correlated with the "flap" modes of the discharge nozzle. In addition, an acoustic resonance condition was observed when the forcing pressure wave had a frequency close to 550 Hz, the experimentally observed failure frequency of the nozzle. The co-existence of these two factors, i.e., excitation/structural-mode match and the possibility of acoustic resonance, was thought to have the potential of producing very high vibration response.


Abstract Since 1973 ministerial advisers have become a permanent feature in the political–administrative nexus of Irish government and other countries derived from the Westminster model. This article puts forward a classification of the adviser's role in the policy‐making process which may consist of singular or overlapping profiles of an expert, partisan, coordinator and minder. In conjunction, results from a survey and interviews conducted with a group of advisers serving in the Fianna Fáil–Progressive Democrat government of 2002–2007 are presented in order to understand the adviser's own assessments of the value and effects of what they do in government. Their profiles, motivations for service and the concrete tasks they carried out within (vertically) and outside (horizontal) government departments are examined. It is argued that the role of the Irish ministerial adviser best fits with the 'minder' category but that as a collective there is potential for advisers to contribute more effectively to the political coordination of policy‐making.


A combination of Genetic algorithm (GA) and Dynamic Relaxation (DR) method is presented for practical form-finding of tensegrity structures. Several approaches of dynamic relaxation method are reviewed for form-finding of tensegrity structures, and the negative points of DR method where the final form is sensitive to the initial form and cannot satisfy the geometrical constraint conditions are illustrated. The genetic algorithm is then proposed to obtain the initial configuration for DR method for finding the final shapes satisfying all constraint conditions. Several types of tensegrity structures are performed to point out the efficiency of proposed combination method.


Women workers in the Indian coal mines have never been a homogenous category. Caste affiliations, class status, tribal background, regional and local belongings all play a role both in forging collective solidarities (or lack thereof) as well as women's own observations of their life and work. The social dynamics between different rungs of employment are at times conciliatory, but often contentious. In the absence of dissenting solidarity, the major concern of women are not larger issues but their personal issues and struggles at the everyday level, which reflect their individual agency. The narratives of mineworkers even as they reveal caste/class as well as political differences nonetheless underscore the extraordinary hardship women experience regardless of their social location. This article would reflect upon their struggle and revolt on the everyday level, which would further reflect upon the intersectionality within the women coal miners. In this attempt, the author has also tried to draw upon some comparison with the women miners and their saga from the Appalachian Mountains in North America.


A method is suggested which, in the theory with an indefinite metric, excludes all nonphysical states from the initial and final states of the system. The methed is applied to the Lee model and scalar photon model. (auth)


For certain wave scattering problems embedding formulae can be derived, which express the solution, or far-field behaviour of the solution, for arbitrary plane wave incident angle in terms of the corresponding quantities for a finite number of other related problems. Their scope has so far been limited to scattering in R^2, and to a lesser extent R^3; in this paper we derive embedding formulae for wave scattering in a class of two-dimensional waveguide. The waveguide is straight and of uniform width outside a finite length region within which the boundaries are piecewise-linear and the waveguide can contain polygonal obstacles, a restriction being that all boundaries of the waveguide and obstacles must be inclined at a rational angle to the axis of the waveguide. Once solutions are determined for a finite set of incident propagating modes, the embedding formulae provide expressions for reflection and transmission
coefficients for all remaining incident propagating modes. The precise number of solutions required is a function of the number and nature of the corners of the
boundaries and obstacles. The formulae are illustrated for a particular waveguide geometry for which the problem can be formulated as an integral equation and approximate numerical solutions determined using the Galerkin method.


All branches of medicine have made tremendous advances during the past two decades. Many of the advances in dermatologic therapy have been made in the field of physical medicine. New technics have been devised, old ones have been improved and new physical agents have been introduced into the armamentarium of the dermatologist. To appreciate the importance of physical therapy in dermatology, one has only to peruse the agents employed in the treatment of diseases of the skin. Among these agents are ionizing radiations, especially roentgen rays and radium. Agents which emit alpha rays, such as radon in ointments and gases, thorium X in solutions and ointments and polonium in solutions, have been used to a limited extent. Encouraging results are being reported with the use of radioactive isotopes in the treatment of systemic diseases having cutaneous manifestations such as mycosis fungoides, Kaposi's sarcoma, leukemia cutis, Hodgkin's disease and polycythemia vera.


A project putting South Lanarkshire's art collection online has provided a vital link for an American family history researcher.
James Rawlings of Louisiana had been painstakingly piecing together his families ancestral roots but found himself struggling to make the next link in researching their Scottish line when two paintings in the online collection of Low Parks Museum showed up in his search


This article has investigated the principle and method of smelting CuMn35 master alloy by fusion alloying. And some questions about deoxidation and removal of hydrogen has been discussed. We have found the best process conditions after a series of orthogonal experiments and obtained uniform components by chilling technique. Elsewhere, we use carbon and cryolite as covering agent and refining agent to reduce oxide inclusion greatly and improve the surface texture and the yield of copper and manganese, attained 99.99% and 99.31% respectively. The results of the experiment show that the process is advisable.


An electrophysiological evaluation was made of the ulnar nerve in 18 men who were exposed to elemental mercury vapor in the course of their jobs at a mercury-cell chlorine plant. The men averaged 31 years of age, ranging from 19 to 56. Urinary mercury levels were available for three years prior to the evaluation of the ulnar nerve. Abnormal nerve conduction studies were obtained in five subjects, with three having prolonged sensory distal latency, one having prolonged motor distal letency and one having both prolonged motor and sensory distal latencies with a low normal SNAP amplitude. Over half of the mercury levels were significantly higher in this abnormal group. The highest correlation obstained was between sensory latency and the number of months urine mercury exceeded 0.50 milligrams/liter. The authors conclude that exposure to elemental mercury can affect both motor and sensory peripheral nerve conduction and that the degree of involvement can be related to time-integrated urine mercury levels.


A typical least squares algorithm based on the technique of QR decomposition (QRD) is first reviewed. Problems for direct VLSI implementation are pointed out and a modification of the algorithm to obtain a systolic version is proposed. The systolic QRD-based algorithm should be useful for applications of least squares techniques to adaptive filtering. The CORDIC-based implementation of this cascadable algorithm is presented and its robustness to the roundoff errors is discussed.<<ETX>>


A mathematical model was developed for coal-coal pyrite separation by selective flocculation technology. The model predicted that selectivity is primarily governed by polymer adsorption, although improvements in selectivity may also be obtained by controlling the polymer dosage when the selectivity in polymer adsorption is not very high. Selectivity predicted for coal-coal pyrite-cationic polyacrylamide flocculant was in agreement with the experimental results. Poor selectivity achieved was attributed to hetroflocculation and kaolinite associated with coal and coal pyrite samples.


Contents: Introduction: reformations and reformulations The Queen's court, the city, and Catholicism Barnabe Googe and Elizabeth's barbed horse The almoner and the queen Gascoigne's royal confessions Thomas Watson, the Earl of Oxford and Queen Elizabeth Conclusion Reformation Petrarchanism and the cults of Elizabeth Bibliography Index.


We show that ethnic patronage and weak property rights provide an avenue for rent extraction in a Kenyan slum, Kibera. Slum residents pay higher rents for their dwelling, and invest less in housing quality when the landlord and the local chief belong to the same tribe. Conversely, rents are lower, and investments higher, when the household and the chief belong to the same tribe. These effects are partly offset in areas with high youth unemployment, where youth gangs may contribute to enforcing tenancy rights, but they are stronger in areas with arguably weaker property rights. Our identification relies on the exogenous appointment of chiefs governing the area and is supported by several robustness checks, including a regression discontinuity design (RDD). As an additional contribution, we develop novel measures of housing investments using high resolution satellite images of the slum.


The proposed method assumes use of Internet possibilities for transmission of information about status of controlled (protected) objects via mobile operators to mobile phones of approved circle of persons. A concept and methodology is proposed for building a combined system for collection of information with the use of both wire (1W bus) and wireless (radio) local network. A structural scheme is designed for implementation of distributed radio network elements as components of a combined network for collection of information (Internet & Ethernet) about condition of controlled objects.


somewhat above 10 ng/ml, but these had fallen by 60-95 % of their preoperative values. Careful clinical appraisal is equally important in evaluation to laboratory figures. Roughly half of the remissions occur in the first year following therapy. Most of the remainder occur during the second year. Results have improved and complications have been reduced with added experience. The most frequent complication, temporary oculomotor disturbance, has been reduced in frequency to 6% in the last 50 patients. Temporary field defects, but no blindness, occurred in 5 patients, 3 of which were in the first 50 patients treated. Eightyfive per cent of treated patients preserve normal pituitary function. A few minor seizures (no grand-mal), relieved by diphenylhydantoin, occurred in 4 patients. In Cushing's disease the results of proton hypophysectomy are similar to those in acromegaly with a slightly higher frequency of satisfactory results (89 %) and a slightly lower frequency of complications. This group of patients is particularly gratifying in that they are usually not cortisone-dependent, making them more satisfactory than adrenalectomized patients. Eight of these patients with Nelson's syndrome have been treated: 7 of them are partially depigmented, and none has required further therapy for pituitary tumour. Patients with chromophobe adenoma, excluding our early experience (1962-63), have had uniformly satisfactory results and no complications. We exclude from proton beam therapy all patients with suprasellar extension of tumour or excess prior X-radiation therapy. We strongly favour transsphenoidal hypophysectomy by the method ofG Guiot and J Hardy over transfrontal craniotomy because it has substantially lower lethal risk and, in our hands, no visual complications. The hospitalization costs average $1500 (£.600) for proton hypophysectomy, less than one-third that of frontal craniotomy, thus saving $3500 (£L400). Considering the efficiency and economy of air travel, one such cyclotron facility can easily serve the needs of a large area such as half the United States or all of the United Kingdom.


