cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teaching the Abyss: Living the Art-Science of Nursing:

This column addresses how nurse educators can provide the teaching-learning experiences for novice nurses to develop the leadership competence to effectively practice nursing in an extremely demanding healthcare environment. The authors delve into Mitchell and Bunkers’ use of the metaphor of an abyss to explore the lived experience of risking being with others in extremely intense interpersonal situations. Using reflection, students’ journal narratives affirm connections made among past experiences and the new knowledge gleaned from exploring and naming the phenomenon of the abyss. Several teaching-learning strategies are offered as ways for addressing the leadership issues related to dealing with intense relational experiences in nursing practice, including exploring nurse theorist Rosemarie Rizzo Parse’s essentials of leadership.
Diffraction by a slit

The electric field diffracted by a strip caused by an incident cylindrical wave with E parallel to the edge, at various angles of incidence, is measured in a parallel plane medium. The field is compared with that computed from geometrical optics currents and with the addition of equivalent line currents at the edges. The edge "line currents" improve the geometrical optics current field particularly at oblique incidence.
GABAergic organization of the cat medial geniculate body.

A study of neurons and processes (puncta) immunolabeled by antibodies to ! -aminobutyric acid (GABA) or glutamic acid decarboxylase was undertaken in the medial geniculate body of the adult cat. The proportion and types of GABAergic cells were determined with high resolution methods, including postembbedding immunocytochemistry on semithin plastic sections. A second goal was to draw parallels and differences between the auditory thalamus and other thalamic nuclei. Finally, the types of GABAergic puncta and their concentration in the three major subdivisions of the medial geniculate body were analyzed. The results were that (1) each division had many GABAergic neurons, averaging approximately 26% of the neuronal population; (2) the ventral division had the highest proportion of these cells (33%), the medial division the fewest (18%), and the dorsal division was intermediate (26%); (3) there was a gradient in the proportion of GABAergic neurons, i.e., the ventral and medial division values increased caudorostrally, whereas the value in the dorsal division declined; (4) the predominant GABAergic cell type in each division was a small neuron with a soma approximately 10‐12 µm in diameter; (5) a small population of much larger GABAergic neurons was present mainly in the dorsal division; (6) in addition to the fine, granular puncta in each division, a type of giant GABAergic puncta was found only in the dorsal division nuclei. The results obtained with the two antibodies were essentially identical. These findings suggest a structural basis for qualitative differences in the distribution of GABAergic processing within the medial geniculate complex. The GABAergic arrangement in the ventral division was stereotyped, with only one type of putative GABAergic interneuron, and the puncta were correspondingly homogeneous. In contrast, the dorsal division had two types of GABAergic neurons, and the giant GABAergic puncta represent a new substrate for inhibitory interactions. The medial division also had more than one type of GABAergic neuron and a slightly lower concentration of puncta. These qualitative and quantitative distinctions suggest a morphologic basis for possible differences in inhibitory processing among medial
Facilitative effects of a sand dune shrub on species growing beneath the shrub canopy

Only recently has the importance of positive interactions among plant species in structuring natural communities been supported by experimental evidence. Most studies have focused on interactions between a pair of species at a single life-history stage. In this study positive interactions between a woody nitrogen-fixing shrub (Myrica pensylvanica) and two herbaceous sand dune species (Solidago sempervirens, Ammophila breviligulata) which frequently grow beneath shrub canopies are examined throughout the life cycles of the herbaceous species. Comparisons of S. sempervirens and A. breviligulata growing beneath and outside M. pensylvanica shrubs show that plants growing in association with shrubs are larger, are more likely to flower, produce greater numbers of flowers and seeds, have higher midday xylem water potentials, have higher tissue nitrogen concentrations, and have higher photosynthetic efficiencies. Measurements of environmental conditions show that areas beneath shrubs are more shaded, have lower soil temperatures, and have higher soil nitrogen levels. The results from experimental manipulations designed to test the effects of Myrica shrubs on understory species suggest that the observed differences in plant performance are strongly influenced by canopy shading and soil nutrient enrichment associated with the shrubs. The results demonstrate that M. pensylvanica facilitates growth, reproduction, and recruitment of S. sempervirens and A. breviligulata growing beneath it. This study, one of the few to examine positive interactions at different life-history stages, supports previous predictions that positive interactions may be particularly important in plant communities characterized by physiologically stressful conditions.
Behavioral and adrenocortical responses to environmental changes in leopard cats (Felis bengalensis)

