cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for an inverse relation between plasma triglyceride and aortic cholesterol in the coconut oil/cholesterol-fed rabbit

Abstract Rabbits fed a commercial chow diet containing 0.5% cholesterol and 14% coconut oil developed more severe hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis than rabbits fed the same diet containing olive oil in place of coconut oil. Average plasma cholesterol was twice as high in the coconut oil/cholesterol-fed rabbits than in olive oil/cholesterol-fed rabbits. Final plasma triglycerides, although highly variable, were approx. 20-fold higher than basal plasma triglyceride in coconut oil/cholesterol-fed rabbits; plasma triglyceride in olive oil/cholesterol-fed rabbits remained unchanged throughout the study period. In coconut oil/cholesterol-fed rabbits, a direct relationship between plasma triglyceride and aortic cholesterol was not found. Plasma cholesterol and aortic cholesterol were also not correlated at a statistically significant level ( r = 0.26, P > 0.25). However, when both plasma cholesterol and triglyceride were simultaneously introduced as predictors of aortic cholesterol, the correlation between these plasma lipids and aortic cholesterol became highly significant ( r = 0.64, P
Limits of lossless compression of digital cine angiograms: Markov models

Presents a novel method to estimate the limit of lossless compression of digital cine angiograms. Three Markov models are used, one explores temporal dependency, one explores spatial dependency, and one explores both temporal and spatial dependencies. The models are from simple progressively towards complex. They have used 256, 256/spl times/256, and 256/spl times/256/spl times/256 contexts respectively. Five digital cine angiograms collected from both Siemens Hicore and Digitron digital cine angiographic imaging devices have been used for the test. The results have shown that the highest lossless compression ratio could approach to 6:1, which is slightly less than the limit of visually lossless JPEG compression ratio reported.
MEMS deformable mirrors for adaptive optics using single crystal PMN-PT

A MEMS-based deformable mirror constructed using single-crystal PMN-PT for use in ophthalmologic adaptive optics is presented. The fabrication process and the results of characterization of the DM are described. A large stroke and high operating bandwidth assure that the DM can be a promising wavefront corrector.
Eocene Hydromorphic Paleosols: Significance for Interpreting Ancient Floodplain Processes

ABSTRACT Pervasive mottling, iron-oxide nodules, and slickensides indicate that alluvial paleosols of the lower Eocene Willwood Formation in the Elk Creek area of the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming were hydromorphic. Two basic groups of hydromorphic paleosols are present: cumulative, which show evidence for concurrent deposition and pedogenesis, and simple (noncumulative), which show evidence for a single episode of deposition and pedogenesis. Lithologic packages consisting of vertically stacked simple paleosols and crevasse-splay sandstones alternate with cumulative paleosols. The simple paleosols are weakly developed, indicating rapid deposition with relatively little time for pedogenesis. Cumulative paleosols show greater pedogenic development, indicating significantly longer periods of pedogenic m dification and slower, more episodic sediment accumulation. Differences between the simple and cumulative paleosols reflect differences in the deposition of their parent materials. The packages of simple paleosols are similar to avulsion-belt deposits described from the Saskatchewan River, and suggest that avulsion was significant in floodplain construction. The upper parts of cumulative paleosols were formed on true overbank deposits, which accumulated gradually after avulsion and establishment of a new channel. The lower parts of many cumulative paleosols resulted from a prior episode of avulsion deposition and simple soil formation. Because hydromorphy is associated with texture, these different depositional processes influenced lateral variations in hydromorphy of the cumulative paleosols. Paleosols in the Elk Creek area provide a simple means of identifying avulsions. Sediment accumulation rates suggest that avulsions occurred with a regular period of about 20,000 years and may have been induced by climatic cycles.
Fresnel's Lighthouse Lenses

One of the rewards of walking up the scores of steps winding around the inside of the shaft of a lighthouse is turning inward and examining the glass optical system. This arrangement of prisms, lenses, and reflectors is used to project the light from a relatively small source in a beam that can be seen far at sea.
The Politics of Gay and Lesbian Rights: Expanding the Scope of the Conflict

Morality politics theory predicts that gay rights policy will reflect the influence of religious groups, party competition, and partisanship while interest group theory suggests that these policies will correspond with interest group resources, elite values, and past policy actions. Using multiple regression on a 50-state data set and a county-level data set for gay rights initiatives in Oregon and Colorado, we found gay and lesbian politics are no different from those for other policy issues. When gay and lesbian rights are not salient, the pattern of politics resembles that of interest group politics. If individuals opposed to gay and lesbian rights are able to expand the scope of the conflict, the pattern of politics conforms to morality politics.
MY APPROACH to cardiovascular risk assessment to reduce atherosclerotic risk.

