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This is a review of González (2022) book on SE-structures.

The currently established mechanisms of change (MOC) that explain functional improvement in cannabis use disorder (CUD) treatments are limited by an exclusive focus on abstinence, rigid definitions, and overgeneralization across populations. We aimed to move beyond these limitations by examining 1) two untested non-abstinent MOC, 2) end-of-treatment (i.e., proximal; EOT) outcomes simultaneously functioning as MOC for follow-up outcomes (i.e., distal), and 3) gender-moderated MOC and treatment progression. Participants (n = 187; 70.1% male; 57.2% White) were community members with CUD between the ages of 18-50 (M = 30.9, SD = 8.9) who participated in a 12-week multi-site pharmacotherapy trial (NCT016756612). We collected self-report data and creatinine-corrected cannabinoid urine concentrations. We tested a longitudinal path analysis to examine 1) if mid-treatment MOC (cravings and use) mediate the relationship between CUD severity at baseline and proximal outcomes (anxiety, depression, and cannabis use problems), 2) if proximal outcomes mediate the relationship between the mid-treatment MOC and a 4-week distal outcome (quality of life), and 3) if gender moderates these effects. We found that cravings are a mid-treatment MOC for the full and men sample. In women, depression functioned as a proximal outcome and a MOC for the distal outcome. Further, mid-treatment use predicted anxiety, depression, and problems at EOT for women. In contrast, mid-treatment cravings predicted depression and problems at EOT for men. The findings provide evidence for unconventional explanations of functional improvements in CUD treatment, suggesting our understanding of CUD treatment may be more complex than the literature currently suggests.

Herein we report the first example of a mononuclear uranium complex, [U4+(NP(pip)3)4] (1-U), that selectively reduces dioxygen to produce a terminal oxo complex, [U6+O(NP(pip)3)4] (2-U; [NP(pip)3]1− is tris(piperidinyl)imidophosphorane). Reactions between 1-U and the heavier elemental chalcogens, S8 or Se0, result in six-coordinate U(VI) complexes, [U6+(κ2-E3)(NP(pip)3)4] (E = S (3-U) or Se (4-U)).

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an essential role in plant growth and development, and as such, their biogenesis is fine-tuned via regulation of the core microprocessor components. Here, we report that Arabidopsis AAR2, a homolog of a U5 snRNP assembly factor in yeast and humans, not only acts in splicing but also promotes miRNA biogenesis. AAR2 interacts with the microprocessor component HYPONASTIC LEAVES1 (HYL1) in the cytoplasm, nucleus and dicing bodies. In aar2 mutants, abundance of nonphosphorylated HYL1, the active form of HYL1, and the number of HYL1-labeled dicing bodies are reduced. Primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) accumulation is compromised despite normal promoter activities of MIR genes in aar2 mutants. RNA decay assays show that the aar2-1 mutation leads to faster degradation of pri-miRNAs in a HYL1-dependent manner, which reveals a previously unknown and negative role of HYL1 in miRNA biogenesis. Taken together, our findings reveal a dual role of AAR2 in miRNA biogenesis and pre-mRNA splicing.SignificanceIn yeast and humans, AAR2 is involved in pre-mRNA splicing through regulating U5 snRNP assembly. This study shows that Arabidopsis AAR2 promotes microRNA (miRNA) accumulation in addition to its conserved role in pre-mRNA splicing. AAR2 is associated with the microprocessor component HYL1 and promotes its dephosphorylation to produce the active form in miRNA biogenesis. The study also reveals a previously unknown role of HYL1 in causing the degradation of the primary precursors to miRNAs (pri-miRNAs) and a role of AAR2 in protecting pri-miRNAs from HYL1-depedent degradation. Taken together, our findings provide new insights into the role of a conserved splicing factor in miRNA biogenesis in plants.

Systematic granulomatosis is a chronic disease that affects the majority of farmed meagre (A. regius). Nutritional imbalances and overcrowding can increase the risk to suffer oxidative stress, and consequently impact the incidence of granulomatosis. In order to evaluate this, juvenile meagre were fed five isolipidic (16.7 %) and isoproteic (49.6 %) fish meal and fish oil-based feeds prepared by adding different levels of vitamin C, minerals (Mn, Zn, Se) with constant vitamin E and K (300 and 35 mg kg-1, respectively): Diet KEC (100 mg kg-1C), Diet KEC+Mn/Zn/Se (100 mg kg-1C, 40 mg kg-1Mn, 200 mg kg-1Zn, 1.5 mg kg-1Se), Diet KECC (600 mg kg-1C), Diet KECCC (1,200 mg kg-1C), Diet KECCCC (3,200 mg kg-1C). All diets were tested at 3.20 kg m-3, but diets KECC and KECCCC was also tested at 6.20 kg m-3. Growth performance was only affected by stocking density, being lower at high density. Percentage of fish with granulomas was significantly lower in fish fed with the highest dietary vitamin C contents (KECCC and KECCCC) at low density. TBARS content was correlated with the percentage of granulomas in liver (R2=0.9439, y=0.003x-0.1242) denoting the involvement of an imbalance oxidative status in the appearance of granulomas. The present results show that high levels of vitamin C (1,200-3,200 mg kg-1C) and low stock density (3.20 kg m-3) favours the growth of juvenile meagre, reducing the lipid peroxidation indicators and decreasing the incidence of granulomas, which confirms that this pathology is mostly triggered by deficiency of antioxidant nutrients, particularly vitamin C.

The currently limited portfolio of volatile organoselenium compounds used for atomic layer deposition (ALD) has been extended by designing and preparing a series of four-, five- and six-membered cyclic silylselenides. Their fundamental properties were tailored by alternating the ring size, the number of embedded Se atoms and the used peripheral alkyl chains. In contrast to former preparations based on formation of sodium or lithium selenides, the newly developed synthetic method utilizes a direct and easy reaction of elemental selenium with chlorosilanes. Novel 2,2,4,4-tetraisopropyl-1,3,2,4-diselenadisiletane, which features good trade-off between chemical/thermal stability and reactivity, has been successfully used for gas-to-solid phase reaction with MoCl5 affording MoSe2. A thorough characterization of the as-deposited 2D MoSe2 flakes revealed its out-of-plane orientation and high purity. Hence, the developed four-membered cyclic silylselenide turned out to be well-suited Se-precursor for ALD of MoSe2. Pro depozici atomárních vrstev byla navržena a připravena série čtyř-, pěti- a šestičlenných cyklických silylselenidů. Nově vyvinutá metoda syntézy využila přímou a jednoduchou reakci selenu s chlorsilany. Vyvinuté čtyřčlenné cyklické silylselenidy se ukázaly jako vhodné prekurzory pro ALD sloučeniny MoSe2.