Tthe Cu(In,Ga) Se2(CIGS) thin film was fabricated through three-step co-evaporation method,and the influence of different Ga gradient distribution on the performance of CIGS thin film and solar cell was also examined by adjusting the temperature of Ga source in the first and third-stage of the process to change Ga gradient distribution.The adjustment optimizes Ga gradient distribution,which can reduce the Jscloss to the greatest extent while enhance the open circuit voltage(Voc).Crystal of CIGS surface is improved,and the diode junction and interface characteristics of cell are also correspondingly enhanced.Quantum efficiency test also shows that the photon absorption loss of optimized CIGS solar cell is greatly reduced in the longer wavelength(520-1100 nm).


Ribosome display technology,which was established and developed in 1990s,is a method for completely in vitro selection and evolution of functional molecules.It circumvents many drawbacks of in vivo systems,and is not influenced by cell transfection and gene expression.The technology has already been successfully used to optimize the affinity and specificity of peptides,antibodies and enzymes in binding target molecules.This review summarized the principle,procedure,improvement and application of ribosome display.


In this paper I report two studies of discourse anaphora (in Russian and English narrative discourse). I claim that referential device selection is primarily influenced by the speaker's current cognitive state, namely the referent's activation in the speaker's working memory. Activation is assumed to be a gradual parameter varying between the minimal and the maximal values. A methodology of numerical calculation of referent activation is proposed. The level of a specific referent's activation at a particular point of discourse depends on multiple factors. Each of these factors contributes (in a positive or negative numerical way) to the ultimate activation score of the referent. Activation factors are rooted in either the discourse context (several measurements of distance to the antecedent; the antecedent's syntactic role in its clause...) or in the referent's properties (animacy, protagonisthood...) The numerical model employed to calculate activation score is supposed to imitate the cognitive interplay of activation factors during discourse production. There exist soft and hard thresholds of activation determining the speaker's referential choice. For example, above the hard threshold a reduced NP (that is, an anaphoric pronoun or zero) is necessary, while above the soft threshold it is possible. The proposed model aims at predicting/explaining all referential occurrences in the sample discourse. This model has substantial consequences for the general understanding of the cognitive domain of working memory. Specific claims about the capacity and control of working memory are proposed. 1. General Assumptions Underlying this Study In this paper, I approach discourse anaphora from the perspective of a broader process that I term referential device selection or, more simply, referential choice. This term differs from "discourse anaphora" in the following respects. 1) The notion of "referential choice" is more overtly production oriented. It is not a phenomenon found "somewhere" in discourse but a process directly performed by the speaker. 2) Unlike "discourse anaphora", "referential choice" does not exclude introductory mentions of referents and other mentions that are not based on already-high activation of the referent. 3) The notion of referential choice permits one to avoid the well-known dispute on whether "anaphora" is restricted to specialized formal devices (such as pronouns, articles, etc.) or has a purely functional definition. Otherwise the two notions are essentially identical. Below I formulate the list of general assumptions underlying the model of referential choice that I propose in this paper. Argument for these assumptions is beyond the scope of this article but I believe that they have a certain degree of general appeal. 1) An adequate model of referential choice should be able to account for every occurrence of a referential device (at least in the sample discourse), rather than content with 90% of hits. 2) A psychologically adequate model of referential choice cannot be based on antecedent search in the pretext (look-back), but rather must look for explanations of referential choices in the cognitive structures of the speaker at the moment of speech. 3) An adequate model of referential choice must explore the possibility that the choice depends on multiple factors rather than one single factor. 4) If the multiplicity of factors is recognized, each factor must be monitored in each case, rather than in an ad hoc manner. 5) If multiple factors are involved, the issue of interaction between various relevant factors must be addressed. In accordance with these assumptions, the model proposed below is: • sample-based • general and predictive (accounts for all data in sample) • explanatory and cognitively based • speaker-oriented • multi-factorial • testable • calculative. 2. The Cognitive Model Now, a set of more specific assumptions on how referential choice works at the cognitive level is in order. Recently a number of studies have appeared suggesting that referential choice is directly related to the more general cognitive domain of working memory and the process of activation in working memory (Chafe, 1994; Tomlin and Pu, 1991; Givon, 1995; Kibrik, 1996, 1999. Some of these authors use slightly different terminology, for example Chafe speaks about consciousness rather than memory, but the cognitive domain he has in mind is essentially the same.) For cognitive psychological and neurophysiological accounts of working memory see Baddeley (1986, 1990), Anderson (1990), Cowan (1995), Posner and Raichle (1994), Smith and Jonides (1997). The claim that referential choice is governed by memorial processes is compatible with psycholinguistic frameworks of such authors as Gernsbacher (1990), Clifton and Ferreira (1987), Vonk, Hustinx and Simons (1992), with the cognitive approaches of Gordon, Grosz and Gilliom (1993), Gundel, Hedberg and Zacharski (1993), and van Hoek (1997), and with some computational models covered in Botley and McEnery (eds., 2000). Thus the first element of the cognitive model can be formulated as follows:


Different research groups around the world are currently involved in the design of extremely large optical telescopes, ranging from 30 to 100 m. In order to restore diffraction limited images, this next generation of telescopes highly relies on upgraded adaptive optics (AO) systems. For an efficient AO system, high-order perturbation correction is needed. This can be achieved by the development of new technologies based on micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS). We describe this new technology and analyze the abilities of the main candidates to reach the specifications required. By listing the key parameters, we establish advantages and disadvantages of different MOEMS architectures. In order to characterize these micro-optical components, we are developing a bench set-up for electrical and optical tests, including a new surface characterization method based on the knife-edge test.


This paper analyzes fire refardation mechanism of fire retardation cable for mine,introduces kinds and development direcfion of fire retardafion cable,fire retardafion fest of mine cable is explained.It analyzes some cable problem and raises solvable method expounds that test of cable is important to safety producfion in mine.


The RFID system has the security problem of location tracking and user privacy. In order to solve this problem, the cryptographic access method using hash function is difficult to in real applications. Because there is a limit of computing and storage capacity of Tag, but the safety is proved. The lightweight authentication methods like HB and LMAP guarantee the high efficiency, but the safety is not enough to use. In this paper, we use the AES for RFID Authentication, and solve the problem of using fixed key with key change step by step. The symmetric keys of the tag and server are changed by the random number generated by tag, reader and server successively. This could prevent the key exposure. As a result, the output of the tag and reader always changes. These key changes could make it possible to prevent eavesdropping, replay attack, location tracking and spoofing.


The photochemical behavior of the three positional isomers of trans-aminostilbene is reported and compared to that for unsubstituted trans-stilbene. The absorption spectrum of the para isomer displays a single intense long-wavelength band; however the meta and ortho isomers display two less intense bands as a consequence of configuration interaction. All three isomers are fluorescent and display similar solvent-induced shifts of their fluorescence maxima. The fluorescence rate constant of the para isomer is larger than that of the ortho or meta isomer. The para isomer has a short singlet lifetime and high photoisomerization quantum yield, similar to those for trans-stilbene. In contrast, the ortho and meta isomers have long singlet lifetimes and low photoisomerization quantum yields. Isomerization of the para isomer is a singlet-state process, whereas isomerization of both the ortho and meta isomers is a triplet-state process. The lower bound for the barrier for singlet-state torsion of the ortho and meta...