Routine atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk assessment makes sense in the US, where 30% of the population will die from heart attack and stroke. I utilize an approach recommended by the 2013 ACC/AHA cardiovascular risk assessment and cholesterol guidelines. High-risk patients include secondaryprevention patients with ASCVD; those with diabetes aged 40 to 75 years with an LDL-C Z70mg/dL; and those with a primary elevation of LDL-C Z190 mg/dL. Individuals in these groups merit high-intensity statin therapy and other proven strategies such as smoking cessation and treatment of hypertension. High-intensity statin therapy lowers LDL-C approximately 50% or more. If high-intensity statins are not tolerated or an adequate response is not seen, the guidelines recommend that nonstatins, which are not recommended as first-line, can be used to lower LDL-C further, if shown to provide net benefit in randomized controlled trials. For primary prevention of ASCVD in lower-risk individuals, I assess lifestyle and provide counseling to achieve improved adherence to a healthy dietary pattern, regular physical activity to improve fitness, and cessation of tobacco smoking. I urge patients to avoid weight gain to prevent metabolic risk factors (the metabolic syndrome) and attendant risks for diabetes and ASCVD. I use the 2013 ACC/AHA lifetime risk estimator (downloadable at www.cardiosource.org) in those aged 20 to 59 years to enhance discussions of improving adherence to lifestyle
Osterkapelle, Stift Herzogenburg

Ort der neu geschaffenen Kapelle ist ein parallel zur Sakristei verlaufender Stichgang im Quertrakt der barocken Klosteranlage. Der Vorgabe eines linearen Raumtypus mit einseitig hoher Befensterung galt es architektonischen Halt einzuschreiben. Dies erfolgt mit einer Konstellation abstrahierter, raumaktivierender Elemente, von denen nur eines in die Substanz eingreift: die — leere — Grabnische in der Mittelmauer zur Sakristei, herausgeschnitten aus einem Block heimischen Konglomeratgesteins. Sie wird zum zentralen Ort und Angelpunkt einer breiten Querorganisation, die hervorgeht aus dem Zusammenwirken eines dunkleren Feldes in den Bodenplatten aus Wachauer Marmor vor der Grabnische, mit dem zum Altar heraus gewalzten Steinblock, dem rotglasernen Ambo und dem aufragenden Holzkreuz. Zwei lange, einander zugewendete Winkelelemente — aus Holz das eine, erdnah und die Ausenmauer abschirmend — aus Glas das andere, im Luftraum der Gewolbe schwebend, das Osterbild von Wolfgang Stifter tragend — laden den Raum spirituell auf. Sie nehmen eingangs mit einem ausgreifenden Arm die Langsbewegung Eintretender auf, um mit den anderen Armen die Zone andachtiger Sammlung zu umfassen und abzuschliesen. Auf knappstem Raum und mit wenigen sorgsam gesetzten Masnahmen gelingt die uberraschende Transformation vom belanglos profanen Korridor in einen besonderen Sakralraum von elementarer Kraft. WZ
Safety and effectiveness of dose dense neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage II/III breast cancer

e11566 Background: NSABP B-18 randomized women with operable breast cancer to receive chemotherapy (AC) either pre- or postoperatively; in the study there was no significant difference in disease free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS) among patients in either group. Pathologic complete response rate (pCR) was directly proportional to DFS and OS. Dose dense adjuvant chemotherapy (ATC) has shown a statistically significant improvement in DFS and OS. Methods: We performed a single institution review of pts enrolled in a neoadjuvant trial and who received dose dense neoadjuvant chemotherapy (doxorubicin 60 mg/m2 IV Q2wks x4, paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 IV Q2wks x4, and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 IV Q2wks x4) to assess response rates, safety, and DFS. Women with newly diagnosed breast cancer, T ≥ 3cm, any N, M0 were enrolled. Results: Since 02/2003, 43 pts were enrolled (mean age 47.6, range 28–64) and received dose dense chemotherapy. 41.4% of the pts were triple negative and 14.6% were Her2+ by FISH or IHC. T...
Prevention of hip fractures in older women: a population-based perspective.

We now have several means of reducing the risk of fractures. Expert medical treatment of individual patients by modifying risk factors and appropriately prescribing effective supplements and drugs substantially reduces the patient's fracture risk but is not commonly provided to patients. At the moment, women at the greatest risk of fracture appear to be only slightly more likely to receive treatment that reduces fracture risk than women who are at low risk. This strategy seems likely to miss the vast majority of women who account for most of the hip fractures. On the other hand, the impact of strategies to reduce rates of hip fractures in populations critically depends on the reach of the program and adherence with treatment. It is not yet clear that effective population based programs will be affordable or cost-effective. To have a substantial impact on the rates of fractures in populations, we will need to be as energetic and clever in developing these strategies during the next decade as we have been in developing screening devices and new pharmaceuticals during the past one. Language: en
The assignment of the 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectra of 5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine and 10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine

The total assignments of the 1H-nmr and 13C-nmr spectra of 5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine [1] and 10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine (2) have been made based on comparison with the corresponding 4,6-dideuterated derivatives 3, and 4. These compounds were prepared via repeated lithiations and subsequent deuterations of 1 and 2.
Sequential "click" - "photo-click" cross-linker for catalyst-free ligation of azide-tagged substrates

Heterobifunctional linker allows for selective catalyst-free ligation of two different azide-tagged substrates via strained-promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC). The linker contains an azadibenzocyclooctyne (ADIBO) moiety on one end and a cyclopropenone-masked dibenzocyclooctyne (photo-DIBO) group on the other. The first azide-derivatized substrate reacts only at the ADIBO end of the linker as the photo-DIBO moiety is azide-inert. After the completion of the first SPAAC step, photo-DIBO is activated by brief exposure to 350 nm light from a fluorescent UV lamp. The unmasked DIBO group then reacts with the second azide-tagged substrate. Both click reactions are fast (k = 0.4 and 0.07 M–1 s–1, respectively) and produce quantitative yield of ligation in organic solvents or aqueous solutions. The utility of the new cross-linker has been demonstrated by conjugation of azide functionalized bovine serum albumin (azido-BSA) with azido-fluorescein and by the immobilization of the latter protein on azide-deri...
Doubled-up legume rotations improve soil fertility and maintain productivity under variable conditions in maize-based cropping systems in Malawi

Smallholder farmers in Malawi must cope with small farm size, low soil fertility and production risks associated with rainfed agriculture. Integration of legumes into maize-based cropping systems is advocated as a means to increase production of diverse nutrient-dense grains and improve soil fertility. It is difficult to achieve both aims simultaneously, however. Short-duration grain legumes rarely produce enough biomass to appreciatively improve soils, and long duration pigeonpea, commonly grown in Malawi as a dual purpose crop, produces little or no edible grain as a consequence of grain-filling into the dry season. A novel technology is the doubled-up legume rotation (DLR) system in which two legumes with complementary phenology are intercropped and grown in rotation with maize. Initial performance from on-farm research is favorable; however, it is crucial to understand competition for resources in mixed cropping systems under variable soil and climate conditions. We used soil and crop yield data from farmer participatory trials to parameterize the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) and evaluate its performance in simulating observed treatments at three locations in central Malawi. We used the calibrated APSIM model to investigate the performance of DLR and other maize-based systems across 26 growing seasons (1979–2005) in the three agroecologies. We simulated two DLR systems (maize rotated with a groundnut/pigeonpea or soybean/pigeonpea intercrop), maize rotated with groundnut or soybean, maize intercropped with pigeonpea, and continuous maize under a range of N fertilizer inputs. We extended findings to the household level by determining calorie and protein yields of these systems, and calculating the chance that an average household could meet their food requirements by dedicating all available farmland to a given system. Simulated maize grain yields in DLR and maize-grain legume rotations were essentially equivalent, and exceeded yields in maize/pigeonpea intercrop and sole cropped maize receiving comparable fertility inputs. All rotation systems were more likely to meet household calorie and protein needs than other systems receiving equivalent inputs. DLR systems accumulated higher total soil C and N over time than traditional rotation systems in areas where pigeonpea performed well. However, the effects of improved soil fertility on maize yields were counterbalanced by factors including N immobilization and water availability. We conclude that where growing conditions allow, DLR can harness the complementary phenology of pigeonpea to build soil quality for the future without reducing maize yields or compromising household food production in the immediate term.
Mobile Video: A Study of Quality Perception:

This paper presents an evaluation of the perception of streaming multimedia quality when delivered over a limited bandwidth, third generation (3G) wireless data network. The study has three primary objectives: 1) measure the perceived quality of the multimedia experience as a function of frame rate, audio fidelity and data connection speed, 2) identify where the perceived quality of the multimedia experience shifts from being acceptable to unacceptable, and 3) identify the optimal combination of frame rate, audio fidelity and connection speed that provides the best customer experience. Analysis was conducted using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). RSM was used to identify how the three parameters of frame rate, audio stream bit rate and data connection speed interact and affect significant shifts in the perceived quality of the multimedia experience. Results identify the parameters and their characteristics that are related to shifts in the perceived quality across five types of multimedia content. The ...
The social choices of students in racially integrated classes for the culturally disadvantaged talented.

Sociometric choices of 100 gifted disadvantaged children in 4 intermediate racially integrated classrooms were analyzed. The relationship of choice of seating, working, and playing companions to ra...
Chronic factitious disorder with physical symptoms (the Munchausen syndrome).

