cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shape-Based Algorithm for Automated Design of Low-Thrust, Gravity-Assist Trajectories

Given the benefits of coupling low-thrust propulsion with gravity assists, techniques for easily identifying candidate trajectories would be extremely useful to mission designers. The computational implementation of an analytic, shape-based method for the design of low-thrust, gravity-assist trajectories is described. Two-body motion (central body and spacecraft) is assumed between the flybys, and the gravity-assists are modeled as discontinuities in velocity arising from an instantaneous turning of the spacecraft’s hyperbolic excess velocity vector with respect to the flyby body. The method is augmented by allowing coast arcs to be patched with thrust arcs on the transfers between bodies. The shape-based approach permits not only rapid, broad searches over the design space, but also provides initial estimates for use in trajectory optimization. Numerical examples computed with the shape-based method, using an exponential sinusoid shape, are presented for an Earth‐Mars‐Ceres rendezvous trajectory and an Earth‐Venus‐Earth‐Mars‐Jupiter flyby trajectory. Selected trajectories from the shape-based method are successfully used as initial estimates in an optimization program employing direct methods.
Nanosensors and nanoprobes for environmental health sensing and biomedical screening

This presentation describes two nanosensing technologies that can be used for environmental health sensing, biomedical diagnostics and high throughput screening: (1) plasmonics nanoprobes for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) biochemical analysis, and (2) nanobiosensors for in vivo analysis of a single cell.
Effects of flattening filter‐free and volumetric‐modulated arc therapy delivery on treatment efficiency

Flattening filter-free (FFF) beams are available on an increasing number of commercial linear accelerators. FFF beams have higher dose rates than flattened beams of equivalent energy which can lead to increased efficiency of treatment delivery, especially in conjunction with increased FFF beam energy and arc-based delivery configurations. The purpose of this study is to quantify and assess the implications of improved treatment efficiency for several FFF delivery options on common types of linac applicable radiotherapy. Eleven characteristic cases representative of a variety of clinical treatment sites and prescription doses were selected from our patient population. Treatment plans were generated for a Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator. For each case, a reference plan was created using DMLC IMRT with 6MV flat beams. From the same initial objectives, plans were generated using DMLC IMRT and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) with 6 MV FFF and 10 MV FFF beams (max. dose rates of 1400 and 2400 MU/min, respectively). The plans were delivered to a phantom; beam-on time, total treatment delivery time, monitor units (MUs), and integral dose were recorded. For plans with low dose fractionations (1.8–2.0 & 3.85 Gy/fraction), mean beam-on time difference between reference plan and most efficient FFF plan was 0.56 min (41.09% decrease); mean treatment delivery time difference between the reference plan and most efficient FFF plan was 1.54 min (range: 0.31–3.56 min), a relative improvement of 46.1% (range: 29.2%–59.2%). For plans with high dose fractionations (16–20 Gy/fraction), mean beam-on time difference was 6.79 min (74.9% decrease); mean treatment delivery time difference was 8.99 min (range: 5.40–13.05 min), a relative improvement of 71.1% (range: 53.4%- 82.4%). 10 MV FFF VMAT beams generated the most efficient plan, except in the spine SBRT case. The distribution of monitor unit counts did not vary by plan type. In cases where respiratory motion management would be applicable, 10 MV FFF DMLC IMRT reduced beam-on time/field to less than 12 sec. FFF beams significantly reduced treatment delivery time. For radiosurgical doses, the efficiency improvement for FFF beams was clinically significant. For conventional fractionation, a large improvement in relative treatment delivery time was observed, but the absolute time savings were not likely to be of clinical value. In cases that benefit from respiratory motion management, beam-on/field was reduced to a time for which most patients can comfortably maintain deep inspiratory breath hold.
Circuit Implementation of Delta-Sigma Modulators

In this chapter, we discuss the implementation details of delta-sigma modulators. Our primary target applications are data acquisition and low frequency instrumentation. Therefore, the extremely high linearity is our top design priority. A complete second order delta-sigma modulator has been fabricated and the nonlinearity results were reported in Chapter 4. However, copyright issues prevent us from discussing the implementation details. As an integral part of our research, instead, we examine the design issues for a first order delta-sigma modulator. This chapter is arranged as follows. Section 6.2 outlines the overall structure for a first order delta-sigma modulator and its timing diagram. Section 6.3 discusses the design of the integrator. The need for auto-zeroing technique is addressed and the principle of one implementation is explained. Section 6.4 is devoted to the design of the opamp. The optimal design principle and design strategy developed in the previous chapters are applied here to determine the supply current and device sizes. The fully differential implementation of the integrator requires a common mode feedback (CMFB) circuitry to stabilize the common mode output voltage of the fully differential opamp. The design of a switched-capacitor realization of the CMFB circuitry is discussed. Section 6.5 discusses the comparator design. Section 6.6 briefly describes the digital circuitry for the feedback control in the modulator and the two-phase nonoverlapping clock generation. Section 6.7 shows the measured results. Finally we provide some conclusions in Section 6.8.
Personality heterogeneity in PTSD: distinct temperament and interpersonal typologies.