Abstract: Numerous data suggested that the pharmacological and biochemical properties of 5‐hydroxytryptaminelA (5‐HTIA) receptors exhibit some regional differences in the CNS, notably within the raphe nuclei compared with various fore‐brain areas (such as the hippocampus). This possibility has been further investigated in the dorsal raphe nucleus and two areas within the hippocampus, the dentate gyrus and the CA1 area, using the quantitative autoradiographic technique. The potencies of 5′‐guanylylimidodiphosphate to inhibit the specific binding of 125I‐Bolton‐Hunter‐8‐methoxy‐2‐(N‐propyl‐N‐propylamino)tetralin (125I‐BH‐8‐MeO‐N‐PAT) to 5‐HT1A sites and of N‐ethylmaleimide to block these sites irreversibly were identical in the dorsal raphe nucleus and the hippocampal areas in rat brain sections. In contrast, slight but significant differences were noted in the pH dependence and pharmacological properties of 5‐HT1A sites labeled by 125I‐BH‐8‐MeO‐N‐PAT in these three regions. Similarly, heat denaturation experiments and tissue exposure to either phospholipase A2 or the alkylating agent 8‐methoxy‐2‐(N‐2′‐chloropropyl,N‐propyl)aminotetraline revealed regional differences in the properties of 5‐HT1A sites. However, in most cases, the observed variations were of greater amplitude between the CA1 area and the dentate gyrus, where 5‐HT1A sites are located postsynaptically, than between any one of these areas and the dorsal raphe nucleus where they act as (presynaptic) so‐matodendritic autoreceptors. These data further support that subtypes of 5‐HT1A receptors probably exist in the rat brain, but this heterogeneity seems unrelated to the pre‐ or postsynaptic location of these receptors.


This paper deals with an development of screen technology for marine waste disposal. The conception of inverse inclined screen is introduced. For optimal solid-liquid separation the vibration frequency, vibration angle and vibration method are inquired. And the efficiency of proposed technology is proved through the field test.


Summary Mizoram falls in Tripura-Cachar-Mizoram fold belt of Assam- Arakan Basin and geographically situated in the north-eastern part of India. Mizoram fold belt area is traversed by tight & narrow Anticlines and broad & gentle synclines. Major geological trends are in N-S direction whereas basement trend is in E-W direction, thus suggesting thin-skin tectonics controlling the structures in the area. .Gutur Syncline west of Sentet Anticline and Sairang Syncline East of Sentet Anticline are merging towards the north forming Silchar Syncline in Assam. Renji and Bhuban formations are expected to provide good reservoir & source rocks whereas middle Bhuban formation forms cap-rock. Seismic exploration in complex tectonic regime is always a challenge for acquisition and processing. Conceptual model derived from sparse seismic data of earlier vintages was subjected to ray trace modeling with different acquisition geometries. Corresponding synthetic stack sections were analyzed for optimum illumination of subsurface and for optimizing the acquisition geometry. The initial processed sections adopting conventional static computations indicated chaotic reflections contaminated with noise. Because of large variations in elevation, the uncertain parameter might be the sub-weathering velocity function resulting in the chaotic reflect ions from the subsurface. An attempt was successfully made in arriving at accurate statics by adopting iterative technique for firming up sub-weathering velocity. An integrated approach of ray trace modeling study for optimizing acquisition parameters, field effort in a logistically difficult terrain, a new approach in estimating the statics and an accurate velocity analysis in processing resulted in a meani ngful seismic imaging in a geologically complex province


Addressing the domain mismatch problem has been a long term interest within cognitive infocommunication. In particular, several techniques to compensate for dialectal variations of the same base language in Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) have been proposed. Conservative retraining, transfer learning, multi-task training, matrix factorization, i-vector based techniques as well as adversarial and teacher-student training, have been proposed for the specific purpose of ASR deep neural acoustic models domain adaptation.Comparing these techniques is often complicated as different experiments are carried out on diverse datasets and within various frameworks. It is also worthwhile analyzing possible combination of such techniques within complex systems.The objective of this work is to systematically compare and analyse a number of domain adaptation techniques for ASR using the same framework, the open-source Kaldi toolkit, in order to allow for a fair comparison on adapting US English acoustic models for the Indian accent. Our results indicate that, when properly hyper-parametrized and carefully regularized, the easiest approaches, requiring less complexity and reduced computational power, can perform equally well as the more complex ones.


In order to obtain high-precision and high-speed motion and reduce the residual vibration for vacuum robot,an asymmetric trajectory planning method with jerk bounded is presented.Constraints of the trajectory are firstly analyzed.And then according the definition of limitation values,all possible profile shapes are discussed.The algorithm and its implementation are proposed with a direct and complete method.At the end,we apply the proposed approach to high-precision vacuum cluster tool robot which is used in the vacuum chambers for handling semiconductor wafer.Experimental results show that the proposed method can improve the positioning accuracy and efficiency and reduce the residual vibration.


Audio systems and recordings are optimized for listening at the "sweet spot," but how well do they work elsewhere? An acoustic‐perceptual model has been developed that simulates sound reproduction in a variety of formats, including mono, two‐channel stereo, five‐channel surround and wavefield synthesis. A virtual listener placed anywhere in the listening area is used to extract binaural signals, and hence interaural cues to the spatial attributes of the soundfield. Using subjectively‐validated models of spatial sound perception, we can predict the way that human listeners would perceive these attributes, such as the direction (azimuth) and width of a phantom source. Results will be presented across the listening area for different source signals, sound scenes and reproduction systems, illustrating their spatial fidelity in perceptual terms. Future work investigates the effects of typical reproduction degradations.


Percutaneous caffeine intake would be a good strategy for evading any potential gastrointestinal irritation, as long as the issue of taste can be set aside; therefore, caffeine spray preparations have been made commercially available in recent years. Some have raised concerns regarding not only the psychostimulant action of caffeine by systemic exposure, but also the dermalprotective effect invoked by topical application. Absorption of pharmacologically active substances through the skin also has many advantages compared to oral administration; namely, substances can be applied to large areas at a time, and a relatively safe low peak concentration can be obtained due to slow but sustained absorption. Firstpass metabolism can also be circumvented, and interindividual variability might be lower.[1] Research on percutaneous caffeine absorption has been conducted primarily using a diffusion cell system in porcine and human skins.[2-4] Mixtures of ethanol and water, or ethanol and propylene glycol, have been used as vehicles to prepare the caffeine solution.[5] Muhammad and Riviere studied the effects of nontoxic terpenes on the penetration levels of caffeine in porcine skin. Among them, terpinyl acetate (TA) improves the penetration level 10fold, compared to the control group.[2]


The utility model discloses a condensed double pipe heat exchanger which comprises a first pipe and a second pipe sheathed in the first pipe, wherein a thermal medium channel is formed between the first pipe and the second pipe; the condensed double pipe heat exchanger is characterized in that the second pipe is also internally provided with a third pipe which is a thermal medium channel, and a cold medium channel is formed between the second pipe and the third pipe; and in the condensed double pipe heat exchanger, the second pipe conducts heat exchange with the first pipe and the third pipe by an outer wall and an inner wall respectively, thus enlarging heat exchange area between cold medium and thermal medium, leading heat exchange to be more uniform, and being beneficial to improving heat exchange efficiency.


The importance of implementing the important thought of the "Three Represents" lies in "practice and innovation".To emancipate the mind and to seek truth from facts is a key to insist on combination of theory and practice which is also a key to keep learning and using Marxism.Therefore we must combine theory with practice so as to constantly keep innovation.


Topoisomerases alter DNA topology and are vital for the maintenance of genomic integrity. Topoisomerases I and II are also targets for widely used antitumor agents. We demonstrated previously that in the human leukemia cell line, HL-60, resistance to topoisomerase (topo) II-targeting drugs such as etoposide is associated with site-specific hypophosphorylation of topo IIα. This effect can be mimicked in sensitive cells treated with the intracellular Ca2+ chelator, 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA-AM). Here we identify Ser-1106 as a major phosphorylation site in the catalytic domain of topo IIα. This site lies within the consensus sequence for the acidotrophic kinases, casein kinase I and casein kinase II. Mutation of serine 1106 to alanine (S1106A) abrogates phosphorylation of phosphopeptides that were found to be hypophosphorylated in resistant HL-60 cells or sensitive cells treated with BAPTA-AM. Purified topo IIα containing a S1106A substitution is 4-fold less active than wild type topo IIα in decatenating kinetoplast DNA and also exhibits a 2–4-fold decrease in the level of etoposide-stabilized DNA cleavable complex formation.Saccharomyces cerevisiae (JN394t2-4) cells expressing S1106A mutant topo IIα protein are more resistant to the cytotoxic effects of etoposide or amsacrine. These results demonstrate that Ca2+-regulated phosphorylation of Ser-1106 in the catalytic domain of topo IIα modulates the enzymatic activity of this protein and sensitivity to topo II-targeting drugs.


Ingress of chloride into alpha-Al2O3(0001) and Al(111) was calculated by first-principles theory calculations by considering Cl insertion into Al or O vacancies within alpha-Al2O3(0001) or into vac ...


