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[Current status of diagnosis and nonoperative therapy of small bowel ileus].
In obstructed small bowel the number of stercoral bacteria increases due to stasis, inducing a liberation of mediators that are leading to ileus disease with facultative sepsis and breakdown of the circulatory system. The therapeutic procedures have to cure the stasis. In the case of mechanical obstruction cure is achieved by operation, while functional ileus may be healed by conservative treatment. Implantation of a gastric tube or Dennis' tube can evacuate the small intestine. Several peristalsis-inducing drugs are in use, although their clinical relevance remaines to be demonstrated. Clinical examination and anamnesis offer initial information; X-ray of the abdomen confirms the diagnosis of ileus and is the baseline examination. Addition of oral contrast medium, ultrasonography, CT and endoscopy may help to evaluate the underlying cause of small-bowel paralysis.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
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|
Q:
Help required to get full code covered in test class
I am having the trigger and handler class in the quote Line Item object it's work like, the I am having two same named custom field in the OpportunityLineItem and Quote Line item respectively.so that field is to be updated by the condition of when issyncing of the quote of the quoteline item to its opportunity is to be true. that custom field name SyncCheck__c.
My trigger:
trigger customSyncHandlerTrigger on QuoteLineItem (after update) {
if (Trigger.isUpdate && Trigger.isAfter) {
CustomSyncHandler.UpdateTrigger(Trigger.New, Trigger.OldMap);
}
}
My handler class:
public class CustomSyncHandler {
public static void UpdateTrigger (List<QuoteLineItem> InsertedQuote, Map<Id,QuoteLineItem> OldInsertedQuoteMap) {
Set<Id> ProductIdset = new Set<Id>();
Set<Id> QuoteIdset = new Set<Id>();
Set<Id> OpportunityIdset = new Set<Id>();
List<QuoteLineItem> QuoteLineItemList = new List<QuoteLineItem>();
List<OpportunityLineItem> OpportunityLineItemList = new List<OpportunityLineItem>();
for (QuoteLineItem RecordQuoteItem: InsertedQuote) {
QuoteLineItem OldQuoteLineItemREC = OldInsertedQuoteMap.get(RecordQuoteItem.Id);
if (OldQuoteLineItemREC.SyncCheck__c != RecordQuoteItem.SyncCheck__c) {
ProductIdset.add(RecordQuoteItem.Product2Id);
QuoteIdset.add(RecordQuoteItem.QuoteId);
}
}
If (QuoteIdset.size()>0) {
QuoteLineItemList = [SELECT Id, QuoteId, Product2Id, SyncCheck__c, Quote.issyncing, Quote.OpportunityId FROM QuoteLineItem WHERE Product2Id IN :ProductIdset AND Quote.issyncing = True ];
}
If (QuoteLineItemList.size() > 0) {
for (QuoteLineItem quoteLineitemvalue: QuoteLineItemList) {
OpportunityIdset.add(quoteLineitemvalue.Quote.OpportunityId);
}
}
List<OpportunityLineItem> OpportunityLineitemvalueList = [SELECT Id, Name, OpportunityId, SyncCheck__c, Product2Id FROM OpportunityLineItem WHERE OpportunityId IN :OpportunityIdset AND Product2Id IN :ProductIdset];
Map<Id, List<OpportunityLineItem>> OpportunityandOppolineitemMap = new Map<Id, List<OpportunityLineItem>>();
for (OpportunityLineItem OpportunityLIRecord : OpportunityLineitemvalueList) {
If (!OpportunityandOppolineitemMap.Containskey(OpportunityLIRecord.Id)) {
OpportunityandOppolineitemMap.put(OpportunityLIRecord.OpportunityId, new List<OpportunityLineItem>());
}
OpportunityandOppolineitemMap.get(OpportunityLIRecord.OpportunityId).add(OpportunityLIRecord);
}
system.debug('@@@ OpportunityandOppolineitemMap value is'+OpportunityandOppolineitemMap);
for (QuoteLineItem QuoteLineItemRecord : QuoteLineItemList) {
if (OpportunityandOppolineitemMap.containsKey(QuoteLineItemRecord.Quote.OpportunityId)) {
for (OpportunityLineItem OpporVar : OpportunityandOppolineitemMap.get(QuoteLineItemRecord.Quote.OpportunityId)) {
if (OpporVar.Product2Id == QuoteLineItemRecord.Product2Id) {
OpporVar.SyncCheck__c = QuoteLineItemRecord.SyncCheck__c;
OpportunityLineItemList.add(OpporVar);
}
}
}
}
if (OpportunityLineItemList.size() > 0) {
Update OpportunityLineItemList;
}
}
}
My test class :
@isTest
public class TestCustomSyncHandlerTrigger {
static testMethod void UpdateCustomSyncHandler() {
Account acc1 = new Account();
acc1.Name = 'test account';
insert acc1;
system.debug('insert acc1 is success');
Opportunity Opp1 = new Opportunity();
Opp1.Name = 'testOpp';
Opp1.AccountId = acc1.Id;
Opp1.StageName = 'Closed Won';
Opp1.CloseDate = system.Today();
insert Opp1;
system.debug('insert opp1 success');
Product2 Pro1 = new Product2();
Pro1.Name = 'SLA: Bronze';
pro1.isActive = True;
Insert pro1;
system.debug('insert pro1 is success');
Pricebook2 pb = new pricebook2();
pb.Name = 'Standard Price Book 2009';
pb.description = 'Price Book 2009 Products';
pb.isActive = True;
insert pb;
system.debug('pb value is'+ pb.Id);
system.debug('insert pricebook2 is success');
Id pricebookId = Test.getStandardPricebookId();
PricebookEntry StandardPriceBookEntry = new PricebookEntry();
StandardPriceBookEntry.Pricebook2Id = pricebookId;
StandardPriceBookEntry.Product2Id = pro1.Id;
StandardPriceBookEntry.UnitPrice = 10000;
StandardPriceBookEntry.IsActive =True;
insert StandardPriceBookEntry;
system.debug('insert StandardPriceBookEntry');
PricebookEntry pbe = new PricebookEntry(pricebook2id=pb.id, product2id=pro1.id, unitprice=10000, isActive = True);
insert pbe;
system.debug('insert pbe is success');
Quote Quo1 = new Quote();
Quo1.OpportunityId = Opp1.Id;
Quo1.Pricebook2Id = pb.Id;
Quo1.Name = 'test Quo1';
insert Quo1;
system.debug('insert Quo1 success');
QuoteLineItem QLI = new QuoteLineItem();
QLI.Product2Id = pro1.Id;
QLI.QuoteId = Quo1.Id;
QLI.PricebookEntryId = Pbe.Id;
QLI.Quantity = 2;
QLI.UnitPrice = 150000.0;
insert QLI;
system.debug('insert QLI is success');
OpportunityLineItem OLI = new OpportunityLineItem();
OLI.UnitPrice = 150000;
OLI.OpportunityId = Opp1.Id;
OLI.PriceBookEntryId = Pbe.Id;
OLI.Quantity = 2;
insert OLI;
system.debug('insert OLI is success');
List<QuoteLineItem> QuoteLIList = [SELECT Id, Quote.issyncing, Quote.OpportunityId FROM QuoteLineItem WHERE Quote.issyncing = True];
for(QuoteLineItem q:QuoteLIList) {
system.assertEquals(Opp1.Id, q.Quote.OpportunityId, 'the value of q.Quote.OpportunityId value is not null');
}
if (QLI.Quote.isSyncing == True ) {
if (QLI.Product2id == OLI.Product2id) {
QLI.SyncCheck__c = 'check';
OLI.SyncCheck__c = QLI.SyncCheck__c;
system.assertEquals (OLI.product2Id, QLI.product2id);
system.assertEquals (OLI.SyncCheck__c, 'check' );
}
}
Update QLI;
}
}
Here my test class only provide the 53% only it's my knowledge in test class so please help me to get the full code coverage of my class and trigger. For answer's thanks in advance.
A:
the answer is,
@isTest
public class TestCustomSyncHandlerTrigger {
static testMethod void UpdateCustomSyncHandler() {
Account acc1 = new Account();
acc1.Name = 'test account';
insert acc1;
system.debug('insert acc1 is success');
Opportunity Opp1 = new Opportunity();
Opp1.Name = 'testOpp';
Opp1.AccountId = acc1.Id;
Opp1.StageName = 'Closed Won';
Opp1.CloseDate = system.Today();
insert Opp1;
system.debug('insert opp1 success');
Product2 Pro1 = new Product2();
Pro1.Name = 'SLA: Bronze';
pro1.isActive = True;
Insert pro1;
system.debug('insert pro1 is success');
Pricebook2 pb = new pricebook2();
pb.Name = 'Standard Price Book 2009';
pb.description = 'Price Book 2009 Products';
pb.isActive = True;
insert pb;
system.debug('pb value is'+ pb.Id);
system.debug('insert pricebook2 is success');
Id pricebookId = Test.getStandardPricebookId();
PricebookEntry StandardPriceBookEntry = new PricebookEntry();
StandardPriceBookEntry.Pricebook2Id = pricebookId;
StandardPriceBookEntry.Product2Id = pro1.Id;
StandardPriceBookEntry.UnitPrice = 10000;
StandardPriceBookEntry.IsActive =True;
insert StandardPriceBookEntry;
system.debug('insert StandardPriceBookEntry');
PricebookEntry pbe = new PricebookEntry(pricebook2id=pb.id, product2id=pro1.id, unitprice=10000, isActive = True);
insert pbe;
system.debug('insert pbe is success');
Quote Quo1 = new Quote();
Quo1.OpportunityId = Opp1.Id;
Quo1.Pricebook2Id = pb.Id;
Quo1.Name = 'test Quo1';
insert Quo1;
system.debug('insert Quo1 success');
QuoteLineItem QLI = new QuoteLineItem();
QLI.Product2Id = pro1.Id;
QLI.QuoteId = Quo1.Id;
QLI.PricebookEntryId = Pbe.Id;
QLI.Quantity = 2;
QLI.UnitPrice = 150000.0;
insert QLI;
system.debug('insert QLI is success');
List<QuoteLineItem> QuoteLIList = [SELECT Id, Quote.issyncing, Quote.OpportunityId FROM QuoteLineItem WHERE Quote.issyncing = True];
for(QuoteLineItem q:QuoteLIList) {
system.assertEquals(Opp1.Id, q.Quote.OpportunityId, 'the value of q.Quote.OpportunityId value is not null');
}
Opp1.SyncedQuoteId = Quo1.Id;
Update Opp1;
QLI.SyncCheck__c = 'Check value';
Update QLI;
}
}
|
{
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
}
|
anytime monday morning is fine with me, EXCEPT, i need to be at my desk around 9:00 AM to serve the Tallahassee deal. It only takes about 5 min though
-----Original Message-----
From: Aucoin, Berney C.
Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2002 1:34 PM
To: Boyt, Eric; Germany, Chris; Barbe, Robin
Cc: Tian, Yuan; McMichael Jr., Ed
Subject: Terminated Contract Process/Status
Ed would like us to get together first thing Mon. AM to discuss where we are on the Termination process (contracts not being served/terminated). Let me know if this works with your schedule. (waiting until Mon due to Chris Germany being out until then)
Thx
Berney
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Enron Emails"
}
|
People should get the full story of r/bitcoin because it is probably one of the strangest of all reddit subs.
r/bitcoin, the main sub for the bitcoin community is held and run by a person who goes by the pseudonym u/theymos. Theymos not only controls r/bitcoin, but also bitcoin.org and bitcointalk.com. These are top three communication channels for the bitcoin community, all controlled by just one person.
For most of bitcoin's history this did not create a problem (at least not an obvious one anyway) until around mid 2015. This happened to be around the time a new player appeared on the scene, a for-profit company called Blockstream. Blockstream was made up of/hired many (but not all) of the main bitcoin developers. (To be clear, Blockstream was founded before mid 2015 but did not become publicly active until then). A lot of people, including myself, tried to point out there we're some very serious potential conflicts of interest that could arise when one single company controls most of the main developers for the biggest decentralised and distributed cryptocurrency. There were a lot of unknowns but people seemed to give them the benefit of the doubt because they were apparently about to release some new software called "sidechains" that could offer some benefits to the network.
Not long after Blockstream came on the scene the issue of bitcoin's scalability once again came to forefront of the community. This issue came within the community a number of times since bitcoins inception. Bitcoin, as dictated in the code, cannot handle any more than around 3 transactions per second at the moment. To put that in perspective Paypal handles around 15 transactions per second on average and VISA handles something like 2000 transactions per second. The discussion in the community has been around how best to allow bitcoin to scale to allow a higher number of transactions in a given amount of time. I suggest that if anyone is interested in learning more about this problem from a technical angle, they go to r/btc and do a search. It's a complex issue but for many who have followed bitcoin for many years, the possible solutions seem relatively obvious. Essentially, currently the limit is put in place in just a few lines of code. This was not originally present when bitcoin was first released. It was in fact put in place afterwards as a measure to stop a bloating attack on the network. Because all bitcoin transactions have to be stored forever on the bitcoin network, someone could theoretically simply transmit a large number of transactions which would have to be stored by the entire network forever. When bitcoin was released, transactions were actually for free as the only people running the network were enthusiasts. In fact a single bitcoin did not even have any specific value so it would be impossible set a fee value. This meant that a malicious person could make the size of the bitcoin ledger grow very rapidly without much/any cost which would stop people from wanting to join the network due to the resource requirements needed to store it, which at the time would have been for very little gain.
Towards the end of the summer last year, this bitcoin scaling debate surfaced again as it was becoming clear that the transaction limit for bitcoin was semi regularly being reached and that it would not be long until it would be regularly hit and the network would become congested. This was a very serious issue for a currency. Bitcoin had made progress over the years to the point of retailers starting to offer it as a payment option. Bitcoin companies like, Microsoft, Paypal, Steam and many more had began to adopt it. If the transaction limit would be constantly maxed out, the network would become unreliable and slow for users. Users and businesses would not be able to make a reliable estimate when their transaction would be confirmed by the network.
Users, developers and businesses (which at the time was pretty much the only real bitcoin subreddit) started to discuss how we should solve the problem r/bitcoin. There was significant support from the users and businesses behind a simple solution put forward by the developer Gavin Andreesen. Gavin was the lead developer after Satoshi Nakamoto left bitcoin and he left it in his hands. Gavin initially proposed a very simple solution of increasing the limit which was to change the few lines of code to increase the maximum number of transactions that are allowed. For most of bitcoin's history the transaction limit had been set far far higher than the number of transactions that could potentially happen on the network. The concept of increasing the limit one time was based on the fact that history had proven that no issue had been cause by this in the past.
A certain group of bitcoin developers decided that increasing the limit by this amount was too much and that it was dangerous. They said that the increased use of resources that the network would use would create centralisation pressures which could destroy the network. The theory was that a miner of the network with more resources could publish many more transactions than a competing small miner could handle and therefore the network would tend towards few large miners rather than many small miners. The group of developers who supported this theory were all developers who worked for the company Blockstream. The argument from people in support of increasing the transaction capacity by this amount was that there are always inherent centralisation pressure with bitcoin mining. For example miners who can access the cheapest electricity will tend to succeed and that bigger miners will be able to find this cheaper electricity easier. Miners who have access to the most efficient computer chips will tend to succeed and that larger miners are more likely to be able to afford the development of them. The argument from Gavin and other who supported increasing the transaction capacity by this method are essentially there are economies of scale in mining and that these economies have far bigger centralisation pressures than increased resource cost for a larger number of transactions (up to the new limit proposed). For example, at the time the total size of the blockchain was around 50GB. Even for the cost of a 500GB SSD is only $150 and would last a number of years. This is in-comparison to the $100,000's in revenue per day a miner would be making.
Various developers put forth various other proposals, including Gavin Andresen who put forth a more conservative increase that would then continue to increase over time inline with technological improvements. Some of the employees of blockstream also put forth some proposals, but all were so conservative, it would take bitcoin many decades before it could reach a scale of VISA. Even though there was significant support from the community behind Gavin's simple proposal of increasing the limit it was becoming clear certain members of the bitcoin community who were part of Blockstream were starting to become increasingly vitriolic and divisive. Gavin then teamed up with one of the other main bitcoin developers Mike Hearn and released a coded (i.e. working) version of the bitcoin software that would only activate if it was supported by a significant majority of the network. What happened next was where things really started to get weird.
After this free and open source software was released, Theymos, the person who controls all the main communication channels for the bitcoin community implemented a new moderation policy that disallowed any discussion of this new software. Specifically, if people were to discuss this software, their comments would be deleted and ultimately they would be banned temporarily or permanently. This caused chaos within the community as there was very clear support for this software at the time and it seemed our best hope for finally solving the problem and moving on. Instead a censorship campaign was started. At first it 'all' they were doing was banning and removing discussions but after a while it turned into actively manipulating the discussion. For example, if a thread was created where there was positive sentiment for increasing the transaction capacity or being negative about the moderation policies or negative about the actions of certain bitcoin developers, the mods of r/bitcoin would selectively change the sorting order of threads to 'controversial' so that the most support opinions would be sorted to the bottom of the thread and the most vitriolic would be sorted to the top of the thread. This was initially very transparent as it was possible to see that the most downvoted comments were at the top and some of the most upvoted were at the bottom. So they then implemented hiding the voting scores next to the users name. This made impossible to work out the sentiment of the community and when combined with selectively setting the sorting order to controversial it was possible control what information users were seeing. Also, due to the very very large number of removed comments and users it was becoming obvious the scale of censorship going on. To hide this they implemented code in their CSS for the sub that completely hid comments that they had removed so that the censorship itself was hidden. Anyone in support of scaling bitcoin were removed from the main communication channels. Theymos even proudly announced that he didn't care if he had to remove 90% of the users. He also later acknowledged that he knew he had the ability to block support of this software using the control he had over the communication channels.
While this was all going on, Blockstream and it's employees started lobbying the community by paying for conferences about scaling bitcoin, but with the very very strange rule that no decisions could be made and no complete solutions could be proposed. These conferences were likely strategically (and successfully) created to stunt support for the scaling software Gavin and Mike had released by forcing the community to take a "lets wait and see what comes from the conferences" kind of approach. Since no final solutions were allowed at these conferences, they only served to hinder and splinter the communities efforts to find a solution. As the software Gavin and Mike released called BitcoinXT gained support it started to be attacked. Users of the software were attack by DDOS. Employees of Blockstream were recommending attacks against the software, such as faking support for it, to only then drop support at the last moment to put the network in disarray. Blockstream employees were also publicly talking about suing Gavin and Mike from various different angles simply for releasing this open source software that no one was forced to run. In the end Mike Hearn decided to leave due to the way many members of the bitcoin community had treated him. This was due to the massive disinformation campaign against him on r/bitcoin. One of the many tactics that are used against anyone who does not support Blockstream and the bitcoin developers who work for them is that you will be targeted in a smear campaign. This has happened to a number of individuals and companies who showed support for scaling bitcoin. Theymos has threatened companies that he will ban any discussion of them on the communication channels he controls (i.e. all the main ones) for simply running software that he disagrees with (i.e. any software that scales bitcoin).
As time passed, more and more proposals were offered, all against the backdrop of ever increasing censorship in the main bitcoin communication channels. It finally come down the smallest and most conservative solution. This solution was much smaller than even the employees of Blockstream had proposed months earlier. As usual there was enormous attacks from all sides and the most vocal opponents were the employees of Blockstream. These attacks still are ongoing today. As this software started to gain support, Blockstream organised more meetings, especially with the biggest bitcoin miners and made a pact with them. They promised that they would release code that would offer an on-chain scaling solution hardfork within about 4 months, but if the miners wanted this they would have to commit to running their software and only their software. The miners agreed and the ended up not running the most conservative proposal possible. This was in February last year. There is no hardfork proposal in sight from the people who agreed to this pact and bitcoin is still stuck with the exact same transaction limit it has had since the limit was put in place about 6 years ago. Gavin has also been publicly smeared by the developers at Blockstream and a plot was made against him to have him removed from the development team. Gavin has now been, for all intents an purposes, expelled from bitcoin development. This has meant that all control of bitcoin development is in the hands of the developers working at Blockstream.
There is a new proposal that offers a market based approach to scaling bitcoin. This essentially lets the market decide. Of course, as usual there has been attacks against it, and verbal attacks from the employees of Blockstream. This has the biggest chance of gaining wide support and solving the problem for good.
To give you an idea of Blockstream; It has hired most of the main and active bitcoin developers and is now synonymous with the "Core" bitcoin development team. They AFAIK no products at all. They have received around $75m in funding. Every single thing they do is supported by /u/theymos. They have started implementing an entirely new economic system for bitcoin against the will of it's users and have blocked any and all attempts to scaling the network in line with the original vision.
Although this comment is ridiculously long, it really only covers the tip of the iceberg. You could write a book on the last two years of bitcoin. The things that have been going on have been mind blowing. One last thing that I think is worth talking about is the u/bashco's claim of vote manipulation.
The users that the video talks about have very very large numbers of downvotes mostly due to them having a very very high chance of being astroturfers. Around about the same time last year when Blockstream came active on the scene every single bitcoin troll disappeared, and I mean literally every single one. In the years before that there were a large number of active anti-bitcoin trolls. They even have an active sub r/buttcoin. Up until last year you could go down to the bottom of pretty much any thread in r/bitcoin and see many of the usual trolls who were heavily downvoted for saying something along the lines of "bitcoin is shit", "You guys and your tulips" etc. But suddenly last year they all disappeared. Instead a new type of bitcoin user appeared. Someone who said they were fully in support of bitcoin but they just so happened to support every single thing Blockstream and its employees said and did. They had the exact same tone as the trolls who had disappeared. Their way to talking to people was aggressive, they'd call people names, they had a relatively poor understanding of how bitcoin fundamentally worked. They were extremely argumentative. These users are the majority of the list of that video. When the 10's of thousands of users were censored and expelled from r/bitcoin they ended up congregating in r/btc. The strange thing was that the users listed in that video also moved over to r/btc and spend all day everyday posting troll-like comments and misinformation. Naturally they get heavily downvoted by the real users in r/btc. They spend their time constantly causing as much drama as possible. At every opportunity they scream about "censorship" in r/btc while they are happy about the censorship in r/bitcoin. These people are astroturfers. What someone somewhere worked out, is that all you have to do to take down a community is say that you are on their side. It is an astoundingly effective form of psychological attack.
[THIS POST WAS WRITTEN ABOUT 7 MONTHS AGO]
|
{
"pile_set_name": "OpenWebText2"
}
|
This 4 x 6 inch, 340 page soft cover book was published 1934 by the Kalender Verkaufsgesellschaft in Berlin. The book contains everything the Hitler Youth boy needed to know about the Nazi Party, its organizations, especially about the Hitler Youth of course, it contains a full calendar with space for entries for each day plus some interesting advertisings. The HJ boy must have carried the book in his uniform pocket a lot and entered a lot of entries in the calendar part. Therefor the condition is used but still a very interesting and collectable piece of Hitler Youth history!
the book still lists Ernst Roehm as SA-Leader, crossed out by the original owner. His name was not supposed to be mentioned anymore after the Night of the Long Knives which led to Roehm's death and replacement by Viktor Lutze.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
}
|
Q:
Python search imap email for a string
New to python, having some trouble getting past this.
Am getting back emails from gmail via imap (with starter code from https://yuji.wordpress.com/2011/06/22/python-imaplib-imap-example-with-gmail/) and want to search a specific email (which I am able to fetch) for a specific string. Something like this
ids = data[0]
id_list = ids.split()
ids = data[0]
id_list = ids.split()
latest_email_id = id_list[-1]
result, data = mail.fetch(latest_email_id, "(RFC822)")
raw_email = data[0][1]
def search_raw():
if 'gave' in raw_email:
done = 'yes'
else:
done = 'no'
and it always sets done to no. Here's the output for the email (for the body section of the email)
Content-Type multipart/related;boundary=1_56D8EAE1_29AD7EA0;type="text/html"
--1_56D8EAE1_29AD7EA0
Content-Type text/html;charset="UTF-8"
Content-Transfer-Encoding base64
PEhUTUw+CiAgICAgICAgPEhFQUQ+CiAgICAgICAgICAgICAgICA8VElUTEU+PC9USVRMRT4KICAg
ICAgICA8L0hFQUQ+CiAgICAgICAgPEJPRFk+CiAgICAgICAgICAgICAgICA8UCBhbGlnbj0ibGVm
dCI+PEZPTlQgZmFjZT0iVmVyZGFuYSIgY29sb3I9IiNjYzAwMDAiIHNpemU9IjIiPlNlbnQgZnJv
bSBteSBtb2JpbGUuCiAgICAgICAgICAgICAgICA8QlI+X19fX19fX19fX19fX19fX19fX19fX19f
X19fX19fX19fX19fX19fX19fX19fX19fX19fX19fX19fX19fXzwvRk9OVD48L1A+CgogICAgICAg
ICAgICAgICAgPFBSRT4KR2F2ZQoKPC9QUkU+CiAgICAgICAgPC9CT0RZPgo8L0hUTUw+Cg==
--1_56D8EAE1_29AD7EA0--
I know the issue is the html, but can't seem to figure out how to parse the email properly.
Thank you!
A:
The text above is base64 encoding. Python has a module named base64 which gives you the ability to decode it.
import base64
import re
def has_gave(raw_email):
email_body = base64.b64decode(raw_email)
match = re.search(r'.*gave.*', email_body , re.IGNORECASE)
if match:
done = 'yes'
print 'match found for word ', match.group()
else:
done = 'no'
print 'no match found'
return done
|
{
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
}
|
Juan Pablo Paz (tennis)
Juan Pablo Paz (; born 4 January 1995) is an Argentine tennis player.
Paz has a career high ATP singles ranking of 284 achieved on 8 May 2017. He also has a career high ATP doubles ranking of 390 achieved on 27 February 2017.
Paz made his ATP main draw debut at the 2017 Ecuador Open Quito in the doubles draw partnering Gonzalo Escobar.
Notes
References
External links
Category:1995 births
Category:Living people
Category:Argentine male tennis players
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Wikipedia (en)"
}
|
Q:
How to smoothly rasterize PDF using the API?
I'd like to rasterize a PDF source (in this case to PNG, 500x500 pixels) using these golang bindings for ImageMagick6. On the CLI, I can do this using
convert -density 5000 -define psd:fit-page=500x test.pdf -resize 500x test.png
which results in a smoothly rendered image.
What I'm failing to do right now is to produce something similar using the API: either the resulting image has scaled pixels or is blurry and has a size 500x500 pixels, or it's in the "original" size.
Here's a minimum snippet of my playground code:
package main
import "gopkg.in/gographics/imagick.v2/imagick"
func main() {
imagick.Initialize()
defer imagick.Terminate()
mw := imagick.NewMagickWand()
defer mw.Destroy()
mw.SetImageResolution(5000,5000)
mw.SetOption("psd:fit-page", "500x")
mw.ReadImage("test.pdf")
mw.ResizeImage(500, 500, imagick.FILTER_POINT, 1)
mw.SetIteratorIndex(0) // This being the page offset
mw.SetImageFormat("png")
mw.WriteImage("test.png")
}
I got confused by density, image size, image resolution and canvas size I guess. How is it meant to be used?
A:
Your GO version of the convert command is missing the "density" argument. Replacing the call to SetImageResolution with one to SetOption and using a filter to smooth out the edges results in a smooth image:
package main
import "gopkg.in/gographics/imagick.v2/imagick"
func main() {
imagick.Initialize()
defer imagick.Terminate()
mw := imagick.NewMagickWand()
defer mw.Destroy()
mw.SetOption("density", "5000")
mw.SetOption("psd:fit-page", "500x")
mw.ReadImage("test.pdf")
mw.ResizeImage(500, 500, imagick.FILTER_LAGRANGE, 1)
mw.SetIteratorIndex(0) // This being the page offset
mw.SetImageFormat("png")
mw.WriteImage("test.png")
}
|
{
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
}
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Wasafiri
Wasafiri is a quarterly British literary magazine covering international contemporary writing. Founded in 1984, the magazine derives its name from a KiSwahili word meaning "travellers" that is etymologically linked with the Arabic word "safari". The magazine holds that many of those who created the literatures in which it is particularly interested "...have all in some sense been cultural travellers either through migration, transportation or else, in the more metaphorical sense of seeking an imagined cultural 'home'." Funded by the Arts Council England, Wasafiri is "a journal of post-colonial literature that pays attention to the wealth of Black and diasporic writers worldwide. It is Britain's only international magazine for Black British, African, Asian and Caribbean literatures.”
History
Wasafiri magazine was established in 1984 by Susheila Nasta, who remains its editor-in-chief. The magazine was originally developed to extend the activities of the Association for the Teaching of Caribbean, African, Asian and Associated Literatures (ATCAL), which was inaugurated in 1979. ATCAL campaigned for greater diversification of the "English literature" traditionally taught in UK schools at that time, and sought to get writers such as Derek Walcott, Jean Rhys and V. S. Naipaul included on the A-level syllabus. Once that process was under way, Wasafiri was created, becoming "a literary space for people to talk to each other" and opening up literary studies to a wider body of literature in English beyond the established canon. The magazine contributed towards writers such as Vikram Seth, Abdulrazak Gurnah, and Buchi Emecheta becoming established. As noted by a reviewer of the 20th-anniversary issue, "Writing Across Worlds": "Since its foundation...the literary magazine Wasafiri has focused on the idea of the writer as someone who transports the imagination beyond the maps of narrowly defined borders, and has promoted a range of new and established voices as well as signposting new waves in contemporary literature worldwide."
The magazine frequently produces themed editions — for example, the Summer 2008 Indian edition, about which Neha Kirpal wrote: "The magazine critiques the work of various authors in a very in-depth manner, complete with detailed notes and useful references. It contains certainly not light-hearted writing; on the contrary, intense – almost equivalent to writing a research paper or academic essay. Wasafiri can safely serve as constructive material for any literature enthusiast or even as a ready reckoner for the budding writer. A collection that can be savoured by every book lover, Wasafiri is vital for all literature students, teachers, writers, critics, authors and poets and simply anyone who enjoys fiction."
Many of the short stories published in the magazine have gone on to win literary prizes such as the Caine Prize for African Writing.
New Writing Prize
An annual Wasafiri New Writing Prize, open to anyone worldwide who has not yet published a complete book, was inaugurated in 2009 to celebrate its 25th anniversary. The prize is judged in three categories: Fiction, Poetry, and Life Writing.
References
External links
Category:British literary magazines
Category:Magazines established in 1984
Category:British quarterly magazines
Category:English-language magazines
Category:Cultural magazines
Category:1984 establishments in the United Kingdom
Category:International literary awards
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It's funny how great some of the Rainbow Dash episodes are.Also, yay for Scootaloo, I think it was great episode for her as well. As usually inmy book, episode with one Cutie Mark Crusader tends to be better than with all three ofthem - ironically. I really have no idea how this math works. Anyway I loved it.It was starting off as hilarious episode, with Scoots fangirling the crap out of Rainbow Dash'sparents - also, yeah, they're cool, and I actually like them more than Rainbow herselfAlthough when it got serious and heart-wrenching it really got serious and heart-wrenching.To me, this episode was really cranked up on emotions, like for the most of part it was funnywith the antics of Dash's parents, and all that, but then the confrontation was painful sight,although Dash's outburst was somewhat understandable, especially given her personality.Small detail but I like how Wonderbolts helped Rainbow with her parents apprecieation eventas if the writers themselves were saying "See people? they are a team, they like each other.The teasing and nicknames are just for funsies!"Also, it was very touching how Scootaloo got the "over-apprecieation" moment at the end.It was both funny and sweet. Anyway, I loved the emotionalrollercoaster all the gags and touching moments. It was great mix up. And so far, one the bestepisodes this seasonEpisode Ranking so far:1) Celestial Advice ( ep1 )2)3) Flurry of Emotions ( ep3 )4) Rock Solid Friendship ( ep4 )5) Forever Filly ( ep6 )6) Fluttershy Leans In ( ep5 )7) All Bottled Up ( ep2 )
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Introduction {#sec1-1}
============
Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for coronary atherosclerotic vascular disease, stroke, and venous thrombosis. It has been associated with Alzheimer\'s disease and vascular dementia.\[[@CIT1]--[@CIT4]\] Although its pathophysiological mechanisms are complex and not fully understood, much evidence suggests that hyperhomocysteinemia induces vascular and brain damage because of the highly reactive thiol group in homocysteine, which is readily oxidized, leading to the formation of homocysteine, homocysteine mixed disulfides and homocysteine thiolactone. During these oxidative processes, several reactive species are generated.\[[@CIT2]\] The methionine cycle is responsible for the formation of homocysteine in the body.
Homocysteine is toxic sulfur containing intermediate amino acid, which results from intracellular conversion of methionine to cysteine, which can induce neuronal dysfunction and cell death. Homocysteine has now been implicated in increased oxidative stress, DNA damage, triggering of apoptosis and excitotoxicity, all important mechanisms in neurodegeneration.\[[@CIT5]\] The brain may be particularly vulnerable to high levels of homocysteine in the blood because it lacks two major metabolic pathway for its elimination - betain remethylation and transsulfuration.\[[@CIT6]\] Homocysteine is proposed to cause oxidative stress related neurotoxicity\[[@CIT7]\] and natural antioxidants play a protective role in hyperhomocysteinemia;\[[@CIT8]\] however, there is a paucity of experimental as well as clinical studies which indicates the protective role of medicinal plants in hyperhomocysteinemia.
*Embelia ribes* Burm, commonly known as 'Vidanga', is a large woody climbing shrub that belongs to the family, *Myrsinaceae*, which is widely distributed in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and South China.\[[@CIT9]\] It is highly valued in Ayurveda as a powerful anthelmintic.\[[@CIT10]\] In a preliminary study, Tripathi\[[@CIT11]\] has demonstrated the blood glucose lowering activity of the decoction of the *Embelia ribes* fruits in glucose-fed albino rabbits. Bhandari *et al.*\[[@CIT12][@CIT13]\] have reported the diabetic dyslipidemic and antioxidant activity of *Embelia ribes* Burm in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, using gliclazide as a positive control drug. Recently, Bhandari *et al.*\[[@CIT14]\] have reported the cardioprotective activity of the aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes,* in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction in albino rats.
However, till date, antihyperhomocysteinemic activity has not been carried out on the aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes*. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the antihyperhomocysteinemic and antihyperlipidemic activity of the aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes* in albino rats.
Materials and Methods {#sec1-2}
=====================
Drugs and chemicals {#sec2-1}
-------------------
Methionine and folic acid were obtained from Central Drug House, Bombay. All the other chemicals that were used were of analytical grade. Double distilled water was used for all biochemical assays.
Preparation of aqueous extract of Embelia ribes Burm {#sec2-2}
----------------------------------------------------
Dried fruits of *Embelia ribes* Burm were purchased from the local market, New Delhi, India, in October 2006 and the botanical authentification was carried out by the Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Hamdard University, New Delhi, India (voucher specimen no. UB 2). The dried and coarsely powdered drug (100 g) was packed in a soxhlet apparatus and was subjected to extraction with water for 72 hours. The filtrate was evaporated under a vacuum drier (Narang Scientific Works Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, India) and the brown mass residue that was obtained was stored at 4°C, for further use. The average yield of the aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes* was approximately 5.26%. For experimental study, the weighed amount of aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes* (100 and 200 mg/kg) was dissolved in 1% Tween 80 in distilled water.
Standardization of extract {#sec2-3}
--------------------------
Preliminary phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract of dried fruits of *Embelia ribes* was carried out for the detection of phytoconstituents, using standard chemical tests. Alkaloids, carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, proteins and saponins were detected in the extract. HPTLC fingerprints of the aqueous extract was established using CAMAG HPTLC (WinCAT software, version 2.2) and benzene: ethyl acetate (6:4) as the solvent system, which showed the presence of seven spots (R~f~ values: 0.32, 0.34, 0.42, 0.45, 0.52, 0.65 and 0.78) at 520 nm wavelength.
Animals {#sec2-4}
-------
Male adult Wistar albino rats, weighing 200-250 g, procured from the Central Animal House Facility, Hamdard University, New Delhi, were used. The Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC) approved the present research. Animals were acclimatized under standard laboratory conditions at 25° ± 2°C, 50 ± 15% RH and normal photoperiod (12 h light : dark cycle) for seven days. The animals were fed with commercial rat pellet diet and water *ad libitum*.
Methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinemia in rats {#sec2-5}
-----------------------------------------------
The animals were randomly divided into seven groups of ten animals each and treated as follows: Group I served as vehicle control and received only 1% tween 80 in distilled water (2 ml/kg, p.o.) for 30 days. Group II served as pathogenic control and received methionine (1 g/kg, p.o.)\[[@CIT15]\] for 30 days. Groups III and IV were administered aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes* at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg respectively and co-treated with methionine (1 g/kg, p.o.) for 30 days. Group V served as positive control and received folic acid (100 mg/kg, p.o.)\[[@CIT16]\] and co-treated with methionine (1 g/kg, p.o.) for 30 days. Groups VI and VII were administered aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes* alone at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg respectively, for 30 days. The blood samples were collected by the retro-orbital plexus using micro-capillary technique from all the groups of rats that were made to fast overnight. Serum was separated for biochemical estimations.
In serum, homocysteine levels were estimated using the Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay (FPIA) method described by Primus *et al.* (1988). UV spectrophotometric method of analysis was used for the estimation of LDH (Lum and Gambino, 1974), total cholesterol (Demacher and Hijamaus, 1980), triglycerides (Foster and Dunn, 1973) and HDL-C (Burstein *et al.*, 1970). Commercial diagnostic kits from SPAN Diagnostics, Udhna, Surat, India were used for cholesterol and triglycerides estimation. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) catalyses the oxidation of lactate to pyruvate, accompanied by a simultaneous reduction of NAD to NADH. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in serum is proportional to the increase in absorbance, due to the reduction of NAD. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and HDL-C levels were estimated using commercial diagnostic kits from Reckon Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd. Baroda, India. LDL-C and VLDL-C levels were calculated from the formula of Friedward *et al.* (1972) as given below:
The animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and brain tissues were dissected for biochemical estimation and for histopathological studies. Homogenate (10%) of whole brain tissue in ice cold KCl (0.15 M) was used for the assay of the malondialdehyde, according to the method of Ohkawa *et al.* (1979). In phosphate buffer (0.1 M, pH 7.0), it was used for the assay of glutathione (GSH) content (Sedlak and Lindsay, 1968). Lipid peroxides (LPO) was measured by estimating thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) i.e. malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione assay was based on the reaction with DTNB i.e. DTNB (5,5\'-dithiobis- (2-nitrobenzoic acid)) is reduced by -SH group to form one mole of 2-nitro-5-mercaptobenzoic acid (yellow color).
Histopathological studies {#sec2-6}
-------------------------
At the end of the experiment, whole brain tissues from all the groups were subjected to histopathological studies. The tissues were fixed in formalin (10%), routinely processed and embedded in paraffin wax. Paraffin sections (5µm thick) were cut on glass slides and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E), after dewaxing, and examined under a light microscope.
Statistical analysis {#sec2-7}
--------------------
The results are expressed as mean±SEM. Statistical differences between means were determined by one-way analysis of variance ([anova]{.smallcaps}), followed by Dunnett t-test. Values of *P* \< 0.01 were considered significant.
Results {#sec1-3}
=======
Preliminary phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract of dried fruits of *Embelia ribes* was carried out and alkaloids, carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, proteins and saponins were detected in the extract. HPTLC fingerprints of aqueous extract showed the presence of seven spots (R~f~ values: 0.32, 0.34, 0.42, 0.45, 0.52, 0.65 and 0.78) at 520 nm wavelength.
Significant (*P* \< 0.01) increase in the serum homocysteine and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were observed in pathogenic control (i.e. group II) rats, as compared to vehicle control rats (group I). Aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes* (group III and IV) significantly (*P* \< 0.01) lowered the methionine-induced elevations of serum homocysteine and LDH levels, as compared to pathogenic control rats (group II). The results were comparable to those of folic acid \[[Table 1](#T0001){ref-type="table"}\].
######
Effect of aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes* on serum homocysteine and LDH levels in methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinemic rats
*Group* *Homocysteine (µg/mL)* *LDH (IU/L)*
---------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------
Vehicle control 8.52 ± 0.19 28.30 ± 0.81
Methionine treated 22.65 ± 0.34[a](#T000Fn1){ref-type="table-fn"} 59.36 ± 0.69[a](#T000Fn1){ref-type="table-fn"}
Aqueous *Embelia ribes* extract (100 mg/kg) + Methionine 16.08 ± 0.03[b](#T000Fn3){ref-type="table-fn"} 42.40 ± 0.42[b](#T000Fn3){ref-type="table-fn"}
Aqueous *Embelia ribes* extract (200 mg/kg) + Methionine 16.08 ± 0.05[b](#T000Fn3){ref-type="table-fn"} 39.03 ± 0.44[b](#T000Fn3){ref-type="table-fn"}
Folic Acid (100 mg/kg) + Methionine 14.72 ± 0.03[b](#T000Fn3){ref-type="table-fn"} 34.50 ± 0.36[b](#T000Fn3){ref-type="table-fn"}
Aqueous *Embelia ribes* extract (100 mg/kg) 9.07 ± 1.00[c](#T000Fn2){ref-type="table-fn"} 29.84 ± 0.56[c](#T000Fn2){ref-type="table-fn"}
Aqueous *Embelia ribes* extract (200 mg/kg) 9.07 ± 0.10[c](#T000Fn2){ref-type="table-fn"} 30.59 ± 1.10[c](#T000Fn2){ref-type="table-fn"}
Values are mean ± SEM (n=10);
*P*\<0.01
*P*\>0.05 as compared to vehicle control group
*P*\<0.01 as compared to pathogenic control group
Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, VLDL-C levels were significantly (*P* \< 0.01) increased along with a significant (*P* \< 0.01) decrease in HDL-C levels in pathogenic control (i.e. group II) rats, as compared to vehicle control (i.e. group I) rats. With repeated administration of aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes* (group III and IV) and folic acid (group V) treatment, the above mentioned parameters were regained significantly (*P* \< 0.01), as compared to pathogenic control (i.e. group II) rats \[[Tables 2](#T0002){ref-type="table"} and [3](#T0003){ref-type="table"}\].
######
Effect of aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes* on serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL-C levels in methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinemic rats
*Groups* *Total Cholesterol (mg/dl)* *Triglycerides (mg/dl)* *HDL-C (mg/dl)*
---------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------
Vehicle control 100.60 ± 0.87 87.15 ± 1.31 39.58 ± 0.57
Methionine treated 194.21 ± 1.65[a](#T000Fn4){ref-type="table-fn"} 179.52 ± 2.15[a](#T000Fn4){ref-type="table-fn"} 14.23 ± 0.44[a](#T000Fn4){ref-type="table-fn"}
Aqueous *Embelia ribes* extract (100 mg/kg) + Methionine 167.66 ± 1.20[b](#T000Fn6){ref-type="table-fn"} 142.42 ± 1.52[b](#T000Fn6){ref-type="table-fn"} 21.16 ± 0.40[b](#T000Fn6){ref-type="table-fn"}
Aqueous *Embelia ribes* extract (200 mg/kg) + Methionine 157.56 ± 1.79[b](#T000Fn6){ref-type="table-fn"} 130.63 ± 2.08[b](#T000Fn6){ref-type="table-fn"} 23.97 ± 0.51[b](#T000Fn6){ref-type="table-fn"}
Folic Acid (100 mg/kg) + Methionine 147.57 ± 1.51[b](#T000Fn6){ref-type="table-fn"} 119.23 ± 1.72[b](#T000Fn6){ref-type="table-fn"} 30.46 ± 1.10[b](#T000Fn6){ref-type="table-fn"}
Aqueous *Embelia ribes* extract (100 mg/kg) 99.57 ± 0.60[c](#T000Fn5){ref-type="table-fn"} 86.96 ± 0.68[c](#T000Fn5){ref-type="table-fn"} 39.74 ± 0.19[c](#T000Fn5){ref-type="table-fn"}
Aqueous *Embelia ribes* extract (200 mg/kg) 97.87 ± 1.20[c](#T000Fn5){ref-type="table-fn"} 85.02 ± 1.37[c](#T000Fn5){ref-type="table-fn"} 39.15 ± 0.37[c](#T000Fn5){ref-type="table-fn"}
Values are mean ± SEM (n=10);
*P*\<0.01
*P*\>0.05 as compared to vehicle control group
*P*\<0.01 as compared to pathogenic control group
######
Effect of aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes* on serum LDL-C, VLDL-C levels and atherosclerotic index in methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinemic rats
*Groups* *LDL-C (mg/dl)* *VLDL-C (mg/dl)* *Atherosclerotic Index (cholesterol/HDL-C)* *Atherosclerotic Index (LDL-C/HDL-C)*
---------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
Vehicle control 43.59±0.56 17.43±0.26 2.54±0.02 1.10±0.02
Methionine treated 144.08±1.71[a](#T000Fn7){ref-type="table-fn"} 35.90±0.43[a](#T000Fn7){ref-type="table-fn"} 13.69±0.41[a](#T000Fn7){ref-type="table-fn"} 10.16±0.33[a](#T000Fn7){ref-type="table-fn"}
Aqueous *Embelia ribes* extract (100 mg/kg) + Methionine 118.01±0.68[b](#T000Fn9){ref-type="table-fn"} 28.48±0.30[b](#T000Fn9){ref-type="table-fn"} 7.93±0.11[b](#T000Fn9){ref-type="table-fn"} 5.58±0.10[b](#T000Fn9){ref-type="table-fn"}
Aqueous *Embelia ribes* extract (200 mg/kg) + Methionine 107.46±0.87[b](#T000Fn9){ref-type="table-fn"} 26.12±0.42[b](#T000Fn9){ref-type="table-fn"} 6.58±0.07[b](#T000Fn9){ref-type="table-fn"} 4.49±0.06[b](#T000Fn9){ref-type="table-fn"}
Folic Acid (100 mg/kg) + Methionine 93.46±0.61[b](#T000Fn9){ref-type="table-fn"} 23.84±0.34[b](#T000Fn9){ref-type="table-fn"} 4.89±0.12[b](#T000Fn9){ref-type="table-fn"} 3.10±0.10[b](#T000Fn9){ref-type="table-fn"}
Aqueous *Embelia ribes* extract (100 mg/kg) 42.45±0.28[c](#T000Fn8){ref-type="table-fn"} 17.39±0.14[c](#T000Fn8){ref-type="table-fn"} 2.50±0.01[c](#T000Fn8){ref-type="table-fn"} 1.07±0.01[c](#T000Fn9){ref-type="table-fn"}
Aqueous *Embelia ribes* extract (200 mg/kg) 41.71±0.56[c](#T000Fn8){ref-type="table-fn"} 17.01±0.27[c](#T000Fn8){ref-type="table-fn"} 2.50±0.01[c](#T000Fn8){ref-type="table-fn"} 1.06±0.01[c](#T000Fn8){ref-type="table-fn"}
Values are mean±SEM (n=10);
*P*\<0.01
*P*\>0.05 as compared to vehicle control group
*P*\<0.01 as compared to pathogenic control group
Methionine treatment significantly (*P* \< 0.01) increased the LPO levels and decreased the GSH levels in brain homogenates in pathogenic control (i.e. group II) rats, as compared to vehicle control (i.e. group I) rats. Aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes* (group III and IV) and folic acid (group V) treatment in methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinemic rats significantly (*P* \< 0.01) decreased the LPO levels and increased the GSH levels in brain homogenates, as compared to pathogenic control (i.e. group II) rats \[[Table 4](#T0004){ref-type="table"}\].
######
Effect of aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes* on LPO and GSH levels in brain in methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinemic rats
*Groups* *LPO (nmol MDA/mg protein)* *GSH (µmole of phosphorous liberated/min/mg protein)*
---------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------
Vehicle control 1.75±0.01 13.63±0.33
Methionine treated 6.87±0.12[a](#T000Fn10){ref-type="table-fn"} 8.93±0.47[a](#T000Fn10){ref-type="table-fn"}
Aqueous *Embelia ribes* extract (100 mg/kg) + Methionine 4.40±0.09[b](#T000Fn12){ref-type="table-fn"} 10.70±0.31[b](#T000Fn12){ref-type="table-fn"}
Aqueous *Embelia ribes* extract (200 mg/kg) + Methionine 3.71±0.06[b](#T000Fn12){ref-type="table-fn"} 11.02±0.17[b](#T000Fn12){ref-type="table-fn"}
Folic Acid (100 mg/kg) + Methionine 3.21±0.04[b](#T000Fn12){ref-type="table-fn"} 12.84±0.14[b](#T000Fn12){ref-type="table-fn"}
Aqueous *Embelia ribes* extract (100 mg/kg) 1.78±0.04[c](#T000Fn11){ref-type="table-fn"} 14.52±0.20[c](#T000Fn11){ref-type="table-fn"}
Aqueous *Embelia ribes* extract (200 mg/kg) 1.86±0.03[c](#T000Fn11){ref-type="table-fn"} 14.61±0.54[c](#T000Fn11){ref-type="table-fn"}
Values are mean±SEM (n=10);
*P*\<0.01
*P*\>0.05 as compared to vehicle control group
*P*\<0.01 as compared to pathogenic control group
Photomicrograph of vehicle control group showed normal fibrillary background. The neuronal cell morphology and tissue architecture was maintained \[[Figure 1A](#F0001){ref-type="fig"}\]. Photomicrograph of pathogenic control group showed coagulative necrosis and vacuolar changes \[[Figure 1B](#F0001){ref-type="fig"}\]. Photomicrographs of aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes* (100 and 200 mg/kg) treated groups showed normal fibrillary background and absence of degenerative changes or necrosis. The neuronal cell morphology and tissue architecture was retained \[[Figures 1C and 1D](#F0001){ref-type="fig"}\]. Photomicrographs of folic acid (100 mg/kg) treated group showed normal fibrillary background, without any pathological symptoms \[[Figure 1E](#F0001){ref-type="fig"}\]. Photomicrographs of the aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes* (100 and 200 mg/kg) *per se* groups showed normal fibrillary background and neuronal cell morphology \[[Figures 1F and 1G](#F0001){ref-type="fig"}\].