Researchers examining personality typologies of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have consistently identified 3 groups: low pathology, internalizing, and externalizing. These groups have been found to predict functional severity and psychiatric comorbidity. In this study, we employed Latent Profile Analysis to compare this previously established typology, grounded in temperament traits (negative emotionality; positive emotionality; constraint), to a novel typology rooted in interpersonal traits (dominance; warmth) in a sample of individuals with PTSD (n!155). Using Schedule for Nonadaptive and Adaptive Personality (SNAP) traits to create latent profiles, the 3-group temperament model was replicated. Using Interpersonal Circumplex (IPC) traits to create latent profiles, we identified a 4-group solution with groups varying in interpersonal style. These models were nonredundant, indicating that the depiction of personality variability in PTSD depends on how personality is assessed. Whereas the temperament model was more effective for distinguishing individuals based on distress and comorbid disorders, the interpersonal model was more effective for predicting the chronicity of PTSD over the 10 year course of the study. We discuss the potential for integrating these complementary temperament and interpersonal typologies in the clinical assessment of PTSD.
Monetary interdependence among G-3 countries

This paper uses vector autoregressions to investigate the interdependence of the monetary policies of the central banks of Germany, Japan and the United States. Granger–Sims causalities and innovation accounting mechanisms suggest that tri-lateral linkages are strong and complex. The results imply that the influence of foreign central banks' policies limit each central bank's capacity to determine an independent domestic policy.
Testosterone deficiency in a Parkinson's disease clinic: results of a survey.

It has been shown recently that male patients with Parkinson’s disease who have testosterone deficiency may have symptoms resembling non-motor parkinsonian symptoms.12 Because of the similarity between the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and the symptoms of testosterone deficiency, clinicians may fail to recognise and treat testosterone deficiency in patients with Parkinson’s disease.1 The identification of testosterone deficiency may have a significant impact on the long term course of the disease, as symptoms mistakenly labelled as non-motor parkinsonian manifestations could be relieved more effectively by testosterone replacement than by other treatments. In this study we examined the prevalence of testosterone deficiency and testosterone deficiency symptoms among a group of patients with Parkinson’s disease presenting to our movement disorders clinic, to assess how common undiagnosed symptomatic testosterone deficiency was in this population. A mail-back survey was administered to all the patients seen in the clinic after a 12 month period where patients were seen, examined, and entered into a database. The surveys were returned by 91 of 137 male patients with Parkinson’s disease (66%). The diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease was confirmed by a movement disorders specialist who applied the …
Ownership, voting, and job creation in Russia

Job creation has had important economic and political consequences for countries in transition. Evidence from a survey of 500 firms in Russia finds that new private firms are more likely to increase employment, while worker-owned and worker-managed firms are less likely to create jobs. In addition, firm managers who expand employment appear to be a constituency for market-oriented parties. Managers whose firms added workers were significantly more likely to vote for market-oriented parties in parliamentary elections in Russia in 1999. This result suggests a micro-level link between enterprise restructuring and support for liberal parties at the ballot box.
Metaphors, models and organisational ethics in health care

Crucial to discussions in organisational ethics is an evaluation of the metaphors and models we use to understand the organisations we are discussing. I briefly defend this contention and evaluate three possible models: the current corporate model, an orchestrator model which puts hospitals in the same class as malls and airports, and a community model. I argue that the corporate and orchestrator model push to the background some important organisational ethics issues and bias us inappropriately towards certain solutions. Furthermore, I argue that the community model allows these to be more easily brought up. I also respond to the likely challenge that hospitals really are corporations by arguing that this is not relevant to evaluations of the appropriateness of the corporate model.
Physical and Psychological Predictors of Perceived Ability in Adult Male and Female Tennis Players

Abstract Although we know from research that achievement motivation is related to individuals' ideas about how good they are at an activity, we know less about the components that predict these task-specific ability self-perceptions. Given their demonstrated motivational power, it would be useful to know what sub-component physical and psychological skills feed into individuals' sport-specific ability self-perceptions. A sample of 323 female and 143 male adult tennis players filled out questionnaire measures assessing their perceived tennis ability, United States Tennis Association (USTA) rating, self-perceptions of seven tennis shots (e.g., forehand, serve), perceived physical competencies, and perceived psychological competencies. Regression analyses showed that age, USTA rating, Perceived Tennis Shot Abilities, perceived confidence and achievement motivation, and perceived strategy knowledge significantly predicted players' Perceived Tennis Ability. The results highlight the importance of including per...
Distinct PTPmu-associated signaling molecules differentially regulate neurite outgrowth on E-, N-, and R-cadherin