It is widely recognised that Western households and Western teenagers have increasingly appropriated media technologies. In this paper we argue that these media technologies cannot be studied without taking the media content and the interplay between content and technology into account.
After a theoretical elaboration on concepts such as domestication, identity, autonomy, double articulation and the bedroom culture, we focus on the domestic space in which Flemish teenagers appropriate media technologies. Our paper draws upon the results of the Apestaartjaren 3 research project, a joint effort of two Flemish non-profit organisations (Jeugdwerknet VZW and Graffiti Jeugddienst VZW) and the research group for Media & ICT (MICT) at Ghent University. The present study consists of a two-phased methodology
encompassing a large-scale quantative study (N=1725) and 40 face-to-face follow-up interviews.
The paper demonstrates the large variety in the appropriation of media technologies. It shows that the devices properties' and the contexts in which they are used play a role in how media are received and consumed. Another consistent finding in our paper is that all media technologies hold some meaning of autonomy because users can independently choose what content to consume, what files to store and with whom to communicate. Moreover, mobile devices also hold meanings of identity: teenagers can differentiate themselves from others by displaying the decisions they have made in their consumption.


Abstract Equations for the composition of the copolymers in binary, ternary, and K-component copolymerization with depropagation developed by means of Markov chains. The mole fractions of the different monomers in the copolymers are determined as components of the limit vector α = (a1, …, an), the latter being obtained as an eigenvector of the transition matrix P. The elements of this matrix are so defined that they reflect the possibility of slipping one, two, or K types of monomer units off the growing chain in the K-component copolymerization (K = 2, 3, …, n). We take the case in which the monomer units slip off if they are attached to a chain, ending with one or more monomer units of the same type. Calculated and experimental data for the composition of the copolymers of o-methylstyrene and methyl methacrylate obtained by radical copolymerization are given. These data agree very well. It is shown that after small simplifications, the equations developed can also be used for common copolymerization (wi...


Background: Factors such as race, poverty, nutrition and chronic diseases have been shown to influence the age of attaining menarche in girls. HIV is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases among young girls living in sub-Saharan Africa. This study compares the age at onset of menarche between HIV-infected girls and un-infected controls matched for age and socio-economic status. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study involving 100 HIV-infected girls aged 8-17 years and 100 un-infected counterparts matched for age and social class. Questionnaire was administered to study participants after obtaining consent from their caregivers. Age at attainment of menarche was obtained using recall method. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 20 (Chicago IL). Significant levels were assumed at p-values less than 0.05. Results: Eighty-seven subjects and controls respectively (87%) were within the age range of achieving menarche. Among them, 19 subjects (22%) and 31 controls (36%) had attained menarche ((OR= 0.505, CI= 0.258-0.988, p =0.046). Menarche occurred at a mean age of 12.84 ± 1.30 years among the subjects and 12.32 ± 0.79 years among the controls (p=0.085).Conclusions: A significant proportion of subjects compared to controls had achieved menarche.


I am deeply concerned over Dr. Gil's report1 on his survey of child abuse. My concern covens many facets of his study: The definition of physical abuse; the use of reports from 1967 which was, for many states the first or second year of their reporting law; setting out to count a certain medical-social problem; and becoming lost in the forest of poverty and hunger of children and the willingness to "move from quantitative to the qualitative ...," and reaching conclusions that cannot be supported by the data.


In 1998, the British Medical Journal boldly stated in an editorial headline, "Vitamin D Deficiency: Time for Action."1 The urgency was clear: vitamin D deficiency was going undiagnosed and untreated in large numbers of people. Patients were at risk and suffering needlessly. A simple, extremely low-cost, low-toxicity intervention was readily available. All that was required was vitamin D advocacy.


Acid generated by reverse weathering in mudrocks drives linked reactions involving carbonates and feldspars that in turn have a profound impact on the evolution of porosity during burial diagenesis of sandstones. In the Oligocene Frio Formation along the Texas Gulf Coast, petrographic evidence at various scales in both sandstones and shales, and modern pore fluid compositions are all consistent with this idea. Acid released during illitization of smectite dissolves marine skeletal and detrital carbonate in shales. Shales export excess H+, dissolved CA++, and CO{sub 2} to the sandstones. Resultant interaction of sandstones with these shale-derived fluids is primarily controlled by the feldspar content of the sandstones. If the sandstones contain reactive feldspar content of the sandstones. If the sandstones contain reactive feldspar, acid from the shales is effectively buffered, thus allowing precipitation of calcite as cements and grain replacements in the sandstones and maintenance of fluids with low pCO{sub 2}. Once the supply of reactive detrital feldspar is exhausted through dissolution and albitization, shale-derived H+ remobilizes carbonate in sandstones, generating secondary porosity and fluids with high pCO{sub 2}. Acid generated through thermal maturation of organic matter plays only a trivial role in this system of reactions because the quantity ofmore » acid required for dissolution of carbonate and feldspar far exceeds the amount of kerogen in the system. The balance between the local acid generation capacity of shales, the local buffering capacity of feldspars in sandstones, and the availability of externally derived acids and ions is the primary control on the sequence of reactions occurring during burial metamorphism of sandstones.« less


The communication of affect, a feeling or emotion, is central to creating engaging visual experiences. We report research into how different colour properties (lightness, chroma and hue) contribute to different affective impressions in information visualization applications. Our results provide initial evidence that colour properties can be manipulated to achieve affective expressiveness in information visualization.


The academic sTudy of disabiliTy and religion in general and the Bible in particular has grown from a virtually non-existent field of study to a well-established one within less than two decades. Very little of this scholarship, however, has traveled beyond the enclaves of the academy. Most has been limited to the field of expertise of the particular biblical scholar in either the Hebrew Bible or the New Testament. Most regrettably, little has been done to bring the insights of this biblical scholarship to bear on the lived experience of people with disabilities.


Objective To study the effects of Bis(maltolato) oxovanadium(BMOV) on renal structure of spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs) and its mechanism.Methods Thirty-six SHRs were divided into three groups at random: blank group,Nifedipine group and BMOV group.The light microscope and electron microscope were used to examine the pathologic changes of the kidney in rats.Results The rat glomerular mesangial expansion was found and the lumen of glomeruler capillary nearly closed in bland group,while in BMOV group the pathological changes mentioned above were unobvious.Conclusion BMOV may have protective effects on kidney in SHRs.


When ventilation hazards become active in an underground mine heading, it is very often necessary to evacuate the crew from the danger area. This evacuation is carried out along emergency escape (evacuation) routes to a heading which is not affected by a given incident. Such a heading must provide access to fresh air and guarantee that there is no smoke. In this context, an important role is played by the time in which the crew leaves the danger area and gets into the safety zone. The time needed by the crew to cover the length of an escape route depends on a number of factors. In hard coal mines, the time necessary to evacuate the crew is most commonly determined on the basis of analytical methods developed in the second half of the 20th century. In recent years, however, the development of numerical methods has made it possible to determine these times using model-based tests supported by numerical simulations. The article presents the results of such tests with regard to the evacuation of a crew from an excavated dog heading. The objective of the tests was to analyse how the movement speed of the miners being evacuated from the danger area affects the time of their evacuation. The analysis was carried out for four different movement speeds of a crew and for 26 miners working in the heading under analysis. Their distribution in the heading reflected the actual location of their work stations. The results obtained made it possible to determine the times and intensity of their evacuation, and they should also serve as a valuable source of information for the emergency rescue teams in underground mines.


A Si@C nanocomposite material is prepared via in-situ polymerization of acrylonitrile on the surface of silicon nanoparticles,and followed by carbonization in an inert atmosphere. The obtained Si@C nanocomposite material is composed of a nanosized Si core anda casting carbon shell. Its structure and electrochemical properties are characterized by XRD, TG, Raman, SEM, TEM and chargedischargeperformance test. The results obtained in this study show that Si@C nanocomposite is coated by a layer of amorphous carbonwhich provides a conductive matrix and relieves the dramatically morphological changes of Si upon lithium insertion and extraction. Thecomposite exhibits good capacity retention for use as anode in lithium-ion batteries. This study also paves a facile and industrial scalableway to prepare core/shell structure for high performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.


Two new species of Serratella Edmunds (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae: Ephemerellinae: Hyrtanellini) are described based on larvae from China and Iran. Serratella brevicauda, new species, is distinguishable from other Hyrtanellini based on its short caudal filaments and its relatively large body size. Serratella elissa, new species, is distinguishable from other Hyrtanellini based on a combination of its having paired tufts of spatulate setae and no paired spines on abdominal terga and having tarsal claws with denticles nearly subequal in size. The state of Asian Serratella systematics is reviewed, and some problems of Hyrtanellini systematics are discussed. Modifications to a recent identification key for ephemerellid larvae are suggested.


The fine atomic sources is the important factor in atom lithography,a experiment set-up for realization of ultra-high vacuum chromium atomic sources was reported.In our experiment system,the parameters are that vacuum more than 5.0×10-5Pa,temperature of chromium sources is 1650℃,the probable velocity of chromium atom is 960m /s,the numbers of chromium atoms out of oven is N=1.5×1017s-1.


