Packaging of RF Mems Switching Functions on Alumina Substrate

Recently the strong demands in wireless communication requires expanding development for the application of RF MEMS (Radio Frequency micro electro mechanical systems) sensing devices such as micro-switches, tunable capacitors because it offers lower power consumption, lower losses, higher linearity and higher Q factors compared with conventional communications components. To accelerate commercialisation of RF MEMS products, development for packaging technologies is one of the most critical issues should be solved beforehand.Comment: Submitted on behalf of TIMA Editions (http://irevues.inist.fr/tima-editions

Small Footprint Multilayered Millimeter-Wave Antennas and Feeding Networks for Multi-Dimensional Scanning and High-Density Integrated Systems

This paper overviews the state-of-the-art of substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) techniques in the design and realization of innovative low-cost, low-profile and low-loss (L3) millimeter-wave antenna elements, feeding networks and arrays for various wireless applications. Novel classes of multilayered antenna structures and systems are proposed and studied to exploit the vertical dimension of planar structures to overcome certain limita-tions in standard two-dimensional (2-D) topologies. The developed structures are based on two techniques, namely multi-layer stacked structures and E-plane corners. Differ-ent E-plane structures realised with SIW waveguide are presented, thereby demonstrating the potential of the proposed techniques as in multi-polarization antenna feeding. An array of 128 elements shows low SLL and height gain with just 200g of the total weight. Two versions of 2-D scanning multi-beam are presented, which effectively combine frequency scanning with beam forming networks. Adding the benefits of wide band performance to the multilayer structure, two bi-layer structures are investigated. Different stacked antennas and arrays are demonstrated to optimise the targeted antenna performances in the smallest footprint possible. These structures meet the requirement for developing inexpensive compact millimeter-wave antennas and antenna systems. Different structures and architectures are theoretically and experimentally studied and discussed for specific space- and ground-based appli-cations. Practical issues such as high-density integration and high-volume manufacturability are also addressed

Pokefind: a novel topological filter for use with protein structure prediction

Motivation: Our focus has been on detecting topological properties that are rare in real proteins, but occur more frequently in models generated by protein structure prediction methods such as Rosetta. We previously created the Knotfind algorithm, successfully decreasing the frequency of knotted Rosetta models during CASP6. We observed an additional class of knot-like loops that appeared to be equally un-protein-like and yet do not contain a mathematical knot. These topological features are commonly referred to as slip-knots and are caused by the same mechanisms that result in knotted models. Slip-knots are undetectable by the original Knotfind algorithm. We have generalized our algorithm to detect them, and analyzed CASP6 models built using the Rosetta loop modeling method

Liposarcome dorsal: aspect clinique rare

Décrit la première fois par Virchow en 1860, le liposarcome est une tumeur mésenchymateuse rare. Cette rareté est relative car les liposarcomes représentent quand même 14 à 18 % de l'ensemble des tumeurs malignes des parties molles et ils constituent le plus fréquent des sarcomes des parties molles. Pour la majorité des auteurs, il ne se développerait jamais sur un lipome ou une lipomatose préexistant. Nous rapportons un cas de volumineux liposarcome de la face dorsale du tronc. L'histoire de la maladie, l'aspect clinique inhabituel « de tumeur dans tumeur », l'aspect de la pièce opératoire nous fait évoquer la possibilité de la transformation maligne d'un lipome bénin préexistant

A computational model based on human performance for fluid management in critical care

Computational simulation is one of the most important ways of reproducing the dynamic responses of a Cyber Physical System using a model of the system. The simulation discovers areas of differential system performance and allows linking such performance back to system characteristics. In the medical domain, patient simulators are used to train physicians in patient management. One critical question is how to verify these systems under realistic human (physician) input. This requires the creation of realistic human models that would be able to capture human cognitive and decision abilities and limitations. Verification of such an overall physician-patient model would result in two advantages: (a) since physicians realistically would not give all possible inputs to the system, verification could be more efficient and (b) the verification may uncover areas of poor human performance. In this paper, we describe our methodology and results in creating a computational model of human fluid management in critical care, based on human experiments

Role of health hazardous ethephone on nutritive values of selected pineapple, banana and tomato

An experimental study of selected pineapple (Ananas sativus), banana (Musa acuminata) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) was investigated on the basis of their biochemical and nutritional properties by the treatment of some doses of ethephone. It was found that the chemically treated samples ripened rapidly than untreated ones. The nutritional properties of chemically ripened fruits as well as market samples (ripe) were shown different from untreated. The chemically ripened samples showed shorter shelf life than non-treated samples. The highest vitamin C content of the selected non-treated fruits (17.5 mg/100 g in pineapple, 13 mg/100 g in banana and 20.2 mg/100 g tomato) and the lowest contentwas found in the market samples (10 mg/100 g in pineapple, 7 mg/100 g in banana and 12.3 mg/100 g tomato), whereas ethephone-treated groups contained the ascorbic acid 14.5 mg/100 g in pineapple, 9 mg/100 g in banana and 19.4 mg/100 g in tomato). Similarly the β-carotene content of ethephone-treated samples (63 μg/100 g in pineapple, 47 μg/100 g in banana and 757 μg/100 g in tomato) and market samples (31 μg/100 g in pineapple, 38 μg/100 g in banana and 512 μg/100 g in tomato) were less than that of control groups (78 μg/100 g in pineapple, 54 μg/100 g in banana and 807 μg/100 g in tomato). The mineral contents of samples in three groups showed ethephone-treated samples indicated less nutritional quality than untreated samples. Higher amount of lead and arsenic were found in all fruits and vegetables in both ethephone-treated and market samples but the concentrations were within acceptable limits