Metalation of secondary diaminophosphine boranes by alkali metal amides provides a robust and selective access route to a range of metal diaminophosphide boranes M[(R2N)2P(BH3)] (M=Li, Na, K; R=alkyl, aryl) with acyclic or heterocyclic molecular backbones, whereas reduction of a chlorodiaminophosphine borane gave less satisfactory results. The metalated species were characterized in situ by NMR spectroscopy and in two cases isolated as crystalline solids. Single‐crystal XRD studies revealed the presence of salt‐like structures with strongly interacting ions. Synthetic applications of K[(R2N)2P(BH3)] were studied in reactions with a 1,2‐dichlorodisilane and CS2, which afforded either mono‐ or difunctional phosphine boranes with a rare combination of electronegative amino and electropositive functional disilanyl groups on phosphorus, or a phosphinodithioformate. Spectroscopic studies gave a first hint that removal of the borane fragment may be feasible., It′s just so plain borane: Alkali metal diaminophosphide boranes, which can be selectively prepared by metalation of PH‐substituted precursors with non‐nucleophilic amides, were for the first time isolated and characterized crystallographically. Their synthetic application as highly functional nucleophilic building blocks is illustrated in metatheses with a dichlorodisilane and the formation of a stable carbon disulfide adduct.

Purpose: E-Government system emerged as a novel public service provision platform that enables governance in an efficient and transparent manner globally. However, despite the success recorded so far by the increase in the use of information and communication technology (ICT) and E-government for public service provision. Social engineering attack (SEA) is one of the challenging information security attacks that prove to be difficult to tackle. This is because the attackers leverage on peoples’ weakness to exploit the system instead of technical vulnerabilities. Design/Methodology/Approach: This paper uses PESTLE (political, economic, social, technology, legal and environment) analysis to critically evaluate the external factors affecting SEAs in E-government system. Findings/Result: The study identified phishing, Baiting, Pretexting, Quid Pro Quo, Honey Trap, Tail Gating, and Pharming as the major SEA techniques used to exploit E-government systems. Furthermore, the author suggest training and awareness programme as the most effective way to detect as well as prevent SEA in E-government system. Users should be aware of the languages with terms requesting urgent response as well as unusual or unexpected situation in a suspicious messages or attachment as factors to detect SEA. Technical controls using natural language processes (NLP), security policies, multifactor authentication (MFA) as well as secured preservation of confidential information from suspicious users are some of the SEA preventive measures. Originality/Value: A flexible and efficient interaction among citizens, businesses and government organizations is a critical factor for successful E-Government system. SEA is one of major challenges affecting communications in E-government system that requires attention. In conclusion, studies toward technological approach for solution of SEA in E-government is recommended. Paper Type: Conceptual Research.

Sweden, as a small alliance free state with powerful neighbors, has a military history ofwhat we nowadays call systems of systems thinking. Since the beginning of the Cold War thishas been expressed in an air force on the forefront of exploiting military innovations, not leastwith regard to sensor networks, datalinks, information sharing and distributed decisionmaking. How can this history and the lessons learned come to use when future systems andtechnologies are to be developed to meet the uncertain future and changing threats? How doesthis fit with current trends such as capability-based approach and system of systemsengineering methodology? What could this mean for the development of the next generationfighter aircraft - after the Gripen E and contemporary aircraft? These questions have beenstudied from both a government and industry perspective, following the trend in the defensesector of a more intertwined relationship between the two, necessitated by adopting acapability view on aircraft development. This paper presents preliminary lessons identifiedfrom a case study on the project Flygvapnet 2000 (FV2000), which preceded the Net CentricWarfare era at the turn of the millennium. The analysis was based on characteristics of bestpractice systems of systems engineering derived from a review of literature presenting themethodology theory on capability-based approaches for analyzing, acquiring, developing, andmanaging military capabilities. The findings from this project will contribute to thedevelopment of systems of systems engineering methods and will spur proposals for futureresearch.

Caused by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) evolves with clinical symptoms that vary widely in severity, from mild symptoms to critical conditions, which can even result in the patient’s death. A critical aspect related to an individual response to SARS-CoV-2 infection is the competence of the immune system, and it is well known that several trace elements are essential for an adequate immune response and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are of particular importance in fighting infection. Thus, it is widely accepted that adequate trace element status can reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease severity. In this study, we evaluated the serum levels of Cu, Zn, Se, Fe, I and Mg in pa- tients (n = 210) with clinical conditions of different severity (“mild”, “moderate”, “severe” and “exitus letalis”, i. e., patients who eventually died). The results showed significant differences between the four groups for Cu, Zn, Se and Fe, in particular a significant trend of Zn and Se serum levels to be decreased and Cu to be increased with the severity of symptoms. For Mg and I, no differences were observed, but I levels were shown to be increased in all groups.

The stated objective of Human Systems Integration (HSI) in the DOD is optimization, specifically to maximize total system performance and minimize cost. Limited published precedents describe quantitative optimization across the HSI domain trade-spaces. The Model-Based HSI (MBHSI) process utilizes General Systems Performance Theory to relate HSI domain resource inputs to total system performance output. MBHSI also recharacterizes each domain in terms of constructs that are amenable to optimization via mathematical programs (MP). However, MBHSI does not provide an archetypal optimization model or method. This work pursues quantitative HSI optimization models and a method for creating those models in order to facilitate real-world tradespace decisions between the personnel, training, and human factors engineering domains. This work presents an MP formulation and solves it using an MBHSI data set and notional cost data. Sensitivity analyses further elucidate the trade space, and follow-on analyses demonstrate solution set changes based on varying resources, constraints, and cost parameters. Results indicate that MBHSI enables MP formulation and data set optimization. Decision makers are perpetually making trade-off decisions between HSI domains, many times without quantitative knowledge of the trade-space. MBHSI-derived MPs may enable responsive and evidence-based system change decisions in order to quantitatively achieve the stated goal of HSI— optimization. Outstanding Thesis Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Herein, selenium and nitrogen co-doped carbon quantum dots (Se/N-CQDs) were hydrothermally synthesized by using citric acid, histidine, and sodium selenite, which had sp3 and sp2 hybridized carbon atoms and showed excitation-dependent fluorescence behavior. Furthermore, due to the redox reaction of ABTS•+ and Se/N-CQDs, Se/N-CQDs had the excellent antioxidant capacity that it was demonstrated by scavenging ABTS•+ with the fading of blue. Based on the synergistic effect of Se/N-CQDs and Mn(II) on ABTS•+, Se/N-CQDs and ABTS•+, as a stable, sensitive, selective, and reproducible colorimetric sensor, was applied to the detection of Mn(II) with a detection limit of 1.69 μM and a linear range of 0 to 142.90 μM. More importantly, the probe was successfully applied to detecting Mn(II) in tap water, illustrating that it could be a promising tool for Mn(II) detection in water environments.

A fast and accurate bauxite recognition method combining an attention module and a clustering algorithm is proposed in this paper. By introducing the K-means clustering algorithm into the YOLOv4 network and embedding the SE attention module, we calculate the corresponding anchor box value, enhance the feature learning ability of the network to bauxite, automatically learn the importance of different channel features, and improve the accuracy of bauxite target detection. In the experiment, 2189 bauxite photos were taken and screened as the target detection datasets, and the targets were divided into four categories: No. 55, No. 65, No. 70, and Nos. 72–73. By selecting the category volume balanced datasets, the optimal YOLOv4 network model was obtained after training 7000 times, so that the average accuracy of bauxite sorting reached 99%, and the reasoning speed was better than 0.05 s. Realizing the high-speed and high-precision sorting of bauxite greatly improves the mining efficiency and accuracy of the bauxite industry. At the same time, the model provides key technical support for the practical application of the same type of engineering.

