cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurement of neutron dose equivalent outside and inside of the treatment vault of GRID therapy.

Purpose : To evaluate the neutron and photon dose equivalent rates at the treatment vault entrance (Hn,D and HG), and to study the secondary radiation to the patient in GRID therapy. The radiation activation on the grid was studied. Methods: A Varian Clinac 23EX accelerator was working at 18 MV mode with a grid manufactured by .decimal, Inc. The Hn,D and HG were measured using an Andersson–Braun neutron REM meter, and a Geiger Muller counter. The radiation activation on the grid was measured after the irradiation with an ion chamber γ-ray survey meter. The secondary radiation dose equivalent to patient was evaluated by etched track detectors and OSL detectors on a RANDO® phantom. Results : Within the measurement uncertainty, there is no significant difference between the Hn,D and HG with and without a grid. However, the neutron dose equivalent to the patient with the grid is, on average, 35.3% lower than that without the grid when using the same field size and the same amount of monitor unit. The photon dose equivalent to the patient with the grid is, on average, 44.9% lower. The measured average half-life of the radiation activation in the grid is 12.0 (±0.9) min. The activation can be categorized into a fast decay component and a slow decay component with half-lives of 3.4 (±1.6) min and 15.3 (±4.0) min, respectively. There was no detectable radioactive contamination found on the surface of the grid through a wipe test. Conclusions : This work indicates that there is no significant change of the Hn,D and HG in GRID therapy, compared with a conventional external beam therapy. However, the neutron and scattered photon dose equivalent to the patient decrease dramatically with the grid and can be clinical irrelevant. Meanwhile, the users of a grid should be aware of the possible high dose to the radiation worker from the radiation activation on the surface of the grid. A delay in handling the grid after the beam delivery is suggested.
Point of view in rhetorical situations: Classical and romantic contrasts and contemporary implications

Three perspectives on rhetorical situations are discussed and general relationships are drawn among these perspectives, assumptions of social interaction, and competing perceptions of language function. Classical and Romantic conceptions of rhetoric are contrasted to illustrate the range of these relationships, and these contrasts are discussed in light of contemporary ideals.
Human Desire Inference Process Based on Affective Computing

In order for the intelligent assistant systems to provide users with timely and appropriate assistances, most of them focus on what is considered to be the "rational" aspect of the user behaviors. However, since human desire is the fundamental driving force of human behaviors, without including users' desires, the system cannot provide most appropriate responses. We propose a hierarchical desire inference process based on the Bayesian Belief Networks (BBNs), that considers the affective states, behavior contexts and environmental contexts of a user at given points in time to infer the user's desire. The inferred desire of the highest probability from the BBNs is then used in the follow-up decision making.
Microparticles and thrombotic disease.

Purpose of review In recent years, the biological importance of cell-derived microparticles has emerged. However, even without standard protocols for their analysis, the role of microparticles in hemostasis and thrombosis is evident, particularly in cancer patients. Recent findings When found in the blood in high numbers, microparticles are prothrombotic. In this brief review, we present recent insights into the mechanisms by which microparticles modulate hemostasis and increase the risk of thrombosis, in particular with regard to their role in cancer-associated thrombosis. We also review mechanisms of microparticle generation and clearance. Summary Standardization of the definition and methods of analysis of cell-derived microparticles will help to elucidate the precise mechanisms of their generation, clearance, and other biological roles, including their role in thrombosis. These insights will be useful for the designing of therapeutic interventions.
Routing for Emitter/Reflector Signal Detection in Wireless Sensor Network Systems

In this paper, we consider energy-efficient routing for detection in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Energy-efficient routing for WSNs has been intensely studied recently, but routing for signal detection in WSNs has not attracted much attention. Moreover, we are not aware of any previous work on routing for detection in WSNs that specifically considers the Neyman-Pearson criterion which is the most accepted metric for radar, sonar and related signal detection problems. By deploying a simple but illustrative model for target detection in WSNs, we formulate a problem of energy-efficient routing for signal detection under the Neyman-Pearson criterion. We propose a routing metric which aims for a route with the maximum mean detection-probability-to-energy ratio, and describe methods for solving the resulting optimization problem. This proposed metric, striving for a balance between the consumed energy and detection performance, is effective for finding the optimal routing that values such an energy-detection tradeoff.
Comparison of blind source separation algorithms for FMRI using a new Matlab toolbox: GIFT

We study the performance of five blind source separation (BSS) algorithms when applied to analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. We introduce a Matlab-based toolbox, the group ICA of fMRI toolbox (GIFT), which enables analysis of groups of subjects using BSS algorithms, in particular those based on independent component analysis (ICA). We use the visualization and computational tools included in GIFT to quantitatively analyze the performance of different BSS algorithms for fMRI analysis and discuss the results.
Dynamic clock calibration via temperature measurement