The factitious disorders fall within a large and heretofore undefined gray zone between hysteria and clear- cut malingering, occupying a diagnostically perplexing interface between medicine and psychiatry. Factitious disorder with psychological symptoms, chronic factitious disorder with physical symptoms, and atypical factitious disorder constitute the three subtypes listed in DSM-III. This article focuses on chronic disorder with physical symptoms.
Feedback Stabilization of General Nonlinear Control Systems

Abstract This paper develops sufficient conditions for a general nonlinear control system ∑1 : ẋ = f(x,u) to be locally (resp. globally) asymptotically stabilizable via smooth state feedback. In particular, it is shown that as in the case of affine systems, this is possible if the unforced dynamic system of ∑1 is Lyapunov stable and appropriate controllability-like rank conditions are satisfied. Our results incorporate a series of well-known stabilization theorems proposed in the literature for affine control systems and extend them to non-affine nonlinear control systems.
BSMel: An Aromatic Amino Acid Analog of High Boron Content, Easily Prepared from B-10 Enriched and Stereochemically Pure Precursors

In the familiar format of BNCT for cancer, the cells of a malignant tumor are sensitized to thermal neutrons by systemic administration of a B-10 containing compound that is selectively taken up by malignant cells. The boron-loaded tumor cells are then killed by neutron irradiation within a defined target volume. Effective BNCT requires a minimum of about 30μg 10B/g in the targeted malignant cells. To produce a useful therapeutic gain, there should be a differential of three or four fold between the boron concentration in malignant cells compared to that in the “normal” cells. This demanding pattern of boron delivery must be accomplished by a compound that has no serious toxicity to any vital tissue, either within the treatment volume or elsewhere in the body. Given these daunting requirements, it is remarkable that two compounds, BSH and L-Bpa, are currently in clinical trials, aspiring to the cure of glioblastoma multiforme. These gratifying results are hard won by many people over more than three decades. Hopefully, a careful choice of therapeutic targets, along with diligent attention to the literature of metabolite analog design, will allow new BNCT applications using new boron delivery molecules to reach clinical trial in a shorter time frame.
Reactions to Testing HIV Negative: Measurement and Associations with Sexual Risk Behaviour Among Young MSM Who Recently Tested HIV Negative

Receiving an HIV-positive test result is associated with reduced condomless anal sex (CAS), but little is known about negative test results. The recent development of the Inventory of Reactions to Testing HIV Negative confirmed that there are diverse reactions to receiving a negative test result, which have implications for risk behaviour. The goals of the current study were to validate the measure in a sample of young men who have sex with men who recently tested HIV-negative (N = 1113) and to examine its associations with CAS. Factor analysis identified four factors, three of which were the same as the original factors (Reinforced Safety, Luck, and Invulnerability) and one that was novel (Reinforced Risk). Construct validity was demonstrated with associations between subscales and constructs from the IMB model of HIV prevention. Lower Reinforced Safety and higher Luck and Reinforced Risk were associated with more CAS. Associations between Reinforced Safety and Luck with CAS were stronger for those who reported more lifetime HIV tests. Findings highlight the importance of reactions to testing HIV-negative and suggest that they become more important with repeated testing.
Brothels and Saloons: An Archaeology of Gender in the American West

An analysis of eight artifact collections from mining-related communities in the North American West sheds light on the manifestation of gender in the archaeological record. Saloons and brothels served similar functions in the mining boom-towns, often overlapping. A critical difference between the two types of collections lies in who was selecting the material culture: men or women. Women’s contributions to the archaeological assemblages of sporting establishments can be identified by items specific to them, as well as by relatively high percentages of pharmaceuticals. High frequencies of armaments and generic personal items in the brothels may have more to do with the specific activities taking place in the brothels than with gender. The importance of distinguishing between the brothels and saloons is examined in the context of feminist theory.
Preliminary study of P 3 O [Poly-(2, 6-diphenyl-1, 4-phenylene ether)] paper for EHV cable application

Because of the low power factor available with non-polar polymers considerable interest has arisen in the possible use of polymers for oil-impregnated EHV cables.1–3 It is anticipated that the use of a synthetic paper for such an application will combine the best features of both polymer film and cellulose paper without the disadvantages of either. Developmental sheets of a synthetic paper made from P 3 O polymer [Poly-2,6-diphenyl-1, 4-phenylene ether)] have been examined for such application. This study describes the dielectric loss characteristics of the dry (i.e., unimpregnated) paper, and some of the factors involved in maintaining the lowest possible dielectric loss when P 3 O paper was impregnated with polybutene oils.
Public Trust in Health Information Sharing: A Measure of System Trust