Indicators of environmental adequacy relevant to the well-being of small felids are developed by examining, in 4 captive leopard cats, interrelationships between behavioral and adrenocortical responses to changes in housing conditions. Singly housed cats were moved from their barren home cage (Cage 1, baseline) sequentially to 2 new, barren housing situations (Cages 2 and 3; ≈ 10 weeks/cage). Urinary cortisol concentrations, stereotypic pacing, and hiding frequencies were transiently increased for 1 week after translocation to Cage 2. After translocation to Cage 3, cortisol concentrations and hiding also were increased for the first week. However, conditions in Cage 3 were determined to be aversive to the cats, as evidenced by cortisol concentrations that remained chronically elevated for the entire 10-week period. Exploratory behavior was suppressed during this period. When Cage 3 was enriched with a complex of branches and hiding places, urinary cortisol concentrations and stereotypic pacing decreased, and exploration increased. Concealment locations that camouflage were more often used for lying down when urinary cortisol was elevated. These results suggest that reduced exploratory behavior is an indicator of chronic exposure to aversive environmental conditions. Stereotypic pacing may not necessarily increase when adrenocortical activity increases. The results also suggest that enrichment facilitates coping with aversive stimulation by providing behavioral options to confined felids. To promote the welfare of small felids, appropriate camouflaged hiding places should be provided and enrichment programs developed to stimulate exploratory behavior. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Modeling common-mode radiation of 3D structures

Common-mode radiation, which is often the predominant contributor to the overall radiation from circuit boards and electronic hardware, has in the past been difficult to calculate. Since the return paths for common-mode currents are not obvious, all parasitic circuit elements must be properly taken into account. The authors calculate the radiation, which includes both differential and common-mode components, from arbitrarily shaped 3-D conductor-dielectric composite structures using a full-wave approach. Excellent agreement between measured and calculated results is demonstrated. Further, a great deal of insight into the mechanism for generation of common-mode current, and hence radiation, is obtained. >
Text and Image Mirror Play in Guyot Marchant’s 1485 Danse Macabre

One of the primary visual representations of the danse macabre, as well as an accompanying poetic text, may be found in a book printed in Paris by Guyot Marchant in 1485, based on the frescoes and inscription painted on the inner wall of the Cemetery of the Innocents. The metaphor of the mirror (presented in the preface of this 1486 edition), is critical to understanding the didactic intent of the danse macabre. Beyond the obvious mirror effects—the viewer/reader finding himself reflected in one of the secular or ecclesiastical figures of the social hierarchy represented by the dance, and also each living figure finding himself grotesquely mirrored by his corpse-partner—there is other, more subtle mirror play to be found within the text, and, occasionally, a mirror relationship between the image and the corresponding text. This article explores various manifestations of the mirror in Marchant’s Danse macabre, incorporating a few selected images from Marchant’s book.
Insect Gut Physiology and Nutrition: Insights into Diverse Systems

Diverse systems with distinctive approaches characterized the presentations in the Insect Gut Physiology and Nutrition Symposium, held during the Fourth International Conference in Africa for Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry at Mara, Kenya, in July 2008. Within the broad topic of insect nutrition, symposium talks examined the feeding behaviour and plant preference of mosquitoes, the effects of dietary levels of protein on grasshopper reproduction and longevity, and the dependence of honeybee survival on certain dietary components. Gut physiology was represented by a sophisticated study of membrane potential in the springtail, the gut as a point of infection for Sindbis virus in mosquito, and a study of the gut transcriptome and proteome of a coleopteran storage pest. A study of chemical ecology described methods currently being used in Kenya to control locust damage to crops. These presentations provided unique perspectives of insect nutrition and gut physiology as related to insect control or impr...
Enzymatic synthesis of carbonate monomers and polycarbonates.

Diphenyl carbonate is an attractive monomer for copolymerization with Bisphenol-A to produce the strong, high melting polycarbonate, Bisphenol-A Polycarbonate. Diphenyl carbonate is an ideal candidate for this polymerization as the phenols constitute good leaving groups during polymerization. Industrially, diphenyl carbonate is produced via the phosgenation of a phenolic sodium salt. Using phosgene creates additional safety hazards as well as concerns in treating or disposing of the reaction by-products. The enzymatic synthesis of diphenyl carbonate via alcoholysis of dimethyl carbonate by phenol is presented. While the process is environmentally benign and eliminates the considerable safety issues related to the use of phosgene, phenol is a poor nucleophile and conversion to diphenyl carbonate is limited. Enzyme catalyzed condensation polymerization of carbonate monomers and diols is a more feasible and direct enzymatic route to polycarbonate. We describe an AA-BB condensation polymerization to make polycarbonates using enzymes at ambient conditions. Molecular weights of up to 8,500 M w are achieved. Unlike the industrial polymerization, this process is performed without the use of acid catalysts, significant energy input, or high temperature or pressure.
The Influences of Perceived Identity Compatibility and Social Support on Women in Nontraditional Fields During the College Transition

Research suggests the need to examine theoretically founded psychosocial factors influencing the underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). In a longitudinal and daily diary study during women's transition to undergraduate education, greater perceived identity compatibility and perceived social support during women's first 3 weeks of college predicted greater sense of belonging, motivation, and less insecurity in STEM disciplines. In addition, identity compatibility and support on a given day corresponded to motivation and sense of belonging on subsequent days. One semester later, cross-sectional data revealed that both factors predicted lower expectations of women dropping out of their STEM major.
Siegert pseudostates: Completeness and time evolution