The motivation of this study is to investigate how a sand-surface interface behaves under low effective stresses. The main objectives of this study are to- (1) record the peak and residual interface friction between sandy soils and different interfaces using tilt-table apparatus; (2) observe whether different sample thickness changes the shear strength significantly in sandy soils; (3) study the effect of interface coating on the failure mechanism; (4) study the influence of normal stresses on residual failure angle or friction coefficient; (5) compare frictional coefficient of polypropylene-sand interface from model flowline axial resistance tests & tilt-table tests; (6) study the drained response of silty sand. Tilt-table tests have been used to find the interface friction for mostly clay and solid interfaces, so there is a need to study the behavior of sand-solid interface. A series of 76 tests have been conducted. A total of 62 tilt-table tests have been conducted (47 on silty sand & 15 on dry sand) on five different interfaces and a total of 14 model flowline axial resistance tests have been conducted to compare with the data obtained from tilt-table tests. These tests provide a better idea of the interaction between the sandy soil and several surfaces under low effective stresses. The following conclusions were drawn from this study- (1) Changing the effective stresses may lead to change in failure type. The failure angle measured when the internal failure starts may not be a correct estimation of the interface strength as the soil fails internally in some cases; (2) At very low effective stresses, the failure angle on smooth surfaces is governed by the soil-interface interaction while on rough surfaces, it can be governed by internal soil particle interaction; (3) The friction coefficient obtained from tilt-table test and model flowline axial resistance test on dry sand were similar. It is recommended for future tests that the model pipes are loaded as closely as possible to the vertical center of mass on the pipe.

[Abstract]: Access to external finance is a key challenge for the creation, survival and growth of SMEs. This article delves into the “weak funding” handicap of rural small firms (SEs): the access to bank financing and the substitutive role of trade credit for entrepreneurs in rural areas when they faced bank credit constraints. Considering SEs in Galicia (Spain), a paradigmatic case in Europe of rural areas in demographic decline with a strong impact of the Spanish sovereign and banking crisis of 2008–2012. There’s evidence of firms in rural areas facing a differential negative flow of bank credit during the financial crisis, especially in the manufacturing and construction sectors, that dissipated afterwards. Then, using a panel data approach that considers the determinants of trade credit, the complementary and substitutive hypotheses are tested to estimate the impact of bank credit restrictions over trade credit. This research has received the funding of R&D+i Program Oriented to Society’s Challenges (Ref. PID2019-106273RB-I00), “Money in Transformation: Actors, Processes and Social Effects of Financial Innovation”, from the Ministry of Science and Innovation (Spain).

Graphical abstract, Highlights • DFP-induced seizures and neuroinflammation were more severe in males than females. • Acute DFP intoxication caused persistent sex-specific brain damage in juvenile rats. • Both sexes experienced cognitive deficits at 1 month post-DFP intoxication. • Acute DFP intoxication increased hippocampal neurogenesis in males but not females. • Microglial activation may be a critical driver of OP-induced cognitive deficits., Preclinical efforts to improve medical countermeasures against organophosphate (OP) chemical threat agents have largely focused on adult male models. However, age and sex have been shown to influence the neurotoxicity of repeated low-level OP exposure. Therefore, to determine the influence of sex and age on outcomes associated with acute OP intoxication, postnatal day 28 Sprague-Dawley male and female rats were exposed to the OP diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP; 3.4 mg/kg, s.c.) or an equal volume of vehicle (∼80 µL saline, s.c.) followed by atropine sulfate (0.1 mg/kg, i.m.) and pralidoxime (2-PAM; 25 mg/kg, i.m.). Seizure activity was assessed during the first 4 h post-exposure using behavioral criteria and electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings. At 1 d post-exposure, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was measured in cortical tissue, and at 1, 7, and 28 d post-exposure, brains were collected for neuropathologic analyses. At 1 month post-DFP, animals were analyzed for motor ability, learning and memory, and hippocampal neurogenesis. Acute DFP intoxication triggered more severe seizure behavior in males than females, which was supported by EEG recordings. DFP caused significant neurodegeneration and persistent microglial activation in numerous brain regions of both sexes, but astrogliosis occurred earlier and was more severe in males compared to females. DFP males and females exhibited pronounced memory deficits relative to sex-matched controls. In contrast, acute DFP intoxication altered hippocampal neurogenesis in males, but not females. These findings demonstrate that acute DFP intoxication triggers seizures in juvenile rats of both sexes, but the seizure severity varies by sex. Some, but not all, chronic neurotoxic outcomes also varied by sex. The spatiotemporal patterns of neurological damage suggest that microglial activation may be a more important factor than astrogliosis or altered neurogenesis in the pathogenesis of cognitive deficits in juvenile rats acutely intoxicated with OPs.

The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Systems Engineering (ODASD[SE]) is pushing model-based systems engineering (MBSE) methods to increase efficiencies and technical rigor in Department of Defense (DoD) engineering practices. MBSE methods might also aid in the planning of an acquisition process. An MBSE process is proposed for capturing the acquisition life cycle, the structure that implements the life cycle processes, and the developed information artifacts using a SysML model. The SE processes for an example middle tier of acquisition (MTA) program are modeled and model views of how program information, functions, and developed information artifacts are shown. The MBSE approach with the ability to synchronize information across views and use data queries to extract information into tables or matrixes was found to be beneficial for planning required acquisition life cycle functions, capturing the resources or informational elements the functions need, identifying a national team and required infrastructure, and allocating work breakdown structure (WBS) elements to those team members or infrastructure. The modeling approach allows additional flexibility for programs to extend or modify the processes to meet their specific needs. Additional work is needed to develop methods to simulate and analyze the model for benefits of alternative development approaches. Civilian, Department of the Navy Approved for public release. distribution is unlimited

Background Dynamic-related protein 1 (Drp1) is a key protein involved in the regulation of mitochondrial fission, and it could affect the dynamic balance of mitochondria and appears to be protective against neuronal injury in epileptic seizures. Equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1) is expressed and functional in the mitochondrial membrane that equilibrates adenosine concentration across membranes. Whether Drp1 participates in the pathogenesis of epileptic seizures via regulating function of ENT1 remains unclear. Methods In the present study, we used pilocarpine to induce status epilepticus (SE) in rats, and we used mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 (Mdivi-1), a selective inhibitor to Drp1, to suppress mitochondrial fission in pilocarpine-induced SE model. Mdivi-1administered by intraperitoneal injection before SE induction, and the latency to firstepileptic seizure and the number of epileptic seizures was thereafter observed. The distribution of Drp1 was detected by immunofluorescence, and the expression patterns of Drp1 and ENT1 were detected by Western blot. Furthermore, the mitochondrial ultrastructure of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Results We found that Drp1 was expressed mainly in neurons and Drp1 expression was significantly upregulated in the hippocampal and temporal neocortex tissues at 6 h and 24 h after induction of SE. Mitochondrial fission inhibitor 1 attenuated epileptic seizures after induction of SE, reduced mitochondrial damage and ENT1 expression. Conclusions These data indicate that Drp1 is upregulated in hippocampus and temporal neocortex after pilocarpine-induced SE and the inhibition of Drp1 may lead to potential therapeutic target for SE by regulating ENT1 after pilocarpine-induced SE.