We study a clock calibration problem for an ultra-low power timer on a sensor node platform. When the sensor is put into sleep mode, this timer is the only thing left running, so power consumption is extremely low. However, this power savings comes at the expense of loss in timing accuracy, which can result in unnecessary energy consumption from two unsynchronized devices trying to communicate. The speed of the timer is dependent on the ambient temperature. Because this dependence can be measured off-line, one way to improve timing accuracy is to periodically wake the processor up to take temperature measurements, and use these measurements in combination with the local clock ticks to obtain a more accurate estimate of the elapsed real time. The goal of this work is to dynamically schedule a limited number of temperature measurements in a manner most useful to improving the accuracy of the timer. We present a stochastic control formulation to solve this problem.
Non-Destructive Evaluation of Elastic Targets Using Acousto-Electromagnetic Wave Interaction and Time Reversal Focusing

The objective of this research is to demonstrate the efficacy of using acoustic and electromagnetic (acousto-EM) wave interaction and time-reversal focusing in the non-destructive evaluation of an object. Acousto-EM wave interaction occurs when an electromagnetic wave scatters from an object under seismic or acoustic illumination; the acoustic vibration of the object gives rise to a frequency modulated scattered electromagnetic field which is a function of the object and both the electromagnetic and acoustic source parameters. A recently developed model, which is capable of predicting the first Doppler component of the frequency modulated scattered field for arbitrary two-dimensional objects over a wide bandwidth, is used in the analysis. Time reversal focusing is also used to improve sensitivity and obtain information about the location of flaws within the target. Both the unshifted electromagnetic fields scattered from the stationary target and the Doppler component are analyzed. The sensitivity of the Doppler component to the presence of flaws, which perturb the mechanical mode shape and resonance frequency, is demonstrated for application in non-destructive evaluation.
Infrared Spectroscopy of Epitaxial Antimony Sulpho Iodide Thin Films

Thin films of antimony sulpho iodide (SbSI) were grown on platinized silicon substrates by the pulsed laser deposition method. As grown films were amorphous and annealing at 250 °C for 5 minutes introduced crystallinity in the films. Infrared reflectance measurements were done in the frequency range ~ 500 – 5000 cm -1 (wavelength ~ 2–20 µm). The reflectance measurements were taken at temperatures above and below the ferroelectric transition of SbSI ~ 20° C. The index of refraction for a (121) oriented film was determined to be 2.83 ± 0.35 at a temperature of 25.6 °C, and 2.80 ± 0.35 at a temperature of 9.6 °C. For a (002) oriented film, the index was 3.82 ± 0.48 at a temperature of 26.5 °C, and 3.76 ± 0.48 at a temperature of 8.0 °C. Pyro-optic coefficients of 1.5 x 10 -3 °C -1 for the (121) oriented film, and 3.2 x 10 -3 °C -1 for the (002) oriented film were obtained. These results are consistent with measurements done in the visible region, and demonstrate the potential of SbSI as an infrared detector material.
Inhaled corticosteroid use is associated with increased circulating T regulatory cells in children with asthma

Background T regulatory (Treg) cells are important in balancing immune responses and dysregulation of Treg cells has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple disease states including asthma. In this study, our primary aim was to determine Treg cell frequency in the peripheral blood of children with and without asthma. The secondary aim was to explore the association between Treg cell frequency with allergen sensitization, disease severity and medication use.
Intelligent Ship Arrangement Passage Variable Lattice Network Studies and Results

The Intelligent Ship Arrangements (ISA) system, under development at the University of Michigan, is a Leading Edge Architecture for Prototyping System compatible software system that assists the designer in developing rationally based arrangements that satisfy the design specific needs as well as general Navy requirements and standard practices to the maximum extent practicable. This software system is intended to be used following or as a latter part of Advanced Ship and Submarine Evaluation Tool synthesis. Recent improvements to the current ISA application are discussed. The issues covered are: modifications to the objective function and results from a newly developed ISA demonstration code.
The Effects of Politics on Job Satisfaction in Crime Lab Employees

Abstract This study examined the effects of crime lab workers’ perceptions of intra-lab politics on job satisfaction. In addition to finding that political behavior reduces employee job satisfaction, the study also identified ways in which crime lab managers can mitigate the negative effects of political behavior, increasing employee job satisfaction when political behavior is high within a given unit. Data collected from 874 employees at twelve FORESIGHT laboratories suggest that increasing crime lab worker job autonomy, job efficiency, strategic vision, and task significance are especially effective interventions that increase job satisfaction when political behavior is high. We discuss practical implications of these findings for crime lab managers. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how perceived political behavior affects the job satisfaction, or morale, of crime lab workers. The study was motivated by several interactions we had with forensic crime lab managers at the 2013 American Society ...
Parent Training for Young Children With Developmental Disabilities : Randomized Controlled Trial