Within the theory of Siegert pseudostates, it is possible to accurately calculate bound states and resonances. The energy continuum is replaced by a discrete set of states. Many questions of interest in scattering theory can be addressed within the framework of this formalism, thereby avoiding the need to treat the energy continuum. For practical calculations it is important to know whether a certain subset of Siegert pseudostates comprises a basis. This is a nontrivial issue, because of the unusual orthogonality and overcompleteness properties of Siegert pseudostates. Using analytical and numerical arguments, it is shown that the subset of bound states and outgoing Siegert pseudostates forms a basis. Time evolution in the context of Siegert pseudostates is also investigated. From the Mittag-Leffler expansion of the outgoing-wave Green's function, the time-dependent expansion of a wave packet in terms of Siegert pseudostates is derived. In this expression, all Siegert pseudostates - bound, antibound, outgoing, and incoming - are employed. Each of these evolves in time in a nonexponential fashion. Numerical tests underline the accuracy of the method.
Unexpected Effects of Predators Upon Their Prey: The Case of the American Alligator

Indirect trophic effects play important roles in ecosystem dynamics and can at times oppose and dominate the action of direct feeding linkages. Each predator directly exerts a negative effect upon its prey, but predators may also provide indirect benefits to their prey. In ecosystems, such benefits are effected via indirect trophic pathways that can provide a more than compensating positive influence. The ecosystem of the Big Cypress National Preserve (southwest Florida) appears to contain an unusually high number of such predators—most notably, the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis. The trophic exchanges of carbon among the 68 principal taxa comprising the cypress wetland ecosystem have been quantified during both wet and dry seasons. The network analysis program IMPACTS identified predators that potentially have a positive influence on some of their prey. A total of 64 of these instances were recorded for the wet season and 44 for the dry. Taxa that, on balance, have positive effects upon their prey include fishes, turtles, snakes, birds, and, most significantly, alligators. The feeding habits of alligators benefit a conspicuous number (11) of their prey (invertebrates, frogs, mice, and rats). Further trophic analysis reveals that the predation by alligators on snakes and turtles accounts for most of the trophic benefits bestowed. The actions of alligators in modifying their physical environment has been cited elsewhere as contributing to the maintenance of biotic diversity. It appears that the trophic influence of this species adds further evidence to the important role it plays in the functional ecology of the cypress wetland.
Using Socrates to Teach Psychology: A Humanistic Approach to Psychology 101

A cursory reading of most college mission statements can take one’s breath away in their lofty, humanistic sweep. The same is true for many course goals for Introductory Psychology. An analysis of 150 Introductory Psychology syllabi revealed that nearly 88% of courses attempt to achieve at least four of five humanistic outcomes. Students are expected to attain rich theoretical understanding, engage in critical and higher order thinking, change deep-seated attitudes, apply concepts to everyday life, and grow personally. At the end of the semester, however, many psychology instructors wonder about the extent to which these goals have actually been achieved and how much their students have learned, particularly when courses are structured around the “big textbook” and delivered in the traditional lecture format. This article presents a lively and accessible course outline for using Platonic dialogues and the ancient figure of Socrates to teach modern psychology. Socrates is among the world’s most engaging an...
Low-cost process for fabricating polysilicon transistors

A process for the fabrication of p-channel polysilicon MOS transistors is described. The process is compatible with the use of low-temperature glass substrates and replaces the use of ion implantation for the source/drain doping with in situ doped polysilicon. MOS transistors made with this process exhibit an on/off current ratio of 2.5*10/sup 5/, a mobility of 16 cm/sup 2//V-s, and a subthreshold slope of 1.3 V/decade. >
On the relative output SINR of the full and partial decorrelators

We investigate the relative output SINR performance of two linear multiuser detectors - the full decorrelator and the partial decorrelator. For each detector, we consider two implementations that are equivalent under perfectly known input statistics. The first implementation utilizes the signature matrix while the second implementation is based on the eigendecomposition of the ideal input covariance matrix. While the full decorrelator aims at decorrelating the complete multiple-access-interference, the partial decorrelator aims at decorrelating only a part of it by excluding one or more user-signatures or eigenvectors from the corresponding implementation method. We derive necessary and sufficient conditions on the signal energy and signature cross-correlation levels under which the partial decorrelator outperforms the full decorrelator in the output SINR sense. Numerical results demonstrate the validity of the above conditions and simulation studies illustrate the relative SINR and BER performance of the full and partial decorrelators under sample-average-estimated input statistics.
Design and workspace analysis of a 6–6 cable-suspended parallel robot

Abstract In this paper, we study the design and workspace of a 6–6 cable-suspended parallel robot. The workspace volume is characterized as the set of points where the centroid of the moving platform can reach with tensions in all suspension cables at a constant orientation. This paper attempts to tackle some aspects of optimal design of a 6DOF cable robot by addressing the variations of the workspace volume and the accuracy of the robot using different geometric configurations, different sizes and orientations of the moving platform. The global condition index is used as a performance index of a robot with respect to the force and velocity transmission over the whole workspace. The results are used for design analysis of the cable-robot for a specific motion of the moving platform.
Comparison and alignment of an academic medical center's strategic goals with ASHP initiatives.