Abstract Classical cadherins play distinct roles in axon growth and guidance in the visual system, however, the signaling pathways they activate remain unclear. Growth cones on each cadherin substrate have a unique morphology suggesting that distinct signals are activated by neurite outgrowth on E-, N-, and R-cadherin. We previously demonstrated that receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase-mu (PTPmu) is required for E- and N-cadherin-dependent neurite outgrowth. In this manuscript, we demonstrate that PTPmu regulates R-cadherin-mediated neurite outgrowth. Furthermore, we evaluated whether known PTPmu-associated signaling proteins, Rac1, Cdc42, IQGAP1 and PKCδ, regulate neurite outgrowth mediated by these cadherins. While Rac1 activity is required for neurite outgrowth on all three cadherins Cdc42/IQGAP1 are required only for N- and R-cadherin-mediated neurite outgrowth. In addition, we determined that PKC activity is required for E- and R-cadherin-mediated, but not N-cadherin-mediated neurite outgrowth. In summary, distinct PTPµ-associated signaling proteins are required to promote neurite outgrowth on cadherins.
Asset Liquidity and Mutual Fund Management Fees: Evidence from Closed-End Mutual Funds

In this study, we assess whether the liquidity of a closed-end mutual fund’s investments (measured based on the fund’s fair value disclosures) is related to the management fee charged by the fund’s investment advisor. We posit that there will be incremental effort on the part of the advisor to identify and analyze less liquid investments, and that fund investors would be willing to pay for these incremental costs to access less-liquid segments of the market. Consistent with this expectation, we find a significantly positive relationship between the percentage of level 3 assets (the least liquid securities) and management fees. However, we do not find a significant relationship between level 2 securities (which are more liquid than level 3, but less liquid than level 1) and management fees. Overall, our results suggest that investments in the least liquid securities result in higher management fees.
Z 3 twisted chiral condensates in QCD at finite temperatures

It was recently observed in a lattice QCD measurement that the chiral condensate in the quenched approximation shows dramatically different behavior in the three {ital Z}{sub 3}-equivalent deconfined phases. We argue that this phenomenon can be understood qualitatively as an effect of {ital Z}{sub 3} twists on fermionic fields. Quarks under these {ital Z}{sub 3} twists become global anyons and, hence, display different thermodynamic properties. We further show that the lattice data can be roughly modeled by a Nambu{endash}Jona-Lasinio{endash}type Lagrangian with a minimal coupling to a constant gauge field {ital A}{sub 0}=2{pi}{ital nT}/3 (with {ital n}=0, {plus_minus}1), which arises naturally from the nontrivial phase of the Polyakov line. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Finger Management Schemes for Minimum Call Drop in the Soft Handover Region

We propose and analyze in this paper new linger management techniques which are applicable for RAKE receivers operating in the soft handover region. These schemes employ "distributed" types of generalized selection combining (GSC) and minimum selection GSC schemes in order to minimize the impact of sudden connection loss of one of the active base stations. By accurately quantifying the average error rate, we show through numerical examples that our newly proposed distributed schemes offer a clear advantage in comparison with their conventional counterparts.
The New Empiricism: Affect and Sociological Method

This article offers a review of the relationship of methodological positivism and post-World War II U.S. sociology, especially its transformations in the last three decades of the twentieth century. With this as context, sociological methodology is rethought in terms of what cultural critics refer to as infra-empiricism that allows for a rethinking of bodies, matter and life through new encounters with visceral perception and pre-conscious affect. Thinking infra-empiricism as a new empiricism at this time means rethinking methodology in relationship to the changing configuration of economy, governance disciplinarity and control in the early twenty-first century.
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in a VA medical center : Clustering of cases, association with antibiotic usage, and impact on HIV-infected patients

A case-control study of patients with stools assayed for Clostridium difficile toxin over a 24-month period at a Veterans Affairs hospital found that the majority of cases (70.6%) occurred in temporal clusters. Clustering was particularly evident on a designated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) unit. Thirty-four (75.5%) of 45 HIV-infected patients with C difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) died during their hospitalization. Third-generation cephalosporins were the antibiotics most strongly associated with CDAD.
Evidential Regimes of Forensic Archaeology

Evidence excavacated from mass graves and clandestine burials has played an important role in the international prosecution of human rights abuses as well as in individual criminal cases. The archaeological dimension of forensic anthropological work is focused on the grave site and its immediate surrounding environment, making the work very visible and sometimes contentious. This review traces the ways in which forensic archaeological evidence is composed and evaluated, exploring how anthropologists have negotiated the sometimes competing demands and claims of the courts, scientific practice, and relatives of the dead.
Biodegradable and crosslinkable PPF–PLGA–PEG self-assembled nanoparticles dual-decorated with folic acid ligands and Rhodamine B fluorescent probes for targeted cancer imaging