{#F0001}
Discussion {#sec1-4}
==========
Hyperhomocysteinemia has recently emerged as an independent risk factor for the development of coronary, cerebrovascular and peripheral arterial occlusive disease.\[[@CIT17]\] Elevated homocysteine promotes atherosclerosis through increased oxidative stress, impaired endothelial function and induction of thrombosis. The role of oxidative stress in neurodegeneration has been intensively studied. Oxidative stress was one important mechanism for homocysteine toxicity in neuronal cells.\[[@CIT18]\] Antioxidant treatment restores several toxic effects of homocysteine.\[[@CIT19]\]
Bhandari *et al.*\[[@CIT12][@CIT13]\] reported the diabetic dyslipidemic and antioxidant activity of *Embelia ribes* Burm in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats, using gliclazide as a positive control drug. In the present study, we examined the homocysteine and lipid lowering potential of the aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes* (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) in methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinemia and hyperlipidemia in rats.
Several potential mechanisms underlying the deleterious effect of homocysteine in the brain have been proposed, which include oxidative stress, alterations in DNA methylation and activation of the excitotoxic NMDA receptors.\[[@CIT5]\] Hyperhomocysteinemia may promote the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as H~2~O~2~ and hydroxyl radicals via the auto-oxidation of sulfhydryl (-SH) group\[[@CIT20]\] or by decreasing the intracellular levels of GSH that are involved in the elimination of free radicals. Homocysteine, a thiol containing amino acid derived from demethylation of dietary methionine, may generate partially reduced ROS that are able to stimulate the lipid peroxidation involved in the atherosclerotic process. Thus, an imbalance in dietary methionine may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis by increasing homocysteine levels.\[[@CIT21]\]
The data in our present study showed that methionine (1 g/kg, p.o.) treatment for 30 days in pathogenic control group (Group II) rats significantly (*P* \< 0.01) elevated the levels of serum homocysteine, LDH, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C and VLDL-C and atherosclerotic index values. Further, there was a decrease in serum HDL-C levels, with decrease in GSH content and increase in LPO levels in brain homogenates.
Atherogenic index indicates the deposition of foam cells or plaque or fatty infiltration or lipids in heart, coronaries, aorta, liver and kidneys. The higher the atherogenic index, the higher is the risk of the above organs for oxidative damage.\[[@CIT22]\]
Free radicals generated by hyperhomocysteinemia, initiate lipid peroxidation of the membrane bound polyunsaturated fatty acids, leading to the impairment of the structural and functional integrity of the membrane.\[[@CIT23]\] This concurs with the present findings, wherein the levels of LPO were found to be significantly (*P* \< 0.01) increased in the animals subjected to methionine treatment. Due to this increased lipid peroxidation, GSH levels are lowered.\[[@CIT24]\]
In the present study, elevated levels of homocysteine, LDH, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C and VLDL-C in serum and LPO in brain homogenates were reduced significantly (*P* \< 0.01) after treatment with aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes*. Further, there was a decrease in the atherogenic index values, suggesting antihyperhomocysteinemic and antihyperlipidemic potential of *Embelia ribes*. Further, the levels of HDL-C in serum and GSH in brain homogenates were increased significantly (*P* \< 0.01), thereby, enhancing the endogenous antioxidant levels. And also, the results of test drug were comparable to folic acid, a standard positive control.
Biochemical assay of various parameters in serum and brain tissues of the animals revealed that aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes* in both the doses favorably modified various biochemical markers in methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinemic rats significantly (*P* \< 0.01), as compared to pathogenic hyperhomocysteinemic rats.
Chemically, *Embelia ribes* is reported to contain embelin, quercitol (polyphenol), tannins and alkaloids,\[[@CIT25]\] which may contribute to its antioxidant activity. In the present study, on standardization of the aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes,* it was found to contain alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, proteins and saponins. It can thus be concluded that the antioxidant effect of the aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes* can be due to the content of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and saponins.
Lastly, the light microscopic observations of the brain tissues of the aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes* treated animals exhibited near normal pattern, thereby further supporting its role as a promising neuroprotective agent.
Conclusion {#sec1-5}
==========
The present results provide clear evidence that aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes* treatment enhances the antioxidant defense against methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinemia, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress in brain. On the basis of above findings, it can be assumed that aqueous extract of *Embelia ribes* could be a potential source for a novel discovery for central nervous system disorders.
The research project was supported by the project grant to Dr. Uma Bhandari by All India Council of Technical Education, New Delhi, India.
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Gatwick Diamond
The Gatwick Diamond is a name invented as a brand for a loosely defined economic area that surrounds Gatwick Airport, some 30 miles south of London.
Scope
The area stretches from the edge of London and the North Downs in the north to the edge of Brighton and the South Downs in the south, and from Horsham in the west to East Grinstead in the east. It benefits from two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: the Surrey Hills and the South Downs National Park. It has an area of some 400 square miles and a population of 680,000; its economy generates £20.7bn GDP. 12 million people live within one hour's drive. There are 406,000 economically active people in the Gatwick Diamond; 81% of the working age population is economically active. 74% of Gatwick Diamond workers are residents (annual population survey 2011). The unemployment level is very low at 1.4%. The Gatwick Diamond is home to 45,000 businesses including many UK and European Headquarters. Some of these companies are: Unilever, Exxon Mobil, Toyota, Doosan, Thales Group, Varian Medical Systems, Elekta, Nestle, EDF Energy, Edwards Vacuum, Canon Inc. and G4S. It also contains the Manor Royal Business Park – the largest business park in the UK, housing 550 businesses and employing around 35,000 people.
Initiative
The Gatwick Diamond Initiative is a business-led private/public partnership that was established in April 2003 to improve the economic performance of the area. It now includes seven local borough/district councils (Horsham, Crawley, Mid Sussex, Tandridge, Reigate & Banstead, Mole Valley and Epsom & Ewell) and two county councils (West Sussex and Surrey), as well as a range of private sector partners.
One of its first actions was to arrange a meeting of the principal stakeholders (both public and private sector) to determine what actions could be taken to improve the economic performance of the area. Business leaders considered that the first priority should be to give the area an image and identity. The Initiative therefore launched the "Gatwick Diamond" on 15 July 2004. Since then the term "Gatwick Diamond" has achieved widespread recognition and acceptance. It was first referred to in parliament by Nicholas Soames, MP for Mid Sussex, on 13 Jun 2006. The Gatwick Diamond Initiative lobbies government and the public sector on issues that prevent businesses in the area from growing; they encourage international trade; promote, attract and help UK and foreign inward investors looking to locate in the area; campaign on issues such as Air Passenger Duty, Gatwick's second runway and the Gatwick Express; and encourage the three Further Education colleges at Redhill, Crawley and Epsom to work together with the University of Brighton and University for the Creative Arts to provide Higher and Further Education to meet business needs.
Economy
The Gatwick Diamond area is situated directly south of London and covers the east of Surrey and northwest of Sussex. The heart of the area is 30 miles from Central London. By rail, the Gatwick Express can get to Central London in 30 minutes. Gatwick Airport is situated at the centre of the Gatwick Diamond and is a nominal 1 hour's drive from Heathrow Airport, subject to frequent delays on the M25. The Gatwick Diamond is within 1 hour from the sea ports of Shoreham and Newhaven and 90 minutes from Dover, Southampton and Portsmouth sea ports. By road, the M23 bisects the Gatwick Diamond and is just 10 minutes from the M25. By bus, the Metrobus Fastway service takes many employees in the Gatwick Diamond to their workplace; coaches leave Gatwick to reach 400 UK towns and cities. The Gatwick Diamond is an economic area worth £20.7bn GDP (growing at 3% per year), with a population of 680,000.
Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport has 48 airlines which fly to 200 destinations, more than any other UK airport. The airport connects to 45 out of 50 top European destinations and over half of the world’s emerging markets. In 2014, the airport had 38.6 million passengers pass through it. This contributes towards Gatwick being the busiest single-runway airport in the world. The airport's railway station was used by 18 million passengers in 2015-16, making it the busiest airport station in the UK.
The Gatwick Diamond Business Association
The Gatwick Diamond Business Association (until 2012, the Crawley and District Industry Association) offers networking opportunities at its monthly members' meetings. It operates like the other membership organisations in the area such as the Chambers of Commerce, Sussex Enterprise and Surrey Chambers of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses, but concentrates on the Gatwick Diamond area. It also delivers the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards.
Member organisations
Gatwick Diamond Business Association
Sussex Chamber of Commerce
Surrey Chambers of Commerce
Crawley & Gatwick Chamber of Commerce
Manor Royal Business District Association
Epsom & Ewell Business Partnership
Leatherhead & District Chamber of Commerce
Dorking Chamber of Commerce
Horsham Chambers of Commerce
Burgess Hill Business Parks Association
Haywards heath & District Business Association
Reigate Business Guild
Horley & District Chamber of Commerce
References
External links
Category:Economy of Surrey
Category:Economy of West Sussex
Category:High-technology business districts in the United Kingdom
Category:Crawley
Category:Gatwick Airport
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{
"pile_set_name": "Wikipedia (en)"
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1. Introduction {#sec1-sensors-18-02955}
===============
One of the most important and promising applications for structural health monitoring (SHM) systems is the aeronautics industry. Global aviation is growing rapidly promising even increased prospects for growth in the future. As discussed in \[[@B1-sensors-18-02955]\] the world commercial aircraft fleet increased on average by 1.8% during 2010 reaching more than 25,000 new aircraft in operation. In addition, there are many old aircrafts that are still operating in the global air space \[[@B2-sensors-18-02955],[@B3-sensors-18-02955]\]. It is important to mention that aged aircraft structures are predominantly made of aluminum and consequently monitoring the integrity of those metallic structures constitutes an increased demand for the aeronautics industry. Accordingly, new SHM methods may considerably reduce the maintenance cost and enable much more structural safety. Driven by new services in the area of structural analysis, SHM is developing in order to adapt academic work to practical SHM systems. Hence, NDE (Non-Destructive Evaluation) methods have extensively been proposed in recent years, as these methods allow the application of various types of structures and consequently the identification of various types of damage.
In SHM, physical or mathematical models are very useful for dynamic structural analysis, however, most of the real applications present some type of nonlinearity originated from geometric features, type of material, or boundary conditions, which leads to complex and expensive models. Owing to that, many authors have avoided working on structural modeling making use of techniques which allow the damage identification directly from the structural responses obtained from sensors signals. On this subject, the Electromechanical Impedance (EMI) technique plays an important role within the NDE methods. The EMI technique uses low-cost, small, and lightweight piezoelectric (PZT-lead zirconate titanate) transducer glued onto the structure \[[@B4-sensors-18-02955]\]. This technique is well-known in the literature \[[@B5-sensors-18-02955],[@B6-sensors-18-02955],[@B7-sensors-18-02955],[@B8-sensors-18-02955],[@B9-sensors-18-02955],[@B10-sensors-18-02955],[@B11-sensors-18-02955],[@B12-sensors-18-02955]\]. In the past, different SHM methods, based on neural networks (NN), had been widely investigated in order to evaluate structural conditions. Many SHM applications were proposed focusing on the multilayer perceptron and backpropagation algorithms \[[@B13-sensors-18-02955],[@B14-sensors-18-02955],[@B15-sensors-18-02955]\]. Subsequently, new classes of NN such as probabilistic neural network (PNN) and fuzzy ARTMAP network (FAN) took place. These methods have been successfully shown on various structures. For example, methods based on PPN applied to damage identification in SHM were addressed in \[[@B16-sensors-18-02955],[@B17-sensors-18-02955],[@B18-sensors-18-02955]\]. In the same way, FAN methods were investigated in \[[@B19-sensors-18-02955],[@B20-sensors-18-02955],[@B21-sensors-18-02955],[@B22-sensors-18-02955],[@B23-sensors-18-02955],[@B24-sensors-18-02955],[@B25-sensors-18-02955],[@B26-sensors-18-02955],[@B27-sensors-18-02955]\].
More recently, the convolutional neural network (CNN) has exploded in popularity and real-world applications. The CNN simply provides a new class of NN which uses the concept of deep learning. CNN is one of the most recent major breakthroughs in the area of computer vision, speech recognition, biomedical systems, and natural language processing \[[@B28-sensors-18-02955],[@B29-sensors-18-02955]\]. Unlike an ordinary NN, the layers of CNN can arrange neurons in three dimensions: width, height, and depth. Accordingly, some CNN applications have successfully emerged in the SHM field focusing mostly on vibration analysis as summarized next. Many CNN applications in SHM systems have focused on vibration analysis for monitoring faults on rotating machinery. For example, a fast and accurate motor condition monitoring and early fault detection system using 1D-CNN was proposed in \[[@B30-sensors-18-02955]\]. Similar approaches were also addressed in \[[@B31-sensors-18-02955],[@B32-sensors-18-02955]\]. Likewise, in reference \[[@B33-sensors-18-02955]\] was proposed a method to address fault diagnosis based on CNN directly on raw vibration signals. The authors mentioned that the model works well in noisy environments and performs well when the working load changes. Similarly, a 1D-CNN vibration-based method was applied to damage detection and localization in real-time from the raw acceleration signals \[[@B34-sensors-18-02955]\]. The method was applied to large-scale test structures. In \[[@B35-sensors-18-02955]\], the authors proposed to incorporate sensor fusion by taking advantages of the CNN structure to achieve higher and more robust diagnosis accuracy. They analyzed both temporal and spatial information of the raw data from multiple sensors for the training process of the CNN. They pointed out that their method, compared with traditional approaches which use manual feature extraction, results in superior diagnosis performance. In \[[@B36-sensors-18-02955]\], the authors proposed a CNN-based approach (LiftingNet) to learn features adaptively from raw mechanical data without prior knowledge. The authors highlighted that the advantages in applications are the ability to classify mechanical data sampled under different rotating speeds and achieving high classification accuracy with considerable noise present. Although all those above approaches obtained good results, none of them focused on using PZT-EMI-based method to identify structural damage. In \[[@B37-sensors-18-02955]\], the authors proposed a wireless-sensor-networks-based method which takes advantage of an individual training 1D CNN for each wireless sensor in the network in a format where each CNN is assigned to process the locally-available data only, eliminating the need for data transmission and synchronization. That method operates directly on the raw ambient vibration condition signals without any filtering or preprocessing. In the same way, in reference \[[@B38-sensors-18-02955]\], the authors proposed an enhanced CNN-based approach that requires only two measurement sets regardless of the size of the structure in order to overcome the limitation of training CNNs which predominantly requires a significant amount of measurements especially if applied to large-scale systems. They pointed out that their method was able to successfully estimate the actual amount of damage for the nine damage scenarios of the benchmark study.
Recently a single CNN application emerged in the SHM field focusing on video processing \[[@B39-sensors-18-02955]\]. Therein, the authors proposed to analyze individual video frames for inspection of crack in a nuclear power plant via CNN and Naive Bayes Data Fusion. They pointed out that their framework achieves 98.3 of hit rate. Despite the good results, they mentioned that one disadvantage is that CNN needs substantial training data (e.g., more than 100,000 samples) to make the training converge and prevent overfitting. Another disadvantage is that the computations of CNN rely heavily on GPU (graphics processing unit). Conclusively, the SHM literature shows clearly that there are no details for the combination of PZT-EMI-based method and CNN when applied to monitor structures, underscoring the novelty of the approach presented here
Unlike existing studies, the major contribution of this work consists of a novel strategy for damage detection via the combination of the EMI-PZT-based technique and the CNN algorithm. The developed methodology was experimentally tested based on the EMI technique. The validation of the methodology was carried out in an aluminum plate which contains three attached PZT patches. The damage scenarios were simulated by gluing a small metallic nut at three different positions. The results, therefore, showed that it can identify various structural conditions with accuracy, reliability, and efficiency. In summary, the main contributions of this paper are:We developed a novel method suitable for mechanical data analysis. A method that takes advantage of the combination of the EMI-PZT-based method along with CNN.A way of converting PZT response based on the EMI technique to a RGB frame constitutes a novel approach;Frames were computed through a wide range of frequency instead of choosing only the best range in which the EMI presents higher sensitivity. This issue provides an important advantage because that task is very difficult;An unpublished frame dataset encompassing a total of four types of structural conditions for each PZT is introduced;An enhanced method which requires only a small dataset for training the CNN without using GPU. Furthermore, only three epochs are needed to yield 100% of hit rate.
The remainder of the paper is organized as follows. Firstly, the main theoretical fundamentals are addressed. Secondly, the developed method, highlighting the combination of the EMI-PZT along and the CNN algorithm, is presented. Next, the results followed by a comparison with other SHM approaches are presented. Finally, the paper concludes by highlighting remarks on the developed approach.
2. Theoretical Fundamentals {#sec2-sensors-18-02955}
===========================
2.1. Structural Health Monitoring Systems {#sec2dot1-sensors-18-02955}
-----------------------------------------
Structural health monitoring (SHM) systems have become a crucial element in maintenance and inspection activities in the industry, with special emphasis on aeronautical engineering, aerospace, civil, maritime and other related fields. Owing to the high level of safety required, the aeronautical industry has demanded high investments in order to guarantee an adequate operating condition in aircrafts. According to \[[@B40-sensors-18-02955]\], SHM systems could significantly reduce maintenance costs, as the damage could be detected in early stage, accounting for 27% of the cost of its life cycle. In SHM, the damage is characterized by changes in the dynamic response of the structure due to variations in stiffness, mass, energy dissipation, mechanical impedance and/or geometric properties of the structure \[[@B41-sensors-18-02955]\]. Hence, the concentration of various damages in a structure can lead to failures compromising the operation of the entire system. In general, the term "integrity" is the condition of the structure that allows its proper operation with satisfactory performance. In this context, structural integrity is the borderline condition between safety and failure of structural components \[[@B42-sensors-18-02955]\].
SHM systems are characterized by their ability to detect, locate, quantify, and estimate the life of the structure according to the occurred damage \[[@B43-sensors-18-02955]\]. However, according to \[[@B7-sensors-18-02955]\] when incorporating smart materials (PZT, magnetostrictive strain, shape memory alloys, etc.) into the detection system, three more levels should be considered: self-diagnosis of structural damage, structural self-repair, and a simultaneous system of control and monitoring. In SHM, NDE (nondestructive evaluation) methods have extensively been proposed in recent years, as these methods allow the application of various types of structures and consequently the identification of various types of damage. NDE methods have been applied based on different techniques such as: acoustic emission, Eddy current, radiography, thermography, shearography, Lamb waves, and electromechanical impedance \[[@B42-sensors-18-02955]\]. Wherein, the electromechanical impedance (EMI) technique plays an important role due to this technique makes use of a low-cost piezoelectric transducer (PZT) attached to the monitored structure \[[@B4-sensors-18-02955]\]. In this technique, several structural responses are collected to evaluate the structure considering its dynamic condition through a forced excitation via PZT patches. It is remarkable that the same PZT is also used as a sensor to collect structural responses for further processing.
Considering the use of the EMI technique, piezoelectric materials play important roles due to these materials can be used as passive and/or active elements. These materials cover a large range of frequency (from a few Hz up to GHz). Low-frequency applications are covered mainly by the polycrystalline materials (ceramics, polymers or composites). In turn, crystals and thin films are the most used in high-frequency applications \[[@B44-sensors-18-02955]\]. PZT ceramics have the following advantages: good electromechanical coupling, good stability, high stiffness, linear response to low-cost electric field \[[@B45-sensors-18-02955]\]. Among the various types of piezoelectric materials, PZTs have shown very efficiently, being able to convert about 80% of the mechanical energy into electric energy \[[@B45-sensors-18-02955]\].
From a practical point of view of applying the EMI technique in SHM systems, the PZT transducers are glued into the monitored structure by high stiffness adhesive glue based on cyanoacrylate or an epoxy resin. From that, a coupling is established between the structure and the transducer PZT enabling to monitor variations of the mechanical impedance of the structure by measuring the electrical impedance of the PZT \[[@B4-sensors-18-02955]\]. Hence, exciting the PZT using a sinusoidal source V~X~ (with amplitude V~P~ and angular frequency (*ω*)) will produce a current I with amplitude I~P~ and phase Ψ. The electrical impedance of the PZT (Z~E~(*ω*)) is given as follows \[[@B4-sensors-18-02955]\]:$$Z_{E}\left( \omega \right) = \frac{Vx}{I} = \frac{1}{j\omega a}{({{\overline{\mathsf{\varepsilon}}}_{33}}^{T} - \frac{Z\left( \omega \right)}{Z\left( \omega \right) + Z_{a}\left( \omega \right)}d_{3x}^{2}{\hat{Y}}_{xx}^{E})}^{- 1}$$ where Z~a~(*ω*) and Z(*ω*) represent the mechanical impedances for the transducer and monitored structure, respectively. In Equation (1), ${{\overline{\mathsf{\varepsilon}}}_{33}}^{T},~{\hat{Y}}_{xx}^{E},~d_{3x}^{2}$, and j represent dielectric constant, Young's modulus, electric field constant, geometric constant and imaginary unit respectively. Note from Equation (1) that any variation in terms of the structural impedance will cause changes in the electrical impedance of the PZT patch and this, in turn, causes changes in the EMI signatures. Extra details of how PZT impedance is related to the structural condition via the EMI technique can be explored in the following references \[[@B4-sensors-18-02955],[@B7-sensors-18-02955],[@B46-sensors-18-02955],[@B47-sensors-18-02955],[@B48-sensors-18-02955],[@B49-sensors-18-02955]\].
2.2. The Convolutional Neural Network {#sec2dot2-sensors-18-02955}
-------------------------------------
The convolutional neural network (CNN) is a deep linear network inspired by the functioning of the visual cortex of mammals. Its first version was proposed by \[[@B50-sensors-18-02955]\] and was conceived inspired by the work of \[[@B51-sensors-18-02955]\]. Posteriorly, authors proposed an enhanced CNN architecture by incorporating processes of supervised learning through the backpropagation method \[[@B52-sensors-18-02955]\]. In reference \[[@B53-sensors-18-02955]\] was proposed the LeNet network, which can be considered the first architecture to present all features of the current CNN. Following Google's involvement in the competition promoted by ImageNet, the largest database of image classification, CNN has become the state-of-the-art for image classification \[[@B54-sensors-18-02955]\]. This made CNN popularity increase and, consequently, the amount of published work grew up proportionally. The main trend in the modeling of CNN is towards the use of ever deeper networks \[[@B54-sensors-18-02955]\].
The fundamental difference between an "ordinary" neural network and a CNN consists of the fact that CNN uses the convolution operation instead of the multiplication of the array of neurons in at least one of its layers \[[@B55-sensors-18-02955]\]. In the image processing, where the image is a two-dimensional matrix, the convolution operation is very useful for edge detection, image smoothing, attribute extraction, among other features. As a consequence, the convolution operation reduces the size of the original image due to the difference in the filter size. However, this reduction can be overcome by using the well-known zero padding technique.
There are three important distinctive features on CNN compared to other Neural Network (NN): shared weights, spatial/temporal subsampling, and local receptor fields \[[@B53-sensors-18-02955]\]. The shared weight enables the network to learn only a smaller set of filters that can be applied to all the regions of the image, instead of learning specific weights for each region of the image, increasing the power of generalization of the network \[[@B56-sensors-18-02955]\]. The subsampling procedure in the CNN is usually conceived in the pooling layer (downsampling). This concept was first introduced by \[[@B52-sensors-18-02955]\]. For that, the max pooling computation is done for an image region followed by creating an array of these maximums. Thus, it eliminates non-maximum values, reducing both the size of the data representation and the computation required for the next layers \[[@B55-sensors-18-02955]\].
The third distinctive feature is the existence of local receptor fields. In the classical NN, each input value of each layer is completely connected to the input values of the previous layer (fully connected). Hence, the NN needs to perform several multiplications to find the connected neuron activation, requiring a great computational power mainly for images that have many connected neurons. On contrary, as in natural images, the adjacent pixels tend to be more strongly correlated than the distant pixels, the CNN is architected for that each filter learns on only one subregion of the data received from the previous layer \[[@B56-sensors-18-02955]\]. This allows increasingly complex patterns to be modeled from combinations of simple local operations \[[@B55-sensors-18-02955]\]. In addition to these important properties, other computational resources are used to avoid overfitting and training time of CNN. For example, the dropout consists of randomly removing half of the neurons from the hidden layers at each iteration of the training procedure. This technique also gives the network the ability to learn more robust parameters, since a neuron cannot depend on the specific presence of other neurons.
In summary, CNN networks are composed of convolution layers, which involve the convolution process and the pooling process, in addition to using the concept of local receiver fields to optimize the image processing; layer normalization, which involves the dropout process and other processes used to improve network performance; and the fully connected layer responsible for sorting. [Figure 1](#sensors-18-02955-f001){ref-type="fig"} shows a general architecture for the CNN. The first part of the network consists of the convolution (C1, C2, etc.) and subsampling (S1, S2, etc.) layers. Basically, these layers are responsible for extracting the network features. The second part of the network consists of the normalization and fully connected layers. This block is used as images classifier after the image has passed through the feature extraction block. The data entries of each hidden layer form a set of feature maps obtained by processing the data in the previous layer. The feature maps do not require the preprocessing of the image, which is a process that usually requires higher computational power, playing a fundamental role in the advantage of the use of this type of network in image processing. Extra details about CNN and deep learning are shown in previous studies learning \[[@B50-sensors-18-02955],[@B51-sensors-18-02955],[@B52-sensors-18-02955],[@B53-sensors-18-02955],[@B54-sensors-18-02955],[@B55-sensors-18-02955],[@B56-sensors-18-02955],[@B57-sensors-18-02955],[@B58-sensors-18-02955]\].
3. Developed Method {#sec3-sensors-18-02955}
===================
The [Figure 2](#sensors-18-02955-f002){ref-type="fig"} shows the developed framework for the methodology based on the EMI-CNN applied to identify structural damage. The methodology consists of three phases as described in the following subsections. In phase 1, impedance signals are obtained based on the EMI principle. For this, three PZTs (called PZT\#1, PZT\#2 and PZT\#3) considering four different structural conditions (Healthy (H), Damage 1 (D1), Damage 2 (D2) and Damage 3 (D3) were considered. Further details about the experimental set up are presented in the next subsection. In phase 2, Euclidean distances (ED) were computed from the structural response signals in order to form frames. Those frames were used to form a dataset for both the training and test phases. In phase 3, the dataset was used as inputs for the CNN. Each CNN is responsible for recognizing four different structural conditions: H, D1, D2, and D3.
3.1. Phase 1: Acquisition of the EMI Signals {#sec3dot1-sensors-18-02955}
--------------------------------------------
In order to obtain the structural response signals, we developed a method based on the EMI technique. EMI requires that the structure is excited through a PZT at low amplitude considering over a wide frequency range to produce a forced excitation of the structure \[[@B4-sensors-18-02955]\]. Each PZT acts as actuator and sensor at the same time. In our example, an aluminum plate of size 400 mm × 250 mm × 5 mm was suspended in both tips using fishing lines in order to simulate free-free boundary conditions. Three piezoelectric diaphragms (called PZT\#1, PZT\#2 and PZT\#3) with diameters of 12 mm were used, that had active elements of type P-7 PZT ceramics (Murata Electronics). These diaphragms were bonded (using 3M Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesives DP460 Off-White) to the plate at three different positions ([Figure 3](#sensors-18-02955-f003){ref-type="fig"}).
Subsequently, a chirp signal sweeping from 20 kHz to 110 kHz with amplitude of 3 V was used to excite the set PZT/structure. Although many authors consider that the real part of EMI in a frequency range from 20 kHz up to 40 kHz constitutes the best set in terms of damage sensibility (for example \[[@B6-sensors-18-02955],[@B7-sensors-18-02955]\]), the frequency band of the EMI signature for higher sensitivity and repeatability depends on several features, such as geometry, mass, boundary conditions and other structural features \[[@B5-sensors-18-02955]\]. Also, studies show that the structure suffers less interference of global conditions in higher frequencies vibration modes \[[@B10-sensors-18-02955]\], which justify the chosen frequency range. Another important remark regarding the excitation signal is that its variation in terms of amplitude does not affect the EMI-signatures \[[@B59-sensors-18-02955]\].
The acquisition system (DAQ) was developed in LabVIEW software and used here to excite and obtain the structure responses \[[@B8-sensors-18-02955]\]. This system is pictured in [Figure 4](#sensors-18-02955-f004){ref-type="fig"}. The resistor R was set to 1 kΩ, in order to limit the electric current through the PZT patch. Using that system, a set of measurements for the pristine structural condition was performed. These measures were stored to form the Baseline (B) set. Each PZT response signal was separately sampled at a rate of 1 MS/s. At a different time, a new set of measurements, considering the same structural condition, was carried out to form a new data set for the Healthy (H) condition.
Next, three damage cases were separately simulated by gluing (using 3M Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesives DP460 Off-White) a metallic nut of about 10 g (diameter of 12 mm and height of 7 mm) at three different positions in the structure ([Figure 2](#sensors-18-02955-f002){ref-type="fig"} and [Figure 3](#sensors-18-02955-f003){ref-type="fig"}), being only one damage per time (named D1, D2 and D3). Hence considering D1, the PZT\#1 was separately excited and its own response is obtained individually, as proposed in references \[[@B4-sensors-18-02955],[@B5-sensors-18-02955],[@B6-sensors-18-02955],[@B7-sensors-18-02955],[@B8-sensors-18-02955]\]. Afterward, the same procedure is applied to PZT\#2 followed by PZT\#3. From this approach, the response signals are obtained separately for each PZT patch, thereby allowing the proposed method to work on each response signal separately. Posteriorly, the nut was removed and bonded at the position D2. The response signals for PZT\#1, PZT\#2 and PZT\#3 were separately obtained. Finally, the same procedure was carried out for D3. In a total, there were 1080 EMI signatures (60 for each structural condition). The time interval between two consecutive samples was 30 s. The environmental temperature of the room was kept constant to 22 °C throughout the experiment. The EMI signals were used to form RGB frames.
3.2. Phase 2: Formation of the Frames {#sec3dot2-sensors-18-02955}
-------------------------------------
As stated earlier, the SHM literature shows clearly that there is not a combination of PZT-based methods and CNN due to the difficulty in obtaining images/videos from the PZT responses. As a consequence, there is a lack of using CNN along with the EMI technique applied to monitor structures. To overcome that, this paper introduces an innovative way of forming frames from PZT-EMI signatures, as explored in detail next. The RGB frame formation process is composed of eight steps, as follows ([Figure 5](#sensors-18-02955-f005){ref-type="fig"}):**Step 1:** The matrix containing the raw EMI data, sampled by the LabVIEW acquisition software, is read;**Step 2:** As the proposed method uses only the real part of the EMI, those samples are retrieved from the matrix into an array;**Step 3:** The EMI signatures (baseline and unknown conditions) are divided into equal parts (10 parts for each signal);**Step 4:** Those parts are used to compute Euclidian distances and generate a new array;**Step 5:** That new array is transformed into a square matrix;**Step 6:** Those obtained values (inside the array) are normalized by the maximum mean;**Step 7:** Using the *colormap function* (MATLAB), the normalized matrix is mapped to a colored matrix (RGB);**Step 8:** The generated image is then saved as a JPEG image. The image will be used as an input to the CNN preprocessing block (Figure 9).
Next, the most important steps are further detailed from a practical point of view. Firstly, the real parts of the EMI are divided into several parts as illustrated in [Figure 6](#sensors-18-02955-f006){ref-type="fig"} (Step 3). For example, [Figure 6](#sensors-18-02955-f006){ref-type="fig"} shows two EMI signatures for the baseline (top) and unknown (bottom) conditions. Each signal was equally divided in three parts forming six parts in a total. Those parts were named as B1, B2 and B3 for the baseline signature and U1, U2 and U3 for the unknown condition.
Using MATLAB^®^, Euclidean Distances (ED) were computed from the EMI parts, as follows (Step 4):$${Ed}\left( {B1,B1} \right) = \sqrt{\sum\limits_{j = 1}^{n}\left( {B1_{j} - B1_{j}} \right)^{2}}$$ $${Ed}\left( {B1,U1} \right) = \sqrt{\sum\limits_{j = 1}^{n}\left( {B1_{j} - U1_{j}} \right)^{2}}$$ where, B1 and U1 are the baseline and unknown structural conditions, respectively. This procedure was repeated among all parts in order to form an ED-matrix. Considering the example case, [Figure 7](#sensors-18-02955-f007){ref-type="fig"} sums up all possible combinations of the ED into an ED-matrix (Step 5).
It is important to highlight that the principal diagonal of the ED-matrix is zero because the method computes EDs for the same part of the signals there. This matrix is formed for each PZT-EMI signature and this will be used to form a frame. In this paper, the baseline signature is always used in the first part of the ED-matrices. Each element of ED-matrix was transformed into a RGB (red, green, and blue) scale in order to form a RGB frame with three dimensions (width, height, and depth). This procedure was easily run in the developed MATLAB software (Step 7). [Figure 8](#sensors-18-02955-f008){ref-type="fig"} shows its correspondent RGB frame for the previous example ([Figure 7](#sensors-18-02955-f007){ref-type="fig"}). Each obtained frame has a width, height, and depth of 895, 656 and 3, respectively.
As observed in [Figure 8](#sensors-18-02955-f008){ref-type="fig"}, the obtained frame presents regular symmetry over and under the principal diagonal. Once the structural condition varies, the frame colors will turn accordingly. As a consequence, each frame will be subtlety different for each structural condition and such differences will be perceived by the CNN algorithm. It is important to mention that during the frame assembly, we form a corresponding frame for each PZT-EMI signature along with its respective baseline signature. Furthermore, the developed methodology assembles frames through a wide frequency range instead of choosing only the best range in which the EMI technique presents higher sensitivity, as is the case in standard EMI approaches. This is an advantage because it eliminates the difficult task of searching for the most sensitive frequencies \[[@B60-sensors-18-02955]\]. From the assembled frames a frame dataset with 720 frames formed from the EMI-PZT signals, encompassing a total of 4 types of structural conditions for each PZT is formed. [Table 1](#sensors-18-02955-t001){ref-type="table"} shows how the dataset is distributed for PZTs \#1 and \#2. The distribution for PZT\#3 is similar. This dataset is used as input to feed the CNN algorithm.
3.3. Phase 3: CNN-Based Damage Detection Method {#sec3dot3-sensors-18-02955}
-----------------------------------------------
As aforementioned, the CNN forms a new class of neural networks (NN) which uses the concept of deep learning \[[@B50-sensors-18-02955],[@B51-sensors-18-02955],[@B52-sensors-18-02955],[@B53-sensors-18-02955],[@B54-sensors-18-02955],[@B55-sensors-18-02955],[@B56-sensors-18-02955],[@B57-sensors-18-02955],[@B58-sensors-18-02955]\]. The CNN takes advantage of the fact that the input consists of images/videos and they constrain the architecture in a more sensible way. Unlike an ordinary NN, the layers of a CNN have neurons arranged in three dimensions: width, height, and depth. According to \[[@B57-sensors-18-02955]\], the CNN architecture was designed to ensure some degree of shift, scale, and distortion invariance. Further, each unit in a layer is organized in planes which all units share the same set of weights. The set of outputs of the unit in a given plane is called a feature map. Hence, a full convolutional layer is composed of several feature maps with different weight vectors. As a consequence, several features can be extracted at each location in the image \[[@B57-sensors-18-02955]\]. A sequential implementation of the feature maps consists in scanning the image with a single unit that has a local receptive field and stores the states of this unit at the corresponding position on the feature map. The kernel (filter) of the convolution process is used to connect weights used by the units into the feature maps \[[@B57-sensors-18-02955]\]. It is fair to say that the recent success of the CNN architecture can be largely attributed to the strong emphasis on modeling multiple levels of abstractions.
In order to evaluate structural conditions, this approach proposes a framework for the CNN as shown in [Figure 9](#sensors-18-02955-f009){ref-type="fig"}. The method uses one CNN architecture like that for each PZT sensor. The CNN is fed with the obtained frames computed from the impedance signatures under various structural conditions ([Table 1](#sensors-18-02955-t001){ref-type="table"}). The preprocessing block is the first step to be considered. This block consists of two steps of image processing. The first step is to read and convert the RGB image to grayscale. Besides, the image is resized from 875 × 656 × 3 pixels to 128 × 128 × 1 pixels in order to reduce the processing time for the CNN. A second step towards finalizing the preprocessing block consists of converting the grayscale image into a feature vector by flattening the image to an array. This array contains all the pixels of the image and it is structured by adding the first row of pixels from the image to an empty array, then, the second row of pixels is added to the end of that array and so on, until the last row of the image. Posteriorly, the array type is changed to float to enable performing of standardization. This process is important because some machine learning algorithms may present low performance when there are large variations in the used data. Finally, the array is normalized with Gaussian distribution with zero-mean and unit-variance.
A brief explanation of the most significant characteristics of the CNN architecture shown in [Figure 9](#sensors-18-02955-f009){ref-type="fig"} is stated next. Firstly, the grayscale image \[128 × 128 × 1\] was applied to the first Conv module. This module is composed of 32 filters (kernel size of 3 × 3), resulting in a volume such as \[126 × 126 × 1\]. It is important to mention that this Conv block applies the zero-padding algorithm aiming to avoid losses. Other Conv modules can be understood similarly except they do not take advantage of the zero-padding algorithm. Next, the Maxpooling size was set to 2 × 2 whilst the Drop Out was set to 0.5 in order to reduce the possibility of over-fitting and improve the generalization of the CNN. In order to optimize the weights of the training algorithm, this approach used the popular RMS (Root Mean Square) backpropagation algorithm wherein the weights were changed according to the gradient descent direction of an error. The Soft Max block outputted four structural conditions: H, D1, D2, and D3.
4. Experimental Results {#sec4-sensors-18-02955}
=======================
In order to evaluate the developed methodology, this section presents the results obtained considering the experimental set up described above. Firstly, structural response signals were obtained from the various structural conditions and positions of damage on the structure, through PZTs using the above-mentioned acquisition system. Sample signals are presented in [Figure 10](#sensors-18-02955-f010){ref-type="fig"}. For brevity, only the real part of the impedance for PZT\#2 is shown. Signatures are shown for four different structural conditions: healthy (H), damage 1 (D1), damage 2 (D2) and damage 3 (D3). As observed, the damage insertion will cause changes in the electrical impedance of the PZT and this in turn causes changes in the EMI signatures. Those changes happen in both magnitude and frequency. For the majority of the cases, the structural change causes only subtle variations in the EMI signatures needing methods more precise that are able to identify such variations automatically.
Secondly, the obtained structural response signals were divided, in ten parts for each signal, as shown in [Figure 6](#sensors-18-02955-f006){ref-type="fig"}. Next, Euclidean distances (ED) were computed from the split signals, as in Equations (2) and (3) and as following those values are put onto the ED-matrix ([Figure 7](#sensors-18-02955-f007){ref-type="fig"}). From the formed ED-matrix, each ED value is transformed to the RGB frame (see procedures presented in [Figure 5](#sensors-18-02955-f005){ref-type="fig"}). [Figure 11](#sensors-18-02955-f011){ref-type="fig"} illustrates a set of frames formed from the EMI signatures for PZT\#2.
The frame showed in [Figure 11](#sensors-18-02955-f011){ref-type="fig"}a is formed by computing ED for signatures for the baseline with healthy (H) structural conditions. Similarly, [Figure 11](#sensors-18-02955-f011){ref-type="fig"}b--d present the formed frames considering the baseline with D1, baseline with D2 and baseline with D3, respectively. As observed in [Figure 11](#sensors-18-02955-f011){ref-type="fig"}, a substantial difference between the frames for healthy and damaged conditions is perceptible, mainly from the second diagonal. This diagonal is only presented for the healthy condition. There are also subtle differences, almost imperceptible by human eyes if we analyze the frames brightness. In contrast, taking into account only the frames for the damaged structural conditions, such differences are visually misperceived demanding a very precise algorithm to overcome that. In this sense, this approach applies the CNN algorithm to bring up those subtle differences in order to provide precise and reliable damage detection, as shown next. It is important to highlight that the obtained frames are used to form a dataset for training and testing procedures, which are used as input to the CNN algorithm ([Table 1](#sensors-18-02955-t001){ref-type="table"}).
Thirdly, the CNN block is fed to the aforementioned dataset ([Table 1](#sensors-18-02955-t001){ref-type="table"}). Both training and testing phases were carried out on a Laptop running Windows 8. The Laptop has an Intel Core i5-3320 M with 8 GB of RAM. It is important to point out that this approach did not take advantage of any dedicated GPU. Keras along with Theano backend libraries were used to run the training and test. Those libraries were specially developed in Python for deep learning applications. The batch size was set to 8 and, after running 3 epochs the training procedure successfully converged. Three CNN blocks were designed, corresponding one for each PZT sensor.
[Figure 12](#sensors-18-02955-f012){ref-type="fig"} shows the feature maps for the 1st CNN layer after applying 32 kernels onto a correspondent frame for PZT\#2, considering D1 and H structural conditions. Analyzing [Figure 12](#sensors-18-02955-f012){ref-type="fig"}, we can realize that there are substantial differences among the feature maps for D1 and H. Such differences are primordial to guarantee the suitability of the developed methodology. In order to extract the most relevant features of the frame, each frame is passed by several blocks: Conv, Maxpooling, ReLu, Drop Out and so on ([Figure 9](#sensors-18-02955-f009){ref-type="fig"}).
[Figure 13](#sensors-18-02955-f013){ref-type="fig"} depicts the output (feature maps) for the third Conv block (7th CNN layer) in the framework ([Figure 9](#sensors-18-02955-f009){ref-type="fig"}), after applying 64 kernels onto PZT\#2 frames considering H, D1, D2 and D3 structural conditions. Investigating the results presented in [Figure 13](#sensors-18-02955-f013){ref-type="fig"} it is possible to see how PZT\#2 perceives each structural condition. Further, it is clear that each frame presents outstanding distinctive features for each structural condition compared with the results presented in [Figure 11](#sensors-18-02955-f011){ref-type="fig"}, therefore, making this methodology very promising in SHM.
Considering that one CNN is designed for each PZT sensor and the training and testing phases have been carried out, the CNN successfully converged after running three epochs. [Table 2](#sensors-18-02955-t002){ref-type="table"} shows separately the results for each PZT. The results show that the method was effectively able to identify various structural conditions with 100% accuracy. It is important to highlight that this result was obtained using only a small dataset for training the CNN ([Table 1](#sensors-18-02955-t001){ref-type="table"}) without using any type of GPU. This may provide an excellent and reliable solution for industrial applications where the availability of structural response signals to form the training set is generally scarce.
As stated earlier, the developed method successfully converged after running 3 epochs. This issue is further investigated in [Figure 14](#sensors-18-02955-f014){ref-type="fig"}. For that, the method was evaluated varying the number of epochs from 1 to 60 and, the accuracy and loss rates (for PZT\#2), for both training and validation phases, were computed and presented in [Figure 14](#sensors-18-02955-f014){ref-type="fig"}a,b, respectively. From the results, we can see that during the validation phase the accuracy rate was always constant and equal to 100%. On the other hand, during the training procedure, this rate shows significant variations. However, there is a small plateau for the third epoch. A similar analysis can be done for the loss rate showed in [Figure 14](#sensors-18-02955-f014){ref-type="fig"}b. The method results in a loss rate of zero for three epochs. Based on these results, we henceforth set the number of epochs to three. It is fair to mention that the number of epoch has a straight relation to the training times as shown in [Figure 14](#sensors-18-02955-f014){ref-type="fig"}c. Analyzing [Figure 14](#sensors-18-02955-f014){ref-type="fig"}c we can realize that when using three epochs, the training time is about 120 s.
5. Comparison with Other State-of-the-Art Solutions {#sec5-sensors-18-02955}
===================================================
In order to evaluate the performance of the developed method, [Table 3](#sensors-18-02955-t003){ref-type="table"} shows the success rates for testing phase as a comparison of different methods, running in the same conditions. Methods based on probabilistic neural network (PNN) \[[@B24-sensors-18-02955]\], simplified fuzzy ARTMAP network (SFAN) \[[@B22-sensors-18-02955],[@B24-sensors-18-02955]\], Savitzky--Golay (SG), Savitzky--Golay with first derivative (SGFD) and Savitzky--Golay with second derivative (SGSD) were considered \[[@B27-sensors-18-02955]\]. The SFAN, SG, SGFD and SGSD methods used setup parameters as follows: ρ = 0.78, α = 0.25 and β = 1 \[[@B24-sensors-18-02955],[@B27-sensors-18-02955]\]. For the PNN, the spread constant (σ) was set to 0.1 \[[@B24-sensors-18-02955],[@B27-sensors-18-02955]\]. Analyzing [Table 3](#sensors-18-02955-t003){ref-type="table"}, we can realize that the method enhanced the success rates for all PZTs sensor. For example, PZT\#1 yielded an improvement of 17% and 6% compared with the SFAN-SGSD and SFAN-SGFD methods, respectively. Therefore, the enhancement of this approach over existing approaches is undoubted.
Training and testing times are stated next. As aforementioned, the training time is directly related to the number of epochs. Hence, [Table 4](#sensors-18-02955-t004){ref-type="table"} shows a time consumption comparison for three different methods, considering the results for PZT\#1. All methods were run, under the same conditions, on a laptop (stated earlier).
As observed in [Table 4](#sensors-18-02955-t004){ref-type="table"}, the SFAN-based method showed the best performance in terms of both training and testing times. The PNN method obtained the second place with a subtle difference in relation to SFAN. The CNN-based method results in a longer time for both training and test. This is because the processing images consist of a time-consuming task as recurrently shown in the literature. Further analysis about time consumption will be stated in the next subsection.
Advantages and Drawbacks
------------------------
The feasibility of the above approach is validated based on EMI-measurement datasets. The method results in an accuracy rate of 100% for all tested scenarios. Therefore, the main advantages of the developed method can be summarized into four points.
Firstly, a new way of converting PZT response to RGB frames along with the CNN-based method represents a new approach to structural health monitoring. Based on the results, the method has direct implications in terms of diminishing the percentage of false alarms whilst the damage detection is being performed.
Secondly, the major achievement in applying the method is the ability to classify structural damage with higher accuracy compared with the state-of-the-art approaches \[[@B22-sensors-18-02955],[@B24-sensors-18-02955],[@B27-sensors-18-02955]\]. This is possible because the CNN applies several banks of filters in order to extract the best features that represent different structural conditions, in each frame. It potentially has direct application in the composite materials industry especially when applied to identify small damage and its progression as discussed in \[[@B22-sensors-18-02955],[@B24-sensors-18-02955],[@B61-sensors-18-02955]\].
Thirdly, it is important to quote that this method, proves to be more reliable to detect both internal and non-visual damage compared with a method based on only video/image processing \[[@B39-sensors-18-02955]\]. Furthermore, the method presents another important advantage compared with \[[@B39-sensors-18-02955]\] because it does not require a GPU and can be run in an ordinary laptop, a direct consequence of the small dataset used to train the CNN.
Fourthly, the developed method forms frames through a wide range of frequency instead of choosing only the best range in which the EMI presents higher sensitivity. This issue comprises an important advantage because that task is very difficult as pointed out in \[[@B62-sensors-18-02955]\].
Despite the advantages, improvements of the developed method still need to be investigated. The major problem with the current approach is the time consumption issue. As presented in [Table 4](#sensors-18-02955-t004){ref-type="table"}, the CNN-based method used substantially more time compared with the methods addressed in \[[@B22-sensors-18-02955],[@B24-sensors-18-02955],[@B27-sensors-18-02955]\]. On the other hand, it is important to mention that if we essentially consider that the majority of the industrial applications run the training phase offline and, that the demanded test time is 7.93 s for processing 96 frames, thus it would take a meaningfully time of 83 ms for processing one single frame. This time seems to be impeding for real-time applications; however, in practice, the procedure of acquisition of the EMI signatures can be carried out in an even longer time frame (e.g., over minutes). Therefore, the method can be perfectly considered for many SHM applications running on real-time using an ordinary laptop.
It is important to remark that SHM techniques based on PZT transducers are highly influenced by environmental conditions, noise \[[@B33-sensors-18-02955],[@B36-sensors-18-02955],[@B63-sensors-18-02955]\] and especially temperature, during structural damage detection procedure. There are several approaches to compensate temperature effects on PZT-based SHM systems and most of them make corrections in the EMI signatures \[[@B49-sensors-18-02955],[@B64-sensors-18-02955],[@B65-sensors-18-02955]\]. So, although the proposed method does not consider temperature variations, under such conditions it will only requires a preprocessing of EMI signatures before using them, which does not change the proposed method.
To date, we can only guarantee the capabilities of the method for damage detection and size/type estimation in terms of a rather large size as defined here. Smaller damage sizes will form future investigations. However, the simulated damage represents an only negligible increment of structural mass when compared to the total mass of the structure, which is compatible with real damage. Furthermore, future research will be undertaken to evaluate the accuracy of the developed method for randomly initiated defects and to establish the outcomes from having two or more areas of damage at the same time. Another interesting point to be addressed is the evaluation of different type, position, and size of damage \[[@B66-sensors-18-02955],[@B67-sensors-18-02955],[@B68-sensors-18-02955]\].
6. Conclusions and Future Work {#sec6-sensors-18-02955}
==============================
This paper has introduced an exploration of the suitability of a CNN-based method applied to monitor structural damage in aluminum structures. Accordingly, we developed a method which takes advantage of the combination of the EMI-PZT-based method and CNN. This methodology presents a new approach for SHM. Additionally to the fact of that CNN-based method was developed here for the first time, this approach consists of a reliable and innovative way of converting PZT response based on the EMI technique to the RGB frame.
Based on the results, the CNN-based method shows significant enhancement in terms of the overall success rate whilst the structural damage detection is carried out. As a result, a hit rate of 100% was obtained running only three epochs, which outperforms current approaches. Furthermore, the method runs only a small dataset for training the CNN without using any type of dedicated GPU. To conclude, the method identified the damage scenarios with higher accuracy, therefore, rendering this approach in a promising and useful contribution in the SHM area.
Future work will focus on the evaluation of the sensitivity of the developed methodology to identify the progression of the structural damage in structures made of composite materials. Those materials present a higher damping coefficient compared with aluminum, demanding a more accurate method such as shown throughout the paper. Future goals, motivated by the outcomes presented in this paper, will focus on features other than the success rate for measuring the classifier efficiency such as the Kappa coefficient. Further research will be undertaken in evaluation the CNN configuration such as: image size, training dataset size, and the number of kernels to optimize the required time consumption.
The authors are grateful to D.J. Inman of the University of Michigan (Aerospace Department) for valuable comments in which they improve the quality of the article.
For M.A.d.O. and J.V.F. conceived and designed the experiments; A.V.M. performed the experiments; M.A.d.O. and A.V.M. wrote the paper.
This work has been funded by the PROPES-IFMT (Grants 099-2017 and 069-2018) and CNPq (Grant 310726/2016-6).