The class of small satellites known as CubeSats have grown in popularity and complexity in recent years and have been especially popular with colleges and universities interested in utilizing them both for their value as an educational tool and to conduct science missions. While there have been some tremendously successful CubeSat missions over the years, those that are launched are still more likely than not to be dead on arrival or to fail before accomplishing their objectives. Part of this low success rate, especially of student built CubeSats, may be attributed to the fact that they are often designed in an ad hoc manner, with students working on projects for only a fixed period of time and without a view of the big picture. In contrast, large space-focused organizations utilize Systems Engineering (SE) to standardize processes and improve the odds of mission success. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) uses their own SE methodology and it is so complex that the process overview, known as the NASA Project Life Cycle Process Flow can take up an entire wall when printed in full size. While it may not be feasible to apply such a complex SE methodology to most CubeSat developments, they could be improved a great deal by utilizing a rigorous but tailored process of their own. Specifically, CubeSat developers should focus on requirements definition and flow-down, risk analysis and mitigation, cost and schedule management, and integration and interface management. These areas would be aided significantly by developing artifacts such as a Cost Analysis, Risk Analysis, Test and Evaluation Plan, Model Based Architecture, and a Concept of Operations. This paper describes work which aims to develop and implement an optimized SE process for CubeSats intended specifically for student-run projects taking place over the course of a single academic year. It will be implemented on a student CubeSat project at the United States Naval Academy (USNA) and validated by comparing key performance parameters of their project to those of other similar CubeSats developed without using this process. The result of this study will be a tailored SE process that can be applied to virtually any student CubeSat project to improve performance and importantly to increase the chances of mission success.

Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological disorder associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, and is often difficult to treat. Moreover, the underlying mechanism of SE remains unknown. The lithium-pilocarpine model is a validated animal model that can reproduce the main clinical and neuropathological features of SE. In the present study, this SE model was utilized and SE was successfully established in rats, as determined by the corresponding epileptic electroencephalogram. Histology, immunohistochemistry, western blot analysis and co-immunoprecipitation were used to detect the phosphorylation (p-) of AKT substrate of 40 kDa (PRAS40), the combination of p-PRAS40 and 14-3-3 protein and the activation of the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway in SE. In addition, the present study analyzed the dynamics of the expression of autophagy-associated factors in the hippocampus after SE induction, and the influence of suppressing the p- of PRAS40 on the autophagy process was detected in the pathogenesis of SE. The results indicated that increased p-PRAS40 expression could activate the mTOR pathway to decrease the level of autophagy. However, inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathway promoted autophagy flux. These results may provide further understanding of p-PRAS40 functions in SE.

BackgroundTo evaluate the differences between the predicted and achieved lenticule thickness (ΔLT) after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery and investigate relationships between ΔLT and predicted lenticule thickness in SMILE.MethodsA total of 184 eyes from 184 consecutive patients who underwent SMILE were included in this prospective study. One eye for each patient was randomly selected and included for statistical analysis. To achieve emmetropia, nomogram adds 10% correction of spherical refractive. An ultrasound pachymetry measurement and Scheimpflug camera corneal topography were obtained before and at 3 months after SMILE. The achieved lenticule thickness was calculated by comparing the preoperative examinations with postoperative examinations using ultrasound pachymetry and Pentacam software measurements. The pupil center and corneal vertex were selected as the 2 locations for measurement calculation on Pentacam. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to compare mean pachymetry values using different instruments. Linear regression analyses were performed between the VisuMax readout lenticule thicknesses and the measured maximum corneal change, between ΔLT and predicted lenticule thickness.ResultsOn average, the achieved lenticule thickness measured with ultrasound pachymetry was 13.02 ± 8.87 μm thinner than the predicted lenticule thickness. The proportion of ΔLT in predicted values is 11.9% (ultrasound) and about 15% (Pentacam). Linear regression analysis showed significant relationships between the predicted and each achieved lenticule thickness. Each ΔLT was significantly related to predicted lenticule thickness (ultrasound:R2 = 0.242; pupil center from Pentacam:R2 = 0.230).ConclusionsAn overestimation of achieved lenticule thickness was evident in this study which may exclude eligible SMILE patient. Also, our results showed that 10% increase of spherical refractive correction in the nomogram is appropriate. Furthermore, clinicians should subtract 10% of the predicted lenticule thickness to calculate the residual corneal stroma bed thickness.

Background This study is focused on the measurement of trace elements (zinc, copper, cadmium, lead and selenium) in the saliva of pigs in order to study their levels on different porcine pathological conditions in the field. The experiment involved 15 pigs without clinical signs of disease and 42 diseased pigs (suffering from lameness, rectal prolapse, fatigue or growth rate retardation). Individual saliva samples were collected, allowing the pigs to chew a sponge each for trace element quantifications through atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Since this is the first report on the measurements of trace elements in porcine saliva, a routine analytical validation study was performed for the quantification of all the studied elements. Moreover, the acute phase proteins C-reactive protein (CRP) and haptoblobin (Hp), the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) were quantified in the saliva samples for the animal’s health status assessment. Results Modifications in the levels of acute phase proteins or ADA were only recorded in animals with lameness and rectal prolapse and those with fatigue respectively. Moreover, TAC level changes were observed in pigs with growth-rate retardation. However, alterations in the levels of two or more trace elements were reported for all the different groups of diseased pigs with evident variations within pathologies. Conclusions The salivary quantification of trace elements could be considered as a complementary tool to acute phase proteins, TAC and ADA determinations for disease detection and differentiation in the pig and should be explored in greater depth.

This paper offers a multivariate analysis of the alternation between 2 Spanish constructions traditionally considered as impersonal, namely uno and se, in 3 different spoken language genres. The proposed analysis will show that, while the traditionally described syntactic factors related to this alternation and to the analysis of each of these forms account for part of the alternation, it is the much less studied pragmatic-discursive factors that offer a better explanation. Moreover, we will show the crucial role of genre variation and of differences as to intersubjective functioning for accounting for the alternation between these two constructions. Aquest article ofereix una anàlisi multivariant de l'alternança entre dues construccions espanyoles tradicionalment considerades com a impersonals, concretament, uno i se, en 3 gèneres diferents de llengua oral. L'anàlisi proposada demostrarà que, mentre que els factors sintàctics tradicionalment descrits relacionats amb aquesta alternança i amb l'anàlisi de cadascuna d'aquestes formes expliquen parcialment l'alternança, són els factors pragmaticodiscursius, molt menys estudiats, els que ofereixen una millor explicació. A més, mostrarem el paper crucial de la variació de gènere i de les diferències quant al funcionament intersubjectiu per donar compte de l'alternança entre aquestes dues construccions.