A randomized controlled trial was used to evaluate a parent training intervention for caregivers with preschool-age children with developmental disabilities. The 21 families in the experimental group received usual care plus the 12-week Incredible Years Parent Training Program with developmental delay modifications. Families in the control group (n = 23) received usual care, including early childhood education and related services. Results suggest that this parent training intervention was superior to usual care for young children with developmental delays or disabilities in reducing negative parent-child interactions and child behavior problems. Participants in the experimental group indicated high satisfaction with treatment. Additional research is necessary to document maintenance and generalization of treatment outcomes.
Utilization of Soluble Canola Protein Concentrate as an Attractant Enhances Production Performance of Sunshine Bass Fed Reduced Fish Meal, Plant‐Based Diets

Soluble canola protein concentrate (SCPC) is rich in glutamic acid and may act as a feed attractant to improve feed acceptance and production performance of fish fed plant-based diets. In the first experiment, attractant properties of SCPC were evaluated by comparing production performance of sunshine bass, Morone chrysops × Morone saxatilis, fed reduced fish meal (FM) diets supplemented with 1% SCPC or a betaine-based feed attractant. In the second experiment, production performance of fish was compared after feeding reduced FM diets with or without SCPC. Following the first experiment, production performance was similar among fish fed attractants, but at 0% FM weight gain and survival were significantly lower compared to the 30% FM control treatment regardless of attractant inclusion. According to broken-line analysis of data from the second experiment, the critical breakpoints in dietary FM inclusion rates needed to achieve maximal weight gain were similar regardless of SCPC. However, weight gain observed among fish fed SCPC was significantly greater than fish not fed SCPC. Including FM in plant-based sunshine bass diets at rates >10–13% dry matter did not improve weight gain, and weight gain is optimized when a feed attractant/palatant such as SCPC is included in these plant-based diets.
The Use of Mouse Lymphocyte Clones to Define T-Cell Gene Products and Analyze Lymphocyte Gene Activation

Several systems have facilitated the study of gene activation in eukaryotic cells. Because they have been so well-characterized, mouse T lymphocytes have proven particularly useful for these studies. Many of the molecules expressed on the surface membranes of thymic-dependent lineages have been defined using monoclonal antibodies, biochemical purification, or identification of the genes encoding them.1–5 This differentiation process has been characterized using gene products on cell surfaces to define the cellular stages of T-cell development.6–9 More recently, the molecules that mediate biological functions of T cells have also become established. These include lymphokines, cell surface molecules involved in the recognition of antigen, and cell surface glycoproteins expressed during activation. The technology of T-cell cloning has facilitated the definition of these molecules. T-cell clones promise further to allow insight into the steps that lead to activation. This chapter will review several aspects of mouse T-cell clones. No attempt will be made to review completely the many contributions to this field. Attention will be devoted to the following topics: (1) What T cell clones can be grown in vitro and what are their properties? (2) What essential factors allow continuous propagation of T-cell clones? (3) How can these be used to understand gene activation in eukaryotic cells?
Accelerated life testing in microelectronics and photonics, its role, attributes, challenges, pitfalls, and its interaction with qualification tests

Accelerated life tests (ALTs) are aimed at the revealing and understanding the physics of the expected or occurred failures i.e. are able to detect the possible failure modes and mechanisms. Another objective of the ALTs is to accumulate representative failure statistics. Adequately designed, carefully conducted, and properly interpreted ALTs provide a consistent basis for obtaining the ultimate information of the reliability of a product - the predicted probability of failure after the given time of service. Such tests can dramatically facilitate the solution to the cost effectiveness and time-to-market problems. ALTs should play an important role in the evaluation, prediction and assurance of the reliability of microelectronics and optoelectronics devices and systems. In the majority of cases, ALTs should be conducted in addition to the qualification tests, which are required by the existing standards. There might be also situations, when ALTs can be (and, probably, should be) used as an effective substitution for such standards, or, at least, as the basis for the improvement of the existing qualification specifications. We describe different types (categories) of accelerated tests, with an emphasis on the role that ALTs should play in the development, design, qualification and manufacturing of microelectronics and photonics products. We discuss the challenges associated with the implementation and use of the ALTs, potential pitfalls (primarily those associated with possible "shifts" in the mechanisms and modes of failure), and the interaction of the ALTs with other types of accelerated tests.
Wives' Shift Work Schedules and Husbands' and Wives' Well-Being in Dual-Earner Couples With Children A Within-Couple Analysis