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
{#sensors-18-02955-f001}
{#sensors-18-02955-f002}
![Representation of the general diagram for the acquisition system (dimensions in millimeters) \[[@B27-sensors-18-02955]\].](sensors-18-02955-g003){#sensors-18-02955-f003}
![Experimental set up including: aluminum plate containing three PZT patches, DAQ (Data Acquisition) and computer running the acquisition software \[[@B27-sensors-18-02955]\].](sensors-18-02955-g004){#sensors-18-02955-f004}
{#sensors-18-02955-f005}
{#sensors-18-02955-f006}
{#sensors-18-02955-f007}
{#sensors-18-02955-f008}
{#sensors-18-02955-f009}
{#sensors-18-02955-f010}
{#sensors-18-02955-f011}
{#sensors-18-02955-f012}
{#sensors-18-02955-f013}
{#sensors-18-02955-f014}
sensors-18-02955-t001_Table 1
######
Distribution of number of frames, formed from the PZT-EMI signals for PZTs \#1 and \#2, into the dataset.
Structural Conditions PZT \#1 PZT \#2
----------------------- --------- --------- ----- ----
Healthy (H) 36 24 36 24
Damage 1(D1) 36 24 36 24
Damage 2(D2) 36 24 36 24
Damage 3(D3) 36 24 36 24
Total 144 96 144 96
sensors-18-02955-t002_Table 2
######
Results for the CNN method: training and testing phases.
Sensors Training Accuracy Testing Accuracy
--------- ------------------- ------------------
PZT \#1 98% 100%
PZT \#2 100% 100%
PZT \#3 100% 100%
sensors-18-02955-t003_Table 3
######
Comparison of the CNN-based method with other NN approaches: Success rates obtained for the testing phase.
Methods PZT\#1 PZT\#2 PZT \#3
------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------- ---------
SFAN-SGSD \[[@B27-sensors-18-02955]\] 83.33% 100.00% 98.95%
SFAN-SGFD \[[@B27-sensors-18-02955]\] 94.79% 85.41% 88.54%
SFAN-SG \[[@B27-sensors-18-02955]\] 83.33% 100.00% 98.95%
SFAN-ED \[[@B22-sensors-18-02955],[@B24-sensors-18-02955]\] 61.41% 98.95% 77.08%
PNN-SGSD \[[@B27-sensors-18-02955]\] 75.00% 100.00% 98.95%
PNN-SGFD \[[@B27-sensors-18-02955]\] 50.00% 75.00% 85.41%
PNN-SG \[[@B27-sensors-18-02955]\] 75.00% 100.00% 98.95%
sensors-18-02955-t004_Table 4
######
Comparison among consumption times for: CNN, PNN, and SFAN.
Methods Training Time (s) Testing Time (s)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------------
CNN 121.10 7.9300
SFAN \[[@B22-sensors-18-02955],[@B24-sensors-18-02955],[@B27-sensors-18-02955]\] 0.1265 0.0079
PNN \[[@B24-sensors-18-02955]\] 1.6724 0.6742
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Central"
}
|
Q:
O que é mais rápido para ser lido e editado, um banco de dados ou um .txt?
Seria para armazenar e reescrever apenas 1 dígito INT, apagando um e escrevendo outro, na condição de que quando chegar a 5, voltar pro 1, e ir fazendo esse loop toda vez que alguém acessar.
Sempre que alguém acessar a página, o valor seria acrescido de +1 e gravado, exceto que já tivesse em 5, aí voltaria pro 1.
Enfim. PHP + MySQL, ou PHP + .txt, qual é mais rápido para essa finalidade?
Considerando que se fazendo centenas de requests simultâneos não bugue o sistema, qual é melhor?
A:
Um arquivo texto flat será sempre mais rápido, ele não tem que fazer quase nada. Um banco de dados executa um conjunto monumental de coisas para garantir a integridade dos dados e fazer isso de uma forma fácil e padronizada.
Isso não quer dizer que seja a melhor opção. Se for acessar o arquivo concorrentemente tem que saber o que está fazendo, caso contrário terá problemas, mesmo em um padrão simples como o relatado.
O que não cria bugs no sistema é dominar todo o processo de desenvolvimento de software, implantação e manutenção da infraestrutura. Isso não é só saber se é melhor usar MySQL ou .txt. Mas se não sabe o que é melhor, vá no mais seguro que é o banco de dados. Pelo menos ele exige menos cuidado.
Uma alternativa intermediária seria o uso do SQLite que possui as características do banco de dados com algumas facilidades do acesso ao arquivo, incluindo melhor performance.
Em alguns casos outro banco de dados pode ser mais útil, quem sabe um NoSQL.
A:
Segundo o que descreveu, haverá centenas de conexões simultâneas. Cada conexão incrementa um valor e quando chegar a 5, volta ao valor 1.
Com arquivo txt isso pode ser um problema pois terá que criar condições para impedir inconsistências.
Uma lógica é travar a edição ou acesso ao arquivo caso já esteja aberto por algum usuário:
$f = fopen('fit.txt', 'a');
if(flock($f, LOCK_EX | LOCK_NB)) {
$n = fread($fp, 4);
($n == 5)? $n = 1: $n++;
fwrite($f, $n);
flock($f, LOCK_UN);
}
fclose($f);
Usando um banco de dados essa operação é mais segura, no entanto, é óbvio que terá um custo muito maior de processos.
Antes de pensar em performance, pense em consistência. Se a rotina é segura e tem certeza de que não haverá falha, você vai para o "próximo estágio" que é a otimização.
Nesse exemplo acima com flock(), o processo é "super rápido" mas ainda assim pode acontecer alguma falha. Algo inexperado onde demore muito para liberar para o próximo usuário.
Imagine então um cenário onde 200 usuários acessaram no mesmo exato tempo.
O primeiro será o "sortudo". Vai ler e escrever o número e liberar para o segundo, terceiro, quarto. Mas o que estiver por último na fila conseguirá ler e escrever o valor corretamente ou retornará algum erro por longo tempo de espera?
Considere que se o sistema tem centenas de acessos simultâneos, digamos que num único segundo receba 150 conexões e depois de 2 segundos mais 200 e depois de 2 segundos mais 100. Só aí você já tem, num espaço de 5 segundos, 350 neguinho na fila de espera para ler e escrever nesse txt. O sistema pode interromper a execução por volta do número 200 devido a longa espera.
Pode ser o caso de repensar a lógica do negócio.
Caso não tenha essa grande quantidade de conexões simultâneas, aí sim, o simples flock(), como no exemplo, pode resolver e ser ainda uma opção mais viável que um banco de dados, em termos de performance.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
}
|
Inhibition of the mutagenicity of benzo[a]pyrene in the V79/HGPRT system by bioantioxidants.
In the presence of metabolic activation (S9 microsomal fraction of mouse-liver homogenate) the mutagenicity of benzo[a]pyrene (BP) in Chinese hamster V79 cells was inhibited by the phenolic bioantioxidants (BA) Dibunol (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol-D) and 5-methylresorcine(5-MR). The mixture BP + D and BP + 5-MR at molar ratios of 1:1 and 1:85 respectively showed no mutagenic activity compared to the control. One can assume that D and 5-MR inhibited BP-induced mutagenesis by binding the free radicals of BP metabolites with the formation of less active phenolic derivatives and also by linkage with cytochrome P-450, which prevents further metabolic activation of BP.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
You sit down at your desk, grab a yogurt container from your lunchbox, carefully pull back the foil lid, and see a familiar sight. A thin layer of clear liquid is sitting on top of the creamy goodness below. You have two options here: pour it out or mix it in. So what do you do?
Although it may gross you out, what you should do is grab that spoon and stir it all together, and here's why. That liquid is known as whey (yes, like Little Miss Muffet's curds and whey). Although it consists mainly of water, whey also contains a little bit of protein, potassium, and calcium. Stirring in the whey not only adds nutrition to your yogurt but also offers a creamier consistency.
If you don't like seeing the whey separated at the top, try this instead. Before pulling off the lid, shake the container, like you do with orange juice. Then when you open it, the whey and yogurt will already be mixed up for you. This is also a good trick if you prefer yogurt with fruit on the bottom. Then just scrape the lid on the edge of the container to avoid wasting any yogurt.
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{
"pile_set_name": "OpenWebText2"
}
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Levels of metalloproteinase (MMP-3, MMP-9), NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL), and nitric oxide (NO) in peripheral blood of osteoarthritis (OA) patients.
The aim of this study was to judge whether there is a correlation between some biochemical features of knee osteoarthritic blood and clinical characteristics and to evaluate the potential relationship between osteoarthitis (OA) severity and putative biomarkers for the disease. 105 patients suffering from knee OA were analyzed clinically (Lequesne's index) and radiographically (Kellgren and Lawrence, K&L). Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were harvested separately. Specimens were analyzed for concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Transcript levels of the receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL) mRNA, MMP-3mRNA, and MMP-9mRNA were measured using real-time quantitative RT-PCR. Data certified significantly increasing concentrations of plasma MMP-3, MMP-9, and NO as well as transcript levels of RANKL mRNA and MMP-9 mRNA in early OA (at grade I). There was a positive correlation of MMP-3 and MMP-9 content in plasma and MMP-9 mRNA expression levels in PBMC with the severity of clinical symptoms (total Lequesne's scores) in early OA. NO content in plasma correlated with total Lequesne's scores, pain scores in response to pressure, and swelling scores of early OA patients (atgGrade I). Analogously, there were positive correlations of RANKL mRNA expression with total Lequesne's scores, pain scores in response to pressure, and swelling scores in OA patients at Grade I. [corrected] Some biochemical factors, including content of NO, MMP-3, MMP-9, and transcript levels of some genes, including MMP-9 mRNA and RANKL mRNA, may be specific and sensitive enough to diagnose OA diseases at an early stage in the pathological process of OA when radiological features do not reflect degradation of articular cartilage. Therefore, proper regulation of these factors may be a promising and realistic new target for the treatment of degenerative osteoarticular diseases.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Introduction
============
Even though red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is a common intervention in the critical care setting, there is a paucity of data regarding its impact on tissue metabolism. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of RBC transfusion on microdialysis-assessed interstitial fluid metabolic parameters in septic patients.
Methods
=======
We conducted an observational, clinical study in a 25-bed, medical-surgical ICU of a university hospital. We analyzed the effect of transfusion of either 1 or 2 RBC units on interstitial fluid metabolic activity by means of a microdialysis (MD) catheter inserted in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of the upper thigh. Samples were collected before (T0) and after (T1a and T1b; spaced out by 4 hours) transfusion. Lactate, pyruvate, glycerol and glucose concentrations were measured with a bedside analyzer and the lactate/pyruvate (LP) ratio was calculated automatically.
Results
=======
We enrolled 37 patients with severe sepsis/septic shock requiring RBC transfusion. After transfusion, the mean arterial pressure increased from 79 ± 9 to 82 ± 10 (T1a vs. T0: *P*\< 0.05) and 83 ± 10 mmHg (T1b vs. T0: *P*\< 0.001). Besides a nonstatistically significant drop in arterial partial oxygen pressure, we observed no change in arterial blood gases and vital signs. Overall, RBC transfusion did not alter any of the MD-assessed parameters (that is, lactate, pyruvate, glycerol and glucose) or blood lactate, but it decreased the tissue LP ratio from (T0) 18.80 (interquartile range (IQR), 14.85 to 27.45) to (T1a) 17.80 (IQR, 14.35 to 25.20) (*P*\< 0.05) and (T1b) 17.90 (IQR, 14.45 to 22.75) (*P*\< 0.001). The post-transfusion changes in LP ratio at T1a (*r*= -0.42; 95% CI, -0.66 to -0.098; *P*= 0.01) and T1b (*r*= -0.68; 95% CI, -0.82 to -0.44; *P*\< 0.001) were significantly correlated with the pre-transfusion LP ratio but not with baseline demographic characteristics, vital signs, severity scores, hemoglobin level and blood lactate. Finally, 39.0% of the transfused RBC units were leukoreduced and their median storage time was 16 days (IQR, 11 to 24). RBC storage time and leukocyte reduction had no influence on the tissue metabolic response to transfusion.
Conclusion
==========
Tissue oxygenation is improved by red blood cell transfusion in critically ill septic patients. Monitoring of the tissue LP ratio by microdialysis may represent a useful method for individual clinical management.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Central"
}
|
With just 69 days left until team’s report back for preseason training (January 22, 2018), the list of offseason drafts and dates has been announced by MLS in preparation for the 2017 Expansion Draft. The Expansion Draft will finally announce the arrival of the LA Galaxy’s newest neighbor as Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) becomes the 23rd team in the league.
EXPANSION DRAFT
The Expansion Draft, set for December 12 at 11 AM PT, will see LAFC choose up to a maximum of five players from the league’s other 22 teams.
LAFC can only pick one player from each team and all Homegrown players and Generation Adidas players are automatically protected.
Designated players are not automatically protected and a club would leave them unprotected at their own risk. If the Designated Player has a no-trade clause then the team must protect them with one of their 11 protection spots.
This new format is following the 2016 Expansion Draft that brought Atlanta United and Minnesota United into the club. With each team picking a total number of five players. In previous expansion drafts, as many as 10 players were allowed to be selected by each team entering the league.
General Allocation money will be awarded to LAFC in place of the additional picks.
ADDITIONAL DRAFTS AND ROSTER DEADLINES
In addition, MLS has also released the key dates around which important information for building rosters in 2018 will be decided upon by teams and supposedly released to the public (See the Chart Below).
The Galaxy will need to release the names of players whose options they are exercising (most MLS contracts are two years with the club holding options on each player for the second year), and who are receiving bona fide offers.
The bona fide offer is important to retaining the rights to a player if they should exit the league and keeps teams from directly competing against each other. If a team makes a bona fide offer and the player rejects the offer the club would retain his rights if any team wanted to sign him. That might mean a trade between the two teams in order to acquire that player.
It’s a complicated system that rarely makes much sense but was instituted to keep the single entity system of MLS intact.
Reports have already surfaced that the Galaxy have released Homegrown players Jack McBean, Jose Villarreal, Jaime Villarreal, Nathan Smith, and Raul Mendiola. With other names expected to join that list shortly.
If one was in speculation mode, the expanded list would include all three of the Galaxy’s goalkeepers – Brian Rowe, Jon Kempin, Clement Diop – and players like Ariel Lassiter, Bradley Diallo, and Rafael Garcia among others.
With as many as 15 spots cleared from the 30-man roster, the Galaxy will be the “lucky” beneficiaries of the first pick in three of the offseason drafts and will get the second overall pick in the MLS Cup Super Draft.
They’ll pick first in the 2017 MLS Waiver Draft – consisting of players who have been waived by clubs and do not meet the minimum years of service requirement for Re-Entry draft or Free Agency – and in both stages of the Re-Entry Draft (stage 1 and stage 2)
The Re-Entry Draft will consist of players who are out of contract or have had their options declined by the club with a bunch of qualifying caveats.
MLS Expansion Draft Rules (CLICK)
(CLICK) Free Agency Rules (CLICK)
(CLICK) MLS Waiver Draft Rules (CLICK)
(CLICK) MLS Re-Entry Draft Rules (CLICK)
While it seems a long way off, momentum is going to start to build towards the 2017 MLS Cup and the expansion draft. The first draft of the season marks the turning point as everyone shifts their attention towards 2018 and building a competitive roster for the upcoming campaign.
For the Galaxy, it will be even more important. With the Expansion Draft unlikely to greatly affect the Galaxy, their sights must be set on outperforming their crosstown rival and getting back into a competitive position for the playoffs.
Another misstep that leads to another rebuild is just something this franchise can’t afford to mess around with.
The pressure is now on Sigi Schmid, Kurt Schmid, and the rest of the Galaxy’s front office to rebuild through these drafts and other player acquisition mechanisms to plug the holes that were left by former General Manager Pete Vagenas and to build depth across the entire squad.
Something that is much easier said than done.
If 2018 is going to be a successful year, the moves that are made in the next 45 days should begin to show us the foundation on which the “new look” Galaxy are building.
2017 OFFSEASON CALENDAR
Nov. 27 --------------- --------------- 11 AM PT Option Exercise Deadline Clubs no longer competing in the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs must notify the League Office in writing of (1) players whose options they are exercising and/or (2) players who are receiving bona fide offers, announced by the teams.
All roster decisions will be publicized by the individual clubs. Dec. 1 --------------- --------------- 10 AM PT Option Exercise Deadline for Non-MLS Cup Participants Non-MLS Cup participants must notify the League Office in writing of (1) players whose options they are exercising and/or (2) players who are receiving bona fide offers, announced by the clubs.
All roster decisions will be publicized by the individual clubs. Dec. 10 --------------- --------------- 6 AM - 10 AM PT Half Day Trade Window Following a three-month roster freeze, MLS clubs may begin making adjustments to their rosters. This is a four-hour window in which clubs may sign and trade players.
All roster moves will be publicized by the individual clubs. 9 AM PT Option Exercise Deadline for MLS Cup Participants Clubs that compete in MLS Cup must notify the League Office in writing of (1) players whose options they are exercising and/or (2) players who are receiving bona fide offers.
All roster decisions will be publicized by the individual clubs. 10 AM PT Blackout Period begins Blackout Period begins whereby clubs may no longer sign and/or trade their own draft-eligible players until conclusion of Expansion Draft. Dec. 12 --------------- --------------- 11 AM PT 2017 MLS Expansion Draft While Generation adidas and off-budget Homegrown Players are automatically exempt, current MLS clubs may protect up to 11 players from selection in the Expansion Draft.
LAFC may select up to five players from the eligible MLS player pool. Only a single player can be drafted from any one club.
The list of players eligible for selection in Expansion Draft will be released by MLS Communications at 6 p.m. ET on Dec. 10. 1 PM PT Free Agency Begin Out of Contract and Option Decline players that were at least 28 years old during the 2017 season and have at least eight years of MLS service are eligible for Free Agency.
MLS Communications will make the complete list of Free Agents available on Dec. 10. Dec. 13 --------------- --------------- 12:30 PM PT 2017 MLS Waiver Draft Consisting of players who have been waived by clubs and do not meet minimum years of service requirement for Re-Entry Draft or Free Agency; the draft is conducted in reverse order of 2017 season finish, taking into account postseason performance, with expansion LAFC picking 23rd.
The list of players eligible for selection in Waiver Draft will be released by MLS Communications at 6 p.m. ET on Dec. 12. Dec. 15 --------------- --------------- 12 PM PT 2017 MLS Re-Entry Draft – Stage 1 The Re-Entry Draft (both stages) is conducted in reverse order of 2017 season finish, taking into account postseason performance, with expansion club LAFC selecting last.
The list of players eligible for selection in the Re-Entry Draft – Stage 1 will be released by MLS Communications at 7 p.m. ET on Dec. 14.
Eligible players include:
Option Decline Players: Players not eligible for Free Agency who will be at least 23 years old in 2017 with a minimum
of three years of MLS experience
Out of Contract Players: Players not eligible for Free Agency
who have not received a Bona Fide Offer and who are at least 25 years old with a minimum of four years of MLS experience. or are at least 30 years old with a minimum of eight years of MLS experience Dec. 21 --------------- --------------- 11 AM PT 2017 MLS Re-Entry Draft – Stage 2 Stage 2 includes MLS players who were not selected in the Stage 1 draft, but not necessarily all Stage 1 players as they can re-sign with their previous club between stages; teams selecting in this stage have the right to negotiate with the player for a new contract; the format of the draft is conducted in the same manner as Stage 1.
The list of players eligible for selection in the Re-Entry Draft – Stage 2 will be released by MLS Communications at 7:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 20.
Comments
comments
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{
"pile_set_name": "OpenWebText2"
}
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Alex Guerrero has maintained a strange relationship with the Patriots since 2013. He operates the TB12 therapy center next to the Patriots stadium, where he treats players, and his relationship with Brady affords him access to Patriots sidelines and the team plane. However, a day after rumors surfaced regarding a simmering disagreement between Guerrero and Bill Belichick, the Boston Globe now reports that Belichick has barred him from the sidelines this season and revoked his plane privileges.
Belichick declined to elaborate why, although it could have something to do with Guerrero being sued twice for fraud. Guerrero also once sold products that he claimed could cure cancer and concussions and, more recently, he’s been helping develop and push Brady’s nonsensical “wellness program.” Belichick also banned Guerrero from training any players besides Brady, an arrangement that began while Guerrero was under investigation for practicing without a license (he was later cleared).
Brady also has been characteristically cagey about the beef between Belichick and Guerrero. Maybe he’ll be better after another tasty, ice-cold NeuroSafe.
[Boston Globe]
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{
"pile_set_name": "OpenWebText2"
}
|
/*
* Copyright (c) 2010-2019 Evolveum and contributors
*
* This work is dual-licensed under the Apache License 2.0
* and European Union Public License. See LICENSE file for details.
*/
package com.evolveum.midpoint.web.component.assignment;
import java.util.ArrayList;
import java.util.List;
import javax.xml.namespace.QName;
import org.apache.wicket.extensions.markup.html.repeater.data.table.IColumn;
import org.apache.wicket.model.IModel;
import com.evolveum.midpoint.gui.api.prism.wrapper.ItemWrapper;
import com.evolveum.midpoint.gui.api.prism.wrapper.PrismContainerWrapper;
import com.evolveum.midpoint.gui.impl.component.data.column.AbstractItemWrapperColumn.ColumnType;
import com.evolveum.midpoint.gui.impl.component.data.column.PrismPropertyWrapperColumn;
import com.evolveum.midpoint.gui.api.prism.wrapper.PrismContainerValueWrapper;
import com.evolveum.midpoint.prism.PrismContainerDefinition;
import com.evolveum.midpoint.prism.path.ItemPath;
import com.evolveum.midpoint.prism.query.ObjectQuery;
import com.evolveum.midpoint.util.QNameUtil;
import com.evolveum.midpoint.web.component.prism.ItemVisibility;
import com.evolveum.midpoint.web.component.search.SearchFactory;
import com.evolveum.midpoint.web.component.search.SearchItemDefinition;
import com.evolveum.midpoint.xml.ns._public.common.common_3.*;
/**
* Created by honchar.
*/
public class ConstructionAssignmentPanel extends AssignmentPanel {
private static final long serialVersionUID = 1L;
public ConstructionAssignmentPanel(String id, IModel<PrismContainerWrapper<AssignmentType>> assignmentContainerWrapperModel){
super(id, assignmentContainerWrapperModel);
}
@Override
protected List<SearchItemDefinition> createSearchableItems(PrismContainerDefinition<AssignmentType> containerDef) {
List<SearchItemDefinition> defs = super.createSearchableItems(containerDef);
SearchFactory.addSearchRefDef(containerDef, ItemPath.create(AssignmentType.F_CONSTRUCTION, ConstructionType.F_RESOURCE_REF), defs, AreaCategoryType.ADMINISTRATION, getPageBase());
return defs;
}
@Override
protected QName getAssignmentType(){
return ResourceType.COMPLEX_TYPE;
}
@Override
protected List<IColumn<PrismContainerValueWrapper<AssignmentType>, String>> initColumns() {
List<IColumn<PrismContainerValueWrapper<AssignmentType>, String>> columns = new ArrayList<>();
columns.add(new PrismPropertyWrapperColumn<AssignmentType, String>(getModel(), ItemPath.create(AssignmentType.F_CONSTRUCTION, ConstructionType.F_KIND), ColumnType.STRING, getPageBase()));
columns.add(new PrismPropertyWrapperColumn<>(getModel(), ItemPath.create(AssignmentType.F_CONSTRUCTION, ConstructionType.F_INTENT), ColumnType.STRING, getPageBase()));
return columns;
}
@Override
protected ObjectQuery createObjectQuery(){
return getParentPage().getPrismContext().queryFor(AssignmentType.class)
.exists(AssignmentType.F_CONSTRUCTION)
.build();
}
@Override
protected ItemVisibility getTypedContainerVisibility(ItemWrapper<?, ?> wrapper) {
if (QNameUtil.match(AssignmentType.F_TARGET_REF, wrapper.getItemName())) {
return ItemVisibility.HIDDEN;
}
if (QNameUtil.match(AssignmentType.F_TENANT_REF, wrapper.getItemName())) {
return ItemVisibility.HIDDEN;
}
if (QNameUtil.match(AssignmentType.F_ORG_REF, wrapper.getItemName())) {
return ItemVisibility.HIDDEN;
}
if (QNameUtil.match(PolicyRuleType.COMPLEX_TYPE, wrapper.getTypeName())){
return ItemVisibility.HIDDEN;
}
if (QNameUtil.match(PersonaConstructionType.COMPLEX_TYPE, wrapper.getTypeName())){
return ItemVisibility.HIDDEN;
}
return ItemVisibility.AUTO;
}
@Override
protected boolean getContainerReadability(ItemWrapper<?, ?> wrapper) {
if (QNameUtil.match(ConstructionType.F_KIND, wrapper.getItemName())) {
return false;
}
if (QNameUtil.match(ConstructionType.F_INTENT, wrapper.getItemName())) {
return false;
}
return true;
}
}
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Github"
}
|
Q:
Best way to put user input into generated javascript?
I need for someone to be able to put some text into a page and then this gets sent to the server, saved in the database, and else where this text is put into a javascript variable.
Basically like this:
Write("var myVar=\""+MyData+"\";");
What is the best way of escaping this data? Is there anything out there already to deal with things like ' and " and new lines? Is base64 my only option?
My serverside framework/language is ASP.Net/C#
A:
You should use WPL:
Write("var myVar=" + Encoder.JavaScriptEncode(MyData, true) + ";");
if you don't want to reference the library, you can use the following function (adapted from the .Net source):
public static void QuoteString(this string value, StringBuilder b) {
if (String.IsNullOrEmpty(value))
return "";
var b = new StringBuilder();
int startIndex = 0;
int count = 0;
for (int i = 0; i < value.Length; i++) {
char c = value[i];
// Append the unhandled characters (that do not require special treament)
// to the string builder when special characters are detected.
if (c == '\r' || c == '\t' || c == '\"' || c == '\'' || c == '<' || c == '>' ||
c == '\\' || c == '\n' || c == '\b' || c == '\f' || c < ' ') {
if (b == null) {
b = new StringBuilder(value.Length + 5);
}
if (count > 0) {
b.Append(value, startIndex, count);
}
startIndex = i + 1;
count = 0;
}
switch (c) {
case '\r':
b.Append("\\r");
break;
case '\t':
b.Append("\\t");
break;
case '\"':
b.Append("\\\"");
break;
case '\\':
b.Append("\\\\");
break;
case '\n':
b.Append("\\n");
break;
case '\b':
b.Append("\\b");
break;
case '\f':
b.Append("\\f");
break;
case '\'':
case '>':
case '<':
AppendCharAsUnicode(b, c);
break;
default:
if (c < ' ') {
AppendCharAsUnicode(b, c);
} else {
count++;
}
break;
}
}
if (b == null) {
b.Append(value);
}
if (count > 0) {
b.Append(value, startIndex, count);
}
return b.ToString();
}
|
{
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
}
|
Introduction
============
Lambert--Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a rare but well-known paraneoplastic disorder characterized by muscle weakness and fatigability predominantly involving the proximal lower limbs. Recently, measurement of serum anti-P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) antibody level has been used, in addition to clinical manifestations and nerve conduction studies, to diagnose LEMS. Patients with LEMS have mostly small cell lung cancer (SCLC); other subtypes of lung cancer are extremely rare. We present a rare case of LEMS associated with pulmonary adenocarcinoma, chronic rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Sjögren syndrome (Sjs) and provide findings of the resected specimen immunostained with P/Q-type VGCC.
Case presentation
=================
The patient was a 75-year-old Japanese man with progressive muscle weakness of his bilateral lower extremities and gait disturbance. He was referred to the Department of Neurology of our hospital for workup. His neurological examination showed muscle weakness and atrophy of his lower extremities, depressed deep tendon reflexes and autonomic dysfunction, that is, dry mouth and orthostatic hypotension. His results for manual muscle strength testing increased from 3 out of 5 to 4-- out of 5 for his bilateral lower extremities after a sustained 30-second contraction. His sensation was intact to light touch, and pinprick and Babinski's sign were down-going bilaterally. A provocative nerve conduction study on the ulnar nerve showed no reduction after repetitive stimulation and tended to increase at 15Hz of high-frequency stimulation (Figure [1](#F1){ref-type="fig"}). Serum P/Q-type VGCC antibody level was elevated to 31.8pmol/L (cut-off point \<20.0pmol/L \[[@B1]\]). Taken together with clinical findings, we made a diagnosis of LEMS. A chest abdominal computed tomography (CT) to screen for malignant lesions revealed an abnormal shadow in the right pulmonary lower lobe. He was then referred to our department (Thoracic Surgery in Respiratory Disease Center) for diagnosis and treatment of lung tumor.
{#F1}
The lung tumor with spiculation was located in Segment 9b, with a maximum diameter of 30mm (Figure [2](#F2){ref-type="fig"}). There was no lymphadenopathy or pleural effusion. A CT of the patient's chest showed a very bilateral emphysematous lung. No abnormality was seen in his abdomen by CT or in the brain by enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A \[^18^F\]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography showed increased uptake of fluorodeoxyglucose in the mass region and right hilar region (maximum standardized uptake values were 9.6 and 3.3, respectively). Although a bronchoscopic examination did not reveal malignancy, primary lung cancer was strongly suspected.
{#F2}
The patient had worked as a carpenter before the onset of muscle weakness. However, as his symptoms worsened, he required assistance in daily life (performance status 2). He was admitted to our ward by wheelchair. He had a history of chronic RA medicated by oral prednisolone therapy. He also complained of thirst for many months. A full blood examination and biochemical examination were almost within the normal range. Carcinoembryonic antigen was slightly elevated to 6.0ng/mL, whereas other tumor markers for lung cancer (squamous cell carcinoma-related antigen, sialylated Lewis X-i antigen, cytokeratin fragment, neuron-specific enolase and progastrin-releasing peptide) were within normal ranges. On screening for autoimmune disease and collagen disease, serum CH~50~ was slightly elevated to 46.7U/mL (normal range, 30 to 45), and rheumatoid factor was within the normal range (10.4IU/mL; normal range, 0 to 20). On screening for other collagen diseases, anti-nuclear antibody was positive at the titer of 1:640 and anti-SSA/Ro antibody was elevated to \>500U/mL (normal range, 0--100). At this time it was clear that the patient also had Sjs. He had a history of cigarette smoking (40 cigarettes per day for 40 years). The preoperative spirometry result was, %VC: 63.9% and FEV~1.0%~ 76.0%; and the blood gas analysis result was pCO~2~ 38.9mmHg and pO~2~ 83.1mmHg (room air).
An operation was performed for a definite diagnosis and treatment of the tumor. An intraoperative frozen diagnosis obtained by tumor biopsy revealed lung adenocarcinoma, and he underwent right lower lobe lobectomy and lymph node dissection with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The operation took 230 minutes, with a blood loss of 200mL. In the postoperative course, because of prolonged air leakage from the remaining right pulmonary lobes, tube drainage lasted for 9 days. Muscle weakness gradually improved on approximately postoperative day 5, and he could walk without assistance. Serum P/Q-type VGCC antibody level was still elevated to 30.6pmol/L on postoperative day 7. He underwent daily rehabilitation for discharge. Approximately 2 months after the operation, he had aspiration pneumonia with respiratory failure. Intubation and respiratory management were performed in the intensive care unit. He remains ventilator dependent at 4 months postoperation. Postoperative provocative nerve conduction studies could not be performed.
His tumor was composed of a proliferation of infiltrating atypical cells with cribriform or papillary structures. The tumor measured 30mm in size and the diagnosis was moderately-differentiated (G2) mixed-type adenocarcinoma (papillary and acinar adenocarcinoma) (Figure [3](#F3){ref-type="fig"}). Lymph nodes metastases in the lung parenchyma were noted. Pathological T2aN1M0 (Stage IIa: TNM staging 7th edition) was diagnosed. Immunohistochemistry revealed that most of the cancer cells were positive for P/Q-type VGCC (Sigma-Aldrich®; St. Louis, MO, USA) (Figure [4](#F4){ref-type="fig"}).
{#F3}
{#F4}
Discussion
==========
LEMS is one of the representative paraneoplastic syndromes and an autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction. Because of its scarcity, the exact incidence of LEMS is unknown. The prevalence of as few as 400 cases in the USA in 1994 \[[@B2]\] and of 2 to 3 cases per million inhabitants in the Netherlands in 2004 \[[@B3]\] has been reported.
LEMS is known to be associated with malignant neoplasm, especially SCLC. Approximately 50 to 75% of patients with LEMS have SCLC \[[@B2]-[@B7]\].
LEMS is also thought to be a complication of organ-specific autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disease, vitiligo, pernicious anemia, coeliac disease, and juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus. However, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjs and RA associated with LEMS is rare; only a few cases are reported in the English literature \[[@B4],[@B8]\].
Clinical manifestation of LEMS is usually characterized by proximal muscle weakness affecting the legs more than the arms, fatigability and dysautonomia. Malignant neoplasm usually occurs within the first 2 years after the onset of LEMS and in almost all patients after 4 years \[[@B5]\]. Therefore, once LEMS is diagnosed or strongly suspected, screening for malignant neoplasm, especially SCLC (for example, using chest CT or tumor markers: neuron-specific enolase and progastrin-releasing peptide), is recommended. Moreover, careful observation and screening should be required for at least 2 years \[[@B4]-[@B6]\]. The treatment of SCLC controls its mortality and often results in normalization of both electrodiagnostic findings and clinical symptoms of LEMS \[[@B5],[@B6]\].
The diagnosis of LEMS is established by clinical manifestation and by characteristic findings on nerve conduction studies. The nerve conduction study findings indicate reduced amplitude of compound muscle action potential that increases by over 100% after maximum voluntary activation or 20 to 50Hz of nerve stimulation, and incremental response (waxing) of compound muscle action potential on the rapid rate of repetitive stimulation \[[@B5],[@B6]\].
In the 1990s, Motomura and co-workers established a new immunoassay of antibodies to VGCC for the diagnosis of LEMS \[[@B1]\]. VGCCs are situated on the presynaptic nerve terminal and have a central role in the control of neurotransmitter release \[[@B1],[@B9]\]. Antibodies to VGCC inhibit transmitter (acetylcholine) release at presynaptic nerve terminals. It has been assumed that SCLC expresses functional calcium channels and that autoantibodies to these channels may cross-react with similar VGCCs \[[@B1],[@B5],[@B6],[@B9]\]. Motomura \[[@B1]\] reported 85% of patients with LEMS to be positive for VGCC and suggests that the titer of anti-P/Q-type VGCC antibody in particular occupies an important position in the diagnosis of LEMS; the remaining 15% of patients were seronegative for VGCC \[[@B9]\]. In this subgroup, SCLC is less common and the exact explanation of seronegative LEMS is still unknown. Thus, a negative antibody titer of VGCC is not necessarily an indicator of the absence of LEMS \[[@B9]\].
LEMS is rarely associated with other subtypes of lung cancer like adenocarcinoma. A PubMed literature search (keywords, 'Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome' and 'lung adenocarcinoma') found only two publications in the English literature \[[@B7],[@B10]\]. In Japan, although five cases have been reported to date, there are only two reports of LEMS associated with lung adenocarcinoma in Japanese research with an English abstract \[[@B11],[@B12]\]. The clinical features of these five cases, including our case report, are summarized in Table [1](#T1){ref-type="table"}. The patients (all men) ranged from 32 to 75 years of age (mean age, 57 ± 16.0 years). Adenocarcinomas arose in the right lung in all cases. Coexistent collagen diseases were recognized in two cases, including our case (dermatomyositis, RA and Sjs). Three out of these five cases could undergo lung resection. Almost all LEMS cases are related to SCLC, making them unsuitable for resection. For cases not associated with SCLC, resection is a possibility. Therefore, once LEMS is strongly suspected, screening for malignancy and early detection of lung carcinoma and its histological type is very important. Of note, the histological differentiation of all demonstrated cases was poor to moderate.
######
Characteristics of patients with Lambert--Eaton myasthenic syndrome associated with lung adenocarcinoma
**Case no.** **Year** **First author** **Age** **Sex** **Site** **Histological grade** **Coexistent collagen disease** **Treatment** **Outcome**
----------------------- ---------- --------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ------------------------ --------------------------------- ------------------------- -----------------------
1 1987 Ramos-Yeo \[[@B7]\] 56 M RLL Poor None Steroid, plasmapheresis Death at 2 years
(due to infection)
2^a^ 1989 Sumitomo \[[@B11]\] 58 M RML Poor None Lobectomy, Surviving at 2 years
adjuvant chemotherapy
3^a^ 1996 Okudera \[[@B12]\] 32 M RUL Poor None Chemotherapy Death at 5 months
(due to DIC)
4 2008 Milanez \[[@B10]\] 66 M RUL Moderate DM Lobectomy Death at 16 days
(due to sepsis)
5 2012 This case report 75 M RLL Moderate RA, Sjs Lobectomy Surviving at 4 months
a: English abstract only; *DIC* disseminated intravascular coagulation, *DM* dermatomyositis, *RA*, rheumatoid arthritis, *RLL* right lower lobe, *RML* right middle lobe, *RUL* right upper lobe, *Sjs* Sjögren syndrome.
We examined P/Q-type VGCC expression immunohistochemically using resected lung tumor sections. Most of the neoplastic cells were stained positive, and the area consisting of poorly-differentiated neoplastic cells tended to show stronger signals. As far as we know, no report has demonstrated immunohistochemical expression of VGCC in neoplastic cells.
Conclusions
===========
Taking together the results of immunostaining and the fact that our patient also had collagen diseases (RA and Sjs), autoimmune function may be related to the onset of LEMS and, in the case of lung adenocarcinoma, lower-differentiated cases appear to develop P/Q-type VGCC. However, the actual mechanism by which anti-P/Q-type VGCC antibody causes LEMS is unclear because the experimental model of this rare disease has not been established \[[@B6]\]*.* Further molecular biological studies are required. Clinically, physicians must manage patients with muscle weakness while considering LEMS as a differential diagnosis. Recognition and awareness of this rare syndrome are essential for a better prognosis and quality of life for these patients.
Consent
=======
Written informed consent was obtained from the patient of this case report and any accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal.
Competing interest
==================
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Authors' contributions
======================
HA was responsible for the conception and writing of the manuscript. KH, KK and TN participated in the collection of data and patient care. HK, KO and AN provided collection of data, patient care and editing of the manuscript. KI, MT, TK and MM participated in final revision of the manuscript and guidance. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Acknowledgements
================
We are grateful to Dr. Masakatsu Motomura (Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Neurology Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki University) for analyzing the serum levels of the anti-P/Q-type VGCC antibody titer and useful discussion.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Central"
}
|
Q:
A strange, but probably simple, shell_exec issue
If I run this command on the command line (on my Mac OS X):
echo -n "hello" > foo-cmd.txt
I get the expected result, namely a file foo-cmd.txt containing "hello" without any newline at the end.
However, if I run this PHP code:
<?php
shell_exec("echo -n \"hello\" > foo-php.txt");
?>
I get a file foo-php.txt containing the text "-n hello" followed by a newline! In other words, the argument -n sneaks in as output, instead of being treated as an argument!
How can I resolve this issue?
A:
Your command is using the shell's built-in version of echo which doesn't support the -n option.
Try /bin/echo instead.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
}
|
Fernando Forestieri of Sheffield Wednesday celebrates scoring the first goal from a penalty during the Championship match at the John Smith's Stadium, Huddersfield. Picture date: October 16th, 2016. Pic Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Fernando Forestieri just loves to tease and torment Huddersfield Town.
Some of the forward’s finest moments in Wednesday colours have come against the West Yorkshire side.
Fernando Forestieri of Sheffield Wednesday (c) celebrates scoring the first goal from a penalty during the Championship match at the John Smith's Stadium, Huddersfield. Picture date: October 16th, 2016. Pic Simon Bellis/Sportimage
His trickery and vision flummoxed the Terriers in the Owls’ pulsating come-from-behind victory last November in David Wagner’s first match in charge at Hillsborough. He played a key role in all three of Wednesday’s goals.
Yet again Forestieri came back to haunt Huddersfieldin April, grabbing the only goal to the delight of Wednesday’s travelling fans.
Although the 26-year-old has struggled for form this time around ever since he refused to play against Norwich City two months ago, he was a constant menace in yesterday’s Yorkshire derby. He capped a much-improved display by slotting in a 69th minute penalty after Rajiv van La Parra, Huddersfield’s dangerman, was adjudged to have handled Tom Lees’ shot.
It was no more than the visitors deserved as Carlos Carvalhal’s side created the better chances in a cagey, tactical affair.
Chris Schindler closes down Owls Kieran Lee....Pic Steve Ellis
It was a classic away performance, with Wednesday choosing to sit back and allow the in-form Terriers to dominate possession. When they won the ball back, the Owls broke quickly and in numbers on the counter attack. Carvalhal, tactically, couldn’t have set them up any better.
Tom Lees and Sam Hutchinson were immaculate at the back, David Jones, one of four changes, excelled in midfield and Forestieri and Gary Hooper were a handful for Huddersfield’s defence throughout.
The only criticism is that the margin of victory could, and perhaps, should have been even greater but they got the job done for the second match running on the road.
There have been several occasions where people have rightly accused Wednesday of being slow-starts. Not here.
The Owls started on the front foot as midfielder Kieren Lee’s shot was deflected behind before Daniel Pudil hooked an effort across the face of goal. Moments later, Jones, who made a string of key tackles and interceptions, clipped the top of the bar with a cross-shot.
Wagner has transformed Huddersfield from perennial strugglers into genuine promotion candidates but found it difficult to penetrate and get in behind Wednesday’s well-organised backline.
Van La Parra was at the heart of Huddersfield’s best forward forays. He featured prominently in moves which led to Elias Kachunga and Kasey Palmer testing the reflexes of Keiren Westwood.
Sheffield Wednesday's Fernando Forestieri scores his side's first goal of the game from the penalty spot
With eight minutes remaining, Kachunga’s strike was headed off the line by Pudil but the Owls rarely looked troubled as the Terriers missed the opportunity to go back to the top of the table.
“When we play at the home of a team that are doing really well, where they’ve won all their games [this season], we can’t say this is a normal win,” conceded Carvalhal. “We studied Huddersfield, the dynamic that they have and we blocked them very well.”
fabulous skill
As is so often the case, Forestieri is the Owls’ main spark and the former Watford man produced a stunning piece of skill four minutes after the re-start. He almost conjured a goal out of nothing after chasing down a long ball.
His first touch was outstanding and allowed him to break clear of Huddersfield’s backline. He raced clear and his delicate chip over the advancing Danny Ward struck the base of the far post. He was desperately unlucky.
Forestieri’s big moment duly arrived midway through the half. It took Premier League referee Graham Scott four or five seconds to award the penalty after Lees’ fierce effort cannoned off La Parra’s arm. It was, ultimately, the correct decision and Forestieri lashed hom from 12 yards.
Sheffield Wednesday's Fernando Forestieri celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game from the penalty spot
The goal lifted Wednesday and full-back Tommy Smith brilliantly kept Hooper at bay following great play out wide by Lee before Liam Palmer was denied by Welsh international Ward.
huddersfield jinx goes on
Huddersfield entered the contest boasting a one hundred per cent record on home soil and were backed by their largest home league crowd since moving from Leeds Road 22 years ago.
But Wednesday had the edge in all departments to firmly put the Terriers, the surprise package of the division, in their place.
Victory means the Owls have won on four of their last six trips to Huddersfield without conceding a goal.
Carvalhal said: “Huddersfield are a very strong team. They have a good dynamic and they cause a lot of problems to all the teams they play.
“We worked very hard and everybody defended, including the strikers, and we blocked their dynamic.
“People ask me a lot about the partnerships in our team, but I don’t agree with this, because there’s only one partnership that matters, and that is Sheffield Wednesday as a whole.
“My players were fantastic, great teamwork and this is the way to the future.”
There were no complaints from Wagner over the final scoreline.
He said: “One situation decided the game.
“I can accept this result because we performed good - not outstanding but good.
“This is Sheffield Wednesday, one of the top teams in this division, and we are able to be competitive against them.”
Wagner believes it is “totally unrealistic” for Huddersfield to gain promotion to the top-flight this campaign but Wednesday, on this evidence, appear capable of securing a top-six finish once again. With Forestieri leading the line, it is definitely possible.
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{
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
}
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Links
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Classifications
H03L—AUTOMATIC CONTROL, STARTING, SYNCHRONISATION, OR STABILISATION OF GENERATORS OF ELECTRONIC OSCILLATIONS OR PULSES
H03L7/00—Automatic control of frequency or phase; Synchronisation
H03L7/06—Automatic control of frequency or phase; Synchronisation using a reference signal applied to a frequency- or phase-locked loop
H03L7/08—Details of the phase-locked loop
H03L7/085—Details of the phase-locked loop concerning mainly the frequency- or phase-detection arrangement including the filtering or amplification of its output signal
Abstract
A circuit and method are provided for calibrating an analog oscillator in the digital domain. The circuit and method disclosed herein centers an oscillation frequency of an analog oscillator by producing a binary signal to which the analog oscillator is responsive. Changes in the binary digital signal cause the oscillation frequency of the analog oscillator to shift in a desired direction to calibrate the analog oscillator. At the completion of the calibration process, the control of the oscillation frequency of the analog oscillator is switched to the analog domain so that the analog oscillator is responsive to an analog control voltage to shift the oscillation frequency.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION
The presentation invention generally relates to analog oscillator circuits, and more particularly, to the digital calibration of voltage-controlled oscillators.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
An analog oscillator circuit, such as a Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO) receives an analog voltage signal as input to control the oscillation frequency of the oscillator. The voltage range of the control voltage received by the oscillator is limited and in recent years the voltage range of the control voltage has been reduced as circuit fabrication processes have achieved shorter channel lengths in the transistors forming some or all of the analog oscillator circuit. With such a limited control-voltage range and in order to accommodate a wide frequency range of the output of the oscillator, the oscillator is often configured to have a high frequency gain. However, such oscillators produce noisy or jittery output signals due to minor voltage shifts (i.e., noise) in the control voltage produces a change in the frequency of the output proportional to the frequency gain of the oscillator. That is, the oscillator with a large frequency gain generates larger frequency shifts for a given voltage disturbance or noise at the control voltage.
For those applications where the jitter characteristics of a high-gain oscillator are not acceptable, a low-jitter oscillator is needed such as, an LC (inductor-capacitor) voltage-controlled oscillator where the frequency is determined by the inductor and the capacitor of the circuit. However, the frequency gain or frequency range or frequency tunability of an LC VCO is limited (i.e., +/−3% over the control voltage range). Consequently, should the value of the inductance or the capacitance deviate from the expected value during the VCO manufacturing process (i.e., process variations), or deviate due to temperature variations or deviated due to supply voltage variations the oscillator will not be capable to reach the desired operation frequency because of the limited range of the control voltage acting upon the low frequency gain of the oscillator. In other words, the range of the control voltage is not sufficient to tune the oscillator to the desired frequency.
A high-frequency-gain VCO has sufficient frequency range to synthesize a desired frequency range and to tolerate variations in process parameters, temperature and voltage supply. However, the high output jitter characteristic (due to its high frequency gain among other things) of such a VCO makes it unusable for some applications. On the other hand, an LC VCO suitable for low-jitter applications has limited frequency range therefore requiring, once fabricated, calibration to compensate for the changes in VCO frequency due to process variations. However, the calibration or tuning of an analog oscillator once fabricated is difficult, inefficient, and time consuming.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention addresses the above-described limitation of calibrating the oscillation frequency of an analog oscillator circuit. The present invention provides an approach to calibrate or center the oscillation frequency of an analog oscillator by means of a digital control signal.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a Phase Locked Looped (PLL) circuit is disclosed. The PLL circuit includes a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) and a frequency calibration circuit. The VCO is responsive to a digital control signal received on a first input node to shift the frequency of the VCO, for example, the center frequency. The center frequency of the VCO corresponds to a midrange voltage of an analog control signal received on a second input node of the VCO. The frequency calibration circuit is responsive to a number of input signals received on a number of input nodes to drive an output node with the digital control signal. The digital control signal provides a binary value to the VCO representing an oscillating frequency, a change in the binary value results in a shift in the oscillating frequency of the VCO. It is through changes in the value of the digital control signal that the calibration circuit tunes or centers the oscillation frequency of the VCO calibrating the VCO in the digital domain.
The PLL of the present invention can include a frequency divider, a phase-frequency detector, and a charge-pump.
The frequency divider divides the frequency of the VCO output and generates a feedback signal that provides feedback to the phase-frequency detector.
The phase-frequency detector is configured to detect a frequency difference between the feedback signal produced by the frequency divider and a reference signal, a phase difference between the feedback signal produced by the frequency divider and a reference signal, or both. Further, the phase-frequency detector is configured generate an output signal at a first output node, a second output node, or both based on, the frequency difference between the feedback signal and the reference signal, the phase difference between the feedback signal and the reference signal, or both.
The charge-pump has a first input node to receive the output signal driven by the phase-frequency detector on the first output node and a second input node to receive the output signal driven by the phase-frequency detector on the second output node. The charge-pump in response to the output signal from the first output node of the phase-frequency detector can sink or source current. The charge-pump in response to the output signal from the second output node of the phase detector can sink or source current. As such, the charge-pump generates a net or effective output charge current proportional to the phase difference detected by the phase detector.
The PLL can include a loop filter configured to integrate and filter the current generated by the charge-pump to produce the analog control signal. Further, the PLL includes a switch configured to switch the VCO between a calibration mode and an operational mode.
The frequency calibration circuit includes a frequency detector, a counter, and a controller. The frequency detector is configured to detect a frequency difference between the feedback signal and the reference signal and drive an output node with an output signal, the digital control signal, representative of the detected frequency difference. The counter is responsive to the output signal of the frequency detector to generate and output the digital control signal. The controller controls operation of the frequency calibration circuit to control calibration of the VCO in the digital domain.
The frequency calibration circuit can include a clock generator configured to generate a first clock to clock the controller and to generate a second clock to clock the frequency detector.
The frequency calibration circuit can have a number of configurations and architectures. That is, the frequency calibration circuit is configurable depending on how the oscillation frequency of the VCO changes in response to the digital control signal. For example, in one configuration or mode, when the oscillation frequency of the VCO reduces in response to an increase in value of the digital control signal, the frequency calibration circuit increases the value of the digital control signal.