Objective To measure public trust in a health information sharing in a broadly defined health system (system trust), inclusive of health care, public health, and research; to identify individual characteristics that predict system trust; and to consider these findings in the context of national health initiatives (e.g., learning health systems and precision medicine) that will expand the scope of data sharing. Data Sources Survey data (n = 1,011) were collected in February 2014. Study Design We constructed a composite index of four dimensions of system trust—competency, fidelity, integrity, and trustworthiness. The index was used in linear regression evaluating demographic and psychosocial predictors of system trust. Data Collection Data were collected by GfK Custom using a nationally representative sample and analyzed in Stata 13.0. Principal Findings Our findings suggest the public's trust may not meet the needs of health systems as they enter an era of expanded data sharing. We found that a majority of the U.S. public does not trust the organizations that have health information and share it (i.e., the health system) in one or more dimensions. Together, demographic and psychosocial factors accounted for ~18 percent of the observed variability in system trust. Future research should consider additional predictors of system trust such as knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs to inform policies and practices for health data sharing.
Abstract 21: Loss of Abcg1 Drives the Site-selective Expansion of B-1 B Cells and Secretion of Atheroprotective Natural Antibodies, in Response to Local Accumulation of Specific Oxidized Lipids

The oxidation of LDL, a key event in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, generates multiple oxidation-specific neo-epitopes (OSE). These epitopes are recognized by natural germ line IgM antibodies that are secreted by B-1 B cells. Mice lacking the ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter, ABCG1, develop chronic inflammation in the lungs, associated with the accumulation of lipid (cholesterol, cholesterol ester, phospholipid)-filled cells and cholesterol crystal deposition, which are also characteristic of atherosclerotic lesions. However, hyperlipidemic mice lacking ABCG1 develop smaller atherosclerotic lesions compared to controls. We previously attributed this decrease to increased apoptosis of macrophages within the atherosclerotic lesions of mice lacking ABCG1. We now demonstrate that the lungs of Abcg1-/- mice have increased levels of specific oxidized phospholipids species. Here we show that there is a significant increase in B cell number in the lungs, but not the spleens, of Abcg1-/- mice. Subsequent comparison of B cell subtypes revealed that B-1 B cells, which secrete natural antibodies (NAbs), are significantly expanded in the pleural cavity of Abcg1-/- mice, compared to wild type mice. In addition, we show that the lungs and plasma of Abcg1-/- mice have increased titers of NAbs to OSE, and increased mRNA transcript levels for the known hypervariable (VH) CDR3 region of the atheroprotective EO6/T15 NAb. These data are consistent with an antigen-specific enhanced local production of NAbs in the pleural cavity. These findings suggest that the accumulation of lipids resulting from loss of ABCG1 induces the specific expansion of B-1 B cells, which secrete NAbs that may help protect against the development of atherosclerosis. These data also suggest that Abcg1-/- mice may represent a new model in which to study the protective functions of B-1 B cells/NAbs, and may provide novel targets for pharmacologic intervention and treatment of disease.
Warming Alters Prey Density and Biological Control in Conventional and Organic Agricultural Systems.

SYNOPSIS Studies have shown that organically farmed fields promote natural predator populations and often have lower pest populations than conventional fields, due to a combination of increased predation pressure and greater plant resistance to pest damage. It is unknown how pest populations and predator efficacy may respond in these farming systems as global temperatures increase. To test these questions, we placed enclosures in eight alfalfa fields farmed using conventional (n = 4) or organic (n = 4) practices for 25 years. We stocked enclosures with pea aphids and 0, 2, or 4 predaceous ladybeetles. Half of the enclosures per field were then either left at ambient temperature or plastic-wrapped to warm them by 2 °C. Aphid abundances were similar in conventional and organic fields under ambient conditions, but were significantly more abundant in conventional than in organic fields when enclosures were warmed. Predator efficacy was reduced under low predator abundance (Hippodamia convergens = 2) in conventional fields under warming conditions; predation strength in organic fields was unaffected by warming. Alfalfa biomass increased with increased predators in all farming and temperature treatments. Our study suggests that biological control may be more easily maintained in organic than in conventional systems as global temperature increases.
Linear adjustable inertance tubes for pulse tube cryocoolers

Abstract Inertance tube is coupled with Stirling Pulse Tube Cryocooler because its ability of varying the phase angle of pressure and mass flow thereby could potentially increase the performance of the pulse tube cryocooler. The discrepancy between the theoretically designed inertance tube and the installed one causes tons of work for the researchers to figure out the optimum dimensional parameters matching with the pulse tube cryocooler. This paper offers a substituted method to decrease the complications of determining the best match inertance tube for the specific cryocooler. A linear adjustable inertance tube is proposed to fulfill the requirement. The two section distributed component model with step transition and entrance effect resistance is built to anticipate the phase angle performance of the linear adjustable inertance tube. By a 16% length change, 12° phase angle shift is captured both from the model prediction and the experimental measurement.
Orthopedic injuries during carrier battle group deployments