In a sample of 55 dual-earner families with children aged 8 to 14 in which the mothers are registered nurses regularly working either day shifts (typically 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) or evening shifts (typically 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.), we estimated the within-couple relationship between the wife's work variables (i.e., work shift, work hours, and the interaction between work shift and work hours) and each spouse's work—family conflict, psychological distress, and marital-role quality. Wives' work variables predicted their own work—family conflict and psychological distress and showed a trend to predict their husbands' work—family conflict.
A projector/backprojector with slice-to-slice blurring for efficient 3D scatter modeling

Scatter correction is an important factor in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Many scatter correction techniques, such as multiple-window subtraction and intrinsic modeling with iterative algorithms, have been under study for many years. Previously, the authors developed an efficient slice-to-slice blurring technique to model attenuation and system geometric response in a projector/backprojector pair, which was used in an ML-EM algorithm to reconstruct SPECT data. This paper proposes a projector/backprojector that models the 3D first-order scatter in SPECT, also using an efficient slice-to-slice blurring technique. The scatter response is estimated from a known, non-uniform, attenuation distribution map. It is assumed that the probability of a scatter event at a pixel is proportional to the attenuation coefficient value at that pixel. Monte Carlo simulations of point-sources and a MCAT torso phantom were used to verify the accuracy of the proposed projector/backprojector model. For a 64/spl times/64/spl times/64 image volume, it took 8.7 seconds to perform each iteration per slice, when modeling 3D scatter, attenuation, and system point response functions. The main advantage of the proposed method is its ease to implement and efficiency in computer calculation.
Heat Transfer Coefficients and Film-Cooling Effectiveness on a Gas Turbine Blade Tip

The detailed distributions of heat transfer coefficient and film cooling effectiveness on a gas turbine blade tip were measured using a hue detection based transient liquid crystals technique. Tests were performed on a five-bladed linear cascade with blow-down facility. The Reynolds number based on cascade exit velocity and axial chord length was 1.1 × 10 6 and the total turning angle of the blade was 97. 7°. The overall pressure ratio was 1.2 and the inlet and exit Mach numbers were 0.25 and 0.59, respectively. The turbulence intensity level at the cascade inlet was 9. 7%. The blade model was equipped with a single row of film cooling holes at both the tip portion along the camber line and near the tip region of the pressure side. All measurements were made at the three different tip gap clearances of 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.5% of blade span and the three blowing ratios of 0.5, 1, and 2
Assessment of Teaching Effectiveness in U.S. Dental Schools and the Value of Triangulation

The routine evaluation of teaching effectiveness is important in improving faculty, departmental, and institutional efforts. There are three main categories of assessments: those performed by students, peers, and self. Although each category is independently valid, a collection of data from all three categories leads to a more comprehensive outcome and a creation of a triangulation model. The purpose of this study was to identify commonly used methods of assessing teaching effectiveness and to suggest the use of a triangulation model, which has been advocated in the literature on performance assessment as an optimal approach for evaluating teaching effectiveness. A twelve-question survey was sent to all U.S. dental schools to identify evaluation methods as well as to find evidence of triangulation. Thirty-nine out of fifty-seven schools responded. The majority of the schools used student evaluations (81 percent) and peer reviews (78 percent). A minority of schools reported using self-evaluations (31 percent). Less than one in five dental schools reported using all three strategies to achieve triangulation (19 percent). The three most commonly used evaluation methods ("performed routinely") were all in the student evaluation category. Less than half of the schools routinely evaluated clinical teaching effectiveness by any means (42 percent). In conclusion, dental schools should implement a triangulation process, in which evaluation data are obtained from students, peers, and self to provide a comprehensive and composite assessment of teaching effectiveness.
Effect of Pentoxifylline on Chitinolytic Enzyme Activity in the Eastern Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Abstract A two-molecule chitinolytic enzyme system (endo- and exo-chitinase) hydrolyzes and degrades the chitin polymers. Therefore, it is imperative to discover novel compounds for inhibiting chitinolytic enzymes to prevent insect growth. This research examined the effect of pentoxifylline (a dimethylxanthine chitinase inhibitor) on inhibition of endo- and exo-chitinolytic enzyme activities in eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar). Enzyme activities were compared with amounts of treated diet consumed by termites and percent mortality observed over time. Pentoxifylline affected in vitro endo-chitinase activity in a concentration-dependent manner, while having minimal to no effect on in vitro exo-chitinase enzyme activity. However, pentoxifylline treatment affected in vivo endo- and exo-chitinase enzyme activity and caused measurable termite mortality. Moreover, pentoxifylline concentrations did not deter the amount of diet consumed by termites, thereby suggesting that it is palat...
Myocardial injury following the intentional inhalation of typewriter correction fluid