Novel biodegradable and crosslinkable copolymers of hydrophobic poly(propylene fumarate)-co-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PPF–PLGA) linked with hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), namely PPF–PLGA–PEG, were developed and fabricated into core–shell nanoparticles through self-assembly and photocrosslinking. A fluorescent probe, Rhodamine B (RhB), was conjugated to the end of the copolymer chain (PPF–PLGA–PEG–RhB), which allows tracking of the nanoparticles through visualizing the fluorescence probe. Folic acid (FA) ligand was conjugated to another series of chains (PPF–PLGA–PEG–FA) for targeted delivery of the nanoparticles to the tumor sites by binding to the ubiquitously overexpressed FA receptors on tumor cells. Our results showed that PPF–PLGA–PEG nanoparticles incorporated with RhB fluorescence probes and FA tumor binding ligands have specific cancer cell targeting and imaging abilities. These crosslinkable nanoparticles are potentially useful to serve as a platform for conjugation of fluorescence probes as well as various antibodies and peptides for cancer targeted imaging or drug delivery.
Linear microvibromotor for positioning optical components

We report an electrostatically driven linear microvibromotor fabricated using surface-micromachining technology. This device is developed for use in actuated micro-optical systems on silicon. Its submicron positioning resolution and a travel range of over 350 /spl mu/m are excellent properties for this application. Vibromotor precision and velocity are characterized, and various drive methods are discussed. A simulation of the vibromotor dynamics is presented to explore optimization and control issues for this device.
Evaluation of fast pathway function: The importance of autonomic tone

There is no consensus oti the effect of slow pathway ablation on the electrophysiologic properties of the fast pathway in patients with AV ncxial reentrant tachycardia. Some investigators have demonstrated that ahlation of the slow pathway results In shortening of the fast pathway effective refractory period, while other investigators have not made this observation.' '^ In the setting of sympathetic stimulation, slow pathway ahlation does not result in shortening of the fast pathway eifective refractory period.'" The results from studies not perfonned in the setting of autonomic blockade have been variable.--^-'^-'^ However, the majority of studies perfonned in the setting of autonomic blockade have demonstrated shortening of the fast pathway effective refractory period after complete, but not partial, elimination of slow pathway fimction.**" Among the four studies that have included autonomic blockade as part of the study design, three demonstrated that the fast pathway effective refractory period decreases after complete elimination of slow pathway function.**'" In one study, shortening of the fast pathway effective refractory period after slow pathway ahlation in the setting of atropine and propranolol was not observed." In this report, complete autonomic blockade was not maintained throughout the study, as evidenced by large changes in the sinus cycle length before and after the ablation procedure." If shortening of the fast pathway effective refractory period can be obscured by alterations in autonotnic lone, then complete autonomic blockade throughout the entire study is required. Given that the changes in fast pathway function occur only after complete elimination of slow pathway function and that sympathetic stimulation can obscure these
Extended-access, but not limited-access, methamphetamine self-administration induces behavioral and nucleus accumbens dopamine response changes in rats.

To better understand the neurobiology of methamphetamine (METH) dependence and the cognitive impairments induced by METH use, we compared the effects of extended (12 h) and limited (1 h) access to METH self-administration on locomotor activity and object place recognition, and on extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens and caudate-putamen. Rats were trained to self-administer intravenous METH (0.05 mg/kg). One group had progressively extended access up to 12-h sessions. The other group had limited-access 1-h sessions. Microdialysis experiments were conducted during a 12-h and 1-h session, in which the effects of a single METH injection (self-administered, 0.05 mg/kg, i.v.) on extracellular dopamine levels were assessed in the nucleus accumbens and caudate-putamen compared with a drug-naive group. The day after the last 12-h session and the following day experimental groups were assessed for their locomotor activities and in a place recognition procedure, respectively. The microdialysis results revealed tolerance to the METH-induced increases in extracellular dopamine only in the nucleus accumbens, but not in the caudate-putamen in the extended-access group compared with the control and limited-access groups. These effects may be associated with the increased lever-pressing and drug-seeking observed during the first hour of drug exposure in the extended-access group. This increase in drug-seeking leads to higher METH intake and may result in more severe consequences in other structures responsible for the behavioral deficits (memory and locomotor activity) observed in the extended-access group, but not in the limited-access group.
Coercion, Legitimacy, and Individual Freedom