In this paper, we argue that in current Universal Dependencies treebanks, the annotation of Spanish reflexives is an unsolved problem, which clearly affects the accuracy and consistency of current parsers. We evaluate different proposals for fine-tuning the various categories, and discuss remaining open issues. We believe that the solution for these issues could lie in a multi-layered way of annotating the characteristics, combining annotation of the dependency relation and of the so-called token features, rather than in expanding the number of categories on one layer. We apply this proposal to the v2.5 Spanish UD AnCora treebank and provide a categorized conversion table that can be run with a Python script. En este trabajo, argumentamos que en los actuales treebanks que aplican el formalismo de las Dependencias Universales, la anotación de los reflexivos españoles es un problema sin resolver, que afecta claramente a la precisión y consistencia de los parsers actuales. Evaluamos diferentes propuestas para afinar las diferentes categorías y discutimos los problemas pendientes. Creemos que la solución para estos problemas se puede encontrar en una anotación en múltiples niveles, combinando la anotación de la relación de dependencia y de las características (features) de los tokens, en lugar de ampliar el número de categorías en un solo nivel de anotación. Aplicamos la propuesta a la versión española del treebank UD AnCora (v2.5) y proporcionamos una tabla de conversión categorizada que se puede ejecutar mediante un script Python.

In this communication, we investigate the reaction between seleno- and thiourea, derived from N-heterocyclic carbenes, with the interhalogen iodine monochloride. The formation of all three products was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy, while single-crystal X-ray analyses were able to establish a charge-transfer coordination type, which showed a linear Se/S-I-Cl arrangement, for all adducts formed. Based on a detailed crystallographic analysis, we can deduce the zwitterionic character of these compounds.

International audience; This article offers a general reflection on governance and managerial practices within a Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) and suggests that in a time of profound socioeconomic change, it is in SSE companies’ interest to establish global sustainable governance and responsible team management systems consistent with both the values structuring this domain as well as employee aspirations. This a French point of view with a sustainable dimension based on a literature review and on several published studies but not on an empirical approach. In a way it is an essay more than a demonstration. It is a proposal which could lead to methodological work. Here is a first step.

espanolEn esta investigacion se estudiara la variacion que existe en el uso de la segunda persona te y el clitico se en el discurso publicitario como opciones significativas encaminadas a construir un mensaje que atraiga la atencion del potencial consumidor y consiga su objetivo de forma efectiva. La segunda persona del singular, tanto en sus formas de sujeto (tu) como de objeto (te, a ti) es la forma mas frecuentemente usada en el discurso publicitario. No obstante, en numerosos anuncios se observa tambien el uso del clitico se, lo cual podria indicar que se trata de una forma cuyo significado puede ser muy util como estrategia persuasiva en este tipo de discurso. Como punto de partida para el analisis del significado de esta variacion se utilizara la prominencia cognitiva. Los distintos valores de prominencia de las dos personas gramaticales analizadas se concretan en distintos significados en el discurso publicitario. Se estudiara la distribucion sociosituacional de las variantes en funcion de los tipos de consumidores a los que van dirigidos los anuncios. EnglishThe purpose of this study is to analyze the variation of the secondperson object clitic te [‘you’] and the clitic se [lit. ‘it’] in advertising discourse from a cognitive viewpoint. The main explanatory notion will be cognitive salience; both clitics, te and se, exhibit this to varying degrees. The secondperson te is more salient than the clitic se; therefore, the meanings conveyed by each in media discourse will be notably different. Results indicate that the distribution and usage of the clitics te vs. se constitutes a different strategy of persuasion in advertising discourse. In general terms, te is used when a special deictic stance is needed, such as indexing a second-person as a potential consumer of the product or idea, whereas se tends to appear in utterances that describe the general and objective benefits of the product or idea advertised, denoting a desubjectivizing stance. The sociosituational distribution of this variation according to the target consumers will be analyzed.

This study evaluated the optimal concentrations of dietary Se for the productive and reproductive performance, tibial quality, and antioxidant status in duck breeders aged 23 to 49 wk. In total, 432 Longyan duck breeders aged 22 wk were allotted randomly to 6 treatments, each with 6 replicates of 12 individually caged birds. The experiment lasted for 27 wk, and birds were fed corn-soybean meal-based diets containing 0.11, 0.19, 0.27, 0.35, 0.43, or 0.51 mg Se/kg, respectively. The tested dietary Se levels did not affect egg production and tibial quality of duck breeders. The Se contents of the shell, yolk or albumin, whole egg, and the fertility of set eggs increased in a linear and quadratic manner (P 0.19 mg Se/kg diet enhanced the antioxidant capacity in breeders and their offspring. The regression model indicated that dietary Se levels 0.19, 0.27, 0.28, 0.24, and 0.30 mg/kg are optimal levels to obtain maximum Se deposition efficiency in eggs, egg fertility, Gpx1 activity in erythrocytes and liver in duck breeders, and plasma activity of Gpx3 in newly hatched ducklings, respectively.

A site-specific probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) has been performed for the only nuclear power plant site in Brazil, located 130 km southwest of Rio de Janeiro at Angra dos Reis. Logic trees were developed for both the seismic source characterisation and ground-motion characterisation models, in both cases seeking to capture the appreciable ranges of epistemic uncertainty with relatively few branches. This logic-tree structure allowed the hazard calculations to be performed efficiently while obtaining results that reflect the inevitable uncertainty in long-term seismic hazard assessment in this tectonically stable region. An innovative feature of the study is an additional seismic source zone added to capture the potential contributions of characteristics earthquake associated with geological faults in the region surrounding the coastal site.

During smelting of copper sulfide concentrate, selenium is distributed between silica-saturated iron-silicate slag and copper-iron sulfide matte. The recovery coefficients of selenium between slag and matte were determined as a function of the initial concentration of selenium at 1523 K (1250 degrees C) under an inert atmosphere in a vertical tubular furnace. The initial concentration of selenium was varied by the addition of metallic selenium as well as selenium dioxide to the mixture of slag and matte. Analysis of the results indicated high affinity of selenium for matte. The apparent loss of selenium with the slag was attributed to the presence of selenium-enriched matte particles entrapped in the slag, rather than dissolved SeO2. The mechanisms proposed by previous investigators were discussed and also compared with the results of the present investigation. (C) The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society and ASM International 2018

Single crystalline platelet chalcostibite (CuSbS2) particles with good shape and size uniformity were successfully prepared using a hot injection method. In this synthesis, sulfur powder in oleylamine (OLA) was employed as a sulfonating agent. The synthesized CuSbS2 had an orthorhombic structure with a plate-like morphology. Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns confirmed their single crystal nature. Band gap calculation from diffuse reflectance data revealed that it had both direct and indirect band gaps of 1.52 eV and 1.46 eV, respectively. Moreover, valence band (VB) and conduction band (CB) positions were determined by cyclic voltammetry (CV) characterization. Optical and structural properties of CuSbS2 indicate its potential applicability for solar cell applications. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Clay rock in the Tamusu (TMS) area in the Inner Mongolia province is one candidate as a geological disposal site for highly radioactive waste in China. The diffusion behavior of HTO and Se(IV) in Tamusu clay rock was studied by through-diffusion (TD) experiments and numerical analysis to determine the spatial and temporal variation. A minimum error analysis was conducted to determine the HTO and Se(IV) diffusion coefficients in compacted TMS clay. The TD experimental results and numerical analysis showed that the diffusion of HTO and Se reached a steady state within 7 and 50 days, respectively, and the apparent diffusion coefficients (Da) decreased with the increases in the compacted density. In fact, there was retardation of Se diffusion in intact TMS clay rock. A two-site sorption model for Se was applied to simulate fast and slow sorption behavior quantitatively.