Orthopedic injuries account for a large number of sick call visits during carrier battle group (CBG) deployments. The purpose of this study was to profile the orthopedic injuries during two CBG deployments to help both the line and medical communities better prepare their personnel and supplies. The current study confirmed that orthopedic injuries resulted in the greatest number of sick call visits to the CBG medical departments. Injury analysis revealed a significant number of hand/wrist and back/neck injuries during both carrier deployments. The groups with the highest number of injuries were the air squadrons and aircrews. These findings support the need for continued increased training and supplies for the care of orthopedic injuries. Emphasis should be placed on the care of hand/wrist and back/neck injuries. In addition, all CBG personnel should continue to improve their safety standards, especially in high-risk areas such as the aviation departments.
Partisan Predispositions and Public Support for Making It Easier to Vote

Public opinion on high-visibility election rules can be expected to reflect elite-level party divisions. We explain how partisanship affects support for, and opposition to, low-visibility convenien...
Effect of loading direction on the shaft resistance of jacked piles in dense sand

The design of piles subjected to tensile loading is usually done by applying a correction factor on the shaft resistance calculated for compressive loading, but experimental data on what this corre...
The Method of Characteristics: A Geometric Approach to Sufficient Conditions for a Local Minimum

So far, our focus has been on necessary conditions for optimality. The conditions of the Pontryagin maximum principle, Theorem 2.2.1, collectively form the first-order necessary conditions for optimality of a controlled trajectory (aside from the much stronger minimum condition on the Hamiltonian that generalizes the Weierstrass condition of the calculus of variations). Clearly, as in ordinary calculus, first-order conditions by themselves are no guarantee that even a local extremum is attained. High-order tests, based on second- and increasingly higher-order derivatives, like the Legendre–Clebsch conditions for singular controls, can be used to restrict the class of candidates for optimality further, but in the end, sufficient conditions need to be provided that at least guarantee some kind of local optimality. These will be the topic of the next two chapters of our text.
Spin Polarized Electrons of Low Energy And Magnetism 1994

The spin of the electron and its leading role in establishing the phenomenon of magnetism became a clear concept in the course of the development of quantum mechanics in the first half of our century. In the second half, one was concerned to what extent quantum theory could explain solid state phenomena, and the main focus was the development of electron spectroscopy on solids and their surfaces. The analysis of the spin polarization of the electrons makes it possible to distinguish spin up from spin down states in the solid even when they are degenerate in energy. Therefore, spin polarized electron spectroscopy became a major topic in magnetism and generated the new field of surface and two-dimensional magnetism1,2. Recently, the following discoveries as well as realisations of older ideas have produced a wealth of new opportunities for basic research and applications of magnetism.
Globalization and the Status of Current Research on the Indian Nonprofit Sector

An overview of recent trends in research on the Indian nonprofit sector is presented. The material is not exhaustive of all research that has been conducted, but instead discusses effects of globalization on the literature. As used here, globalization implies the worldwide rise of economic liberalism, universal trust in political democracy, the advent of cultural universalism, relative erosion of the power of nation-states, and global embracing of capitalism and commodity culture. The following distinct effects of globalization are discussed: diverse policy debates on nongovernmental organization (NGO) roles in development, challenges to the credibility of India's most popular and debated theory of nonprofits, the emergence of a large volume of literature on environmental and women's movements and organizations, and the shifting of attention to the study of NGOs. A deliberate effort is made to identify the backgrounds of some of the authors discussed in the article to direct attention to differences in content of the writings of NGO officials, activists, scholars, policy analysts, development consultants, Westerners, and Indians.
The US National Cholesterol Education Program

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) have begun a new National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP). Modelled on the successful High Blood Pressure Education Program of the last 15 years, the NCEP has the goals of developing education approaches on how to manage blood cholesterol in the general population and of encouraging health professionals and the public to implement these approaches widely across the United States. The NCEP treatment guidelines recommend that all adults have a blood cholesterol measurement at least once every 5 years. Patients with levels greater than 5.2 mmol/L (200 mg/dl) [confirmed by a second blood cholesterol measurement] should be advised to adopt a Step 1 fat-controlled diet. Patients with cholesterol exceeding 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dl) are candidates for intensive treatment with a Step 2 diet and sometimes drugs, as are those in the 5.2 to 6.2 mmol/L (200 to 240 mg/dl) range who are at especially high risk because they already have coronary artery disease and/or 2 other risk factors. However, drugs for lowering blood cholesterol should be used only when the indication has been confirmed by measuring LDL-cholesterol, and as a supplement to the dietary treatment.
Qualitative Behavior for a Class of Reaction-Diffusion-Convection Equations