In another configuration or mode, when the oscillation frequency of the VCO increases in response to an increase in the value of the digital control signal, the frequency calibration circuit decreases the value of the digital control signal.
The controller of the frequency calibration circuit can include a count detector configured to disable the counter when the value of the digital control signal reaches a pre-defined value. The controller of the frequency calibration circuit can include a number of other circuits including, but not limited to a value direction reversal detector, a bypass circuit, and a calibration complete circuit. The value direction reversal detector is configured to detect a reversal in the count direction of the digital counter. That is, a reduction in the value of the digital control signal that had previously increased or an increase of the value of the digital control signal when it had previously decreased. The bypass circuit is configured to bypass the first decision of the value direction reversal detector. The calibration complete circuit is configured to detect when the calibration of the VCO completes.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is disclosed for calibrating a VCO. The method includes the steps of detecting a frequency difference between a frequency of a feedback signal derived from the output signal of the VCO and a frequency of a reference signal and changing a count of a counter based on the frequency difference. The method also includes the step of halting calibration of the VCO when the count equals a predetermined value or when the change to the count would cause a reversal in a count direction of the counter. The method can include the step of changing a capacitance value of the VCO based on the count of the counter. The method can also include the step of initializing calibration of the VCO and the step of bypassing the step of halting.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a calibration circuit for calibrating an analog oscillator circuit in a digital domain is disclosed. The calibration circuit includes an input circuit and output circuit. The input circuit initializes calibration of the analog oscillator circuit in the digital domain and outputs a digital output signal representing a digital value of a comparison between a frequency of a reference signal received on a first input node and a frequency of a feedback signal from the analog oscillator circuit received on a second input node. The output circuit is responsive to the digital output signal to change a digital value of a calibration signal generated by the output circuit. The value of the digital calibration signal changes an electrical characteristic of the analog oscillator circuit from the digital domain to calibrate the analog oscillator circuit. The calibration circuit can include a controller configured to halt calibration when either the value of the calibration signal reaches a predetermined value or a change in count direction of the value of the calibration signal would occur.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
An illustrative embodiment of the present invention will be described below relative to the following drawings.
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a phased locked loop circuit and a frequency calibration circuit according to the teachings of the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the frequency calibration circuit in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the controller depicted in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a capacitor bank suitable for use in practicing the teachings of the present invention.
FIG. 5 illustrates a timing diagram suitable for practicing an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6A illustrates a timing diagram depicting completion of calibration of an analog oscillator in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6B illustrates a timing diagram depicting completion of calibration of an analog oscillator in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 7A & 7B depict steps taken to practice an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides a frequency calibration circuit to calibrate an analog based oscillator in the digital domain. The illustrative embodiment of the present invention switches the analog oscillator from an operational mode in the analog domain to a calibration mode in the digital domain to calibrate or center an oscillation frequency of the oscillator. Accordingly, the oscillator in the operational mode is responsive to an analog control voltage and in the calibration mode is responsive to a binary signal.
The present invention reduces the amount of frequency adjustment that the analog control voltage has to execute since the oscillation frequency of the oscillator after calibration is at the center of the analog control voltage range. As such, after calibration of the oscillator, changes in oscillation frequency of the oscillator due to temperature and voltage supply variations are accountable through adjustment of the analog control voltage.
The illustrative-embodiment of the present invention accounts for process variations in element values introduced during fabrication of the oscillator. To account for the process variations, the present invention provides a calibration circuit architecture and methodology to calibrate an analog oscillator in the digital domain to effectively null any effects of the process variations so that they do not detract from the ability of the oscillator to maintain a desired frequency range.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an analog oscillator circuit and a frequency calibration circuit suitable for practicing the illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the analog oscillator circuit is configured as a VCO, which is illustrated as a component of a phased locked loop (PLL) 10. The PLL 10 includes a first input node 12A to receive a reference signal, a second input node 12B to receive a calibration finished signal, a third input 12C to receive a digital control signal, and an output node 14 to output a periodic output signal from a VCO 68. The PLL 10 includes a phase frequency detector 30, a charge-pump 40, a loop filter 48, a switch 54, a voltage source 64, the VCO 68, and a frequency divider 78.
The phase frequency detector 30 includes a first input node 32 to receive the reference signal and a second input node 34 to receive a feedback signal from the VCO 68. The phase frequency detector 30 includes a first output node 36 and a second output node 38. In operation, the phase frequency detector 30 compares the reference signal received on the fist input node 32 and the feedback signal received on the second input node 34 and generates either an “UP” pulse or a “DN” pulse based on the comparison. The difference in width of the “UP” and “DN” pulses represent the direction and magnitude of the input phase error detected by the phase frequency detector 30 between the reference signal and the feedback signal. The phase frequency detector 30 drives the first output node 36 with the “UP” pulse and drives the second output node 38 with the “DN” pulse.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate the phase frequency detector 30 is configurable to include a number of architectures so that in various embodiments of the present invention the manner in which the phase frequency detector 30 senses the difference between the two input signal is different. As such, the target input phase difference that causes the phase frequency detector 30 to detect no phase error is configurable and how the phase frequency detector 30 represents any phase error in the output pulses is likewise configurable. For example, the phase frequency detector 30 is configurable as either rising or falling edge sensitive and for each pair of input signal edges produces a single output pulse at either the first output node 36 or the second output node 38, depending on which edge arrives first, with a duration equal to the time difference between the two edges or equivalently the input phase difference.
Thus when a reference signal edge and a feedback signal edge arrive at the same time for zero input phase difference the phase frequency detector 30 will effectively generate no “UP” or “DN” pulse. However, in actuality, the input phase difference may be represented by the phase frequency detector 30 as the difference between an “UP” pulse and a “DN” pulse where both pulses are asserted for some minimum duration in order to guarantee that no error information is lost due to incompletely rising signal edges at the inputs to the phase frequency detector 30 as the input phase difference approaches zero.
The charge-pump 40 includes a first input node 42 to receive the “UP” signal and a second input node 44 to receive the “DN” signal. The charge-pump 40 includes an output node 46 to output the current charge generated. The charge-pump 40 sources or sinks current for the duration of the “UP” and “DN” pulses from the phase frequency detector 30 and the net output charge of the charge-pump 40 is proportional to the difference between the “UP” and “DN” pulses. The charge-pump 40 drives the loop filter 48.
The loop filter 48 includes an input node 50 to receive the output charge from the charge-pump 40 and converts the output charge into an analog control voltage. The loop filter 48 includes an output node 52 to output the analog control voltage and drive the VCO 68 with the same. In turn, the VCO 68 generates an oscillation frequency proportional to the analog control voltage. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the loop filter 48 is configurable to include a single node that acts as an input and output node.
The voltage source 64 includes an output node 66. The voltage source 64 generates a midrange analog control signal equal to the midrange value of the analog control voltage produced at node 52 of the loop filter 48 by the charge injected by the charge-pump 40. The midrange control signal is used during calibration of the VCO 68 and will be discussed below in more detail.
The switch 54 includes a first input node 56 to receive the analog control voltage produced by the loop filter 48 and a second input node 58 to receive the midrange control voltage produced by the voltage source 64. The switch 54 includes a third input node 62 to receive a digital control signal such as the finished signal from the frequency calibration circuit 16. The switch 54 also includes an output node 60 to connect either the first input node 56 or the second input node 58 to the VCO 68.
The VCO 68 includes a first input node 72 to receive either the analog control voltage or the midrange control voltage and an output node 76 in communication with the output node 14 of the PLL 10 to output a periodic signal. The VCO 68 includes a second input node 74 to receive a digital control signal produced by the frequency calibration circuit 16 to calibrate the VCO 68 in the digital domain. In one embodiment of the present invention, the VCO 68 is an inductor-capacitor (LC) type VCO and includes a capacitor bank 70 for controlling the oscillation frequency of the VCO. The VCO 68 generates an output signal asserted on output node 76 having a frequency proportional to the analog control signal, the midrange control signal, or both.
The frequency divider 78 includes an input node 82 to receive the output signal generated by the VCO 68 as part of a feedback loop and an output node 80 to provide the feedback signal to the second input node 34 of the phase frequency detector 30. The feedback signal is also received by the frequency calibration circuit 16, which is discussed below in more detail. The frequency divider 78 divides the frequency of the output signal produced by the VCO 68 by “N” to produce the feedback signal on output node 80. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the frequency divider 78 may be optional and further appreciate the frequency divider 78 allows the output signal at output node 14 of the PLL 10 to be “N” times higher in frequency than the frequency of the reference signal or the feedback signal, thus allowing the PLL 10 to perform frequency multiplication.
The frequency calibration circuit 16 includes a first input node 18 to receive the feedback signal produced by the frequency divider 78, a second input node 20 to receive the reference signal, a third input node 22 to receive an initial count signal, and a fourth input node 24 to receive a reset or initialize signal. The frequency calibration circuit 16 includes a first output node 26 to output a first digital control signal such as the finished signal and includes a second output node 28 to output a second digital control signal such as the digital control signal to calibrate the VCO 68 in the digital domain. The frequency calibration circuit 16 controls whether the VCO 68 is in an operational mode or a calibration mode and when the VCO 68 is in the calibration mode the frequency calibration circuit 16 adjusts or shifts the oscillation frequency of the VCO 68 such that once calibration is complete the target oscillation frequency corresponds to the midrange of the analog control voltage received at the node 72. The target oscillation frequency is also known as the center frequency because it is associated with the midrange or center of the range of the analog control voltage produced by the loop filter 48.
In operation, to calibrate the VCO 68 the frequency calibration circuit 16 triggers the switch 54 to switch from the first input node 56 to the second input node 58 to couple the first input node 72 of the VCO 68 with the voltage source 64. The voltage source 64 generates a voltage equal to the midrange of the analog control voltage. Thus, once calibration completes, the target frequency corresponds to the midrange of the analog control signal produced by the loop filter 48.
The frequency calibration circuit 16 controls operation of the switch 54 with the finished signal output on the first output node 26. The finished signal can be a binary signal with either a logic “1” value or a logic “0” value. The value of the finished signal indicates to the switch 54 when to switch between a calibration mode when the first input node 58 is coupled to the output node 60 and in operational mode when the first input node 56 is coupled to the output node 60.
In calibration mode, changes in the value of the digital control signal produced by the frequency calibration circuit 16 cause the addition or removal of capacitors in the VCO 68 from the capacitor bank 70. In turn, the output frequency of the output signal produced on the output node 76 by the VCO 68 has a corresponding frequency shift and the frequency calibration circuit 16 compares the frequency of the feedback signal produced by the frequency divider 78 with the reference signal received on the second input node 20 to determine whether the binary value of the digital control signal should be increased, decreased, remain the same, or if calibration is complete and if switch 54 should be commanded to couple the first input node 56 to the output node 60 to return the VCO to the operational mode and end calibration of the VCO 68. The frequency calibration circuit 16 calibrates the VCO 68 in the digital domain by providing the VCO 68 with a digital control signal to command the VCO 68 to increase or decrease an amount of capacitance until the VCO frequency at node 14 equals or substantially equals the target frequency or “N” times the frequency of the reference signal at node 12A.
In this manner, any fabrication process variations that effected the values of the elements forming the VCO 68 that change the oscillation frequency of the VCO from a target value no longer require compensation through changes in the analog control voltage at node 52. That is, the digital control signal effectively accounts for or nullifies such fabrication process variations during the calibration process. As such, the analog control voltage produced by the loop filter 48 has sufficient range to cope with frequency variations due to variations in supply voltage and temperature. Consequently, an analog oscillator tuned or calibrated in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is able to have a low frequency gain (i.e., the frequency change per analog control voltage change “Hertz/Voltage”) reducing the susceptibility of the of the VCO 68 to noise injected in the analog control voltage and, in turn, produce a periodic output signal with decreased jitter and decreased phase noise. Moreover, in accordance with the present invention, the frequency calibration circuit 16 is able to calibrate the VCO 68 without the phase frequency detector 30, the charge-pump 40, and the loop filter 48 in the calibration loop.
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the frequency calibration circuit 16. The frequency calibration circuit 16 includes an input circuit 100, an output circuit 140, a controller 160, various logic gates, and other circuit elements. For example, AND gate 102, AND gate 104, NOR gate 108, OR gate 134, and inverter 106. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various logic gate types are illustrated for explanatory purposes and other logic gate types are possible in place of those illustrated and that the various illustrated logic gates and other elements can be include within or as part of the various circuits forming the frequency calibration circuit 16. The input circuit 100 includes a frequency detector 110, a clock generator 122, and the logic gates 102, 104, and 134. The output circuit 140 includes a counter circuit 142.
The frequency detector 110 includes a first input node 112 to receive an enabled version of the feedback signal, a second input node 114 to receive an enabled version of the reference signal, a third input node 116 to receive a reset or initialize signal, and a fourth input node 118 to receive a clock signal labeled clock 2 generated by the clock generator 122. The frequency detector 110 includes an output node 120 to assert an output signal representing the polarity of the frequency difference between the feedback signal and the reference signal detected by the frequency detector 110. The output signal of the frequency detector 110 is labeled frequency difference.
The clock generator 122 includes a first input node 124 to receive the reference signal and a second input node 126 to receive the reset signal asserted on the fourth input node 24 of the frequency calibration circuit 16. The clock generator 122 includes a first output node 128 to assert a reset signal produced by the clock generator 122, a second output node 130 to assert the clock signal labeled clock 2 produced by the clock generator 122, and a third output node 132 to assert a clock signal labeled clock 1 produced by the clock generator 122.
The counter 142 includes a first input node 144 to receive an initial count signal initializing a count value of the counter 142 and a second input node 146 to receive the frequency difference signal generated by the frequency detector 110. The counter 142 includes a third input node 148 to receive the clock 1 clock generated by the clock generator 122, a fourth input node 150 to receive the reset signal or initialize signal asserted in the fourth input node 24 of the frequency calibration circuit 16, and a fifth input node 152 to receive a counter enable signal. The counter 142 includes an output node 154 to assert the digital control signal produced by the counter 142.
The controller includes a first input node 162 to receive the digital control signal produced by the counter 142, a second input node 164 to receive the frequency difference signal produced by the frequency detector 110, a third input node 166 to receive clock signal clock 1 produced by the clock generator 122, and a fourth input node 168 to receive the reset signal or initialize signal asserted on the fourth input node 24 of the frequency calibration circuit 16. The controller 160 includes a first output node 170 to output a counter disable signal produced by the controller 160 and a second output node 172 to output the finished signal produced by the controller 160. The finished signal indicates and controls when the VCO 68 enters the calibration mode and when the VCO 68 exits the calibration mode and enters the operational mode (i.e., when calibration is complete). The finished signal produced by the controller 160 is asserted on the second output node of the frequency calibration circuit 16 and is also inverted by the inverter 106 and gated with the feedback signal at gate 102 and gated with the reference signal at gate 104 to enable the feedback signal and the reference signal by the frequency detector 110. In this manor, when the controller 160 has determined the calibration of the VCO 68 is complete the controller 160 prevents the frequency detector 110 from receiving either the feedback signal or the reference signal to effectively disable the input circuit 100.
In operation, the input circuit 100 using the frequency detector 110 detects a frequency difference between the feedback signal and the reference signal and produces the output signal frequency difference to represent the polarity of the frequency difference between the two input signals. In turn, the counter 144 of the output circuit 140 uses that polarity indication signal to either increase, decrease, or leave a count value of the counter unchanged. The count value of the counter 142 is asserted on the output node 154 as the digital control signal to command the VCO 68 to add capacitance, remove capacitance, or leave the capacitance settings unchanged in order to shift, tune, or calibrate the oscillation frequency of the VCO 68.
The initial count signal received on the third input node 22 commands the counter 142 to an initial count value or loads the counter 142 with an initial count value. During calibration counter 142 increments or decrements the count value. The effect on the VCO 68 of an increment or decrement of the count value depends on the arrangement and resolution of the capacitor bank 70. For example, the counter 142 can increment or decrement the count value by one bit to result in a corresponding increase or decrease in the change of capacitance of 1 LSB plus or minus, respectively, on the capacitor bank 70. The maximum or minimum value of the count value or the size of the counter can be based on the range of frequency adjustment caused by the capacitor bank 70 on the VCO 68.
In the case of an LC VCO if the amount of capacitance is increased when the count of counter 142 increases and the amount of capacitance is decreased when the count decreases then when the frequency difference signal produced by the frequency detector 110 indicates that the frequency of the feedback signal is greater than the frequency of the reference signal the counter 142 should increment the count value. Likewise, when the frequency difference signal indicates that the frequency of the feedback signal is smaller than the frequency of the reference signal, the counter 142 decreases the count value. In the case of an LC VCO where capacitance of the capacitor bank 70 decreases when the count increases and capacitance of the capacitor bank 70 increases when the count decreases then when the frequency difference signal indicates that the frequency of the feedback signal is greater than the frequency of the reference signal the counter 142 should decrement the count value. Likewise, when the frequency difference signal indicates that the frequency of the feedback signal is smaller than the frequency of the reference signal the counter 142 should increase the count value.
The frequency detector 110 is configured to be resettable by either the reset signal received on the fourth input node 24 or reset by gating a frequency reset signal produced by the clock generator 122 with the reset signal received on the fourth input node 24. That is, the frequency detector 110 can be reset either by the master reset at node 24 or by the frequency reset signal out of the clock generator 110. While the master reset signal is used to define the state of all blocks at the beginning of the calibration operation the frequency reset signal resets the frequency detector 110 after every count of counter 142 that results in a frequency adjustment on the VCO. This resetting action prepares the frequency detector 110 to carry out the next frequency comparison between the feedback and the reference signals. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments of the present invention the frequency detector 110 is not reset after every count of the counter 142 that results in a frequency adjustment on the VCO.
The controller 160 in addition to enabling and disabling the clocks received by the frequency detector 110 at the inputs 112 and 114 also enables and disables the output circuit 140. The controller 160 produces a counter disable signal that is gated with the finished signal by gate 108 to enable or disable operation of the counter 142.
FIG. 3 illustrates the controller 160 in more detail. The controller 160 includes a count-limit detector 161, a reversal detector 170, a bypass circuit 184, and a calibration complete circuit 196.
The count-limit detector 161 includes a first input node 159 to receive the digital control signal produced by the counter 142 and a second input node 157 to receive the frequency difference signal produced by the frequency detector 110. The count limit detector 161 includes an output node 169 outputting its output signal.
In operation, the count-limit detector 161 receives the digital control signal and the frequency difference signal and determines from those two signals if the count value of the counter 142 is about to reach the maximum value or the minimum value. If the count-limit detector 161 detects the count value has reached the maximum value or the minimum value the count limit detector 161 produces a counter disable signal on the output node 169 to disable the counter 142 and drive a portion of the calibration complete circuit 196. The count limit detector 161 asserts the counter disable signal to disable the counter 142 to avoid an overflow condition in the counter 142. The count limit detector 161 is formable using an AND gate 163, a NOR gate 165, and an OR gate 167. The AND gate 163 has a first input coupled to the digital control signal and second input coupled to the frequency difference signal. The NOR gate 165 has a first input coupled to the frequency difference signal and a second input coupled to the digital control signal. The OR gate 167 has a first input coupled to the output of AND gate 163 and a second input coupled to the output to the NOR gate 165. The output of the OR gate 167 is coupled to output node 169 of the count limit detector 161. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the AND gate 163 is a multiple-input AND gate and the NOR gate 165 is a multiple-input NOR gate and their number of inputs, respectively, are equal to the number of bits at node 159 plus one.
The reversal detector 170 receives the frequency difference signal on a first input node 174, the clock 1 clock on a second input node 176, the reset signal on a third input node 178, and an enable signal on a fourth input node 180. The reversal detector 170 produces a reversal signal indicating that a reversal in count direction of the counter 142 has occurred. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the reversal detector 170 is configurable to produce the reversal signal indicating that a reversal in the count direction of the counter 142 is about to occur. The reversal signal is asserted on output node 182. The reversal detector 170 can include a second output node 171 to assert the frequency difference signal for use by the count limit detector 161. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the output node 172 is optional because the frequency difference signal can be provided directly to the count limit detector 161.
The reversal detector 170 is configured to include a flip-flop 171, an XOR gate 173, and an AND gate 175. The clock 1 clock signal clocks the flip-flop 171 and the flip-flop 171 is resettable by the reset signal. The flip-flop 171 holds a previous value of the frequency difference signal so that the XOR gate 173 receives as input the previous value of the frequency difference signal and the current value of the frequency difference signal and determines if the present and previous values of the frequency difference signal are different to detect a reversal in the direction of count of the counter 142 or in other words a count reversal. The AND gate 175 receives the output of the XOR gate 173 on a first input and receives an output of the bypass circuit 188 on a second input to determine if the reversal is allowable based on a state of the frequency calibration circuit 16.
That is, during the first cycle or iteration of calibrating the VCO 68 after initialization or reset of the frequency calibration circuit 16, the bypass circuit 184 forces the reversal signal to be low indicating that no reversal occurred and ignoring the decision of the reversal detector circuit 170. In this manner, a potential incorrect indication of reversal in count direction produced by initial conditions is ignored. That is, during the initial decision cycle after power-on or after a reset, there is no history on the count direction so that the reversal detector is then bypassed, however, thereafter (i.e., from the second decision cycle on) decisions of the reversal detector 170 are no longer bypassed and a reversal in the count direction indicates the oscillation frequency of the VCO 68 in calibration mode has reached the center or mid-frequency value and calibration is therefore finished or complete. The reversal detector 170 produces and outputs the reversal signal on the output node 182 to drive one portion of the calibration complete circuit 196.
The bypass circuit 184 includes a first input node 190 to receive an inverted clock 1 clock signal. An inverter 194 inverts the clock 1 clock signal. The bypass circuit 184 includes a second input node 192 to receive the reset signal to reset the bypass circuit 184. The bypass circuit 184 includes a first output node 186 to drive the second input of AND gate 175 and optionally includes a second output node 188 to provide the calibration complete circuit 196 with the reset signal. The bypass circuit 184 includes a flip-flop 183. The flip-flop 183 has its data input tied to a source providing a constant logic “1” value.
The calibration complete circuit 196 includes a first input node 200 to receive the reversal signal produced by the reversal detector 170, a second input node 202 to receive the clock 1 clock signal, a third input node 204 to receive the reset signal, and a fourth input node 206 to receive the counter disable signal produced by the count limit detector 161. The calibration complete circuit 196 includes an output node 208 to assert the finished signal produced by the calibration complete circuit 196.
The calibration complete circuit 196 is configured to include a first flip-flop 197, a second-flip-flop 199, and an OR gate 201. The first flip-flop 197 has its data input coupled to the output node 169 of the count limit detector 161 and produces an overflow signal based on the value of the counter disable signal. The second flip-flop 199 has its data input coupled to the output of the AND gate 175 to produce a polarity reversal signal. The OR gate 201 has a first input coupled to the output of the first flip-flop 197 or the overflow signal and a second input coupled to the output of the second flip-flop 199 or the polarity reversal signal to produce the finished signal on output node 208. In this manner, the calibration complete circuit 196 determines and indicates calibration is complete if the counter 142 has reached a maximum or minimum value, or if a direction of the count value has reversed or is about to reverse. The calibration complete circuit 196 re-times the counter disable signal and the reversal signal and asserts the finished signal if either of those two re-timed signals is asserted.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various circuits forming the controller 160 are depicted with certain gate types and certain flip-flop types and discussed in terms of one logic type. Nonetheless, present invention is not limited to the types of logic, gates, and sequential data storage elements discussed and other types of logic (i.e., inverse logic), gates, and sequential data storage elements are well suited for use in the present invention.
FIG. 4 depicts the capacitor bank 70 in more detail. The capacitor bank 70 includes a number of binary-weighted capacitors connected in parallel so that the addition or removal of a capacitor adds or subtracts from the overall capacitance value used to control the oscillation frequency of the VCO 68. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although the capacitor bank 70 is illustrated as having capacitors connectable in parallel the capacitor bank 70 is configurable to include capacitors connectable in series or a combination of capacitors connectable in series and in parallel to adjust the capacitance value of the VCO 68 in order to calibrate the oscillation frequency of the VCO 68. The capacitor bank 70 includes a first capacitor 71A with a value of 1 unit in parallel with a second capacitor 71B a value of two units, which is in parallel with a third capacitor 71C with a value of 4 units, which is in parallel with a fourth capacitor 71D with a value of 8 units, which makes the capacitors binary weighted. The capacitor bank 70 also includes a first switch 73A operable to connect or disconnect the first capacitor 71A, and includes a second switch 73B operable to connect or disconnect the capacitor 71B, and includes a third switch 73C operable to connect or disconnect the third capacitor 71C, and includes a fourth switch 73D operable to connect or disconnect the fourth capacitor 71D.
The capacitor bank 70 can receive the digital control signal produced by the frequency calibration circuit 16 directly on input node 74 or indirectly through, for example a decoder. The value of the digital control signal defines the amount of capacitance in bank 70. Therefore, a change in the value of the digital control signal produces a change of capacitance in the capacitor bank 70 causing a frequency shift in the oscillation frequency of the VCO 68 to calibrate the VCO 68 in the digital domain.
FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary timing diagram 500 of the three clocks used by the calibration circuit 16. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that those clocks are producible by several known techniques therefore no detail of how they are created is discussed in this document Diagram 500 illustrates the operation of the frequency calibration circuit 16. At time “A”, the frequency detector 110 produces the frequency difference signal indicating whether the frequency of the feedback signal is faster than the frequency of the reference signal. At time “B” the counter 142 receives the rising edge of the clock 1 clock and if the counter enable signal is a logic “1” the counter 142 increments or decrements the count value it holds depending on the value of the frequency difference signal. Once the counter 142 increments or decrements the count value a corresponding adjustment to the frequency of VCO 68 is made. Time “t2” represents a suitable amount of time for the VCO frequency to settle after undergoing adjustment. For example, if the VCO frequency equals twenty times the frequency of the reference signal and “t2” equals twelve reference signal periods, the VCO 68 has two hundred forty (240) periods (i.e., 12×20) to settle. During time period “C”, the clock generator 122 resets the frequency detector 110.
Time “t1” represents the time that the frequency detector 110 is operating in assessing whether the feedback signal or the reference signal has a higher frequency. If the frequency detector decision is based on the accumulation of one period of phase difference between the feedback and the reference signal then, for instance, each calibration frequency adjustment of the VCO 68 results in a 1% change in frequency difference between the feedback signal and the reference signal, then the frequency detector 110 would need at least one-hundred (100) periods to accumulate one period of the reference signal. Nonetheless, to provide margin and to account for starting conditions, the frequency detector 110 is allowed two-hundred (200) periods to make a decision. This period allows the frequency detector 110 to have a resolution of 0.5%. Similarly, if each calibration step causes a 0.5% change in frequency between the feedback and the reference signals then 200 cycles of the reference signal would be the minimum number required by the frequency detector 110 to make a decision. However, to provide sufficient margin twice the number of periods or four-hundred (400) periods are given to the frequency detector 110 to make a decision giving it a resolution of 0.25%. In this case, “t1” is equal to 400 reference periods.
FIG. 6A depicts a timing diagram illustrating an exemplary timing relationship amongst the operations of the frequency calibration circuit 16 and the calibration of an analog oscillator such as the VCO 68 in the digital domain. The timing diagram 600A illustrates the operation of the controller 160 of the frequency calibration circuit 16 to halt the calibration process due to the detection of a polarity reversal of the count value or the detection of a potential polarity reversal of the count value by the reversal detector 170. As depicted at time “T1”, the finish signal is at a logic level “0” and the frequency detector 110 asserts the frequency difference signal having a logic “1” level to instruct the counter 142 to increment the count value it holds. In turn the counter 142 increments the count value. Likewise, at time “T2” the frequency detector 110 detects the frequency difference between the feedback signal and the reference signal and produces the frequency difference signal with a logic “1” value to instruct the counter 142 to increment the count value it holds. In turn, the counter 142 increments the count value it holds and produces the digital control signal having a value representative of the amount of capacitance that determines the frequency of the VCO 68.
However, at time “T3” the frequency detector 110 detects a change in polarity in the frequency difference between the feedback signal and the reference signal and, in turn, produces the frequency difference signal having a logic “0” value, when previously, the frequency difference signal had a logic “1” value. As such, the reversal detector 170 detects a change in the polarity of the current value of the frequency difference signal from the previous value of the frequency difference signal at time “T2” and causes the reversal signal to have a logic “1” value at the time when clock 1 rises, which is when that signal is latched and translated into the finished signal. Notice that, during this calibration cycle, the bypass circuit 184 does not override or bypass the reversal indication by the reversal detector 170 because at time “T3” the calibration process has gone beyond the first calibration cycle. Because of the reversal detection by the reversal detector 170, the controller 160 toggles the finish signal to halt clock generation by the clock generator 122 and to block receipt of the feedback signal and the reference signal by the frequency detector 110. Toggling of the finish signal halts the calibration process of the VCO 68.
FIG. 6B depicts another exemplary timing diagram representing the control of the calibration process of an analog oscillator in the digital domain by the frequency calibration circuit 16. Timing diagram 600B represents the operations and the interaction of the operations amongst the components forming the frequency calibration circuit 16 to halt the calibration process of the analog oscillator in the digital domain once the count value of the counter 142 reaches a maximum value. As illustrated, around time “T1”, the frequency detector 110 detects the polarity of the frequency difference between the feedback signal and the reference signal and produces the frequency difference signal having a logic “1” value to instruct the counter 142 to increment the count value it holds. In turn, the counter 142 increases the count value and produces the digital control signal representing the amount of capacitance in the VCO 68. Around time “T2”, the frequency detector 110 detects the polarity of the frequency difference between the feedback signal and the reference signal and produces the frequency difference signal having a logic “1” value. In turn, the counter 142 increases its count value at which point it reaches the maximum value as indicated by the LSB of the digital control signal transitioning from a logic “0” value to a logic “1” value and all the bits that form the digital control signal are at a logic “1” value. Halting of the calibration process doe not occur at this time because although the maximum count is reached the counter 142 has not overflowed. At time “T3”, the rising edge of clock 2 causes the frequency difference signal to indicate that the count should be increased, but the counter 142 had already reached its maximum count at time “T2”, as indicated by the digital control signal having a logic “1” value. In turn, the count-limit detector 161 forces the counter disable signal to a logic “1” value, which disables counter 142 preventing it from changing the count value when clock 1 rises at “T4” otherwise counter 142 overflows.
In turn, the calibration complete circuit 196 detects the level change in the disable signal and interprets the level change as calibration of the analog oscillator as being complete. The calibration complete circuit 196 produces the finish signal having a logic “1” level to indicate calibration is complete. As such, the finish signal disables the frequency detector 110 and the finish signal in combination with the disable signal, disable the counter 142 and at time “T4” the clock generator 122 halts clock signals clock 1 and clock 2 thereafter halting calibration of the VCO 68.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate the timing diagrams 600A, 600B are illustrative, the period between events can be shortened or lengthened as desired, and the logic levels used to indicate the occurrence of certain events can be based on inverse logic.
FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate steps taken by the frequency calibration circuit 16 to calibrate or center a frequency of oscillation of an analog oscillator such as the VCO 68 in the digital domain. The steps taken to calibrate an analog oscillator as depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B are discussed in relation to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 6A and 6B.
In step 700, the frequency calibration circuit 16 is initialized or reset by an initialization signal or reset signal received on the fourth input node 24. In step 702, the various circuits forming the calibration circuit 16 are initialized or reset. In step 704, the initial count of the counter 142 is initialized or reset and in step 706, the bypass circuit 184 is initialized or reset. Further, in step 708, the calibration complete circuit 196 is initialized or reset to reset the finished signal. The initialization or reset in step 700 is responsible for the initialization or reset in steps 702, 704, 706 and 708.
In step 710, the frequency detector 110 triggers to detect the polarity of the frequency difference between the feedback signal and the reference signal. In step 712, the frequency detector 110 determines the polarity. If the frequency of the feedback signal is greater than the frequency of the reference signal, operation proceeds to step 714. In step 714, the controller 160 determines if the counter 142 has reached a maximum count value. If the counter 142 has reached the maximum count value, the calibration procedure halts. If the count value of the counter 142 has not reached the maximum value then in step 716, the counter 142 increments the count value and increments the value of the digital control signal produced by the counter 142.
If at step 712, the frequency of the feedback signal is less than the frequency of the reference signal, the controller 160 determines at step 718, if the count value of the counter 142 has reached a minimum value. If the count value of the counter 142 has reached the minimum value, the calibration process halts. If the count value of the counter 142 has not reached the minimum value, the operation proceeds to step 720. In step 720, the counter 142 decrements the count value and, in turn, decrements the value of the digital control signal. After either incrementing or decrementing the value of the digital control signal, the process proceeds to step 722.
In step 722, it is determined if the bypass value is set to a logic “1” value. If the bypass value equals a logic “1” value the of reversal of polarity detection is bypassed, and in step 726, the bypass value is set to a logic “0” value to prevent bypassing a polarity value reversal in future calibration cycles until the frequency calibration circuit 16 is reset or initialized. With the bypass value equal to a logic “1” value such a value indicates the frequency calibration circuit 16 is in the first cycle of operation and allows the counter 142 to count in any direction. Once bypass has a logic “1” value, a reversal of polarity of the count is an indication the calibration process of the analog oscillator circuit is complete. If at step 722, the bypass value equals a logic “0” value then in step 724, it is determined whether a polarity reversal of the count occurred. If a polarity reversal of the count occurred, the calibration process halts or stops. If no polarity reversal occurred, the process proceeds to step 728.
In step 728, the frequency calibration circuit 16 enters a wait state to allow the VCO 68 to settle and at completion of the wait state loops back to step 710 to begin the process again until either the maximum count value is reached, the minimum count value is reached, or a polarity reversal in the count is detected.
While the present invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, one skilled in the art will appreciate various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the intended scope of the present invention as defined in the pending claims. The logic “0” values referred to throughout this text refers to a voltage level that represents the low value of a digital signal and the logic “1” levels referred to through out this text refers to the high value of a digital signal. The actual voltage levels corresponding to “0” and “1” or low and high would depend on specific application and implementation.
Claims (17)
1. A Phase Locked Loop (PLL) circuit comprising,
a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) responsive to a digital control signal received on a first input node to set a frequency of the VCO to correspond to a mid-range voltage of an analog control signal received on a second input node; and
a frequency calibration circuit responsive to a plurality of input signals received on a plurality of input nodes to drive an output node with the digital control signal to set the frequency of the VCO, the frequency calibration circuit comprising:
a frequency detector to detect a frequency difference between a feedback signal and a reference signal and drive an output node with an output signal representative of the detected frequency difference;
a counter responsive to the output signal of the frequency detector to generate and output the digital control signal;
a controller configured to control a calibration process of the VCO; and
a clock generator configured to generate a first clock to clock the controller and to generate a second clock to clock the frequency detector;
wherein a change in the digital control signal represents a frequency shift to set the frequency of the VCO.
2. The PLL of claim 1 further comprising,
a frequency divider to divide a frequency of an output signal of the VCO and drive an output node with a feedback signal representative of the divided frequency of the output signal;
a phase-frequency detector to detect any of a frequency difference between the feedback signal and a reference signal or a phase difference between the feedback signal and the reference signal, and generate an output signal at either a first output node or a second output node related to any of the frequency difference or the phase difference between the feedback signal and the reference signal; and
a charge-pump having a first input node to receive the output signal driven by the phase-frequency detector on the first output node and a second input node to receive the output signal drive by the phase-frequency detector on the second output node and in response to the output signal from the first output node sources current and in response to the output signal from the second output node sinks current to generate an output charge current proportional to the phase difference detected by the phase-frequency detector.
3. The PLL of claim 2 further comprising, a loop filter configured to convert the charge-pump current into the analog control voltage signal.
4. The PPL of claim 1 further comprising, a switch configured to switch the VCO between a calibration mode and an operational mode.
5. The PLL of claim 1, wherein a value the digital control signal increases when a frequency of the feedback signal is greater than a frequency of the reference signal.
6. The PLL of claim 1, wherein a value of the digital control signal decreases when a frequency of the feedback signal is less then a frequency of the reference signal.
7. The PLL of claim 1, wherein a value of the digital control signal increases when a frequency of the reference signal is greater than a frequency of the feedback signal.
8. The PLL of claim 1, wherein the value of the digital control signal decreases when a frequency of the reference signal is less than a frequency of the feedback signal.
9. A Phase Locked Loop (PLL) circuit comprising,
a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) responsive to a digital control signal received on a first input node to set a frequency of the VCO to correspond to a mid-range voltage of an analog control signal received on a second input node; and
a frequency calibration circuit responsive to a plurality of input signals received on a plurality of input nodes to drive an output node with the digital control signal to set the frequency of the VCO, the frequency calibration circuit comprising:
a frequency detector to detect a frequency difference between a feedback signal and a reference signal and drive an output node with an output signal representative of the detected frequency difference;
a counter responsive to the output signal of the frequency detector to generate and output the digital control signal; and
a controller configured to control a calibration process of the VCO, the controller, comprising a count detector configured to disable the counter when the value of the digital control signal reaches a predefined value;
wherein a change in the digital control signal represents a frequency shift to set the frequency of the VCO.
10. The PLL of claim 9, wherein the controller further comprises, a reversal detector configured to detect a reversal of polarity of the frequency difference between the feedback and the reference signals.
11. The PLL of claim 10 wherein the controller further comprises, a bypass circuit configured to bypass an output of the reversal detector.
12. The PLL of claim 11 wherein the controller further comprises, a calibration complete circuit configured to detect when the calibration of the VCO completes.
13. A method for calibrating a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), the method comprising the steps of:
detecting a frequency difference between a frequency of a feedback signal of the VCO and a frequency of a reference signal;
changing a count of a counter based on the frequency difference;
halting calibration of the VCO when any of the following occur: the count equals a predetermined value; when the change to the count causes a reversal in a count direction of the counter, or when the change to the count would cause a reversal in a count direction of the counter; and
disabling the counter when the value of the digital control signal reaches a predefined value.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of, changing a capacitance value of the VCO based on the count of the counter.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of detecting detects a polarity of the frequency difference between the frequency of the feedback signal of the VCO and the frequency of the reference signal.
16. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of, bypassing the step of halting.
17. A calibration circuit for calibrating an analog oscillator circuit in a digital domain, the calibration circuit comprising:
an input circuit to initiate calibration of the analog oscillator circuit in the digital domain and output a digital output signal representing a result of a comparison between a frequency of a reference signal received on a first input node and a frequency of a feedback signal from the analog oscillator circuit received on a second input node;
an output circuit responsive to the digital output signal to change a digital value of a calibration signal generated by the output circuit, the change in the value of the calibration signal changing an electrical characteristic of the analog oscillator circuit from the digital domain to calibrate the analog circuit;
a controller configured to halt calibration when either the value of the calibration signal reaches a predetermined value, a change in direction of a binary count occurs, or a change in direction of a binary count would occur, wherein a value of the binary count is represented by the calibration signal; and
a clock generator configured to generate a first clock to clock the controller and to generate a second clock to clock the input circuit.
US11/321,3862005-12-282005-12-28Method and apparatus to center the frequency of a voltage-controlled oscillator
Active2026-02-15US7315218B1
(en)
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Resources
Verification Procedure - Currently Verified
This page last reviewed
July 9, 2015
The following information is provided as a summary of verified
diesel emission control strategies. Additional requirements specific
to engine compatibility are provided in the Executive
Order. The factors outlined in the Executive Order are legal
requirements of each verification; therefore, these conditions
must be met before determining if a particular device is applicable to
the end-users type of engine. The Air Resources Board
recommends that you contact the manufacturer, or their authorized
distributor, prior to making any purchasing decision. Please click on the manufacturer
link for additional information.
Cleaire
products have not been available for sale or lease since it ceased
operations on January 18, 2013. ESW CleanTech Incorporated (ESW
CleanTech) acquired the Cleaire product line on April 18, 2013, and
will provide new sales of product under its ownership as well as
support for existing Cleaire customers. Vehicles that have the
Cleaire devices already installed in a verified configuration will
continue to meet applicable in-use fleet rule requirements. Please
refer to the following website for additional information:Cleaire Information Page
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Prenez note que cet article publié en 2017 pourrait contenir des informations qui ne sont plus à jour.
Postes Canada a arrêté la livraison du courrier de trois adresses dans l'est de Vancouver après qu'un facteur eut été attaqué par Canuck, une corneille bien connue dans le voisinage. La société d'État précise que le service reprendra quand la situation sera plus sécuritaire.
À une occasion, l'agressivité de l'oiseau a été telle qu'un facteur saignait après l'attaque.
« La sécurité de nos employés est de la plus haute importance », souligne Postes Canada dans une déclaration. « Comme pour tout employeur, il est de notre responsabilité de réagir quand un employé porte ce genre de problème à notre attention », est-il ajouté.
Postes Canada soutient que les usagers touchés ont reçu une lettre leur indiquant où ils pouvaient aller récupérer leur courrier en attendant que la situation soit réglée. « Nous surveillons la situation régulièrement et nous reprendrons la livraison aussitôt que possible quand ce sera sécuritaire », est-il également expliqué.
Agrandir l’image (Nouvelle fenêtre) Shawn Bergman et Canuck la corneille le jour de leur rencontre. Photo : Facebook/thecrowandi
Shawn Bergman, un des usagers touchés par la suspension du service de livraison postale raconte que ses voisins et lui ne reçoivent plus le courrier à la maison depuis plus d’un mois. Le Vancouvérois est également celui qui gère une page Facebook consacrée à son amitié avec la corneille Canuck. Il soutient qu’il ne peut rien faire pour contrôler l’oiseau. M. Bergman a toutefois proposé au facteur de se protéger avec un parapluie pour effectuer la livraison ou encore de stationner sa voiture plus loin dans la rue. Selon lui, Postes Canada a décliné ses suggestions. Dans un courriel, elle explique que le service sera suspendu jusqu’à ce que « le danger ait disparu ».
Il raconte également que ses voisins font maintenant pression pour qu’il se débarrasse de l’oiseau, ce qu’il refuse de faire. « Je veux juste que le courrier soit livré de nouveau », dit-il.
Avec les informations d'Alex Migdal, de CBC
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Capitals top Rangers 1-0 in OT for 2-0 series lead
Article by: JOSEPH WHITE
Associated Press
May 5, 2013 - 12:43 AM
WASHINGTON
- Puck over glass. The New York Rangers don't score.
Puck over glass. "Casual Mike" does.
The NHL's black-and-white delay-of-game rule found a gray area late in regulation, then tipped the balance of the game twice in overtime. The Washington Capitals held firm when they were a man down, then won it on Mike Green's latest extra-time winner, topping the Rangers 1-0 Saturday to take a 2-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
It's the eighth career overtime goal — and first in the postseason — for the defenseman whose more well-known nickname is "Game Over Green."
"When it gets to overtime and guys start to get the shakes a little bit, he's still calm Mike Green," teammate Karl Alzner said. "So he's able to find those goals. We call him `Casual Mike' every now and then."
Braden Holtby made 24 saves for his first career playoff shutout for the Capitals and has stopped 59 of 60 shots in the series.
Game 3 is Monday in New York.
Green got his chance because the Capitals' power play — the best in the NHL during the regular season — finally returned to the ice thanks to the rule that sends a player to the box when he "shoots or bats" the puck "directly" over the glass while in his defensive zone.
The Rangers had done a better job staying out of the box after taking too many minors in Game 1, but the officials had no choice when defenseman Ryan McDonagh clearly committed the error 7:09 into overtime.
"Just got a little too under it," McDonagh said.
On only their second man-advantage of the game — and first since the first period — Green nailed a one-timer from high in the slot on a feed from Mike Ribeiro precisely at the eight-minute mark of the extra period.
Contrast that with the New York power play that started 1:51 into overtime, after Steve Oleksy was whistled for the over-the-glass miscue. The Rangers failed to get a shot on goal during their two minutes of 5-on-4 — or at any point in the extra period.
"It comes down to: They score on their power play and we don't," Rangers captain Ryan Callahan said.
New York also had a power play late in regulation after Troy Brouwer slashed Rick Nash. The Rangers went 0 for 3 on the power play for the game and are 0 for 7 for the series.
"We're just too stagnant," New York coach John Tortorella said. "We're almost paralyzed."
The Rangers nearly had another power-play chance in the final minute of regulation, when Alzner swiped at the puck and put it over the glass. Holtby thought for sure that his teammate was headed to the box, but the officials conferred and decided not to make the delay call. Alzner said it was because they decided he had tipped the puck.
"I was thinking about that last night," Alzner said. "I was thinking if that play ever happened, what would the call be? And I guess it's discretionary, whatever. ... It's kind of a weird coincidence."
The Rangers bit their tongue about it after the game.
"There's no use talking about it now," Callahan said. "I mean, it doesn't matter. Just move on."
Pucks-over-glass debates aside, the game consisted mostly of Henrik Lundqvist and Holtby kicking, swiping, catching and otherwise getting in the way of the puck. Lundqvist finished with 37 saves.
"He was big for us again," Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi said. "And it would have been nice to get the victory for him."
A razor-thin margin in the playoffs between these teams is hardly surprising. Six of their seven games in last year's postseason were decided by one goal, including a Rangers win that went to three overtimes. This is the third Rangers-Capitals series in three years, and five of those 14 games have required extra time to decide a winner.
The Capitals are more offensively minded this year under first-time coach Adam Oates, but the Rangers were able to mostly corral regular season goal-scoring leader Alex Ovechkin and the rest of Washington's high-powered attack.
Lundqvist had to work harder than Holtby, but both were in top form — and caught a few breaks as well. New York's Anton Stralman hit the crossbar about four minutes into the game. Lundqvist reacted quickly to make a kick save on Mathieu Perreault. On and on it went.
But Lundqvist couldn't stop the game's final shot from Green, whose 12 regular season goals led all NHL defensemen.
"I just happened to be open," Green said. "And my goal was just to get it by that first guy and try to hit the net."
Notes: F Derek Dorsett made his Rangers debut. He broke his collarbone March 7 while playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets and was thought to be done for the season. He was sent to New York last month at the trade deadline. F Brian Boyle returned after being sidelined since April 16 with a right leg injury. The Rangers remained without D Marc Staal (eye) and F Ryane Clowe (undisclosed). ... Cs Chris Kreider and Kris Newbury were scratched to make room for Dorsett and Boyle.
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Nick Collins has the deeply tanned skin of a man who has spent most of his 39 years on a boat, fishing for oysters.
He has worked for his father's business, Collins Oyster Company, since he was 10 years old.
Not any more.
He has brought me out on his boat, a couple kilometres from the Gulf of Mexico, to show me why.
He winches up a basket full of oysters and sifts through each one, shaking his head.
All of them, beautiful oysters, and they're dead. And all because of BP's oil spill one year ago Nick Collins, Former oyster fisherman
"This one's dead. This one's dead. All of them empty shells. All of them, beautiful oysters, and they're dead. And all because of BP's oil spill one year ago," he says.
Everything he has caught, he has to throw back.
"It's heartbreaking," he says. "This is the biggest oyster kill in Louisiana history, probably in the Gulf coast's history.
"I wish I wasn't part of it. I wish I wasn't here. It's heartbreaking."
Out of business
Back at the headquarters of Collins Oyster Company, Nick's father Wilbert stands in the driveway, taking a long drag on a cigarette.
At 73 years old, he is the head of the family business.
"We used to have some of the best oysters in the country," he says. "They used to line up here for three hours at a time to get a bag full."
Image caption Mr Collins had to lay off two of his sons
Now there are no cars lining up. Without any oysters, Wilbert has put up a sign on his front lawn.
It reads: "Collins Oyster Company - Out of Business After 90 Years Because of BP's Oil & Governor Jindals Fresh Water."
During the oil spill clean-up, Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana ordered the opening of giant valves on the Mississippi River, releasing torrents of fresh water that officials hoped would push oil back out to sea.
Reports since then have shown that the diversions had a catastrophic impact on the oyster beds, which need salt water to survive.
It is not just customers that Wilbert has lost.
Last Christmas, he was forced to lay off two of his sons, including Nick.
"That's the hardest thing. To let go of your own family and tell them they're going to have to go and do something else," says Wilbert.
Nick is now looking for work as a carpenter.
"Obviously, I'd rather be oystering," he says.
Wilbert says he hasn't received any compensation from BP for months.
"They just give you the run-around."
He even went to Washington to meet with Ken Feinberg, the man President Obama has appointed to run BP's $20bn (£12bn) compensation fund.
"I offered to personally show them all my dead oysters," he says. "But they had no interest in seeing them."
Local anger
A few miles down the bayou from Collins Oyster Company, Mr Feinberg has flown from Washington to Louisiana to answer questions from fishermen at a town hall meeting.
Image caption Many locals are angry at the government's response to the crisis
Wilbert says he is weary of his empty promises and has decided to stay at home.
Plenty of other fishermen have turned up. One by one, they take to a small podium and address their concerns directly to Mr Feinberg.
"You keep telling everybody that everything's fine is the Gulf of Mexico," says oil rig worker Clayton Mathern, "but you're sitting there lying to our faces."
"What about the people, myself included, that have lost everything they had? Everything they worked for, everything they took pride in?"
Mr Mathern's wife Becky, also speaks up.
"You told us personally that you would help us. You gave us your personal cell phone number and begged us to keep it secret, but whenever we called, you didn't pick up."
Many fishermen in the room have seen Mr Feinberg speak before. For shrimp fisherman Dean Blanchard, it is the fifth time.
"I thought I'd be here just in case you accidentally dropped a cheque," he says.
We had the best product in the world. Now we're known as an oil product Dean Blanchard, Shrimp fisherman
The audience bursts into laughter and applauds.
"We had the best product in the world," Mr Blanchard says. "Now we're known as an oil product."
"That's not right and you have to pay us."
Mr Feinberg leans towards his microphone and responds.
"It may be that there are people in this room that should have been paid, that haven't been paid," he says.
"But the programme is working. We've paid out. In less than seven months, we're approaching $4bn (£2.5bn), including $1.7bn (£1bn) for Louisiana."
"We're trying to do the right thing."
There have been a lot of promises from politicians, including Mr Feinberg, to make the fishermen of Louisiana whole again.
But Wilbert Collins is losing faith.
"Right now, there's so much going on around the world and not too many people are talking about the oil spill anymore. But it's not done. There are a lot of people hurting and it don't look like anyone cares."
"It discourages you so much to see the way the government treats you. For America - it's unbelievable."
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New research published in PLoS ONE says that horses have a variety of facial expressions (even if they’re not all distinctive to us) and use them when communicating with other horses.
Creationist Ken Ham knows why that is: Because God created horses. (Obviously.)