Computer vision and image detection using deep learning and AI software systems which can recognize as well as understand images and scenes has really become a useful and important aspect for the modern and future AI projects and development. Object detection is widely used for vehicle detection, pedestrian counting, web images, traffic analyzing systems and self-driving cars. In this project, we are using highly accurate object detection-algorithms and methods such as YOLOv5, RetinaNet based on TensorFlow algorithms and keras libraries. The tensorFlow and openCV based detection and classification uses GPU to increase the computation speed and processes . Using these methods and algorithms, based on machine learning, require lots of mathematical and deep learning framework understanding by using dependencies such as TensorFlow, OpenCV. We are proposing a system to detect each and every object in image by the area object in highlighted rectangular boxes and identify each and every object and assign its tag to the object. This also includes the precision of each and every method for identifying objects. Index Terms YOLOYou Only Look Once ,Faster R-CNN, Keras, Tensorflow.


Many of us have heard the negative rhetoric that is often used in reference to noxious weeds. Their encroachment is reaching "epidemic proportions"1; they are "alien, exotic, and invading"1; their spread is "rendering wetlands and habitat unusable by wildlife"1; and they represent a "catastrophic shift toward weedy vegetation."1 Most of us have also heard this kind of language used as a justification for herbicide spray programs on hundreds or thousands of acres. This article presents a different perspective on noxious weeds. Two case studies of noxious weeds, leafy spurge and yellow starthistle, show that nonchemical techniques can successfully manage weeds, and have done so throughout the Northwest. Then, from these two examples, NCAP draws some general conclusions that can be used in evaluating management programs for any noxious weed. LESSONS FROM LEAFY SPURGE AND YELLOW STARTHISTLE


We develop a framework for natural resource valuation that directly addresses the fundamental collective action problem in environmental protection. Our framework uses the lessons of behavioral economics to create values that individual decision makers find credible and relatable, in addition to stimulating excitement or concern that is essential to prompting action. We then apply this framework to value forest elephants in Africa and great whales that are found off the coasts of Brazil and Chile. The values we estimate for individual members of these species are significant: $1.75 million per forest elephant and an average of $2 million per whale. We discuss how our valuations lead to new designs for environmental preservation and restoration policies.


We present the result of a near-infrared (JHKs) survey along the Galactic plane, -10.°5 ≤ l ≤ 10.°5 and b = +1°, with the IRSF 1.4 m telescope and the SIRIUS camera. Ks versus H - Ks color-magnitude diagrams reveal a well-defined population of red clump stars whose apparent magnitude peak changes continuously along the Galactic plane, from Ks = 13.4 at l = -10° to Ks = 12.2 at l = 10° after dereddening. This variation can be explained by the barlike structure found in previous studies, but we find an additional inner structure at ∣ l ∣ ≲ 4°, where the longitude-apparent magnitude relation is distinct from the outer bar and where the apparent magnitude peak changes by only ≈0.1 mag over the central 8°. The exact nature of this inner structure is as yet uncertain.


Effects of antibiotics,including Ceftriaxone sodium,Cefoperazone sodium,Cefazolin sodium and Cefradine on inhibiting Agrobacterium LBA4404 and on induction of calli and buds formation of G.jamesonii were studied.The results showed that Ceftriaxone sodium was the best choice of the four antibiotics when they were used to inhibit Agrobacterium LBA4404 and the optimal concentration was 200 mg/L.Cefoperazone sodium of low concentration could improve the induction rate of calli and buds,on the contrary,it could inhibit the formation of calli and buds at high concentration.


When one speaks of the teacher's "rights" or of the "rights" of any other individual or group, one should try to make clear, at least to one's self, the way in which the term "rights" is used. Its meaning is obviously bound up with the meanings of many other terms, such as "freedom," "liberty," "justice." As a word, it suggests the contrasting moral concepts, right and wrong. It is associated at different times with specifying adjectives; for example, "legal" rights, "civil" rights, "religious" rights, "property" rights, "marital" rights, and a host of others. Because in each of these usages, the meaning is frequently overlaid with feeling and emotion, even passion, it is especially necessary in a rational discussion to get below the surface and strive to see the basic implications of the term. Most important, perhaps, are the questions, What are the sources of rights? By whom or by what are they granted? What are their claims for recognition by others than the persons or groups by or for whom they are claimed as rights?


The equivalence of the Choice Axiom and Tychonov compactness was proved by Kelley in 1950. Tychonov compactness is required to prove existence of the minimiser of an action functional under standard hypotheses. Solutions to the inviscid Burgers equation may be constructed by considering the minimising trajectories of associated action functionals. This construction has been used in the literature to construct an invariant measure for the stochastic inviscid Burgers equation. This article compares results that may be obtained with and without using this representation and draws conclusions about the Choice Axiom.


The article attempts to make an analytical section on the practice of implementing in Ukraine and Poland some educational programs aimed at forming a healthy lifestyle of children and youth, in particular the role of public activists and organizations in this process.
The activity of public organizations and societies, which in the 1920s - 1930s carried out health care activities in Western Ukraine, is summarized. Polish institutions are represented, which in the late nineteenth - early twentieth century. stood in the path of the public movement to promote health among the population. Two health projects implemented in modern Ukraine are mentioned: «Anti-addiction campaign against alcohol, tobacco and drug use among schoolchildren in Ivano-Frankivsk» (2009) and «Youth for a healthy lifestyle» (2016). The list of Polish educational programs is presented, in which various health-preserving content is presented («Glass of milk», «Keep fit», «Clean air around us», «Fruits and vegetables at school», «Healthy food and physical activity in schools», «Don't fall for me, please», «Running for health», «Safe road to school», «I click with my head»). It is noted that public figures and organizations contribute to the dissemination of positive information about certain projects, provide financial support, etc.


Robert Johnston's book outlines a social prehistory of Britain and Ireland in the Bronze Age rooted in analysis that centres kinship and relations. These concepts are brought together in response to two broader trends in archaeology: the emergence of relational theoretical approaches and the critique of them that argues they are often descriptive rather than explanatory; and the rise of aDNA analyses that often prioritise and privilege biological relatedness over other forms of more complex kinship, which anthropology reveals. These two threads are easily woven together and provide Johnston with a tool that he uses to produce narratives about how people related to each other, to objects, to animals and to places. Kinship and kinwork are presented as specific forms of relations, allowing Johnston to meet critiques about the generality of some relational approaches.


Background: Many aspects of Prosthodontics treatment; be that clinical or laboratory based, may impact on overall patient satisfaction and the clinical success of treatment. This study was conducted to compare the retention of maxillary complete dentures, fabricated by conventional molding technique and injection molding technology. Materials & methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics including Crown and Bridge in Maharaja Ganga Singh Dental College and Research Center, Sriganganagar. Inclusion criteria: Twenty completely edentulous patients seeking prosthodontic rehabilitation were randomly selected as test subjects in the age group of 45-60 years. Patient selection and impression making was carried out. Cast was prepared. All the samples were divided into two study groups as follows: Group ACompression moulding and Group BInjection moulding. INVESTING, PROCESSING OF DENTURES was done. After wards, there was preparation of the dentures for checking the retention followed by measuring the retention of dentures. The device was adjusted to display the readings in kgf. Statistics was done using SPSS version 21. Results: Overall mean value of all the reading of the study group A is 5.93±0.39. Overall mean value of all the reading of the study group B is 6.29±0.45. It was observed that there was a significant difference in mean values for values among the two groups (p value of <0.001). Conclusion: Maxillary dentures processed by injection moulding technique showed higher mean values of denture retention as compared to dentures processed by compression molding technique. The dentures made by both the techniques showed acceptable retention on clinical examination.


Principles of structural art in bridge design are explained in this paper. Significant Croatian arch bridges from Roman times to contemporary structures are described. Their constructional, functional, economical and aesthetic features – their characteristic raising them to the level of art are contemplated. Designers of these bridges, brought into designs their great engineering knowledge on safety, serviceability and durability but also their own creativity, originality, sensibility, and intuitive judgement.