We have studied the adsorption of Se on the surface Au(111) using XPS, TOF-DRS, LEED and DFT calculations. The use of a doser that operates in vacuum allowed us to investigate all the stages of the adsorption from the clean surface up to the formation of multilayers. In the monolayer regime we have found two ordered phases with distinctive LEED patterns. The LEED pattern of the first phase presents three fractional spots arranged symmetrically around the positions of the spots in a √3x√3 pattern. The analysis of this pattern suggests the formation of either a nxn superstructure of √3x√3 domains with n=19 or n=22, or that the adsorption occurs without removing the 22x√3 herringbone reconstruction of the gold surface. This last possibility is in accordance with DFT calculations which show that the charge transfer to a Se adsorbate might not be enough to destabilize the surface reconstruction. Increasing the coverage, beyond 0.3 ML a new LEED pattern appears with broad spots which upon annealing at 150 °C become well defined indicating a 1×8 periodicity. At the highest doses we have observed the formation of multilayers with no discernible LEED pattern. The comparison with adsorption experiments carried out in liquid solutions show similarities and also some important differences. Fil: Ruano Sandoval, Gustavo Daniel. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia del Área de Energía Nuclear. Instituto Balseiro; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Tosi, Ezequiel. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia del Área de Energía Nuclear. Instituto Balseiro; Argentina Fil: Sánchez, Esteban Alejandro. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia del Área de Energía Nuclear. Instituto Balseiro; Argentina Fil: Abufager, Paula Natalia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario. Instituto de Física de Rosario. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Instituto de Física de Rosario; Argentina Fil: Martiarena, María Luz. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; Argentina Fil: Grizzi, Oscar. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia del Área de Energía Nuclear. Instituto Balseiro; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; Argentina Fil: Zampieri, Guillermo Enrique. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia del Área de Energía Nuclear. Instituto Balseiro; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; Argentina

Purpose To assess the possible association between keratoconus (KC) and serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), Selenium (Se), Zinc (Zn), and Copper (Cu) and to compare it with age-matched healthy subjects. Methods One hundred patients with KC and 100 normal subjects were included. The two groups were compared for serum 25OHD and serum levels of three trace elements: Se, Zn, and Cu. These factors were also compared between groups with different KC stages. Results Serum levels of vitamin D, Zn, Cu, and Se were significantly different between the KC and normal groups (P = 0.006, P = 0.015, P = 0.004, and P = 0.038, respectively). Although a lower level of 25OHD was found in severe stages of KC, it was not significantly different among different KC groups (P = 0.441). KC stage groups were not significantly different for mean serum Zn, Cu, and Se (P = 0.130, P = 0.98, P = 0.113, respectively). Although the Cu/Zn ratio was higher in cases than in controls, there was no significant difference between the two groups and between KC stages (P = 0.168, P = 0.143, respectively). Conclusion Lower serum 25OHD, Cu, Zn, and Se were found in the KC group compared to the control group. The results of this study suggest that a lower antioxidative activity may be involved in the possible etiology of KC.

A set-based design (SBD) approach is proposed as an alternative to traditional point-based design (PBD) methodologies. SBD is compared to other common engineering, decision-making, and optimization methods to illustrate how conventional methods do not ordinarily embrace set-based thinking (SBT) or SBD methodologies. The predominant features of Toyota's approach are summarized, leading to seven characteristics and two principles required to identify a design approach as set-based. Several Latin hypercube (LHC) sampling strategies and the distinguishing characteristics of each are described for use in creating and refining sets. Methods of set reduction and elimination are introduced, and topics related to engineering reasoning in set reduction, expectations, SBT, when to use SBD, benefits, challenges, and metrics are discussed. Improved SBD process steps are proposed and demonstrated in an unmanned air system (UAS) example. A specific type of LHC is chosen to generate points in the design space, which are then used as inputs into a simulation tool. Approaching the UAS example problem in a set-based way results in more viable options with higher system-level performance for comparable cost than if a PBD approach were used. http://archive.org/details/asetbasedapproac1094562256 Civilian, Department of the Navy Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Amaç: Konya’da tüketime sunulan beyaz peynir, çiğ süt, kıyma ve İnegöl köfte örneklerinin fiziksel, kimyasal ve mikrobiyolojik kalitelerinin ortaya konması ve Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) kontaminasyonu ile toksin varlığının tespiti amaçlanmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Araştırmada beyaz peynir (n=50), çiğ süt (n=50), kıyma (n=50) ve İnegöl köfte (n=50) olmak üzere 200 numune kullanılmıştır. Numuneler fiziksel ve kimyasal (pH, asidite ve kuru madde) ve mikrobiyolojik [toplam mezofilik aerobik bakteri (TMAB), toplam psikrofilik aerobik bakteri (TPAB), koliform, laktik asit bakterisi (LAB), S. aureus] açıdan değerlendirilmiştir. Stafilokokal enterotoksinlerin (SEs) varlığı enzymelinked fluorescent immunoassay’a (ELFA) dayalı VIDAS Staph enterotoksin kiti ile araştırılmıştır. Bulgular: Çiğ süt, beyaz peynir, kıyma ve İnegöl köftelerde ortalama pH değerleri sırasıyla, 6.53, 4.82, 5.99 ve 6.63; kuru madde değerleri % 12.51, % 37.71, % 38.97, % 49.70 ve laktik asit cinsinden asiditeleri de % 0.16, % 0.67, % 0.08 ve % 0.40 olarak bulundu. TMAB sayıları 4.53 - 9.86 log10kob/g-ml; TPAB 3.39 - 7.69 log10kob/g-ml; koliform bakteri 2.04 - 8.53 log10kob/g-ml; LAB 2.90 - 7.64 log10kob/g-ml ve S. aureus sayıları 2.61 - 6.46 log10kob/g-ml arasında bulundu. İnegöl köfte örneklerinin 1’i (% 2) ve kıyma örneklerinin 29’unda (% 58) SEs tespit edildi. Öneri: S. aureus'un tüm suşlarının SE’lerin üretiminden sorumlu olmamalarından dolayı stafilokokal gıda intoksikasyonlarının değerlendirilmesinde ve güvenli gıda üretiminde kültürel yöntemlerle birlikte SE varlığının araştırılmasının da önemli olduğu düşünülmektedir., Aim: The objective of this study was to analyze the physical, chemical and microbiological quality of white cheese, raw milk, ground meat and İnegöl meatballs and to determine the contamination of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and presence its’ toxin. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 samples including white cheese (n=50), raw milk (n=50), ground meat (n=50) and İnegöl meatballs (n=50) were collected. The samples were evaluated in terms of classical cultural microbiological methods total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB), total psychrophilic aerobic bacteria (TPAB), coliform, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and S. aureus], physical and chemical analyzes (pH, acidity and, dry matter). The presence of staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) was investigated using the VIDAS Staph enterotoxin kit based on enzymelinked fluorescent immunoassay (ELFA). Results: Average pH values in raw milk, white cheese, minced meat and İnegöl meatballs were 6.53, 4.82, 5.99 and 6.63; dry matter values were 12.51%, 37.71%, 38.97%, 49.70%, and the total lactic acidities were 0.16%, 0.67%, 0.08% and 0.40%, respectively. TMAB (4.53-9.86 log10CFU/g-ml), TPAB (3.39-7.69 log10CFU / g-ml), coliform bacteria (2.04-8.53 log10CFU/gml), LAB (2.90-7.64 log10CFU/g-ml) and S. aureus (2.61-6.46 log10CFU/g-ml) were counted across a wide range. SEs was detected in 1 (2%) of İnegöl meatball samples and 29 (58%) of ground meat samples. Conclusion: Since all strains of S. aureus are not responsible for the production of SEs, it should be considered to detect the SE together with cultural methods in the evaluation of staphylococcal food intoxications and production of safe food.