Ham writes:
In a creation worldview this new research makes sense. God created many animals with the ability to communicate with one another through facial expression, gestures, or song… … … But then the researchers in the PLOS ONE journal say “The potential to make such cross species comparisons can enhance our understanding of the meaning, function, and evolution of communicative behavior” (emphasis added). Clearly, they are trying to align such expressions with those of humans and other animals based on the belief that horses and humans are related because of progression in their evolutionary belief system. This is not observational science. … … Humans, horses, and other animals do not use similar facial muscles and communicative expressions because of shared ancestry, but they do share a common Designer and so we would expect to see similarities in living things — and we observe that.
Look: In a “creation worldview,” everything makes sense because 1) There’s no scientific standard you have to meet and 2) The audience is too ignorant to argue otherwise.
It rained in Chicago last night. I could give you the scientific reasons for that. But why bother when Ham will tell you God is just crying over the legalization of gay marriage? In his world, no research is complete without mentioning God, and God’s presence in a “research” article makes anything the authors say automatically true. (Just once, I’d love to see a rejection letter by the folks who put together the Answers in Genesis research journal. Because they’ll accept anything if you use the right Creationist buzzwords.)
There are theories for how smiling developed that don’t include “God did it.” Ham’s crack research team didn’t bother looking into any of that.
Maybe that’s because their petting zoo (a.k.a. the Creation Museum’s research lab) offers everything you ever need to know about the subject:
You can learn more about the horse kind when you visit the Creation Museum here in northern Kentucky. We have a zorse and a zonkey in our petting zoo that show visitors that horses, donkeys, and zebras are all part of one created kind, the horse kind.
The “horse kind.”
Because you can’t say “bullshit” at a petting zoo.
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Q:
Работа с базой данных в flask-security
Изучаю flask-security. В Quickstart есть такой вот код:
class UserRoles(db.Model):
# Because peewee does not come with built-in many-to-many
# relationships, we need this intermediary class to link
# user to roles.
user = ForeignKeyField(User, related_name='roles')
role = ForeignKeyField(Role, related_name='users')
name = property(lambda self: self.role.name)
description = property(lambda self: self.role.description)
Никак не могу понять, что делают строки
name = property(lambda self: self.role.name)
description = property(lambda self: self.role.description)
От куда берется функция property, да и вообще, что происходит в этих строках ?
A:
property - это стандартная функция python. Позволяет работать с атрибутом экземпляра класса, назначая различные действия на его установку, изменение, удаление. Подробнее в документации
В данном случае это просто эквивалент варианта с декоратором
class Foo(object):
# для примера
role = '123'
@property
def name(self):
return self.role
>>> Foo().name
'123'
Просто не имело смысла расписывать полный вариант данной конструкции, а данное свойство является обычным синтаксическим сахаром для получения self.role.name
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Amerikooler Refacciones y Manuales
-
Founded in 1985 by Renato M. Alonso, Amerikooler is a company that embodies the American dream. Alonso, a Cuban immigrant, began the business with a small space...
and only two employees. Today, Amerikooler operates out of a 200,000 sq. ft. facility in Hialeah, Florida, specializing in prefabricated and custom walk-in coolers and freezers. Their AK-XPS™ insulation is designed to outperform polyurethane panels by eliminating bubbles and voids that can cause warm spots on cooler walls. To that end, Amerikooler offers a 50-year thermal warranty on its insulation. Choose Parts Town for all your genuine OEM Amerikooler replacement parts needs.
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Peptidea® is a fish protein hydrolysate. It consists of peptides, 18 amino acids with a molecular weight lower than 1000 daltons, acting as precursors of endorphins and other neurotransmitters such as serotonin and melatonin, which play a regulatory role in the nervous system. They therefore help the body to adapt effectively to physical or mental stress.
In response to stress, danger or emotion, the body initiates two mechanisms:
First, the adrenal gland releases adrenalin and other catecholamines to prepare the body to react by rapidly providing the brain and muscles with maximum energy;
Then it's the turn of the pituitary gland and adrenal cortex. The hypothalamus secretes a hormone, CRF (corticotrophin-releasing factor) which stimulates the pituitary gland. The latter releases ACTH into the blood which is essential for the secretion of corticosteroids (cortisone, cortisol ) by the adrenal cortex. Cortisol, often called the stress hormone', is known to have a blood sugar-elevating effect. At high levels, it stimulates protein catabolism (formation of amino acids). During prolonged periods of stress, high levels of cortisol are secreted, potentially damaging the limbic system involved in emotion, as well as weakening immune defences.
Trials conducted on rats show that, under conditions of stress, Peptidea® helped reduce the intensity of ACTH secretion. In addition, in animals treated with Peptidea®, the rate of transport of adrenalin and noradrenalin was slower. Finally, a change in GABA levels (gamma amino-butyric acid) in the brain was observed, similar to that resulting from an injection of benzodiazepine.
Compared with benzodiazepines, orally-administered fish peptides in Peptidea® showed a clear anti-stress effect in adult Wistar rats. Unlike benzodiazepines, Peptidea® produced this anti-stress action without any sedative effect, the animals maintaining all their adaptive capacity.
Previous studies had shown that fish protein hydrolysates:
· were effective at reducing anxiety in a healthy student population, the benefits appearing within a week of starting treatment;
· reduced symptoms (muscle and mental fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, depression) in 65% of subjects suffering from aesthenia and severe anxiety, after just two weeks' treatment;
· had beneficial effects in cases of cognitive and memory problems, with improvements observed in quality of sleep, motivation, concentration and memorization; their beneficial effect on depression-related fatigue and weakness may explain the improvements in memory and cognitive function;
· led to improved learning as a result of reducing anxiety;
· provided beneficial effects on stress which remained for a while even after treatment ceased;
· offered effective relief from symptoms of fatigue, anxiety and depression caused by chronic stress.
Take between one and six capsules every morning for at least 15 consecutive days.
Warning: Do not take Peptidea® if allergic to fish.
Precautions: Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. This product is a nutritional supplement and should not replace a varied, balanced diet. Keep out of childrens' reach. Store away from direct light, heat and humidity. As with any nutritional supplement, you should consult a health professional before taking this product if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a health problem.
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"Previously on Heroes" "I can hear rain coming from 40 miles away." "I can even hear someone's moods..." "There are others out there like you." "I can feel them." "We'll find them Mohinder, all of them." "It's our destiny." "Go home Ando." "I made a mistake by bringing you along." "Hiro, please." "I was surprised to learn the Linderman group recently invested in your campaign." "I don't know why you'd be surprised." "Mr. Linderman was a good friend of my fathers." "What Mr. Linderman wants, Mr. Linderman gets." " Has he even located ?" " The haitian?" "Nah." "How long was he hiding, Claire?" "I take it it's been months." "Just one more thing." "When should we be expecting Claire ?" "I'll bring her in now." "I want her to protect you." "I tried to be the best dad I could." "This is goodbye." "You don't have to do this." "There can't be any doubt cast on your father." "Claire, turn around cover your ears." "Dad." "I love you dad." "I love you Clare-bear." "Go deep." "Take anything that would lead them to her." "With just one bullet I can be a hero." "Show yourself !" "No !" "Chapter Eighteen" " Parasite." "I choose you." "It was supposed to be you." "Can't you do something?" "She's dead." "It can't be." "It's your fault." "You did this to her." "Hey, you stop right there." "What is your problem?" "I am here with tour from Osaka." "Security just flagged you." "You must be some kind of cheat." "You already got a warning, and most people don't even get that." "It is okay." "I am invited now by Mr. Linderman." "Well, in that case." "You can't stop me!" "Bigger men than you have tried." "I will find a way inside... somehow." "It's all gone." "So you honestly don't remember anything ?" "I told you I'm trying." "I last thing I remember is driving home from the hospital with my wife." "After that, it's grey, blank." "So Sprague and Parkman taking your family hostage, shooting your daughter, a bullet clean through your side," "you think something there might have made an impression ?" "My daughter is missing so right now I don't care if you believe me or what you do to me," "I just want her home." "Safe." "You can kill me if you want, I'm gonna to find her!" "Settle down." "You're tearing your stiches if you're not careful." "Well, clearly your partner has gone on the road and taken a pie of slash of your memory with him." "He did the same thing to your wife and son." "They remember even less." " When can I go after them ?" " Sorry." " Can't let that be your errand." " She's my daughter!" "She's an assignment." "Or you've forgotten, who gave her to you." "Took her out of a bassinet, put her in your hands, and told you to take her home, and that's after you said no thank you." "Now I appreciate you're taking the interests beyond the needs of the assignment, but that indulgence ends now." "You expect me to do nothing ?" "I expect you to do whatever we ask of you." "Well, what do you think ?" "He's telling the truth." "He doesn't know anything." "You owe me five bucks." " Come on." " Wait!" "We got a deal." "I help you out, you'll let me go." "Take it easy, partner." " We'll get there." " What?" "Hey!" "Hey!" "You haven't said anything all day." "I thought you preferred it." "It's not like you'll tell me where we're going anyway." "As soon as I know where we're going, I will tell you." "When can I go back to my family ?" "Should I lie to you and say it will be soon ?" "You know what we're running from." "Yeah." "The people you and my dad work for." "What they will do." "Not even you can recover from." "Great." "Thanks, dad." "You cannot understand the level of sacrifice made so you might live." "You must honour that." " Is it safe to go back ?" " No." "We leave the country." "Tonight." "Sorry Mr. Petrelli, these men wanted to see you." " They're from..." " The F.B.I.?" "I'm Federal Agent Casada." "This is agent Alonso." "We'd like to speak with you concerning illegal campaign contributions you may have received from the Linderman group." "The F.B.I. is curious why the Las Vegas based Linderman group would be so interested in helping a new york business." "My father was in charge of the group before he passed away." "Sorry." "We're clear." "No one is listening." "You agreed there would be no face to face." "And you agreed to deliver Linderman." "I'm the one who brought you in here, remember?" "I'd appreciate a little discretion as opposed to a surprise office visit." "No one outside this office knows you're working with us." "Linderman requested a meeting at the casino tonight." " Any guesses why ?" " I'm four points behind." "He's going to tell me how he plans to put me ahead and what he's expecting of me after I win." "We were thinking the same thing, and we want you to record it." "You want me to wear a wire ?" "You're the only one on our side who can get enough incriminating evidence to put him behind bars." "We need this Mr. Petrelli, and so do you." "Otherwise, he walks." "We'll contact you when you land in Vegas." "How long have you been working with the f.B.I.?" "Since Heidi's accident." "I take Linderman down for a long time, Peter." "I thought I could be a hero, save the world." " Instead I just killed" " What's that?" "That's not your blood, is it ?" "No, Simone." "Isaac shot her." "She's dead." "She's dead ?" " Did you call the police?" " No." "Okay." "Here's what's going to happen." "I'm gonna make an anonymous phone call, okay ?" " You will have absolutely nothing to do with it." " But I did." "She's dead because of me." "I don't know what to do." "That's it, you don't do anything." "Do you understand?" "This is not the time for you to get noble, okay." "Just stay with me." "I can't." "I can't." "As long as I'm alive, everyone around me is in danger." "Suresh." "We can call Suresh, okay ?" "He can study you." "He can..." "He's working on a cure." "It's already too late for that." "Sir." "You have your flight to vegas" "Just, tell the driver to wait." "Peter !" "Well, there you are." "Lyle is watching pay per view in the other room." "I'm going to run to the gym before there's an ***** line." "I tell you that flood in our basement turned into a right vacation for this family." "Too bad Claire is missing it all with that cheerleading retreat." "I'm not going to answer that." "I got the dog hotel giving me hourly updates on Mr. Muggles." " They hate me." " Sorry." "I have to take a trip." " Now ?" " What else ?" "You stay here and take care of Lyle." "I'll be back as soon as I can." " If anyone comes looking for me" " Stop." "Stop." "You can't go." "What you are doing ?" "Why are you whispering." "Because you told me to yesterday." "I thought you didn't remember." "You told me to pretend that man took my memory." "You took me in the shower." "You told me everything." " I told you ?" " What you really do." "Who you work for, and what happened to Claire." "Do you know where she is ?" " You know I can't remember." " No." "But you told me you were protecting her." "You said you sent her away so she'd be safe, and that if you went after her," "I should give you this." "Claire is with friends don't go after her." "This is my writing !" "Okay, look." "We can't let anybody know about this." "Don't worry." "I know how to play dumb." "I can never love you enough." "You do fine." "Puccini ?" "I thought of you more as a John Denver type." "That's your wife ?" "Your painter friend from new york has trying to reach you." "I chatted with him for you." "Apparently, he's got himself a dead girlfriend." "Nice guy." "Thomson doesn't need me on this one." "I need to be here with my family." "This isn't a request." "This is an assignment." "You do remember assignments, don't you ?" " I'll get my things." " Yeah." "Let me guess." " Another paper emergency." " Huge order mix up in fresno." "Sorry for stealing your husband, Mrs. Bennett." "It's just he's the best guy we've got in a pinch." "I like your hair." " So this is the list ?" " Yes." "What's left of it." "Most of these people are missing or dead." "I want to run your DNA sample against my father formula." "And we can take you to some place safe." "This is your father's formula this is how he made the list, how he found me." "Yes." "Although, I haven't figured out what it he's looking for." "Specific gene, codon." "There are 3 billion options base per human DNA." "It's the proverbial needle." " Did my DNA helped ?" " No." "Okay Mohinder, you've been driving all night." " Why you just don't take a break." " I can't." "These people are in danger." "We have to warn them." "If Sylar gets to them first--." "Exactly." "So let me help." "Right here." "This one is in New York." "Isaac Mendez." "I'll call him." "And you just relax and take a minute." "You're very kind." "Thank you." "You have no idea how alone I used to feel." "How insignificant." "You've given me hope." "Hope is great." "We need cafeine." "So this formula, if you figure it out how many of us will you find?" "Who knows?" "Hundreds, thousands, maybe more." "It's busy." "I'll get him later." "To new friends." "This is good." "What is it?" "Chi." "It's a special blend my father brought from India." "Who we gonna call next ?" "No one." "I already have you." "Mr. Sylar." "Here." "Mr. Petrelli ?" " Flying man!" " Not here." " Flying man !" " Yeah." "Let me guess." "You're still trying to still that sword from Mr. Linderman?" " Where is your friend ?" " Ando ?" "I sent him back to Japan." "This mission getting too dangerous for him." "I think I know what you mean." "Can't protect everyone." "Sometimes it's better to go it alone." "The more people you try and help, the more people get hurt." "Please, you must help me." "I can't get past the casino security." "When I first met you, I thought you were nuts." "It's okay." "I thought you were mean." "But know you know, you pretend you do not care about anyone, but you care too much." "It's really important you get your powers back, huh ?" "It is important for everyone." "Follow me." "You know who I am ?" "Of course." "Mr. Petrelli." "My friend is making a delivery for me to Mr. Linderman, something he's expected." "I didn't realize..." "I think you've been around long enough to know what happens when Mr. Linderman doesn't get what he's expecting." "Or do I have to paint you a picture." "You can take it to the curator." "That work for you?" "Vivian Louis ?" "My name is Vivian and I'm from Canada." "Are you kidding me ?" "I do not need you happy, only safe." "There's nothing left of me." "Everything I have will disappear the second I get on the plane." "My friends, my family." "Me." "I can make you forget it all, if that's what you'd prefer." "There's nothing left for you here." "No one to trust." "No." "You cannot see him again." "Peter Petrelli is the only person I know that I can trust." "More than you." "He cares about me." "Why can't I hide in New York with him ?" "He's not in a position to be responsible for you or himself." "Come." "Boarding pass and I.D." "Boarding pass and I.D." "Boarding pass and I.D." "Sorry, sir, only passengers are allowed beyond this floor." "Isaac Mendez, NYPD." "We have a few questions for you." "Mr. Mendez, detective Jeff Tracy, NYPD." "Do you know this woman ?" "Simone Deveau ?" "She and I..." "We broke up recently." "We received a phone call that she might be hurt." "Some of your neighbours said they heard an argument then gunshots." "Might if we take a look around ?" "Isaac." "What's going on ?" "Something wrong ?" "No, ma'am." "Apparently not." "Sorry for taking your time." "Simone, you're alive." "Lucky you." "My." "You're very usefull." "Candace is special, just like you." "Where's Simone ?" "She's traveling Europe, indefinitely." "As far as the rest of the world is concerned." "There's a crew going to clean up this mess." "How am I supposed to pretend this didn't happen ?" "Maybe you should have thought about that before you shot her, twice." "What's the matter, sweetie, you wanna shoot me again ?" "Enough." "I can't stay here." " Take me with you." " That's not our assignment." "Please." " I don't know what to do." " Of course you do." "You keep painting." "My condolescences." "There you go." " When did you get so good ?" " I'm unemployed." "What do you this I do all day when you're at school ?" " Wow." " One more ?" "I can't." "I'm going to be late for the bus." "So be late !" "You're not gonna learn something at school that you don't already know." "Love you." "You know, you have to admit it, Nikki," "I do a better you than you." "Did you think I wouldn't find out ?" "About what ?" " Where did you get that ?" " It was on my pillow." "Well, I didn't put it there." "Were you digging through my stuff ?" "Don't turn this around on me, Nikki." "You said no more secrets." "I found out you're going to Linderman's casino." "For what ?" " What did you got doing with this guy ?" " It's nothing." "Linderman called and he asked me to be his dealer, that's it." "You're not talking about dealing cards here." "That's all this is." "Baby trust me." "I promise you," "I won't do anything that I don't want to." "All right ?" "You left that for him, didn't you ?" "Cute." " I can't feel my fingers." " It's the curar." "It induces paralysis of the brain." "Which means you can't control your abilities." "Whoever you think I am, I'm not." "You are the man who murdered my father !" "Do you still expect me to believe you're Zane Taylor ?" "Zane was killed three days ago, the same day I met you." "You thought you were so clever, giving me his DNA." "You're a parasite." "You killed my father and fed off his work." "Let me here you say it." "Tell me your name." "Say it !" "Say it !" "Sylar !" "There's only one thing to do with a parasite." "Kill it before it kills again." "You're just like your father, murderers the both of you." "I'm a scientist." "Your father said that." "But he kept bleeding me through--." "He had no idea what you were." "He knew." "He might not have admitted it, but after all, we were making so much progress together, why would he stop?" "You know nothing about my father." "I know everything." "He confided in me." "He told me things he felt he could never tell you." "Things about your sister, Shanti." "He thought you were too-- what's the word ?" "Fragile to know the truth." "That why he let me." "You were always seeking his approval." "I provided stimulation and he gave up on you, but adored me." "Who is the real parasite here ?" "You're right." "My father did want answers." "He called you patient 0." "You were the template he used to create this formula." "You're the key to unlocking its secret." "As much as I'd like to, killing you will not give me what I need." "So what are you going to do ?" "I'm going to take a sample of your spinal fluid, and it's going to hurt !" "You can at least do some good before you die." "There are so few dead sea fragments left in the world, it would be a pity if you crushed this one." "So many things." "You brought the new Mendez ?" "This one is very special." "This painting is ripped." "And repaired with a scotch tape." "Yes." "Very special." "Is there something else?" "I... need the "shito" for "tiribari"." "Sword, Kensei." "I found you." "There are 754 members of the security team in this hotel, all of them with the instructions to drop what they're doing and come running if I push this button." "Code 5." "Activated." "The sword you thought you'd steal, do you even realize what who you thought it belonged to ?" "Akeizo Kensei." "He was a hero." "Security, sir." "This man tried to steal from Mr. Linderman." "Ando !" "How did you..." "I knew you'd set off an alarm eventually." "I've been following you." "What about the other 753 members of security?" "The guy says Linderman's gonna be here." "Asking for me in about an hour." "I'm not in the mood for craps so I'm going straight to my room." "I gues it's hard to act natural when you are going after the whale." "Maybe he'll chat up a few more japanese tourists." "Where it hell is that pizza?" "Hi, agent Alonzo, Casada." "Mr. Linderman sends his regards." "And a suggestion." "Don't run surveillance from inside a man's own hotel." "It's very tacky." "Kick over your guns." "Down." "So much easier working with professionals." "I finally found it." "That's it, the four simple genes answer everything." "I can make a new list, I can find them, save them." "And what about me ?" "Don't I deserve to be saved ?" "Aren't I just a victim too ?" "I didn't ask for this." "And what would you have me do ?" "Help find a way to give me salvation." "Give me that damn list so I can see my teeth in." "I'm a natural progressively species." "Evolution is a part of nature." "And nature skill kills simple." "Right ?" "What you have done is not evolution, it's murder." "What I am doing is revenge." "Now I can fulfill my duty as a son." "I wasn't begging for my life." "I was offering you yours." "You are your father's son." "So determined you didn't even noticed I stopped the IV." "Don't worry." "You might actually do some good before you die." "Starting with that list." "I'm back in my room." "I'll be on the floor in an hour." "Wearing this could get a person killed." "Okay, sorry." "Easy" "Listen to me." "I don't know how much time we have before she comes back." " Who ?" " Jessica." "The woman they sent after you." " You pick the wrong day to screw with me." " Linderman knows about the wire and the F.B.I." "The F.B.I. can hear everything we're saying." "No." "They can't." "They're dead." "Linderman knows you turned on him." "Did you come here to kill me or warn me?" "Just trust me." "Well, you're back early." "Hey, good news." "I convinced the hotel to let us keep Mr. Muggles in the room." "That is good news." "I've been going out of my head, thinking everybody is watching me, waiting for me to make a mistake" " did you find her ?" " I can't do that." "If I know where she is, they can extract it from me." "I need you to be strong a little while longer." "We both have to pretend that we have no idea what happened so Claire will be safe." " But the company..." " Has to be stopped for good." "That's the only way to make sure that Claire will stay safe." "I didn't know that I could talk to you like this." "I always just thought that you be so furious at me for all the lies and deceipts." "Right now we just have to take care of Claire." "We'll talk about us later." "Must be the kennel." "Hello." "Yes, it is." "Yes." "He is going to be a problem." "Why don't we do it right now ?" "Sorry." "I did it !" "Don't worry about me... you must go !" "You have the sword." " You can teleport out of here." " No." " Come, we both go." " Both ?" "Oh no." "This looks like..." "What happened ?" "It's the future." "The bomb." "We didn't stop it." "I failed." "I am sorry." "I hope I have the right address." "I'm looking for Peter Petrelli." "You picked a terrible time to do that." "Peter is not here just now." "You may as well come inside, Claire." "Who are you ?" "I'm your grandmother, and I've been trying to protect you, but you haven't made that very easy." "Quite stubborn, aren't you ?" "Just like your father." "Linderman hired her to kill the F.B.I. and keep you in line." "Who ?" "Let's just say I owe her." "He's going to offer you a deal." "If you go in there, you have to take it." "Spend the rest of my life with his boot on my neck," " no thank you." " Then run." "Get your family and run." "You said you had kids." "Two boys ?" "I can't do that." " You don't have any other option." " Yeah." "I do." "I could kill him." " Knock me out." " Why ?" "So Jessica knows she's not in control anymore." " Who is Jessica ?" " You want this gun ?" "Do it." "Not up there." "Mr. Linderman won't be meeting you in his office." "Mr. Linderman ?" "Do you enjoy vegetables, Mr. Petrelli ?" "I've been known to eat sukini when the mood strikes but not as a rule." "You could probably hire someone to do that for you." "Oh, yeah." "I like to cook." "It's my meditation." "One aims for perfection in one's life, but one doesn't find it very often." "For me, this is about as close it it gets." "Voila." "A pot pie." "Wholesome, harm, healthy." "That's of course if you can live without the cream sauce, personally, I can't." "I mean, what's the point?" "You know, people can sleep or they can gamble or they can even make love when they're miserable." "But I think that most people eat when they're happy." "I like to see people happy." "Are you happy, Nathan ?" "Not especially." "I guess I have a few issues that plague me." "Oh, dear." "Sorry to hear that." "You see, I think there comes a time when a man as to ask himself whether he wants a life of happiness or a life of meaning." " I'd like to have both." " Can't be done." "Two very different paths." "I mean, to be truly happy, a man must live absolutely in the present." "No thought of what's gone before and no thought of what lies ahead." "But a life of meaning, a man is condemned to wallow in the past and obsess about the future." "My guess is that you have done quite a bit of obsessing about yours these last few days." "Now, you can't have any of my pot pie." "I want hold it against you." "Lots of men have tried to kill me." "And I'll be the last." "Of course you can pull that trigger Nathan." "You'll be taking both of our lives." "You'll be dead within moments." "Or I could offer you something." "I'm not interested in anything you have to offer me." "I think you are." "I think there are things you need to hear." " Things that I know about." " Too late for that." "But you can fly, for instance ?" "Or about your brother, Peter ?" "Huh ?" "And his small problem." "Your daughter, even." "Or those others out there like you." "I can offer you more than just information Nathan." "You're going to win your election, I'll see to that." "And two years from now, through a series of fluke circumstances you will find yourself in the white house, a heartbeat away from the presidency." "A life of meaning, Nathan." "Think about it." "The choice is yours." "Suresh ?" "Suresh ?" "It's Peter Petrelli." "Mohinder ?" "Sylar." "I remember you." "You're like me, aren't you ?" "I'd like to see how that works." "No !" "Thanks to Raceman for the Transcript Subtitles Made By The Bloc Team"
|
{
"pile_set_name": "OpenSubtitles"
}
|
Century: Spice Road™ V2 Foamcore Insert (pre-assembled)
Century: Spice Road™ V2 Foamcore Insert (pre-assembled)
by Insert Here
$ 32.95
Currently Out of Stock
Description:
This insert is composed of (6) removable trays and will hold premium sleeved cards. This new version will also hold the original plastic bowls that come with the game. (4) of the trays hold the spice cubes while the remaining (2) trays will hold the cards and coins for fast and easy set-up!
Robert Searing, designer and creator of Insert Here's foamcore inserts has a gift for creating skillful designs to accommodate games of abundant pieces, sleeved cards* and expansions* to fit in their original box. The hand-made craftsmanship of these inserts are impeccable! Professional looking and extremely light. With removable compartments, they also reduce set-up time and facilitate game play.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
}
|
Q:
Windows 7 running Virtualbox 4.1.12 with Ubuntu 10.04 LTS guest but no full screen
After a recent windows update (though may not be the issue), I am unable to run Ubuntu in the virtualbox with full screen mode. I can no longer stretch the window to any resolution. It is locked at 1024x768 in the guest window (Ubuntu). For sanity, I re-installed The Linux Guest Additions. I also tried uninstalling it and reinstalling it even though the script does this for you. No matter what, I can't get past the limited 1024x768 workspace. Furthermore, I noticed that xorg.conf is not in the /etc/X11 folder but I believe this is normal as my other PC running a similar setup also does not have xorg.conf yet scales the guest window of Ubuntu properly to any resolution (including true full screen mode).
I have set the guest settings to 64MB video space and also tried 128MB. No difference there. I also tested running Virtualbox 4.1.8 (to try an older working version). Nothing. Now I am back to Vbox version 4.1.12 with no avail.
I am also unable to run the Ubuntu Desktop with advanced effects. Maybe the Linux Guest Additions is not running even though it is installed? How do I verify this?
Any other suggestions?
A:
try with this:
1. Open terminal and enter the following command:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r)
sudo apt-get install virtualbox-ose-guest-x11
2. Once installation is finished, restart your virtualBox machine.
3. Go to System -->Preferences -->Monitors and change the resolution of your screen.
source:
http://tutorial.downloadatoz.com/how-to-fix-ubuntu-10-10-virtualbox-guest-additions-problems.html
|
{
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
}
|
Q:
String escaping with twig?
QUESTION:
How do you append the following twig variable at the end of the first parameter of the anchor function?
{{ anchor('welcome/play/', 'Play', {'class': 'btn btn-primary'})|raw }}
I have tried variations of: 'welcome/play/{{t.CompetitionID}}' etc which doesnt work.
A:
You could use ~ to concatenate strings http://twig.sensiolabs.org/doc/templates.html#expressions :
~: Converts all operands into strings and concatenates them. {{ "Hello
" ~ name ~ "!" }} would return (assuming name is 'John') Hello John!.
Thus:
{{ anchor('welcome/play/' ~ t.competitionID, 'Play', {'class': 'btn btn-primary'})|raw }}
|
{
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
}
|
Q:
Need 3 outcomes from IF statement
I have a list of names in excel which have a random number next to them in brackets, the numbers are 1 to 3 digits long.
I was using the formula
=IF(LEFT(RIGHT(B8,4),1)=("("),RIGHT(B8,3),RIGHT(B8,4))
to get rid of the first bracket and then
=IF(RIGHT(LEFT(AX8,3),1)=")",LEFT(AX8,2),LEFT(AX8,3))
to remove the last bracket.
This was working until I found a name with a 4 digit number in the brackets.
Is there a way to add another outcome to the if statement?
A:
The VALUE function will interpret bracketed numbers as negative but the ABS function will take care of that.
=ABS(VALUE(MID(A2, FIND("(", A2), 99)))
An additional bonus is that you end up with true numbers, not text that looks like a number.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
}
|
using System;
using Jasper.Runtime.Handlers;
using LamarCodeGeneration;
namespace Jasper.Attributes
{
/// <summary>
/// Specify the maximum number of attempts to process a received message
/// </summary>
[AttributeUsage(AttributeTargets.Class | AttributeTargets.Method)]
public class MaximumAttemptsAttribute : ModifyHandlerChainAttribute
{
private readonly int _attempts;
public MaximumAttemptsAttribute(int attempts)
{
_attempts = attempts;
}
public override void Modify(HandlerChain chain, GenerationRules rules)
{
chain.Retries.MaximumAttempts = _attempts;
}
}
}
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Github"
}
|
Q:
Transmitting live video over long distances with ethernet?
I'm having trouble thinking of the best way to transmit live video using a pi zero w and a camera module through a wired ethernet connection of around 100ft. (model 3 could also be used) I want to overlay a couple sensor readouts like temperature and humidity onto the footage and some control using possibly rs485 or another protocol through ethernet would be great for changing camera angle using a servo with a joystick on the other end. (RS485 uses 2 wires)
HDMI to ethernet exists, however
Is there a solution which does not use all 8 wires of the ethernet cable?
Would there be a problem with interference between both signals? I am not sure how twisted pairs work with cancelling emf in an ethernet cable.
Ethernet cable is desirable for its cheap cost/ft!
A:
There are great HDMI-over-CAT6 cables.
Some use 2 cables and can go up to 300 feeet.
Others use two cables and go 100 Meters.
Then there are also single-cable adapters that actually go 300 feet over a single cable, supporting 1080p and audio.
Here is the search I used: HDMI to Ethernet converter single cable
So there's your answer. They are quite available, and affordable.
Whatever your software can generate to the HDMI port can run a large-screen at the 100 Ft specified.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
}
|
Méry-sur-Seine
Méry-sur-Seine is a commune in the Aube department in north-central France.
Population
See also
Communes of the Aube department
References
INSEE
Category:Communes of Aube
Category:Aube communes articles needing translation from French Wikipedia
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Wikipedia (en)"
}
|
Naringin attenuates EGF-induced MUC5AC secretion in A549 cells by suppressing the cooperative activities of MAPKs-AP-1 and IKKs-IκB-NF-κB signaling pathways.
Naringenin, the aglycone of naringin, has been reported to attenuate MUC5AC secretion by inhibiting activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) via EGFR-PI3K-Akt/ERK MAPKinase signaling pathways. However, previous studies demonstrated that the MUC5AC promoter was located in two different regions: an activator protein-1 (AP-1) binding site and a NF-κB binding site. The current study comprehensively determined the involvement of MAPKs/AP-1 and IKKs/IκB/NF-κB in epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced A549 cells, and sought to ascertain the signaling pathways of naringin imparted in suppression of EGF-induced MUC5AC secretion. The results showed that naringin of 100 μM not only significantly decreased EGF-induced overexpressions of both MUC5AC mucin and mRNA in A549 cells, but also suppressed the phosphorylation of EGF receptor, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), as well as nucleus NF-κB p65 and AP-1. Moreover, any of three MAPKs inhibitors (PD98059, SB203580, and SP600125) significantly inhibited EGF-induced MUC5AC secretion. And as compared to MG132, the inhibitor κB (IκB) phosphorylation inhibitor of SN50 was more effective in reducing EGF-induced MUC5AC secretion because of suppression of nucleus AP-1. Meanwhile, as compared to naringin, both SP600125 and azithromycin were less effective in suppressing EGF-induced secretion of MUC5AC because of the unchanged nucleus NF-κB p65. These results indicated that naringin attenuates EGF-induced MUC5AC secretion in A549 cells by suppressing the cooperative activities of MAPKs/AP-1 and IKKs/IκB/NF-κB signaling pathways.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Importance: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious national problem noted in Healthy People 2010 and the CDC Injury Research Agenda. The Deaf community is an understudied linguistic, cultural, and disability minority group whose IPV risks and experiences are virtually unknown. Preliminary studies, most conducted by this research team, suggest that the deaf population experiences higher levels of IPV than the general population and more frequent and serious IPV injury consequences such as emergency room visits and suicidality. To be maximally effective, IPV intervention and prevention strategies must be responsive to the language, culture, and other characteristics of the target population. Moreover, if, as our clinical and research experience suggests, IPV perpetrator characteristics and manifestations of IPV affecting the Deaf community differ from general population norms in significant ways, then etiologic research identifying those differences must precede and inform the development of IPV prevention and intervention strategies targeting the deaf population, as well as guide further research on this important topic. Objectives: (1) To investigate and describe risk and protective factors associated with characteristics of IPV perpetrators who are involved in violent relationships where one or both partners are deaf and communicate via American Sign Language (ASL). (2) To investigate and describe risk and protective factors regarding the ways IPV behaviors manifest in relationships involving one or more deaf individuals who use ASL, especially behaviors associated with greater injury and mortality risk. (3) To compare and contrast these study findings with current knowledge regarding risk and protective factors associated with IPV perpetrators and perpetration behaviors in the general population. (4) To utilize study findings to make recommendations for future research, intervention, and prevention efforts aimed at preventing and/or reducing the injury consequences of IPV in the Deaf community. Study Design: This etiologic, cross-cultural study will be conducted by a multidisciplinary team of deaf and hearing researchers. A period of study team cross-training precedes the data-collection activities. The majority of study data accrues via 90 semi-structured interviews with three distinct participant groups (see below). We employ a mixed-methods study design based on a social ecological model of IPV origin, continuation, and severity. Rigorous qualitative and quantitative methods will be employed, the latter focused on three well-regarded IPV measures used in this study on an exploratory basis. The study goal is to discover Deaf community-specific IPV risk and protective factors by triangulating data from our three participant groups, and further assess these findings via presentation to three respondent verification focus groups consisting of Deaf community IPV perpetrators (2 groups), and victims/service providers (1 group). Setting: The 90 semi-structured interviews forming the core source of study data will involve geographically diverse/balanced samples from our three respondent categories (see below). Most of these interviews will involve deaf people communicating in ASL and will take place via videophone technology which allows point- to-point, distant audio-visual communication and, therefore, communication in ASL. Participants who are hearing or hard-of-hearing can choose a telephone interview. Two of the three, face-to-face respondent verification focus groups will take place in southern California, where collaborators run the country's only two programs serving deaf IPV perpetrators. The third will take place in Rochester, New York. Participants: Three respondent samples will participate in our semi-structured interviews: (1) individuals (professional and lay) who provide services to deaf IPV perpetrators or victims (N=30), (2) deaf IPV victims (N=20), and (3) individuals (regardless of hearing status) who have perpetrated violence in relationships where one or both partners is a deaf ASL-user (N=40). An additional 15 individuals will participate in the respondent verification focus groups that comprise the final phase of the study - 10 IPV perpetrators (2 groups of 5), as defined above, and one group of 5 deaf IPV victims and service providers. Interventions: This study does not involve interventions. Outcome Measures: We will employ a mixed-method data analysis approach, involving rigorous qualitative analysis of interview and focus group data and quantitative analysis of these data in relation to data accrued through the exploratory use of three well-regarded measures of IPV during the semi-structured interviews with deaf IPV victims and perpetrators (N=60 total). Also, an Evaluation Task Group will investigate and gauge the ongoing and final success of the project through a quarterly series of formative and summative evaluations. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: RELEVANCE TO PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious national problem identified by federal authorities and many professional societies. When IPV occurs in unique subpopulations, such as minority groups, etiologic research must guide the design of prevention and intervention strategies if they are to be maximally effective. The American Deaf population, which is a severely understudied language and disability minority group, experiences high rates of IPV and deserves quality etiologic research aimed at reducing this high-priority public health burden.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "NIH ExPorter"
}
|
Q:
How do we test a `Range` type in Elixir
How do we test for a Range type? What would be the equivalent of is_range?
Erlang/OTP 21 [erts-10.1] [64-bit] [smp:8:8] [ds:8:8:10] [async-threads:1]
Interactive Elixir (1.7.3) - press Ctrl+C to exit (type h() ENTER for help)
iex(1)> a = 1..10
1..10
iex(2)> is_list a
false
iex(3)> i a
Term
1..10
Data type
Range
Description
This is a struct. Structs are maps with a __struct__ key.
Reference modules
Range, Map
Implemented protocols
IEx.Info, Enumerable, Inspect
iex(4)>
A:
Why would you need this function in the first place? Range is a struct. We have pattern matching everywhere you might need it. Just pattern match to %Range{} and you are all set.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
}
|
Q:
Use route as url in config with Symfony
I use CKEditor and want to use uploadimage plugin. I need to specify uploadUrl in config.yml. How can I put here a route instead of direct url?
ivory_ck_editor:
default_config: my_config
configs:
my_config:
extraPlugins: "lineutils,widget,notificationaggregator,uploadwidget,notification,uploadimage,wordcount"
uploadUrl: '/admin/upload'
I know I can redefine config with form builder
$builder->add('field', 'ckeditor', array(
'config' => array('uploadUrl' => ...),
));
But I want to do it once for every form. Which is the best way?
A:
If you define your form as a service, you could inject the router and use it to generate the path in your form. (This ignores the possibility of setting it in config.yml.)
services:
app.form.type.yourformtype:
class: AppBundle\Form\YourFormType
arguments: [@router]
tags:
- { name: form.type }
Then, in your form:
<?php
namespace AppBundle\Form
use Symfony\Bundle\FrameworkBundle\Routing\Router;
use Symfony\Component\Form\FormBuilderInterface;
use Symfony\Component\Form\AbstractType;
class YourFormType extends AbstractType
{
private $router;
public __construct(Router $router)
{
$this->router = $router;
}
public function buildForm(FormBuilderInterface $builder, array $options)
{
$uploadRouteName = 'app_admin_upload'; // Or whatever maps out to /app/admin, re: your original question
...
$builder->add('field', 'ckeditor', array(
'config' => array('uploadUrl' => $this->router->generate($uploadRouteName)),
));
...
}
}
To truly do this once for every form you should consider extending the ckeditor formtype and adding your route to uploadUrl in the configureOptions method using the OptionsResolver.. Then update the service definition to inject the router to that class, and in place of ckeditor in the second argument to add methods, use YourCkeditorExtendedType::class, and you won't need to add config each time.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
}
|
"Our largest program, the Visions for Learning grant program, provides additional classroom materials to help students in grades K-12 reach their learning goals. By providing teachers with additional classroom materials that they otherwise might purchase with personal funds, we''re able to enhance the educational experience and achievement for both teachers and students," Baker, Jr. added.
The Visions for Learning grants are given to kindergarten through grad 12 teachers to support and engage students, helping them to achieve at-grade level in basic skills and enrich the classroom experience, the release stated.
According to the release, projects funded this year include handheld digital microscopes for interactive scientific investigations, chemistry lab kits, social studies texts, a classroom set of percussion instruments to enhance student hands-on musical experience and independent reading books focused on diverse cultures and communities.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
}
|
The Kino in Cork will be reopening as a live music venue and theatre space
Good news for Corkonians.
Cork's former art house cinema, the Kino, will be reopening as a live music venue, theatre space, bar and café.
Promoters Ed O'Leary and Joe Kelly (The Good Room) have announced that they will be taking over management duties and the space should be opening mid-September.
The venue will boast a state-of-the-art PA and lighting system, with full AV set up as well as a bar and café.
The Good Room are the team behind the award-winning Live at St Luke's concert series, It Takes A Village Festival, Cork Podcast Festival, Crosstown Drift, and a host of other unique events around Cork city and county.
Speaking about the the new acquisition, Ed O’Leary said: "We're really excited to take on this new venture. The Kino is an iconic landmark building in Cork city going back to its pool hall days through to its life as an art house cinema. We've been on the hunt for this exact size and type of venue the past few years and the timing is perfect for both us and the city.
"We're going to spend a month working on refurbishments and will be installing a brand new sound and lighting set up. Doors will open mid-September and we have already got some incredible acts booked in which we’ll be announcing soon. We have also partnered up with some exciting Cork festivals, namely Sounds from a Safe Harbour, Cork Podcast Festival, Cork Folk Festival, and the Guinness Jazz Festival, for some quality live performances."
Main image via Daft
|
{
"pile_set_name": "OpenWebText2"
}
|
---
abstract: 'Numerical simulation of Fresnel diffraction with fast Fourier transform (FFT) is widely used in optics, especially computer holography. Fresnel diffraction with FFT cannot set different sampling rates between source and destination planes, while shifted-Fresnel diffraction can set different rates. However, an aliasing error may be incurred in shifted-Fresnel diffraction in a short propagation distance, and the aliasing conditions have not been investigated. In this paper, we investigate the aliasing conditions of shifted-Fresnel diffraction and improve its properties based on the conditions.'
address: ' $^1$Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan '
author:
- 'Tomoyoshi Shimobaba,$^{1}$ Takashi Kakue,$^1$ Naohisa Okada,$^1$ Minoru Oikawa,$^1$ Yumi Yamaguchi,$^1$ and Tomoyoshi Ito$^{1}$'
title: 'Aliasing-reduced Fresnel diffraction with scale and shift operations'
---
[*Keywords*]{}: Diffraction, Hologram, Holography, Computer-generated hologram, Digital holography
Introduction
============
Numerical implementation of Fresnel diffraction [@goodman] with fast Fourier transform (FFT) is widely used in optics, especially computer-generated holograms (CGH) and digital holography [@poon; @dh]. CGH is a technique for generating a hologram pattern on a computer by simulating diffracted light from objects, and its applications include three-dimensional display and the design of optical elements. Digital holography reconstructs the light of an object including the amplitude and phase on a computer from a hologram captured by imaging devices such CCD cameras.
In these fields, Fresnel diffraction and the angular spectrum method are used as key techniques. These diffraction calculation can be accelerated by FFT-implemented convolution; however it imposes the limitation that the sampling rate on a source plane is the same as that on a destination plane due to the property of FFT. If we can change the sampling rate, we will be able to extend the applications of diffraction calculations.
In the angular spectrum method, some studies address different sampling rates on source and destination planes. Reference [@sasm1] proposed the scaled angular spectrum method using scaled-FFT, which is one version of FFT introducing a scaling parameter. This angular spectrum method requires four FFTs. Another one was proposed by us [@sasm2]. Our scaled angular spectrum method was implemented by non-uniform FFT. This angular spectrum method requires two FFTs and one interpolation.
Fresnel diffraction to address the scale operation has already been realized by some studies. Double-step Fresnel diffraction executes the scale operation by double Fresnel diffraction calculations [@yamaguchi]. Shifted-Fresnel diffraction addresses the shift and scale operations by scaled-FFT [@shift1]. Reference [@shift2] proposed the same method as the shifted-Fresnel diffraction by Bluestein transform. Scaled-FFT and Bluestein transform are essentially the same.
In holography, the scale operation of shifted-Fresnel diffraction [@shift1] is used in several applications: for example, wavefront-recording method [@wrp1; @wrp2; @wrp3] for accelerating CGH generation, digital holographic microscopy observable at any magnification [@dhm], and zoomable holographic projection without a zoom lens [@proj]. Shifted-Fresnel diffraction yields new applications; however, the calculations may incur a serious aliasing error in a short propagation distance and the aliasing error has not been investigated.
In this paper, we investigate the aliasing conditions of shifted-Fresnel diffraction and improve the problems incurred based on the conditions. The improved diffraction is referred as to aliasing-reduced shifted and scaled (ARSS)-Fresnel diffraction. In Section 2, we explain ARSS-Fresnel diffraction. In Section 3, we show a comparison of diffracted results between ARSS-Fresnel diffraction and shifted-Fresnel diffraction. Section 4 concludes this work.
Aliasing-reduced Fresnel diffraction with the scale and shift operations
========================================================================
Fresnel diffraction is expressed by, $$\begin{aligned}
u_2(x_2) = \frac{\exp(i k z)}{i \lambda z} \int u_1(x_1)
\exp( \frac{i \pi}{\lambda z} (x_2-x_1)^2 ) dx_1
\label{eqn:fre}\end{aligned}$$ where $k$ is the wave number, $\lambda$ is the wavelength of light, $u_1(x_1)$ is the source plane, $u_2(x_2)$ is the destination plane, and $z$ is the propagation distance between the source and destination planes.
We derive ARSS-Fresnel diffraction by the following relation: $$(x_2-s x_1+o)^2=s(x_2-x_1)^2+(s^2-s)x_1^2+(1-s)x_2^2+2 o x_2 -2 s o x_1 + o^2
\label{eqn:relation}$$ where $s$ is the scaling parameter, $x_1=p m_1$ and $x_2=p m_2$. $m_1$ and $m_2$ are integers with ranges of $m_1, m_2 \in [-N/2, N/2-1]$ where $N$ is the number of sampling points. $p$ is the sampling rate on the destination plane and $o$ is offset from the origin. The sampling rate on the source plane is determined by $s p$.
We can obtain the following equation by substituting the relation into Eq.(\[eqn:fre\]): $$\begin{aligned}
u_2(x_2) &=& C_z \int u_1(x_1) \exp(\frac{i \pi}{\lambda z}((s^2-s)x_1^2-2sox_1)) \exp(\frac{i \pi s(x_2-x_1)^2}{\lambda z}) dx_1 \nonumber \\
\label{eqn:prev_arss}\end{aligned}$$
We can obtain ARSS-Fresnel diffraction by using the convolution theorem and introducing the band-limiting function to reduce aliasing: $$\begin{aligned}
u_2(x_2) &=& C_z {\mathcal{F}^{-1} \biggl[
{\mathcal{F} \biggl[u_1(x_1) \exp(i \phi_u) \biggl]}
{\mathcal{F} \biggl[\exp(i \phi_h) {\rm Rect}(\frac{x_h}{2 x_{max}}) \biggl]} \biggl]}
\label{eqn:arss}\end{aligned}$$ where ${\rm Rect}(\cdot)$ is the rectangular function, $x_{h}=p m_{h}$ ( $m_h \in [-N/2, N/2-1]$), and $\exp(i \phi_u)$, $\exp(i \phi_h)$ and $C_z$ are defined by, $$\begin{aligned}
\exp(i \phi_u) = \exp(i \pi \frac{(s^2-s)x_1^2-2sox_1}{\lambda z}) \\
\exp(i \phi_h) = \exp(i \pi \frac{sx_h^2}{\lambda z}) \\
C_z=\frac{\exp(i \phi_c)}{ i \lambda z }=\frac{\exp(i kz + \frac{i \pi}{\lambda z}((1-s)x_2^2+2ox_2+o^2))}{i \lambda z}
\label{eqn:cz}\end{aligned}$$
Band-limitation function will be acceptable other than the rectangular function, for example, the circular function, window functions (e.g. Hanning and Hamming window functions) and so forth. It is straightforward way to extend to two-dimensional ARSS-Fresnel diffraction because Fresnel diffraction allows separation of variables.
Figure \[fig:sfre-ex\] shows the light intensity distributions calculated by shifted-Fresnel diffraction [@shift1; @shift2]. The calculation parameters are $N=1,024$, $\lambda=633$ nm and $z=0.1$ m. The sampling rates on the source and destination planes indicate $p_1$ and $p_2$, respectively. The scaling parameter $s (=p_1/p_2)$ of Figs \[fig:sfre-ex\] (a), (b) and (c) are $s=1$($p_1$ and $p_2$ are 6 $\mu$ m), $s=6/4$ and $s=6/10$, respectively.
![Light intensity distributions calculated by shifted-Fresnel diffraction [@shift1; @shift2]. (a) $s=1$ (b) $s=6/4$ (c) $s=6/10$.[]{data-label="fig:sfre-ex"}](fig-shift-fre-example){width="12cm"}
As shown in the figure, shifted-Fresnel diffraction can magnify diffracted results by the scaling parameter; however, no countermeasure for aliasing has been devised. For instance, when changing $z$ from 0.1 m to 0.05 m and 0.03 m, the results are shown in Fig.\[fig:sfre-aliasing\]. The upper images show the real parts and the bottom images show the light intensity of shifted-Fresnel diffraction. In the case of $z=0.1$m, the results have good quality without aliasing. However, in the cases of $z=0.05$m and $z=0.03$m, the results are extremely contaminated by aliasing.
![Real part and intensity of shifted-Fresnel diffraction at the propagation distance of 0.1 m, 0.05 m and 0.03 m.[]{data-label="fig:sfre-aliasing"}](fig-shift-fre-aliasing){width="14cm"}
Aliasing conditions
-------------------
Although ARSS-Fresnel diffraction is derived in a different way to shifted-Fresnel diffraction, ARSS-Fresnel diffraction of Eq.(\[eqn:arss\]) is essentially the same as shifted-Fresnel diffraction, except for the introduction of the band-limitation function. In this subsection, we clarify the aliasing conditions of ARSS-Fresnel diffraction. Equation (\[eqn:arss\]) involves three chirp functions, namely $\exp(i \phi_c)$, $\exp(i \phi_u)$ and $\exp(i \phi_h)$. The cause of aliasing is the chirp functions. Figure \[fig:zone\] shows the real part of the chirp functions, under the calculation conditions of $N=1,024$, $o=0$, $\lambda=633$ nm, $p=10 \mu$m and $s=6/10$. In the case of $z=0.1$ m, the aliasing is not incurred in the chirp functions; however, in the cases of $z=0.03$ m, $\exp(i \phi_c)$ and $\exp(i \phi_h)$ are contaminated by aliasing.