Purpose An academic medical center’s strategic goals were compared and aligned with the 2015 ASHP Health-System Pharmacy Initiative and the Pharmacy Practice Model Initiative (PPMI). Methods The department’s pharmacy practice model steering committee identified potential solutions to narrow prioritized gaps using a modified nominal group technique and a multivoting dot technique. Results Five priority solutions were identified and assigned to work groups to develop business plans, which included admission medication history and reconciliation for high-risk patients and those with complex medication regimens, pharmacist provision of discharge counseling to high-risk patients and those with complex medication regimens, improved measurement and reporting of the impact of PPMI programs on patient outcomes, implementation of a departmentwide formalized peer review and evaluation process, and the greeting of every patient at some time during his or her visit by a pharmacy team member. Stakeholders evaluated the business plans based on feasibility, financial return on investment, and anticipated safety enhancements. The solution that received the highest priority ranking and was subsequently implemented was “improved measurement and reporting of the impact of PPMI programs on patient outcomes.” Conclusion A defined process was followed for identifying gaps among current practices at an academic medical center and the 2015 ASHP Health-System Pharmacy Initiative and the PPMI. A key priority to better document the impact of pharmacists on patient care was identified for our department by using a nominal group technique brainstorming process and a multivoting dot technique and creating standardized business plans for five potential priority projects.
Leech Collections from Chile Including Two New Species of Helobdella (Annelida: Hirudinida)

Twelve species of leeches were collected from Reserva Nacional Yerba Loca, near Santiago, IX Region de la Araucania and X Region de los Lagos, Chile. Included were representatives of the unusual Chilean taxa Americobdella valdiviana, Mesobdella gemmata, and two species of Patagoniobdella, each of whose phylogenetic placement and classification has been prob- lematic. Eight species of Glossiphoniidae were found, including two new species in the genus Helobdella. Helobdella wodzickiorum , n.sp. possesses a large, prominent atrium and male sperm ducts extending to somite XXIII, whereas Helobdella pichipanan, n.sp. has micro- morphic male genitalia, a weakly developed atrium, and ejaculatory ducts that extend only to XII/XIII. The phylogenetic positions of A. valdiviana, M. gemmata, and Patagoniobdella spe- cies are discussed.
Photonic Band Structures

The zero point energy associated with each mode of the electromagnetic spectrum is the source of quantum fluctuations that have physically measurable effects; this field of research has been called quantum electrodynamics. The origins of quantum electrodynamics is traced to the early contributions of Planck and Einstein on Blackbody radiation, but modern developments have clarified the role that vacuum fluctuations play in the atomic and molecular phenomena[1, 2]. The topic of this school attests to the significance of the field and its continued growth and evolution. It has not remained only a laboratory curiosity, but like its historic beginnings, it continues to find technological applications.
Distinguishing Natural and Unnatural Outbreaks of Animal Diseases

This may be better reworded as “What is a suspicious (agricultural) incident?”. Such a question by itself indicates that the cause of most such events are expected to be not immediately obvious.
The Use of Both Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy in the Treatment of a Person With PTSD, Multiple Traumas, Depression, and Suicidality

Despite a high prevalence of comorbid disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD), the empirical guidelines for how to manage co-occurring conditions in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are lacking. In the context of a complicated presentation of PTSD, this case illustration demonstrates the application of an integrated treatment approach with “Amanda,” a 28-year-old female with a history of multiple traumas, undiagnosed PTSD for 10 years, and comorbid MDD. In addition, Amanda began having suicidal thoughts mid-treatment. This case study demonstrates how the integration of coping skills training and cognitive processing therapy, in conjunction with prolonged exposure, helped Amanda successfully complete treatment and be able to discuss her traumatic events with minimal distress. At discharge, Amanda no longer met criteria for PTSD, had experienced significant improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms, and was no longer experiencing suicidal thoughts. These improvements wer...
Review Essay/Whither the Black Perspective in Afro-American Historiography?

Long Memory: The Black Experience in America. By Mary Frances Berry and John W. Blassingame. (New York: Oxford University Press, 1982. xxi + 486 pp. Illustrations, chart, table, bibliography, and index. $19.95.) There Is a River: The Black Struggle for Freedom in America. By Vincent Harding. (New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1981. xxvi + 416 pp. Illustrations, notes, select bibliography of books, articles, and congressional reports, and index. $19.95.)
AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON BUOYANCY-INDUCED LOW STRETCH GASEOUS DIFFUSION FLAMES