The mineral concentrations in herbage from mixed grassland are variable which lead to challenging situations for animal’s mineral supplementation. The aim of this study consisted in assessing macro and micro mineral concentrations in fresh herbage from mixed grassland, according to a classification method used for nutrients and nutritive values. This classification consists of six classes of botanical composition, two classes of harvest time and seven classes of growth stage. Two hundred and thirty six samples of fresh herbage from mixed grassland were collected from one experimental site during five seasons. The analysed mineral concentrations were modelled using botanical composition and harvest time as fixed effects and growth stage as linear and quadratic effects. Whereas the repeatability of the models for calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sulphur (S) and copper (Cu) were similar to the ones for crude protein and fibre, the repeatability for sodium (Na), chlorine (Cl), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) were low. Cobalt (Co, 0.113±0.173mg/kg DM) and selenium (Se, 0.020±0.022mg/kg DM) concentrations were hardly detected. Except Fe, mineral concentrations were influenced (P0.10). The developed models may be considered to assess reference values in order to take into account the native mineral concentrations of fresh herbage from mixed grassland when optimizing herbivore diets. This, is a contribution for improving the sustainability of mineral supplementation.

// Yi Liu 1, * , Chao-hu Wang 1, * , Dan-ling Li 2, * , Shi-chao Zhang 1 , Yu-ping Peng 1 , Jun-xiang Peng 1 , Ye Song 1 , Song-tao Qi 1 , Jun Pan 1 1 Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China 2 Department of Biometric, College of Public Health of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China * These authors contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Jun Pan, email: panjundu@hotmail.com Song-tao Qi, email: qisongtaosjwk@163.com Keywords: craniopharyngioma, metaplasia, Rathke’s cleft cyst, SE, TREM-1 Received: March 10, 2016 Accepted: June 30, 2016 Published: July 8, 2016 ABSTRACT Whether a mixed type of craniopharyngioma (CP) exists and whether papillary craniopharyngioma (pCP) is on a histopathological continuum with Rathke’s cleft cyst (RCC) remain controversial. Herein, we examined the expression and localization of β-catenin, BRAF p.V600E (V600E), and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) in 58 samples including 20 pCPs, 26 adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas (aCP), and 12 RCCs. Five aCPs were diagnosed with mixed type CPs and the remaining 21 cases were pure aCPs. Four of the 12 RCCs presented with significant squamous epithelium (SE). V600E immunoreactivity was observed in all pCPs in the cytoplasm, but not in the nuclei. aCPs and RCCs, including mixed type CP, did not express V600E. Nuclear β-catenin translocation was detected exclusively in aCPs. TREM-1 was expressed in pCPs. Additionally, TREM-1 expression was detected in the SE of 5 “mixed type” CPs, while it was absent in pure aCPs. TREM-1 was expressed in 4 RCCs with SE, but not in the remaining 8 RCCs. TREM-1 mRNA levels were compared in cultured pCP and aCP cells. TREM-1 mRNA level was significantly (p < 0.001; up to 4.045 fold) higher in pCPs than in aCPs. Western blotting revealed a significantly (p < 0.001; up to 7.19 fold) lower level of TREM-1 expression in aCP cells compared to that in pCP cells. Our findings further supported that RCC and pCP may represent two ends of a morphological spectrum. A variant showing overlapping histological features of aCP and pCP should not be considered as a mixed type.

Purpose . Reporting peculiarities of new forms of edible corn and prospects for their use in food production that have been created jointly by scientists from the Plant Production Institute nd. a. V. Ya. Yuryev of NAAS and Ustymiv­ka Experimental Station for Plant Production on the base of the environmentally friendly method that uses biochemical effects of natural mutations of corn grain endosperm structure. Methods . Field study, laboratory analysis, mathematical and statistical evaluation. Results . Original series of inbred lines as well as promising varieties and hyb­rids of sugar and waxy corns were obtained. Varieties and hybrids are universally usable for obtaining both fresh and canned products, characterized by good taste, provide yields of up to 10 tons per hectare of commercial products and aimed to grow in various soil and climatic conditions. Brief economic and morphological characteristics of corn varieties and hybrids created jointly by scientists from the Plant Production Institute nd. a. V. Ya. Yuryev of NAAS and Ustymivka Experimental Station for Plant Production were given. Conclusions . The use of biochemical effect of natural mutations of endosperm structure is cost-effective and environmentally friendly method for creating lines, varieties and hybrids of corn for direct consumption and processing into food products. ‘Biliavka’, ‘Nika’ varieties and ‘Binom F 1 ’, ‘Solo F 1 ’, ‘Twister F 1 ’ hybrids created with the help of this method are promising for commercial use

Three methods of AlN layers oxidation: dry, wet and mixed (wet with oxygen) were compared. Some physical parameters of oxidized thin films of aluminum nitride (AlN) layers grown on silicon Si(1 1 1) were investigated by means Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE). Three series of the thermal oxidations processes were carried out at 1012 °C in pure nitrogen as carrying gas and various gas ambients: (a) dry oxidation with oxygen, (b) wet oxidation with water steam and (c) mixed atmosphere with various process times. All the research methods have shown that along with the rising of the oxidation time, AlN layer across the aluminum oxide nitride transforms to aluminum oxide. The mixed oxidation was a faster method than the dry or wet ones.

A homologous series of kesterite light absorber materials Cu2ZnSnX4 (CZTX; X: S, Se, Te) can be used for realization of multi-junction solar cells. A stable member of the series (i.e. Cu2ZnSnTe4 (CZTTe)) was synthesized using a mechano-chemical route from its elemental precursors. Detailed characterization of the as synthesized as well as annealed CZTTe samples are being reported. XRD, Raman, TEM and SEM-EDS studies as well as Raman spectra confirm the formation of single-phase, stoichiometric, kesterite CZTTe nano-crystalline powder. The bandgaps of various samples of CZTTe were found in the range of 0.84-0.88 eV as confirmed by UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy. The low band gap < 1 eV, coupled with the high absorption coefficient of similar to 10(4) cm(-1) suggests the possible use of this material as the absorber layer in the bottom cell of all kesterite multi-junction solar cells.