In “World Poverty and Individual Freedom” (WPIF) I argue that the global order – because it is coercive – is obligated to do what it can to ensure that its subjects are capable of autonomously agreeing to its rule. This requires helping them meet their basic needs. In “World Poverty and Not Respecting Individual Freedom Enough” Jorn Sonderholm asserts that this argument is invalid and unsound, in part, because it is too demanding. This article explains why Sonderholm’s critique is mistaken and misses the main point of WPIF’s argument. It also explains why WPIF is important -it can address some of those most resistant to significant obligations of global justice libertarians, actual consent theorists, and statists.
The Structure, Energetics and Propagation of Rotating Convective Storms. Part I: Energy Exchange with the Mean Flow

Abstract A three-dimensional buoyant convective element responds to the existence of mean vertical shear by developing rotation about a vertical axis, with the rotational kinetic energy abstracted from that of the mean flow. This process is illustrated with the aid of linear analysis. From consideration of nonlinear processes it is concluded that a portion of the rotational energy is transformed into that of the overturning velocity field, thus enhancing further buoyant energy release. The storm structure which is optimal for energy transfer from the mean flow to rotational disturbances is a single updraft propagating with the mean flow and with counter-rotating vortices on both sides. The transfer of energy from rotational to overturning modes is, however, optimized by laterally propagating updrafts with coincident vortices.
Five reasons to put the g back into giftedness: An argument for applying the Cattell-Horn-Carroll Theory of Intelligence to gifted education research and practice

Human intelligence (also called general intelligence, g, or Spearman’s g) is a highly useful psychological construct. Yet, since the middle of the 20th century, gifted education researchers have be...
Ethnography and the transactional study of occupation

Studying occupation from a transactional perspective calls for a focus on the relationships that constitute the situation of occupation. In this chapter we discuss the fit of ethnographic processes and the transactional perspective. We propose that the ethnographic study of occupation reveals its transactional nature by exposing influences, relationships, and occupations that make up a study situation. We argue that ethnographers and participants play an active role in data collection and that their transactions generate a co-created ethnographic product grounded in the relationship. Moreover, the scope of ethnography goes beyond the interpersonal elements of a relational situation to examine other factors such as place, objects, environmental features, traditions, history, politics, and economics. The relationships joining these elements, occupations, and humans are significant components of a study situation addressed by ethnographies. The chapter is grounded in our research experiences on occupation with ethnographic methods. Examples from our research illustrate the transactional nature of studying occupation through ethnography.
Toward a new economic model

Standard economics fails to ask the question of how large the economy should be allowed to grow a question posed by steady-state economy the populations of people and of goods are maintained constant by a low rate of activity. Birth rates equal death rates and production equals depreciation all at low levels so that people live long physical goods are durable and environmental depletion and pollution rates are low. Steady-state economics works to answer the question of economic growth in terms of a scale of activity that is ecologically sustainable over the long term at a level sufficient to provide a good life for whatever population size can be accommodated under those conditions. Standard economics considers production and consumption primarily in relation to exchange. Its bias toward growth is reinforced by welfare criteria based on the supposed truism that more always is preferable to less. According to standard growth economics population growth is not a major problem or is in fact beneficial as long as it is not too rapid thereby increasing the standard of living. If population like commodities is to be maintained in a steady state there must be some notion of optimum population levels. Joseph Spengler defines such a population as one in which "a specified indicator of welfare is maximized." The standard can be specified as follows: "maximize the cumulative number of lives ever to be lived over time at a level of per capita resource use that is sufficient for good life." Sufficiency and sustainability are the dominant criteria. It is necessary to decide what range of incomes corresponds to sufficiency for a good life. Malthus stated: "There should be no more people in a country than could enjoy a glass of wine or a piece of beef with their dinner." If any such definition of sufficiency were accepted as a moral imperative for each national community other things would need to be adjusted to satisfy it. 3 possibilities for adjustment are: raise carrying capacity by means of technological advancement; give necessities priority over luxuries; and reduce the population. Steady-state economics recommends controlling both the production of goods and population once sufficiency has been realized. At this time neither optimum population nor optimum combinations of human and commodity population can be specified but the criteria of sustainability and sufficiency are important guidelines as are the principle of limited inequality and the goal of zero population growth. (EXCERPT)
Abstract T P326: The Utility of Charlson Comorbidity Index in Predicting Short-term Outcomes in Patients with Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose: The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) is used to evaluate a patient's risk of in-hospital, 1-year and 10-year mortality, and has been validated in acute ischemic stroke. Previous studies have shown that CCI influences functional outcomes. We sought to evaluate the association between CCI and outcomes in patients with primary ICH presenting to our center. Methods: Patients with primary ICH admitted to our center from 2008-2013 were included. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Primary outcomes were a discharge mRS (dmRS) of 4-6, death and poor discharge disposition (any disposition other than home or inpatient rehabilitation). Crude and adjusted logistic regressions were used to evaluate the association between CCI and outcomes. Results: A total of 383 patients were identified. There were 37 (9.7%) patients with a CCI of 0 or 1, 242 (63.2%) patients with a CCI of 2-5, and 104 (27.2%) with a CCI of 6 or greater (Figure). While the continuous CCI was not significantly associa...
Curiosity vs. Control: Impacts of Training on Performance of Teams Working with Robots