The present study experimentally investigates the structure and instabilities associated with extremely low-stretch (~1 s -1 ) gaseous diffusion flames. Ultra-low stretch flames are established in normal gravity by bottom burning of a fuel mixture discharged from a porous spherically symmetric burner of large radius of curvature. Methane is currently employed to demonstrate the capability of the experimental setup. OH-PLIF and IR imaging techniques are used to characterize the reaction zone of low-stretch diffusion flames and the burner surface temperature, respectively. A flame stability diagram mapping the response of the ultra-low stretch diffusion flame to varying fuel injection rate and nitrogen dilution is explored. Two distinct extinction mechanisms are identified. Furthermore, the existence of the multidimensional flame phenomena near the extinction limits is also identified. Various patterns of multi-dimensional flames are observed, and their evolutions are studied using direct chemiluminescence and OH-PLIF imaging. The results demonstrate the usefulness of the present burner configuration for the study of low-stretch gaseous diffusion flames.
Influence of Some Natural Enemies on Black Scale, Saissetia spp., In Florida

Population suppression of black scale, Saissetia spp., by natural enemies was measured by monthly sampling of hosts from 4 geographical locations in the citrus-producing areas of Florida from April 1967 through June 1968. Three generations per year occurred in all regions, the 1st (or spring) generation was virtually free from attack by natural enemies and generally increased to injurious densities by late Mayor early June. Scale populations reached a peak in July when 1st and 2nd generations overlapped. Scutellista cyanea Motschulsky was the most important natural enemy attacking black scale and was recovered in 90-100% of the mature female scales in August and September. Occasionally, Coccophagus lycimnia (Walker), Cheiloneurus inimicus Compere, and Gahaniella saissetiae Timberlake parasitized 2nd-stage nymphs and non-egg-producing females, mainly 2nd-generation scale. Also, 2 entomogenous fungi, Myiophagus sp. and Entomophthora sp., periodically infected all stages of black scale. This represents the 1st report of Myiophagus sp. from unarmored scale in Florida.
Faulting in Steamboat Butte and Pilot Butte anticlines, west-central Wyoming; a review

Steamboat Butte and Pilot Butte anticlines are large, asymmetric folds bounded by east-dipping reverse faults that root in Precambrian basement. Displacement on the bounding faults is approximately 1,500 ft (457m). Reverse faults of lesser displacement parallel the major fault. An unusual out-of-the-syncline, east-dipping thrust fault exists on the northeast flank of Pilot Butte anticline. A major, down-to-the-west normal fault on the west flank of Steamboat Butte anticline postdates the Eocene Wind River Formation. No other major normal fault is known in this area. Production of hydrocarbons is limited to the hanging wall of the major reverse fault.
Seeing Paris in total darkness: the aesthetics of opacity in Nicolas Klotz's and Élisabeth Perceval‘s La Blessure

ABSTRACTNicolas Klotz's and Elisabeth Perceval‘s film La Blessure (2004) problematizes the political visibility and artistic representation of undocumented African immigrants in Paris by deliberately parsing sound and sight and imixing fiction with reality. Opening with a scene at the detention center at Orly airport, La Blessure tracks the sites and spaces accessible to undocumented immigrants. According to Elisabeth Perceval, screenwriter of La Blessure, the film is not about contemporary demands for asylum, with its ‘lot of statistics and proofs’ but about following alongside the experiences or sensations of refugees, combining the real and the fictional into a particular ‘carnal’ relationship. Similarly filmmaker Nicolas Klotz remarked that La Blessure was filmed ‘next to [a cote de] those who have lost everything. In the space where they dare to still exist'. This language of proximity, of touching on the subject and spaces of asylum seekers, resists the logic of rendering visible, in order to remedi...
Study of database platform on crop germplasm resources based on internet technologies

To share the germplasm resources data of rice,sugarcane,loquat and longan in our unit,we use the strategy of dynamic Web-database and perform the architecture of Browser/Server(B/S) to develop the database platform on crop germplasm based on internet technologies.The germplasm resources are managed with the unified and canonical method,and are easily shared in the community.
Aldose reductase inhibitors and prevention of galactose cataracts in rats

Our previous studies have shown that the aldose reductase inhibitor (ARI), sorbinil, prevents galactose-induced alterations and cataracts in rat lenses. We have now used sorbinil as well as another ARI, Eisai compound E-0722, to determine their potency in inhibiting aldose reductase- and galactose-induced alterations in lens morphology and Na+-K+-ATPase activity. Young Sprague Dawley rats were fed Purina Rat Chow plus 50% galactose, with or without 15 mg sorbinil, 0.15, 0.5 or 1.0 mg of E-0722/kg body weight per day. Controls were given Purina Rat Chow with or without ARIs. Lenses were studied for up to 60 days following the initiation of the diet using morphological, cytochemical and biochemical approaches to assess any alterations in the lens. While galactose-induced damage and cataracts were delayed by low doses (0.15 mg and 0.5 mg) of E-0722, they were completely prevented by the administration of 15 mg of sorbinil or 1 mg of E-0722/kg body weight per day. This study further showed that just 1 mg of E-0722 was more effective in preventing cataracts than 15 mg sorbinil. Thus it appeared that E-0722 was a more potent inhibitor of aldose reductase than sorbinil.
An average low offset comparator for 1.25 Gsample/s ADC in 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS

High speed comparators designed using small input transistors exhibit large offsets that affect the dynamic performance of the A/D converter. In this paper, a chopped comparator design is illustrated that uses minimum size input transistors to enable speeds up to 1.25 Gsample/s in a TSMC 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS process. Chopping at the inputs of the comparator randomizes its offsets yielding a close-to-zero average offset with only increased white-noise floor. This contributes to the increased dynamic range performance and higher spectral purity at the output of the A/D converter. Chopping is made possible by the use of a new low power, low-cost true binary random number generator instead of the traditional pseudo-random number generators. Power consumption and area are reduced because of relaxed design requirements for the same linearity. The circuit-level simulation results, for a 1 V peak to peak input signal, demonstrate superior performance.
Discrimination, Racial and Ethnic

Racial and ethnic discrimination experiences are characterized by unfair, negative, and/or differential treatment on the basis of race or ethnicity. These experiences appear to be normative during adolescence, with both ethnic minority and non-Hispanic White youth reporting instances of such treatment by adults and peers across domains such as school and educational contexts, housing, employment, law enforcement, and service provision. Several studies suggest that racial and ethnic discrimination constitute a significant risk to healthy adolescent development; however, a growing number of studies also describe positive moderating influences on the association between racial and ethnic discrimination and adolescent developmental outcomes. In the present article, we consider definitional and conceptual issues pertaining to racial and ethnic discrimination, discuss the ‘epidemiology’ of adolescent racial and ethnic discrimination experiences, and examine the links between racial and ethnic discrimination and adolescent developmental outcomes. We briefly consider protective factors with the potential to buffer the negative impact of racial and ethnic discrimination, and conclude with a summary and discussion of recommended directions for future study.
INTRAOPERATIVE CHANGE IN MYOCARDIAL CONTRACTILITY WITH TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT PREDICTS CARDIOVASCULAR OUTCOMES

Background: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), a treatment of severe aortic stenosis in high-risk patients, results in afterload reduction and change in myocardial contractility. We aimed to determine the predictors of intraoperative change in myocardial contractility and its influence
Patterns in Teachers' Instructional Design When Integrating Apps in Middle School Content-Area Teaching

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine patterns evident in the ways middle school teachers, who value technology integration, design instruction that leverages educational applications (app) affordances. Using the pedagogy of multiliteracies (Cope & Kalantzis, 2015) and app affordances of multimodality, collaboration, and interactivity as guides, 17 instructional chains designed by nine teachers were analyzed for patterns. Findings revealed teachers launched iPad-integrated instruction by using content apps to engage students in experiencing information at the beginning of each lesson or by using a flipped classroom model. Additionally, all instruction incorporated multiple apps and multiple knowledge processes, although some sequences were all-digital and others combined digital and nondigital activities.
Dynamic Balancing of Measurements- Another Approach to Statistical Filtering

Abstract A stationary estimator is presented that provides estimates both for the outputs and the inputs of linear time-invariant systems. The estimates satisfy the input-output equations and are optimal in a weighted minimum variance sense. It is shown that the true optimum problem is too complicated to allow a general closed-form solution and a sub-optimal approach is suggested that leads to a simple computational algorithm.
Factors impacting diverging paths of renewable energy: A review

Abstract Considered an essential factor for countries’ development, energy demand is growing worldwide. Unlike conventional sources, the use of renewable energy sources has multiple benefits, including increased energy security, sustainable economic growth, and pollution reduction, in particular greenhouse gas emissions. Nevertheless, there is a considerable difference in the share of renewable energy sources in national energy portfolios. This study conducts a systematic literature review to identify drivers and barriers which could help understanding the diverging paths of renewable energy deployment for countries. Among a total of 1431 academic studies, 60 qualitative and quantitative studies were identified using a multistage selection process. Designated manuscripts were explored in detail including publication years, length of the studies, countries represented, and renewable energy sources referenced. Factors explaining countries’ renewable energy deployments were defined and organized into seven main categories: economic, environmental, political, regulatory, social, technical potential, and technological. Within these categories, economic considerations appeared most frequently across manuscripts, while environmental factors were least represented. These categories were then classified as drivers, barriers or undetermined towards renewable energy deployment based on a one-sample proportion statistical test. Economic, environmental, and social factors were found to be drivers, whereas political, regulatory, technical potential and technological factors were not classified as either a driver or a barrier (i.e., undetermined). Each main category contains several subcategories, among which only national income was found to have a positive impact, whereas all other subcategories were considered undetermined. No significant barriers to the deployment of renewable energy sources were found over the analyzed period.
Concise Review: Stem Cells for Corneal Wound Healing

