Polar plasmas as observed by Dynamics Explorers 1 and 2

Plasma measurements from the Dynamics Explorer 1 and 2 satellites were used to characterize the polar cap environment. Analysis of numerous polar-cap passes indicate that, in general, three major regimes of plasma exist: (1) polar rain--electrons with magnetosheath-like energy spectra but much lower densities, most intense near the cusp and weakening toward the central polar cap; (2) polar wind--low energy upward flowing ions with both field-aligned and conical distributions; and (3) acceleration events--sporadic events consistent with the acceleration of electrons and positive ions by parallel electric fields. (1) to (3) were observed at high altitudes by Dynamics Explorer 1, while (1) and (3) were also observed at low altitudes by Dynamics Explorer 2. The plasma parameters associated with these plasma regimes are presented and discussed in terms of source and acceleration mechanisms

Pattern languages in HCI: A critical review

This article presents a critical review of patterns and pattern languages in human-computer interaction (HCI). In recent years, patterns and pattern languages have received considerable attention in HCI for their potential as a means for developing and communicating information and knowledge to support good design. This review examines the background to patterns and pattern languages in HCI, and seeks to locate pattern languages in relation to other approaches to interaction design. The review explores four key issues: What is a pattern? What is a pattern language? How are patterns and pattern languages used? and How are values reflected in the pattern-based approach to design? Following on from the review, a future research agenda is proposed for patterns and pattern languages in HCI

Advances in Low-Cost Manufacturing and Folding of Solar Sail Membranes

Solar sail membranes must have a high area-to-mass ratio and high solid volume fraction when stowed. In order to meet mission requirements, current solar sail projects, such as NASAs Near Earth Asteroid Scout, require metallized sail membranes with thicknesses on the order of 2-3 m. These very thin membranes do not retain creases like thicker membranes, solar panels, or paper models. For Cubesat-class spacecraft, volume, rather than mass, is often the driving requirement for deployable structural elements. These two factors make it both difficult and highly desirable to characterize the practical differences between solar sail membrane packaging methods with laboratory demonstrations. This paper presents lessons gathered from lab work with solar sail membranes at a 10-meter scale

Intrathoracic subclavian artery aneurysm repair in the thoracic endovascular aortic repair era

ObjectiveIntrathoracic subclavian artery aneurysms (SAAs) are rare aneurysms that often occur in association with congenital aortic arch anomalies and/or concomitant thoracic aortic pathology. The advent of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) methods may complement or replace conventional open SAA repair. Herein, we describe our experience with SAA repair in the TEVAR era.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of all intrathoracic SAAs repaired at a single institution since United States Food and Drug Administration approval of TEVAR in 2005.ResultsNineteen patients underwent 20 operations to repair 22 (13 native, nine aberrant) SAAs with an intrathoracic component. Mean SAA diameter was 3.1 cm (range, 1.6-6.0 cm). Mean patient age was 57 years (range, 24-80 years). Twenty-one percent (n = 4) of patients had a connective tissue disorder (two Loeys-Dietz, two Marfan). Thirty-six percent (n = 8) of SAAs were repaired by open techniques and 64% (n = 14) via a TEVAR-based approach. All TEVAR cases required proximal landing zone in the aortic arch (zone 0-2), and revascularization of at least one arch vessel was required in 83% (10/12) of patients. Concomitant repair of associated aortic pathology was performed in 50% (n = 10) of operations. Thirty-day/in-hospital rates of death, stroke, and permanent paraplegia/paraparesis were 5% (n = 1), 5% (n = 1), and 0%, respectively. Over mean (standard deviation) follow-up of 24 (21) months, 16% (n = 3) of patients required reintervention for subclavian artery bypass graft revision (n = 2) or type II endoleak (n = 1).ConclusionsThis is the largest single-institution series to date of TEVAR for SAA repair. Modern endovascular techniques expand SAA repair options with excellent results. The majority of SAAs and nearly all aberrant SAAs (Kommerell's diverticulum) can now be repaired using a TEVAR-based approach without the need for sternotomy or thoracotomy

Intruder bands and configuration mixing in the lead isotopes

A three-configuration mixing calculation is performed in the context of the interacting boson model with the aim to describe recently observed collective bands built on low-lying $0^+$ states in neutron-deficient lead isotopes. The configurations that are included correspond to the regular, spherical states as well as two-particle two-hole and four-particle four-hole excitations across the Z=82 shell gap.Comment: 20 pages, 4 figures, accepted by PRC, reference added for section 1 in this revised versio

Volatile Decision Dynamics: Experiments, Stochastic Description, Intermittency Control, and Traffic Optimization

The coordinated and efficient distribution of limited resources by individual decisions is a fundamental, unsolved problem. When individuals compete for road capacities, time, space, money, goods, etc., they normally make decisions based on aggregate rather than complete information, such as TV news or stock market indices. In related experiments, we have observed a volatile decision dynamics and far-from-optimal payoff distributions. We have also identified ways of information presentation that can considerably improve the overall performance of the system. In order to determine optimal strategies of decision guidance by means of user-specific recommendations, a stochastic behavioural description is developed. These strategies manage to increase the adaptibility to changing conditions and to reduce the deviation from the time-dependent user equilibrium, thereby enhancing the average and individual payoffs. Hence, our guidance strategies can increase the performance of all users by reducing overreaction and stabilizing the decision dynamics. These results are highly significant for predicting decision behaviour, for reaching optimal behavioural distributions by decision support systems, and for information service providers. One of the promising fields of application is traffic optimization.Comment: For related work see http://www.helbing.or