The first known case of myocardial injury, as documented by evolutionary electrocardiographic changes and echocardiographic septal wall motion abnormality associated with the voluntary inhalation of typewriter correction fluid, is reported. Typewriter correction fluid, which contains a combination of chlorinated hydrocarbons, is rapidly becoming a substance of abuse. Therefore, primary care practitioners should be alerted to specific organ system damages that may arise from the voluntary inhalation of this substance.
Toxic Trichodesmium bloom occurrence in the southwestern South Atlantic Ocean

Harmful Trichodesmium blooms have been reported on the continental slope of the southwestern South Atlantic Ocean; we sampled six such blooms. The highest saxitoxin concentration was observed where the number of colonies was proportionally greater relative to the total density of trichomes. Trichodesmium blooms are harmful to shrimp larvae and may lead to plankton community mortality. This study is the first record of neurotoxic blooms in the open waters of the South Atlantic.
Differential activation of NF-kappa B in human aortic endothelial cells conditioned to specific flow environments

Endothelial cell-monocyte interaction plays an important role in atherogenesis. The expressions of some endothelial cell adhesion molecules involved in endothelial cell-monocyte interactions are regulated by transcription factor NF-kappa B. Because low shear stress has been known to influence endothelial monocyte adhesion, the differential activation of NF-kappa B under different flow regimens across time (0.5-24 h) was investigated. Nuclear proteins from flow-conditioned human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) were analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay using [gamma-32P]dATP-labeled NF-kappa B-specific oligonucleotide. Our results demonstrated that NF-kappa B activation was significantly elevated in HAEC exposed to prolonged (> 2 h) steady low shear (2 dyn/cm2) and pulsatile low shear (2 +/- 2 dyn/cm2) compared with HAEC exposed to high shear (16 dyn/cm2). In contrast, at 30 min, high shear-exposed HAEC exhibited an early, transient increase in NF-kappa B activity, relative to low shear-exposed cells, which reversed on continued exposure to high shear. Maximum activity in both low shear- and pulsatile low shear-conditioned HAEC was observed at 16 h compared with HAEC exposed to prolonged high shear. These results indicate that exposure of HAEC to prolonged low shear conditions is associated with significantly increased and prolonged NF-kappa B activity. This observation might provide a mechanism to explain the increased monocyte adhesion in atherosclerosisprone arterial sites exposed to chronic low-shear flow patterns.
Foraging Territories of Imported Fire Ants

Field studies were conducted in south Mississippi during 1969 to determine if foraging territories existed in association with mounds of Solenopsis saevissima richteri Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and to determine the amount of association between adjacent colonies. Results of these studies show that definite foraging territories do exist and that they are easily defined. There is little movement or communication between imported fire ants of adjacent colonies, and each colony operates as an isolated unit.
Influence of Supplemental Feeding on a Vole Population

Densities and demography of prairie voles ( Microtus ochrogaster ) vary widely in different habitats, and dramatic, cyclical changes in population densities occur. We provided high quality supplemental food (rabbit pellets) to a population in relatively unfavorable habitat (an old bluegrass pasture) to test the hypothesis that differences in food quality can account for those trends. Throughout the winter the experimental population showed higher breeding intensity, better adult survival, and higher body growth rates than the control population. As a result, the supplemental population reached densities (135/ha) 50% higher than those of the control population (90/ha). Moreover, body growth, litter size, and density remained higher in the supplemental population during the following spring and summer. However, supplemental feeding did not prevent or delay declining densities that occurred in late summer and autumn in both populations. We conclude that quality of available food influences the amplitude of population fluctuations of the prairie vole, but some other factor(s) must initiate the periodic declines.
Oxygen Radicals in Experimental Brain Injury

Brain injury remains a serious cause of mortality and morbidity, despite considerable efforts to improve its outcome. In our studies, we have assumed that at least some of its adverse consequences would be potentially reversible with appropriate therapy. We have, therefore, attempted to formulate proper therapies by a systematic approach, which, as an initial step, seeks to identify the mechanisms of the abnormalities in experimental brain injury.
Molten Salt Technology, A Cost Effective, Environmentally Sound Method for Destroying Chemical and Biological Hazardous Wastes as well as Energetic Materials

(1995). Molten Salt Technology, A Cost Effective, Environmentally Sound Method for Destroying Chemical and Biological Hazardous Wastes as well as Energetic Materials. Materials Technology: Vol. 10, No. 9-10, pp. 189-192.
Behind the Myth of the Matriarch and the Flagbearer: How Korean and Chinese American Sons and Daughters Negotiate Gender, Family, and Emotions