![Real part of the chirp functions at the propagation distance of $z=0.1$ m and $z=0.03$ m. []{data-label="fig:zone"}](fig-zoneplates){width="14cm"}
Therefore, we need to band-limit these functions. The aliasing-free areas of the chirp functions can be calculated by [@goodman], $$\frac{1}{p} \geq 2{\left |f_c \right |} = 2 {\left |\frac{1}{2 \pi} { \frac{\partial \phi_c}{\partial x_2} } \right |}={\left | \frac{2(1-s)x_2+2so}{\lambda z} \right |}
\label{eqn:freq_cz}$$ $$\frac{1}{p} \geq 2|f_u| = 2 {\left | \frac{1}{2 \pi} { \frac{\partial \phi_u}{\partial x_1} } \right |} =
{\left | \frac{2(s^2-s)x_1-2so}{\lambda z} \right |}
\label{eqn:freq_u1}$$ $$\frac{1}{p} \geq 2|f_h| = 2 {\left | \frac{1}{2 \pi} { \frac{\partial \phi_h}{\partial x_h} } \right |} =
{\left | \frac{2 s x_h}{\lambda z} \right |}
\label{eqn:freq_h}$$
From Eqs.(\[eqn:freq\_cz\])-(\[eqn:freq\_h\]), the aliasing-free areas in pixel units are as follows: $${\left | m_2 \right |} \leq {\left | \frac{\lambda {\left |z \right |} -{\left |2so \right |} }{2(1-s) p^2} \right |}
\label{eqn:r_cz}$$ $${\left | m_1 \right |} \leq {\left | \frac{\lambda {\left |z \right |} -{\left |2so \right |} }{2(s^2-s) p^2} \right |}
\label{eqn:r_u1}$$ $${\left | m_h \right |} \leq {\left | \frac{\lambda z }{2s p^2} \right |}
\label{eqn:r_h}$$
According to Eq.(\[eqn:r\_h\]), the band-limited chirp function of $\exp(i \phi_h)$ at $z=0.03$m is shown in Fig.\[fig:zone\].
Changing $z$ between 0.01 m and 0.25 m, Fig.\[fig:plot1\] plots the aliasing-free areas in pixel units of the chirp functions under the calculation conditions of $N=1,024$, $o=0$, $\lambda=633$ nm, $p=10 \mu$m and $s=6/10$. In the figure, the green, red, and light blue plots indicate the aliasing-free areas of $\exp(i \phi_h)$, $\exp(i \phi_u)$ and $\exp(i \phi_c)$, respectively. The blue line indicates the half area ($N/2$) of the source and destination planes. The aliasing is incurred when each plot falls below the blue line.
In Fig.\[fig:plot1\](a), the effective distance without aliasing is over about 0.07 m because the chirp functions $\exp(i \phi_c)$ and $\exp(i \phi_u)$ do not incur aliasing over about 0.07 m, and we need to band-limit $\exp(i \phi_h)$ in about 300 pixels ($x_{max} \approx 300 p$ in Eq.(\[eqn:arss\])).
In Fig.\[fig:plot1\](b), the chirp functions $\exp(i \phi_u)$ and $\exp(i \phi_h)$ for $p=20 \mu$m and $s=6/20$ do not incur aliasing over about 0.18 m, while $\exp(i \phi_c)$ still incurs aliasing at about 0.18 m. If we band-limit $\exp(i \phi_c)$ in the aliasing-free area of about 200 pixels, no aliasing is incurred; however, the complex amplitude resulting in Eq.(\[eqn:arss\]) outside the aliasing-free area was eliminated because zero area of $\exp(i \phi_c)$ outside the aliasing-free area is multiplied with the result of inverse FFT of Eq.(\[eqn:arss\]).
Therefore, for complex amplitude, we need to satisfy the following relation to avoid aliasing: $${\left |m_1 \right |}, {\left |m_2 \right |} \geq N/2
\label{eqn:aliasing_complex}$$
For light intensity, we need to satisfy the following relation to avoid aliasing: $${\left |m_1 \right |} \geq N/2
\label{eqn:aliasing_intensity}$$ because the $\exp(i \pi \phi_c)$ can be ignored in the light intensity. The aliasing condition of the light intensity ${\left |u_2(x_2) \right |}^2$ is mitigated compared to that of complex amplitude.
![Aliasing-free area in pixel units of the chirp functions under the calculation condition of $\lambda=633$ nm. (a) $s=6/10$ ($p=10 \mu$m) (b) $s=6/20$ ($p=20 \mu$m).[]{data-label="fig:plot1"}](fig-range1){width="17cm"}
In Fig.\[fig:plot2\](a), the effective distance without aliasing in the scaling parameter of $s=6/4$ ($p=4 \mu$m) is over about 0.02 m because the chirp functions $\exp(i \phi_c)$ and $\exp(i \phi_u)$ do not incur aliasing over about 0.02 m, and we need to band-limit $\exp(i \phi_h)$ in the aliasing-free area of about 250 pixels ($x_{max} \approx 250 p$ in Eq.(\[eqn:arss\])). In Fig.\[fig:plot2\](b), the chirp functions $\exp(i \pi \phi_c)$ and $\exp(i \pi \phi_h)$ in the scaling parameter of $s=6/2$ ($p=2 \mu$m) do not incur aliasing over 0.02 m, while $\exp(i \phi_u)$ incurs aliasing at the distance. If we band-limit $\exp(i \phi_u)$ in the aliasing-free area of about 250 pixels, the aliasing is not incurred; however, the complex amplitude and intensity of Eq.(\[eqn:arss\]) was eliminated outside the 250 pixels.
![Aliasing-free area in pixel units of the chirp functions under the calculation condition of $\lambda=633$ nm. (a) $s=6/4$ ($p=4 \mu$m) (b) $s=6/2$ ($p=2 \mu$m).[]{data-label="fig:plot2"}](fig-range2){width="17cm"}
Results
=======
Figure \[fig:result1\] shows the intensity distributions calculated by ARSS-Fresnel diffraction and shifted-Fresnel diffraction [@shift1; @shift2], under the calculation conditions of $N=1,024$, $\lambda=633$ nm, $p=10 \mu$m, and $s=6/10$. We change the propagation distance from $z=0.1$ m to 0.07 m and 0.04 m. As we can see, the results of ARSS-Fresnel diffraction do not incur aliasing, while those of shifted-Fresnel diffraction incur aliasing at $z=0.07$ m and $0.04$ m.
![Intensity distributions calculated by ARSS-Fresnel diffraction and shifted-Fresnel diffraction. The scaling parameter is $s=6/10$.[]{data-label="fig:result1"}](fig-result1){width="13cm"}
Figure \[fig:result2\] shows the intensity distributions calculated by ARSS-Fresnel diffraction and shifted-Fresnel diffraction, under the calculation conditions of $\lambda=633$ nm, $p=4 \mu$m, and $s=6/4$. As we can see, the results of ARSS-Fresnel diffraction do not incur aliasing, while those of shifted-Fresnel diffraction incur aliasing at $0.04$ m. From Figs.\[fig:result1\] and \[fig:result2\], ARSS-Fresnel diffraction can be applied to a wider propagation distance than shifted-Fresnel diffraction.
![Intensity distributions calculated by ARSS-Fresnel diffraction and shifted-Fresnel diffraction. The scaling parameter is $s=6/4$.[]{data-label="fig:result2"}](fig-result2){width="13cm"}
Conclusion
==========
We clarified the aliasing conditions of shifted-Fresnel diffraction and improved the diffraction, which was named ARSS-Fresnel diffraction. ARSS-Fresnel diffraction is useful for CGH calculation and digital holography because of the scale and shift property.
Acknowledgement {#acknowledgement .unnumbered}
===============
This work is supported by Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) KAKENHI (Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C) 25330125) 2013, and KAKENHI (Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A) 25240015) 2013.
References {#references .unnumbered}
==========
[99]{}
J.W.Goodman,“Introduction to Fourier Optics (3rd),” Roberts & Co (2004).
T.C. Poon (ed.), “Digital Holography and Three-Dimensional Display,” Springer (2006).
U. Schnars and W. Jueptner, “Digital Holography - Digital Hologram Recording, Numerical Reconstruction, and Related Techniques,” Springer (2005).
S. Odate, C. Koike, H. Toba, T. Koike, A. Sugaya, K. Sugisaki, K. Otaki, and K. Uchikawa, “Angular spectrum calculations for arbitrary focal length with a scaled convolution,” Opt. Express 19, 14268-14276 (2011)
T. Shimobaba, K. Matsushima, T. Kakue, N. Masuda and T. Ito, “Scaled angular spectrum method,” Optics Letters, 37, 4128-4130 (2012.09)
F. Zhang, I. Yamaguchi, and L. P. Yaroslavsky, “Algorithm for reconstruction of digital holograms with adjustable magnification,” Opt. Lett. [**29**]{}, 1668–1670 (2004).
R. P. Muffoletto, J. M. Tyler, and J. E. Tohline, “Shifted Fresnel diffraction for computational holography,” Opt. Express 15, 5631-5640 (2007)
J. F. Restrepo and J. G. Sucerquia, “Magnified reconstruction of digitally recorded holograms by Fresnel-Bluestein transform,” Appl. Opt. 49, 6430-6435 (2010)
T. Shimobaba, N. Masuda and T. Ito, “Simple and fast calclulation algorithm for computer-generated hologram with wavefront recording plane,” Optics Letters, 34, 20, 3133-3135 (2009)
T. Shimobaba, H. Nakayama, N. Masuda and T. Ito, “Rapid calculation algorithm of Fresnel computer-generated-hologram using look-up table and wavefront-recording plane methods for three-dimensional display,” Opt. Express [**18**]{}, 19504-19509 (2010) .
J. Weng, T. Shimobaba, N. Okada, H. Nakayama, M. Oikawa, N. Masuda and T. Ito, “Generation of real-time large computer generated hologram using wavefront recording method,” Optics Express , 20, 4018-4023 (2012.02)
T. Shimobaba, N. Masuda, Y. Ichihashi and T. Ito, “Real-time digital holographic microscopy observable in multi-view and multi-resolution,” Journal of Optics, 12, 065402 (4pp) (2010.6)
T. Shimobaba, T. Kakue, N. Masuda and T. Ito, “Numerical investigation of zoomable holographic projection without a zoom lens,” Journal of the Society for Information Display [**20**]{}, 533–538 (2012).
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New Delhi went ahead and inked a $5-billion deal to purchase the S-400 Triumf air defence missile system from Moscow on Friday.
The U.S. presidential waiver on weapons deal with sanctions-hit Russia is intended to “wean” countries like India off Russian equipment, the White House has said, as New Delhi went ahead and inked a $5-billion deal to purchase the S-400 Triumf air defence missile system from Moscow.
The mega deal was sealed in New Delhi on Friday during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In a guarded reaction, the U.S. said on Friday that its intent to slap sanctions against Russia was not aimed at causing damage to the military capabilities of its “allies or partners”, shortly after India concluded the deal.
The S-400 missile defence system would give India’s defence a cutting-edge security against any missile attack by its enemies.
“The [CAATSA presidential] waiver is narrow, intended to wean countries off Russian equipment and allow for things such as spare parts for previously-purchased equipment,” a White House National Security Council Spokesperson told PTI hours after the conclusion of the S-400 contract.
The deal was concluded during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Russian President Vladimir Putin with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on October 5, 2018. | Photo Credit: Sandeep Saxena
President of U.S.-India Strategic and Partnership Forum Mukesh Aghi said, “India lives in a very turbulent and nuclear-powered region. S-400 provides that assurance and is compatible with its current platform. Friends understand that these discussions with Russia started several years ago, hence I do not believe U.S. will impose sanction[s] on India.”
Sanctions warranted by the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA, which comes into play in the event of a major purchase like the S-400 missile defence system, may be bypassed by a presidential waiver. Ahead of the deal, the U.S. had urged India not to purchase S-400. It had reiterated on Friday:
“The Administration has indicated that a focus area for the implementation of CAATSA Section 231 is new or qualitative upgrades in capability — including the S-400 air and missile defence system,” the White House NSC Spokesperson said.
Sanctions on China
Last month, the U.S. had imposed sanctions on China for the purchase of S-400 from Russia.
“Our recent action to sanction a Chinese government entity for an S-400 delivery underscores the seriousness of our resolve on this issue. The waiver authority is not country-specific. There are strict criteria for considering a waiver,” said the spokesperson.
The State Department, which is tasked with reviewing the deal and initiated the process of sanctions or waiver under CAATSAA, and then recommend to the President, did not respond to the question on the time frame and the process.
However, an industry source said the law is ambiguous about “when a waiver is necessary so this can be avoided for years”.
The National Defence Authorisation ACT (NDDA) 2019 gives President the power to waive the CAATSA sanctions if it is national security interest. It also lists out several other options for presidential waiver, prominent among which is that the purchase country — India in this case — is taking or will take steps to reduce its inventory of major defence equipment and advanced conventional weapons produced by the defence sector of the Russian Federation as a share of its total inventory of major defence equipment and advanced conventional weapons over a specified period.
‘Major Defence Partner’
The top arms purchaser over the last decade and more, India has gradually reduced its dependence on Russian arms. It now stands at about 60%, which is much lower than it was a decade ago. The U.S. has been a major beneficiary of this move.
As part of its diversification plan, India has increased its purchase of arms from the U.S. from about zero to more than $18 billion. India is in the process of purchasing arms and equipment worth billions of dollars from the U.S. in the coming years including armed and unarmed drones and fighter jets.
A presidential waiver can also be given if a country — such as India, in this case — is cooperating with the U.S. government on other security matters critical to its strategic interests. Experts believe that is exactly the case and one of the main reasons for the U.S. designating India as a ‘Major Defence Partner’.
“I don’t like to make predictions in today’s Washington but sanctioning India, and surrendering the Indian defence market to Russia, would have exactly the opposite of the intended effect of CAATSA. No American interest group benefits from sanctioning India,” Benjamin Schwartz from U.S. India Business Council said.
He has previously served as the director for India in the U.S. office of the secretary of defence.
Aparna Pande, from the Hudson Institute think-tank, said, “I believe what is more likely is that even though India will sign the S-400 deal, it will delay payment, etc., so that the sanctions don’t come into effect.”
“This way India maintains its strategic autonomy and historical ties with Russia and yet ensures its strategic relationship with the U.S. is not impacted either,” Ms. Pande said.
According to Rick Rossow, from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies think tank, “Congress widened the waiver criteria with India in mind, and the fact we had a robust ‘2+2 Dialogue’ in Delhi a month back shows that the administration believes in the momentum.”
The Russian Embassy in the U.S. tweeted that the delivery of S-400 would begin in October 2020.
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Developers of the game Tony Hawk Underground 2, and the upcoming games Fantastic Four and Myst 5: End of Ages will now answer to a new parent company. Beenox Studios, which is located in Quebec, Canada, announced that Activision acquired them as a wholly owned subsidiary. Working with Activision since 2003, it is obvious that Activision liked what they saw coming from Beenox. Under the terms of the agreement, several management and key employees from Beenox Studios have signed long-term contracts with Activision. Also noted is that the 32 person team of developers will remain based in Quebec. This is undoubtedly good news to them and won't interrupt release schedules. Speaking of which, Myst 5: End of Ages is scheduled for release Fall of 2005 and Fantastic Four is scheduled to hit store shelves next month.
USER COMMENTS 4 comment(s)
Typical(4:03pm EST Thu May 26 2005)First, Myst was cool when it first came out but I find the recent versions lame. I guess some people like though or it would not be continued.
Anyway regarding Fantastic Four, this game, which may or may not be cool, is being released for PS2 and XBox and Game Cube. Where possible, I expect this type of release to continue into the future (for at least the PS3 & XBOX 360 once developers figure out how to program and port games between consoles). So, all the fanboy BS will likely be meaningless.
But if you want to pick one of the next generation consoles, start with XBOX 360 (which will be out first, will likely be easier to program and may actually have more useful power for game processing even though the PS3 will have more pure processing power) and then pick up the PS3 in about 2 years when the price drops, the developers figure out how to program for it effectively and there actually is some media out there on blue ray disk.
Or your could just pick the console based on the fact that you are a fanboy or stupid (but I repeat myself).
Anyway, I am not sure why anyone would buy a game for a current version console now with the next gen consoles out so soon. Rent it and play it if you must but it seems reasonable to wait to upgrade any game you have (after all, most new games are similar to an existing game) until the next gens are here. – by IP Student
RE: Why buy current games…(6:41pm EST Thu May 26 2005)Um. Because they will still work on the new consoles? Because they want to wait for prices to drop before splurging for a new, unneeded console? There are many reasons to continue buying games for current consoles.
And most people buy consoles because they like the games for it, not because of its potential or because of they are “fanboys”. But I guess in your world… – by QM
whatever(7:04pm EST Thu May 26 2005)people buy games because they are good , not for next gen console…to hell with Sony or mrofsoft ,my current system is good enough and the last time I check ps3 & evolution is backward compatible – by llinks
wow(8:39am EST Fri May 27 2005)in the immortal words of dennis miller: “if the phrase woop-de-fvckin-doo didn't already exist, i would invent it right now” – by JunkTheMagicDragon
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{
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
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Howard Schulz, CEO of Starbucks, joins Groupon's Board of Directors - mjfern
http://www.groupon.com/blog/cities/changes-to-the-groupon-board-of-directors/
======
longarm
It's more impressive when companies add people to their board who add a
perspective other than the entrenched (dare I say evil) mindset of their
competition. An example: Chipotle adding Bill Niman, an advocate against
factory farming, fast food and cheap meat. A good move for Groupon would be to
add someone who speaks for small businesses--the main Groupon customers--
instead of a major corporation.
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{
"pile_set_name": "HackerNews"
}
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Media Advisory - Ministère des Transports du Québec
SAINT-LOUIS-DU-HA! HA!, QC, July 10, 2015/CNW Telbec/ - Members of the media are invited to attend an important infrastructure funding announcement. Participating government representatives include the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec; Robert Poëti, Quebec Minister of Transport; and Jean D'Amour, Minister for Transport and the Implementation of the Maritime Strategy, and Minister responsible for the regions of Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine.
Date:
Monday, July 13, 2015
Time:
2:00 p.m.
Location:
End of the cul-de-sac on rue Madgin, via Exit 47 from Autoroute 85
Saint-Louis-du-Ha! Ha!, Quebec
SOURCE Ministère des Transports
For further information: Vincent Rabault, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, 613-943-1838; Valérie Rodrigue, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Quebec Minister of Transport, 418-643-6980; Zoé Couture, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister for Transport and the Implementation of the Maritime Strategy, and Minister responsible for the regions of Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, 418-580-9754; Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, media@infc.gc.ca, Follow us on Twitter at @INFC_eng
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{
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
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Development and application of human virtual excitable tissues and organs: from premature birth to sudden cardiac death.
The electrical activity of cardiac and uterine tissues has been reconstructed by detailed computer models in the form of virtual tissues. Virtual tissues are biophysically and anatomically detailed, and represent quantitatively predictive models of the physiological and pathophysiological behaviours of tissue within an isolated organ. The cell excitation properties are quantitatively reproduced by equations that describe the kinetics of a few dozen proteins. These equations are derived from experimental measurements of membrane potentials, ionic currents, fluxes, and concentrations. Some of the measurements were taken from human cells and human ion channel proteins expressed in non-human cells, but they were mostly taken from cells of other animal species. Data on tissue geometry and architecture are obtained from the diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging of ex vivo or post mortem tissue, and are used to compute the spread of current in the tissue. Cardiac virtual tissues are well established and reproduce normal and pathological patterns of cardiac excitation within the atria or ventricles of the human heart. They have been applied to increase the understanding of normal cardiac electrophysiology, to evaluate the candidate mechanisms for re-entrant arrhythmias that lead to sudden cardiac death, and to predict the tissue level effects of mutant or pharmacologically-modified ion channels. The human full-term virtual uterus is still in development. This virtual tissue reproduces the in vitro behaviour of uterine tissue biopsies, and provides possible mechanisms for premature labour.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Amphiphilic drugs. 2. Relation between colloidal properties and pharmaceutic-technological, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior].
The physicochemical properties of amphiphilic drugs may affect the technological, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behaviours. Micelle formation of a drug is of considerable importance for its solubility, stability, adsorption pattern, mixed micelle formation and influences thus its pharmaceutical availability. The biological availability is in many cases decreased by interactions of a surface active drug with other substances before absorption, by altered diffusion behaviour and distribution properties. Colloidal association may also result in an alteration of pharmacodynamic effects. These relations depend on the fact, that discrete hydrophobic an hydrophilic parts in a molecule are also prerequisites for micelle formation and receptor interactions. Furthermore the high membrane affinity of these drugs is responsible for some therapeutic and toxic effects.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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//
// Generated by class-dump 3.5 (64 bit) (Debug version compiled Jun 9 2015 22:53:21).
//
// class-dump is Copyright (C) 1997-1998, 2000-2001, 2004-2014 by Steve Nygard.
//
#import <Foundation/NSScriptCommand.h>
@interface GoForwardScriptCommand : NSScriptCommand
{
}
- (id)performDefaultImplementation;
@end
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{
"pile_set_name": "Github"
}
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American nursing students experience shock during a short-term international program.
When individuals plan to travel internationally, they frequently assume that they will have an enjoyable and memorable experience. But for some, the effects of culture shock may negatively impact their travels and memories. The purpose of this study was to describe culture shock as reported by student nurses who took part in an international short-term program. A phenomenological approach was utilized to elicit the essence of meaning attached to the experience. Eight student nurses in an upper Midwestern university, participated in this international experience. It was concluded that all of the student nurses experienced culture shock to a varying degree and they had varying perceptions of their experiences.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Q:
Best Algorithm to encrypt password
I want to encrypt the password & store the encrypted value in MySQL database. What algorithm is the best way to go for encryption in Java?
For each user, I've userid, useremail field as well & for all these users, I need algo to encrypt password.
Note: I should be able to decrypt the password as well, since one of our support page shows the password only to support team (Legacy page that cannot be removed).
Thanks
A:
There are standard algorithms for encrypting passwords. You can use
PBEWITHSHA256AND256BITAES-CBC-BC from BouncyCastle.
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{
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
}
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Volkswagen strips vehicle lineup in UK
In a bid to rationalize its vehicle lineup and control costs, Volkswagen's British outpost is taking a massive axe to its range, culling dozens of models and options from its order books. With in excess of 10,000 different build combinations and pressures to streamline their operations, VW has resorted to nixing entire trim levels, colors, options in an effort to simplify its offerings.
Models that have seen their final days on UK shores include the 4.2-liter V8 short-wheelbase Phaeton, the Polo in 1.4-liter TDI E, S, SE and Sport variants, and the Touran in 2.0-liter FSI 150 SE trim. Newer models like the Eos, Touareg, Jetta, and Fox have been spared.
The company promises that existing owners of discontinued models will not have any service or parts issues as a result.
While Autoblog has yet to confirm if mainland Europe is similarly affected, we would be surprised if similar measures weren't taken there as well. Will U.S. lineups receive a similar once-over? Nothing is certain, but VW's U.S. lineups have a far more abbreviated lineup of vehicles and trims on offer, particularly in areas of drivetrain options. If company officials do seek to lessen the number of build combinations, expect changes to be wrought with a far lighter hand.
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{
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
}
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RNAi gene silencing using cerasome as a viral-size siRNA-carrier free from fusion and cross-linking.
Surface-rigidified cerasomes (ceramic-coated liposomes) are neither fused nor cross-linked when bound to siRNA (short duplex RNA) but not to plasmid DNA (long duplex DNA) which induces cross-linking. Non-ceramic reference liposomes are easily fused by the siRNA. The cerasome can thus be used as a viral-size siRNA-carrier in a wide range of concentration for RNAi silencing of exogenous and endogenous genes.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
{% load forms %}
{% input field="PatientConsultation.initials" %}
{% datetimepicker field="PatientConsultation.when" %}
{% textarea field="PatientConsultation.discussion" %}
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Github"
}
|
/*
* Copyright (C) 2013-2015 RoboVM AB
*
* Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
* you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
* You may obtain a copy of the License at
*
* http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
*
* Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
* distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
* WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
* See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
* limitations under the License.
*/
package com.bugvm.apple.coremidi;
/*<imports>*/
import java.io.*;
import java.nio.*;
import java.util.*;
import com.bugvm.objc.*;
import com.bugvm.objc.annotation.*;
import com.bugvm.objc.block.*;
import com.bugvm.rt.*;
import com.bugvm.rt.annotation.*;
import com.bugvm.rt.bro.*;
import com.bugvm.rt.bro.annotation.*;
import com.bugvm.rt.bro.ptr.*;
import com.bugvm.apple.foundation.*;
import com.bugvm.apple.corefoundation.*;
/*</imports>*/
/*<javadoc>*/
/*</javadoc>*/
/*<annotations>*/@Library("CoreMIDI")/*</annotations>*/
/*<visibility>*/public/*</visibility>*/ class /*<name>*/MIDIThruConnection/*</name>*/
extends /*<extends>*/MIDIObject/*</extends>*/
/*<implements>*//*</implements>*/ {
/*<ptr>*/public static class MIDIThruConnectionPtr extends Ptr<MIDIThruConnection, MIDIThruConnectionPtr> {}/*</ptr>*/
/*<bind>*/static { Bro.bind(MIDIThruConnection.class); }/*</bind>*/
/*<constants>*//*</constants>*/
/*<constructors>*//*</constructors>*/
/*<properties>*//*</properties>*/
/*<members>*//*</members>*/
/**
* @since Available in iOS 4.2 and later.
*/
public static MIDIThruConnection create(String inPersistentOwnerID, NSData inConnectionParams) {
MIDIThruConnectionPtr ptr = new MIDIThruConnectionPtr();
create(inPersistentOwnerID, inConnectionParams, ptr);
return ptr.get();
}
/**
* @since Available in iOS 4.2 and later.
*/
public NSData getParams() {
NSData.NSDataPtr ptr = new NSData.NSDataPtr();
getParams(ptr);
return ptr.get();
}
/**
* @since Available in iOS 4.2 and later.
*/
public NSData find(String persistentOwnerID) {
NSData.NSDataPtr ptr = new NSData.NSDataPtr();
find(persistentOwnerID, ptr);
return ptr.get();
}
/*<methods>*/
/**
* @since Available in iOS 4.2 and later.
*/
@Bridge(symbol="MIDIThruConnectionCreate", optional=true)
protected static native MIDIError create(String inPersistentOwnerID, NSData inConnectionParams, MIDIThruConnection.MIDIThruConnectionPtr outConnection);
/**
* @since Available in iOS 4.2 and later.
*/
@Bridge(symbol="MIDIThruConnectionDispose", optional=true)
public native MIDIError dispose();
/**
* @since Available in iOS 4.2 and later.
*/
@Bridge(symbol="MIDIThruConnectionGetParams", optional=true)
protected native MIDIError getParams(NSData.NSDataPtr outConnectionParams);
/**
* @since Available in iOS 4.2 and later.
*/
@Bridge(symbol="MIDIThruConnectionSetParams", optional=true)
public native MIDIError setParams(NSData inConnectionParams);
/**
* @since Available in iOS 4.2 and later.
*/
@Bridge(symbol="MIDIThruConnectionFind", optional=true)
protected static native MIDIError find(String inPersistentOwnerID, NSData.NSDataPtr outConnectionList);
/*</methods>*/
}
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Github"
}
|
No no no, this is good. If you can make yourself younger, you can make yourself older. 7 year olds getting courts to name them 21. 18 year olds hitting mandatory retirement age and spending sixty years collecting whatever your country has for old age benefits. I WAS BORN IN 1736, THE JUDGE SAID SO!
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
}
|
If you all would like to see a lot of writings about Gas Fireplace Replacement Logs, you all may easily visit Jane Chafin Offramp, and do not forget to remember our article because Jane Chafin Offramp update writings about Gas Fireplace Replacement Logs on a daily basis.
If yall enjoy the picture of Delicate Gas Fireplace Replacement Logs Review, don’t forget to help this site to give it to your friends on Twitter, Google Plus, and Facebook.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
}
|
Kian84
Kim Hee-Min (born 22 October 1984), better known by his pen name Kian84 (기안84), is a South Korean manhwaga. He is best known for writing the webtoon Fashion King and member of Korean variety show I Live Alone.
Filmography
Television Series
Variety Shows
Music video
Awards and nominations
References
External links
Official blog
Category:South Korean manhwa artists
Category:South Korean webtoon creators
Category:South Korean television personalities
Category:Pseudonymous writers
Category:University of Suwon alumni
Category:1984 births
Category:Living people
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Wikipedia (en)"
}
|
Winter and Your Body: Waterloo Physiotherapy Advice
You are here
Does the thought of a winter snowfall make you want to stay indoors all day? In Kitchener-Waterloo, we don’t have much of a choice when it comes to dealing with winter and snow. Every year we get quite a string of Wintery conditions that span from late November and sometimes into late Spring. But along with Winter comes an increased risk of injuries due to slips, falls and Motor Vehicle Accidents.
At Absolute Rehab Centre, we see a variety of patients each Winter that seek treatments for their Winter Injuries and Physical conditions. They use the services of our Waterloo Physiotherapists and Waterloo Chiropractors to get their body back in its best form. But before you need restorative action this Winter, get your body prepared for the conditions out there and take the necessary precautions to avoid injuries.
Take Precautions With Winter
Before you step outside the comfort of your home, make sure you are well prepared against the weather conditions and what they leave behind. Snow and freezing rain tend to be the major concerns during a Waterloo Winter. Many of the Winter injuries and problems we treat from January to March are from falls in the snow, ice and sleet when walking from one place to another.
Do your best to prevent these falls from happening.
Much like snow tires for cars, your feet need a solid grip to get from one place to another. Our recommendation for all our patients is to get a pair of Winter Boots with rubber soles and non-slip properties. If you can’t invest in a new pair, there are ways to “hack” your current ones and make them more winter-friendly. You can get a pair of shoe spikes that wrap around your footwear. These spikes act like treads to solidify your grip when you walk outside, but be sure to remove them on other surfaces, like tile, because they can be slippery.
The Winter Walking Body Form
When you are walking, you also want to be mindful of your form. Try to keep your balance as best as possible by keeping your arms out of your pockets so you can swing them gently back and forth with your natural motion. As you step, bend your knees to give your body a lower centre of gravity, which will help you maintain balance. Have solid footing and use smaller motions, which keeps your weight balanced at the base of the body. When you take too large of steps, you risk your balance being thrown off. You can also try a small shuffling technique to keep the movements small and your balance in check.
Winter Walking Assistance
For those who require walking assistance, there are a few tools to help during the winter. If you use a cane, look for one with a retractable ice pick that pokes the ground with each step you take. If you need the stability as you move, there are walking poles that can help with balance and posture. And for those who require both the assistance and stability, there is always the option of a walker. The government will typically cover of accessibility items for those who need it.
Drive With Safety In Mind
Motor Vehicle Accidents and their injuries see an increase during the Winter months in Ontario, and even here in the Waterloo region. If you are a driver, be sure you are driving according to the weather and to be extra cautious of roads that haven’t been plowed.
Winter Motor Vehicle Accidents are often why patients seek Physiotherapy, Chiropractic Care, Whiplash therapy, shoulder therapy, neural stretching therapies, and lower back pain therapy amongst other treatments. Depending on the severity of the accident and the number of people involved, an insurance provider may cover you for these therapies. For more information about what to do for your health and wellbeing after a Motor Vehicle Accident, please check out our article on Motor Vehicle Accident Therapy and Whiplash.
Please also keep in mind the safety of pedestrians. If you are approaching intersections, be sure to give pedestrians ample time and space to cross so they can safely walk or use their accessibility vehicles without being rushed. If they slip and fall because they are rushing to please impatient drivers, not only will they be injured, but you may be delayed even further depending on the severity of their injury.
Stay Active and Stay Safe
The best way to combat Winter and its injuries is simply, to be part of it and stay active throughout it. There’s a reason people do Winter sports—it makes the long months of Winter much more enjoyable and it keeps them in motion. As the temperatures drop and there’s less sunlight, the body starts behaving differently than it does during Spring, Summer and Fall.
Muscles tend to be colder and tighter during the Winter as a result of the temperatures and people choosing to stay sedentary. Our Waterloo Physiotherapists always recommend staying as active as possible so that muscles maintain looseness and strength. Depending on your interests, your level of fitness and physical health you can try some of these winter activities:
Join a skiing or snowboarding club and learn how to ski or snowboard
Hit the skating rink and enjoy skating or a game of hockey
Join a year-round walking club in your part of the city
Go sledding—you’d be surprised at how much your muscles work out
For the young at heart, building a snow fort can be rewarding and give your muscles a workout
Shovel your driveway (and a neighbour’s if you’re feeling nice). While it is a tedious task, shoveling can be a great workout if done properly. Check out our article for Snow Shoveling Safety Tips this Winter
Of course, each of these activities have their own level of risk. Be sure to talk to your doctor or our Waterloo Physiotherapists before starting new activities so they can guide you with advice on staying safe. With any of these, however, it is important to stretch, warm up and keep well conditioned to prevent muscle tears and strains.
If You Have a Winter Injury
Despite any precautions you take during the Winter, there is always a chance of injuries. Our team of Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Massage Therapists and Acupuncturists have treated a variety of patients for Winter-related injuries—from slip and falls, to concussions and whiplash from winter car accidents.
If you are seeking Physiotherapy and other treatments in Waterloo, contact Absolute Rehab Centre for more information on how we treat Winter injuries.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
}
|
The poster boy for New York’s massive cab-rate overcharging scam — whose ruse alerted authorities to the biggest taxi-cheating ring in history — was hauled into custody yesterday, nabbed after months on the lam in the Midwest.
Meter-cheater Wasim Cheema, 23, covered his face as he was led into Manhattan Supreme Court in handcuffs. He is set to be arraigned today on charges of scheming to defraud more than 2,500 passengers of $11,690.
Cheema fled Brooklyn for Kansas City last year after his hack license was yanked for his participation in a widespread, $1.1 million fare-cheating ring.
Dozens of other drivers were caught bilking passengers by secretly switching their meters to the more expensive suburban rates, even though the rides took place within city limits.
Cheema became the public face of the massive swindle after anesthesiologist Mitchell Lee dropped a dime to the TLC in August 2009 after he was cheated. That complaint, first reported by The Post, set off the far-reaching probe, in which 45 cabbies have pleaded guilty so far.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
}
|
The Dallas City Council on Wednesday voted to remove a Confederate memorial near city hall.
The council in a 11-4 vote approved the removal of the structure deemed a “non-contributing structure for the historic overlay district,” The Dallas Morning News reported.
“We have to acknowledge the sins of the past, and what kind of Dallas do we want going forward,” Mayor Pro Tempore Casey Thomas said. “Today is not unfinished business. It’s finishing the business that we started.”
ADVERTISEMENT
The council proposed a $480,000 plan to remove and store the massive monument, which currently rests in the Pioneer Cemetery across from the Dallas City Hall.
The monument features a 65-foot obelisk topped with a Confederate soldier, and statues of Confederate leaders — including Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson — form a ring around it.
The structure was originally built in Old City Park in 1897 by the Dallas chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and was moved to the cemetery in 1961.
It is the second monument to be removed in the city in recent years. The Dallas City Council voted in 2017 to remove a statue of Lee.
Officials in Austin, Texas, last month removed a Confederate plaque from the state Capitol that claimed slavery was not the root cause of the Civil War.
The effort to remove Confederate monuments saw renewed attention following the 2015 mass shooting at an historic African-American church in Charleston, S.C., and the deadly 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Va.
At least 113 Confederate monuments have been removed in the U.S. since 2015, according to a 2016 report from the Southern Poverty Law Center.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "OpenWebText2"
}
|
Field
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to access of resources over a computer network. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to retrieval and evaluation of client reputation (CR) score of a user and assigning policies to the user for accessing network resources based on the CR score.
Description of the Related Art
In a network such as a computing network or a telecommunication network that is coupled to resources such as computers, laptops, mobiles, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), virtual server, virtual machines, widgets, among other computing devices, the resources are generally susceptible to hostile attacks arising as a result of malicious objects such as malware, web robots or BOTS, phishing, modified virus codes, and other viruses. Global networks, such as the Internet, when coupled with the ability of remote access, increase the vulnerability of corporate data, the risk of information leaks, the risk of unauthorized document access and the disclosure of confidential information, the risk of fraud, and also the risk of attacks on privacy. Such malicious objects may contaminate the resources and initiate risky activities in the network such as bad connection attempts, file sharing applications, session initiation for incoming connections, and so forth. Therefore, a resource contaminated with one or more malicious objects may be considered as a malicious resource for the network. At the time, it would also be appreciated that it is often the case that vulnerability of a resource depends on the actions that a user takes while communicating with external resources. For instance, the extent, manner, and mode of access to websites, portals, and applications that have high likelihood of causing threat to a resource is proportional to an actual attack that might take place on the resource.
Such malicious resources may further contaminate other resources that are operatively coupled with each other in the network. For instance, if a user, using a first computing device, is connected to other users over a local area network (LAN), the probability of computing devices of such other users being attacked by malware, virus codes, among others is likely to increase in case the first computing device is affected by such network level threats or attacks, and therefore detecting, evaluating, and appropriately handling the first computing device becomes a top priority.
Employees are among the greatest threats to an organization's information security and also significantly responsible for network level threats that an organization faces for its resources. Employees, with access to information resources including email, the Internet, and on-line networks, significantly increase the security risks, making it extremely important to proactively monitor the kind of data that employees share through multiple messaging platforms or try to access or receive from external networks, and accordingly take necessary measures to prevent any potential misuse of information or exposure of internal resources to the outside networks.
Setting appropriate, flexible, and robust security policies is a recommended method for creating order and for setting standards for network use. However, most existing techniques for setting security policies are not individual user based and largely apply the policies to the entire organization at large. Such techniques also do not take into account each user's network access behavior and rather take departments or groups of employees as a whole and implement network access policies on them based on the organizational requirements. Such policies, as a result, do not evaluate the condition of each internal resource/computing device, its pattern of network access, files accessed, network activity, external resource violations, and its vulnerability to network attacks, among other parameters for setting network access policies and hence are loosely implemented.
In view of the foregoing, there is therefore a need for new and more effective techniques for assigning appropriate network policies to users based on their reputation scores, which is computed based on network level activities and activities/interactions of the users.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
}
|
Current Research and Scholarly Interests
My work is aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the development and progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). I am interested in understanding the role that the BMP and Wnt pathways play in regulating functions of pulmonary endothelial and smooth muscle cells both in health and disease.
Current Research and Scholarly Interests
My lab uses molecular, optogenetic, anatomical and behavioral methods to identify and manipulate the neuronal circuits underlying brain arousal, with particular attention to sleep and wakefulness transitions. We are also interested in the changes that occur in neuronal circuits in conditions of hyperarousal such as stress and drug addiction.
Current Research and Scholarly Interests
Using poliovirus as a model system, the Kirkegaard laboratory has developed a method to decrease the risk of drug-resistance during RNA virus antiviral therapy by targeting dominant drug targets. My goal is to identify equivalent dominant drug targets in hepatitis C virus in order to decrease the risk of drug-resistance during hepatitis C virus antiviral therapy.
Current Research and Scholarly Interests
Our research focuses on gene microarray analysis of human soft tissue tumors (sarcomas). In addition we work with tissue microarrays to characterize large numbers of novel antisera raised against peptides derived from genes found to be of interest during gene array analysis.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
}
|
With the increased use of prenatal screening by ultrasound, more fetuses are being diagnosed as potentially having congenital renal obstruction (2-5% of all pregnancies in the US). To date, the most common cause of renal failure in children is from renal damaged caused by urinary obstruction. Many controversies exist regarding detection, prognosis, and proper management of children with this condition. We hypothesize that congenital renal obstruction results in the release of specific proteins into the urine that reflect changes in protein secretion and shedding from renal tubular cells and other sources. We predict that these changes will vary with onset, duration and severity of the obstruction. In our previous work, we have demonstrated our ability to use state-of-the-art mass spectrometric and proteomic approaches to identify proteins in the urinary proteome in an animal model of postnatal maturation. With this experience, my objective is to identify new markers of obstructive renal damage that could be potential diagnostic or prognostic clinical tools. Our approach will be to use an animal model of neonatal renal obstruction and follow urine composition over time after initiation of the injury. We will study the urinary proteome during obstruction using advanced qualitative and quantitative proteomic methodologies in order to prioritize and identify candidate clinical markers. The discriminatory power of the candidate markers, and their potential for clinical translation, will be determined using directed quantitative proteomics in select human infant cohorts with and without severe renal obstruction. Overall, my long-term career objective is to become an independent pediatric urologic clinician-scientist with a strong commitment to translational research that focuses on biomarker discovery for renal injury. My immediate goals are to acquire a strong background and research experience in mass spectrometry, proteomics, and biomarker validation. During the early portion of my career, I plan to add to my foundation as a clinician investigator through lectures, strong mentorship by Dr. Michael Freeman and others, scientific collaborations, hands-on experience, and didactic coursework that focuses on proteomics, clinical trials, biomarkers, epidemiology, and bioinformatics. My research will be conducted at Children's Hospital Boston in the Urological Diseases Research Center and in the Children's Hospital Boston Proteomics Center. In summary, this project will provide the necessary foundation for a successful career as an independent investigator and will lead to the identification of novel biomarkers that may be used to inform clinical decisions in children affected with congenital renal obstruction.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "NIH ExPorter"
}
|
The announcement of the new, new SAT has created a lot of hand-wringing about SAT scores and their correlations with income and also race. Wonkblog, the New York Times and many others all feature a table or chart showing how SAT scores increase with income. Wonkblog says these charts “show how the SAT favors rich, educated families,” and the NYTimes says about the SAT, “A Test of Knowledge or Income?” The consensus explanation for these “shocking” results is the evil of test prep as summarized by NBCNews:
…there is also mounting criticism as to whether students who can afford expensive SAT test preparation courses have an unfair advantage, especially given a strong correlation between family income level and test results.
Similarly, Chris Hayes blames test prep for inequality:
We’ve had…the growth of this tremendous testing and test prep industry in New York, along with the massive rise in inequality and it has produced a system in which the school is now admitting only three, four, five black and Latino students. The students they are admitting are almost entirely white, affluent kids with tutors or second generation, first generation immigrants from Queens and other places where the parents pay for test prep. You end up with a system where who you are really letting in are the kids with access to test prep, the kids with access to resources.
All of this is almost entirely at variance with three facts, all of which are well known among education researchers.
First, test prep has only a modest effect on test scores, on the order of 20-40 points combined for a commercial test preparation service. More expensive services such as a private tutor are towards the high of this range, cheaper sources such as a high-school course towards the lower. Buchmann et al., for example, estimate that private tutors increase scores by 37 points while a high school course increases scores by 26 points.
The average SAT score among those with a family income of $20,000-$40,000 is 1402 while the average score among those with an income $100,000 higher, $120,000-$140,000, is 1581 for a 179 point difference. Even if every rich family had a private tutor and none of the poor families had any test prep whatsoever, test prep would explain only 20% of the difference 37/179. If rich families rely on tutors and poor families rely on high school courses, the difference in test prep would explain only 6% (11/179) of the difference in score.
The second surprising fact about test prep is that it doesn’t vary nearly as much by income as people imagine. In fact, some studies find no effect of income on test prep use while others find a positive but modest effect. The latter study finding (what I call) a modest effect finds that in their sample a 2-standard deviation increase in income above the mean increases the probability of using a private test prep course less than whether “Parent encouraged student to prep for SAT (yes or no).”
Since test prep differs by income only modestly and since test prep increases scores only modestly, the effect of income on test scores through test prep is small, Modest*Modest=Small. Contrary to the consensus, test prep can in no way account for the large differences in SAT score by income.
The third fact is that test prep varies by race in the opposite way that people imagine. In the quote above, Chris Hayes suggests that whites use test prep much more than blacks. In fact, blacks use test prep more than whites, as is well documented among education researchers (e.g. here, here, here), e.g. from the first link:
…blacks and Hispanics are more likely than whites from comparable backgrounds to utilize test preparation. The black-white gap is especially pronounced in the use of high school courses, private courses and private tutors.
Indeed, since blacks use test prep more than whites and blacks have lower SAT scores than whites the effect of test prep is to reduce not increase the black-white gap in scores. Of course, the net reduction in the gap is small.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "OpenWebText2"
}
|
A number of devices have been available for locking or stabilizing the position of a boom of a sail boat when sailing with a following or quartering breeze. The importance of some control will be recognized by those skilled in the art who have experienced the effects of an accidental jibe due to a shift in wind direction or when the helmsman accidently changes course so that the wind is on the opposite side of the main sail and the boom suddenly swings across the deck. Such accidental jibes are hazardous to the crew, can cause serious damage to the rigging and may even cause a knockdown of the vessel. Even controlled jibes can be hazardous if not done with care.
Short of lashing the boom or through use of a preventer or similar boom locking device, a number of sail boat boom brakes utilizing the frictional resistance applied by a friction device to a line which restrains movement of a boom have become available and are a part of the prior art. One of these systems known as the Heinson boom control system produced by the Heinson Co., Moraga, Calif. works on the principle disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,138,962. In this type of system, a friction device in the form of a single friction drum is carried by a hanger attached to the boom of the boat. A line attached to one or more cleats accessible from the cockpit extends forwardly to a swivel block mounted on the deck. The line extends from the swivel block to the drum, is wrapped around the drum several times and then extends downwardly to a second cleat or another swivel block on the opposite side of the boat from which it is extended aft to a second cleat accessible from the cockpit. When the line is cleated, frictional resistance with the drum locks the boom in place. Tension may be released from the cockpit entirely or may be gradually released as a jibe occurs, thereby easing the boom to the desired position.
More recently issued U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,617 illustrates another type of boom brake mounted on a hanger attached to the boom. In this patent, the hanger carries three spools or sheaves. A line secured adjacent one side of the deck extends to the boom and in a serpentine path is in contact with the friction surfaces of the three spools. Two of the spools are fixed against rotation and the third, offset between the first two, is rotatable and is provided with a manually adjustable brake so that a variable frictional resistance to motion can be applied. In a further embodiment of the patent, where adjustable braking is not required, the three spools are all non-rotatable.
Many sailors object to devices of the kind described due to the fact that they are relatively difficult to control by the helmsman while he is in the act of steering the boat and also because the relatively heavy braking device is located where it can strike the head of a crew member, creating the kind of hazard that such devices are intended to eliminate.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
}
|
789 F.2d 1209
Nason Gene SOILEAU, Petitioner-Appellant,v.Frank BLACKBURN, Warden, Louisiana State Penitentiary, etal., Respondents-Appellees.
No. 85-4699Summary Calendar.
United States Court of Appeals,Fifth Circuit.
May 21, 1986.
Nason G. Soileau pro se.
Glenn B. Foreman, Crowley, La., for respondents-appellees.
Appeal from the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.
Before POLITZ, GARWOOD, and JOLLY, Circuit Judges.
POLITZ, Circuit Judge:
1
Nason Gene Soileau appeals the dismissal of his petition for a writ of habeas corpus, 28 U.S.C. Sec. 2254, under Rule 9(a) of the Rules Governing Sec. 2254 Cases.1 Finding that Soileau did not receive the requisite notice that a Rule 9(a) dismissal was being considered, we vacate the dismissal and remand.
BACKGROUND
2
On December 10, 1975, a jury convicted Soileau of manslaughter for killing a fellow-inmate at the Acadia, Louisiana, Parish Jail. Soileau escaped from custody before sentencing and remained at large for over three years. Ultimately recaptured, Soileau was sentenced on April 6, 1979 to a term of 21 years. There was no direct appeal of the conviction.
3
Having exhausted state post-conviction remedies, on July 15, 1982 Soileau filed the instant federal habeas petition, alleging that: (1) his conviction was not supported by the evidence; (2) he was not advised of his right to appeal; (3) he was denied counsel at sentencing; and (4) the sentencing procedures violated state law. The petition was referred to a magistrate who ordered the state to file all pertinent records and transcripts. The magistrate found that because there had been no appeal no transcript of evidence had been made, and during the delay between the 1975 trial and the 1982 filing of the federal habeas petition the court reporter's notes had been destroyed.
4
Upon completion of her review of the record, the magistrate recommended that Soileau's petition be dismissed under Rule 9(a) because the state had suffered prejudice as a consequence of the delay. The state did not seek a Rule 9(a) dismissal and Soileau received no notice that the magistrate was considering dismissal on that basis. The district court adopted the magistrate's recommendations over Soileau's objection and entered judgment dismissing his application. Soileau appealed and we issued a certificate of probable cause.
ANALYSIS
5
The procedure for dismissing a habeas corpus petition under Rule 9(a) was fully explicated in McDonnell v. Estelle, 666 F.2d 246 (5th Cir.1982). Relying on the Advisory Committee Note to Rule 9(a) and analogizing to and applying procedures for a motion for summary judgment, Fed.R.Civ.P. 56, we held "[i]f, after examining the petition and the state's return, it appears that there is a high probability the petition will be barred by Rule 9(a), the court should so notify the petitioner." Id. at 252. The petitioner must then "explain why his or her delay has not been prejudicial and why the delay is excusable." Id. at 253. We have observed that McDonnell requires that where a Rule 9(a) disposition summarily resolves factual issues, the petitioner must be given notice and an opportunity to respond. Norman v. McCotter, 765 F.2d 504 (5th Cir.1985). Prejudice to the state and the reasons for the delay are factual issues.
6
Soileau was neither given notice that the magistrate was considering a Rule 9(a) dismissal nor an opportunity to demonstrate that the delay was excusable or that it was not prejudicial. Because the magistrate relied on evidence outside the pleadings, the matter necessarily fell into a summary judgment posture. A Rule 9(a) dismissal in that setting required notice to Soileau and an opportunity to be heard. McDonnell.
7
We do not decide, and express no opinion whatsoever, whether the state's showing was sufficient to shift the burden of persuasion to Soileau to excuse the delay or to show that the state suffered no prejudice as a consequence of delay chargeable to him. See Strahan v. Blackburn, 750 F.2d 438 (5th Cir.), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 105 S.Ct. 2683, 86 L.Ed.2d 700 (1985). That remains for the trial court to decide first. We hold only that under the rubrics of McDonnell a Rule 9(a) dismissal was inappropriate without giving Soileau notice and an opportunity to be heard.
8
Accordingly, the judgment is VACATED and the case is REMANDED for further proceedings consistent herewith.
1
Rule 9(a) of the Rules Governing Sec. 2254 Cases, 28 U.S.C. foll. Sec. 2254, provides:
Delayed petitions. A petition may be dismissed if it appears that the state of which the respondent is an officer has been prejudiced in its ability to respond to the petition by delay in its filing unless the petitioner shows that it is based on grounds of which he could not have had knowledge by the exercise of reasonable diligence before the circumstances prejudicial to the state occurred.