Consider the initial and boundary value problem $$ {v_{t}} = {v_{{xx}}} + {(g(v))_{x}} + f(v)\quad 0 0 $$ (1) $$ v(0,t) = v(L,t) = 0\quad t > 0 $$ (2) $$ v(x,0) = {v_{0}}(x) \geqslant 0\quad 0 < x < L $$ (3) where f and g are in general nonlinear functions on ℝ+, satisfying certain structure conditions. We are interested in describing the structure of the (semi)-dynamical system governed by (1)–(2), namely, what are the equilibrium states, what is the behavior of solutions close to a given equilibrium state, and what else can be said concerning the global description of the set of all possible solutions of (1)–(2).
Measurements of the geometric phase of first-order optical Gaussian beams

Geometric phase is ubiquitous in systems that undergo cyclic transformations in either parameter or state space. Manifestations of this phase have been found in many physical systems. In optics, geometric phase has had an important effect, enhancing the way optical systems are analyzed, and stimulating the discovery of interesting effects and new applications. Two well-investigated manifestations of geometric phase in optics are the coiled optics phase, produced by sending an optical beam in a three-dimensional (coiled) path; and Pancharatnam phase, produced by changes in the state of polarization. A third phase, produced by transformations in the phase structure or mode of a Gaussian beam, has just begun to be explored [1]. High-order Gaussian beams have received much attention in the last few years due to their ability to carry orbital angular momentum [2]. Previous experimental investigations of this phase have been done in the microwave regime [3,4]. Here we present the first measurements of this geometric phase in the optical regime.
An integrative approach to conceptualizing sustainable resilience

Vulnerability, resilience, and sustainability are three concepts commonly used in assessing the quality of a variety of systems. While each can be applied independently when performing risk analysi...
Temporal Modulation Detection in Children and Adults With Cochlear Implants: Initial Results

Objectives The auditory experience of early deafened pediatric cochlear implant (CI) users is different from that of postlingually deafened adult CI users due to disparities in the developing auditory system. It is therefore expected that the auditory psychophysical capabilities between these two groups would differ. In this study, temporal resolving ability was investigated using a temporal modulation detection task to compare the performance outcomes between these two groups. Design The minimum detectable modulation depth of amplitude modulated broadband noise at 100 Hz was measured for 11 early deafened children with a CI and 16 postlingually deafened adult CI users. Results Amplitude modulation detection thresholds were significantly lower (i.e., better) for the pediatric CI users than for the adult CI users. Within each group, modulation detection thresholds were not significantly associated with chronologic age, age at implantation, or years of CI experience. Conclusions Early implanted children whose auditory systems develop in response to electric stimulation demonstrate better temporal resolving abilities than postlingually deafened adult CI users. This finding provides evidence to suggest that early implanted children might benefit from sound coding strategies emphasizing temporal information.
Design considerations for an ultra-low-head Kaplan turbine system

Interests in utilizing small hydraulic systems are increasing recently, and new technology was developed worldwide. In comparison to large hydraulic systems which are normally equipped with a high dam and sizeable turbine system, small hydraulic has significant environmental and economic advantages. Most of the research focuses on small hydraulic systems that operating between a 2m-30m head condition or zero head hydraulic kinetic conversion system. However, the ultra-low head condition (head condition between 1m-3m) is another attractive, renewable and effective resource for developing a hydraulic system. Traditional hydraulic turbines like the Francis, Crossflow, and Kaplan turbines were all been modified and designed for small hydraulic systems. However, designing for ultra-low head (ULH) condition required some non-traditional design considerations which had not been yet proposed. This paper proposes several overall geometry design considerations for developing a ULH Kaplan turbine.
X-Ray Spectroscopy for Electrostatic Potential and Material Determination of Space Objects

Measuring the charge on a nearby space object during close proximity, servicing, and rendezvous and docking operations without requiring physical touch remains challenging despite decades worth of data on spacecraft charging and its risks. This paper proposes the means to identify the charge on a closely neighboring space object and its elemental composition by examining the X-ray spectrum generated by energetic electrons impacting the target. In particular, deconvolution of the bremsstrahlung X-ray continuum provides an estimate of the landing energy of the electrons. Knowing the initial electron energy, the potential difference between the source and the target is determined. Additionally, characteristic X-rays emitted during the process of energetic electron–matter impact allows the relative abundance of elements in the target to be determined. Spatial separations in the order of tens of meters are required between an electron gun and the corresponding detector to maximize the collection of the bremsstrahlung spectrum. This could be achieved with either the single-craft and deployable booms or through the use of two spacecraft. Electron beam energies of 40 kV are found to generate sufficient levels of X-rays for potential determination at over 10 m from the target and to determine the landing energy of the beam to within 0.14% using commercial X-ray detectors.
Macrozoobenthos monitoring in relation to dredged sediment disposal: The case of the Marano and Grado Lagoon (northern Adriatic Sea, Italy)