While more studies are exploring the ways in which gender structures the family experiences of American-born children of immigrants, there is less attention to how gender shapes later views on ethnicity and culture. Based on interviews with Korean, Chinese, and Taiwanese Americans in the New York–New Jersey metropolitan area, this article examines the different ways second-generation children learn, interpret, and pass on the cultural values and family traditions in their adulthood. Because their family roles center on their roles as leaders and carriers of the family name through male heirs, sons—especially oldest sons—can fulfill their filial obligations through relatively orthodox and nonengaging cultural practices that although restrictive, do not threaten their personal goals and privileged status. However, daughters must negotiate more emotionally burdensome expectations and responsibilities by preserving family honor, acting as family caretakers, and juggling multiple responsibilities; thus, they tend to re-create more subtle, self-empowering, and emotionally engaging ways of interpreting and preserving their parents’ expectations on family culture. I argue that the gendered ways daughters and sons are taught to practice cultural values and protect family honor has significant bearing on their later views on ethnicity and culture but in complex ways that transcend the generational divide.
Foundry reliability engineering requirement & challenges

Foundries enable a low risk, cost effective and competitive entry into the marketplace for fabless design companies. As the complexity of the technology increases due to rapid introduction of new materials, the landscape and roles of foundry reliability engineering has changed too. These changes have brought about different requirements and challenges. Foundry will be an important contributor to overcoming these challenges in collaboration with the industry leaders.
Chrono-Controversy: The Makah’s Campaign to Resume the Whale Hunt

Rhetoric’s multifaceted relationship with time has been explored, yet the role of “chrono-logics” (visions of time’s unfolding and the situating of past, present, and future, ethically and pragmatically) as constitutive features of controversy remains undertheorized. This essay explores clashes between environmentalists and the Makah Indian Nation regarding the Makah’s desire to resume whale hunting. In this controversy, competing conceptions of time form a central fault line. Exploring this debate as a chrono-controversy highlights the rhetorically situated and performed nature of time-based appeals and suggests a framework for approaching controversy and oppositional argument that may be useful for future controversy studies.
Using Near IR Scattering Nanoparticles to Improve Transparent Solar Cell Efficiency

We use near IR scattering nanoparticles and a wavelength selective mirror to create a light trapping effect. When used with a transparent solar cell, theoretical calculations show that efficiency can double without decreasing transparency.
The Art of Improvisation and Street-Level Bureaucracy

This article explores the similarities and differences between the art of improvisation and street-level bureaucracy. By offering a new framework that points out the similarities between bureaucratic discretion and improvisation, we see how street-level bureaucracy has artistic elements, which can be helpful in expanding our understanding of this phenomenon.
When high pressure, system constraints, and a social justice mission collide: A socio-structural analysis of emergency department social work services

The emergency department (ED) can be a critical intervention point for many patients with multifaceted needs. Social workers have long been part of interdisciplinary ED teams. This study aimed to contribute to the limited understanding of social worker-patient interactions and factors influencing social work services in this setting. This paper reports a qualitative content analysis of social work medical record notes (N = 1509) of services provided to trauma patients in an urban, public, level 1 trauma center and an in-depth analysis of semi-structured interviews with ED social workers (N = 10). Eight major social work roles were identified: investigator, gatekeeper, resource broker, care coordinator, problem solver, crisis manager, advocate, discharge planner. Analyses revealed a complex interplay between ED social work services and multi-layered contexts. Using a social-ecological framework, we identified the interactions between micro or individual level factors, mezzo or local system level factors and macro environmental and systemic factors that play a role in ED interactions and patient services. Macro-level contextual influences were socio-structural forces including socioeconomic barriers to health, social hierarchies that reflected power differentials between providers and patients, and distrust or bias. Mezzo-level forces were limited resources, lack of healthcare system coordination, a challenging hierarchy within the medical model and the pressure to discharge patients quickly. Micro-level factors included characteristics of patients and social workers, complexity of patient stressors, empathic strain, lack of closure and compassion. All of these forces were at play in patient-social worker interactions and impacted service provision. Social workers were at times able to successfully navigate these forces, yet at other times these challenges were insurmountable. A conceptual model of ED social work and the influences on the patient-social worker interactions was developed to assist in guiding innovative research and practice models to improve services and outcomes in the complex, fast-paced ED.
Failed age-dependent maturation of the occipital condyle in patients with congenital occipitoatlantal instability and Down syndrome: a preliminary analysis.