Corneal wound healing is a complex process that occurs in response to various injuries and commonly used refractive surgery. It is a significant clinical problem, which may lead to serious complications due to either incomplete (epithelial) or excessive (stromal) healing. Epithelial stem cells clearly play a role in this process, whereas the contribution of stromal and endothelial progenitors is less well studied. The available evidence on stem cell participation in corneal wound healing is reviewed, together with the data on the use of corneal and non-corneal stem cells to facilitate this process in diseased or postsurgical conditions. Important aspects of corneal stem cell generation from alternative cell sources, including pluripotent stem cells, for possible transplantation upon corneal injuries or in disease conditions are also presented. Stem Cells 2017;35:2105-2114.
Low frequency operation and comparison study of 4-level hybrid clamped converter with modular multilevel converter

The four-level Hybrid Clamped Converter (4L-HCC) is emerging as a promising DC/AC converter topology for high-efficiency medium-voltage drives. However, without proper control, the voltage fluctuation of the DC-link capacitors will be excessive, resulting in distorted AC current and stability issue in low frequency operation. In reality, the distorted current makes it impractical for motor drive during the rotor speed ramp up. This paper presents a control method of the HCC to reduce the DC link capacitor voltage fluctuations at very low frequency. Simulation results show that the proposed method can significantly reduce the capacitor fluctuation from 43% to 4.3% at 5 Hz and allow the HCC to operate at high steady-state frequency (60Hz). Meanwhile, a comparison study is conducted between the 4L-HCC and an equivalent 4-level Modular Multilevel Converter (4L-MMC). Compared to the equivalent MMC converter at very low frequency, the properly controlled HCC has more margin in DC bus voltage to generate high AC output voltage with a lower AC output current in THD and lower switching losses in power switches.
Self-Attractive Hartree Decomposition: Partitioning Electron Density into Smooth Localized Fragments

Chemical bonding plays a central role in the description and understanding of chemistry. Many methods have been proposed to extract information about bonding from quantum chemical calculations, the majority of them resorting to molecular orbitals as basic descriptors. Here, we present a method called self-attractive Hartree (SAH) decomposition to unravel pairs of electrons directly from the electron density, which unlike molecular orbitals is a well-defined observable that can be accessed experimentally. The key idea is to partition the density into a sum of one-electron fragments that simultaneously maximize the self-repulsion and maintain regular shapes. This leads to a set of rather unusual equations in which every electron experiences self-attractive Hartree potential in addition to an external potential common for all the electrons. The resulting symmetry breaking and localization are surprisingly consistent with chemical intuition. SAH decomposition is also shown to be effective in visualization of ...
Neapolitan Banks in the Context of Early Modern Public Banks

I examine the Neapolitan public banks, a group of non-profit institutions that emerged in the late sixteenth century, in the context of the early public banks that existed elsewhere in early modern Europe. In terms of size and stability, they compare well with their peers, in spite of a difficult political and economic environment. They were also remarkably financially advanced for their time. Their success is likely due to their ownership structure, governance and well-managed relationship with the monarchical authorities.
Clinical Spectrum and Management of Heart Failure in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Abstract Heart failure (HF), characterized by excessive exertional dyspnea, is a common complication within the broad clinical spectrum of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). HF has become an increasingly prominent management issue with the reduction in sudden deaths due to use of implantable defibrillators in this disease. Exertional dyspnea ranges in severity from mild to severe (New York Heart Association functional classes II to IV) and not uncommonly becomes refractory to medical management, leading to progressive disability, but largely in the absence of pulmonary congestion and volume overload requiring hospitalization. HCM-related HF is most commonly due to dynamic mechanical impedance to left ventricular outflow produced by mitral valve systolic anterior motion, leading to high intracavity pressures. Surgical septal myectomy with low operative mortality (
The City Shaped: The Grid

This chapter is an abridged version of Spiro Kostof’s chapter on “The Grid,” which was originally published in the author’s landmark book, The City Shaped: Urban Patterns and Meanings Through History (1991). Kostof’s account of the grid layout has had a significant influence on subsequent scholarship related to the historical geography of the grid. The excerpts reprinted in this chapter highlight Kostof’s key contributions with a focus on the relation between the grid and political ideology.
The Psychobiology of Childhood Maltreatment

Clinical experience indicates that childhood maltreatment results in an array of long-term effects. Little is known about the neurobiologic mechanisms underlying these sequelae. Drawing on preclinical animal models of stress and studies of adults with posttraumatic stress disorder, this article reviews the neurotransmitter, neuroendocrine, and immune system responses likely to be activated by childhood maltreatment. Knowledge of the psychobiologic effects of maltreatment can inform future therapists of the many victims of child abuse.
Bacterial Food Poisoning

Bacterial food poisoning is defined as an illness caused by the consumption of food contaminated with bacteria or bacterial toxins. Food poisoning can also be related to parasites (e.g., trichinosis), viruses (e.g., hepatitis), and chemicals (e.g., mushrooms), but these considerations are not within the scope of this chapter. Food poisoning due to bacteria constitutes approximately two-thirds of the food poisoning outbreaks in the United States for which an etiology can be determined.(10,24,25) However, it should be noted that only 36% of such outbreaks fulfill the criteria for confirmed etiology (see below).
Framework for Evaluating Knowledge-Based Systems