Feedback Control Systems for Non-Linear Simulation of Operational Transients in LMFBRs

Feedback control systems for non-linear simulation of operational transients in LMFBRs are developed. The models include (1) the reactor power control and rod drive mechanism, (2) sodium flow control and pump drive system, (3) steam generator flow control and valve actuator dynamics, and (4) the supervisory control. These models have been incorporated into the SSC code using a flexible approach, in order to accommodate some design dependent variations. The impact of system nonlinearity on the control dynamics is shown to be significant for severe perturbations. Representative result for a 10 cent and 25 cent step insertion of reactivity and a 10% ramp change in load in 40 seconds demonstrate the suitability of this model for study of operational transients without scram in LMFBRs

Translation and Validation of a Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) Version of the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA)

Objectives: The 32-item Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) is a widely-used measure of multidimensional interoception. In the present study, we examined the psychometric properties of a Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) translation of the MAIA. Methods: An online sample of 815 Malaysian Malays (women n = 403) completed a novel translation of the MAIA. Validated measures of trait mindfulness and self-esteem were also completed to facilitate a preliminary assessment of convergent validity. Results: Exploratory factor analysis indicated that the MAIA items reduced to a 19-item, 3-factor model. The 3-factor model was further tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) alongside the parent 8-factor model. Both models had good fit on some indices, but less-than-ideal fit on other indices. The 3-factor model evidenced comparatively better fit, with fit indices being adequate following modification. Multi-group CFA indicated both the 3-factor model and the 8-factor model had full strict invariance across sex. However, evidence for construct and convergent validity was mixed. Conclusions: Overall the 3-dimensional Malay MAIA was demonstrated to be both internally consistent and invariant across sex, but further evidence of construct and convergent validity is required. Issues that affect the dimensionality of MAIA scores in the present and extant work are discussed in conclusion

Orthogonal partial least squares model for rapid prediction of antioxidant activity of Pereskia bleo by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Pereskia bleo is a species of primitive cactus. In the present study, infrared spectroscopy was used to characterize the antioxidant activity of P. bleo leaves by multivariate analysis. A total of twenty-four extracts were prepared in different solvents. Antioxidant activities were measured by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay and fingerprinted by infrared spectroscopy between 4000 and 400 cm−1 at a resolution of 2 cm−1. A three component multivariate orthogonal partial least squares model with R2Y of 0.88 and Q2 of 0.86 was developed to correlate infrared spectra with antioxidant activity and evaluated by internal cross-validation and a true external test. For external validation, bioactivity of new extracts of P. bleo was predicted using the model, and -OH, -NH, and -CH were identified as functional groups responsible for the activity. In summary, a successful orthogonal partial least squares model was developed using infrared spectroscopy as a rapid method to predict antioxidant activity

Availability, aff ordability, and consumption of fruits and vegetables in 18 countries across income levels: fi ndings from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study

Background Several international guidelines recommend the consumption of two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables per day, but their intake is thought to be low worldwide. We aimed to determine the extent to which such low intake is related to availability and aff ordability. Methods We assessed fruit and vegetable consumption using data from country-specifi c, validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires in the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study, which enrolled participants from communities in 18 countries between Jan 1, 2003, and Dec 31, 2013. We documented household income data from participants in these communities; we also recorded the diversity and non-sale prices of fruits and vegetables from grocery stores and market places between Jan 1, 2009, and Dec 31, 2013. We determined the cost of fruits and vegetables relative to income per household member. Linear random eff ects models, adjusting for the clustering of households within communities, were used to assess mean fruit and vegetable intake by their relative cost. Findings Of 143 305 participants who reported plausible energy intake in the food frequency questionnaire, mean fruit and vegetable intake was 3·76 servings (95% CI 3·66–3·86) per day. Mean daily consumption was 2·14 servings (1·93–2·36) in low-income countries (LICs), 3·17 servings (2·99–3·35) in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs), 4·31 servings (4·09–4·53) in upper-middle-income countries (UMICs), and 5·42 servings (5·13–5·71) in highincome countries (HICs). In 130 402 participants who had household income data available, the cost of two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables per day per individual accounted for 51·97% (95% CI 46·06–57·88) of household income in LICs, 18·10% (14·53–21·68) in LMICs, 15·87% (11·51–20·23) in UMICs, and 1·85% (–3·90 to 7·59) in HICs (ptrend=0·0001). In all regions, a higher percentage of income to meet the guidelines was required in rural areas than in urban areas (p<0·0001 for each pairwise comparison). Fruit and vegetable consumption among individuals decreased as the relative cost increased (ptrend=0·00040). Interpretation The consumption of fruit and vegetables is low worldwide, particularly in LICs, and this is associated with low aff ordability. Policies worldwide should enhance the availability and aff ordability of fruits and vegetables