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Coming to an Inner-City Near You: “Ultimate Future Riot Control Truck” (Video)
Make no mistake about it, the elites don’t care about you. To them, we are nothing more than cogs in the machine that they control, and if a cog steps out of line, it must be disposed of. Of course, with societal oppression comes riots and uprisings, and the elites are always scoping out for the latest technology to keep the proletariat docile and under control. If the proletariat gets violent however, they have a new weapon to bring forward – the ultimate riot control truck.
In the following video, Right Wing News looks at this frightening dystopian level technology and the implications behind its use. It’s fully remote controlled and comes with a 3-ton shield that can also act as a bulldozer. Up to 36 riot police can hide behind the shield. And of course there are the standard high pressure water cannons and tear gas guns. Is it only time before these trucks become commonplace in our city streets?
One upon a time, the benevolent future was supposed to bemuse with hoverboards, flying cars and interplanetary travel. Instead, according to the folks at Slovakia’s Bozena Riot Security Systems, the dystopian future has arrived, and it is made of armored plates and riot gear.
The Bozena Riot can handle virtually any duty when authorities need to put down an uprising: it is a remotely operated, armored vehicle designed to deal with riots and mobs in the streets and urbanized areas. The system offers a solution for both protecting the law-enforcement units in action and controlling the situation whenever peace maintenance is required.
The truck right out of RoboCop’s OCP Detroit, has three components: a carrier, a 3000 kg adjustable shield, and a water trailer. Two water cannons can send protesters flying from the front or the rear and if that doesn’t do the trick, police can always rely on the “high-pressure tear gas gun” to disperse any riot.
As Gizmodo points out, the unmanned unit is covered in CCTV cameras assuring full video coverage, while the driver gets to enjoy inner-city riots from a comfortable safe distance courtesy of this virtual cockpit which puts all control options at one’s fingertips:
The truck’s shield has six launching ports to fire guns or other rubber projectile launchers while keeping the heavily fortified shooters safe. Furthermore, should the truck’s riot police passengers get stuck in an alleyway, the shield has bulldozing capabilities allowing authorities to directly engage with social discontents.
To be sure, the topic of police militarization in the US has been a particularly sensitive one in recent years, so perhaps the country will avoid this tool to quickly and efficiently restore post-riot order. Probably not: as Gizmodo notes, “the combination of an increase in law enforcement spending and Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ pledge to stop monitoring out-of-control police departments seems to set up just the right environment to make it happen.”
In any case, no matter on which side of the ideological divide one stands, and whether one roots for the authorities or the rioters who may soon suffer the wrath of the Bozena Riot, there are plenty reasons for everyone to be both delighted and concerned.
Until we look like Venezuela the progressive democratic regime will not stop programming the public through the MSM to continue to riot over the most ridiculous of excuses. If these protestors think they are not victims of propaganda programming, they have only to put the shoe on the other foot to see they lack any justification requiring such a response. Soon they will be fighting for their lives and betraying their friends to survive and acquire the simplest of basics. George Soros and the progressive party just love referring to these Professors, students and inner city malcontents as “Useful idiots”. Unless they start looking at both sides of whatever they think their cause is, I can only hope their road to starvation is not a painful one.
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This invention relates to controlling a burning flame, e.g., controlling the burning of a candle.
Safety is a typical concern when candles are burned in a house or otherwise where people or flammable objects are present. The open flame of a candle is capable of catching curtains, clothing or other objects on fire, or burning a person through even inadvertent contact.
Another consideration when burning candles is the tendency of high wind or other air movement to blow the flame out. As is known in the art, various devices, such as lanterns, shades, etc., have been developed to help prevent a candle flame from being extinguished by wind.
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A chuva que se fez sentir na primeira quinzena de março devido às tempestades ‘Félix’ e ‘Gisele’ levou, nas regiões Norte e Centro, a que o volume de armazenamento das barragens passasse a ser superior ao habitual para a época. No Sul houve também um aumento, mas a maioria das albufeiras ainda não chegou aos valores médios, de acordo com o Correio da Manhã.
A albufeira de Castelo de Bode, no rio Zêzere, que abastece a área da Grande Lisboa, aumentou a capacidade máxima para 87,4%, esta sexta-feira, de 67,9%, no primeiro dia do mês. Ao longo dos últimos quinze dias, foram ainda realizadas descargas laterais para aliviar armazenamento, segundo dados divulgados pelo CM.
A precipitação média nacional em março é de 60 litros por metro quadrado. No entanto, o valor chegou aos 90 litros por metro quadrado numa semana. A estimativa do Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA) é que a situação de seca severa e extrema que afetava 84,5% do território nacional no final de fevereiro já tenha sido ultrapassado.
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Interindividual variation in the enzymatic 15-keto-reduction of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin E1 in human liver and in human erythrocytes.
The therapeutic response to PGE1 is highly variable, and a contribution by variable formation of its active tertiary metabolite PGE0 is in question. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the person-to-person variation of the reduction of the inactive intermediate metabolite 15-KD PGE1 by human liver and human erythrocytes in forming the active metabolite PGE0. Source of enzyme was lysed erythrocytes from 29 donors, and a bank of 37 donor livers including specimens from 15 children. Tritium-labelled 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin E1 (15-KD PGE1) was used at low nanomolar concentrations and found to be converted almost exclusively to the more polar compound 13,14-dihydro-prostaglandin E1 (PGE0) by an NADPH-dependent carbonyl reductase. The identity of the product PGE0 was established by comparison of its chromatographic and mass spectral characteristics with authentic PGE0. Lysed erythrocytes had readily measurable enzymatic activity; differences between the preparations from 29 subjects were very small with only a twofold range of variation. In contrast to lysed erythrocytes, intact erythrocytes did not catalyse the reaction so that the erythrocyte activity should be medically immaterial. 15-KD PGE1 15-ketoreductase activity of liver cytosol averaged 61.1 fmol.min-1.mg-1 protein in preparations from 37 human livers. Individual activities varied over an almost tenfold range, with indications of a non-normal distribution. Kinetic studies of selected specimens showed substantially different Vmax values but indistinguishable kM values, suggesting that the individual variation in 15-KD PGE1 15-ketoreduction is the result of differences in enzyme concentration rather than of structural enzyme variations. The activity in 15 livers from children was significantly lower than in those from adults. Inhibition data suggest that both the liver and the erythrocyte enzymes belong to the class of carbonyl reductases. The variations in hepatic enzyme activity may be expected to affect the transformation of 15-KD PGE1 to the active metabolite PGE0 in vivo. The clinical significance remains to be explored.
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A new, comprehensive analysis of mountaintop removal mining, which is common in the Appalachian region of the United States, shows that its environmental effects extend to the hydrology of its surroundings, ruining streams and the ecosystems they support. Technically known as "mountaintop mining with valley fills" (MTM/VF), it consists of stripping away forests and topsoil from the tops of mountains and then using explosives to break through rocks that cover the coal inside the mountain. The resulting rocks are then pushed away into valleys, where they interfere with and often bury existing streams.
It's not all that surprising that clean water, and a lot of it, is important to ecosystems; research shows that if these activities disrupt as little as 5-10 percent of a watershed's area, they can cause irreversible changes to the ecosystem. The reduced flow of streams that get buried by valley fills can kill off plants and trees in an area with high biodiversity. This loss of flora also results in a landscape that is less effective at handling runoff water, leading to an increase in the frequency and magnitude of downstream flooding.
Streams that continue to flow are polluted with various chemicals and metals from the mountaintop rocks. Increases in sulfate cause stream microbes to create more hydrogen sulfide, which is toxic to many aquatic plants and organisms. Selenium accumulation causes deformities and lethality in fish, which in turn poison the birds that eat them. Humans in the area are also affected by the dirty streams and the elevated levels of airborne, hazardous dust that results from mining. Studies have found elevated levels of hospitalization for pulmonary disorders and hypertension, as well as increased mortality in the region.
Reclamation of the areas appears to be ineffective, with soils still having low organic and nutrient content and little to no regrowth of woody vegetation afterward. Reclamation often involves rebuilding streams, but the new ones carry chemicals released by the rock debris, and don't integrate into the radically altered environment.
The sum of these problems add significantly to the externalized costs of coal use for power generation. Because of the huge impact, the scientists behind the report are recommending that the government stops issuing MTV/VF permits until new methods to address these problems can be developed and subjected to rigorous review.
Science, 2010. DOI: 10.1126/science.1180543
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V debatě o sexuálním obtěžování neexistují dvě rovnocenné strany. A předstírat, že tomu tak je, nemá nic společného se spravedlností nebo kvalitní novinařinou.
Hashtag #MeToo se začal masově šířit zhruba před dvěma měsíci a počet známých mužů propuštěných kvůli sexuální agresi dál roste. Alespoň tedy v Americe. Každé další jméno pochopitelně znamená novou vlnu článků, nové hádky v komentářích, nové zesměšňování a výhrůžky těm, kdo se ke kampani přidávají. Časopis Time minulý týden vyhlásil oběti sexuálního násilí, které o svých případech promluvily, za osobnosti roku. Trvalejší změně ale stojí v cestě způsob, jakým se o problému bavíme.
Americká autorka Ijeoma Oluoová v jednom ze svých nejnovějších textů popisuje, jak ji deník USA Today požádal o vyjádření k případům celebrit obviněných ze sexuálních útoků. Ijeoma byla ochotna odpověď poskytnout, ale její postoj se deníku nelíbil, protože nebyl dostatečně radikální. Noviny totiž hledaly stereotyp krvelačné feministky, která by podporovala odsouzení obviněných mužů bez řádného procesu, a k jejich zklamání Ijeoma řádný soudní proces jednoznačně podpořila. Upozornila jenom na to, že takhle formulovaná otázka odvádí pozornost od skutečného problému. Deník nakonec její odpověď nepoužil.
Lidé z USA Today nepochybně mají za to, že dělají svou práci dobře. Dávají přece prostor oběma stranám sporu, nebo ne? V jednom rohu aktivistka, ve druhém zástupce střízlivého pohledu na svět. Není tohle podstata novinářské zodpovědnosti? Krátce řečeno, není. Trochu méně krátce řečeno, praxe nesoudného "vyvažování" je naopak hlavní brzdou zodpovědné žurnalistiky a zaslouží si konečně v bolestech uhynout.
Otvíráme…
Na vlně nově zveřejněných případů sexuální agrese není překvapivé to, že se podobné věci dějí, ale že vyšly na světlo a mají nějaký dopad na kariéru i popularitu dotyčných mužů. To je ta část, která nemá historickou obdobu a kterou nikdo realisticky uvažující příliš neočekával. Právě naopak: pokud dobře víte, jaké to je, když se s vámi zachází jako s věcí, pak také víte, že stěžovat si obvykle nemá smysl. Dočkáte se v lepším případě smutného pokrčení ramen a konstatování, že svět je holt takový; v horším případě budete za potížistku nebo ohrozíte svoje bezpečí ještě víc.
Když se dozvíte, kolik známých mužů se na tomhle nastavení světa podílí svou vlastní agresí, zneužíváním a zastrašováním, nedá se tím pádem mluvit o šoku. Smutek, strach, hněv… Tím vším už jste si prošly. Zní to možná zvláštně, ale sledovat ten rostoucí seznam je skoro povzbudivé. Něco se děje. Jedna obzvlášť deprimující část vaší reality se snad poprvé v historii začíná měnit. Ale pak někdo zmíní "otevírání diskuse" a vám zatrne, protože víte, co bude následovat. Viděla jste to už nejmíň stokrát. Jistě, povídání o tom, jak řešit chronické ponižování a násilí vůči určitým částem populace, by byla skvělá věc. Jenomže to není ten druh diskuse, která se otevře, když začnete mluvit o sexuální agresi.
Muži, kteří nesouhlasí
Namísto plodné debaty o nejvhodnějším řešení začnou ze všech koutů vylézat "skeptici". To slovo dávám do uvozovek, protože jejich skepse má dost zásadní limity - v podstatě se omezuje jen na situace, kdy se po nich chce trocha sebereflexe. Nepřicházejí se zlým úmyslem (a chraň vás bůh jim naznačit, že možná ano), jen mají pochybnosti. Jenom by to všechno chtěli vysvětlit ještě jednou. Jinak. Slyšet ještě víc příkladů. Vidět důkazy, nejlíp stoprocentně nezfalšovatelné. Jde jim o spravedlnost a dobro nás všech. Chtějí zamezit honům na čarodějnice, chtějí předejít utrpení nevinných. Ne těchhle nevinných, tamtěch nevinných. Bezbranných boháčů, ubohých mužů s konexemi a vlivem. Protože když slavní muži přicházejí o práci kvůli obviněním ze sexuálního obtěžování, je to tragédie, která snese srovnání s upalováním žen v rukou inkvizice.
Celé by to bylo jenom bizarní, kdyby si tihle strážci domnělé spravedlnosti nepřisvojili téměř každou konverzaci o sexuálních útocích a nedostávali automaticky prostor v médiích. Z ďáblových advokátů se stávají hrdinové veřejných debat: muži, kteří nesouhlasí. Jedinci bez osobní zkušenosti s pozicí oběti sexuálního násilí, kteří přesto nesmějí chybět prakticky v žádné anketě a u žádného kulatého stolu. Ať jde o jakékoliv téma, bílí heterosexuální cisgender muži jsou jediná skupina obyvatel, která se běžně dostane k mikrofonu jenom proto, že chce něco říct. U všech ostatních se zkoumá kvalifikace, protože jejich identita je činí podezřelými ze zaujatosti. Ale bílý muž přece nemá agendu, je to prostě jen člověk a jako takový musí být slyšen.
Fenomén mužů, kteří nesouhlasí, je tak silně zakořeněný, že s ním pracují novináři i novinářky. Souvisí to s naším pomýleným vnímáním nestrannosti. Pokud jde o narušování mocenských mechanismů v základech společnosti (tedy nejen v politice nebo byznysu), i ta nejliberálnější část mainstreamové žurnalistiky se staví k pokroku s nedůvěrou a instinktivně se drží radši při zdi. Hranice přijatelného je definována tím, co dané médium samo dělá a jak píše - cokoliv, co by vyžadovalo změnu vlastního přístupu, je už příliš. Správný progres končí zhruba tři stupně od statu quo, dál už začíná radikalismus. A protože status quo zahrnuje muže v naprosté většině všech vlivných pozic, mediální konverzace podle toho musejí vypadat, jinak jsou vnímány jako nefér.
Debata řízená ignoranty
Přítomnost nekvalifikovaných účastníků samozřejmě celou veřejnou debatu deformuje a v podstatě ji zmrazí v nekonečném stadiu pochybností a marného přesvědčování. Těmto lidem totiž nejde o to, situaci pochopit, protože pochopit by znamenalo uvěřit a uvěřit by znamenalo přiznat si, že mají na problému nějakým způsobem podíl. Že se dívali jinam nebo se neozvali, když měli příležitost. Že mlčeli, přestože ozvat se by pro ně bylo menší riziko než pro ty, kterým se podobné věci dějí.
Hlas mužů, kteří nesouhlasí, má ve společnosti dokonce takovou váhu, že určuje tón diskuse, i když se jí tato skupina přímo neúčastní. Pusťte si rozhovor ženy novinářky s ženou respondentkou na téma sexuálního obtěžování a všimněte si, jak často předjímají výhrady, o kterých vědí, že nevyhnutelně přijdou. Jak se snaží preventivně ujistit publikum i sebe navzájem, že samozřejmě tolik nejde o nějaký ten urážlivý vtip nebo sáhnutí na koleno. S jakou rychlostí přistupují na nesmyslnou rétoriku o lehkých případech, které "rozmělňují význam" těch závažných.
Je to snaha jednak zbytečná, protože výhrady přijdou stejně, a jednak ponižující, protože není legitimní důvod se předem omlouvat, když hájíte svoje právo na lidskou důstojnost. Tohle je jedna z hlavních příčin, proč nemáme víc žen v politice nebo v manažerských pozicích: udržet si místo v mužském světě a dosáhnout základního respektu znamená snažit se znovu a znovu s naprostou přesností vystihnout míru, kdy vaše připomínka bude uznána za hodnou pozornosti, ale zároveň muže nenaštve. Je to umění, které vás nenaučí žádný kouč, a přitom se bez něj absolutně neobejdete, pokud chcete čehokoliv dosáhnout.
Nevyhnutelná únava a pocit bezvýchodnosti pak mají za následek to, že jsme vděčné za každého "muže, který souhlasí". Sem spadají empatičtější komentátoři, kteří jsou ochotni uznat, že problém tu opravdu je, a s trochou štěstí zvládnou situaci nezlehčit, jenomže i ti paradoxně dál potvrzují pravidlo o nadřazenosti mužského hlasu. Dostávají prostor a jsou přijímáni lépe, přestože jenom opakují, co už před nimi řekly desítky lidí s přímou osobní zkušeností, a často se je ani nenamáhají citovat. Muž, který souhlasí, je nakonec jenom další verze muže s názorem. Skutečně podpořit oběti sexuálního násilí znamená šířit a zdůraznit jejich výpovědi, ne vecpat do debaty svůj hlas.
Mýtus názorové bubliny
Oplzlé poznámky neexistují nějakým zázrakem v jiné části reality než znásilnění. To, co dělá ze sexuálního obtěžování celospolečenský problém, je jeho frekvence a všudypřítomnost. Nejde o jeden vtip, jde o desítky, stovky vtipů, kterými si jejich autoři potvrzují svou převahu nad vámi. Jde o to, co se šíří a předává jako norma. Učíme kluky, že projev převahy z nich dělá muže, a zároveň učíme holky, že nezvané komentáře na adresu jejich těla jsou lichotka. Není divu, že mužská věta "nejsi jako ty ostatní" dělá tolika ženám dobře. Ve skutečnosti totiž znamená "zasloužíš si, abych se k tobě choval jako k člověku".
Ozývají se námitky, že vyčlenit obhájce sexismu z debaty by znamenalo uzavřít se do názorové bubliny. Nic takového ovšem není prakticky možné - tyto hlasy jsou všude a slýcháme je celý život, není jak se od nich izolovat. Čelíte jim v práci i v rodině, na internetu na vás dotírají ze všech stran v podstatě každý den. Jakmile se vám podaří vydobýt si kousek prostoru, "muži s názorem" se do něj vetřou a dožadují se odpovědi na své námitky, i když se už předem rozhodli vám nevěřit. Nárokují si váš čas a zaštiťují se přitom svobodou slova, jako kdyby už takhle nedominovali většině veřejných konverzací, ať už virtuálních, nebo přímých. I vaši kamarádi na sociálních sítích se vás v dobré víře snaží zatáhnout do cizích hádek, aniž by jim docházelo, co vlastně dělají.
Osobování si práva na něčí bolest má tolik podob a je natolik obvyklé, že už je bereme jako samozřejmost. Lidé, kteří jsou terčem sexuálního obtěžování a útoků, ovšem nikomu nedluží sebeobhajobu. Nemají povinnost obětovat svůj čas a energii pokaždé, když si někdo usmyslí, a mají právo sami rozhodnout, kdy se podělí o nepříjemné, nebo dokonce traumatizující osobní zážitky.
Nespravedlivě odsouzení?
Jedním z oblíbených argumentů je také úvodem zmíněné dovolávání se řádného procesu a tvrzení, že tu dochází k porušení presumpce neviny. To by dávalo smysl, kdyby skutečně padaly soudní rozsudky bez důkazů, ale nic takového se běžně neděje. Problém je přesně opačný, sexuální násilí je vyšetřováno nedostatečně a i v případě prokázané viny jsou tresty často neúměrně nízké. Ze zkušenosti sociálních pracovníků, zdravotnic a dalších lidí vyplývá, že sexuální útoky a zastrašování jsou mnohem rozšířenější, než si myslíme, ale oběti je raději nenahlašují, protože mají oprávněný strach, že by se místo spravedlnosti dočkaly spíš dalších traumat.
Pokud jde o samotnou presumpci neviny, to je právní princip, který nikdo z nás mimo kontext soudních sporů nedodržuje. Všichni si vytváříme o ostatních nějaký úsudek, jedná se pouze o to, na čem je založený. Obviněné celebrity zatím přicházejí o dobře placenou práci - nehrozí jim chudoba ani skutečné sociální vyhnanství, některé subjekty se prostě jen rozhodly, že s nimi nechtějí dál spojovat své jméno. Nutno také připomenout, že na veřejnost se obvykle dostane jenom minimum detailů. Je silně nepravděpodobné, že by produkční společnosti byly ochotny rozvázat spolupráci s lukrativní mužskou hvězdou a tím ohrozit nebo rovnou zadusit množství úspěšných projektů, kdyby neměly důvod považovat obvinění za věrohodná.
Naše moderní dějiny nejsou dějinami křivě obviněných mužů a vítězných zlatokopek. Máme za sebou desítky a stovky let, kdy bylo naopak možné beztrestně sexuálně obtěžovat druhé za předpokladu, že jste patřili k té správné demografické skupině. Tohle je standard, tohle jsme dlouho považovali za přirozené. Ve společnosti, která vidí podřazenost určitých lidí jako normální, jsme vyrostli všichni a žádný "nezdravě rychlý" obrat ani omylem nehrozí.
Od přesvědčování k řešení
Pokud se máme někam posunout, nepůjde to bez zásadního obratu v perspektivě. A pro diskuse v televizi nebo rozhlase to platí dvojnásob, protože spoluutvářejí standard toho, co je akceptovatelné. Žádná oběť sexuálního obtěžování si nezaslouží být konfrontována s člověkem, který si něco přečetl a udělal se mu názor. Je absurdní po ní chtít, aby hájila a vysvětlovala svoje právo na základní lidský respekt, a je absurdní, když jsou stovky vyargumentovaných článků a tisíce osobních výpovědí donekonečna zpochybňovány jako přehnaná reakce nebo touha být středem pozornosti. Mediální snaha o vyvažování ústí v situace, kdy je jedna strana sporu tlačena do nesmyslných názorových extrémů jen proto, aby tuhle škodlivou praxi pomohla ospravedlnit.
Nemůžeme dál předstírat, že v debatě o tom, jestli je sexuální obtěžování skutečně tak rozšířený a vážný problém, existují dvě rovnocenné protistrany. Není možné dál ztrácet čas přesvědčováním někoho, kdo popírá realitu v zájmu ochrany vlastního ega. Máme na práci podstatnější věci - měli bychom se ptát, jak rozdílně tento problém dopadá na oběti z různých sociálních vrstev a různých etnik, co konkrétního můžeme změnit v přístupu k výchově dětí nebo jak zařídit, aby informovanost policie o podstatě sexuální agrese odpovídala 21. století.
Hnutí #MeToo je nepochybně kritizovatelné, například proto, že jeho celkový veřejný obraz se točí hlavně kolem bílých žen. Relevantní kritika ale nemůže být motivovaná potřebou být za každou cenu v opozici a nemůže vyplynout z instinktivní snahy oběti umlčet. Nepřikládejte zbytečnou váhu názorům, které říkají, že tohle hnutí ničeho podstatného nedosáhne. Nic srovnatelného jsme tu opravdu ještě neměli. Společenská změna není něco, co předpovíme jako počasí a buď se strefíme, nebo ne - společenskou změnu utváříme my. A její směr by měli udávat lidé, na které současná situace opravdu dopadá.
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{
"pile_set_name": "OpenWebText2"
}
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On Obtaining Boltzmann-Distributed Configurational Ensembles from Expanded Ensemble Simulations with Fast State Mixing.
In Expanded Ensemble (EXE) or Simulated Tempering simulations, the system's (effective) temperature is frequently updated to enhance configurational sampling. We investigated how short the EXE state update interval τ can become before too frequent updates impede Boltzmann sampling. Simulating alanine dipeptide in explicit water, we show that a hybrid MC/MD integrator reliably yields Boltzmann-distributed configurations regardless of τ. However, in MD-driven EXE simulations with short τ, configurational ensembles depend on the thermostat settings.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The actin-related protein hArp8 accumulates on the mitotic chromosomes and functions in chromosome alignment.
The actin family consists of conventional actin and various actin-related proteins (Arps). Some of these Arps are localized in the nucleus, and a fraction of each of these nuclear Arps is functionally involved in chromatin remodeling and histone acetyltransferase complexes. On the other hand, in mitotic cells, the localization and function of the nuclear Arps are largely unknown. Human Arp8 (hArp8), an ortholog of yeast nuclear Arp8, was recently found to be associated with the hINO80-chromatin remodeling complex along with hArp5. Here we report that hArp8, but not hArp5, accumulates on mitotic chromosomes. This is the first example where a member of the actin family is found to be associated with mitotic chromosomes. Expression of truncated hArp8 proteins and depletion of endogenous hArp8 by RNA interference caused misalignment of mitotic chromosomes, suggesting that chromosome-associated hArp8 has a role in chromosome behavior. In contrast, depletion of hIno80 and hArp5 did not cause misalignment of chromosomes, suggesting that the role of hArp8 at mitotic chromosomes is independent of the activity of hINO80 complexes. These findings provide the first insight into a novel function of actin family members in mitosis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Q:
Shrinking a large transaction log on a full drive
Someone fired off an update statement as part of some maintenance which did a cross join update on two tables with 200,000 records in each. That's 40 trillion statements, which would explain part of how the log grew to 200GB. I also did not have the log file capped, which is another problem I will be taking care of server wide - where we have almost 200 databases residing.
The 'solution' I used was to backup the database, backup the log with truncate_only, and then backup the database again. I then shrunk the log file and set a cap on the log.
Seeing as there were other databases using the log drive, I was in a bit of a rush to clean it out. I might have been able to back the log file up to our backup drive, hoping that no other databases needed to grow their log file.
Paul Randal from http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/2009.02.logging.aspx
Under no circumstances should you
delete the transaction log, try to
rebuild it using undocumented
commands, or simply truncate it using
the NO_LOG or TRUNCATE_ONLY options of
BACKUP LOG (which have been removed in
SQL Server 2008). These options will
either cause transactional
inconsistency (and more than likely
corruption) or remove the possibility
of being able to properly recover the
database.
Were there any other options I'm not aware of?
A:
You could've put the database into Simple recovery model (then use the CHECKPOINT command to make sure that the log is as truncated as possible) and then back into the Full recovery model. Then take a full database backup so that the system realises that it's in Full.
Then you can shrink the log at your convenience. Shrinking a log isn't nearly as awful as shrinking the database, which you should almost never do.
You haven't deleted the log, you've just truncated it - which kills your option to restore to a point in time. So do a full backup of your database as soon as possible.
Also bear in mind that if your log can't grow, your database will stop. So leaving autogrow on isn't a bad option at all... but perhaps set it up to send you an alert when it's filling up.
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{
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
}
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---
abstract: 'We use the ratio $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ and the IRAS color index S$_{25}$/S$_{12}$ (both widely used as indices of relative star formation rates in galaxies) to analyse subsets (containing no known AGNs or merging/interacting galaxies) of: (a) the IRAS Bright Galaxy Sample, (b) galaxies from the optically complete RSA sample which have IRAS detections in all four bands, and (c) a volume-limited IR-unselected sample. We confirm that IR-bright barred (SB) galaxies do, on average, have very significantly higher values of the FIR-optical and S$_{25}$/S$_{12}$ ratios (and presumably, higher relative star formation rates, SFR) than that do unbarred ones; the effect is most obvious in the IR colors. We also confirm that these differences are confined to early-type (S0/a - Sbc) spirals and are not evident among late-type systems (Sc - Sdm). [*Unlike others, we see no enhancement of the SFR in weakly-barred (SAB) galaxies.*]{} We further confirm that the effect of bars on the SFR is associated with the relative IR luminosity and show that it is detectable only in galaxies with $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ ${\vcenter{\hbox{$>$}\offinterlineskip\hbox{$\sim$}}}$ 1/3, suggesting that as soon as they have any effect, bars translate their host galaxies into this relatively IR-luminous group. Conversely, for galaxies with $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ below$\sim$ 0.1 this luminosity ratio is [*lower*]{} among barred than unbarred systems, again confirming and quantifying an earlier result. Although there is no simple physical relation between HI content and star formation, a strong correlation of HI content with the presence of bars has been found for early-type spirals with $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ ${\vcenter{\hbox{$>$}\offinterlineskip\hbox{$\sim$}}}$ 1/3. This suggests that the availability of fuel is the factor determining just which galaxies undergo bar-induced starbursts.'
author:
- 'J.H.Huang'
- 'Q.S. Gu'
- 'H.J. Su'
- 'T.G. Hawarden'
- 'X.H. Liao'
- 'G.X. Wu'
date: 'Received;accepted'
title: 'The Bar-enhanced Star-formation Activities in Spiral Galaxies'
---
Introduction
============
For well over a decade, models of the dynamics of the interstellar medium (ISM) in spiral galaxies (e.g. Roberts, Huntley & van Albada, ( 1979 ); Schwarz ( 1984 ); Combes & Gerin ( 1985 ); Byrd et al ( 1986 ); Noguchi ( 1986, 1988 ), [*inter alia*]{}, see also the review by Athanassoula 1992 ) have suggested that the presence of a central bar generates an inflow of gaseous interstellar medium ( ISM ) which accumulates at the inner Lindblad resonance ( ILR ), if it exists, or else near the nucleus. Such inflows are obviously potential raw material for a burst of star formation in the center of the galaxy, and it has been known for three decades that bars are indeed strongly associated with the presence of “hot-spots" and other peculiar central structures in spirals (e.g. Sérsic& Pastoriza ( 1965 and 1967 ).
Nevertheless, there is still an active debate on the nature and degree of the dependence of star formation activity on barred morphology.
Observations at radio wavelengths by Hummel ( 1981 ) suggested that the radio luminosity of central sources in barred spirals (SB+SAB types) are on average a factor 2 more powerful than those in ordinary spirals (SA type). The extension of this work by Puxley et al. ( 1988 ) showed a strong correlation between the presence of a compact radio nucleus and barred morphology (SB+SAB). In the mid and far-IR the IRAS catalogue has permitted a wide range of studies. de Jong et al. ( 1984 ) found that IRAS had a higher detection rate for barred than for unbarred spirals and that the barred systems tended to have hotter FIR colors. Hawarden et al. ( 1986a,b ) found a strong dependence of IRAS [*mid*]{}-IR colors on barredness. Devereux ( 1987 ) also found this effect, and noted that the presence of bars was strongly correlated with the concentration near the nucleus (${\vcenter{\hbox{$<$}\offinterlineskip\hbox{$\sim$}}}$ $\rm 5^{\prime\prime}$) of a large fraction of the total emission at 10$\mu$m wavelength. A similar conclusion to that of Hawarden et al. was reached by Dressel ( 1988 ): the presence of a bar appeared clearly to affect the SFR in S0, Sa and Sb galaxies but (in agreement with Devereux) not in late types. Enhancement of star formation rates inferred from optical (H$\alpha$) data was also seen in barred galaxies by Arsenault ( 1989 ).
On the other hand, 10$\mu$m observations of a nearby, relatively faint galaxy sample ( Devereux et al. 1987 ) show no evidence for enhanced near-nuclear emission in barred systems. Eskridge & Pogge ( 1991 ) argued that the presence or absence of bars does not affect the SFR in S0 galaxies, while Isobe & Feigelson ( 1992 ) found that barred galaxies in a volume-limited (low-luminosity) sample had [*lower*]{} overall FIR luminosities than unbarred galaxies. A search in the near-IR for bars in an IR-bright sample of 16 non-Seyfert, non-interacting galaxies by Pompea & Rieke ( 1990 ) appeared to show that IR bars are not a necessary prerequisite for strong infrared activity in such isolated, non-AGN galaxies.
Perhaps these apparently discrepant studies can be understood if we recall that some groups worked on optically-selected samples of normal spiral galaxies while others used samples extracted from the IRAS catalogue, some deliberately selected to be IR-Bright. Statistically, the sources in the IRAS catalogue, especially IR-Bright galaxies, differ markedly from normal spirals ( Mazzarella et al 1991 ), so differences in current star formation levels and their governing factors are likewise to be expected. Such differences were foreshadowed by Devereux et al. ( 1987 ) who found in studying the IR characteristics of normal nearby galaxies that dependence of SFR on bar morphology is related to IR luminosities, being absent in low-luminosity systems.
To help understand such effects we have constructed a new IR-luminous sample, the details of which are presented in Section 2. The results of our analysis of this sample and similar analyses of two other samples taken, or updated, from previous studies are presented in Section 3, with a comparison of their properties. The combined analyses of these samples suggests a simple unified picture of the influence of barred morphology on star formation in, and on the IR properties of, spiral galaxies.
A New Sample, and Statistical methods
=====================================
The IR-Bright Galaxy Sample
---------------------------
To explore the effects of sample properties on the apparent influence of barred morphology on the far-infrared properties for spiral galaxies, we have constructed a sample which is deliberately intended to be IR-bright. It is derived from IRAS Bright Galaxies Sample ( Soifer et al. 1989 ), the main selection criterion for which is a 60 $\mu m$ flux density $\geq$ 5.4 Jy, and which includes a variety of classes of galaxies, including AGN, mergers and strongly interacting galaxies. All of these tend to contain warm dust, whether or not from star formation ( Miley et al 1985; Lonsdale et al 1984; Sanders et al 1988; Mazzarella et al 1991; Surac et al 1993; and references therein ) and independent of the presence of barred morphology. In order to isolate the effects of just this morphology on star formation, we define a subsample by excluding all active nuclei (Seyferts and LINERs) listed by Véron-Cetty &Véron ( 1993 ), and all mergers and strongly interacting galaxies listed by Lonsdale et al. ( 1984 ). We also require that each object be assigned a definite Hubble type S in the Reference Catalog, which will also exclude some morphologically peculiar galaxies. We refer to the resulting subsample as the IR-Bright Galaxy Sample (the IRBG sample).
Fig 1 shows a cumulative distribution of log $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ for this sample. It is immediately apparent that the SB systems differ from the SAs. However, rather unexpectedly, the SAB galaxies are indistinguishable from the unbarred systems; in the next section we provide statistical confirmation, while later we return to this issue with a test and sample in which barred galaxies show an even stronger difference from the SA systems; once more no difference between SAB and SA systems is discernable.
In sharp contrast, Fig 1 of Hawarden et al. ( 1986b ) shows a clear difference between their SAB and SA samples. The former contains 12 galaxies with IRAS 25 $\mu m$ fluxes 2.2 or more times stronger than the 12 $\mu m$ flux, and above and below this threshold. From a 2$\times$2 $\chi^{\rm 2}$ test with Yates’ corrections the probability that the two groups are the same P$_{\rm null}$ is $<$ 0.005. We note that the sample of Pompea & Rieke ( 1990 ) (discussed below) also suggests that SAB systems differ from SAs in having higher SFRs. These contradictions will be explored elsewhere; in this analysis we simply omit all SAB galaxies, except in the discussion of the work by Pompea & Rieke.
Details of the 123 objects remaining in the present sample (the BG sample), ranging from S0/a to Sdm in type, are listed in Table 1 as follows: column (1), the NGC, UGC, and IC number; column (2), the morphological type from RC3 ( de Vaucouleurs et al 1991 , hereafter RC3 ); column (3), the recessional velocities corrected to the Galactic Center from RC3; column (4), distance in Mpc. Following Soifer et al ( 1989 ), where a “primary distance/Fisher-Tully distance" was available this is given in preference to the radial velocity distance. Primary distances are taken from Sandage & Tammann ( 1981 ), while Fisher-Tully distances are taken from Aaronson et al ( 1982 ) or Aaronson and Mould ( 1983 ), and adjusted to a Virgo distance of 17.6 Mpc ( corresponding to a Hubble constant of 75 $$km$~$s$^{-1}~$Mpc$^{-1}$ ); column (5), the total blue magnitude from RC3; column (6), logarithm (base 10) of the FIR luminosity in $$L$_{\odot}$ from 40 to 120$\mu m$, which is given by ( Lonsdale et al 1985 )\
$ L_{\rm FIR}~=~3.75~10^{5}~D^{2}~(2.58~S_{60}+S_{100})
$\
where $S_{60}$ and$S_{100}$ are the flux densities at 60$\mu m$ and 100$\mu m$ in Jy, from Soifer et al ( 1989 ), D is the distance in Mpc; column (7), logarithm (base 10) of the blue luminosity in $$L$_{\odot}$, computed from $B_{\rm T}^{\rm o}$ using the formula ( Pogge & Eskridge 1993 )\
$ log~L_{\rm B}=12.208-0.4B_{\rm T}^{\rm o}+log(1+z)+2logD
$\
where $z$ is the redshift of the galaxy.
---------------------------------------------- ------------- --------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
name option early late early late early late early late
barred -0.0455(33\*) -0.384(23) -0.870(35) -0.888(19) -1.356(8) -1.062(13) -0.569(68) -0.724(46)
unbarred -0.298(36) -0.420(33) -0.830(38) -0.860(28) -1.105(10) -1.037(15) -0.622(65) -0.686(61)
$KS^{\dag}$ 0.03 0.71 0.76 0.37 0.33 0.94 0.20 0.98
$t^{\ddag}$ 0.005 0.65 0.72 0.82 0.42 0.85 0.62 0.65
barred 0.0362(29) -0.251(16) -0.080(7) -0.231(2) ¶ ¶ 0.015(34) -0.251(16)
[$\overline{log L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}}$]{} unbarred -0.153(27) -0.196(18) -0.312(9) -0.360(6) -0.179(31) -0.197(20)
[[($L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B} > 1/3)^{\S}$]{}]{} $KS^{\dag}$ 0.05 0.70 0.23 0.68 0.03 0.70
$t^{\ddag}$ 0.02 0.45 0.10 0.27 0.007 0.45
barred -0.638(4) -0.689(7) -1.067(28) -0.965(17) -1.716(6) -1.062(13) -1.153(34) -0.977(30)
[$\overline{log L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}}$]{} unbarred -0.734(9) -0.688(15) -0.990(29) -0.990(22) -1.196(9) -1.108(14) -1.025(34) -0.924(41)
[[($L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B} < 1/3)^{\S}$]{}]{} $KS^{\dag}$ 0.92 0.99 0.70 0.46 0.08 0.80 0.47 0.85
$t^{\ddag}$ 0.36 0.99 0.40 0.84 0.03 0.67 0.188 0.457
---------------------------------------------- ------------- --------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
[l|l||c|c|c|c]{} &barred&&&&\
&unbarred&1.749(73)&1.225(65)&&1.564(107)\
&$KS^{\dag}$&0.00348&0.030&&0.009\
&$t^{\ddag}$&0.0015&0.020&&0.003\
&barred&1.570(11)&1.351(39)&¶&1.273(41)\
[$\overline{S_{\rm 25\mu m}/S_{\rm 12\mu m}}$]{}&unbarred&1.237(24)&1.160(50)&&1.190(53)\
[[($L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B} < 1/3)^{\S}$]{}]{}&$KS^{\dag}$&0.04&0.39&&0.63\
&$t^{\ddag}$&0.056&0.17&&0.47\
The numbers in parentheses are number of sources for each subsample\
The probability that the barred and unbarred systems are from the same parent population,\
derived from the KS test.\
The probability that the barred and unbarred systemsare from the same parent population,\
derived from the t test.\
§The statistics are performed for sources with $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B} > $ or $<$ 1/3.\
¶The sample is too small, or no data available for statistics.
Statistics and Statistical Methods
----------------------------------
Our sample is not large enough to analyse for the effects of barredness in each morphological subtype. Instead, following Combes & Elmegreen ( 1993 ), we have separated our sample into just two groups: early types (S0/a through Sbc) and late types (Sc through Sdm). We treat the S0/a galaxies as spirals because the distribution of their relative FIR emission differs from that of lenticulars ( Eskridge & Pogge 1991 ), and the distribution of their HI content closely resembles that of the Sa systems ( Wardle & Knapp 1986 ).
The far-IR luminosity $L_{\rm FIR}$ measures not only the star-forming rate, SFR, but also the [*size*]{} of a galaxy. We must therefore normalize the total luminosities, e.g. to the actual projected area, or to the optical luminosity of the galaxy. Mazzarella et al. ( 1991 ) showed that both these normalizations give similar results. Since the quantity $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ is now widely used as an indicator of relative star formation rate in analysing the infrared properties of galaxies ( e.g. Keel 1993; Combes et al 1994; Helou & Bicay 1993 ), we will use this quantity to discuss the bar-enhancement of star formation in this paper.
Hawarden et al. ( 1986a ) discuss the use of the mid-IR [*color*]{} ${\rm S_{25}/S_{12}}$, as a sensitive indicator of elevated star formation activity. Hawarden et al ( 1986b ) employed this parameter in their analysis; we will also do so, in parallel with $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$.
We have adopted two main tests for the samples examined here. To verify the similarity or difference of samples we compare cumulative distributions of the property being examined (generally $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ or ${\rm S_{25}/S_{12}}$) by means of the two-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (KS). We estimate the significance of differences in the mean properties of samples by the student’s t test. Occasionally, where obvious (or predefined) dividing lines exist in two properties, the difference between two samples is illustrated by a simple 2 x 2 $\chi^2$ test with Yates’ corrections for small numbers.
The basic statistical results presented in this paper are summarized in Table 2. The following section discusses the individual results in more detail.
Comparison of Samples
=====================
Analysis of the BG sample
-------------------------
Fig 2 shows cumulative distributions of $\log L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ for barred and unbarred galaxies in the BG sample, the early types in Fig 2a and the late types in Fig. 2b.
In the latter figure the late-type SBs have mean $\log$ $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ = -0.38, which is not significantly different from that of the SAs ($p_{\rm t}\sim$ 0.65). Similarly, the KS test indicates a probability P$_{\rm null}$ = 0.71 that the 23 barred and 33 unbarred late-type galaxies are drawn from the same parent population with repect to the optical-FIR luminosity ratio.
However among the early-type galaxies the mean of $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ for SBs is about 1.8 times higher than for SAs, and the difference is significant: $p_{\rm t}
\sim$ 0.005. The two sample KS test now gives P$_{\rm null}$ $\sim$ 0.03, suggesting a real bar-enhancement of the SFR for the early-type systems. We also note in Fig 2a that this difference only becomes apparent for $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ ${\vcenter{\hbox{$>$}\offinterlineskip\hbox{$\sim$}}}$ 1/3
Elmegreen & Elmegreen ( 1985, 1989 ) and Combes & Elmegreen ( 1993 ) have discussed the different properties of bars in early- and late-type spirals. Those in early-type systems are relatively long and strong, with quite flat intensity distributions, while those in late-type galaxies are rather short and weak and their intensities vary exponentially along the bar. The weaker bars in the later types are likely to be less effective at driving the inward flow of gas, and consequently to have lower levels of induced star formation. Furthermore, in late-type galaxies the nucleus contributes on average less than 10% to the FIR luminosity ( Devereux et al. 1987 ), so a change in that fraction, even by quite a large factor, will have a small effect on the overall properties of the galaxy.
Conversely, the strong bars common in early-type galaxies may be expected to be much more efficient movers of gas, and, being longer, to have a larger collection range from which to supply the inflow; such features may reasonably be expected to generate powerful enhancements in SFRs. Moreover, the nuclear contribution to the FIR luminosity in early types is about 30% ( Devereux et al. 1987 ) so such enhancements will have greater impact on the overall properties of the system.
The apparent confinement of the SRF-enhancing effects of bars to early type systems is therefore easily understood, at least qualitatively.
Comparison with the results obtained by Hawarden et al. ( 1986 )
----------------------------------------------------------------
Hawarden et al. ( 1986b ) and Puxley et al. ( 1988 ) examined samples comprising galaxies from the optically-complete magnitude-limited Revised Shapley Ames catalogue (RSA: Sandage & Tammann 1981 ) with detections in all four bands in the IRAS Point Source Catalog ( 1985 ). They found that galaxies with IRAS flux ratio $S_{\rm 25\mu m}/S_{\rm 12\mu m}~>~2.2$ are almost of types SB or SAB. We have produced an updated sample by selecting from the RSA those galaxies with morphological types between S0/a and Sdm in the RC3 ( de Vaucouleurs et al. 1993 ) which have detections in all four IRAS bands in the IRAS PSC (Version 2). After excluding all known AGN (Seyfert 1 and 2 and, unlike Hawarden et al., also all LINERs) in the catalogue by Véron-Cetty & Véron ( 1993 ) and, for uniformity (Section 2) all SAB systems, as well as the morphologically peculiar, post-merger system NGC 2146 (RC3: of SBabP) we are left with a list of 120 objects (hereafter the HP sample).
Fig 3a and Fig 3b illustrate the distributions of $\log L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ for early- and late-type galaxies, respectively, in this sample. The lack of any major difference between SB and SA systems, whether early or late type, is obvious and confirmed by the KS test : the probability that the barred and unbarred sets are from the same parent population is 0.76 (early-type) and 0.37 (late-type), respectively. Consistent with this result, the mean $\log$ $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ for early- and late-type barred/unbarred galaxies (-0.870/-0.830 and -0.888/-0.860 respectively) are not significantly different either ($p_{\rm t} \sim $ 0.72, 0.82). All the above statistical results indicate that the presence of bars, whether for early- or late-type galaxies, does not measurably enhance the SFRs in this hybrid optical/IR selected sample.
However, the mean $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ for the galaxies in Fig. 3 is well below that of the BG sample. We remarked in Section 3.1 that the apparent enhancement of $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ in SBs relative to SAs in the BG sample is only apparent when $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B} >$ 1/3. If we divide the distribution in Fig 3a into two parts at this value of $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$, we find that for systems with $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}~<~1/3$ , the mean value of the ratio for 28 barred galaxies is indistinguishable from that for the 29 unbarred systems (0.086/0.102) ($p_{\rm t} \sim$ 0.40), but among galaxies with $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}~>~1/3$ the mean for the seven SB objects is 1.7 times higher than that for the 10 SAs, a marginally significant difference ($p_{\rm t} \sim$ 0.1).
The initial apparently null result does not directly contradict the results of Hawarden et al. ( 1986b ), as their study concentrated on IR rather than IR/Optical colors and luminosities. We therefore show in Fig 4 the distribution of the ratio $S_{\rm 25}/S_{\rm 12}$ – used by Hawarden et al. ( 1986b ) – for the HP sample. Fig 4a illustrates the distribution for the whole HP sample. Barred and unbarred galaxies are now distributed very differently: a 2$\times$2 $\chi^{\rm 2}$ test with division of the samples about $S_{\rm 25}/S_{\rm 12}$ = 2.2 indicates that the probability that the barred and unbarred galaxies are drawn from the same population is $<<$ 0.001. The difference is evidently real, in agreement with the results of Hawarden et al ( 1986b ); the mean $S_{\rm
25}/S_{\rm 12}$ for barred galaxies is significantly higher than that for unbarred sources(1.583/1.225, $p_{\rm t} \sim $ 0.020), in agreement with the KS test, which gives P$_{\rm null}$ $\sim$ 0.03.
Fig 4b shows the distribution of ${\rm S_{25}/S_{12}}$ for sources in the HP sample with $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}~<~1/3$. Now the mean $S_{\rm 25}/S_{\rm 12}$ for SBs is not significant different from that for SA systems (1.351/1.160, $p_{\rm t}\sim $ 0.17, or P$_{\rm null}$ $\sim $ 0.39 from the KS test). Again, this time from analysis of the ${\rm S_{25}/S_{12}}$ colors, the effects of barred morphology are seen only when $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ $>$ 1/3.
Comparison to results obtained by Isobe & Feigelson ( 1992 )
------------------------------------------------------------
Isobe & Feigelson ( 1992 ) have recently carried out survival analysis on a volume-limited sample ( v $\leq$ 1400 km $$s$^{-1}$ ) selected from the Zwicky Catalog, and concluded that barred galaxies are systematically fainter in their FIR emission than unbarred galaxies, which is just the opposite to what Hawarden et al ( 1986b ) and we obatined.
To investigate the difference between their results and those of Hawarden et al ( 1986b ), Isobe & Feigelson examined their data sets omitting the nondetections and survival analysis method, and found that the type SB galaxies are not very different from the SA galaxies ( P $\sim$ 0.12 ). They concluded then that the difference may be due to their use of different samples, but not due to methodological bias.
To make a comparison between Isobe & Feigelson’s results and ours, we have adopted their approach to omit survival analysis method and sources with no detections at 12$\mu m$ and 25$\mu m$ from their sample, the SAB type galaxies are also omitted as before. The distributions of log $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ for the resulting sample ( IF sample hereafter ) are indicated in Fig 5a and Fig 5b, for early- and late-type galaxies, respectively. It is obvious from Fig 5b that the mean $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ for late-type barred sources ( $$N$_{\rm B}$ = 13 ) is not different from that of unbarred ( $$N$_{\rm N}$ = 15 ) galaxies ( 0.0867/0.0918, $p_{\rm t} \sim$ 0.85 ) . While the early-type subsample contains only 18 galaxies (Fig 5a) it immediately appears that, as found by IF, barred galaxies are less luminous than unbarred galaxies ,by a factor of about 1.8.
Summary of comparison
---------------------
Generally, the mean $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ for the early-type galaxies in the IF sample is about 11. times lower than that of the early-type BG sample ( 0.0613/0.702, $p_{\rm t}
\sim 5.8\times10^{-7}$ ), and 2.3 times lower than that of the early-type HP sample ( 0.0613/0.141, $p_{\rm t} \sim$ 0.022 ). Statistically speaking, they are all significantly different.
In terms of $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$, the above various samples cover over varying intensities of relative star formation rate. Especially, early-type IF sample covers over rather weak region of $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$, while BG sources cover over a relative strong region of $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$. From the analyses in Sec.3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 we have seen that the bar-enhancement becomes striking over the region of strong $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$. And the bar-reduced SFR applies to a region of rather weak $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$. Different conclusions come from samples with different $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ coverage.
To illustrate this further, and to explore transition thresholds, we have therefore combined all the samples defined above to give a sample with a much wider range of $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{B}$ than any of the component subsamples. Despite being statistically more complicated, its large dynamic range will assist the investigation of transitions between IR property regimes.
Fig 6a shows the $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{B}$ distribution of early spirals for the “combined" sample. As expected, it illustrates clearly the dependences on barred morphology in the different IR regimes. For low SFRs, among galaxies with $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{B}~<~$ 1/10, this ratio is 1.5 times [*lower*]{} among barred than among unbarred galaxies (at significance $p_{\rm t} \sim$ 0.07), consistent with the results by Isobe & Feigelson ( 1992 ). Conversely, among high-SFR galaxies with $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}~>~$ 1/3, the mean value of this ratio is 1.6 times [*higher*]{} for barred than for unbarred systems ($p_{\rm t} \sim$ 0.007), which is in agreement with the results of Hawarden et al ( 1986b ), Devereux ( 1987 ), Puxley et al. ( 1988 ), and Dressel ( 1988 ). For the region in between, 1/10 $<~L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm
B}~<~$ 1/3, the distributions of barred and unbarred systems are similar.