This study aims to determine the increase in the ability of conceptual and procedural on prospective elementary teachers, through a learning experiment with a mathematical investigation approach. The results showed that (1) there is an increased ability to conceptual and procedural abilities which was significant at all the students who get teaching investigation of mathematics, (2) in terms of prior knowledge mathematics, high and medium group showed a significant increase in understanding, otherwise the low group gave different results and (3) there is no interaction between the learning undertaken factor (mathematical investigation and expository) with prior knowledge of mathematics to increase the ability of conceptual and procedural abilities. Keywords—Mathematical Investigation; conceptual; procedural; prospective elementary teachers


After giving a presentation at a recent conference, I left with an uneasy feeling that some teachers in the audience were hoping to learn the one best way to teach their students. Perhaps everyone who teaches wants to discover exactly how to teach a skill, whether it be braille reading or finding a travel destination. However, this hope can obscure the reality that the best way to learn is not the same for every learner. There can be many good ways to teach a skill, and they may all be effective with different learners, under different conditions. As an example, consider the range of ways in which people typically accomplish a routine task like washing dishes. If you ask friends and colleagues how they wash dishes, you will hear many opinions. Some people wash by hand in the hottest water they can bear, and some insist on using a sponge instead of a dishcloth. Proponents of dishcloths and dishtowels swear by the fact that they wash and dry dishes as their mothers did, defending their choice by the fact that cloth can be tossed into the washer after several uses. Still others believe that only an automatic dishwasher can produce water hot enough to kill germs, and often they rinse every dish before loading the machine. In spite of these strongly-held beliefs, most of us lead full lives that are largely unaffected by our varied choices of dishwashing techniques, aside from occasional debates with family members or roommates. So it is with the methods we use as instructors. A skilled instructor recognizes that a variety of methods can be used to teach a skill. Different approaches may be used, with variations in materials, setting, physical adaptations, motivating factors, and pacing. The best teaching method may be different for individual learners and under various conditions. This issue of the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB) includes a triad of practice items that remind us that one size does not fit all when it comes to teaching. Two Practice Perspectives articles relate the experiences of two teachers who used Diane Wormsley's I-M-ABLE approach, which incorporates meaning and motivation into braille reading instruction. Rachel Schles, a teacher of students with visual impairments in Falls Church, Virginia, describes her successes with Ajay, a boy with autism and decreasing vision, for whom English was a second language. Her success in teaching him braille was clearly related to the use of an approach that allowed her to shape instruction around Ajay's unique characteristics and preferences: he was interested in a tape measure, which became one of his early vocabulary words, and he was motivated to write, so much of his early learning focused on writing stories that focused on meaning rather than precise spelling. Similarly, Jill McMillan, a teacher from Morrisville, North Carolina, had success in teaching her student Kay through the I-MABLE method because the approach could be adapted to the student's individual needs and interests. …


There have been consistent calls for more research on managing teams and embedding processes in data science innovations. Widely used frameworks (e.g., the cross-industry standard process for data mining) provide a standardized approach to data science but are limited in features such as role clarity, skills, and cross-team collaboration that are essential for developing organizational capabilities in data science. In this study, we introduce a data workflow method (DWM) as a new approach to break organizational silos and create a multi-disciplinary team to develop, implement and embed data science. Different from current data science process workflows, the DWM is managed at the system level that shapes business operating model for continuous improvement, rather than as a function of a particular project, one single business unit, or isolated individuals. To further operationalize the DWM approach, we investigated an embedded data workflow at a mining operation that has been using geological data in a machine-learning model to stabilize daily mill production for the last 2 years. Based on the findings in this study, we propose that the DWM approach derives its capability from three aspects: (a) a systemic data workflow; (b) multi-disciplinary networks of collaboration and responsibility; and (c) clearly identified data roles and the associated skills and expertise. This study suggests a whole-of-organization approach and pathway to develop data science capability.


The internal overheating of the high-voltage switchgear is mainly caused by the internal transient current. The existing literature focuses on the decomposition of SF6 gas in the insulation medium after the internal overheating of the switch-gear, but the causes of the internal overheating fault are less introduced. In view of this, this paper attempts to analyze the typical analytical formula in the process of breaking the internal circuit breaker of high-voltage combined electrical apparatus from the theoretical angle. On this basis, the experimental platform is built to carry out the field simulation experiment of the circuit breaker fault opening and the closing process. In this process, the typical voltage and current waveform are obtained, which can be compared with simulation results of the theoretical formula mutual confirmation. Furthermore, the decomposition experiments of SF6 gas under the condition of transient current overheating are carried out on the simulation experimental platform, and basic decomposition products and their variation rules are determined under condition. The research results of this paper have good guiding value and practical engineering significance for understanding the transient over-voltage and current in high voltage switch-gear, and the local overheating phenomenon caused by it, and the overheating decomposition phenomenon of SF6 insulation gas.


3D convolution neural networks (CNNs) have been the prevailing option for video recognition. To capture the temporal information, 3D convolutions are computed along the sequences, leading to cubically growing and expensive computations. To reduce the computational cost, previous methods resort to manually designed 3D/2D CNN structures with approximations or automatic search, which sacrifice the modeling ability or make training time-consuming. In this work, we propose to automatically design efficient 3D CNN architectures via a novel training-free neural architecture search approach tailored for 3D CNNs considering the model complexity. To measure the expressiveness of 3D CNNs efficiently, we formulate a 3D CNN as an information system and derive an analytic entropy score, based on the Maximum Entropy Principle. Specifically, we propose a spatio-temporal entropy score (STEntr-Score) with a refinement factor to handle the discrepancy of visual information in spatial and temporal dimensions, through dynamically leveraging the correlation between the feature map size and kernel size depth-wisely. Highly efficient and expressive 3D CNN architectures, \ie entropy-based 3D CNNs (E3D family), can then be efficiently searched by maximizing the STEntr-Score under a given computational budget, via an evolutionary algorithm without training the network parameters. Extensive experiments on Something-Something V1\&V2 and Kinetics400 demonstrate that the E3D family achieves state-of-the-art performance with higher computational efficiency. Code is available at https://github.com/alibaba/lightweight-neural-architecture-search.


The two primary objectives of image authentication are Discrimination and Robustness. The SHA-1 algorithm, invariant vector distance and ring division are implemented to authenticate the image by using hash value to enhance discriminative capability and rotation robustness. The statistical features like central moments of the picture which contains rings in homogenous CIE L* a * b * model are unwavering because the image rotation is not linked to the ring division. Specifically, the digital operations of an image are not changed with respect to Euclidean distance and feature vectors. This makes message digest discriminative and dense. Several tests conducted with more than 200 color images and reveals that for common image digital operations this algorithm for image authentication is strong to estimate the efficiency. Among all the existing hashing algorithms, the projected technique for image authentication is demonstrated as superior


The processes of sustainable consumption that are related to its humanization and the formation of a responsible society are a response to overconsumption of goods and services, which is not determined by actual human needs, and does not consider social and ecological costs. The aim of the paper is to present the scope of modernization of consumption in Poland in the context of the culture of responsibility. The paper is based on literature studies and the results of an empirical study of quantitative character, which was performed in 2021 on a nationwide representative sample of 1020 people. Considering the results of the conducted research procedure, managerial implications should be indicated. They are related in particular to the need to shape in Poland a culture of consumption based to a greater extent on sustainable development and stimulating genuine consumer commitment to environmental protection. This requires a mental shift and the development of the culture of responsibility.


This paper is intended to present a flexible qualitative framework of multi-faults diagnosis based on the first principles theory of Reiter (1987). We extend his consistency-based approach to deal with the dynamic and continuous systems and offer a necessary assumption and a formal demonstration. Multi-faults diagnosis is a partially observable problem because there is usually not enough information about faults. STRIPS, a classic technique of automated planning, is chosen to build the system model. It provides the reasoning ability for the multi-faults diagnosis when diagnosis is formalized as reasoning from effects to causes with causal knowledge.


Nonlinear crystals commonly used in optical rectification for the generation of terahertz (THz) radiation have high refractive indices in the THz frequency range, and thus Fresnel reflection at the crystal-air output surface causes a large part of the generated THz wave to be reflected back into the crystals. Here we report on the design and experimental study of sub-wavelength antireflective micropyramid structures on GaP crystals. Effective medium theory is used to demonstrate the enhancement of THz output by the antireflective micropyramid structures, and further to design the antireflective structures at different frequencies. Several micropyramid structures are fabricated on the output surface of GaP crystals by micromachining, and the correlation between the THz output enhancement and the structure parameters is verified. The agreement between theory and experiment shows that our methodology is applicable to other THz emitters based on optical rectification.


How to comstruct and develope the specialty characteristic point in the universities,and how to achieve the grand objectives of "higher education quality project" proposed by the national ministry of education,it is the hot topic of the higher education.This paper is as the entry point for the construction and development of specialty characteristic point of electrical engineering and automation.It combines with our new research and practice experiences of the projects in the province,and focuses on the basic concept,the main plan and the implementation of the construction and development of specialty characteristic point.


This study examines the differences in corporate transparency between subsidiaries of multinational corporations (MNCs), and domestic corporations (DCs) in India.


Photoacoustic tomography is an emerging imaging modality which has paved its way in preclinical and clinical trials owing to the multiple advantages it offers. A typical PAT system consists of a laser beam which homogeneously illuminates the sample giving rise to photoacoustic (PA) waves, which are collected using an ultrasound transducer (UST) rotating around the sample. Low cost, high sensitivity and easy availability have made single-element transducers (SETs) a preferred choice for acquiring these A-lines PA signal. Two methods have been reported for collection of these A-lines by SETs- (1) Stop-and-go scan and (2) Continuous scan. In stop-and-go scan, the stepper motor moves the SET to a predefined position where the SET collects multiple A-lines. Once the desired number of A-lines at that point have been collected and saved, the stepper motor moves to the next position and the process continues. A continuous scan is one in which the stepper motor rotates the SET continuously at a predefined speed. The A-lines are thus collected by a moving SET and are saved once the motor has stopped. In this work, we have compared the two types of scanning methods in terms of image quality, signal-to-noise ratio and time of scan by performing experiments on phantoms.