Training robot operators is one approach to promoting better performance in teams working with robots. Yet, training does not always result in better performance. This study conducts a preliminary analysis of why by examining two psychological states of use: control and curiosity. An experimental study involving 30 teams two humans and two robots employing robots was conducted. Results showed that training minimized the negative impacts of curiosity and heightened the positive impacts of control on task involving the use of a robot.
The Ecological Significance of Behavioral Dominance

In a discussion of the evolution of gene flow, Wilson (1975, p. 103) pointed out that a tendency for different sexes and age groups to migrate differentially can exert a profound influence on social structure. In this paper, I suggest that the reverse is equally true: a basic social structure—namely, the dominance hierarchy—can strongly influence the differential dispersal and migration of different sexes and age groups and thereby serve an important function in population dynamics.
Los significados del jade

El jade no solo fue en extremo valorado por su rareza y hermosura en la antigua Mesoamerica, tambien era algo sagrado imbuido de conceptos de abundancia y vida, que incluian el agua, el maiz e incluso el alma. En los depositos de ofrendas, el jade tuvo tambien una significacion cosmica directamente relacionada con el centro y el mundo. Aunque mucho de este simbolismo podria corresponder al Preclasico olmeca, puede tambien percibirse entre los mayas y otras culturas del Clasico y el Posclasico de la antigua Mesoamerica.
Data, Field Work, and Extracting New Ideas at Close Range

Good research in comparative politics depends on the collection and availability of many different forms of data, and also on diverse approaches to data analysis. Attention must be given to collecting and archiving of quantitative data sets; to the role of intensive field research; and to the opportunities for publishing studies based on rich qualitative data. Although organizing research by moving from theory to data is a fundamental component of the comparative politics enterprise, inductive, case-study research driven by a process of “extracting new ideas at close range” likewise makes a major contribution, and it is essential to the intellectual breadth of comparative politics.
IgE multiple myeloma: a report of the third case.

The third known case of IgE multiple myeloma is described. The patient was a 65-yr-old woman who died 11 mo after a diagnosis of multiple myeloma was made by a surgical biopsy of the left iliac crest. Her serum contained approximately 2.7 g/100 ml of a paraprotein of mid-γ mobility. The isolated anomalous protein gave a reaction of identity with the IgE myeloma protein of the second reported case when reacted with a specific IgE antiserum. The light-chain type of the myeloma protein was κ in contrast to λ of the other two IgE myeloma proteins. Her clinical manifestations differed from the two previously reported cases in several respects. She had neither plasma cell leukemia nor overt Bence Jones proteinuria and developed rapidly progressive widespread osteosclerotic lesions that were associated with bone pain.
Embedded particle size distribution and its effect on detonation in composite explosives

This paper discusses the effects of stochastically varying inert particle parameters on the long-term behaviour of detonation front propagation. The simulation model involves a series of cylindrical high explosive unit cells, each embedded with an inert spherical particle. Detonation shock dynamics theory postulates that the velocity of the shock front in the explosive fluid is related to its curvature. In our previous work, we derived a series of partial differential equations that govern the propagation of the shock front passing over the inert particles and developed a computationally efficient simulation environment to study the model over extremely long timescales. We expand upon that project by randomising several properties of the inert particles to represent experimental designs better. First, we randomise the particle diameters according to the Weibull distribution. Then we discuss stochastic particle spacing methods and their effects on the predictability of the shock wave speed. Finally, we dis...
Measured dose of gamma hexachlorocyclohexane (y 666) required to kill flies and cockroaches, and a comparison with DDT.

Summary1. The approximate LD50 for y 666 in the cockroach (Periplaneta americana) is 4.6 mg per kg when applied to the body surface and 3.4 mg per kg when injected intra-abdominally. These values are not significantly different.2. An approximate equivalence, similar to that noted above. between surface and injection toxicity for the roach has been reported for DDT. This finding emphasizes the importance of the absorptive capacity of the insect body surface for contact poisons in contributing to the effectiveness of insecticides.3. The approximate LD50 for y 666 applied to the body surface is 0.4 mg per kg for the newly emerged fly (Musca domestira). For the older adult the LD50 is about 0.8 mg per kg for Musca domestica and 0.6 mg per kg for Calliphora spp. This decrease in sensitivity as the fly ages is leas than that reported for DDT.4. Gamma 666 is about twice as toxic as DDT for the cockroach (Periplaneta americana), and is distinctly more toxic than DDT for Musca domestica (newly emerged and adult) a...
State (wealth)-dependent discounting of future resources