Also as might be expected from Devereux’ results ( 1987 ), the late type systems from the combined sample, Fig 6b, show no significant differences between barred and unbarred systems ($p_{\rm t} \sim$ 0.65).
Fig 7a illustrates the distribution of the $S_{\rm 25}/S_{\rm 12}$ color for the entire “combined" sample. Barred and unbarred distributions are obviously very dissimilar (P $\sim$ 0.011 from KS test), the barred systems having a markedly wider distribution which is clearly centered at high values of the color ratio: the mean for barred galaxies (1.994) is very significantly higher than for unbarred (1.564), with $p_{\rm t} \sim$ 0.003.
On the other hand, Fig 7b shows $S_{\rm 25}/S_{\rm 12}$ distribution of the sources for the “combined” sample with $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B} <$ 1/3. Once again the distributions of barred and unbarred galaxies are nearly the same. Statistically, both the KS test and the t-test confirm this ( $\rm P \sim$ 0.34, $p_{\rm t} \sim$ 0.31 ). These statistical results strongly suggest that the effect of bars on SFR becomes prominent for a sample with $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B} >$ 1/3.
On the results obtained by Pompea & Rieke ( 1990 )
--------------------------------------------------
Pompea & Rieke have observed 15 non-Seyfert, non-interacting galaxies in NIR bands ( 1990 ), and found that their observations did not support the suggestion by Hawarden et al ( 1986b ) of bars are a ubiquitous feature of galaxies with 25$\mu m$ excess. In fact, the 15 sources observed by Pompea & Rieke ( 1990 ) are IR active, their $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ are all larger than 1/3, see Table 3, 11 of them are in IRBGS described in Sec 2. . Three of the remaining 4 galaxies, NGC 2146, NGC 5665, and NGC 6574, have flux densities at 60$\mu m$ being larger than 5.4 Jy, the basic selection criterion of IRBGS. The last one, NGC 2784, has been assigned as lenticular galaxies in RC3. Basically, the Pompea & Rieke’s sources should belong to IRBGS.
The suggestion by Hawarden et al ( 1986b ) mentioned above is mainly based on the fact that galaxies with IRAS flux ratio $S_{\rm 25}/S_{\rm 12} >$ 2.2 are exclusively barred ( with two exceptions ) as shown in their Fig 1. The number ratio of unbarred to barred galaxies with $S_{\rm 25}/S_{\rm 12} >$ 2.2 is 2/23, about 1/11. And they speculated that these two sources may in fact be barred. [*This is, however, not the case for IRBGS*]{}, as shown in Fig 8. The number ratio of unbarred to barred sources with $S_{\rm 25}/S_{\rm 12} >$ 2.2 is 12/26, about 1/2, suggesting that unbarred sources of $S_{\rm 25}/S_{\rm 12} >$ 2.2 are not rare in IRBGS.
According to Pompea & Rieke ( 1990 ), 10 of their 15 sources have flux ratio $S_{\rm 25}/S_{\rm 12} >$ 2.2, but only 3 of these galaxies ( NGC 3504, NGC 4536, and NGC 5713 ) are barred, ( not the Type listed in Table 3 which are from RC3 ). We have noticed, however, among the remaining 7 unbarred sources, one galaxies ( NGC 2146 ) is a peculiar galaxies as we pointed out above, other two galaxies ( NGC 253, and NGC 2782 ) are AGN listed in Catalogue by Véron-Cetty & Véron ( 1993 ). After removing these three galaxies,the observed number ratio of unbarred to barred sources with $S_{\rm 25}/S_{\rm 12} >$ 2.2 is 4/3.
Considering the small size of Pompea & Rieke’s sample of 15, especially the total number of 10 sources with $S_{\rm 25}/S_{\rm 12} >$ 2.2 as compared to the number of 12 unbarred galaxies with $S_{\rm 25}/S_{\rm 12} >$ 2.2 in IRBGS, we might not be able to say something about the difference between the observed and statistical number of ratio of unbarred and barred galaxies ( 4/3 to 1/2 ). But the problem here is certainly not so severe as originally thought.
[llrcc]{} Name & Type & S$_{60\mu m}$ & $log~[L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}]$ & EX$\ddag$\
NGC 253 & .SXS5.. & 980.080 & -0.222 & yes\
NGC 922 & .SBS6P. & 5.907 & -0.309 &\
NGC 2782 & .SXT1P. & 9.632 & -0.245 & yes\
NGC 2990 & .S..5\*. & 5.504 & -0.153 &\
NGC 3310 & .SXR4P. & 35.972 & -0.115 & yes\
NGC 3504 & RSXS2.. & 22.816 & -0.064 & yes\
NGC 4433 & .SXS2.. & 14.207 & 0.202 & yes\
NGC 4536 & .SXT4.. & 32.853 & -0.291 & yes\
NGC 5653 & PSAT3.. & 11.193 & 0.143 &\
NGC 5713 & .SXT4P. & 23.247 & -0.058 & yes\
NGC 5861$\dag$ & .SXT5.. & 11.896 & -0.336 &\
NGC 5936 & .SBT3.. & 9.270 & 0.137 & yes\
NGC 2146 & .SBS2P. & 153.624 & 0.370 & yes\
NGC 5665 & .SXT5P\$ & 6.552 & -0.216 &\
NGC 6574 & .SXT4\*. & 14.800 & -0.089 &\
NGC 2764 & .L...\*. & 3.980 & -0.041 & yes\
$\ddag$ refered to ${\rm S_{25}/S_{12}}$ excess.\
$\dag$ not observed by Pompea & Rieke.
Discussion
==========
Gas content among Samples
-------------------------
The gaseous ISM is the raw material from which young stars form, and it is reasonable to expect that its availability will affect the vigour of that process. Conversely, therefore, we may expect that samples of galaxies with different SFRs will exhibit correlated differences in gas content. We here explore these possibilities among the early-type galaxies where the effects of barred morphology are most apparent.
Although star formation occurs in molecular, rather than atomic gas, and the resulting IR emission is mostly from dust associated with the molecular material, the current data sets on molecular gas in early-type spirals are still too small to provide good coverage of our sample lists and we must await additional observations. However, plenty of HI data are conveniently available ,e.g. from RC3. We now employ these data in a similar manner to some other groups ( see, e.g. Eskridge & Pogge 1991, and references therein ).
Fig 9 demonstrates a clear correlation between FIR emission and HI content in the early-type galaxies of all samples, with correlation coefficient R = 0.66 for the BG sample, and R=0.60 for the HP sample (including the early-type galaxies from the IF sample, because there are insufficient HI data to perform a meaningful analyses for the IF sample alone), showing in Fig 9a and 9b respectively. What the statistical correlation in Fig 9 indicated is the following: galaxies with large FIR emission also tend to have large HI component, or [*vice versa*]{}. No trace of association with barredness is apparent.
However a much more suggestive result emerges if we subdivide the “combined” sample, as before, at the value of relative IR luminosity where we have found that the IR properties begin to depend on barred morphology, $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ $\sim$ 1/3, and examine the distributions of HI content. The results are shown in Fig 10. Once again the relatively IR-brighter systems show the morphological dependence, see Fig 10a, while the IR-faint objects do not, see Fig 10b. The barred galaxies above $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ $>$ 1/3 have mean HI content 1.9 times higher than that of the unbarred objects, a significant discrepancy at $p_{\rm t} \sim $ 0.07. We have shown in Sec 3.4 that for galaxies with $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B} >$ 1/3 in “ combined” sample, the bars strongly enhance the star formation rate, while not for sources with $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B} <$ 1/3 ( not including early-type IF sample). Thus it follows that for galaxies of $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B} >$ 1/3, the bar-enhanced SFR is associated with the bar-related HI content excess, which we consider, in circumstances, to be highly suggestive of a common mechanism. The results of this investigation will be discussed elsewhere ( Gu et al 1996 ).
We have no intension of directly connecting the HI content with the effect of bars on star formation, shown in Fig 10a, but we would emphasize that the physical nature of enhancements in SFR remains much less clear ( see, e.g. Keel 1993 ). Several recent studies of disk galaxies indicate that substantial amount of FIR flux come from regions which are spatially distinct from either resolved regions of massive star formation or strong CO sources ( Jackson et al 1991; Smith et al 1991 ). One of the possibilities is that the bulk of the FIR comes from something akin to Galactic cirrus. To further clarify the effect of bar on SFR would need more HI and CO data, especially those observations with spatial distribution, which are under planning.
Morphological classification
----------------------------
The uncertainties in morphological classification of galaxies will definitely affect our analyses. The way of dividing a sample into early- and late-type systems would partly reduce this kind of influence. In the above separation, we have just followed Combes & Elmegreen ( 1993 ) and Devereux et al ( 1987 ) to take all galaxies before Sbc type as early-type spirals. And we have found that the statictical difference obtained in Sec. 3 between early-type barred and unbarred galaxies would disappear, like those results obtained for late-type systems, if we put galaxies of Sc type into early-type spirals, indicating that the dividing line between early- and late-type spirals set by Combes & Elmegreen ( 1993 ) is basically reasonable.
There is another uncertainty in morphological classification in RC3, i.e. a number of sources have been assigned to S type rather than SA or SB type. In our analyses in Sec 3 or 4, they have been taken as SA type galaxies. If we put all of them into SB types instead, the statistical difference between early-type barred and unbarred systems will be strengthened, and the conclusions drawn for late-type galaxies remain as they were statistically. It follows that the uncertainties of not assigning definite Hubble type may not introduce significant modification to our results.
Conclusions
===========
Our analyses have led us to the following conclusions:
1. Stellar bars in spiral galaxies do indeed affect star formation rates, but only in types S0/a - Sbc, not in later classes.
2. The influence of bars on star formation rate is perceptible only in galaxy samples which locate at the relatively high end of the $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ range, probably because most galaxies so affected have thereby been moved into those samples. The enhancement effects of barred morphology on SFRs become apparent for $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ $>$ 1/3, but can be discerned in less IR-luminous systems in the mid-IR color introduced by Hawarden et al. ( 1986a ), which is a more sensitive indicator of the SFR than a simple comparison of luminosities or of FIR excesses. Our analyses indicate that sources with $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B} >$ 1/3 play an important role in the statistics of IRAS color ($S_{\rm 25}/S_{\rm 12}$) approach.
3. At the other end of the $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ range bars act to reduce the IR luminosity of a galaxy, though probably not its SFR.
4. There is therefore a huge and highly significant difference between the effects of barredness in the most IR-luminous sample (the BG sample ) and the least IR-luminous (the IF sample) in our study. Most of the different conclusions about the influence of this morphology on SFRs arises from studies of samples falling at different locations within the $L_{\rm FIR}/L_{\rm B}$ range.
5. The fact that distributions of HI content behave similarly to those of IR properties suggests that the availability of fuel is a governing factor in the effects of bars on star formation rates.
[*Acknowledgements*]{} We would like to thank Dr. Lequeux for his critical comments and instructive suggestions, that significantly strengthened the analyses in this paper. The authors would thank Dr. Zhong Wang for his valuable discussion. This work has been supported by grants from National Science and Technology Commission and National Natural Science Foundation.
Aaronson, M., Huchra, J., Mould, J., et al, 1982, ApJS 50, 241 Aaronson, M., & Mould, J.1983, ApJ 265, 1 Athanassoula, E. 1992. MNRAS, 259, 345 Byrd, G.G., Valtonen, M.J., Sundelius, B., and Valtoja, L. 1986, A&A 166,75 Combes, F., & Elmegreen, B.G. 1993, A&A 271, 391 Combes, F., Prugeniel, P, Rampazzo, R., & Sulentic, J.W. 1994, A&A 281, 725 de Vaucouleurs, G., de Vaucouleurs, A., Corwin Jr., H.G., Buta, R.J., Paturel, G., & Fougue, P. 1991, Third Reference Catalogue of Bright Galaxies, Springer Verlag, New York Devereux, N.A., Becklin, E.E., & Scoville, N. 1987, ApJ 312, 529 Devereux, N.A. 1987, ApJ 323, 91 Devereux, N.A. & Young, J.T. 1991, ApJ 371, 515 Dressel, L.L. 1988, ApJ 329, L69 Elmegreen, B.G., & Elmegreen, D.M. 1985, ApJ 238, 438 Elmegreen, B.G., & Elmegreen, D.M. 1989, ApJ 342, 677 Eskridge, P.B., & Pogge, R.W. 1991, AJ 101, 2056 Gu, Q.S., Huang, J.H., Liao, X.H., & Su, H.J. 1996, in preparation Hawarden, T.G., Fairclough, J.H., Joseph, R.D., Leggett, S.K., & Mountain, C.M. 1986a, in [*New Light on Dark Matter*]{}, ed. F.P.Israel, Reidel, Dordrecht, 455 Hawarden, T.G., Mountain, C.M., Leggett, S.K.& Puxley, P.J., 1986b, MNRAS 221, 41p Helou, G. & Bicay, M.D. 1993, ApJ 415, 93 Hummel, E. 1981, A&A 93, 93 IRAS Point Source Catalog, Version 2, 1988, Joint IRAS Science Working Group, (Washington,D.C.:GPO) Isobe,T., & Feigelson, E.D. 1992, ApJS 79, 197 Jackson,J.M., Eckart, A., Cameron, M., Wild, W., Ho, P.T.P., Pogge,R.W., and Harris, A.I. 1991, ApJ 373 Keel, W.C. 1993, AJ 106, 1771 Lonsdale, C.J., Persson, S.E., & Matthews, K. 1984, ApJ 287, 95 Lonsdale, C.J., Helou, G., Good, J.C., & Rice, W.L. 1985, Catalogued Galaxies and Quasars Observed in the IRAS Survey, Washington D.C. Mazzarella, J.M., Bothun, G.D., & Boroson, T.A. 1991, AJ 101, 2034 Miley, G.K., Neugebauer, G., & Soifer, B.T. 1985, ApJ 293, L11 Noguchi, M. 1988a, A&A 201, 37 Noguchi, M. 1988b, A&A 203, 259 Pogge, R.W., & Eskridge, P.B. 1993, AJ 106, 1405 Pompea, S.M., & Rieke, G.H. 1990, ApJ 356, 416 Puxley, P.J., Hawarden, T.G., and Mountain, C.M. 1988, MNRAS 231, 465 Roberts, W.W., Huntley, J.M. & van Albada, G.D. 1979, ApJ 233, 67 Sandage, A, & Tammann, G.A. 1981, A Revised Shapley-Ames Catalog of Bright Galaxies, Carnegie Institute, Washington, DC Sanders, D.B., Soifer, B.T., Elias, J.H., Madore, B.F., Matthews , K., Neugebauer G., & Scoville, N.Z. 1988, ApJ 325, 74 Sérsic, J.L & Pastoriza, M. 1965, PASP, 77, 287 Sérsic, J.L & Pastoriza, M. 1967, PASP, 79, 152 Soifer, B.T., Boehmer, L., Neugebauer, G., & Sanders, D.B. 1989, AJ 98, 766 Smith, B.J., Lester, D.F., Harvey, P.M., and Pogge, R.W. 1991, ApJ 373 Schwarz, M.P. 1984, MNRAS, 209, 93 Thronson, H.A., & Telesco, C.M. 1986, ApJ 311, 98 Véron-Cetty, M.P., & Véron, P. 1993, ESO Scientific ReportNo.13 Wardle, M., & Knapp, G.R. 1986, AJ 91, 23
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42 F.3d 642
Richardsonv.Aldingers*
NO. 94-50172
United States Court of Appeals,Fifth Circuit.
Dec 08, 1994
Appeal From: W.D.Tex., No. W-93-CA-22
1
AFFIRMED.
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Two weeks ago, the one-click Cyanogenmod installer hit the Google Play store, making it possible to switch from the stock Android operating system to a more free, more open version without any special expertise. Yesterday, Google asked Cyanogenmod to remove the installer, because using it voids your device's warranty. I've downloaded other apps from the Play Store that root your device and void the warranty, so this seems like a very selective enforcement to me.
In any event, Cyanogenmod's installer can be "sideloaded" into your device without having to go through the Play Store (one of the advantages of Android is that it doesn't attempt to prevent you from installing unapproved software). Hundreds of thousands of people used the Play Store version, and we can hope that it remains in use, even without Google's official support.
They advised us to voluntarily remove the application, or they would be forced to remove it administratively. We have complied with their wishes while we wait for a more favorable resolution. To those unfamiliar with the application, it has a single function – to guide users to enable "ADB", a built in development and debugging tool, and then navigates the user to the desktop installer. The desktop application then performs the installation of the CyanogenMod on their Android device. After reaching out to the Play team, their feedback was that though application itself is harmless, since it 'encourages users to void their warranty', it would not be allowed to remain in the store.
CyanogenMod Installer Application Removed from Play Store
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U.S. technology employment boom is looking unstoppable
According to Cyberstates 2018, the annual IT Industry outlook report published by CompTIA, last year the number of tech jobs in the United States grew by 200,000, to approximately 11.5 million. The tech industry contributed $1.6 trillion to the economy — the largest individual sector in America. There doesn't seem to be any stopping this technology employment boom.
Role of IT in economy
The technology employment boom is playing a prominent role in state economies as well. In 22 U.S. states, the IT sector was among the top five economic players and it was among the top 10 in 42 states.
Todd Thibodeaux, president and CEO of CompTIA, clarified that the local, regional, and federal economies’ direct gains due to the technology sector was just one part of the complete picture.
He went on to explain that technology was leading the way for progress, innovation, and development in almost every industry including:
Highly specialized manufacturing
Transportation
Building smart communities
Education
Power and energy
Medicine
Job trends in IT
They predict that the current trend — an annual increase in 200,000 tech jobs since 2010 — will prevail in 2018 as well and even more so in 2019. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the core technology jobs to reach 626,000, in 2026. If you consider the number of jobs created due to retirements and career-shifts, then this number could be as high as 1.2 million, in 2026.
The demand and supply mismatch also continues nationwide, with experts confirming that more jobs than qualified applicants were currently available.
The number of jobs in new age technologies grew by 27 percent every year, throughout the U.S. This further substantiated the trend that showed increased investments in sectors such as:
Internet of Things
Artificial intelligence
Machine learning
Self-driving vehicles
Augmented reality
Virtual reality
These technology jobs also offered better pay than those in other sectors. The Cyberstates 2018 report revealed that the average annual pay in the IT sector was $112,890, a mindboggling 107 percent above $54,420, the national average for all other sectors.
Other findings of Cyberstates 2018
Other key findings of the research were as follows:
In 2016, the tech sector grew in 36 states. This pattern continued and in 2017, 38 states showed an increase in the number of tech jobs. The five states contributing the maximum number of new jobs were:
California (43,600)
Texas (13,400)
Michigan (13,200)
Florida (12,000)
New York (10,400)
In terms of percentage growth, the top states that created the most new IT jobs in 2017 were:
Utah (+ 3.6 percent)
Michigan (+ 3.4 percent)
North Carolina (+3.1 percent)
Washington (+ 2.9 percent)
Idaho (+ 2.8 percent)
The top five states with regard to the size of the technology workforce in proportion to other sectors were:
Massachusetts (10.6 percent)
Washington (9.9 percent)
Virginia (9.9 percent)
The District of Columbia (9.7 percent)
Colorado (9.7 percent)
The gender split in the sector remained unchanged from 2016 with men forming 66 percent and women 34 percent of the total workforce. At 39.8 percent, the District of Columbia had the maximum number of women workers in the sector. South Dakota, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Missouri were the other states in the top five, in this statistic.
For the sixth straight year, the number of technology businesses grew. The number at last count was 503,000.
New businesses drive the technology employment boom
At present, 6.7 million people work in the technology industry. Where is this technology employment boom coming from? In the last quarter century, new businesses (operating for less than five years) created almost all new jobs added to the private sector.
In stark contrast, according to Jason Wiens and Chris Jackson at the Kauffman Foundation, from 2008 to 2011, older tech companies did away with more jobs than they added. This trend was evident for all except eight years during this period (you should also be aware that new sectors create more jobs than traditional ones).
Job growth due to automation
If we were to learn from history, increased automation should result in job creation in all fields in the economy. The Atlantic’s James Bessen pointed out that e-discovery software applications had replaced the demand for a huge chunk of paralegal tasks.
Despite this, the number of jobs for both lawyers and paralegals grew well above the national average. Bessen explained that since 1980, jobs that required an above average use of technology, grew much faster — 0.9 percent per year — than other more computer independent jobs.
This logic-defying trend was evident because automation brought down the cost of the service, leading to a surge in demand. This increased demand led to more job creation as opposed to job losses, as was anticipated when the technology first emerged.
With an increase in demand for a product or service, there is often an increase in new jobs as well. The jobs, which emerge post-automation, are at a higher skill level than those that technology replaced. Most often, these jobs were filled with local workforce because:
Companies could now afford to pay as per national norms (due to increased business).
Since the older, less skilled monotonous work was automated, the jobs carried out by outsourced employees ceased to exist.
Automation and outsourcing
The latest elections brought to the fore the impact of outsourcing on the customer service sector — which outsourced the maximum number of jobs in the past. Both outsourcing and automaton have in the past negatively affected this industry.
Economic advantages led to the export of several jobs in the sector to countries such as India and the Philippines, where the operations were more cost-effective. The size of the global contact center business is pegged at $300 billion-$350 billion. Approximately a quarter of this (20 percent-25 percent) is outsourced.
During the call-center boom, quality of customer service plunged because the customers had to interact with foreigners with inadequate training and poor language skills. All of that is changing due to technology.
Customers now prefer to use chats or email as opposed to telephone interactions. This is driving quality of interaction up while keeping cost of operations low because of less dependence on phone-contact centers.
The advent of smartphones, apps, and interconnected devices has made data collection more efficient.
Emerging technologies used in these platforms track the user’s every move, and discern the right facts from this data, making every customer interaction extremely effective and pocket-friendly. Therefore, the tasks that once required 500 foreigners can now be accomplished by 40 U.S. residents.
Growing automation is extending the tech boom
The growing automation due to Big Data, mobile app innovation, cloud computing, blockchain, and machine learning that we are seeing in the U.S. today is a continuing economic opportunity for the country and is a main catalyst for the technology employment boom.
Automation is expanding the scope of American jobs across the technology sector. When it comes to advanced quality work in the tech sector, the U.S. has an edge over most other markets. It appears evident that the technology employment boom is likely to continue at least in the near term.
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Benjamin Roussey
Benjamin Roussey is from Sacramento, CA. He has two master’s degrees and served four years in the US Navy. His bachelor’s degree is from CSUS (1999) where he was on a baseball pitching scholarship. He has an MBA in Global Management from the Univ. of Phoenix (2006). Currently he lives in the Phoenix area after living in Cabo San Lucas, MX for 3 years. He enjoys sports, movies, reading, and current events when he is not working online.
2 Comments
So, as someone who has been employed in the data technology sector for over 32 years, I am fortunate enough to have a well-paying job and a long, fulfilling career. However, some months back I came across a startlingly troublesome statistic - this article purported that 25% of our current workforce was still computer illiterate. So, this part of the working population will not be able to reap the rewards and benefits of working in a technology field. How do we fix gap for future generations of workers? It's a given that almost all industries will be affected by technology and knowledge workers will be ascendent for decades to come.
That is an excellent point to make A.J. It is a vast problem with this country. It is not being emphasized enough. America is not producing enough tech pros. The problem is political correctness, teachers' unions, and public schools. Until we tackle those issues, which we may never be able to do, this problem and other educational problems will persist.
We need math, tech, and engineering grads, not humanities and philosophy graduates.
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In March, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation put out a call for a better, "next generation" condom, one that will "significantly preserve or enhance pleasure" for men — all in the name of public health, of course.
"The common analogy is that wearing a condom is like taking a shower with a raincoat on," Dr. Papa Salif Sow, a senior program officer at the Gates Foundation, tells The New Republic. "A redesigned condom that overcomes inconvenience, fumbling, or perceived loss of pleasure would be a powerful weapon in the fight against poverty."
But how do you improve on the good ol' latex sheath? Well, 812 people sent in ideas, and on Wednesday Bill Gates' charitable endeavor announced 11 finalists, each of whom were given $100,000 to pursue their quest for a superior condom.
Condom technology has basically stayed the same for at least 500 years; the biggest innovations have been the switch from linen and lamb's intestine to latex, and the addition of a reservoir tip. There has been tinkering like adding flavoring, colors, stimulating textures, and anti-ejaculation chemicals. But what condom breakthrough could be worth $1 million, the potential payoff from Gates if any of these ideas pan out?
Some of the 11 projects build on previous innovations, and the Gates Foundation may ask two or more finalists to work together on a condom design, says program officer Stephen Ward. "There's not one magic bullet," he tells The New York Times. "The idea is making them easier for people to use in the moment, in the dark, whatever situation they're in."
Without further ado, here are Bill Gates' 11 potential condoms of the future:
1. The tenderloin
Boring, actual name: Ultra-Sensitive Reconstituted Collagen Condom
Developer: Mark McGlothlin at Apex Medical Technologies, San Diego
Innovation: McGlothlin decided that the best way to make a condom that feels like a second skin is to reinvent the leather condom, in this case using collagen fibers from bovine tendons. Yes, it's a cow condom. On the one hand, porking with beef sounds very unappetizing. On the other, says Chris Higgins at Mental Floss, "leftover beef tendons are cheap, and they're also strong natural materials."
By embedding very thin fibers from them in a cross-linked pattern, a strong-but-thin organic material is created. Researchers also note that the "micro-rough" quality of collagen is great for heat transfer, which lends itself to a plethora of "hot beef" jokes that we'll leave to your imagination. [Mental Floss]
2. The shrinking sheath
Boring, actual name: Dynamic, Universal Fit, Low Cost Condom
Developer: Benjamin Strutt at Cambridge Design Partnership, Cambridge, England
Innovation: Strutt has repurposed a "composite anisotropic" material — it is stronger when force is applied to it in certain directions — to create a one-size-fits-all condom "designed to gently tighten during intercourse, enhancing sensation and reliability." In other words, the condom shrinks onto the penis during sex, making it feel more invisible and reducing the chance of leakage.
3. The handle bar (aka The big easy)
Boring, actual name: Project Rapidom
Developer: Willem van Rensburg at Kimbranox (Pty) Limited, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Innovation: Van Rensburg has already created a stir by creating a condom with applicator handles, and he promises to improve the design with the Gates Foundation money. The idea is that men are more likely to use a condom if they can put it on quickly and correctly, without too much interruption. "In sub-Saharan Africa, sex is basically done with low light and it might be very difficult to see the direction of the condom," explains Dr. Sow.
Here's an earlier iteration of van Rensburg's condom handle in action:
4. The Saran wrap
Boring, actual name: Ultra Sheer "Wrapping" Condom with Superior Strength
Developer: Ron Frezieres at California Family Health Council, Los Angeles
Innovation: If Strutt's condom shrinks, Frezieres' is supposed to cling — as in the polyethylene film you use to wrap up and cover your food for refrigeration. Frezieres says he wants a condom that "clings like Saran Wrap rather than squeezes," and he's found a prototype in Colombia.
The Colombian version is already sold in eight countries, says The New Republic's Andy Isaacson. Frezieres group plans on "perfecting its design, replacing the oil-based lubricant for one that's silicone-based, and working through the requisite FDA approvals." The American version of the condom will also borrow a page from van Rensburg and contain tabs to help don the sheath. Unlike van Rensburg's, the pull tabs are part of the condom, not the packaging. You can see an illustration of Frezieres' condom in action here.
5. The Model T
Boring, actual name: Engineering a Biologically Inspired Condom
Developer: Patrick Kiser at Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill.
Innovation: Kiser proposes to create a new polymer compound similar to lubricated skin, then use the material to mass-produce condoms. "These technologies could improve sensation and the condoms would be readily manufacturable for deployment across the globe," Kiser says in his pitch.
6. The warm embrace
Boring, actual name: Graphene-Based Polymer Composites For High Heat Transfer, Improved Sensitivity And Drug Delivery
Developer: Lakshminarayanan Ragupathy at HLL Lifecare, Trivandrum, India
Innovation: The big advance in this Indian condom is the use of graphene, a crystalline form of carbon that is super thin, super strong, and very flexible. "It also conducts heat," the Gates Foundation notes. HLL Lifecare "will mix graphene with currently used condom materials to produce thinner, heat-conducting condoms, and incorporate drugs and compounds to further enhance safety as well as sexual experience." Hot.
7. Daddy's little helper
Boring, actual name: Super-Hydrophilic Nanoparticle Condom Coating
Developer: Karen Buch and Ducksoo Kim at Boston University
Innovation: Nanoparticles. Buch and Kim will dress up their condom with "a super-hydrophilic nanoparticle coating" that will add a thin layer of lubrication, helping protect the condom from breakage.
8. The memory stick
Boring, actual name: Ultrathin Adaptable Condoms for Enhanced Sensitivity
Developer: Richard Chartoff at the University of Oregon, Eugene
Innovation: Chartoff proposes developing a strong, ultra-thin, shape-memory material from polyurethane elastic polymers that will activate with warmth. "Think of something similar to shrink wrap that conforms to the shape of an object as it is heated," says The New Republic's Isaacson. "Now think of a penis: During intercourse, body heat would cause molecules in the condom to contract, molding it to the user." The material would also be about half as thin as latex condoms.
9. The cheating heart
Boring, actual name: The Condom Applicator Pack (CAP)
Developer: Michael Rutner and Russell Burley at House of Petite Pty, in Sydney, Australia
Innovation: Rutner and Burley also tackle the problem of having to put on a condom with your bare hands. Their plan is to create a universal condom applicator that can be used to make sure the prophylactic is put on correctly and without tearing a hole. The condom helper will be conveniently packaged with a condom.
10. The invincible Trojan
Boring, actual name: An Enhanced Condom Using Nanomaterials
Developer: Aravind Vijayaraghavan at the University of Manchester, England
Innovation: Vijayaraghavan and his team are also proposing to create a new material using graphene. Their condom material will be designed with his pleasure in mind, but it will also be durable. Really durable. "Graphene is unbelievably strong (roughly 100 times stronger than steel)," notes Mental Floss' Higgins, and this "could lead to a nearly indestructible condom."
11. The invisible glove
Boring, actual name: Ultra-Sensory Condoms Based on New Superelastomer Technology
Developer: Jimmy Mays at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Innovation: Mays is going for realism, in the form of a highly elastic polymer called superelastomers. That should allow for soft, super thin, and cheap-to-produce condoms. "The goal is to make a condom that has the same texture as human skin — you won't even know it's there," Mays tells The New Republic. He's been researching this kind of soft, durable plastic for 25 years, and the Gates thing sparked an epiphany. "I'm not a condom guy," he tells The New Republic, "I'm a polymer chemist, and our material was tailor-made for this purpose."
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Q:
Passing the text to function on Click
Please see the following code:
function liReplace(txt) {
$('#srch > a').text(txt);
}
<ul class="dropdown">
<li id='srch'>
<a href="#">All Categories</a>
<ul class="sub_menu">
<li>
<a href="#">Gadgets</a>
<ul>
<li onclick='liReplace("DVD")'><a href="#" >DVD</a></li>
<li><a href="#">XBOX</a></li>
<li><a href="#">Ps2</a></li>
<li><a href="#">Cellphone</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
<a href="#">Locations</a>
<ul>
<li><a href="#">Indoor</a></li>
<li><a href="#">Outdoor</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
I wanted to remove the code onclick='liReplace("DVD")' and change it to jquery.
I could use the class="dropdown" to identify it. How do I code and call the clicking of <li> tags inside that ul "dropdown" and pass the text?
i was thinking like
$("li").click(function () {
$("li").val(this.text);
});
I know its very wrong, my excuse is that I am still in learning phase.
---ANSWER
$("ul.dropdown li > a").click(function () {
var old_text = $(this).text();
liReplace(old_text);
});
A:
Something like that should work:
$(".dropdown .sub_menu ul li").on("click", function() {
$("#srch > a").text($(this).text());
});
A:
function liReplace(txt) {
$('#srch > a').text(txt);
}
$("li a").click(function () {
var old_text = $(this).text();
liReplace(old_text);
});
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"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
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The Pathology Core goal will continue to serve as a resource for the investigators interested in neurogenetics research. The resources include a tissue bank and providing neuropathological expertise in the analysis of murine and human normal and lesional tissue associated with Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2), Schwannomatosis and Tuberous Sclerosis (TSC). To accomplish this goal the core will: 1) Coordinate the collection of frozen lesional tissues and cell culture from patients with inherited nervous system tumor syndromes and from corresponding solitary, sporadic tumors from the general population, as well as collect corresponding fresh and paraffin-embedded fixed tissues from normal controls (autopsy tissues). 2) Maintain a separate database of tissues, cell lines and, DNA for these projects, which can be linked to other databases (clinical database, mutation analysis database, RNA database). 3) Provide immunohistochemical expertise in the study of cellular and subcellular localization of merlin, tuberin, hamartin and their interacting proteins and analyze the expression of novel proteins (identified by CGH and microRNA studies), phosphorylated proteins and neurotransmitter receptors in murine models, in the normal human brain and in TSC or NF-associated lesions 4) Provide histological and immunohistochemical expertise in the classification and analysis of lesions associated with NF2, Schwannomatosis and TSC and their sporadic counterparts. 5) Provide histological and immunohistochemical expertise in the classification and analysis of newly generated lesions in Nf2 and Tsc murine models and evaluate the delivery and effects of experimental gene therapy in these lesions. The core will ensure optimal and uniform processing of all tissues and cell cultures to be used by the investigators of the various projects. In addition, the histological review of all tissues (murine and human) will ensure uniform and standardized classification, which are essential for meaningful comparison and interpretation of the data. The core will continue its work, in collaboration with the various projects, of elucidating the pathogenesis and altered protein expression in TSC-associated lesions in humans and in the Tsc murine models and in defining the molecular, clinical and histological characteristics of NF-associated lesions in humans and murine models. Finally, the delivery and effect of gene therapy on lesions in Tsc and Nf2 mouse models will be assessed.
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commonage kitchen, great falls, va.
kitchen / grand
Gurney’s visually seamless kitchen design still has to function, so he masked electrical outlets by having them pop up out of the island’s surface. Roll-top doors hide countertop appliances, and custom-fitted butcher blocks slide to where they’re most neeed.
After two days of tough choices, the jury unanimously cheered for this “perfectly done” kitchen renovation in which “nothing [was] out of place.” The monoculture of cabinets provide ordered storage while disguising nearly every appliance. Stainless steel accents highlight the room's linearity. A contrasting palette of light and dark enhances crisp detailing. Seamless maple floors and unbroken ceiling planes “provide a clear connection to the rest of the house,” says Robert M. Gurney, FAIA.
Exaggerating the island's length generates plenty of room for the home's occupants, a family of five, to gather without overcrowding. The substantial marble-topped surface also visually anchors a space that Gurney calls “the heart and soul of the house.” If the island is the anchor, then floor-to-ceiling steel-and-glass doors are sails that sweep kitchen views through the family room to green acres beyond. The pivoting panels, “a big part of the whole design,” feature black steel framing in “the style of [Piet] Mondrian,” Gurney says.
In addition to their good looks, the doors acoustically separate the kitchen from the family room without blocking light. They certainly captured the jury's attention. “The doors really add to the architecture,” said one judge. Echoed another: “The doors really make the design.”
Credit: Paul Burk
Gurney’s visually seamless kitchen design still has to function, so he masked electrical outlets by having them pop up out of the island’s surface. Roll-top doors hide countertop appliances, and custom-fitted butcher blocks slide to where they’re most neeed.
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}
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Q:
Converting .m3u playlists from Windows for Android media players using Notepad++
Winamp saves playlists that are saved in same folder as the music as relative paths for Windows, but copying and pasting into Android doesn't work unless I convert it to Linux relative paths. So
#EXTM3U
#EXTINF:262,Corona - Rhythm Of The Night
Unsorted\Corona - Rhythm Of The Night.mp3
#EXTINF:324,The B-52's - Love Shack
The B-52's - Love Shack.mp3
needs conversion to
#EXTM3U
#EXTINF:262,Corona - Rhythm Of The Night
./Unsorted/Corona - Rhythm Of The Night.mp3
#EXTINF:324,The B-52's - Love Shack
./The B-52's - Love Shack.mp3
for VLC Player on Android to read the playlist properly.
Well, figuring out how to convert \ to / on Notepad++ without regular expressions enabled was easy enough, but I'm too new at regex to get a grip on how to even read the table of contents on its guides even though all I want to do after that is to add ./ to the start of every odd line after the first line.
A:
You may use
(?:.*\R){2}\K
and replace with ./.
Details
(?:.*\R){2} - two consecutive occurrences ({2}) of any 0+ chars other than line break chars, as many as possible (.*),
\K - match reset operator discarding all text matched so far from the match buffer.
The replacement is ./, i.e. it is inserted at the end of the match.
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BlackBerry wins US$815 million in arbitration, shares climb
BlackBerry wins US$815M settlement with Qualcomm
Security Not Found
BlackBerry’s coffers are getting a big boost after the company was awarded nearly US$815 million ($1.1 billion in Canadian dollars), on an interim basis, in an arbitration case with Qualcomm stemming from royalty overpayments.
The final amount will be decided after a hearing on May 30.
"BlackBerry and Qualcomm have a longstanding relationship and continue to be valued technology partners," BlackBerry CEO John Chen said in a statement Wednesday. "We are pleased the arbitration panel ruled in our favor and look forward to collaborating with Qualcomm in security for [application specific integrated circuits] and solutions for the automotive industry."
The arbitration decision, pending final confirmation, will add to BlackBerry’s (BB.TO) cash on hand, which stood at US$1.7B as of February 28.
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After a decade of hardware duds, Microsoft gets it right with the Xbox One
Over the last 10 years, Microsoft has made some horrid choices on some of its products. The Zune is probably the poster child for these stupid moves.
The Zune team knew it needed to optimize for video, but forgot to offer any video content. Microsoft should have brought out an iPhone-like product first, but it didn’t. The Zune’s killer feature was subscription music, but few people knew because Microsoft never marketed it well. (Instead, the marketing focused on sharing, which only worked if you knew someone with a Zune – and that virtually never happened given the iPod’s dominance.) On the Zune, Microsoft likely set a record on the number of really bad decisions.
Well, with the Xbox One, Microsoft has clearly turned a page, because it’s hard to find a single bad decision in any aspect of the product.
Design
While both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 aspired to be entertainment hubs as much as game consoles, neither really look like it belonged in an A/V cabinet. Sony was closest at first with its piano black and chrome, but a redesign to reduce cost later made it look more like a game console.
With the Xbox One, Microsoft has created a design that looks right at home in a next-generation stereo cabinet. It looks less like a gaming system and more like what it is becoming: a multimedia hub. The only thing it really needs is a matching amplifier, 5.1- or 7.1-channel speaker output, and a way to move sound and video throughout the home more seamlessly. Then it would really become the home entertainment system of the near-term future. This media-centric design is one of Microsoft’s better decisions.
Blu-ray
The market is moving toward streaming movies in the near future, but playing some content, like 3D movies or discs you already own, is still going to require an optical drive. While the Xbox Two (the number naming is a good move as well) can likely eliminate this drive when it arrives, Microsoft first needs a transition product. Adding a Blu-ray drive was an unexpected move, given that it’s a Sony-sourced technology, but the correct move. This allows the Xbox One to step into its full role today, and replace dedicated Blu-ray players while adding gaming.
Advanced Kinect
As Nintendo showcased, games where you jump around and swat things seem to have a relatively short lifetime, but we will do the same exercises for decades. That means that one of the Kinect’s most important functions will be as a tool for exercise. By adding a pulse monitor, folks can now better justify buying an Xbox One as a tool for weight loss, even if they never end up buying an exercise title. Making the product easier to justify while actually making it better for exercise is a brilliant way to get over buyer objections and provide a more sustainable value.
Voice command
Voice recognition is a lot harder to do well than you think, especially on a TV. If the voice command system can’t differentiate between its own voice and yours, you can have a “revolt” where the TV takes control of itself and just annoys you to death. Microsoft has been working on voice command since the 1990s, and has one of the leading core technologies. Given this head start, the Xbox One’s voice recognition could potentially be even more accurate than efforts by Apple and Google.
Exclusive content
If you are going to have a product that blends TV and gaming, you should be exploring titles that blend those media, and Microsoft is. One of the announced titles, Quantum Break, will blend TV and gameplay uniquely, potentially doing what Defiance tried to do, but was unable to, given the technology this year. While it may take several tries to get this blend right, if you don’t start early you’ll likely never get there, and this kind of content will clearly separate this console from what came before.
DVR
The one obvious thing Microsoft left out was DVR capability, but even that was a wise move. If you’ve ever tried a DVR that didn’t come from your cable company, you’ve learned that getting support from cable companies is a joke, the box won’t integrate well with cable services, and there are limitations on the content. Oh, and if you try to build your own, the four-tuner card you’ll want will likely set you back more than the Xbox One costs. In short, the added cost just isn’t worth the added benefit, particularly given the slow move away from channel access to on-demand streaming of TV shows and movies. So leaving this feature out, at least for now, makes sense as well.
Wrapping up
It is rare any company, that makes all the right choices when it comes to a new consumer product – even Apple seldom does. At least until we get one of these to mess with, it looks like Microsoft (for once) did the impossible, and that makes this announcement historic. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, since the Xbox brand has historically been a Microsoft success story, but the Xbox One seems to have even done that better than its predecessors. Go figure?
The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not reflect the beliefs of Digital Trends.
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‘Tis the season of comparing space missions to Hollywood films again! In the last week, a Times of India article described the cost of India’s second mission to the Moon, Chandrayaan 2, expected to be launched in April this year, as being “cheaper than Hollywood film Interstellar“. A bevy of other publications have, enamoured by this spin, carried it forward in headlines of their own. The same thing happened with the Mars Orbiter Mission, launched in 2014, a technology-demonstrator that, according to many reports, cost less to execute than Hollywood’s Gravity.
In the mainstream Indian media, these comparisons are made only when reporting on the country’s space programme. They are both meaningless and, in their own way, pernicious: frugal engineering plays its part but it is not an end unto itself. If it were, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) would have no room to ask for its foreign clientele for more money, even if the latter could afford it, and set a self-defeating precedent that would undermine the Indian space programme.
Biased approach
Each comparison is like saying the angular momentum of a frog is lower than the speed of light. “But of course,” you’re going to say, “we’re comparing angular momentum to speed – they have different dimensions”. Similarly, the production cost of a film and mission costs also have different dimensions beyond the ‘$’ prefix. That is because one can’t just pick up two dollar figures, decide which one’s lower and feel good about that without any social and economic context.
For example, what explains the choice of films to compare mission costs to? Is it because Gravity and Interstellar were both set in space? Is it because both films are fairly famous? Is it also because both films were released recently? Or is it because they offered convenient numbers? It is probably the last one because there is no reason otherwise to have picked these two films over, say, After Earth, Elysium, The Martian, Independence Day: Resurgence or Alien: Covenant – all of which were set in space as well as cost less to make than Interstellar.
Wouldn’t it then be equally fair to say that the cost of Chandrayaan 2 is higher than the budget of After Earth, Elysium, The Martian, Independence Day: Resurgence or Alien: Covenant? However, few are going to spin the cost claim like this because:
The cost of anything has to be a rational, positive number, so saying cost Y is less than cost X would imply that X > Y ≥ 0; however, saying Y is greater than X doesn’t give us any real sense of what Y could be. It could approach infinity or… Make Y feel like it’s gigantic
Only for space?
Now, what comparing the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO’s) Chandrayaan 2’s cost to that of making Interstellar achieves very well is a sense of the magnitude of the number involved. It is an associative mnemonic that could help ensure you don’t forget how much Chandrayaan 2 cost – except you’d also have to know how much Interstellar cost. Without this bit of the statement, you have one equation and two variables. An unsolvable problem.
Additionally, media outlets have not employed such comparisons when covering other beats. For example, when the Union budget was announced on February 1 this year, nobody compared any of the numbers to the production costs of assets that had a high cultural cachet. Rs 12.5 crore was Rs 12.5 crore; it was not framed as “India spends less on annual scholarships for students with disabilities than it cost to make Kabali“.
Also read
This is why ISRO rockets aren’t comparable to Falcons or Arianes
Would ISRO launches be so cheap if Indian labour were not underpaid?
SpaceX rocket blows up but let’s remember that #SpaceIsHard
This suggests that such comparisons are reserved by those who make them for matters of space. In turn, this raises the possibility that they are prompted to think of costs in the space sector as something that must always be brought down. And this is how this belief becomes pernicious: it assumes a life of its own; it shouldn’t. Lowering costs becomes a priority only after scientists and engineers have checked many, many other boxes. Using only dollar figures to represent this effort mischaracterises it as simply being an exercise in cost reduction.
So, comparing a mission cost to a movie budget tells us absolutely nothing of meaning or value. But thanks to how Times of India and others have phrased it, all we know now is that Chandrayaan 2 is going to cost less than $165 million (Rs 1,000 crore approx.) to make. Why not just say that and walk away? (While one could compare $165 million to mission costs at other space agencies, ISRO chief K. Sivan has advised against it; if one wants to compare it to other PSUs in India, that might not be a good idea either.) The need to bring Interstellar – an American product – into this, of course, is because of a prevalent obsession with the West and our obsession with showing it up.
Instead, we should go beyond the monetary aspects of the missions ISRO executes and examine the scientific and technological achievements embedded therein, particularly as a way to explore what ISRO has to offer to the world of space exploration more than low costs. Prevailing trends indicate that, in the near future at least, space exploration will be driven by private intentions, commitments and contracts. In this environment, claiming “ISRO is cheap” will not bode well for the organisation, the skill and technique it commands and for the country it serves. But by focusing on the products of that skill and intellect, we acquire a more healthy sense of achievement and, as a bonus, a more robust sense of progress relative to what we have achieved in the past ourselves. For example, did you know that AstroSat, India’s first space-based telescope, has an instrument that is the best in the world at what it does?
Let’s not compare
Beyond the ‘$’ prefix, $165 million is a dimensionless number. Without any other details about Chandrayaan 2 itself, it is meaningless.
Don’t celebrate frugality. It’s an unbecoming tag for any space programme. ISRO may have been successful in keeping costs down but, in the long run, the numbers will only go up. Frugality is a harmful aspiration vis-à-vis a sector banking on reliability and redundancy. Also, never compare: the act of it creates just the wrong ideas about what space agencies are doing, what they and re supposed to be doing and how they are doing it. For example, consider Sivan’s answer when asked by a Times of India reporter as to how ISRO kept its costs down:
Simplifying the system, miniaturising the complex big system, strict quality control and maximising output from a product, make the missions of Indian space agency cost-effective. We keep strict vigil on each and every stage of development of a spacecraft or a rocket and, therefore, we are able to avoid wastage of products, which helps us minimise the mission cost.
Sivan doesn’t say here what ISRO is doing differently from other space agencies (such as, say, accessing cheaper labour) but sticks to talking about what everyone already does. Do NASA and ESA waste products? Do they not remain vigilant during every stage of development? Do they not have robust quality control standards and enforcement regimes? Notice here that Sivan is not saying “we’re doing it cheaper than others”, only that doing these things keeps the space agency “cost-effective”. Cost-effective is not the same as frugal.
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Pikeville High School
Pikeville High School (PHS) is located in Pikeville, Kentucky, United States. It enrolls approximately 560 students in grades 7-12. It is part of the Pikeville Independent Schools.
History
Campus
Moving from a location closer to the downtown area of Pikeville, the current high school building was constructed in 1976. It consisted of classrooms, a library, a central two-story common area, and a gymnasium; dedicated and named after T.W. Oliver. In 1996, a large auditorium was added adjacent to the school on its eastern side. Capable of seating 1000, it was built to augment the building and provide space for performances by the arts and music departments, which previously had been relegated to performing in the gymnasium. Further modifications to the school included a second level weight room elevated above the school's south end, adjacent to the gymnasium, and an outdoor gathering area and veterans' memorial. The entire school received an outdoor remodel in the mid 2000s.
Curriculum
Extracurricular activities
The Pikeville teams, known as the Panthers, compete in archery, basketball, baseball, cheerleading, cross county, football, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling. The football team won the Class A State Championship in 1987, 1988, 1989, 2015, and 2019. Also amongst the extracurricular activities is in the music department offers chorus and concert, marching, and jazz bands. Other extra- curricular activities include Forever Green; FCA; FEA; FBLA; Art, Pep and Key Clubs; Academic Team; Theater; National Honor Society; and Student Council.
The cheerleading program at Pikeville High is nationally ranked, with seven UCA National Cheerleading Championship titles (most recently in 2018). They won the KAPOS State title in the traditional division five years in a row, 2008-2012. They also won the KHSAA small varsity division three years in a row, 2016-2018.
PHS also competes in academic competitions as part of the Kentucky Governor's Cup and KAAC program. Pikeville was the first-ever team winner of the Kentucky Governor's Cup for academic competitions in 1986. The quick recall team also won the KAAC's state tournament in the Governor's Cup competition in 1989, 2003, 2005 and 2013.
The school has several musical and voice ensembles, and the marching band won several high level state competitions in the early 1990s. The drama department frequently puts on well-known musical and dramatic productions, ranging from musicals such as Into the Woods and Beauty and the Beast, to comedic presentations such as Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Most recently they performed The Cat in the Hat.
References
External links
Pikeville High School
Category:Public high schools in Kentucky
Category:Schools in Pike County, Kentucky
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2 years ago admin
Comments Off on US Equestrian Seeking Bids for 2018 & 2019 National Dressage Championships
LEXINGTON, Kentucky, Oct. 19, 2017–US Equestrian began seeking bids Thursday for the 2018 and 2019 dressage national championships that in recent years have staged division titles in different cities.
The federation announced it was accepting bids for championships at Grand Prix, Intermediate I, Brentina Cup under-25, junior and young rider, pony and children, young and developing horse and the dressage seat medal finals.
Deadline for completed applications is Nov. 13.
US Equestrian said organizers could bid for individual years or both years.
Interested organizers should contact Hallye Griffin, Managing Director of Dressage at hgriffin@usef.org for bid applications or more information.
In recent years, Grand Prix, Int. I and Brentina Cup championships have been staged in one location–though not at all in 2016–while the young and developing horse and youth divisions have been held in Wayne, Illinois.
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