Let M be a differentiable manifold with a (1,1) tensor field Sνμ(x). A notion of distorted torsion tensor is introduced that reduces to the ordinary torsion tensor when Sνμ=δνμ. It is then shown that the distorted torsion tensor satisfies a generalization of the first Bianchi identity. The new identity involves the Nijenhuis tensor in contrast to the standard Bianchi identity. Using this generalized formula, BRST‐like operators are constructed that satisfy a Lie‐super algebra, when both Nijenhuis and Riemann tensors vanish identically.


Objective To investigate the normal peripheral blood (PB) precursors and it's reference for the detection of mini-mal residual disease (MRD) in acute leukemia (AL). Methods Adult PB samples from a total of 30 healthy volunteers and 4 AL cases were analyzed using a limited antibody panel and flow cytometry (FCM). Results In lymphocyte gate, (1) The percentage of total CD34+ stem cells were 0.16% ±0.14% ,(2) The myeloid cells were CD34 +/CD33 + 0.08% ±0.06%、CD33 + 1.32% ± 1.28%、MPO+0.67%±0.88%,(3) The lymphocytes were CD45dim/CD19+ 0.75%±0.62%, CD45dim%/CD10+ 0.45%± 0.11%, CD45dim/CD7+ 0.24% ± 0.14% , CD45dim/CD2+ 0. 22% ± 0. 13% . The sensitivity of detection of aberrant cells ap-proaches 1 in 1000. One acute myeloid leukemia patient in complete remission was detected abnormalities before 3 months of clini-cal relapse. Conclusion A limited antibody panel and FCM may distinguish MRD in AL from normal PB precursors.


This research has been conducted to evaluate instructional activities implemented in classrooms by the instructors at the Department of Elementary Education, Ziya Gokalp Faculty of Education, Dicle University. It has been performed on 500 students studying in 2003-2004 academic years. During the research process, "instructional activities assessment scale" has been used. The findings of the research have been evaluated by using "t" test, single-way variance analysis and Scheffe test. 28 items were listed regarding the instructional activities. Few activities were found to be enough in 15 items and the half of the activities were found to be enough in 13 items. It has been also found that the genders and the classroom levels of students affect the instructors\' perceptions towards the practice level of instructional activities. However, the programs of students don\'t change the instructors\' perceptions. SuggestSinif yonetimi, ogretim elemani, universite ogrencileriClassroom management, instructor, college students. Tam Metin


Autopsy findings are critical in identifying causes of death, yet the number of autopsies done in the U.S. continues to decline. In this retrospective


To localize and monitor the blood content in tissue we developed a very sensitive photo-acoustical detector. PVDF has been used as piezo-electric material. In this detector also fibers for the illumination of the sample are integrated. Resolution is about 20 (m in depth and about 50-100 m laterally). We use 532 nm light. We will show how photoacoustics can be used for measuring the thickness of tissue above bone. We will also report measurements on tissue phantoms: e.g. a vessel delta from the epigastric artery branching of a Wistar rat, filled with an artificial blood-resembling absorber. The measurements have been carried out on phantoms containing vessels at several depths. Signal processing was enhanced by Fourier processing of the data.


A non-destructive system using a Hall effect I.C. sensor has been used to measure the distribution of the vertical component of stray magnetic field on the opposite surfaces of a magnetised specimen of high permeability, grain-oriented electrical steel. An optical microscope was used to establish positions of grain boundaries in order to explain differences in field profiles outside the systematic accuracy of measurements. It was found that unlike previously assumed, grain boundaries may not necessarily be perpendicular to the sheet surface so different field distribution may occur. This should be considered when evaluating local power loss from surface sensor movements. Future studies are also necessary to quantify the effect of this phenomenon in the interpretation of surface or bulk properties of electrical steels using surface field sensors. Electrical steels are used in many transformer and motor core applications where a.c. magnetic permeability or losses are important. They are usually used in sheet form typically 0.23 mm to 0.65 mm thick. Grain oriented 3.25% Silicon Steel has a strong (001)(110) texture with grains of up to 10 mm in diameter. Its surfaces are usually coated with complex non-magnetic layers to impose beneficial tensile stress in the steel as well as providing the necessary interlaminar or interturn insulation when built into cores. The energy loss under a.c. magnetisation is proportional to the integral of the product of the instantaneous tangential component of surface field and the instantaneous spacial averaged rate of change of flux density. In grain oriented electrical steel the bulk of the material in the demagnetised state comprises anti- parallel bar domains with 180 ◦ walls. The domain, structure which depends on the grain size and orientation as well as several other factors is changed by application of an external field and during the process magnetic losses occur. The surface magnetic field in the magnetised or demagnetised state can give an indication of material structure which in turn has a large influence on the losses and permeability. The surface magnetic field can be measured in several ways. Hall sensors have been used for the measurement of the tangential component of surface field of the coated material at scanning steps of around 0.3 mm, sensor length being typically 3 mm (1,2). More recently smaller magneto resistive sensors are used with greater flexibility (3). Close relationships are found between grain structure orientation and tangential field (4).


Developing organisms need to adapt to environmental variations as well as to rapid changes in substrate availability and energy demands imposed by fast-growing tissues and organs. Little is known about the adjustments that kidneys undergo in response to these challenges. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing of zebrafish pronephric duct cells to understand how the developing kidney responds to changes in filtered substrates and intrinsic energy requirements. We found high levels of glucose transporters early in development and increased expression of monocarboxylate transporters at later times. This indicates that the zebrafish embryonal kidney displays a high glucose transporting capacity during early development, which is replaced by the ability to absorb monocarboxylates and amino acids at later stages. This change in transport capacity was accompanied by upregulation of mitochondrial carriers, indicating a switch to increased oxidative phosphorylation to meet the increasing energy demand of a developing kidney.


Single dosage effects of the rat nude gene (rnu) on spontaneous development of epithelial thymoma, muscle atrophy and nephrotic syndrome were studied by comparing littermates of rnu /+ and +/+ rats on a high thymoma strain, BUF/Mna, background. Heterozygous rnu/+ rats had a significantly smaller thymus than the +/+ littermates at 6 weeks of age. The incidence of thymoma at 12 months of age was extremely low in the female rnu/+ rats (3%) as compared with that of the +/+ rats (94%). Development of the nephrotic syndrome but not of the muscle atrophy was also suppressed in the heterozygotes. The results suggest that a recessive mutant gene, rnu, in a single dosage, interfered with critical steps of the disease processes of the thymoma and nephrotic syndrome in BUF/Mna-background rats.


Ozone-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), recognized as effective methods for tertiary water treatment in view of trace organic contaminant (TrOC) removal, were investigated in this study. By assessing and comparing different ozone-based AOPs for TrOC degradation in secondary wastewater effluent, criteria for appropriate AOP application and oxidant dose are provided. In this study, the value of the minimum ozone demand for formatted hydroxyl radical (•OH) to react with target contaminants was proposed and determined. The ozone exposure and •OH exposure were systemically investigated and compared in four types of different ozone-based AOPs (i.e., O3 only, O3/H2O2, O3/UV, and O3/H2O2/UV). The significant increase in •OH exposure was achieved by means of adding H2O2 and/or UV, which results in the increase of the eliminant efficiency of TrOCs. In particular, ozone-resistance compounds (e.g., atrazine and alachlor) were removed more efficient by combination O3 with H2O2 and UV than O3 only, O3/H2O2 and...


A 600-700 GHz backward wave oscillator is under development for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for molecular spectroscopy. Previous tests identified problems with the cathode and magnetics circuit, which were corrected in the most recent version. This presentation reviews the previous test results and describe the device modifications. Latest test results are provided if available


This thesis deals with the assembly two pieces of laboratory equipment used for the pedagogical instruction of actuators. The thesis deals with the mechanical assembly of the laboratory equipment and its electrical connection to a MOVIDRIVE inverter, including the connection of its control panel. Further an important part of the thesis deals with the design of model programs and tasks, the modifications of which, will serve as study practice exercises or topics for further. Thesis works, for student of the Master's degree program. Finally this thesis describes the IPOS plus programming environment, which includes the Assembler programming language that enabled the design of the above mentioned programs. Finally, the functionality of the above mentioned programs is verified, the results are supported by measured data. This is further described in the annexes which include a complete list of programs.