Abstract Coastal lagoons often require direct human intervention, such as dredging and the disposal of dredged material, to maintain the safety and accessibility of navigation channels. Dredging may have short and long-term effects on macrozoobenthic communities. Because they respond relatively quickly to anthropic and natural stress, benthic invertebrates are considered a biological quality element sensu Water Framework Directive 2000/60/CE (WFD) used to assess the ecological status in transitional water such as coastal lagoons. The monitoring of dredged areas and the subsequent comparison to the ecological quality status (EcoQS) sensu WFD in the Marano and Grado Lagoon has revealed that macrozoobenthic communities are slightly unbalanced and tolerant species prevailed. In this naturally stressed environment, the recovery time after the disturbance caused by dredging was three to six months, and richness and diversity were mostly related to the salinity range and distance from sea inlets.
Sensors and Sensor Networks

Recently, sensing technology has been experiencing quantum leaps in price reduction and in performance. This has occurred because of simultaneous advances in new materials, cheap computing power, micro to nano-level integrated fabrication, wireless networking, and sophisticated information technology. At the same time, the pace of business and the pace of change have been accelerating and driving the need to be constantly and immediately aware in projects and business ventures of risks, threats, opportunities, and physical state. This need to be aware of the state of a project and the emerging capability to sense the state have come together to create a wealth of opportunities. Simply put, getting better information faster results in better decisions and competitive advantage. This paper explores how sensors, networked sensing systems, and tools to use sensor data in decision making will radically improve construction project performance over the next decade.
Review/Reseña de The Value of Aesthetics: Oaxacan Woodcarvers in the Global Economies of Culture, de Alanna Cant. 2019.

Resena. The Value of Aesthetics: Oaxacan Woodcarvers in the Global Economies of Culture , de Alanna Cant (2019), arroja luz sobre los efectos de la globalizacion al adentrar en el caso especifico del mercado de tallados de madera en San Martin Tilcajete, Oaxaca. En particular, el libro desarrolla la idea de la “economia de cultura” para explicar como la compleja relacion entre arte, estetica, cultura, autenticidad, autoria y consumo se sopesa en la consideracion del valor de las tallas, tanto al nivel local como al nivel nacional y global. La autora cruza fronteras interdisciplinarias al explorar tales temas como la estetica y la belleza, el valor, los derechos de autor, el aura benjaminiana de una pieza de arte, las dinamicas relaciones de una comunidad y las interacciones comerciales que tienen los artesanos con consumidores, otros artesanos, conservadores que representan museos y hasta con oficiales de organizaciones gubernamentales. Review. The Value of Aesthetics: Oaxacan Woodcarvers in the Global Economies of Culture , by Alanna Cant (2019), sheds light on the effects of globalization by examining the specific case of the market for wooden carvings in San Martin Tilcajete, Oaxaca. In particular, the book develops the idea of “economies of culture” to explain how the complex relationship between art, aesthetics, culture, authenticity, authorship, and consumption is weighed when considering the value of the carvings at the local level, as well as nationally and globally. The author crosses interdisciplinary lines by exploring topics such as aesthetics and beauty, value, authorial copyrights, Benjamin’s aura of a work of art, the dynamic relations within a community, and artisans’ commercial interactions with consumers, other artisans, conservators who represent museums, and even government officials.
Interpreting Predictions of NLP Models.

Although neural NLP models are highly expressive and empirically successful, they also systematically fail in counterintuitive ways and are opaque in their decision-making process. This tutorial will provide a background on interpretation techniques, i.e., methods for explaining the predictions of NLP models. We will first situate example-specific interpretations in the context of other ways to understand models (e.g., probing, dataset analyses). Next, we will present a thorough study of example-specific interpretations, including saliency maps, input perturbations (e.g., LIME, input reduction), adversarial attacks, and influence functions. Alongside these descriptions, we will walk through source code that creates and visualizes interpretations for a diverse set of NLP tasks. Finally, we will discuss open problems in the field, e.g., evaluating, extending, and improving interpretation methods.
La poética de la muerte, el espacio y el amor en Sobre nupcias y ausencias de Lenito Robinson Bent

The short story collection Sobre nupcias y ausencia by Lenito Robinson Bent is considered the genesis of the literature of the archipelago of San Andres and Providencia. The axiomatic topics are varied but this study concentrates on death, space, place and love as the actants of a good number of the stories. A dialogue is then established, and thanks to a style where the poetic prose prevails, an anachronic archipelago faithful to its ancestral mores, with atavistic characters determined by the idyllic environment, is rescued. The nostalgic tone and the perpetual absence of the loved one, of being and not being in the island, create a common place for some of the characters.
Blurring the boundaries between home and school: how videoconference-based schooling places American education’s cultural values at risk during COVID-19

Historically, U.S. public schools have been seen as a bastion of liberal democracy, an idealistic vision in which schoolchildren of all backgrounds come together to absorb a vision of the country t...