A Generalized Discrete Event System (G-DEVS) Flattened Simulation Structure: Application to High-Level Architecture (HLA) Compliant Simulation of Workflow

International audienceThe objective of the paper is to specify a new flattened Generalized Discrete Event System simulation engine structure and the Workflow modeling and simulation environment embedding it. We express first the new flattened simulation structure and give the corresponding transformation functions. We analyze performance tests conducted on this new simulation structure to measure its efficiency. Then, having selected the essential concepts in the elaboration of the Workflow, we present a language of description to define the Workflow processes. Finally, we define a distributed Workflow Reference Model that interfaces components of the Workflow with respect to the High-Level Architecture standard. Today enterprises can take advantage of this platform in the context of networking where interoperability, flexibility, and efficiency are challenging concepts

NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF PHOTOCURRENT IN A SOLAR CELL BASED AMORPHOUS SILICON

We propose in this work, a method of simulation based on the resolution of the equations of continuities for homostructures of silicon-based solar, and used a method of calculation the photocurrent delivered by the silicon solar cell applying the equations of continuities and the currents by analogy to the phenomena of loads transport according to the model of an homojunction n-a-Si:H/p-a-Si:H. We used Matlab software to simulate and optimize the layers thicknesses to achieve the maximum photocurrent generated under AM1.5 solar spectrum. The optimization of donor layer thickness shows clearly that the best results are obtained with the finest structures.  We worked out a numerical model based on the resolution of the equations of continuities who gave the results in good agreement with literature and which allowed, moreover a better control of the performances of the cells based on silicon, for their improvement

Clinical Heterogeneity of Autosomal Recessive Spastic Paraplegias: Analysis of 106 Patients in 46 Families

Background Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by progressive and predominant spasticity of the lower limbs, in which dominant, recessive, and X-linked forms have been described. While autosomal dominant HSP has been extensively studied, autosomal recessive HSP is less well known and is considered a rare condition. Objective To analyze the clinical presentation in a large group of patients with autosomal recessive HSP from Portugal and Algeria to define homogeneous groups that could serve as a guide for future molecular studies. Results Clinical features in 106 patients belonging to 46 Portuguese and Algerian families with autosomal recessive HSP are presented, as well as the results of molecular studies in 23 of these families. Five phenotypes are defined: (1) pure early-onset families, (2) pure late-onset families, (3) complex families with mental retardation, (4) complex families with mental retardation and peripheral neuropathy, and (5) complex families with cerebellar ataxia. Six additional families have specific complex presentations, each of which is unique in the present series. Pyramidal signs in the upper limbs and pes cavus are frequent findings, while pseudobulbar signs, including dysarthria, dysphagia, and brisk jaw jerks, are more frequent in the complex forms. The complex forms have a poorer prognosis, while pure forms, particularly those with early onset, are more benign. One Algerian pure early-onset kindred was linked to the locus on chromosome 8, previously reported in 4 Tunisian families. Two of the Portuguese kindreds with complex forms (one with mental retardation and the other associated with hypoplasia of the corpus callosum) showed linkage to the locus recently identified on chromosome 16. Conclusions Although autosomal recessive HSP represents a heterogeneous group of diseases, some phenotypes can be defined by analyzing a large group of patients. The fact that only one Algerian family was linked to chromosome 8 suggests that this is a rare localization even in kindreds with the same ethnic background. Linkage to chromosome 16 was found in 2 clinically diverse Portuguese kindreds, illustrating that this locus is also rare and may correspond to different phenotypes.This study was supported by Généthon, Paris, France; and 2 grants from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology and the Portuguese Health Administration (projects STRDA/C/SAU/277/92 and PECS/C/SAU/219/95)

Growth and characterization of ZnO nanostructured thin films by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction

The zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films were deposited onto the glass substrates by a novel chemical method, which is based on the alternate dipping of substrate in an alkaline zinc with ammonia formed zinc ammonia complex ([Zn(NH3)4]2+) solution and double-distilled water containing H2O2 (1%) at room temperature. The time duration for which the substrate is dipped in the precursor solution, plays an important role and it has been shown in this work that the time period for which a substrate is dipped in dilute H2O2 solution, which we referred as reaction period, affects significantly on the structural, surface morphological and optical properties. The as-deposited films were annealed at 300 and 400°C for 1h in air to improve the quality of the films. The as prepared nanostructured seed layer was characterized by X- ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies showed that the films are covered well with glass substrates and have good polycrystalline structure and crystalline levels. The film thickness effect on band gap values was investigated and band gap values were found to be within the range of 3.8 – 3.2 eV

Effects of Annealing on TiN Thin Film Growth by DC Magnetron Sputtering

We have reviewed the deposition of titanium nitride (TiN) thin films on stainless steel substrates by a DC magnetron sputtering method and annealing at different annealing temperatures of 500, 600, and 700°C for 120 min in nitrogen/argon atmospheres. Effects of annealing temperatures on the structural and the optical properties of TiN films were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscope (AFM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and UV-VIS spectrophotometer. Our experimental studies reveal that the annealing temperature appreciably affected the structures, crystallite sizes, and reflection of the films. By increasing the annealing temperature to 700°C crystallinity and reflection of the film increase. These results suggest that annealed TiN films can be good candidate for tokamak first wall due to their structural and optical properties

Intelligent Agents for Simulation of Civil Military Cooperation and Psychological Operations

The research proposes the development of a simulation model for supporting planning and training in Civil Military Cooperation and Psychological Operations. The authors present a new generation of CGF (Computer Generated Forces) driven by IA (Intelligent Agents) able to consider the human aspects as well as the impact of social networks on this context. The research represents an application of their IA-CGF. In this paper the authors propose the conceptual models as well as the general architecture and the development process

Invasive aspergillosis: an important risk factor on the short- and long-term survival of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients.

International audienceInvasive aspergillosis (IA) during induction chemotherapy of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) could worsen the prognosis. Our objective was to study how the development of IA during AML interferes with the therapeutic strategy and to evaluate its impact on the short- and long-term survival. Newly diagnosed AML patients between the years 2004 and 2007 were retrospectively analyzed. The outcome was death of the patient. A Cox proportional hazards model with the diagnosis of IA and post-induction response evaluation as the main exposure was fitted. Overall, 262 patients were analyzed and 58 IA were observed. The 2-year survival of patients having had remission of AML was 54% and, for patients with failure of chemotherapy, it was 5% (p < 0.001). The 2-year survival of patients having had IA was 14%, and without IA, it was 32% (p = 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that IA was associated with a higher risk of death in case of remission compared to no IA (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.66 [1.05-2.65], p = 0.031) and also in case of failure (HR = 6.43, p < 0.001). IA was associated with an increased risk of death for patients if they were either in remission or in failure after induction chemotherapy

The CHRNE 1293insG founder mutation is a frequent cause of congenital myasthenia in North Africa

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