We describe a stochastic model of an animal exploring and foraging within an uncertain environment. Behaviour is determined not by an optimizing algorithm but by fuzzy systems using linguistic rules derived from the information primacy hypothesis which stresses the importance of continual information gathering under conditions of uncertainty. In the model, the animal's hunger increases steadily over time and is reduced by visiting locations that may contain varying amounts of food. Uncertainty arises from three sources: (1) location novelty or ambiguity, that is, the animal is uncertain whether it has visited the same location before; (2) variation in the amounts of food in a given location; and (3) the recency of information concerning these two aspects of a given location. In complex and changing environments fresh information is likely to be more accurate than old information and consequently our model gives most weight to recently gathered information. All sources of uncertainty are reduced by visiting locations and gathering fresh information. The model is successful in simulating results from experiments investigating such phenomena as: spontaneous alternation; patrolling; the effects of hunger on the variability of learnt responses; latent learning; contrafreeloading; and behaviour following changes in food availability.


Planning in the airline industry can be a complex task and may involve many stages before a nal flight and work plan can be created. This work investigates the planning and allocation of leave to cabin crew with a basis in the procedures employed at British Airways. An integrated treatment of part time and full time employees is performed.
 A discussion of the di erent components of the leave allocation problem is conducted with particular focus on quantifying employee satisfaction. Three models of the leave allocation problem have been developed where two of these present the business with a suitable formal description of the problem. The first model employed is based on a set packing formulation similar to those employed for the crew rostering problem. The second model extends this framework by introducing uncertainty by means of a stochastic model.
 Based on the set packing model and the stochastic model, experiments have been conducted to investigate the effects of moving towards a flexible leave design. Although it was initially believed that increased flexibility would increase employee satisfaction as well as the amount of leave allocated, results showed the opposite. The overall conclusion is that abandoning a more xed leave allocation design can have a negative impact on the employee satisfaction as well as the business fitness of the leave allocation.
 A brief experiment with the stochastic model suggested that more robust solutions can be obtained from incorporating predictions of future bidding behaviour.


In response to the extrapyramidal side effects that affected almost 40% of patients treated with firstgeneration antipsychotics (FGAs) in the 1960s, clozapine, the first atypical or second-generation antipsychotic was introduced to the European market in 1971. Clozapine offered a reduced rate of extrapyramidal side effects but at the cost of an increased risk of life-threatening agranulocytosis. Consequently, clozapine was quickly withdrawn from the market but later entered the U.S. market in 1990, accompanied by a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy for blood monitoring.


Understanding of the ground-state surface reaction mechanism for photocatalytic CO2 reduction and new connections between catalyst surface reactivity and experimentally observed activity and selectivity are presented to facilitate the development of catalysts that exhibit improved activity, controlled product distributions, and enhanced quantum yield.


PURPOSE: An apparatus for muting a positioning reference signal in a heterogeneous communication system and a method thereof and a positioning method and an apparatus using the same are provided to accurately measure a terminal position by minimizing an interference effect between different types of base stations. CONSTITUTION: Muting information, which is used to confirm an PRS(Positioning Reference Signal) transmission resource region of a specific macro cell, receives from a specific macro cell or an upper end(S605). A non-macro cell confirms the PRS transmission resource region of a specific macro cell more than 1 among macro cells(S610). A PRS muting resource region is generated by muting a resource region corresponding to the PRS transmission resource region of the specific macro cell(S620). An OFDM signal is generated in consideration of the PRS muting resource region(S630). The generated OFDM signal is transmitted(S640).


Modern advances in technology allow new telemonitoring systems for prevention, early diagnosis and management of chronic and degenerative conditions. These remote monitoring systems reduce the need for recurring visits to the hospital, allow physicians better insight into the patient's state and help determine the necessary level of care for each individual patient. Telemonitoring can also be applied on a long-term basis to elderly persons to detect gradual deterioration in their health status, which may imply a reduction in their ability to live independently. The functional potential of the upper extremities is a good indicator of how well a person can live independently and can also help to determine their health status. This article presents an OSGi residential gateway based telemonitoring system and a case study of its application in health telemonitoring, especially considering locomotion status of the upper extremities. In this case study, two electronic devices, used for monitoring the functional degradation of upper extremities, are introduced into the presented system. One of those two devices records dynamic properties of the hand grip (e.g. grip speed, grip stability, grip endurance) and the other device records hand movement dynamic properties (e.g. speed of movement, spectral components).


To the Editor:—I read with great interest the recent report by ShoreLesserson and Reich detailing diffuse venous thromboembolism in the setting of aprotinin and adult deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. To my knowledge, this is the first reported case of venous thrombosis associated with aprotinin and adult deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in the era of adequate heparinization, as defined by standard-ofcare activated clotting time and heparin levels. This case report adds to the recent reports of arterial thrombosis (both pulmonary and systemic) associated with aprotinin in adult cardiac surgery with or without deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Therefore, significant life-threatening thrombosis is possible throughout the cardiovascular system during complex cardiac surgery in the setting of aprotinin, despite standard-of-care heparinization. It seems to be uncommon, as evidenced by randomized controlled trials. Conceptually, perioperative vascular thrombosis could cause mortality in the intraoperative or postoperative period. The case reports describe intraoperative death in this scenario. The possibility of death and/or serious morbidity in the postoperative period from vascular thrombosis associated with aprotinin has recently been raised. Massive vascular thrombosis associated with aprotinin in complex cardiac surgery is rare, but real and catastrophic. The common factor in all the case reports is the onset during or shortly after heparin reversal with protamine, heralded by hemodynamic collapse and ventricular failure. There may or may not be an identified prothrombotic risk factor including factor V Leiden. Clearly, there is a net prothrombotic effect achieved during or after heparin reversal, triggering disseminated major acute intravascular thrombus. On the basis of the existing reports, further clarification of the mechanism is conjecture. However, it is also clear that this phenomenon is not only possible with aprotinin but also with aminocaproic acid. In complex cardiac surgery, pharmacologic dampening of fibrinolysis reduces allogeneic transfusion and mediastinal reexploration for bleeding, an independent predictor for perioperative mortality. There is, however, a small but important risk of catastrophic cardiovascular thrombosis in the setting of antifibrinolytic exposure, despite standardof-care anticoagulation with heparin (monitored by activated clotting time and/or heparin level). How do we balance these risks? Should the criteria for heparin-based anticoagulation be refined? If so, how and based on what evidence? What about the role of possible concomitant antithrombin deficiency? Should patients be screened for underlying procoagulant conditions such as factor V Leiden? How are all of these considerations modified in the presence of direct thrombin inhibitors, given their arrival as alternatives to heparin for clinical anticoagulation and suppressive effects on thrombin generation? What is the clinical significance of aprotinin's effect on protein C activity? These case reports together ask many important questions. There is an imperative for further data, not only an international registry but also further clinical trials, to balance the benefits and risks of antifibrinolytics in complex cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. The BART study (blood conservation using antifibrinolytics: a randomized trial in a cardiac surgery population)* is an important step in this direction.


21th century student is demanded in developing mindset, having mindset needs quality intellecttual. for having intellectual student needs education, that is loving literacy culture. through literacy, student will have the abality in reading, writing and understanding the content in a writing. there are still primary students that get phobia in reading. Comic is a problem solving tool for phobia children that can form student's literacy. Comic can provide stimulus in reading literacy. If primary student has used to in reading, they will consider that reading is a hobby. Comic has reading content that can make primary student join in the comic story and comic show the expression in every conversation that is shown by figure and through either the picture or colourful combination in comic it makes primary students are happy to read comic. Some pages of comic content consist of elements such as (1) Panel, (2) space between panel , (3) Angle of image and Picture size in Panel (4) Narration, (5) Word balloon, (6) Ilustration, (7) Story, (8) Symbols.


An analysis procedure for a hybrid magnet in an experimental levitation system is proposed. First, a two-dimensional analysis of the hybrid magnet is performed. Though the vector potential A method is often adopted to solve magnetic problems, the magnetic field intensity H method is proposed. Second, using the sequential quadratic programming method, an attempt is made to optimize the arrangement of permanent magnets which have the maximum guidance force. Finally, the responses of the experimental magnet levitation system are investigated by means of simulations. >


Introduction: Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a common finding in the elderly and in patients with chronic kidney disease. MAC has been shown to be associated with increased rates of cardiovascular disease and mortality. The impact of MAC on cardiovascular outcomes after renal transplantation is unknown. Hypothesis: Pre-transplant MAC is associated with increased risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in renal transplant recipients. Methods: In a retrospective cohort of consecutive renal transplant recipients, pre-transplant MAC was assessed using transthoracic echocardiography performed within 1 y prior to transplant. Clinical risk was assessed using the sum of risk factors (range 0 - 8) set-forth by the AHA/ACCF consensus statement on the assessment of kidney transplant candidates. These include: age > 60 y, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, known cardiovascular disease, dialysis > 1 y, and left ventricular hypertrophy. Patients were followed post-transplant for MACE (cardiac dea...