Celem badań była ocena zmian zawartości selenu i tytanu w glebie i rutwicy wschodniej pod wpływem wzrastającego nawożenia potasem oraz pobrania analizowanych pierwiastków z plonem rośliny testowej. Trzyletnie doświadczenie polowe przeprowadzono na poletkach doświadczalnych należących do Uniwersytetu Przyrodniczo-Humanistycznego w Siedlcach. W badaniach uwzględniono sześć obiektów nawozowych: obiekt kontrolny (0); P1; K1; P1K2; P1K3; P1K4 (P1 – 23, K1 – 83, K2 – 124, K3 – 166, K4 – 207,5 kg.ha-1). W każdym roku badań zbierano trzykrotnie roślinę testową w fazie pąkowania. Po zbiorach pobierano próbki gleby. Zróżnicowane nawożenie potasem istotnie wpłynęło na zmiany zawartości selenu i tytanu w glebie oraz w rutwicy wschodniej. Największą zawartość selenu oznaczono w glebie pobranej z obiektu nawozowego P1 – 23 kg.ha-1, a tytanu w glebie nawożonej potasem w ilości 207,5 kg.ha-1. Zastosowanie potasu w dawkach (K3 – 166 i K4 – 207,5 kg.ha-1) spowodowało istotne zwiększanie zawartości selenu w roślinie testowej w stosunku do dawki 83 kg.ha-1 (K1). Zastosowanie soli potasowej w dawce K2 (124 kg.ha-1) wpłynęło na istotne zmniejszenie zawartości tytanu w roślinie testowej w odniesieniu do obiektu nawożonego K1 – 83 kg.ha-1. Rutwica zbierana w kolejnych terminach i kolejnych latach badań zawierała mniejsze ilości selenu i tytanu. Zawartość selenu i tytanu w suchej masie rośliny testowej mieściła się poniżej zakresu liczb granicznych określających dopuszczalne ilości tych pierwiastków w paszy. Rutwica wschodnia nawożona dawką P1 – 23 kg.ha-1 i K3 – 166 kg.ha-1 pobrała z plonem największe ilości selenu i tytanu.

The regional environmental changes are affecting groundwater ecosystems in Semarang area. The development of new settlements, industrial complexes, and trade centers have degraded the groundwater setting of the city, which serves as the capital of Central Java Province. This has led us to compile several groundwater quality dataset that have been taken from 1992 to 2007. Our original motivation is to come up with an open dataset that can be used as the baseline for groundwater monitoring. The dataset consists of 58 samples were taken in 1992, 1993, 2003, 2006, and 2007 using well point data from several reports from Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, engineering consultants, as well as from researchers from Universitas Diponegoro and Institut Teknologi Bandung. Each site has a set of 20 physical and chemical variables.

Current U.S. Navy combat system suites are ship class dependent. There are a variety of configurations that include sensors, weapons, and system interfaces to accomplish similar goals. The Navy Surface Warfare Center recommends developing combat system architectures utilizing reusable product line components. This recommendation is accomplished by applying model-based systems engineering and product line engineering to develop a combat system architecture with planned reuse of system components. Current U.S. Navy and European combat systems are reviewed as an introduction to the architecture and components of operational systems. Conducting functional decomposition and identifying commonalities of the reviewed combat systems allow for development of a system architecture following the Hatley-Pirbhai modeling framework. The system architecture helps identify system variability, which, in turn, is used to generate orthogonal variability models that are used to design the combat system product line. A product line orthogonal variability model features packaged variants for three proposed combat system tiers representing scalable capabilities. The benefits of a product line engineering approach are validated by a system-level Constructive Product Line Investment Model. This research provides a methodology and cost modeling tool for future combat system design as well as background for further research in combat system product line engineering. http://archive.org/details/utilizingamodelb1094559675 Lieutenant, United States Navy Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

A HfO2 film was grown by RF magnetron sputtering technique on a Si substrate Using in situ Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE), the film thickness and refractive index were examined as a function of deposition time. Ex situ x-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) was used in depth profile mode to determine the phase evolution of HfO2/Hf/Si multilayer structure after the growth process. The chemical composition and the crystal structure of the film were investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic measurements and x-ray Diffraction in Grazing Incidence (GI-XRD) mode, respectively. The results showed that the film was grown in the form of HfO2 film. According to SE analysis, reactive deposition of HfO2 directly on Hf/Si results to SiO2 interface of about 2 nm. The final HfO2 films thickness is 5.4 nm. After a certain period of time, the XPS depth profile revealed that the film was in the form of Hf-rich Hf silicate with SiO2 interfacial layer. In reference to XPS quantification analysis from top to bottom of film, the atomic concentration of Hf element reduces from 19.35% to 7.13%, whereas Si concentration increases from 22.99% to 74.89%. The phase change of HfO2 film with time is discussed in details., The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK project 113F349)

There is evidence that interface recombination in Cu2ZnSnS4 solar cells contributes to the open-circuit voltage deficit. Our hybrid density functional theory calculations suggest that electron-hole recombination at the Cu2ZnSnS4/CdS interface is caused by a deeper conduction band that slows electron extraction. In contrast, the bandgap is not narrowed for the Cu2ZnSnSe4/CdS interface, consistent with a lower open-circuit voltage deficit., Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures

Reactions of 1,2,3-triselena[3]ferrocenophane with [Mn2(CO)(10)], [Fe(CO)(5)] and [Os-3(CO)(12)] have been investigated under photolytic or thermolytic conditions. Clusters with contrasting structures have been isolated from these reactions: [{Fe(eta-C5H4Se)(2)Mn(CO)(3)}(2)] (1), [Fe(eta-C5H4Se)(2)Fe-2(CO)(6)] (2), 1Fe(eta-C5H4Se)(2)OS3(CO)(10)] (3), [Fe(eta-C5H4Se)(2)(mu(2)-Se)Os-2(CO)(6)] (4) and [Fe(eta-C5H4Se)(2)(mu(3)-Se)Os-4(CO)(11)] (5). Formally, these new clusters are formed by substitution of the central selenium of 1,2,3-triselena[3] ferrocenophane by metal carbonyl units, as in 1-3 or insertion of two Os(CO)(3) groups or an Os-4(CO)(11) unit into the Se Se bond as in 4 and 5, respectively. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bipolarity with enhanced conductivity has been achieved by tin incorporation in AgInSe2 thin films. Structural and optical characterizations of these films prepared by reactive evaporation indicate that the incorporation neither distorts the tetragonal chalcopyrite structure nor affects the optical band gap of the parent compound. A detailed analysis of the low temperature conductivity of AgInSe2 (AIS) and tin incorporated AgInSe2 (AIS:Sn) suggests domination by variable range hopping, grain boundary effect, and thermal activation of carriers in different temperature regimes. The enhanced conductivity in AIS:Sn is attributed to donor and acceptor defect level formation, which has pushed the Fermi levels to similar to 9 meV below the conduction band edge in n-type films and similar to 3 meV above the valence band edge in p-type films. These improved characteristics of the films are likely to promote their suitability for photovoltaic and thermoelectric power generation applications.