I derive a function to represent how consumers discount the value of future resources, a function which depends on the amount (state) of presently available resources (wealth) relative to expected income in the long-run future. When presently available resources are scarce in the sense that consumers are borrowing constrained, this discount function approaches zero, implying that we put zero weight on the value of future resources and are concerned entirely about having sufficient resources for the present. When the amount of presently available resources relative to expected income is ample, this discount function approaches or approximates a constant future discount factor in a timeseparable expected utility function. The wealth-dependent discount function is positively related to aversion of future risks in consumption resources at low and moderate levels of risk aversion, so that we are predicted to discount future resources less as we become more risk averse.
Epidemiologic Patterns of Viral Hepatitis in Eastern Europe in the Light of Recent Findings Concerning the Serum Hepatitis Antigen

trends of morbidity and mortality. (2) Reporting of cases is much more complete than in other parts of the world, since reporting and hospitalization of patients with hepatitis has been obligatory since 1952-1954. Thus, epidemiologic data are not biased by the exclusion of many less severe cases. (3) Procedures for reporting and the extent of notification required, as well as the sexage composition of the population and the criteria diagnostic of viral hepatitis that are generally employed in these countries, have many common features. This rather exceptional situation warrants, within reasonable limits, an opportunity for assessment, comparison, and interpretation of epidemiologic patterns of viral hepatitis in the entire region.
Application of Non-Planar Lifting-Line Theory to Simple Aeroelastic Problems

This paper presents the results from the application of an expanded lifting-line model combined with a simple finite element model of a wing. Elliptical, rectangular, and linearlytapered wings are considered and the effect of deformation on the lift-curve slope and span efficiency factor are presented. The difference in deflections of the wing for constant lift coefficient are presented and show an increase in deflection for planforms with greater circulation near the wingtip.
Curative Effects of Rapid Loading of Topiramate and Midazolam on Refractory Status Epilepticus

Objective To compare the curative effects of rapid loading of topiramate(TPM) and midazolam(MZ) on refractory status epilepticus(RSE) in children.Methods Fifty-seven children with RSE were divided into two groups.In MZ treatment group(n=28),MZ(0.1-0.2 mg·kg-1) was injected intravenously,followed by intravenous infusion(0.1 mg·kg-1·h-1).If the seizure continued within 30 minutes,an additional dose of 0.05 mg·kg-1·h-1·time-1 was given.After the dose reached 0.4 mg·kg-1·h-1,MZ was not given additionally if the seizure did not continued within 30 minutes.In TPM treatment group(n=29),TPM(10 mg·kg-1·-1) was administered nasally or orally in two divided doses for 2 days,followed by maintenance dose of 5 mg·kg-1·d-1.If the first treatment was ineffective during the first 24 hour of observation,corresponding treatment program was performed in both gorups.Results There was no significant difference in the total effective rate between MZ treatment group and TPM treatment group(78.6% vs 89.7%,P0.05).Among the 33 children with primary epilepsy,the effective rate was 76.5% in children treated with MZ and 93.8% in children treated with TPM.Among the 24 children with secondary or symptomatic epilepsy,the effective rate was 81.8% in children treated with MZ and 84.6% in children treated with TPM.There was no significant difference in the effective rate between the two groups(P0.05).Conclusion TMP is an effective treatment option in the treatment of RSE,and rapid loading of TPM and MZ have equivalent effects on RSE.
GENERAL SITUATION OF SEAWATER CORROSION-RESISTANT NiCKEL- BASED MATERIALS

The general situation of seawater corrosion-resistant Nickel-based materials is reviewed, the corrosion-resistant property and the factors that influence on the property of Ni-Cu、Ni-Cr、Ni-Mo、Ni-Cr-Mo alloys are introduced, and the future direction of research of seawater corrosion-resistant materials is also proposed.
Remembering Zoltan Dienes, a Maverick of Mathematics Teaching and Learning: Applying the Variability Principles to Teach Algebra

This paper is written in honor of Zoltan Paul Dienes, an internationally renowned mathematician and educator, who passed away in January 2014. It is an attempt to describe, analyze and apply Dienes' theory on how mathematical structures can be taught by applying his four principles of learning upon which he believed a teacher can base concept development around the use of multiple embodiments through manipulatives, how such usage leads to abstraction, and the implications for teaching mathematics in today's mathematics classroom. It illustrates how abstraction can result from the passage of concrete manipulations of objects to representational mapping of such manipulations and then to formalizing such representations into rule structures through the application of Dienes' four principles to teach the concepts and processes of simplification of algebraic expressions.
Improving adolescent HPV vaccination in a randomized controlled cluster trial using the 4 Pillars™ practice Transformation Program