Object Normative morphological data pertaining to the development of the occipital condyle have not been reported. The first goal of this study was to establish normative data characterizing the shape of the occipital condyle in healthy children. The second objective of the study was to compare these data with measurements collected in patients with congenital occipitoatlantal instability (COI) or Down syndrome (DS). The effectiveness of CT and plain radiography data was also compared. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed data obtained in 39 patients (14 with DS/COI and 25 age-matched controls). Patients underwent plain lateral radiography and CT scanning of the cervical spine. Normalized measurements of the occipital condyle were obtained for both groups using plain radiography and CT imaging techniques. Results The curvature of the occipital condyle in healthy children increased by 60% from infancy to adolescence. Comparison of condylar morphology on plain lateral radiographs and CT scans in pat...
eBay Memorabilia Auctions vis-à-vis Predictions for the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election:

The present paper investigates whether there is a relationship between eBay auction outcomes for memorabilia and various predictions from the FiveThirtyEight site for the 2016 U.S. presidential election. We find that changes in the value of various FiveThirtyEight prediction variables were almost always correlated with the number of bids. For the national prediction, an increase in the probability of a Clinton victory was associated with a reduction in the number of bids and the willingness to pay for an item. Similar results were found for the subsample of Trump items, suggesting that the auctions for his items dominated the results for the full sample.JEL Classifications: A20, D44, L81
The Kubelka–Munk Framework and Measuring Opacity

So far, we have considered the scattering phenomenon itself—Mie’s theory of individual particles scattering light and the effects that different particle attributes have on maximum scattering strength, and the theory of groups of particles scattering light and the finding that close proximity of one particle to another leads to a loss of scattering strength (dependent scattering). We have, however, neglected a crucial aspect of this phenomenon—how to actually measure light scattering in the paint films of interest to us. To do this, we will consider scattering from the entire paint film, rather than from individual particles or groups of particles. Using this framework, we can transform intensity measurements of white light reflected from a paint film drawn down on a black and white chart into scattering values (S TiO2 and S coat) of the paint. Using Kubelka–Munk equations, we can calculate from the reflectance data the area that a liter of paint will cover at complete hide as formulated, and we can directly compare the light scattering and absorption efficiencies of different paints. In addition, we can use these equations as a guide to different ways of increasing the opacity of the paint and ensuring full advantage is taken of the pigment used.
Oxytocin Levels in Community-Collected Saliva Samples Transported by Dry Versus Wet Ice

Oxytocin (OT), a neuropeptide produced primarily in the hypothalamus, is associated with both critical physiological and psychological processes, particularly stress and feelings of affiliation. Increasingly, researchers are seeking ways to reliably incorporate OT as an outcome biomarker in clinical research. Previously, OT levels were measured in plasma or urine. Recently, researchers have measured this biomarker in saliva, particularly when conducting research in clinical and community settings. In spite of increased interest in the use of salivary OT in clinical research, procedures for handling, transport, and analysis of specimens vary. It is not known if significant OT protein degradation occurs if samples are initially transported on wet ice before being frozen. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of transport media (wet vs. dry ice) on OT levels derived from saliva collected from 12 postpartum women residing in the community. Saliva collected from each participant was divided between two microcentrifuge tubes (MIDSCI, Valley Park, MO), one placed on wet ice and one on dry ice for transport from the participant's home to the laboratory freezer. Time from collection to storage freezer was recorded. Laboratory personnel, blinded to method of transport, batch processed the samples. No significant differences in OT levels were found by transport method. Despite large interperson variations in OT levels, there were negligible intraperson variations. Although further research is required to identify factors (including transport time) related to interperson variation, this study supports the use of wet ice as a means of transporting salivary OT specimens in community-based research.
Magnetic resonance imaging is often misleading when used as an adjunct to ultrasound in the management of placenta accreta spectrum disorders.