As discussed in the previous chapter, a number of different knowledge-based system (KBS) development models have been proposed. These vary depending on such things as the size and complexity of the knowledge-based system and how well requirements for the system are understood. Evaluation models are necessarily tied to system development models. Because the same development model is not appropriate for use with all knowledge-based systems (Hilal & Soltan, 1993), evaluation models will also vary from one knowledge-based system to another. This means that one generic, all-purpose evaluation model is not appropriate for all knowledge-based systems. Instead of a general evaluation model, we present a framework to help the evaluator construct his or her own set of evaluations that is tailored to the development model being used. The framework will help the evaluator decide what evaluation issues to address, when in the development life cycle the issues should be addressed, what evaluation methods to use for what issues at which stage, and who should supply the evaluation data.
Electronic Economy: Governance Issues

Driven by two fundamental processes, rapid technological change as well as social innovation and reorganization, a new digital economy, the E-conomy, is emerging. Rather than merely adding an Internet sector to the economy, the E-conomy has brought about tools for thought, tools that transform every sector of the economy by amplifying brainpower the way steam engines amplified muscle power during the Industrial Revolution. For analytic purposes, the rise of the E-conomy can be told as a story composed of (a) networks and tools, (b) e-business and e-society, (c) the productivity dilemma resolved, and (d) governance and politics. In the short run, the transformative processes unleashed by the E-conomy are likely to lead to new bargains among existing coalitions and interest groups. In the long run, the changes underway promise to fundamentally alter the political sociology of vast communities, give rise to new interests and coalitions, and transform the institutional foundation of social, economic, and political life.
Analysis of T-Cell Receptor Gamma Chain Expression in the Thymus

While much is known about the structure and function of the T-cell receptor (TCR) alpha beta heterodimer, information has just begun to emerge about the gamma protein, the product of a third rearranging T-cell receptor gene. We describe the use of antiserum to a carboxy-terminal peptide common to several of the murine gamma chain constant regions and a monoclonal antibody to the murine T3 complex to identify products of this T-cell receptor gene family in a subpopulation of Lyt2-, L3T4- thymocytes. The gamma chain has a molecular weight of 35kD, is disulfide bonded to a 45kD partner termed delta (delta) and is associated with the T3 complex. The cells that bear this second T-cell receptor appear to represent a distinct lineage differentiating within the thymus.
Pararaisaite, the Dimorph of Raisaite, from the North Star Mine, Tintic, Utah, Usa

Pararaisaite, Cu^(2+)Mg[Te^(6+)O_4(OH)_2] •6H_2O, is a new mineral from the North Star mine, Tintic district, Juab County, Utah, USA. It is an oxidation-zone mineral occuring in vugs in a matrix of massive quartz with embedded crystals of baryte and goldfieldite. Crystals are deep blue, striated prisms up to 0.4 mm in length, elongated on [010] and exhibiting the forms {100}, {001}, {102}, {102}, and {114}. The mineral is transparent with vitreous luster, white streak, Mohs hardness 2½, brittle tenacity, splintery fracture, and two cleavages: perfect on {001} and good on {100}. The measured density is 2.85(2) g/cm^3. Pararaisaite is biaxial (+) with α = 1.600(2), β = 1.616(2), γ = 1.713(3) (white light); 2V = 47(1)°; slight r > v dispersion; orientation Z = b, X ≈ a, Y ≈ c; and pleochroism X very pale purple, Y purple, Z blue green (X << Z < Y). The Raman spectrum is consistent with the presence of tellurate, OH, and H_2O. Electron-microprobe analyses gave the empirical formula (Mg_(1.10)Cu_(0.93)Te_(0.96)Sb_(0.01)) _(Σ3)O_(12)H_(14.12). The mineral is monoclinic, space group P2_1/c, with a 9.6838(5), b 5.75175(19), c 17.6339(12) A, β 90.553(6) °, V 982.14(9) A^3, and Z = 4. The five strongest X-ray powder diffraction lines are [d_(obs) A(I)(hkl)]: 8.77(100)(002), 4.824(71)(200,111), 4:248(85)(202; 202), 2.419(50)(400,024), and 1.8929(48)(226; 226). Pararaisaite is dimorphous with raisaite. The structure contains straight edge-sharing chains of alternating Cu^(2+)O_4(OH)_2 and Te^(6+)O_4(OH)_2 octahedra. The chains link to one another via shared octahedral corners to form [Cu^(2+)Te^(6+)O_4(OH)_2]^(2–) sheets. Interlayer Mg(H_2O)_6 octahedra link the sheets via hydrogen bonds.
A Numerical Study of Kinetics in Spinodal Decomposition

A numerical scheme is provided for the time evolution of a periodic composition wave leading to a stationary configuration. Two specific cases of growth are considered in which the initial conditions defined as a single cosinusoidal wave and as a superposition of eighty cosinusoidal waves of different wavelengths. A comparison of the numerical solution with existing analytical solution is shown, resulting in a simple semi-empirical growth law for studying the kinetics of spinodal decomposition in alloys.