Abstract Objective Uptake of meningococcal vaccine (MCV) and tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine among adolescents has approached Healthy People 2020 goals, but human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has not. This study evaluated an intervention using the 4 Pillars™ Practice Transformation Program to increase HPV, MCV and Tdap uptake among adolescents in primary care practices. Methods Practices with at least 50 patients 11–17 years old with estimated vaccination rates less than national goals, were assigned to intervention (n = 11) and control (n = 11) groups in a randomized controlled cluster trial; 9 intervention and 11 control sites completed the study. The baseline and active study periods were 7/1/2013–6/30/2014 and 7/1/2014–3/31/2015, respectively. Vaccination and demographic data for patients who had a visit in both study periods were derived from de-identified EMR extractions. Primary outcomes were vaccination rates and percentage point (PP) changes. Data were analyzed in 2015–16. Results Among the cohort of 10,861 adolescent patients, 38% were 11–13 years old; 50% were female; 18% were non-white; and 64% were commercially insured. Average baseline HPV initiation rates were 52.5% for intervention and 61.8% for control groups. After 9 months, the intervention sites increased HPV initiation 10.2 PP compared with 7.3 PP in control sites ( P 10 strategies to improve rates significantly increased the likelihood of HPV series initiation (OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.43, 2.96). Conclusions Using >10 strategies from the 4 Pillars™ Practice Transformation Program is effective for increasing HPV series initiation among adolescents. Clinical trial registry number: NCT02165722 .
A method for the computational modeling of the physics of heart murmurs

A computational method for direct simulation of the generation and propagation of blood flow induced sounds is proposed. This computational hemoacoustic method is based on the immersed boundary approach and employs high-order finite difference methods to resolve wave propagation and scattering accurately. The current method employs a two-step, one-way coupled approach for the sound generation and its propagation through the tissue. The blood flow is simulated by solving the incompressible NavierStokes equations using the sharp-interface immersed boundary method, and the equations corresponding to the generation and propagation of the three-dimensional elastic wave corresponding to the murmur are resolved with a high-order, immersed boundary based, finite-difference methods in the time-domain. The proposed method is applied to a model problem of aortic stenosis murmur and the simulation results are verified and validated by comparing with known solutions as well as experimental measurements. The murmur propagation in a realistic model of a human thorax is also simulated by using the computational method. The roles of hemodynamics and elastic wave propagation on the murmur are discussed based on the simulation results.
Factors associated with reactive and reparative fibrosis of the myocardium.

Myocardial fibrosis can be defined as an abnormal increase in collagen concentration of either ventricle. This accumulation of collagen, represented predominantly by fibrillar type I collagen, can occur a) on a reactive basis in the interstitial space and adventitia of intramyocardial coronary arteries and does not require myocyte necrosis, or b) as a replacement for necrotic myocytes, where it is considered a scar. Both forms can be found in the same ventricle.
Digital controller with integrated valley switching control for light load efficiency and THD improvements in PFC converter

In this paper a digital control technique for light load efficiency and THD improvement for a PFC converter is presented. This technique does not require any complex external logic or cycle intensive software algorithms. When a PFC converter runs in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) and the PFC MOSFET is in off state, the energy in the MOSFET parasitic capacitance resonates between the PFC inductor and the parasitic capacitance. As a result the inductor current flows in reverse direction and allows MOSFET voltage to oscillate to a low voltage at the resonant frequency creating ideal condition for valley voltage switching. This valley voltage turn on of the MOSFET improves light load efficiency of the PFC converter. Also, at the valley of the voltage, the inductor current returns back from negative to zero. If the MOSFET is turned on exactly at this point, the effect of resonant current on the inductor switching current is minimized. This improves the light load THD of the input current. A Texas Instruments microcontroller with integrated programmable valley switching is used to implement the valley switching control on a 300W PFC converter. Test results are provided to validate the performance of this technique.
The Influence of Spectral Albedo on Bifacial Solar Cells: A Theoretical and Experimental Study

We have investigated the influence of the spectral albedo on the power output of bifacial solar cells. We adapted the Shockley–Queisser radiative flux balance framework to account for a variation of the spectrum and intensity of the incoming light. We find that the ideal band gap and the maximum efficiency depend on the spectral albedo of the surroundings and that optimal cell performance cannot be assessed when only accounting for a spectrally independent albedo. With a spectral albedo model, we predict that the power output for a bifacial silicon solar cell surrounded by green grass is 3.1% higher than for a wavelength-independent albedo, and even 5.2% higher for white sand. We experimentally verify this trend for silicon heterojunction solar cells and we derive the ideal spectral albedo.
The Culture and History of the Tonkawa Indians

This descriptive monograph is divided into 2 major sections, culture and history. The first section is organized under the sub-topics: Cultural affiliation, linguistic affiliation, economy, appeara...