Background Magnetic resonance imaging is reported to have good sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum disorders, and is often used as an adjunct to ultrasound. But the additional utility of obtaining magnetic resonance imaging to assist in the clinical management of patients with placenta accreta spectrum disorders, above and beyond the information provided by ultrasound, is unknown. Objective We aimed to determine whether magnetic resonance imaging provides data that may inform clinical management by changing the sonographic diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum disorders. Study Design In all, 78 patients with sonographic evidence or clinical suspicion of placenta accreta spectrum underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen and pelvis in orthogonal planes through the uterus utilizing T1- and T2-weighted imaging sequences at the University of Utah and the University of Colorado from 1997 through 2017. The magnetic resonance imaging was interpreted by radiologists with expertise in diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum who had knowledge of the sonographic interpretation and clinical risk factors for placenta accreta spectrum disorders. The primary outcome was a change in diagnosis from sonographic interpretation that could alter clinical management, which was defined a priori. Diagnostic accuracy was verified by surgical and histopathologic diagnosis at the time of delivery. Results A change in diagnosis that could potentially alter clinical management occurred in 28 (36%) cases. Magnetic resonance imaging correctly changed the diagnosis in 15 (19%), and correctly confirmed the diagnosis in 34 (44%), but resulted in an incorrect change in diagnosis in 13 (17%), and an incorrect confirmation of ultrasound diagnosis in 15 (21%). Magnetic resonance imaging was not more likely to change a diagnosis in the 24 cases of posterior and lateral placental location compared to anterior location (33% vs 37%, P = .84). Magnetic resonance imaging resulted in overdiagnosis in 23% and in underdiagnosis in 14% of all cases. When ultrasound suspected severe disease (percreta) in 14 cases, magnetic resonance imaging changed the diagnosis in only 2 cases. Lastly, the proportion of accurate diagnosis with magnetic resonance imaging did not improve over time (61-65%, P = .96 for trend) despite increasing volume and increasing numbers of changed diagnoses. Conclusion Magnetic resonance imaging resulted in a change in diagnosis that could alter clinical management of placenta accreta spectrum disorders in more than one third of cases, but when changed, the diagnosis was often incorrect. Given its high cost and limited clinical value, magnetic resonance imaging should not be used routinely as an adjunct to ultrasound in the diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum until evidence for utility is clearly demonstrated by more definitive prospective studies.
Three agendas for changing the public stigma of mental illness.

Objective Antistigma programs may be guided by 3 differing agendas: services (promote treatment engagement), rights (help people achieve rightful goals), and self-worth (facilitate self-worth and efficacy). This study examined the construct validity of this perspective by examining the factor structure of importance ratings of the 3 agendas. The study examined how importance might be viewed differently by the population as a whole versus a subsample of people who reported previous experience with mental health services and hence could be directly harmed by stigma. Methods 373 individuals recruited using Mechanical Turk completed importance ratings for each of the 3 agendas. Measures of public stigma were completed to examine concurrent validity of importance ratings. Those who reported taking medications for a psychiatric disorder were divided into a separate group and completed a measure of self-stigma. Results Outcomes seemed to confirm the factor structure of the 3 agendas model thereby offering partial support for the framework. Group analyses showed the services agenda was viewed as more important than rights or self-worth. People with mental health experience viewed the services agenda as more important than the other 2. However, dividing the mental health group into low and high self-stigma revealed that those with low self-stigma rated the rights agenda as more important. Conclusions and Implication for Practice: Participants with lower self-stigma identify the harm brought by stigma and thus endorse rights and self-worth more than those with higher self-stigma. Implications of these findings are discussed to assist to prioritize agendas for public health campaigns. (PsycINFO Database Record
Dark Capacitance, Photocapacitance, Dark Conductance and Photoconductance Transients on GaAs Mesfets

The techniques of capacitance and conductance transients have been utilized in the identification of chromium and oxygen in GaAs. A good correspondence has been obtained between thermal emission rate measurements and optical emission rate, or photo-ionization cross-section measurements.
ANALYSIS OF A COOPERATIVE MODEL OF HYDROGEN DIFFUSION IN A TRANSITION METAL

ABSTRACT A cooperative lattice model appropriate for describing hydrogen diffusion in the dense hydrogen phases of a metal-hydrogen system is developed. The model incorporates the hard-core interaction between hydrogen atoms and also some interaction between the interstitial hydrogen and the metal lattice. Unlike other lattice models, our model treats hydrogen transitions as its main source of energy. It is thus a nonrigid quantum lattice fluid model for interstitial hydrogen diffusion. Under a proper transformation, the model may be shown to have a magnetic analog. It is equivalent to magnetic systems of biquadratic exchange featuring both dipolar and quadrupolar ordering. Such systems are known to have first and second order phase transitions and also a tricritical point. Our model supports mean-field-like critical behavior if indirect forces between interstitial hydrogen atoms are long-ranged and approximately constant. Within the constant coupling approximation, the critical temperature is independent of the isotopic mass.
Type-FUNCTIONAL PEARL safe cast

Comparing two types for equality is an essential ingredient for an implementation of dynamic types. Once equality has been established, it is safe to cast a value from one type to another. In a language with run-time type analysis, implementing such a procedure is fairly straightforward. Unfortunately, this naive implementation destructs and rebuilds the argument while iterating over its type structure. However, by using higher-order polymorphism, a casting function can treat its argument parametrically. We demonstrate this solution in two frameworks for ad-hoc polymorphism: intensional type analysis and Haskell type classes.